What Are Palm Fronds?
WHAT ARE PALM FRONDS?
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The palm fronds are the green leaf areas of the palm tree. They once were a symbol of victory and awarded to victorious athletes in ancient Greece.
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How Often Do Palms Need Trimming?
HOW OFTEN DO PALMS NEED TRIMMING?
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Palm trees should only be trimmed with the oldest leaves (fonds) have turned brown, dry, and dead. Each year new fronds are formed and the older fonds die. Because of this the average palm only needs trimming once or twice a year.
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Can You Cut The Top Off The Palm Tree?
CAN YOU CUT THE TOP OFF THE PALM TREE?
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While we call them trees palms are actually in a different category and unlike apple, pine, or oak trees. Palm trees do not start branching or budding out after the top is cut off, they just die. If the top is cut off your palm you will have a pole like barren trunk that just slowly rots.
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How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow In Arizona?
HOW FAST DO PALM TREES GROW IN ARIZONA?
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A lot of Phoenix valley residents are asking the question: “How fast do palm trees grow in Arizona?” How fast your palm will grow depends on the species of palm you have. Some types of palms grow as much as 2 or 3 feet per year while others might only grow to be 5 feet high after several years. When you are planning your landscape pay close attention to the species and plan for how big and fast they will grow. The growth rate of palm trees depend on a various factors which either encourage or discourage growth. Factors range from planting location, irrigation, fertilizing, and pruning. The different species all have different needs for these variables so it is a good plan to talk with your local palm tree nursery to find out how much the species you are planning on planting, or already have, will need. If you need help with Palm Tree Trimming or any palm tree related care, call Phoenix Trim-A-Tree.
PALM GROWTH RATES
When conditions are idea with the watering, fertilizer, pruning and location you can expect healthy growth in your palm trees. Different species of palm trees grow at different rates. See below to get an idea of average growth rates for palm trees.
QUEEN PALM
The queen palm when planted in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 grows about 2 feet each year. This means if you buy a 15 gallon plant you can expect a 25 foot Queen Palm in about 10 years. This is considered a fairly high growth speed.
KING PALM
Another fast growing palm is the King Palm. They grow quickly in soil that has good moisture and plenty of nutrition. The growth rate for the King Palm is nearly 2 feet each year. This makes it a little slower than the Queen Palm. This rate can be faster when the palm is planted in partial shade as it will grow faster towards light.
MEXICAN FAN PALM
These palm trees are one of the faster growing palm trees that is common in Arizona. They can reach dizzying heights for 70 to 100 feet which is typically too tall for most residential yards. Under ideal conditions you can expect an incredible 4 feet of growth per year from these palms. Their height and quick grow makes them very popular for commercial use or in public parks.
MEDITERRANEAN PALM
Also known as the European Fan Palm these palms are fairly slow growing. They grow about 6 inches a year and reach their mature height of 20 feet quiet slowly. They are still incredibly popular as they have a beautiful fronds and bark. They also make a great addition to most residential landscapes as they do not over power the visual presentation of the landscaping or home.
FOXTAIL PALMS
The Foxtail palm is a fast growing palm tree and under ideal conditions it can grow from 2 to 3 feet each year. They can grow to about 30 feet high and will reach that height in about 10 years. This is a great option for people looking for a great canopy and quick growing palm tree. This tree also features a deep root stem which makes it quiet drought tolerant.
PALM TREE TRIMMING & CARE
Phoenix Trim-A-Tree takes care of palm trees anywhere in the Phoenix metro area to help this iconic staple of Arizona looking their best. We trim palm trees and care for the overall health by enriching the soil with the nutrients needed for them to grow tall and strong. We can also help you understand how to best water the type and size of palms you have on your property. If you have palm trees that are sick or dead they should be cared for or removed to prevent damages or injuries on your property. If you have palms allow us to care for them and keep you safe.
WE ALSO OFFER PALM TREE REMOVAL FOR TREES THAT ARE SICK, DEAD, OR POSE A HAZARD TO YOUR LANDSCAPE.
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How Do You Fertilize a Palm Tree?
HOW DO YOU FERTILIZE A PALM TREE?
