Archive for the ‘Tree Care’ Category

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Wet Weather Tree Care

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Effective wet weather tree care can yield beautiful results when the growing season arrives. Winter is not the time to hang up your garden gloves and neglect your plants. Protect your ornamental, heritage and fruit trees from disease, rot and untimely death by preparing them for the cold temperatures and rainy season ahead. 

Wet weather tree care tips:

  • Winter fertilizer is important. It gives the tree the vitamins it needs to withstand fluctuating temperatures and resist disease. Take care to follow recommended guidelines; over fertilizing can harm your plants.
  • Don’t prune your trees excessively as you damage or kill them. A tree care specialist knows exactly when and how much to cut.
  • Insulate your trees against the cold and wet weather by putting mulch around the base and wrapping trunks, especially for young trees.
  • Prevent serious root and trunk damage by applying protective and healing treatments before the cold sets in.
  • Treat disease and pest infestations to prevent further damage.
  • Protect your trees from storm damage by giving weak branches and limbs the support they need. Timely attention after a storm will also prevent tree loss by nurturing them back to health.

 Wet weather tree care is an important part of tree maintenance. Engage Certified Arborists to preserve and protect your precious investments throughout the year.

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Holiday Planting Layout and Employee Safety

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Every holiday planting layout must make provisions for employee safety. Taking proper precautions while placing your ornamental plants, lighting, Christmas trees and other holiday décor will reduce the risk of fire, injuries and your liabilities. Also, keep in mind tree safety when decorating your landscape. 

Here are some guidelines to ensure a beautiful and accident-free holiday season: 

  • Take the time to make a holiday planting layout so that you know exactly where everything will be placed before you start out.
  • Plants and decorations should not impede vision in crowded areas like entryways, corridors and parking lots.
  • Inspect the place you plan to set up the Christmas tree(s) or other decorative items, keeping enough room for clearance at the top and sides. These areas should be free of heat sources and vents/ducts.
  • Choose a Christmas tree that doesn’t shed needles easily to keep the tree from drying out and minimize the risk of fires. Use a suitably sized stand, preferably one with wide legs for better stability.
  • When placing the tree and holiday planters, ensure they do not inconvenience employees or customers – they should not block doorways and footpaths. Anchor them properly to prevent tipping over.
  • Make sure that all the wiring for your holiday lighting is above ground and tucked safely out of the way to prevent tripping.
  • Use indoor and outdoor lights (that have been tested) as directed by the manufacturer. Take care not to string more than the recommended amount together.
  • When stringing lights across your outdoor trees, follow all the tree safety guidelines to prevent unnecessary stress and damage. Also, make sure the decorations are properly secured.
  • Lawn lights and decorations should also be properly anchored to prevent them from blowing away.

 An established landscape maintenance company can take care of your holiday planting layout guaranteeing an attractive landscape and eliminating safety concerns. 

Contact an experienced landscaper who is well-versed in holiday planting layout and employee safety.

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Custom Tailored Tree and Plant Fertilization Programs

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Custom Tailored Fertilization Programs

Custom tailored fertilization programs provide the specialized care that your plants and trees require. Vibrant trees and plants are rarely the result of general, off-the-shelf solutions and we can match the right materials and feeding schedule your landscaped areas and grasses need.

What are the advantages of customized tree fertilization programs?

  • Correct diagnosis: Effective solutions are the result of knowing your trees’ needs. A professional tree assessment will determine exactly what you’re dealing with enabling you to take the right course of action.
  • Problem-oriented solutions: General applications are typically trial-and-error. If they work, the solution is only temporary and doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Custom tailored fertilization programs deliver specific solutions to quickly restore tree health.
  • Species-specific care: Oaks, palms and fruit trees have very precise requirements. All-purpose tree fertilization treatments don’t provide the specialized care that each species requires.
  • Matching your growing conditions: Soil and climate play an important role in tree health. In order to be effective, treatments must take your individual landscape and growing conditions into account.

Maintaining tree health is a time-consuming and continuous effort. Custom tailored fertilization programs provide the detailed attention and proven treatments that boost tree health. Hiring an experienced landscape management company will get you the results you’re looking for.

