orange trees plantations
Written by webtechs

Citrus Tree Care In Arizona

CITRUS TREE CARE IN ARIZONA

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Many areas of Arizona are suitable for growing citrus trees, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Tempe, Bullhead City and Yuma. Read on to learn a step by step guide to successfully planting citrus trees in the wonderful state of Arizona!

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL CITRUS TREE GROWING

STEP 1 – Citrus trees are best planted in September, Find a location with plenty of protection from the wind and where there is plenty of sun. If you can locate a the trees on a slight incline, cold air will flow down. Similarly planting against a wall, will help keep the wind at bay from the citrus trees.

STEP 2 – The root balls needs holes that are 3 to 5 times wider to promote the growth of the roots of the citrus tree. This is very important to the overall health of the citrus tree.

STEP 3 – The citrus tree will require heavy watering and as Arizona receives most of its yearly rainfall in late summer, additional watering will most likely be required. Utilize a soaker hose to water to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. During the winter, water every 6 days, every 3 days during the summer.

STEP 4 – Once the citrus tree has been established you do not need to water it as often. That said the average yearly rainfall in Arizona is not enough to sustain the life of a citrus tree so after the initial year, use a soaker hose to deepwater once per week in the summer and every three weeks during the winter depending on the conditions.

STEP 5 – January, February, April and May should be the months you use fertilizer on your citrus tree. Do not fertilize after the month of August as the tree needs to go dormant over the winter.

STEP 6 – Your citrus tree will need springtime trimming. Remove dead or damaged branches with a pruning saw or shears. Remove inward growing branches will maintain a well-groomed appearance. Cut areas of the citrus tree should be covered with a whitewash using a paintbrush to prevent damage from the summer sun.

CITRUS TREE CARE IN ARIZONA

If you own a property in the Phoenix Valley our team of trained, licensed, and insured tree cutting professionals will cut down and remove your tree safely and affordable. Every one of our skilled technicians understands our safe tree removal and cutting protocols and work together to get the job done quickly and safely. Keeping your property in the best condition possible while removing the tree is also our top priority. We remove the tree, clean up the mess, and leave your property in great condition.

How-To-Bring-A-Dying-Palm-Tree-Back-To-Life
Written by webtechs

How To Bring A Dying Palm Tree Back To Life

HOW TO BRING A DYING PALM TREE BACK TO LIFE

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If you are wondering why your palm tree is dying and want to know what you can do to bring it back to life this post should help. Here we will show you how to properly care for palm trees so that they always stay in good health and look their best. Read below reasons why your palm tree is dying and steps to bring it back to life.

WHY IS MY PALM TREE DYING?

  • Not Enough Water
  • Low-Quality Fertilizer
  • Fertilizer Too Close To Roots
  • Low-Quality Soil
  • Cutting Fronds Before They Are Dead
  • Pruning During Hurricane Season
  • Planting Palm Trees At The Wrong Depth
  • Wrong Nutrients
  • Too Much Or Not Enough Sunlight

BRING A DEAD PALM TREE BACK TO LIFE

  • Add The Right Amount Of Water
  • Use High Quality Fertilizer
  • Keep Fertilizer 2 Ft. From Roots
  • Use High Quality Soil
  • Only Cut Fronds After They Are Dead
  • Don’t Prune in Monsoon Season
  • Plant Palm Trees At The Right Depth
  • Make Sure It Has The Right Nutrients
  • Increase Or Restrict Sunlight

If you think your palm tree is dead, there are some things you can do to bring it back to life. Proper watering, pruning and fertilizing your dying palm tree will is the best way to bring it back to life. Follow the steps below to properly care for your dying palm tree.

1. ADD THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WATER

Watering your palm tree too much will cause the fronds of your to start turning brown or yellow and fall off before dying. Furthermore, not watering your palm tree enough will dry the leaves out and starting turning brown. Adding 30% sand to your soil will provide great drainage to prevent overwatering and using a soil meter will help you avoid not watering enough.

TIP – Palm trees should be watered less in the winter and more in the summer (Summer is when your palm tree will grow the most)

2. USE HIGH-QUALITY FERTILIZER

If your palm tree is not receiving enough nutrients it will be more susceptible to diseases. Giving the palm tree the nutrients it needs will ensure healthy development and growth of the palm tree. Avoid cheap fertilizer products and they will not work.

