View Reliable Tree Care’s blog!

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 stand a chance against an impending Utah winter. You may do more damage than good, and you’ll be the one cleaning up that mess come spring.

The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

Make sure your trees or shrubs have achieved true dormancy before pruning. This happens earlier for some species than others. However, oftentimes October and November are months in which some trees become dormant. This is also the best time to gauge the shape of the tree and spot insect issues and diseases, simply because it’s easier to see the overall structure. Evergreens are especially good for trimming in dormancy, since they’re gearing up for a hearty spring growth that will keep any wounds hidden.

Autumn is also a great time for tree transplants (as long as they’re small enough). Root pruning can often take place in October, since you want to encourage new growth at the root. Doing so helps the transplant take hold and embrace new surroundings. You also want to make sure that the new location is in healthy soil and there’s plenty of room for future growth.

The Exception to the Rule

It’s always the right time of year to trim diseased or dead wood. The sooner you take care of this problem area, the better. However, doing so can be dangerous, especially if you have large trees or high branches. In this case, hire a professional to do the dirty work. It’s yet another reason why bi-annual arborist inspections are so important. These pros can quickly spot problem areas that you might not notice.

Some homeowners wisely rely on a professional to take care of all their tree trimming, disease/insect control, holiday light stringing and fertilization. While you might have a green thumb and enjoy some aspects of gardening, the bigger projects (like tree removal and trimming) are best completed by experts. Call Reliable Tree Care today for all of your autumn tree-trimming needs, and head into dormancy with a happy, healthy yard.

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 plants, to keep bacteria from growing rampant. Plus, piles of sitting leaves can be irresistible to mice and other pests. However, some tasks you should avoid in autumn, such as fertilizing. In most cases, this should not be done after July 1. Doing so might actually stunt a tree’s growth during dormancy, but check the specifics of your species.

If you’re still picking fruit in autumn, which is common, make sure your technique is down pat. For example, apples should come off the branch with the short stem still attached. If that’s not happening, they’re either not ready to be picked or you’ll need to tweak your picking technique. Don’t let ready fruits hang so long that they drop naturally, since this will cause an excess of nutrients and decay. This problem can be tough to reverse, yet possible with soil and mulch.

Best Autumn Habits

If you’ll be storing/canning fruit, separate the perfect specimens from the subpar. A tiny scratch can spoil an entire jar, even though that fruit might be perfectly good to consume (right now). Put aside the “not quite good enough” fruits to eat immediately. Plan your cooking around your orchard’s offerings to minimize waste and maximize creativity and flavor.

While picking fruit, it can be tempting to start pruning, but resist. Put that task off until spring, since doing so now might accidentally encourage the tree to keep growing. You need to help it slow down for dormancy. Right now is cleanup time, canning time and the time to make sure autumn pests haven’t staked their claim in your yard.

Already have enough on your plate this fall? Call the pros at Reliable Tree Care for all your fruit tree care, trimming and tree-related needs.

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 just about any mammal hair, you can also call a local salon or barbershop to see if they can or do save hair for donations like this — many do!

Matches (not just for bathrooms)

Make sure you soak your used match in water first, then tuck it into the soil near the plant for a magnesium boost. This is a great organic use of a match that’s already used anyway. Just be careful in extremely dry weather and make sure the match is cool before planting it. Otherwise, it can burn the roots at best and start a fire at worst.

Banana Peels

Recent health reports are highlighting the benefits of eating banana peels yourself. However, if that just isn’t appealing, don’t toss them. Bananas and their peels are an excellent source of potassium for plants — especially roses. In fact, it’s a trick of many rose award winners, and this technique encourages your family to eat more fruit, too.

Coffee Grounds

Many Americans are picking up on this trend, and it’s a great way to make sure every last drip of your morning cup is put to use. For a long time, it was rumored that grounds were acidic and harmful to plants. Not true! They’re actually brimming with nitrogen and a great addition to your landscape. If you’re not a coffee addict, ask your local café for their used grounds. Many shops are happy to give them away.

Grass Clippings

Do you dread mowing your lawn because of the inevitable raking that follows? It turns out that grass clippings are a natural fertilizer, so feel free to leave them strewn about. However, they do need to be relatively short, otherwise you risk killing the growing grass underneath. Aim to cut no more than 1 inch, and your ground will get a jolt of much-needed nitrogen.

Fertilizing your trees and plants is a vital part of the gardening experience, but it can be time-consuming. For best results, call Reliable Tree Care and let a professional team take care of fertilizing trees and shrubs for you.

