Winter-Tree-Pruning-in-Arizona
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Winter Tree Pruning in Arizona

WINTER TREE PRUNING IN ARIZONA

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SHOULD TREE PRUNING BE DONE IN WINTER?

There are various benefits to the landscape and trees that come from tree pruning. Other than enhancing appearance of the trees, when trimmed they are healthier and safer. Pruning helps plant health as it removes the branches that are dead or dying which were previously harmed by insects, disease, animals, mites, people or storms.

WINTER IS GREAT FOR PRUNING TREES

While you can prune trees during any time of year, the recommended tie varies depending on the species of tree. Generally, late winter is the best time for pruning the majority of plants.

ENHANCED ACCESS

The ground being froze allows better access with equipment which would usually be challenging or impossible to reach the areas.

INCREASED VISIBILITY

During winter, there is less foliage, if any to hinder the view. It is easier to spot structural issues, which results in easier pruning choices. It also leads to less damage to the plants underneath, such as annuals or perennials.

BETWEEN THE GROWING SEASONS

Because plants go dormant in the winter, fresh wounds are only exposed for short time periods. Once spring comes around, the new growth will start to seal the recent wounds.

CONVENIENCE

On a more practical side, it is easier for property managers or homeowners to be more inundated with outdoor projects during spring or summer. For that reason, it makes sense to save tree trimming or winter months. If you’re considering a winter tree pruning service, simply contact Phoenix Trim A Tree for scheduling your appointment.

WHY’S IT IMPORTANT TO PRUNE?

You can ensure that trees are maintained with long-term pruning management to provide the function and aesthetic values intended. By using correct, conscientious pruning methods, the function and beauty of the trees can be improved, and potential loss of limbs and other failures are reduced with winter storms.

REASONS FOR PRUNING DURING WINTER?

After leaves drop during fall, it’s easier for the arborist to view the three structure. After summer annuals are removed, it lowers the risk of disruption to the landscape when working on larger trees. Also, in areas where the soil freezes, it allows equipment to get closer, improving the safety and reducing costs. In addition, pruning during the winter helps avoid making certain serious diseases grown and spread that are only active during the growing seasons (spring and summer).

MULCHING IN WINTER, SHOULD I DO IT?

Yes, mulching can be a significant improvement for trees. The mulch allows the soil to retain moisture, reducing temperatures of summer soil, increasing temperature of winter soil, and restores moisture while improving soil nutrient levels and the structure.

WHAT OTHER WINTER TREE CARE ACTIVITIES ARE THERE?

Winter months is an ideal time for consulting professional arborists for inspecting trees. The foliage loss during winter gives the needed visual for finding problem areas, such as insect damage or weak branches. Although, your arborist will be able to assist you in deciding the best approach for your trees. Take the following into consideration:

  • If trees have braces and cables in them, it is best to inspect the hardware ever few years to ensure everything is still intact and serviceable. This also ensures the growth hasn’t led to replacement or adjustments.
  • If needed, winter is suitable for bracing and cabling trees.
  • Inspect shrubs or trees for ice damage during winter months.
  • Winter months are ideal for removing trees that are at critical risk.

WINTER TREE PRUNING BY PHOENIX TRIM-A-TREE

The trees in your yard or on your commercial property need to be taken care of to grow correctly. The overall shape and health of the tree depends upon timely tree pruning. Give us a call to help keep your trees looking their best and growing into structurally sounds, beautiful additions to your landscapes.

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Best-Time-To-Trim-Oak-Trees
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Best Time To Trim Oak Trees

BEST TIME TO TRIM OAK TREES

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Are you searching Google for “Best Time To Trim Oak Trees“, while looking for oak tree pruning articles? If so, Phoenix Trim A Tree can help! We put together a guide to show you the best times and seasons of the year to prune or trim your oak trees. What is pruning? Pruning is something that will alter the growth and form of a plant. Based on science and aesthetics, pruning can be considered preventative maintenance. Most issues can be prevented by correctly pruning during the forming years for a shrub or tree.

REASONS FOR PRUNING

  • Pruning to promote plant health
  • Remove branch stubs
  • Removing dying or dead branched that are injured by insect infestation, storms, disease, animals or other damage
  • Remove branches that are rubbing together

Avoid topping trees. Remove the large branches leave stubs that could cause health issues. It could destroy the natural shape of the plant and promotes development and suckering of weak branch structures.

