Thursday Thoughts

Trees, Trees, and more about Trees! 

As we work with customers, we often see trees on their properties and surrounding properties needing fall and winter care. We would like to make sure you know we are passionate about trees and providing this service. 
    Well maintained trees add value to the property, help insure growth with new trees, and prevent problems as they become mature trees. 


5 Common Tree Care Mistakes

• When to plant  - Fall is the best time to plant trees. September 1st through October 15th is the prime season for our area. Trees planted in the fall maximize their natural tendency to put down roots at this time of the year. Trees will continue to grow small roots throughout the winter and will be ready to leaf in the spring. In contrast, springtime planting forces the trees to put roots down at the same time it should only be growing everything above ground. 

 

• Staking trees too long after planting - Trees should be staked for no more than one year. The tree should be able to take care of itself after that length of time. If not, it is the wrong tree for the location.

 

• Keeping trees mulched - Mulching trees is always a good idea but especially during the first five years. Mulching moderates the temperature and moisture in the root zone, protects the stem from mowers and weed eaters, and helps control weeds. 

 

• Regular pruning - Pruning is one of the biggest problems with urban trees. Too many trees are not pruned because homeowners are afraid they might hurt the trees or they simply don’t see the tree needs to be pruned. Actually, not pruning trees timely and regularly can be more harmful. Tree limbs should be pruned before they reach one inch in diameter.  After that the wound is more difficult to heal and other problems can develop. Regular pruning allows you to shape the tree in a healthy way making the tree beautiful, functional, long lived, and safe in the urban setting. Pruning should be done between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.  

 

• Removal - Another common problem is failing to remove a tree before it becomes a danger to human life and property.  Trees get old or diseased and become structurally unstable. Sometimes we just need to let go and accept our faithful tree friend’s life has come to an end.

If you have questions about planting trees, needing young trees trimmed, or have concerns about old growth trees, please give us a call. We have had a great fifth season and appreciate your business! 

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