Tree Maintenance

Cold Weather Maintenance For Trees (Part 2)

399684_9912Issue: Cold stress hinders late season growth
Solution: Avoid pruning until after the tree is in Fall dormancy.

Pruning earlier than needed can hinder late season growth. Traditionally, some of the best time to prune your trees is when they go into dormancy. The reason for this is that pruning at this time causes less stress on your trees and can help prevent cracking.

Here is what to keep in mind while pruning your trees:

  • Remove weak and dead limbs first. Pruning limbs that appear dead or limbs with leaves that look distressed is a must for healthy trees.
  • Make pruning cuts just outside the branch collar and nearly flush to the trunk of the tree. This technique provides viable growing branch bark that will enable wound healing.
  • Leave most functional limbs on newly planted trees. Pruning for form should start in the second year or third year of the tree’s life.
  • Prune forked trunks to one dominate trunk. Pruning forked trunks reduce multiple problems including poor form, excessive pruning and health problems.
  • Prune all permanent branches up to a desirable first branch height (generally 8 feet at maturity). Remember that urban and yard trees need to have a raised base for access and yard work.
  • After several years of a maturing tree, prune branches trying to space 12 to 18 inches apart. Do not prune for the first few years but wait for a period of time where the tree is growing rapidly.

Now, if you do not feel comfortable or simply don’t have the proper tools to do any tree maintenance, we are more than happy to do any of this work for you. Also, if you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree maintenance needs and services in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree maintenance provider.

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Cold Weather Maintenance For Trees (Part 1)

1428174_22265680Issue: The effect of rapid temperature change on older trees.
Solution: The tree can generally self-heal. However, you may want to invest in cold weather blankets

A Tri-Cities winter can be hard on trees, even those that are accustomed to our cold, winter climates. Stress caused by temperature, lack of water and moisture, pests, and breakage can take its toll. While you can’t do much about the weather here in the Tri-Cities, you can take steps to lessen the impact.

Frost injury can occur when a tree is growing during early fall or late spring and a freeze injures or kills vulnerable tree tissue. To avoid frost damage, plant trees that are native to the Tri-Cities area, cover trees if frost is expected, avoid frost-prone sites and stay away from nitrogen fertilizer at the end of the growing season. “Frost crack” can cause damage to trees by lengthening already existing wounds after repeated freezes.

One way you can care for your trees and lessen the harsh winter conditions is by wrapping your tree(s) in a winter blanket. You can typically find tree blankets at hardware stores like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes. If you aren’t sure if this is the best way to go for taking care of your tree, we are more than happy to help answer any questions you have.

Now, if you do not feel comfortable or simply don’t have the proper tools to do any tree maintenance, we are more than happy to do any of this work for you. Also, if you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree maintenance needs and services in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree maintenance provider.

Cold Weather Maintenance For Trees (Part 1) Read More »

Why It’s Important To Mulch

The average homeowner doesn’t usually make the connection between mulching and tree health. For most, when people think of “mulching” they associate it with gardening. For any tree you have on your property, mulch is very important.

Mulching Insulates
Mulching is important for the insulation of the soil around your trees. The mulch helps regulate the temperature of the soil around your tree. Here in the Tri-Cities, we can have some extreme temperatures. In the summer, we can reach temperatures easily in the triple digits. In the winter, we sometimes hit some extreme lows.

Mulching Retains Water
The patch of ground directly under the canopy of your tree is an important part of your tree’s health. When you mulch, it helps your tree retain far much more water than without it. With mulching, you are able to control the flow of water to your tree and reduce the overall cost of water you consume.

Mulching Prevents Root Competition
Mulching keeps weeds away from your tree as well as its root structure. Mulching will keep weeds from competing for all the vital nutrients your tree needs.

Mulching Reduces Soil Erosion
Soil erosion can be a serious problem for any tree or vegetation. The top soil surrounding your tree is vital to its health and well being. Here in the Tri-Cities, we have some wind storms that can reach speeds of 70+ mph gusts. This requires the use of a heavier mulch and sometimes the replacement of mulch.

What To Do Now
If you have questions, we are happy to provide all answers to your questions. If you need other services, such as tree removal service, we can do that as well.

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