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 Tree

Preventing insect invasion is a lot easier, faster and more cost-effective than tackling them post-infection. Hire a tree expert to examine your trees each spring and fall, since the telltale signs of a pest problem aren’t always obvious. Regular trimming and pruning can go a long way in preventing infestations, plus they ensure an arborist is always up close and personal with your trees.

Young trees can be more susceptible to an infestation, especially if they’re an uncommon species in your neighborhood. (Insects are attracted to different types of trees and species — you might be the only homeowner offering up a tasty ash tree in a 5-mile radius!) However, a tree expert can spot early warning signs and help you get the problem under control in an eco-friendly way (if you prefer) before the issue gets out of hand.

Taking Care of Creepy Crawlies

Spiders and slugs (though technically not crawly) can be a nuisance. Unfortunately for arachnophobes, what Mom said was true and spiders really do eat bugs that might bite you or eat your garden. If you can put up with them, and their cobwebs, it’s best to let these garden regulars stay.

Slugs are a different story. These nuisances are renowned for loving beer so much you can even find commercial beer traps on the market. However, all you really need is a cup of yogurt with a little booze, or a near-empty longneck planted near the flower beds, and they’ll crawl right in and drown.

The Dreaded Cucaracha & Friends

Cockroaches are long known as the ultimate in filth, and other insects don’t have a much better reputation. If you’re dealing with these, you know that any home or garden can easily become infested because they have the ability to home in on even a single crumb. If your trees and plants are providing an irresistible home to cockroaches or other bugs, contact Reliable Tree care for fast, effective and harmless-to-human tree insect control.

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 knowing your trees are as healthy as they can be. Give them a boost with fertilization, from foliar fertilizing treatments to deep-root feedings. Fertilization cycles depend on your region, the plant species and its age, but a trusted arborist will know if your greenery needs the help of fertilizer and which option is best.

If you have fruit trees, chances are high that you’ve enjoyed your bounty for the year. However, that doesn’t mean these trees are safe and sound. They might be falling victim to dormant oil, codling moths or borers, which are tough problems for non-arborists to spot. If you want to make sure you have fruit to enjoy next year, these trees could use a little extra attention.

All the Trimmings

Your picnic table isn’t the only place in the back yard that will have all the trimmings this Labor Day weekend. Your trees need trimming too, whether you need removal of dead or overgrown branches, crown restoration or a little shaping for autumn. Make sure the branch structure is properly trimmed and shaped, especially if you plan to use trees for Halloween decorations.

Holiday lighting is also popular, with many homeowners opting for white twinkle lights for late-night autumn BBQs. You might also be prepping for the haunting season, picking up orange and purple lights to string around the home. However, if you want all the beauty of lighting without any of the trouble or risks, now is the time to hire an expert to string lights for you. What might seem like an easy job of tree and roof lighting can quickly get overwhelming.

Is your yard in shape for autumn? It’s a major job, and non-experts can easily overlook red flags. Wait too long to care for your trees and plants, and it might be too late (especially if a disease or full pest infestation is at play). Contact Reliable Tree Care to schedule your Labor Day weekend tree services and head into autumn with the best yard on the block.

It’s a surprise for many first-time homeowners: Tree services are an integral part of maintaining your property. If you’re lucky enough to have older trees on your property, know that they also require ongoing maintenance just like young trees and saplings. What kind of tree services do you need? Read on to find out.

Trees and shrubs are alive, and just like humans they can be vulnerable to diseases, the elements and pests. They can get too big, fail to thrive and you may want to dress them up for holidays. Greenery dramatically improves the landscape of any home, and you want to ensure your trees are both healthy and not a threat to your home (such as with overhanging branches).

Here are just a few critical tree services many Utah homeowners need in their lifetimes:

• Disease control: Bacteria, fungi and pathogens are just some of the common causes of diseases among trees, although some trees are vulnerable to lesser-known ailments. It’s not always obvious that a tree is diseased, especially in the early stages of infection. Only an arborist can know for certain if a tree is diseased, and the best way to treat it if it is. Often, when caught in time, a tree can be saved, which is usually preferable to cutting it down.
• Insect control: You’re not the only one admiring your landscape. Beetles, borers, aphids and spider mites are just a few of the insects that may take a liking to your tree. Mammals, such as deer, or certain birds also may consider your trees or shrubs a free-for-all buffet. Your arborist can employ organic and cruelty-free ways of managing insect control.
• Fertilization: Sometimes trees and shrubs need a little help thriving, especially in their younger days. From deep-root feeding to foliar fertilizer and everything in between, fertilizing might sound easy — but one wrong move and you do more harm than good. Rely on a pro to take care of fertilizing so you can sit back and watch your tree thrive.
• Fruit tree care: These types of trees sometimes need a little extra TLC. They face unique pest situations, and what happens when fruit bearing becomes an issue? A great arborist can help literally bring your landscape to fruition.
• Trimming: Trimming is essential for durable branch structure, crown restoration and shaping. However, it’s also a dangerous task that requires extensive knowledge and training. Too much or too little trimming, and you’re in trouble.
• Holiday lighting: It’s not just for the winter holidays anymore. Dress up your trees for a special event like a wedding, in patriotic colors for your Fourth of July evening barbeque or in pink for a Valentine’s Day proposal.