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Tree and Shrub Pruning

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Tree and shrub pruning is essential to the health and vibrancy of your plants. Overgrown foliage looks untidy and is a breeding ground for insects and disease. It can also become a safety hazard. However, it’s equally important to get it done right.

Tips on Tree and Shrub Pruning

  • Timing is important: Experts suggest trimming when the plants are going into the dormant stage or when growth is slowing down. (Usually in the fall or at the beginning of winter.) Pruning trees and shrubs in spring when they are starting to blossom can negatively affect their health and growth.
  • Know your trees and shrubs: Each plant has a specific growth pattern and care. Understand its branch and leaf structure before you use the clippers. Or you may spoil the beautiful natural look of your trees and shrubs.
  • Don’t over prune. Over trimming can damage your beautiful trees and shrubs. Whether you want to reduce the thickness or height of shrubs, give them a particular shape or maintain trees at a certain height, knowing how much to cut can prevent early demise.
  • Cut at an angle: It’s usually best to cut at an angle. It improves plant health and avoids the unsightly white tips that are a result of those straight cuts.
  • Use the right tools: Having the proper clippers, loppers and scissors makes the job easier and eliminates plant damage. Electric clippers are probably the fastest way to get the work done, but they can be difficult to control and don’t always cut at the desired angle. Tree and shrub pruning takes time and must be done carefully.

If you’re looking to enhance curb appeal and extend plant life, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced landscaping company for tree and shrub pruning. They will get the job done in an appropriate and safe manner.

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Palm Tree Care in Northern California Winters

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Palm tree care in the winter helps your beautiful palms prepare for whatever winter throws their way. Northern California winters can be unpredictable with sudden dips in temperature, freezing cold and strong winds. Prevent serious trunk, tissue and root damage by getting the right treatment before the cold sets in.

Evaluate your current palm tree care services. 

  • Protective shields for trees and plants: Whether it’s burlap, blankets or any other protective covering, our experienced arborists determine what’s best for your specific type of palm trees. We create effective barriers against the biting winds and freezing temperatures, especially for old and very young palms. Sudden chills and strong gusts can damage and weaken your trees. We recommend planting palms in an area that’s not totally exposed to the wind. It’s also important to remember that these covers should come off when the temperature warms up or you will be dealing with mold and rot.
  • Soil and mulch covers: Some palms might need a soil or mulch cover rather than a blanket or burlap, or even a combination of both. Flora Terra’s knowledgeable arborists quickly identify the best winter protection for your trees. Our expert palm tree care in winter prevents unnecessary structural damage and palm tree disease.
  • Recovery treatments for weak or ill palm trees: It’s never too late for remedial treatments. We have saved many seriously ill or damaged palms on commercial landscapes in Northern California. Our arborists offer expert remedial treatments (in case you’ve missed out on palm tree care in winter). We know how to effectively deal with root, tissue and trunk damage and promote proper growth in spring.

Vibrant California palms add splendor and brilliance to any landscape. Rely on Flora Terra Landscape Management’s professional palm tree care in winter (as well as year-round maintenance).

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Fruit Tree Care and Maintenance in Northern California Winters

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

There is no substitute for experienced winter care for your delicate fruit trees. Both, quality and quantity of your fruit are hugely impacted by the winter tree care you provide.

It is important to protect your fruit trees with lasting protection from:

  • Cold and freezing temperatures
  • Pest infestations like worms, caterpillars and moths
  • Rodent problems, especially rabbits, moles, squirrels and mice
  • Damage to tree structure and root system

Therefore, when you are considering fruit tree care services, be sure to understand the following items which are important to the long term health of your trees:

  • Expert pruning: Knowing when to prune fruit trees is key to their good health. Dates, cherries, plums, etc. all have a different schedule, as do mature and young fruit trees.
  • Wrapping to prevent insect and rodent problems: Flora Terra’s certified arborists know precisely when wrapping tree trunks is effective and when it needs to be combined with soil and/or mulch covering to increase protection. We also provide insect and rodent control if necessary.
  • Dealing with damage: Damaged tree barks and limbs need attention if you want to preserve overall tree health. Flora Terra offers effective remedies and expert fruit tree care in winter.

Properly maintained and protected fruit trees add property value and aesthetic beauty to commercial and residential properties alike, not to mention seasons of fresh fruit!