Tip – Get a high-quality slow-release fertilizer to avoid the nutrients being washed away by rain or watering.

3. KEEP FERTILIZER 2 FT AWAY FROM ROOTS

If you add fertilizer too close to the roots you could actually burn them. You should always keep fertilizer at least 2 ft away from roots to avoid the tree becoming susceptible to insects, fungi and diseases. Copper fungicide offers great protection from bacteria and fungi.

4. USE HIGH-QUALITY SOIL

This step is for new palm tree owners only. Using the correct soil with a new palm tree should provide the right moisture and soil drainage the tree needs to grow happy and healthy. Do not mix fertilizer with soil as it can burn roots as we mentioned above.

5. ONLY CUT FRONDS AFTER THEY ARE COMPLETELY DEAD

Do not cut palm tree leaves right away after noticing tips turning brown. Cutting the leaves too soon will result in nutrient loss. Pruning too soon will prevent new growth. Only cut brown palm tree leaves once they are completely dead or brown colored.

6. DON’T PRUNE DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Some Arborists will say you should prune palm trees before a hurricane or monsoon season to get rid of extra weight. This is false and you could be putting your palm tree under more stress by removing its fronds. The fronds actually provide protection from the wind.

Tip – Try tying the fronds together vs cutting them off.

7. PLANT PALMS TREES AT THE RIGHT LEVEL

This step is for planting a new palm tree or replacing an existing palm tree. When planting a new palm tree it is wise to plant the palm tree only deep enough to cover the root ball of the tree (the circular ball of roots at the bottom of the tree). However, Mexican Fan Palm trees can be buried 4-5 ft deeper than the root ball. This offers a great advantage to landscapers who want to match tree heights.

8. MAKE SURE IT HAS THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS

Make sure your palm trees have enough potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Without these nutrients, a palm tree can become deficient and experience a whole list of problems. Leaves will gain spots in the event of a potassium deficiency. Leaves will appear deformed and stunted in the event of a calcium deficiency. In the event of a magnesium deficiency, leaves will have yellow bands running along the border of the fronds. And in the case of an iron deficiency leaves will have broken ends, green spotting, and thin green veins.

9. INCREASE OR RESTRICT SUNLIGHT

New palm trees can become sunburned if left in direct sunlight. On the other hand, when not enough sunlight is present, the leaves will start turning brown. However, if your palm tree has been established in the shade for a long time, it has most likely acclimated to that amount of light.

PHOENIX TRIM A TREE OFFERS PALM TREE TRIMMING SERVICES

Phoenix Trim A Tree offers palm tree trimming services, palm tree removal services and more throughout the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area.

Taking Care of Sago Palm Trees
Written by webtechs

Care of A Sago Palm Tree

CARE OF A SAGO PALM TREE

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Sago Palm Trees are very well suited to the climate and environment of Arizona. Read on to learn more about how you can make the most of your sago palm tree.

CARE OF A SAGO PALM TREE

Well kept ash trees provide an outstanding addition to your Arizona lSago Palms offer a primitive yet beach like addition to your landscaping. With large fronds certainly comparable in size to palms, sago palms are actually cycads and closely related to conifers. Sago palms grow in zones 8,9 and 10 of the USDA plant hardiness zones. When well kept, the mature sago palm can reach up to ten feet in height.

WHERE TO PLANT YOUR SAGO PALM

Capable of growing in fully sunlit areas, sago palms grow best in areas with a moderate amount of shade. Sunburnt foliage can occur should the plant receive too much sunlight. However, if the plant has partial shade, the leaves grow larger. Sago plants also require soil that drains well. Waterlogged conditions can cause problems with rot. However the soil must maintain enough moisture. A partly sandy site with compost is ideal for a sago palm.

WATERING YOUR SAGO PALM

Watering is only needed when the soil starts to become dry. Younger sago palms appreciate irrigation on a regular basis. Ideally, watering every five to seven days when there is little or no rainfall and using enough water so the top 12 inches or so of soil is moist is more than adequate. Well established plants are usually drought resistant and require watering only on rare occasions.