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Palms should not be fertilized after planting for at least a month or month and a half. Waiting helps ensure that the risk of shock has passed and gives you time to establish proper soil water saturation. Fertilizer should not be applied to dry ground and should be applied within the drip area but not on the trunk or in the fronds. If you need help caring for your fruit trees in the Phoenix area Phoenix Trim-A-Tree is your source for professional tree care. Our arborist understands the local flora and fauna and can help you get the most out of your fruit trees. Let us help you with the best advice for avoiding pests, and help you get the biggest crop through proper fruit tree trimming, pruning, and fertilizing.
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How To Keep Birds Out Of Fruit Trees
HOW TO KEEP BIRDS OUT OF FRUIT TREES
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Are you searching for information about “How To Keep Birds Out of Fruit Trees”? The fruit trees in your landscape that produce cherries, apples, oranges and more look just as appetizing to birds as they do people. Without instituting some bird control measures birds in your neighborhood might eat and destroy all of your fruit before you get a chance to pick a single ripe piece of fruit.
BIRD CONTROL MEASURES
While each type of bird control method is effective birds adjust and learn to get past single systems so using multiple methods help keep your fruit in the tree and ripening for you and your family.
FRUIT TREE CANOPIES
The tree canopy can be covered with specially designed bird netting that allows the tree to get sunlight and air, but prevents birds from eating your fruit. Netting should be over the tree and brought in tight against the trunk. Efforts should be taken to tuck fruit in away from the netting to avoid birds pecking through the material. Frames can also be built to support the netting and then place the netting over the frame so it is not in direct contact with the tree.
STREAMERS & FLASH TAPE
You can use orange safety ribbon or holographic safety tape that is highly reflective. The extra motion and flashing reflections of light scare birds away and keeps them out of your tree and away for your fruit.
SET OUT THE PIE TINS
Another common and highly reflective item that will scare bird away from your fruit is pie tins. They are shiny and lightweight. They can be hung from your tree limbs with fishing line and will move in the wind casting bright light that scares the birds away.
SET UP A SOUNDTRACK OF FEAR
Birds that will ruin your fruit are typically not predatory birds, and will be scared if they hear sounds from the things that hunt them. Predatory bird sounds from speakers that are moved around every few days keeps fruit bandits away.
PUT OUT A PREDATOR DECOY
Smaller birds are scared of the sound of bigger birds, but terrified of the sight of them. Setting up a decoy like an owl on a post near your trees will keep the birds at bay. If you have some extra money decoys are available with speakers that will play sounds of predatory birds, distress calls, and the sound of flapping wings which is extremely effective.
SET UP SMALL WINDMILLS
Spinning blades from windmills sound like predatory birds and confuse smaller fruit eating birds. Attach your windmills to PVC pipe and move them frequently to keep birds confused.
USE BALLOONS
If you are really struggling and they are getting into your trees with the other tips here you can paint eyes on balloons and put them in your tree. Smaller birds can mistake the color of balloons as large predatory birds and if they do come close enough they end up popping the balloons which also scares them away.
PHOENIX ARE FRUIT TREE CARE
If you need help caring for your fruit trees in the Phoenix area Phoenix Trim-A-Tree is your source for professional tree care. Our arborist understands the local flora and fauna and can help you get the most out of your fruit trees. Let us help you with the best advice for avoiding pests, and help you get the biggest crop through proper fruit tree trimming, pruning, and fertilizing.
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7 Warning Signs Your Tree May Be About to Fall In Phoenix
7 WARNING SIGNS YOUR TREE MAY BE ABOUT TO FALL IN PHOENIX
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Tress are a big part of creating beautiful landscapes, yet having hazardous trees around your yard can mean some or all branches could break due to strong winds during a monsoon. In extreme cases the entire tree could fall onto your home, or even a neighbor’s. Storm damaged tree removal is the answer if the tree is already damaged, but these signs will help you catch risks before they impact your home, your car, or your life. When trees fall and cause damages, it can cause thousands in repairs. It can also be a potentially serious safety risk for your family. Usually, home damages caused by trees are covered by home insurance (according to Insurance Information Institute), but avoiding the potential damages is the best route. No one likes filing claims, waiting on estimates, then waiting on repairs.