PRUNING TO MAINTAIN PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE

  • Maintaining a dense hedge
  • Maintaining desired special garden or plant forms
  • Encouraging fruit or flower development

PRUNING TO IMPROVE PLANT APPEARANCE

Landscape appearance is vital to the usefulness of a plant. For many landscapes, the natural form is best. Avoid shearing shrubs into geometrical forms that could affect the flowering unless it has to be trained or confined for a purpose. Whenever plants are pruned properly, it is hard to see that they have even been pruned. Pruning to:

  • Remove unwanted branches, suckers, waterspouts, and fruiting structures that take away from plant appearance.
  • Control plant shape and size
  • Keep shrubby evergreens dense and well proportioned

PRUNING TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY AND PEOPLE

  • Have hazardous trees taken down
  • Remove dead branches
  • Prune shrubs or trees that block the entry to your home
  • Prune weak or narrow tree branches that hang over homes, sidewalks, and parking areas.
  • Remove branches that interfere with traffic signals, street lights, and overhead wires. Do not prune near an electrical or utility wire.
  • Prune branches that obscure vision at intersections

PRUNING STARTS AT PLANTING TIME

Pruning is the best preventative maintenance that a young plant can get. It is vital for young trees to be trained to encourage them to develop strong features. Young trees that are pruned improperly or have not been pruned at all for year could need a lot of pruning to keep the tree from becoming deformed. At planting, remove only the broke, diseased, or dead branches. Start training a plant during the dormant seasons after the planting.

  • Remove multiple leaders on evergreens and other trees where a single leader is wanted.
  • Remove branches that grow back towards the trees center and crossing branches.
  • Remove lower branches to increase the crown and remove branches that are too close to the trunk.
  • Prune to shape young trees but don’t cut the leader.

Pruning young shrubs isn’t as vital as pruning a young tree, but it does help to use similar principles to promote positive branch structure. Shrubs grown in Containers will need very little pruning.

  • When planting deciduous shrubs o hedges, prune each plant to 6 inches off the ground.
  • When planting thin out the branches for good spacing and prune any crossing, circling, broken or diseased roots.

PRUNING LARGE ESTABLISHED TREES

Leave pruning of large trees to professionals who have the right equipment. Consider the natural form of the tree when possible. Many hardwood trees will have a rounded crown that don’t have a strong leader, and they may have lateral branches.

COMMON PRUNING TYPES

  • CROWN CLEANING – This is the selective removal of diseased, dead, and dying wood from the crown.
  • CROWN REDUCTION – This removes the larger branches from the top of the tree to reduce height. When done right, crown reduction is the least wanted practice and it should only be done when needed.
  • CROWN RAISING – This is removing the lower branches on a developing or mature tree to let there be more clearance above streets, lawns, sidewalks, etc.
  • CROWN THINNING – This is removing branches on a young tree through the crown. This helps to promote better health and form. Remove the weak branched but don’t overdo it on a mature tree.

PROPER BRANCH PRUNING

  • Always prune above a bud that is facing outside of the plant to force a new branch to grow.
  • To shorten the twig or branch, cut it back to a side branch or make the cut about a quarter of an inch above the bud.

BEST TIME OF THE SEASON FOR PRUNING

The late dormant season is best for pruning. Pruning late in winter or just before spring will leave fresh wounds exposed for just a small amount of time before a new growth begins to seal the process. Another advantage to dormant pruning is that it’s easier to make pruning choices without leaves covering the branch structure. Pruning during the right time can help you to avoid certain psychological and disease issues including the following.

  • To avoid oak wilt, don’t prune between April and October. If the oaks need to be pruned or are wounded during these time, apply latex paint or a wound dressing to mask the smell of cut wood so that beetles won’t spread oak wilt.
  • To avoid stem cankers, prune the honey locust when it’s still dormant in late winter. If it has to be pruned in summer, avoid humid or rainy weather.
  • Prune apple trees in late winter. Spring or summer pruning will increase the chance of infection and spread firelight. Autumn or early winter pruning is more likely to result in die back or drying at pruning sites.
  • There are trees that have free flowing sap that will bleed after pruning. Though this bleeding causes little issue, it could still cause concern. To prevent bleeding, you need to prune the following trees after the leaves are fully expanded in late spring to early summer. Never remove more than a quarter of the live foliage. For instance:
    • Birch and its relative’s blue beech and ironwood
    • All maples, including the box elder
    • Walnut and butternut

Shrubs that bloom new growth may be pruned in spring before the growth starts. Plants that have hardy stems like shrub roses and clematis need to be pruned to the live wood. Hardier shrubs like late blooming spires and snowball hydrangeas need to be pruned to the first bud above the ground.

