Tree-Trimming Tips for Cooler Months

It’s nearly tree-trimming season, but how soon is too soon? You don’t want to start trimming too early, since this can be harmful to shrubs and trees. The general rule of (green) thumb is to wait until the leaves are falling, but that window can vary greatly, depending on the species and your region. It’s probably safe to prune one or two wayward branches, but cutting large limbs or crown thinning should be put on the back burner until autumn is in full swing. In the early autumn, wounds from pruning are slow to heal. This makes your plants vulnerable to diseases. In some cases, you may want to wait as late as winter or even early spring. Plus, keep in mind that pruning during early autumn can encourage new growth. That sounds like a good move, but that new growth doesn’t st

Fruit Tree Care for Autumn

Fruit tree care doesn’t end with the warm summer months. Many fruit trees are still in full bloom during the harvest season, while many others need special attention this time of year to prep them for the cold season — and a bountiful harvest next year! Autumn is also the season to make sure your fruit trees are healthy. Most are preparing for dormancy, and you want to be certain that next year’s spring flowering/fruiting will happen on schedule. It all starts with watering. Don’t skimp on this, and know that most fruit-bearing trees need the same amount of water throughout October that they did in the summer. Back to School, Back to the Garden Few people enjoy raking, but it can be a great workout and meditative practice. Raking needs to be done, especially right next to

Tree and Shrub Fertilization around the World

There’s more than one way to fertilize trees and shrubs, and different approaches can be found in every corner of the globe. Some are more effective than others, some are greener and some work better based on the tree, shrub and climate. If you want to get creative, check out some of the more innovative ways to ensure thriving greenery. However, if you really want the best results, depend on your local arborist who knows which strategies are best for your environment and precious plants. A Hairy Situation In developing countries, you use what’s readily available for fertilizer. Hair, both human and animal, is a proven fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen. Even better, it’s a natural deer repellant, which makes it a viable choice for many in the United States. While you can use

Tree Insect Control a Must for Your Home and Garden

Do you have tree insects under control? It doesn’t matter how good your garden looks if you’re dealing with unwanted guests. Everything from aphids to a locust invasion can instantly kill a look and can prove to be embarrassing at barbecues or dinner parties. Unfortunately, the stigma about having pests still persists, and often it has little to do with how clean your digs (or lawn!) are. However, you also don’t want to bombard yourself and your family with potentially harmful chemicals. Calling in a chemical-heavy terminator might fix the problem with pesticides, but at what cost? The good news is that you can find plenty of green — and sometimes cruelty-free — ways to get rid of pests. A green arborist can get your property gorgeous again safely. First Up: Prepping Your

Top Tree Services for Labor Day Weekend

Get your final summer tree services taken care of by the last hot weather holiday — Labor Day — but leave the labor to the professionals. Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, taking it easy or heading out of town for the long weekend, make sure your to-do list includes scheduling tree services. Autumn is right around the corner, and trees and shrubs need a little TLC (especially if they’re not evergreens). Start by getting insects under control. It’s prime season for aphids, beetles, scale and spider mites to take over, and nipping that problem in the bug is a must. Fight Disease and Fertilize Next up? It’s disease control for your trees. Whether your plants have a penchant for bacteria and pathogens, tree fungus or another common problem, you want to go into fall knowin