BELOW ARE SEVEN SIGNS THAT YOUR TREE MAY BE AT RISK FOR CAUSING DAMAGES
Expert Arborists explain that there are usually warning signs that there is something wrong with your tree.
1 – TRUNK HAS A HOLE
The trunk can form cavities when trees self-prune by dropping branches. This may lead to decay within the tree. Although, this does not always signal danger. If the cavity has plenty of solid wood surrounding it, it’s less likely to fall, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Services.
2 – DEEP CRACKS OR MISSING BARK
In parts where the three has missing bark, indents or gashes, this is referred to as ‘cankers’. Canker’s are able to increase the risk of trees breaking at the location of a canker, even when it looks good. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) also say deep bark cracks are negative signs as well.
3 – FALLING OR DEAD BRANCHES
If your tree begins to drop partial or full branches, it can be a sign that something is not right. This is a sign that trees are attempting to make themselves smaller, to have less to feed. Dead branches are also a large risk as they can crash down on clam days, not just windy days, according to USDA Forest Services.
4 – LEANING TRUNK
The InterNACHI states if you notice your tree is leaning more than 15 degrees because of root damage or wind, it generally needs to be removed. However, a tree which naturally grew this way does not have as much risk.
5 – LEAVES FALL FROM INSIDE OUT
This is another sign that something is wrong, as tree’s should not lose leaves from inside out. Experts say this is a sign of root zone issues. “Root zone is the area that trees obtain water and nutrients, and it holds the tree up.” If the root system is not healthy, it increases the risk of falling trees.
6 – ROOTS ARE ROTTEN
It can be hard to detect root rot, but things to look for include mushrooms growing around your tree’s base. Another sign that trees are rotting on the inside are fungi growth on the trunk.
7 – TIGHT BRANCH GROWTH
If branches are growing closely in a V-shape, this is also a bad sign. Experts explain “Strong union grows in a U-shape. There are many species of trees that often break at weak forks, including maple, elm, yellow poplar, oak, and willow trees. “When winds get strong, these trees are at risk of falling apart,” she said. It is easiest to spot this sign during winter when leaves are no longer on the trees.
WHAT TO DO WITH TROUBLESOME TREES
If you are unsure if the tree around your home pose any danger, you should consult a qualified tree expert. Professionals help you avoid preventable property damage from your trees. Professionals are able to advise you in the next step, from removing a dangerous tree or developing a plan to help improve your tree’s health. Based on your particular solution, the plan may include bracing or cabling being conducted by a qualified Arborist.
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Getting Your Trees Ready For The Hot Summer In Phoenix, AZ
GETTING YOUR TREES READY FOR THE HOT SUMMER IN PHOENIX, AZ
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If you are searching for “How To Get Your Trees Ready For Summer In Phoenix” this is the guide for you. Summer in Arizona is famous for sunny days and intense heat. While we spend the summer staying cool inside with our AC the plants and trees in our landscapes do not enjoy such luxuries. To keep them healthy, strong, and beautiful there are some things to keep in mind.
WHICH TREES TO SELECT
The plant stock you choose should be of great quality and the type of trees you choose should be ones with lower growth amount along the main trunk. It’s very possible that if you choose the right type of trees for summer that you won’t even need guying or staking. When selecting trees at your local nursery it is important to choose drought resistant trees. These select species are better prepared to grow well in the heat of Phoenix. They are more forgiving for when people miss a watering and simply grow better because they are native either to Arizona or similar climates.
WHAT TREES TO AVOID PLANTING
Avoid trees with long trunks like the one you see ones you see in the picture, instead, try trees with shorter trunks or trees that are native to the desert climate of Phoenix. These desert type trees are able to withstand more wind damage and are adapted to the Phoenix soil, the nearby pests and other factors usual in the desert climate of Arizona. It is also good to avoid any trees which will need a lot of water. Forgetting to water these trees will have consequences and they simply do not weather as well as desert trees. Choose options like the Palo Verde Tree, Sissoo Tree, or Tipu Tree which are accustomed to the intense heat of Arizona.