Call Reliable Tree Care today for comprehensive tree services throughout the SLC area.

The ideal tree trimming season is when the plant is dormant, which is winter for the majority of trees and shrubs. However, year-round pruning is often necessary. The worst time to prune is in the spring, but late summer can prove an ideal trimming season in some instances. Dead branches and limbs can be trimmed at any time, and in late summer, when the leaves begin to thin, it can be easier to spot dead areas. Can’t tell if a branch is dead or not? Scrape it lightly with your fingernail—it there’s green underneath, it’s alive. If not, grab the trimmers.

Spring blooming plants can be pruned immediately after the last blossoms fall, which varies from plant to plant. For many plants, this happens in the autumn, which makes late August the perfect time to start watching for the final flowers to drop. However, be careful with moving from plant to plant. You might unknowingly carry diseases on your pruning shears, so rub them down with rubbing alcohol between each plant.

Keeping Trim This Summer

Every species has a best time to prune, so make sure you research the trees and plants in your yard. If this isn’t your forte, or you simply don’t have time, it’s a good idea to hire a skilled landscaper or arborist. These professionals are familiar with all of Utah’s plants and can help manage your yard, which will keep it looking gorgeous year-round. Feeling like a DIY approach is feasible? Make sure you know the proper pruning schedules of some of the most common plants:

• Almonds (flowering): Pruning should take place right after blossoming and in the summer months.

• Arborvitae: Late summer through early winter is the ideal season to prune this popular plant.

• Azaleas: Prune immediately after blossoming, and make sure to remove any hanger-on flower clusters as you go.

• Clematis: If you have a summer bloomer, it’s best to prune in late summer and early fall.

• Euonymus: You can begin pruning both deciduous and evergreen varieties in the autumn, and this practice can continue throughout the winter.

• Hydrangeas: For summer blooms, begin pruning in the autumn.

• Juniper: Autumn is the season for juniper trimming, but ensure the plant is dormant first.

• Mock orange: One of the few plants that calls for mid-summer pruning, August is the perfect time to start.

• Pussy willow: Mid-summer is a great time to start pruning, although you can begin earlier, as long as blossoming has begun.

• Quince: Prune in mid to late summer, then switch to cutting back to the ground come autumn.

• Wisteria: New growth should be pruned in late summer for shaping.

The unique needs of your trees, shrubs and plants depend on the variety, where you live in Utah and the seasonal shifts. For the best results, call Reliable Tree Care and have a local arborist take care of your tree trimming needs year-round.

Your arborist is your go-to source for all things trending in landscapes. The reality is that your back yard isn’t very different from the inside of your home, and both locations can be outdated. You wouldn’t go without updating your living room for 20 years, and the same care should be taken with your landscape architecture and tree trimming. Just like everywhere else, a move toward sustainability is taking place in back yards everywhere, and it’s time you caught up.

Drought-tolerant, native plants are not only environmentally friendly, but also easy on the pocketbook. Foraging is also enjoying a big comeback – planting food-bearing plants such as fruit trees and having herbs double as design elements are both beautiful and sensible ideas.

Easy Trends to Try

Introduce as many natural, native and foodie-based plants as possible. Over-thought, seemingly processed landscapes are out. After all, who has the time and energy to keep up a lawn that looks like an extra for the Edward Scissorhands neighborhood? Instead, focus on incorporating high-quality, natural materials such as river rocks that you can gather yourself. The 2009 recession wasn’t all bad, especially when it comes to landscaping, since it pushed arborists toward getting creative and green with their strategies.

During the McMansion era, showy landscapes were all the rage. However, it’s important that your home is your sanctuary, which means cozy, comfortable and real. Water is soothing, and you can spend as much (or as little) as you like when it comes to koi ponds or fountains. Keep natural in mind when updating your garden.

Blend the Lines Between Indoors and Outdoors

If you haven’t updated your patio furniture in a decade, this is a utilitarian place to start. Outdoor living rooms are extremely popular for a good reason. Newer, more durable materials and sleeker designs make creating an outdoor relaxation space a breeze. Incorporate existing trees into the living space of your back yard, perhaps with elegant holiday lighting or a hammock.