USING THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR PRUNING

Using the right tools will make pruning easier and help you to do a good job. Keeping your tools well maintained and sharp will improve the performance of the tool. There are a lot of tools for pruning, but the following are best for most pruning:

  • PRUNING SHEARS – These are the most important tool. It cuts up to ¾ inches in diameter.
  • LOOPING SHEARS – These have longer handles than the pruning shear and can cut up to 1 ½ inches in diameter.
  • HEDGE SHEARS – These are just for pruning hedges. They cut small stems or succulents the best.
  • HAND SAW – These are important for cutting branches over 1 inch in diameter. Most types of handsaws are available.
  • POLE SAW – This lets you get an extended reach with a long handle, but it needs to be used carefully as it could be hard to get clean cuts with it.
  • SMALL CHAIN SAW – These need to be used on larger branched. You will need to wear protective clothing and use caution when using it. Never use a chain saw above your shoulders or when you are on a ladder.

PHOENIX TREE CARE SERVICES

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Best-Time-To-Trim-Trees-In-Arizona
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Best Time To Trim Trees In Arizona

BEST TIME TO TRIM TREES IN ARIZONA

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The best time to trim trees in Arizona depends on the type of tree. Most should be trimmed while it’s cold but others must not be trimmed during winter. It’s possible to help your trees look better and live longer with the right trimming and minimize storm damage with trimming. This guide will show you when to trim your palm trees, maple trees, evergreen trees, and fruit trees.

BEST TIME TO TRIM TREES BY SPECIES

A lot of native Arizonans and people moving to the state are asking the question when is the “Best Time To Trim Trees In Arizona”. In central and southern Arizona’s desert climate the time that is best to trim various types of trees is different than other colder regions of the United States. It does not get as cold in southern Arizona as it does even in northern Arizona. The times when you should trim your trees will vary also depending on when cold weather sets in. The later it starts or sooner it ends will affect the best times to trim your trees. Different types of trees need to trimmed at different times of year. Tree trimming is not a “one-size-fits-all” type of project and trees should be trimmed at a time that is best for their species and the region they are grown in.

BEST TIME TO TRIM CITRUS TREES

Citrus trees are frost sensitive and even though it is rare to get that cold in the desert it’s important to wait to trim them until the middle of February to avoid frost damage. Leaving extra on during the colder months helps insulate the tree and protect them. Starting around the 15th of February and until the end of March is a great time to prune citrus trees. Avoid trimming these trees past this point as the foliage will help protect the trunks from being scorched by our intense summer sun.

BEST TIME TO TRIM FRUIT TREES

Fruit trees like peaches, apples, pomegranates, nuts, nectarines, and apricots all can be trimmed starting in December up till about February.

This is a good strategy for these trees as owners will want to control the height of these fruit bearing tree branches. Keeping the branches lower through trimming makes harvesting all of these fruits easier.

BEST TIME TO TRIM MAPLE TREES

Maple tree trimming should not be done during winter. These trees ooze or “bleed” sap. While this isn’t actually harmful to the tree it will leave a mess in your yard, especially if you have vehicles that park near or under the tree.

BEST TIME TO TRIM OAK TREES

Oak tree trimming is best left for when the tree is dormant during the colder months of the year. This means that waiting until December is a great idea. Trimming can be done then and through about mid February when things start warming up again.

BEST TIME TO TRIM PALM TREES

The best time of year to trim palm trees is after mid June. This is the best time to remove seeds which are forming and any dead leaves or fronds. While removing the brown dead fronds keeps palms looking their best profession palm tree trimmers will leave as much green as possible for the appearance and health of the tree. Avoid inexperienced palm tree trimming as it can lead to the death of your palm.

BEST TIME TO TRIM MESQUITE TREES

Mesquite trees and eucalyptus which grow fast and have large branch systems should be trimmed back before the storms of the monsoon season. This means that May and June are prime time for having these trees trimmed back. This helps avoid damage to the trees during storms, or worse a branch falling on your property or home.