WHERE & HOW TO PLANT TREES
Trees should be planted in groups to add extra protection to the surrounding trees and other plants. The location in your landscape you plant your trees should take into consideration how much sun each species needs. Some types of trees enjoy full sun all day long, others will benefit from having some afternoon shade. Ensure that trees are not planted too close to the house, power lines, or other structures. Try to plan ahead for the full mature size of the tree when choosing a spot so you don’t have to over trim or remove the tree later.
TREE PRUNING
Try not to prune too much after first planting the trees. They need all the energy they can get to ensure positive growth in the future. Do not remove the water sprouts. Look at the picture below. The water sprouts are the super small branches growing on the lower parts of the trunk and branches. These water sprouts are helpful to provide taper and additional strength to support the tree as it increases in weight over time. Water sprouts also help shade and prevent sun damage on the interior branches.
PROFESSION SUMMER TREE CARE
Phoenix Trim-A-Tree is your source for knowledgeable tree preparation for summer and general tree care. We can help take care of all the details to get your trees ready for summer. Our team is passionate about providing top notch tree trimming, tree care, and tree removal for trees which have died or have become unstable. If a tree falls in the woods, no one might hear it, but you will definitely hear it if one falls on your home or in your yard. Take the time to inspect your trees or have our team come and inspect them so you know what should be done to ensure the tree’s health and your safety. If you have questions about how to take care of your trees during the hot summer months or would like us to come take care of the job for you, give us a call!
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5 Advantages Of Hiring A Tree Removal Company
5 ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A TREE REMOVAL COMPANY
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Trees sometimes need removal. Sometimes it is because they are dead, or dying. Other times there has been damage from a storm or homeowners simply would like to have the tree removed for safety or to use the space for something new. Whatever the reasons the advantages of hiring a tree removal company are clear. We have examined a few of them below.
SAFETY & PROTECTING PROPERTY
While many of us image cutting a tree down is as easy as swinging an axe or plowing through the trunk with a chainsaw, it does require more fineness and training to do it properly. Youtube is chalked full of videos of a couple good old boys hooking up their pickup truck and confidently getting to work, only to find that the tree falls right into the roof of the house. This isn’t just damaging and expensive to fix, but with people in the home it can be potentially life threatening.
It isn’t just home or bystanders that are in danger. Chainsaws mixed with ladders and a dash of inexperience can be a recipe for disaster. Professional tree removal companies have the right tools, the right safety equipment, and the right training to handle the job safely to avoid harm.
QUICKER TREE REMOVAL
Large trees require the use of ropes and specialized cutting tools to bring it down. The largest trees may even require either a crane to help safely take it down or for the tree to be removed in manageable sections. This is only compounded if the tree is close to the house, or worse close to power lines. Without the proper training and tools it can take a lot of time to take the tree apart a piece at a time while trying to prevent damage to the house or power lines. Professionals do it quicker with the right tools, such as cranes that can lift sections away from power lines. Pros also know where to cut and how to make the process safe.
GREATER PEACE OF MIND
There are a few ways that hiring a tree removal company gives you greater peace of mind. Firstly it means that you won’t be trying to climb into the tree with cutting tools or a chainsaw. This keeps you safely on the ground and eliminates any danger to you. Professionals also provide peace of mind knowing that they are trained to do the job safely and not damage your property. Tree removal companies carry insurance to guard you against any property that is damaged during the process.
CONTROLLING THE CHAOS
Tree removal is an orderly process, yet there are a lot of leaves, sticks, twigs and debris that end up on the ground around where the tree was removed and on the way to the chipper or trucks that are hauling away the waste. Professional tree removal involves removing all of the debris from your yard.
REMOVING THE STUMP
One of the most stubborn parts of a tree is the stump. They are the widest point and they are securely connected to the root system. Tree removal companies typically include services to use specialized machinery to remove the stump and erase all evidence there was a tree in that spot. This frees up your ability to make use of that area as you please.
TREE REMOVAL PHOENIX
If you need a tree removed anywhere in the Phoenix area Phoenix Trim-A-Tree is your source for professional, timely, safe tree removal. Save yourself the time trying to find the tools and remove the tree yourself and trust the professionals to safely remove the tree from your residential or commercial property.
