Services Provided by a Tree Care Specialist
A variety of specialized services can be provided to improve the health of a tree. These may include lightning protection, soil treatments to loosen and enrich compacted soil, and root aeration.
Watering during the warmer months is important for young and mature trees alike. Mulching is also helpful, as it helps retain moisture levels and reduce weeds around the base of a tree. Contact Higuera Tree Care now!
Pruning is an essential part of tree and shrub care. It can help you achieve a healthy landscape, improve property value and maintain safety. It can also minimize the risk of damage or disease by removing dead and damaged limbs, improving visibility, increasing light penetration, reducing soil erosion and reducing wind resistance.
However, it’s important to understand that improper pruning can significantly impact a plant’s health. This is because the way in which a cut is made and where it is made will influence how that plant heals and responds to future growth.
The most common reason to prune a tree or shrub is to reduce its size or shape. This can be done to enhance views, increase sunlight interception, improve structure or simply to give the plant a more refined aesthetic. Different goals call for different pruning methods. For example, to reduce a tree’s density, a shearing cut is typically used. This will remove limbs back to the branch of origin, which can dramatically change a tree’s form and cause stress to the plant.
Another reason to prune a tree is to address problems such as disease or insect infestation. This can be accomplished by removing weakened, dying or diseased limbs and by removing limbs that are growing into structures such as power lines or buildings. In addition, pruning can help reduce the risk of failure by promoting airflow through a tree’s canopy and improving its structural integrity.
It is important to prune at the right time of year for a given plant. For example, flowering shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel and lilacs should be pruned after they bloom. This is because they flower on wood that was produced during the previous season. Pruning these plants at any other time of the year will require them to use stored energy for flower production and can leave them more vulnerable to diseases.
Proper pruning takes knowledge, skill and understanding of each plant species’ unique needs. A professional tree service can ensure that your trees are pruned in a way that is best for their health and beauty.
Watering
Trees are an important part of the landscape, and proper care of them is essential to their health. This includes watering. Whether your area is experiencing drought conditions or simply not getting as much rain as normal, trees need water to grow. But watering too much or too little can have a negative impact on the health of your trees. The best way to determine if your trees need a drink is by looking at their leaves. If they are drooping or wilted, this is a sign that they are not getting enough water. However, too much water can suffocate the roots and cause root rot.
Watering is especially crucial for young and newly planted trees, as they will not yet have many established roots. When watering a new or young tree, soak the soil within the drip line of the tree to ensure that all establishing roots get a drink. It is best to water early in the morning or late at night when evaporation rates are lower.
Once the roots of a tree have grown to the point that they can absorb and store water on their own, the frequency of watering will reduce. However, if your area is experiencing a drought, even well-established trees may need additional watering. Aim for a weekly regimen of watering, though weather conditions will dictate whether this should be more or less frequent.
Using a hose on low pressure, let the water dribble at the base of the trunk and move it around to ensure that all roots are soaked. When watering, avoid splashing the leaves of the tree, as this can cause fungal diseases. It is also best to water in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation and over-watering. Additionally, a layer of mulch will help retain moisture and protect the roots from heat and evaporation.
Fertilization
When trees lack essential nutrients, they become weaker and more susceptible to disease, insect infestations, environmental conditions, and general aging. Fertilizer is not a cure-all, but it can help remedy known deficiency symptoms and promote overall tree health. The best approach is to fertilize in conjunction with other practices that support soil health, such as proper watering, pruning, and inspections.
If a tree’s foliage or twigs appear abnormal-yellow, smaller than normal, or misshapen-it may have a nutrient deficiency. However, this is not always the case. Several cultural conditions mimic nutrient deficiency, including improper irrigation, high soil pH, or girdling roots (roots that wrap around the trunk).
Fertilization is most effective when it is used on a long-term basis to promote a healthy root system. It is also important to choose a slow-release product that will not burn roots, and apply it only to the soil within the root zone.
Many young and ornamental trees, such as hollies, crape myrtles, maples, birches, and pines, require regular fertilization until they are established. Some ornamental shrubs and grasses also benefit from periodic fertilization.
A professional tree service will take a soil test before applying any fertilizer to determine what specific nutrients the soil is lacking. This information will be used to create a comprehensive fertilization plan for the site. Fertilizer recommendations will be based primarily on nitrogen because it is the most rapidly available to woody plants. The American National Standards Institute ANSI A300–2018 Soil Management provides recommended levels of application, timing, and types of fertilizer for woody plants.
The preferred method for fertilizing larger trees in the landscape is to broadcast granular products over a large area, starting at the base of the tree and out to the drip edge (ends of branches). After fertilizing, irrigate the area if rainfall is not expected. Be sure to sweep up any fertilizer that falls on impervious surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, or sloped turf areas. It is also important not to fertilize when rain is expected, or within 10 to 15 feet of a waterway.
Removal
A well-trained tree care specialist can help you determine whether a damaged or diseased tree requires removal. This can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to make it carefully, considering all options to protect your property and the surrounding landscape. If a tree is severely damaged or has lost its structural integrity, removal may be the best option. A professional can also remove overcrowded trees to allow other plants and trees access to sunlight and water, which promotes a healthy ecosystem.
The removal process can vary based on the type of tree and its location, as well as the local environment and regulations. For instance, some regions might require a permit for removal, and others might have specific requirements based on the size of the tree and its proximity to buildings, structures, or utility lines. A professional tree removal crew will be familiar with these regulations and will take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to your home or other property. For example, they will ensure that power lines are de-energized or shielded before proceeding.
In addition, the area around the removed tree will be carefully secured and fenced in to prevent debris from falling on or near any structures or people. This is especially important for larger trees that are located close to other buildings or utility lines.
Using the latest technologies, professionals can enhance efficiency and safety during the removal process. For example, by utilizing aerial lifts, professionals can remove large trees with precision and speed, while reducing the risk of injury or property damage. This can save time and money for homeowners, while ensuring the highest level of safety for all involved.
After a tree is removed, the stump will be ground or mulched to prevent tripping hazards and deter pests. Stump grinding can also improve soil quality, making it easier to grow grass or other shrubs in the area. If you plan on planting a new tree in the same spot, a trained tree service professional can assist you with selection and placement to maximize growth and health.