FERTILIZING YOUR SAGO PALM

An annual does of a slow release balanced fertilizer in spring time should be sufficient for nutrition. Use one tablespoon per square foot of a 10-10-10 recipe for fertilizer around the base of the sago palm, at least eight to nine inches from the palm and water it in. if you see yellow foliage it may be indicative of a potassium shortage or magnesium shortage in the soil. Older foliage may stay yellow but by using some chelated iron spray on the foliage, new foliage should be a healthy green in color.

PRUNING YOUR SAGO PALM

Pruning is really for decoration with the sago palm. The cone can be removed from the sago palm in a careful manner as long as the growing point beneath it does not become damaged. If left in place, the cone will fall apart and fall off on its own as new foliage develops. If older foliage becomes tatty, cut them close to the trunk once the new leaves have fully unfolded.

ISSUES WITH SAGO PALMS

Sago palms are very resilient to diseases and pests. Waterlogged soil resulting in root rot is a common issue but with proper watering and well draining soil it should not be a problem. Insects rarely trouble a sago palm outdoors. Sago palms can tolerate temperatures as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit, but if it falls below 25 Fahrenheit, it could cause some of the foliage to die.

SICK SAGO PALM TREATMENT

Once you know why the sago palm is yellowing, you will need to have a plan to treat sick Sago palms effectually. When nutritional deficiencies are present, feed sago palms houseplant fertilizer on a monthly basis. Regular balanced fertilizer is essential for sago palms. If your sago palm is indoors and scale infestations become an issue, you can try hand picking them off or placing them outdoors and allow their natural predators to help eliminate them.

TREE CARE IN ARIZONA

If you own a property in the Phoenix Valley our team of trained, licensed, and insured tree cutting professionals will cut down and remove your tree safely and affordable. Every one of our skilled technicians understands our safe tree removal and cutting protocols and work together to get the job done quickly and safely. Keeping your property in the best condition possible while removing the tree is also our top priority. We remove the tree, clean up the mess, and leave your property in great condition.

A lone Ash tree growing out of a limestone pavement at Malham
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Arizona Ash Tree Care And Diseases

ARIZONA ASH TREE CARE AND DISEASES

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Arizona Ash trees do very well in the Arizona climate and there are in excess of 65 species in the state. Read on to learn more about how you can care for these magnificent trees and treat any diseases they may encounter.

SPECIES OF ASH TREE

Here are come of the most common and popular Arizona Ash Trees together with their latin names you cna find in the state of Arizona.

  • SINGLE LEAF ASH – Fraxinus Anomala
  • SHAMEL ASH – Fraxinus Uhdei (Aka. ‘Tropical Ash’)
  • RAYWOOD ASH – Fraxinus Oxycarpa
  • LITTLELEAF ASH – Fraxinus Greggii
  • GREEN ASH – Fraxinus Pennsylvanca (Aka. ‘Water Ash’ Or ‘Swamp Ash’)
  • GOODDING ASH – Fraxinus Gooddingii
  • FRAGRANT ASH – Fraxinus Cuspidate
  • FANTEX ASH – Fraxinus Velutina (Aka. ‘Rio Grande Ash’)
  • CHIHUAHUA ASH – Fraxinus Papillosa
  • ARIZONA ASH – Fraxinus Velutina (Aka. ‘Modesto Ash’ Or ‘Velvet Ash’)

CHARACTERISTICS OF ASH TREES

The ash tree is a deciduous tree, meaning they shed leaves at the end of the growing season with the majority of ash trees drop their leaves within about 2 weeks of the end of the growing season. They generally produce seedlings throughout the entire year or once a year in large numbers.

Most ash tree species will quickly grow, resulting in having fast shaded areas. When trees grow quickly, it often results in surface roots. Ash tree roots tend to grow near the surface, making them tolerant to rocky soils and alkaline soils. Basically, you should expect to require trimming ever few years to keep ash tree’s healthy with a good branch structure. If trimming is ignored, it can cause weak growth and breakage. This is bad for multiple tree trunks, because they will eventually fall and could cause damage. Instead, establishing a single central trunk during the tree’s youth is best.

Prior to planting your new ash tree, there are things to consider. First, you want to ensure your yard is large enough to contain it, because ash trees grow quick, and large. The majority of ash trees mature at 40ft to 50ft, but there are species that get over 80ft high, and they all have round, full canopy’s.