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Why Proper Drainage Grading is Important for Tree Health

Friday, December 10th, 2010

Proper drainage grading improves tree health. Soil compaction as well as traffic patterns, construction, and renovation activities affect tree growth because they reduce access to air, water and nutrients. If you want to preserve your heritage and ornamental trees including California native oaks and palm trees you must protect the grades and drainage patterns at least one to two meters around them.

Poor drainage is the number one killer of trees, plants and grasses.  A change in the grading around your trees alters their environment and can stunt growth, cause yellowing of leaves, weaken branches and may even kill them.  Slopes towards trees encourage water collection causing excessive wetness and swamp-like conditions which affect the soil’s drainage capabilities and promote growth of mold and fungus.

If you are unsure what to do, contact a trained tree services professional to show you how you can make your grounds easier to maintain and healthier for your trees and plants.

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What makes palm tree pruning a difficult task?

Sunday, November 21st, 2010
  • The trunk is an extension of its tissue and excessive trimming can cause irreversible damage
  • Roots are not deep but grow in a rootball and are extremely sensitive
  • Ideal number of leaves is specific to each tree and reducing them affects their food production and intake
  • Removing or cutting healthy leaves weakens the tree leaving it vulnerable to wind, disease and pests
  • Decayed or broken leaves must be careful removed to prevent trunk damage
  • Production of seeds and fruit reduces strength and must be dealt with properly
  • Vibrant growth requires comprehensive tree care including tree fertilization and trimming

Phone 800 455 0304 for our expert palm tree pruning, tree care and landscape maintenance services in California.

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Holiday Outdoor Tree Safety – Tree Lighting Setup is Critically Important

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

With the holidays around the corner you’re probably getting ready to light up and show off your heritage and ornamental trees. Even on commercial and business properties, it’s not uncommon to hear of accidents amidst all the festivities. Falls and fire cause serious injuries as well as property damage. A tree on your premises can be a fire hazard if not guarded against. Protect yourself, your employees and visitors, your loved ones and your trees.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Make sure the lights are appropriate for outdoor use.
  • Never connect more than the manufacturer’s recommended number together.
  • Check each set of lights for damaged sockets, loose connections and frayed wires.
  • Test the lighting to see that it is working properly before you put it on a tree.
  • Fasten lights securely to trees.
  • Use grounded outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters are easily available and can be installed by a qualified electrician) and proper wiring.
  • Ensure outlets are above water level (in case it rains) as well as away from sprinklers.
  • Unclog drains and gutters, clean walkways and door passageways to prevent water logging and electrical fires.
  • Beware of cheap, counterfeit products.
  • Turn off outdoor light connections before closing up for the night
  • Consider hiring a professional external holiday decorator (to do take-down too!)

A professional landscape management company has the experience and knowledge to decorate your Northern California property and trees safely. It’s a small price to pay to have a safe and happy holiday season.

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Planting tips near mature trees

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Heritage and ornamental trees like the California native oak and palm trees are sensitive to any change in their immediate surroundings. Disturbing the grade around the roots affects growth and can kill them. This is true not only of young saplings but mature trees as well. So you want to be absolutely sure that the plants around them are compatible and at the prescribed distance.

Here are some helpful pointers to avoid unnecessary damage and disappointment:

  • Steer clear of the drip line (an imaginary line under outermost tips of the branches that forms a circle around the tree)
  • Plant away from tree root zone (approximately 1.5 times the area from the trunk to the drip line) to avoid damaging or disturbing roots
  • Palm trees don’t have deep roots and derive their nourishment from the top soil so ensure proper drainage and leave the area around free
  • Don’t irrigate, plant or disturb the area around the trunk (6 feet in the case of California native oaks )
  • Ensure the plants around are compatible in their water requirements (no summer watering plants like exotic grasses, ivy, azaleas, rhododendrons, etc. around oaks)
  • If you’re not sure which plants are appropriate, ask an arborist or landscape professional
  • Properly installed wood chips, gravel, pebbles, etc. help protect mature tree roots

Trees not only dress up the landscape but help preserve the environment. Protect your trees from unnecessary damage.  Get an established landscape management company to design, install and maintain your garden and mature trees in California.

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