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Wrapping Palm Trees With Christmas Lights
WRAPPING PALM TREES WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
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Phoenix is known for a lot of things and palm trees is one of them. If you’re interested in how to install Christmas lights for palm trees, keep reading. If you and your family would love to have that wonderful winter wonderland look in your landscape, wrapping your outdoor trees in lights is the way to go. With some planning and a few measurements it can be easy and fun to get the spirit of the holidays. Wrapping palm trees with Christmas lights is a way a lot of Phoenix valley residents get into the spirit. One of the most popular trees in the Phoenix area gets plenty of attention during the holidays. If you want to wrap your palm up in a bright and shiny coat of Christmas lights here’s how.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED INCLUDE
TWO LADDERS, TWIST TIES, OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD, LIGHT DUTY STAPLE GUN, MULTIPLE STRINGS LIGHTS AND A HELPER.
WRAPPING PALM TREES
Before you break out the ladder you will need to take a trip to the store to buy some lights. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started so you don’t have to pause and run to the store. Leaving ladders or tools out while you are gone creates safety hazards and taking everything back in is a hassle.
BUYING THE STRANDS OF LIGHTS
One of the first things to think of is having brown cords for the light strands. They help hide the wires and make the lights more noticeable. Using LED lights cuts down on power consumption and glow without heat. They are safe and energy efficient option. If you want to add some pop you can choose to have a different color of lights at the top and in the fronds of your palm. Read the packaging as you select lights and make sure they are rated for outdoor use. Depending on the width of the trunk and height of the tree you will need more strands. You will also want to buy more if you want a tight coil of lights and a brighter look.
WRAPPING THE PALM
Make coiled balls of the light strands to make them easy to handle. You will be able to let them unwind as you go around the tree. Wrap the lights starting at the base of your palm and wind your way up the tree. If the strands of lights are slipping use the light duty staple gun to secure them in place. Make sure you are straddling the wire and not shooting through it with your staple gun. This can be a fire hazard, so take care when using your staple gun. For higher areas break out the ladders and have a friend help you continue to wind the lights up the tree. You can hand the ball of lights back and forth.
LIGHTING FRONDS
Once you get all of the lights onto the trunk you need to decide if you are going to decorate the fronds, or leaves at the top. Decorating the fronds can be a little tricky but it can really set your landscape apart. If you decided to do this you can run a look of lights down a frond and secure it in place with your twist ties. Choose to light the fronds that are closest to you for safety. Once night falls the higher fronds won’t be visible.
SAFE POWER
As tempting as it might be to simply run an extension cord from the house, make sure you use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. They are rated for use in bad weather, rain and snow. This will prevent dangerous conditions and having to run another cord or ruin light strands.
SAFETY FIRST
The safety of you and your tree are paramount. No one enjoys the holidays when they have fallen from a ladder, got shocked from a wire, or if the tree gets sick from too many punctures. Follow these tips to help make the most of the holiday season.
- Don’t over staple the strands of lights. Sometimes you won’t need any staples, but if the strands are slipping try to use as few staples as possible. Trees are living things and can be hurt by going too crazy with the staple gun.
- Use outdoor light strands and outdoor extension cords. Electricity is a useful but dangerous power source and needs to be respected. Use the right strands and cords and make sure when you do have to staple a strand down to your palm that you are not piercing the insulation on the wires.
- Never try to hand light strands that are plugged in. Not only does it make some types of lights hot to handle but it can lead to a serious shock. This is especially true during stapling of strands.
RESIDENTIAL TREE TRIMMING
If you find some damage or possible signs that your tree might be sick or dying while hanging your lights, give the experts a call. Phoenix Trim-A-Tree is your go to source for diagnosing what is wrong with trees, coming up with plans to save them, or helping remove trees that are beyond saving. You can trust the ISA Certified Arborists we send to look at your trees and help you with your landscape. When you’re wrapping palm trees or other trees in your landscape in lights it sets them as centerpieces in your landscape. Make sure they are up to the job with tree trimming services from Phoenix Trim-A-Tree.
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