DISEASES

Like various plants, the Arizona ash tree is open to diseases that include, cankering, fungal infections of differing kinds and mildew as well as rust diseases, webworms, leaf scorch, carpenter worms, mites and borers, not to mention verticillium wilt, a soil born fungus. Trees that are planted and still growing that endure a poor environmental condition have a higher vulnerability to problems like these, making it significant to ensure fertilizing and watering are done adequately to keep the tree’s defense up.

MAINTENANCE OF ASH TREES

Well kept ash trees provide an outstanding addition to your Arizona landscape. However, if you allow your ash trees that are not taken care can end up being an eyesore. There are ash tree species which have a slight drought resistance, but the majority of ash tree varieties will require plenty of water. To create the best setting for ash trees, flood irrigation should in installed. At the very least a garden hose should be used for a deep soak one or two times a month. In addition, you may desire fertilizing the ash tree often. There are two benefits to mulching your ash trees. First, it enriches the soil as organic matter is broken down. Second, the mulch retains moisture from the watering to maintain wet soil for longer periods. Although ash trees are not particularly simple to care for, having a healthy ash tree is worth the effort. When well cared for an Arizona ash tree provides great shade, and they are sure to improve your landscape.

TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL IN PHOENIX

If you own a property in the Phoenix Valley our team of trained, licensed, and insured tree cutting professionals will cut down and remove your tree safely and affordable. Every one of our skilled technicians understands our safe tree removal and cutting protocols and work together to get the job done quickly and safely. Keeping your property in the best condition possible while removing the tree is also our top priority. We remove the tree, clean up the mess, and leave your property in great condition.

Canopy of trees over road
Written by webtechs

Tree Disputes With Neighbors

TREE DISPUTES WITH NEIGHBORS

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Although Phoenix Trim A Tree is not a legal service nor does it offer legal advice, we sometimes face having to cut down or trim a tree or trees that have been part of a recent legal dispute. Should you be facing a situation with a neighbor where a tree is becoming an issue, read on to learn more regarding your options.

CAN I TRIM BRANCHES FROM A NEIGHBORS TREE THAT OVERHANGS MY YARD?

Under law you can indeed trim branches that go beyond the neighbors property line and infringe on yours. This means you cannot enter the property of the neighbor or trim the tree on the neighbors side of the property line. If the tree is harmed you may be found liable for a fine up to and including three times the value of the tree. Landmark trees or trees for ornamental purposes may have a very high value, so be careful before deciding on a course of action.

CAN I EAT THE FRUIT FROM A TREE OVERHANGING MY PROPERTY?

The fruit from the tree belongs to the owner of the tree and courts have gone back and forth on deciding whether fallen fruit belongs to the owner or the person whose property the fruit falls on. The laws will depend on your location.

MY NEIGHBOR BLOWS LEAVES INTO MY YARD. IS THIS GROUNDS FOR A NUISANCE CLAIM?

Sadly not. Leaves are a natural product and even if they cause clogging to drains or guttering you have no recourse. You can however trim the branches of a tree that is shedding leaves up to the edge of your property line.

A NEIGHBOR KILLED A TREE ON MY PROPERTY WHEN CLEARING HIS YARD. AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?

Anyone who engages in injury to the tree, tree cutting or tree removal without the owner’s permission is liable for compensating the tree owner.

A STORM KNOCKED DOWN MY NEIGHBOR’S TREE LIMB ONTO MY PROPERTY AND IT DAMAGED MY CAR, HOUSE AND YARD FURNITURE. ARE THEY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGES?

In most of these cases, the courts will probably apply what is known as a reasonable care standard. If your neighbor was not derelict in their duties to take care and maintain the tree branch and would not appear in the view of a reasonable person to be threatening to fall, then it is probable a court would not find the neighbor responsible. If the event could not have been forseen or action taken to avoid the event occurring, it will be deemed an “Act Of God” and the neighbor will not be liable.