BEST TIME TO TRIM DESERT TREES

Deciduous trees such as ash, desert willow, and elm all should be trimmed starting in December and goes through February. This includes Arizona favorite desert trees such as the Palo Verde and other popular options. These trees need to be dormant to cause minimal stress from pruning.

BEST TIME TO TRIM EVERGREENS

The best time to trim your evergreens and shrubs is during the month of March. Alternatively September is another good opportunity to trim your evergreens. This includes both conifers and hardwoods.

PHOENIX TREE TRIMMING SERVICE

Trimming trees, especially larger ones, requires tools and training. Safety equipment is one of the most important tools tree trimming professionals use to prevent injuries while trimming trees. If you have trees in your landscape at your residential or commercial property we can help trim them. We will help trim your trees to look their best, avoid damage to property, and help you take care of your trees any time of year. For more information about our tree trimming services or to schedule an appointment please give us a call.

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Fall-Tree-Care-In-Phoenix-Arizona
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Fall Tree Care In Phoenix

FALL TREE CARE IN PHOENIX

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Fall tree care helps prepare your trees for high winds and storms in Phoenix. This prevents potentially serious and costly damage at your home or business. As temperatures begin to fall and so do the leaves our trees need to be prepared for the cooler months in Arizona. While it might seem like there isn’t much we can do to help relieve the stress of colder weather on our trees there are a few steps you can take to help them weather the winter and pop back into life in the spring.

TOP 5 FALL TREE CARE TIPS

The following tips should help you maintain healthier trees that grow better and survive the colder months. Fall is primetime for planting. If you are adding trees to your landscape fall is one of the best times of year to get that job done. Once colder weather has set in the conditions are just right for encouraging new root development. The roots spend the fall and winter digging in deep to get the nutrients and moisture they need and are ready to spring forth and have great top side growth when warmer weather returns. Shrubs and trees that have balled bases are best planted in the fall, for bare root plants it is better to wait a little longer into the cold months for the plants to be completely dormant.

1. PLANT NEW TREES & BUSHES

Fall in the Phoenix Valley is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs. It’s the perfect time of year to plant these new additions to your landscape as it gives them time to establish solid roots before the summer heat. In addition there’s more shade, plants use less water, and you can prep the plant for success with fertilizer. Take full advantage of fall’s cooler temperatures to plant your new fruit tree, evergreen tree, cactus or whichever plant you like best.

2. KEEP WATERING THROUGH THE YEAR

Drought isn’t just a summer occurrence. While it might seem like all your trees are doing is hibernating during the winter months they still need water. Don’t forget to continue watering your trees through the cooler months as long as there isn’t any freezing.

3. PROVIDE SOME INSULATION ON SOIL

Use mulch to your advantage. Not only does mulch increase the nutrient content in the soil around your trees, but it can have an insulating effect during the cooler months. Use composted organic mulch around the base of your tree and it will help reduce temperature exposure and help retain the water during these months.

4. GET THE PRUNING DONE

Fall is prime pruning time. When the leaves drop it is a good time to be able to see the way your tree is growing and notice rouge branches that aren’t going where you need them to. It is also when the tree is more dormant and will endure the trimming and pruning better. Pruning in the right way and at the right time of year is critical to having a healthy tree that is the pride of your landscape.

5. PROTECT TREES FROM PESTS & ANIMALS

Prevent mechanical damage to your trees. While snow and ice isn’t typically a problem in southern Arizona different type of animals can chew on the trunks of our trees and cause damage. You can wrap younger trees in hard plastic guard, or a metal hardware cloth. Plastic cloth or burlap can be used in colder Arizona climates to provide additional insulation to help younger trees weather the colder months.

WHAT MAKES FALL TREE CARE IMPORTANT?

The extreme heat that Arizona is famous for weakens trees. This makes them more prone to infestation. Taking steps to help your trees recover for the heat before the winter sets in helps keep them growing for years to come. During the fall and winter some storms have increased wind speeds and heavy rainfall. These conditions test the health of trees and can spell disaster. When we care for and prune sections of the tree that are not healthy we remove the sections carefully. When wind or nature removes a limb or branch it does so forcefully and can damage the tree where it breaks off.

