Spring Tree Service Tips

Spring is right around the corner, and your tree service appointment is likely on your mind. It might seem that if your trees are mature and haven’t had any major problems, they’re self-sufficient. Unfortunately, that’s not true. They might be low maintenance, but no tree is zero maintenance. Healthy trees don’t just grow on trees, and spring is the perfect time to get your landscaping off to a great start. Your trees and shrubs need spring cleaning, too. If your holiday lights are still up in your trees, take them down. Leaving strands wrapped around trees can cause damage over time, including stunting a tree’s growth. If you have winter wraps for protection, it might be time to remove them. This depends on where you live and if winter is truly over! Sitting Pre

Tree-Trimming Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Tree trimming is easy, right? That’s a common misconception, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may do more harm than good! Not only is there a plethora of mistakes you can make trimming trees, it’s also dangerous. You can only do so much to dictate where a big, heavy branch ultimately will land. Even climbing a ladder just a few steps can lead to a fall. When it comes to tree trimming, it’s almost always best to leave it to a professional. One of the most common mistakes is topping ― unceremoniously lopping off the top of the tree. If you have a tree that’s too big for where it was planted (which is common), topping is often seen as a quick fix. But when you cut off the top of a tree, you end up with an ugly landmark right in your yard. Worse, you�

Tree Care and the Farmer’s Almanac

When planning the care you provide your trees, have you taken the Farmer’s Almanac into account? The 2016 predictions have been released, and Utah is slated for a dry and mild season. “Unseasonably mild temperatures” are forecast, with a little less rain than Utahns are used to. The good news is that precipitation levels will be closer to normal after months of overly dry conditions for the state and the rest of the southwest. What does this mean for your landscaping activities? For many in Utah, it means you can keep gardening and planting year-round with minimal watering duties! You’ll also have to endure fewer insects, and you might even be able to indulge in a smorgasbord of a winter crop. Cool-season veggies and flowers will thrive, so think primroses and pansi

Fruit Tree Planting Time Is Now

February and fruit trees go together like Valentine’s Day and chocolates! As one of the rainiest months of the year, it’s also one of the busiest for gardeners. Heavy rains can reach tree roots and get rid of irrigation water salts, making this the perfect month to plant fruit trees and rose bushes. However, it’s best to do the actual planting in dry soil, so wait for a dry spell before you think of doing any planting. You can squeeze a fistful of soil to see if it sticks together — if it does, it’s still a little too wet. This time of year presents other weather problems too, however, like gusty winds. If any limbs break off of your fruit trees, you might need to prune them to re-balance them. A lopsided tree can look silly, or at worst, topple over. Garden Prep I

Know Your Arborist

There are many types of arborists, just like there are many types of trees! Arboriculture is the profession of tree and shrubbery care. Arborists optimize our quality of life by choosing, planting and maintaining trees. When well cared for, plants can add immense value to a home or public area with their bright colors and ability to filter air and purify drinking water. Trees also offer shade, lowering HVAC costs while simultaneously minimizing pollution and upping home values. Sadly, the average tree in an urban neighborhood only lives 60 years. In a rural area, these trees can live hundreds of years. When surrounded by urban sprawl, trees need a lot of help. Without the care of an arborist, they can turn from key resource to expensive burden. Today, arborists are more imp