MY NEIGHBORS TREE LOOKS LIKE IT’S GOING TO FALL ON MY HOUSE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The responsibility of maintaining trees falls upon the landowner. They have two legal responsibilities. Firstly, they make reasonable inspections with the purpose of ensuring the tree is safe. If the neighbor does not or will not remove the tree and damage is caused, your neighbor can be held responsible. If, having spoken to your neighbor, they do not do anything, you do have some laws that may offer protection. The tree may be considered a nuisance when it interferes with the enjoyment and use of your own property. The court may order the removal of the tree is a court finds it is a nuisance. Most cities have ordinances prohibiting property owners from maintaining conditions that may be considered dangerous on their property. In such cases, the municipality where you reside may order the neighbor to remove the tree or they may take it upon themselves to remove it. It may also be that one of the local utility companies will want the tree removed if it threatens any of their equipment or is a potential fire hazard.

THE SPREADING OF TREE ROOTS ON MY LAND DAMAGED MY NEIGHBORS SEPTIC TANK. DO I HAVE TO COMPENSATE MY NEIGHBORS?

In most states, the neighbor who has been aggrieved may trim the tree or cut the roots and will not have a claim against the owner of the tree. Yet some states maintain neighbors may sue if at least one of the following criteria is met:

  • A landowner may sue her neighbor to make that neighbor trims the branches of a tree that encroach the landowner’s property regardless of whether there is damage to the property or not.
  • Serious harm caused by encroaching tree roots or tree limbs may give rise to a lawsuit. “Serious harm” usually requires structural damage.
  • The neighbor may sue if an encroacing tree was planted.
  • A neighbor may only sue if the tree is noxious and is causing damage. “Noxious” means that the tree must be inherently poisonous or dangerous.

TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL IN PHOENIX

If you own a property in the Phoenix Valley our team of trained, licensed, and insured tree cutting professionals will cut down and remove your tree safely and affordable. Every one of our skilled technicians understands our safe tree removal and cutting protocols and work together to get the job done quickly and safely. Keeping your property in the best condition possible while removing the tree is also our top priority. We remove the tree, clean up the mess, and leave your property in great condition.

Nurturing A Cactus in Arizona
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Cactus And Succulent Care

CACTUS AND SUCCULENT CARE

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Cactus and succulent care is a specialized area but it is something anyone can master and enjoy. Read on to learn more.

Cacti and succulents are very common houseplant nowadays. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes from the petite to the grandiose. Cacti and succulents fall into the same category because they both have characteristics meaning they can grow in dryer environments.

Cactus and Succulents are low maintenance, water-smart plants that reserve water in their leaves and stems, creating a full or succulent aspect. They are usually found in hot, dry climates like the desert and have acclimated to tolerate long periods without water. There are a lot of varieties of succulents and cacti that grow from all over the world. For the best growing results each plant has distinct needs, but there are common rules for succulent and cactus care.

WATER – If the container your cactus is in has drainage holes, water completely at least once a week during its active growth period. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, water moderately to moisten the soil, make sure water doesn’t pool up at the bottom of the container which can cause your cactus to rot. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

LIGHT – Place your cactus in a south-facing window that is brightly lit indoors or in an area with bright, indirect sunlight outdoors. Some cactus can tolerate full sun but must be steadily adapted to hinder sunburn. If the light source is insufficient, etiolation will happen, and your cactus will start to become leggy as it extends outward towards a light source.

SOIL – Succulents and cacti grow best in soil that is fast draining and well aerated. Perlite or pumice mixed with soil works well for this, or you can pick up a cactus/ succulent mix.

CACTUS & SUCCULENT GROWING TIPS

LITHOP CARE (LIVING ROCK) – Take particular care not to overwater lithops, as they will rot. Water lithops during fall (when you see flower buds start to appear) and spring (after leaf shedding has happened) thoroughly (until water runs through your containers drainage holes) and let the soil dry between waterings. Abstain from watering at all during winter and summer months, except for very sparse sprinklings at least once a month. Keep your lithop in a brightly lit, south-facing window. For more information visit lithops.info

NUTRITION – Fertilize throughout the growing season with a 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength for each watering.

COLORS – Typically greener succulents are more accepting of low light environments. If your space doesn’t have a plentiful light source, try and avoid succulents that have blue, purple, pink and white tones.

PROPAGATING – Cactus has a lot of methods for reproducing and can propagate from cuttings, leaf cuttings and producing seeds.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING – Succulents do their best in natural light, but if this not attainable (during winter months or your geographical location), you can still give them a light source via artificial grow lights. There are a lot of options for energy-efficient artificial lighting readily available.

