Tree Maintenance

Fall is coming and you are going to want to start thinking ahead of how to best care for your trees during the Fall months. Taking proper care of your trees during the Fall will help ensure their survival during the Winter. Most trees will soon be changing colors in preparation for the loss of their leaves. The arrival of fall is a good time to prepare trees for their dormant period.

Beware, the National Arbor Day Foundation does not recommend pruning trees in the fall because disease spores are released during this time of year and may settle into the wounds. However, there is plenty homeowners can do to care for their trees in the fall.

1. Remove dead and fallen trees. The decay can invite insects and disease, affecting nearby healthy trees and possibly your home.
2. Remove any and all hazards. Fall is a great time to remove hazardous branches that could fall and damage your home or cause serious bodily harm.  When the wind storms pick up in the Spring, you’ll be ahead of the game.
3. Remove random seedlings. Over the past several months, a seedling or two may have sprouted next to your home, perhaps aided by the water from your gutters. It’s best to remove the seedlings so their roots don’t burrow into your foundation, causing problems with your home’s stability.
4. Spray for insects. Fall is a good time to prevent vermin and insects from burrowing further into a tree, undermining its health and stability.
5. Wrap trees. Without the cover of leaves, some trees may get winter sun scald, which can damage the bark enough that it may fall off. To prevent sun scald, cover younger trees with a paper tree wrap. Older trees close to the road should be wrapped in burlap to protect them from road salt sprays.
6. Fertilize. Fall is a good time to feed your trees. You may want to test the soil first to ensure you give the trees the nutrients and pH they need.
7. Pull away mulch. There should be a 6-inch space between your tree and the mulch to discourage fungus growth.

What To Do Now

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

In earlier posts, we’ve discussed how to prune your trees. We have also discussed what to prune from your trees, now it’s time to get into “why to prune” your trees.

Pruning and trimming your trees is important. The first point of why it’s important to trim your trees is for your tree’s health. By trimming and pruning on a regular basis, it allows your tree to grow properly. It gives new buds and shoots the ability to grow. It also allows for proper root structure development.

The next reason it is important to regularly trim and prune your trees is to allow proper air flow throughout all the branches. If any of the branches and limbs of your tree aren’t allowed to breath properly after being wet, mold and fungus could be allowed to grow.

As mentioned in previous posts, proper trimming and pruning allows for the removal of hazards. Falling tree limbs and branches are a common occurrence here in the Tri-Cities.

Another overlooked reason for proper trimming and pruning is to allow better sunlight to reach whatever is growing beneath your tree. You may have a garden or flowerbed nearby that isn’t getting the light that it needs due to an overgrown tree.

A very simple reason for pruning and trimming your trees could be for a better view. You may be living in a neighborhood like Canyon Lakes, Panoramic Heights, or any given neighborhood in South Richland and may want a better view of the area.

What To Do Now

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

It really comes to looking for a few simple things things when it comes to pruning your trees. Here is what you need to look for when getting ready to prune or trim your tree:

• dead branches
• broken & dead branches
• diseased branches

Pruning Dead Branches

The first thing to look for when looking to prune your trees are any dead branches. Dead branches pose a risk to you, your home, or anyone walking in close proximity to the tree.

Pruning Broken & Damaged Branches

The second thing to look for when wanting to prune or trim your tree are any broken or damaged limbs. Like dead branches, broken or damaged trees pose a risk to your home, property like cars and trucks, or anyone walking nearby. These broken, damaged, or dead branches become even more dangerous during wind storms like the ones we have here in the Tri-Cities.

Pruning Diseased Branches

It is important to prune diseased branches. Diseased branches can end up killing the entire tree. It is important to catch and prune diseased branches as soon as possible.

What To Do Now

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