PROFESSIONAL FALL TREE CARE IN PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-a-Tree has all of the knowledge, equipment, and training to safely carry out all of your tree trimming, pruning, and fall tree care in the Phoenix valley. It is important to get the work done for the health of your trees and landscape. It can be as easy as a phone call to have safe and professional tree service.

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Lisbon-Lemon-Tree-Care
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Lisbon Lemon Tree Care

LISBON LEMON TREE CARE

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Lisbon lemon trees are quite popular in Arizona. Lisbon lemon trees can tolerate harsh heat and windy conditions but are somewhat “frost sensitive”. Luckily Arizona doesn’t get must frost, so planting and harvesting a Lisbon Lemon tree in Arizona is very possible and with the right tree care your lemon tree can grow up to 30′ tall. So, get ready for Lisbon Lemon tree care tips from the experts at Phoenix Trim A Tree.

PLANTING YOUR LISBON LEMON TREE

Make sure and plant your Lisbon lemon tree in a area where it can receive full sun. Soil should drain easily as lemon trees do not grow well in standing water. If you live in a colder part of Arizona, such as Flagstaff, you are going to want to grow your lemon tree in a container that can be moved inside your home during the winter months.

HOW MUCH MULCH DO I NEED FOR PLANTING?

The root zone should be buried in 4-6″ of mulch. Mulch will reduce the amount of moisture loss and reduces the amount of weed grown around the base of the tree.

LISBON LEMON TREE CARE

Lemon trees need sun, water, fertilizer and pruning just like every other plant. Read about how to water your lemon tree, protect them from the cold, fertilize them, and how to prune and harvest your lemons.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LEMON TREE

Lisbon lemon trees need to be watered regularly, especially during the first 3 years, or their 1st growing season as experts would call it.

WATERING DURING THE SUMMER – Water your Lisbon tree once a week during the summer months.

WATERING THE REST OF THE YEAR – For the rest of the year, only water your lemon tree every other week.

WATERING AFTER THE FIRST YEAR – You can reduce the amount of watering after the first year to prevent over watering.

LEMON TREE FEEDING/FERTILIZER

Lemon trees in general need a hefty supply of food (nutrients) to have healthy growth. Although, you won’t use a general fertilizer for Lisbon trees, you are going to want to use a citrus fertilizer that is made for citrus trees. You should re-fertilize your tree 2-3 during the growing season. The first re-fertilization should take place in spring. You’re going to want to fertilize before the new growth comes, not after, and then again at the beginning of September. If you are growing your lemon tree indoors, you are going to want to re-fertilize every month during the hot months to keep the soil moist and rich.

LISBON LEMON TREE PRUNING

STEP 1 – Choose the proper time to prune
STEP 2 – Remove all fruit from the tree
STEP 3 – Prune any branches that are damaged or diseased all the way back to the base
STEP 4 – Cut any branches that are smaller than the diameter of a pencil
STEP 5 – Prune suckers as they appear at any time

Usually, trees are only pruned during their dormant periods but lemon trees don’t have one. So, you should only prune or shape your Lisbon lemon tree during the cold months while the tree growth has slowed. Also, any suckers on the trunk of the tree should be removed. Also, to produce larger lemons, pinch off excess lemons while they are still tiny and leave 4-6″ between them. Read Wiki How’s Article on “How To Prune A Lemon Tree: 12 Steps (with Pictures)” for more information about pruning your Lisbon lemon tree.

PROTECTING YOUR LEMONS FROM THE COLD

As we learned above, Lisbon trees are sensitive to frost. Cold temperatures are one of the only things that can kill your Lisbon tree. Use Christmas lights strung through a canopy to provide extra heat during the cold months. For the coldest months, you can wrap your canopy in a blanket for additional heat.

HARVESTING YOUR LEMON TREE

Lisbon trees usually produce fruit within 3 years of planting.

IN CONCLUSION

  • Plant Your Lemon Tree In A Sunny Area With Good Drainage
  • Plant Your Lemon Tree in 4-6 inches of mulch
  • Water your lemon tree every week during the summer months and every other week after that
  • Feed your lemon tree nutrient rich citrus fertilizer
  • Only prune your Lisbon tree during the winter months
  • Protect your lemon trees from the cold, it’s the only thing that can kill them

Thank you for reading “Lisbon Lemon Tree Care” by Phoenix Trim A Tree. If you haven’t done so already, make sure and check out our post “Growing Lemon Trees In Arizona” for more information.