CACTUS RE-POTTING

If your cacti or succulent is in a container, it’s best to re-pot is in the spring. To re-pot your cacti:

  • Firstly water the cactus and allow it to drain before removing it carefully from the pot, using a folded piece of paper to protect your hands against its spikes.
  • Clear away the old soil from the roots using a thin stick, like a chopstick, so that you don’t damage the roots.
  • Put a layer of potting mix in the new pot, which should be slightly bigger in diameter, and sit the cactus on it.
  • Fill the rest of the pot with the potting mix and firm it down.
  • Don’t water for a couple of days to prevent the rotting of damaged roots.

CACTUS CARE & REMOVAL SERVICES PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-A-Tree offers cactus removal services in Phoenix, Arizona. For cactus care advice in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler, contact us today!

Palm Trees
Written by webtechs

Palm Tree Maintenance

PALM TREE MAINTENANCE

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With over 2,000 different species of palm trees it is important to realize how to take care of them. It is vital to take care of the roots of palm trees as they do not grow deep into the ground. The majority of palms have single trunks. This point at the top of the trunk as well as the tissues surrounding it are known as the terminal bud. if this is damaged, the palm tree may die. As the roots do not thicken, they are less likely to damage utilities or sidewalks.

SOIL

The compacted soil found in many urban areas will not have the ingredients needed for a palm tree to live well. Palm trees obtain a bulk of their nutrients from the top soil and the top of the ground – this means proper fertilization is required.

WATERING REQUIREMENTS

New palms will need water twice per week for the first six months. Enough water needs to be added to penetrate eighteen inches of soil. If the soil is of a sandy type, extra water will need to be added to ensure moisture is maintained. For older plants, watering demands will depend on the climate. Often in summer, they will need watering at least twice per month, and once every six weeks or so during the colder seasons.

PRUNING

Palm trees usually shed their fronds naturally. Only yellowing/browning/old fronds should be removed. Never trim too close to the trunk of your Palm. The bark is easily damaged and the resulting wounds are entry points for insects and disease. As a frond emerges, the oldest frond dies. The age that a frond may attain will be determined by many factors.

POTENTIAL PESTS

THRIPS – North America’s thrips make up an extremely large family of insects. Of the plant feeders alone, there are 264 species. And some of these species have a taste for palm trees, feeding on flowers and leaves by puncturing the surfaces to suck out sap. Thrips are not lethal to palms but the feeding of the adults can discolor and wilt leaves. In addition, in intensive infestations their unsightly black droppings can become noticeable on leaf surfaces.

ROYAL PALM BUG – Royal Palm Bug feeds on only one plant, the royal palm, and the female lays one egg a day during the spring. The bugs rarely kill the host tree but the damage they do can be unsightly and they are difficult to control given the height of mature royal palms. These insects are the only North American members of the Thaumastocoridae family.

PALMETTO WEEVIL – The Palmetto Weevil can be found throughout Florida, as far west as southern Texas and as far north as South Carolina. It is North America’s largest weevil. This pest has a taste primarily for the Cabbage Palm (sabal palmetto) although it will infest Saw Palmettos (serrenoa repens) and, occasionally, Canary Island Date Palms (phoenix canariensis), Washington Palms (washingtonia), Royal Palms (roystonea), and some coconut palms.

PALM BUDWORM – The budworm is beetle whose larvae feed on the flowers of a range of fan palms. The caterpillars are about an inch long and a pink-green in color.

GIANT PALM BORER – The borer is a large and quite ugly beetle whose larvae have a taste for the wood of the Washingtonia and Phoenix varieties. Borer grubs can live inside a palm trunk for up to nine years before exiting as beetles through quarter-sized holes.

CABBAGE PALM CATERPILLAR – Cabbage palm caterpillars, found throughout Florida, target the cabbage palmetto almost exclusively. They rarely kill palm trees but the insects do destroy the trees’ blossoms. They are a nuisance to humans as well because they often enter homes looking for suitable places to pupate. Control by insecticides is possible under certain circumstance if carefully managed.

DISEASES

LETHAL YELLOWING – Lethal yellowing is a disease first noticed in the Caribbean region of North America about 100 years ago. However, it was not until the 1950s and a devastating outbreak in Jamaica and the Florida Keys that the economic consequences of lethal yellowing were recognized and intensive research begun.

