When is the best time to prune shade trees? |
 |
Pruning dead and diseased branches can be done at any time. The best time to
prune a tree is during the dormant stage in the fall and winter, or in the
summer after the leaves are fully expanded.
Back to Top |
 |
When is the best time to prune evergreens and shrubs? |
|
Fortunately, most plants can be pruned at any time of the year.
More importantly, it matters how you prune. Improper pruning can
seriously damage plants.
Back to Top |
|
Why don't tree care professionals apply paint to pruning cuts and wounds? |
|
Research now proves that trees heal better on their own. Proper
pruning cuts will seal naturally and treatments on the wounds may
actually slow this process.
Back to Top |
|
How can you tell a branch is alive when you prune in the winter? |
|
Twigs and branches that are dead are dry, brittle, dark brown and
have no living buds. Experienced Arborists have little trouble
telling the difference.
Back to Top |
|
Why won't you top my trees? |
|
Topping of trees is deemed a non-professional practice for three reasons:
1. It won't work. After being topped, a tree will usually grow back at an
increased rate, trying to regain the leaves it needs to produce its vital
food supply. Another possible result is that the tree will die right away.
2. It is dangerous. Not only is the life expectancy of the tree cut by one-third
to one-half, but there can be extensive internal damage done to the tree,
which often produces a hidden hazard, such as rotted heartwood. In addition,
where there was once one structurally strong branch, there are now numerous
narrow branches that soon will be equally long, but with much less strength
and resistance to breakage.
3. It is expensive. Topping may cost less in the short run. However, the true
costs of topping are hidden. Once a tree is topped, it must be re-done every
few years in order to maintain the newly desired height. The frequent large
wounds provide a perfect entryway for fungi and diseases, which will compromise
the tree's durability.
Back to Top |
|
What is Plant Health Care? |
|
Plant Health Care (PHC) is a holistic approach to landscape design
and maintenance. Plants, when given the proper growing conditions,
are less likely to develop disease and insect problems. While past
methods relied on treating symptoms, PHC emphasizes preventative
treatments that are not only environmentally safer, but more effective
and less costly in the long run.
Back to Top
|
|
If I have a pest control application done this year, must I do the same next year? |
|
Once you have gotten a pest situation under control, it is best to
have us inspect the plants periodically in order to keep the pests
under control. After an inspection, we can determine if further
application is necessary.
Back to Top
|
|
If my trees appear okay, why should I be concerned about their health? |
|
Tree health problems in the early stages can be difficult to detect.
Drought, improper location or improper planting can cause stress, Trees
should be inspected annually to identify small problems before they become large ones.
Back to Top
|
|
When is the best time to plant? |
|
In the spring from about mid April until about late June, when the
weather gets too hot and dry. Then again in the fall from
September until the ground freezes.
Back to Top
|
|
How much should I water newly planted shrubs and trees? |
|
You should water them at least once a day to get them established.
Back to Top
|
|
What's the best way to have a vegetable garden? |
|
Vegetable gardens in raised beds are best because they provide better drainage.
Back to Top
|
|
Can you give estimates over the phone? |
|
Generally, no. We must see the actual situation, site, accessibility,
size, and risk of the job involved in order to give an accurate price
and determine the labor, materials, equipment, and time required to
complete the job.
Back to Top
|
|
What is mower blight? |
|
Serious damage occurs when mowers or trimmers strike the base of a tree,
causing wounds that can allow insects and disease organisms to enter a tree.
A ring of mulch will protect the tree.
Back to Top
|
|
What's the best fertilizer to use? |
|
The old adage is best: the gardener's own shadow. If you notice what's going
on with your plants you'll be able to catch problems before they get out of hand.
Back to Top
|
|
Why are there mushroons growing on or near my tree? |
|
Mushrooms can be a sign of decay. A qualified arborist should be
consulted to determine the extent and severity of the potential safety hazard.
Back to Top
|