LISBON LEMON TREE CARE SERVICES

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Save A Dying Cactus: How To Revive Your Plant

SAVE A DYING CACTUS: HOW TO REVIVE YOUR PLANT

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If you are searching for How To Save a Dying Cactus, this article should help. Most people who buy and tend cacti love them. When they get sick it’s upsetting as they’ve likely been around for years. Use these steps to help save a dying cactus at your home or business.

CUT ROTTING PARTS AWAY

Rotting is generally a sign of overwatering. The black or brown sections of the cactus must be cut away. Then you must decide if your soil is completely soaked and should be put in a new pot with new soil, or if you’ll be able to let it dry out and begin your new watering schedule again. If you decide to repot your cactus you should use mix one part peat, two parts garden soil, and two parts coarse sand.

ADJUST DAILY SUNLIGHT

Depending on the sunlight available your cactus may be getting too much or not enough sunlight. For cactus which are becoming more narrow or rounded more sunlight should be added. Either place the plant where it gets more hours of sunlight a day or choose to move it in the midday for best results.

ADJUST WATERING

For cacti that look wilted, are shrinking, or are wrinkled you should add water. It’s important to allow the soil to completely dry before watering, to avoid root rot. If your cactus is in a pot it should be one where excess water will drain easily. Watering should be adjusted based on the temperature and season. During the hotter parts of the year you’ll want to water about 1 time per week indoors. During the cooler months of the year you’ll want to back that off and only water when the soil is dried out completely. For outdoors you’ll need to monitor the soil and water when it’s bone dry and there’s no rain in the forecast. Learn how to water a cactus here.

RINSE OFF DIRT & DUST

When the flesh of the cactus is covered with dirt or dust it cannot process the light properly. You can use a soft sponge or rag to rinse off this residue. You can wipe it down with a sponge soaked in water and a drop of dish soap or you may choose to rinse off your cactus under the faucet in the sink. For outdoors you can use a house to gently rinse off your cactus.

CONTROL PESTS & INSECTS

Another cactus killer is pests and insects. They’ll cause yellowing sections on your cactus and make it sick. To common insects that are harmful to cacti are the spider mites and mealybugs. You can purchase solutions from your local nursery for spider mites and use rubbing alcohol to kill mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny red spiders that have webs that are like sheets. Mealybugs appear in powdery white clusters.

USE LOW NITROGEN FERTILIZER

Use some fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season which usually starts around March. Fertilizer is mixed and packaged in different ratios. The ratio that is best for cacti is one where the nitrogen is rated at 10. This means a common solution is a 10 (N) – 30 (P) – 20 (K). Avoid excessive nitrogen as it will cause stunted growth and a texture that’s flabby.

HOW TO TREAT CACTUS ROT

Cactus rot is caused by overwatering. While owners might feel like frequent tending is how you care for plants, the cactus doesn’t need as much attention. Most cactus that turn brown and black to eventually die have been overwatered by accident by their owners.

LET THEM GET DRY

While most plants get sickly if they aren’t watered often the cactus is a plant that needs to dry out as part of it’s plant cycle. The roots of the cactus are accustomed to having very little water in nature and will rot if you water them as much as you do your tomatoes.

WATCH FOR MUSHY SECTIONS & DISCOLORATION

It’s incredibly important to watch for your cactus to get mushy or start turning brown and or black. These are signs that overwatering has occurred. The roots are probably already dead and rotting. Simply do not ever overwater. Pay attention to your cactus soil and only water when it’s completely dried out. It may seem neglectful, but that’s the natural environment the cactus is used to.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE FOUND CACTUS ROT

It is time to trim them off with a sharp knife and repot or replant your cactus. Make sure you use a good mixture of garden soil (2 parts), coarse sand (2 parts) and peat soil (1 part). It’s also important to choose a pot that’s a little oversized and has good drainage holes. If you’re growing cactus outside make sure the soil you’re planting in is good draining soil with a portion of sand to help facilitate this affect.

CACTUS CARE & CACTUS REMOVAL IN PHOENIX

If you’ve got cactus on your property that need to be cared for or if you need cactus removal, our team can help! We proudly care for trees and cactus in the Phoenix Valley including Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. We trim, prune, improve nutrients in soil, and remove cactus that have died. If you’d like to know more about our services, please contact us today, Call 480-962-0701 or Contact Us Today!