GANODERMA BUTT ROT – Ganoderma butt rot is a relatively new and lethal disease of Florida palm trees. It is caused by a fungus, Ganoderma zonatum, which invades the base or butt of palm trees up to a height of three to four feet above the ground. The disease was first discovered in Florida in 1994 and in only a few years it has spread to infect palms throughout the state. At this time, it cannot be said with certainty that there are any palm trees resistant to ganoderma butt rot.

FUSARIUM WILT – Fusarium wilt is another palm tree fungus. signs of wilt are fronds wilting, losing their green luster and, finally, dying. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure and the diseased tree may have to be removed.

BUD ROT – Bud rot is caused by a fungus which causes the heart fronds of a palm tree to wilt and die. Tree death can occur soon afterward. California and Mexican palms are the most vulnerable.

Source: https://www.bgi-usa.com/palm-trees-101/

TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL SERVICES PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-A-Tree offers tree removal and trimming services in Phoenix, Arizona as well as Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler, contact us today!

Palm Trees
Written by webtechs

Palm Tree Growth

PALM TREE GROWTH

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There’s a lot of residents in Phoenix Valley interested in knowing just how quickly palm trees grow in Arizona. The first factor in calculating the rate at which your palm tree will grow depends on the specific species of your palm tree. While several different palm trees can grow as much as 2 to 3-feet per year, others can take several years to reach their peak of only five feet. The best way to go about planning your landscape is to pay attention to the species you are planting, read up on that species to find out just how much they are going to grow, and also, how fast.

PALM GROWTH RATES

You will be able to look forward to having healthy growing palm trees once the watering, fertilizing, location, and pruning have all been worked out. Each species of palm trees has their own rate of growth. Continue reading below to get a better idea on what the average rate of growth for palm trees are.

FOXTAIL PALMS

As a fast-growing palm tree, the Foxtail Palm will grow 2 to 3-feet per year under normal (ideal) conditions, and reach a height of 30-feet in total height within a 10-year period. A good option for those seeking a rapid growing palm tree for shading. It has a deep root stem feature that gives it the ability to withstand drought conditions.

MEDITERRANEAN PALM

These are also known as European Fan Palm trees and they are slow growers, growing around 6-inches per year, and reaching full maturity of 20-feet in height at a very slow pace. They are however, popular due to their fronds beauty and also their bark. These palms make a nice addition to many residential landscapes for they will not overpower the landscapes visual presentation of the landscape itself or of the home.

MEXICAN FAN PALM

The Mexican Fan Palm tree grows faster than most of the other palm trees. It is also one of Arizona’s more common palm trees, which can get as high as 70 to 100-feet in height, being taller than most of the residential yards can handle. Under normal conditions the Mexican Fan Palm tree will grow as much as 4-feet per year. However, because of their rapid growth and drastic heights they are popular for use in public parks and for commercial uses.

KING PALM

The King Palm is also a rapidly growing palm. They will grow rapidly in soil with good moisture and lots of nutrition. The King Palm will grow at a rate of almost 2-feet per year. Which means that it grows a little bit slower than a Queen Palm. The growing rate for a King Palm can be increased by planting it where it only gets a small amount of shade for the sun will help it to grow faster.

QUEEN PALM

When planted within the USDA hardiness zones 9 – 11, will grow at the rate of about 2-feet per year. Thus, a 15-gal. Queen Palm plant will give you a 25-foot Queen Palm in approximately 10-years. In all, you can consider this to be a fairly high speed of growth.

TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL SERVICES PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-A-Tree offers tree removal and trimming services in Phoenix, Arizona as well as Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler, contact us today!

Splitting-Firewood
Written by webtechs

Splitting Firewood

SPLITTING FIREWOOD

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Cut your own wood, it will warm you twice…or so the old saying goes. Read on to learn how you can benefit from this!

WHAT IS NEEDED

A maul or axe. A maul is heaver and has a wider head than an axe which makes it advantageous to splitting wood. But an axe can work just as well for smaller wood splitting jobs. Also, remember that the key isn’t sharpness; you’re not cutting wood or even chopping it (a common misnomer); you’re splitting wood. Seasoned wood splits better, but I usually split the wood green, so I don’t have to stack it again.

If the wood has nails in it, forget it. It’s not worth the risk of damaging your ax, or for that matter your eye when that nail goes flying. And if it’s curvy, don’t bother. I’m no safety expert, but trying to deal with unusual situations is often how accidents happen.

If it’s got a knot in it, skip it, especially if it’s green. You’ll spend all day trying to get through it. The exception is if you can find a line through the center that doesn’t get close to any knot. Then the knots won’t interfere. (“Center” is defined by the grain or splits in the wood, as shown on the right.)

SPLIT IT ALONG THE LINES

Put the piece on its end, on a chopping block if possible. If not, just put it on the ground, propping it as needed to keep it standing. Driving the axe into the ground dulls it, supposedly, but I’ve chopped into dirt countless times and the axe still cuts. Now place yourself such that when you swing with straight arms, the blade will hit the wood, right in the center (picture on left). Err on the side closer to you. Here’s why: if you miss on the side close to you, the blade goes into the ground. But if you miss on the far side, the ax handle hits the wood. Too much of that and you’ll be buying a new handle. (It hurts your arms too.) Making sure there’s no one and nothing you don’t want damaged anywhere nearby, to be hit by flying wood, a flying axe, or anything else . . . stand with your legs apart a little, pull the axe straight back over your head, and swing it straight forward. Build up speed and let the momentum and weight of the axe do the work– not your brute strength.I try to hit the same place every time. I never do. It doesn’t matter. Wood with a slightly ragged edge is not a problem. You will get the axe stuck in the wood and have to wrestle it out (right); that’s also not a problem. Eventually, it will split with a nice crack! Then do a few gentle hits into the crack to separate remaining strands of wood connecting the pieces of wood together. If the piece is bigger, you can still go for the center, but it might be easier to chop pieces off the sides, until you have something manageable.

The Result
Those pieces that you made too small . . . are your best accomplishment, because they’ll help you start the fire. Split wood burns more easily, especially the small pieces. And now that you have a woodpile full of fuel…you can now make a fire!

Source: https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-split-firewood/

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Canopy of trees over road
Written by webtechs

Fast Growing Shade Trees

FAST GROWING SHADE TREES

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A lot of the residents in Arizona are wondering “Are Palm Trees Native To AZ?” Although there are thousands of palm trees to be seen around the Valley, most of those are not native of Arizona. The majority of palm trees are actually native of tropical climates, such as Florida, Southern California, South Carolina, and countries like Chile, Mexico, Peru, India, Australia, China, among others.

SISSOO

The Sissoo, or Indian Rosewood, is a fast-growing shade tree provide shade in a hurry. They grow to about 60’ in height and spread out wide to offer great shade to your landscape. As a semi-evergreen they add welcomed green to your desert landscape.

TIPU

The Tipu tree is loved by Arizona homeowners as it grows very quickly to its mature height of 40’ to 50’ feet. In addition to being a great shade tree, the Tipu has beautiful flowers and is a great addition to any residential or even commercial landscape.

ARIZONA ASH

The Arizona Ash tree grows fast, grows wide, and grows up to about 30’ tall. It’s a deciduous shade tree that will keep it’s leaves most of the year, especially during the hot months. That means that you’ll have plenty of new shade in a hurry with the Arizona Ash tree.

WEEPING WILLOW

The Weeping Willow, or Willow Acacia, has a unique shape and foliage that looks as if it’s streaming down. Its texture adds an interesting visual element to any landscape. It grows very quickly and reaches the maximum height of about 40’ much quicker than other common trees.

DESERT WILLOW

The Desert Willow is a favorite fast-growing shade tree by both homeowners and landscapers. This tree blows with beautiful pink or lavender flowers and grows quickly. As a broadleaf tree that reaches about 20’ in height it provides great shade and grows fast.

ELM

The Elm is a favorite tree just about anywhere you travel and can reach a mature height of 100’. It’s a hardy tree that can withstand wind, drought, full sun, but does need to be protected if there’s every flooding. The elms width and height provides excellent shade and grows quickly.

EVERGREEN PEAR

The Evergreen Peartree is a favorite in Arizona as it grows fast to its mature height of about 20’. This fast-growing shade tree is a great addition to your landscape as it has beautiful fragrant flowers in the spring time.

TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL SERVICES PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-A-Tree offers tree removal and trimming services in Phoenix, Arizona as well as Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler, contact us today!

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