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Preparing Your Trees For The Arizona Monsoon Season

PREPARING YOUR TREES FOR THE ARIZONA MONSOON SEASON

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In Arizona, the period from June 15th through September 30th can be defined as the summer monsoon season. This time of year usually brings extreme heat, which is usually followed by excessive moisture in the air that causes vivacious thunderstorms brought on by very fast winds. Thunderstorms present a lot of hazards that usually strike quickly and with violent force. When preceded by heavy rain, a tree will be even more susceptible to heavy winds. Heavier rains can cause over-saturation of soil, so a tree with healthy roots may have a weaker hold. In some cases, the bulk of the root system can become exposed if the tree falls over. Regardless, there is a lot of preparation you can and should do to hinder potential storm damage to your trees. The best thing you can do is pay attention – watch your trees when heavy winds or rain is coming, and take the proper steps as needed.

BASIC TIPS FOR AVOIDING STORM DAMAGE

Water, mulch, and fertilize your trees correctly and regularly, healthier trees are going to withstand the elements a lot better. This will also help prevent the soil from becoming compacted. Prune annually or semi-annually (sometimes every two to three years, depending on the type of tree) even while they are still young. Having your trees trimmed professionally by someone who understands healthy tree structure is your best thing to avoid problems. Incorrectly pruned trees can lead to splitting limbs and trunks in higher winds.

Proactively take of your trees – any money you spend on the preventive maintenance of your trees will be a lot less costly than replacing them, especially if they cause damage to cars, roofs, or structures when they fall. Clean your yard of any leaf debris or landscaping trash. This will help avoid more work for you when high winds blow debris all over your yard and will help prevent your pool filters from becoming obstructed and burning out.

STAKE YOUR TREES

Staking your trees provides younger trees with the support it needs until its trunk is strong enough to hold the weight of the tree. A lot of trees won’t need to be staked for longer than a year, but stakes should be left for a minimum of one full growing season. When the tree can stand on its own, you can remove the stakes.

HOW TO PROPERLY STAKE A TREE:

  • Use 8-foot stakes or lodge poles. They should be at least 6-8 feet tall and around three inches in diameter.
  • Figure out the general direction of the wind and position the stakes precisely opposite one another, about 2 feet from the stem, staying in line with the wind.
  • Force the stakes vertically at least 2 feet into the soil. Try and keep the stakes the same height above ground. When completed, stakes should stand erect at about 4 feet.
  • Cut two pieces of pliable wire, each measuring around 5 feet long. Use rubber (or use an old garden hose) to create 2, 18-inch lengths. Slide the lengths over the wire and wrap the hose around the tree to help safeguard the trunk from the wire. Draw equal lengths of the wire parallel to the ground and attach them to the top of the stakes. Twist the wires together on the outside of the stake and make sure the wire is nice and taut – clip off any leftover with wire clippers.

TREE MAINTENANCE AND CARE

  • Straightforward care and maintenance can make your trees beefier during periods of rough weather, here are a couple of things to watch out for:
  • Dead wood is unstable because it is brittle, and can’t give or ben under stress as healthy, living tree branches can.
  • Cracks can be evidence of potential branch failures, where there will be splitting sooner or later, so prune as a preventative step to stop more cracking.
  • Decay is a clear indicator of fungal growth or hollow cavities and is a sign of structural weakness.
  • Pests, like the Palo Verde bore, can increase a tree’s health problems, but they typically target trees that are already unhealthy.

Can you see the sky through the tree? Keeping your trees thin is a very important thing to do to “storm-proof” your trees. Sometimes the thicker a tree is, the more vulnerable it is to damage in heavier winds. Even for a tree that is perfectly healthy, if its foliage is overly dense it can pose a safety hazard during inclement weather. A dense canopy won’t allow the wind to pass through easily, and the ability to withstand the wind can cause branches to snap or even bring the whole tree down. This particularly applies to weight at the ends of its branches, which is why pruning only the lower parts of the branches is not enough. The leaves will grow back as the tree endures the monsoon.

TREE CARE & REMOVAL SERVICES PHOENIX

Phoenix Trim-A-Tree offers tree removal services in Phoenix, Arizona. For tree pruning or tree trimming in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler. Contact us today!

CALL 480-962-0701
CONTACT US HERE

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