The term pets can also extend beyond cats and dogs. Take the natural approach a little further, and consider adding chickens to your backyard. While this isn’t necessarily a landscape trend, it’s definitely a way-of-life trend. Having truly farm fresh eggs brings a touch of rural life to any home (even if you’re in the suburbs). However, it’s also critical to take care of insect and pest control, since your trees and shrubs might be too tempting a sanctuary for them, too.

Great Things in Small Packages

Going smaller is the overall trend, which means outdoor rooms and cozy arrangements. Raised beds are being made with stainless steel, recycled metals and anything green. Fruits are also being introduced alongside herbs and veggies. It can be fairly easy to raise a citrus tree or columnar apple tree, depending on where you live.

When it comes to landscape architecture, thankfully we’re going back to basics. Shop locally, get creative and don’t skimp on quality. Connect with Reliable Tree Care for all your arborist and edible garden needs today.

What does your arborist know that you don’t? Quite a bit — as arborists should, considering the extensive training required to become certified. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the big kahuna of credentials and certification for arborists. Six ISA certifications are available, each of which requires an exam. The six certifications are:

• ISA Certified Arborist: In order to be eligible, applicants must have 3-plus years of experience in a full-time job working in arboriculture and/or they must have achieved a degree in forestry, horticulture, arboriculture or landscape architecture from an accredited institution.
• ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist: Candidates need at least 2,000 hours of experience in a two-year window specializing in electric utility vegetation management (tree trimming). Alternatively, they may have 4,000 hours in 10 years as a consultant in said field. Test topics include integrated vegetation management, program management and utility pruning.
• ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist: Candidates must already hold ISA Certified Arborist credentials and have selected municipal arboriculture or urban forestry as a specialization. At least three extra years of niche work experience is required managing and maintaining urban trees. Additionally, they must prove experience in policy planning at the municipal level, in public relations, administration and communication.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist: Skill, knowledge and physical capabilities must be proven in order to receive this certification. Safety is a top concern, which is why both a class test and field test are required. Candidates must also be trained in CPR, first aid and aerial rescue.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist: Candidates must show that they can act safely as an aerial lift operator. CPR and first aid certifications are required, and applicants are tested on trunk/tree inspection as well as standard safety procedures.
• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist: This is the most intensive and highly regarded certification available from the ISA, and it can take many years to achieve. Scenario-based exams are required and a code of ethics is vowed. In fact, only 2 percent of practicing arborists hold it.

Additional certifications and conditions may be required based on individual company policies and state regulations. Many companies require a degree in a related field and some field experience before taking on a potential arborist — even as an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs are numerous, and some companies or organizations offer their own. For example, the Utah Community Forest Council offers a fantastic apprenticeship program that prepares future arborists to become integral parts of tree-trimming businesses and agencies.

Additional insurance and licensing may also be required. When hiring an arborist, make sure to get copies of all related certifications and insurance. If a worker isn’t certified or licensed and gets hurt on your property, you don’t want to be held liable. To protect yourself (and your trees), call Reliable Tree Care — your local tree-trimming and arborist service that guarantees only the best professional services.

If you’re looking for tree and shrub fertilization tips, it seems like everyone has a different opinion — and with good reason. The best fertilization strategies depend on the plant, its age, the region, current weather conditions and what your preferences are. (Organic? Open to manmade chemicals? Not sure?) Money also plays a factor, since different fertilizers come with different price tags. Younger trees and shrubs require more fertilization, around three times per year on average. The best time for young tree and shrub fertilization is early in the spring before buds form, early in the summer once the leaves have opened and in autumn as the leaves start to fall (if applicable).

However, older trees only need fertilization once or twice per year. It might seem like fertilization options are endless, but there are really only three types: spikes, liquid and granulated. Spikes are just what they sound like: Spikes that are inserted into the ground near the tree or shrub, which slowly release fertilizer in a continuous stream. This is by far the easiest method. For those without a green thumb or who have a busy schedule, spikes can virtually do the work for you.

Choose Your Weapon

Liquid fertilizers are just what they sound like, but they have to be sprayed (not poured!). That’s the only way to guarantee even coverage that isn’t too little and isn’t too much. Finally, granulated fertilizers are available as a pellet or a powder. You can fertilize with your hand, or use a simple drop spreader. No one fertilizer is better than another, because it all depends on your preference, skills and time.

When fertilizing trees and shrubs, begin one foot away from the trunk or base. Otherwise, you risk “bark burn.” Slowly work your way out to the drip line (where the farthest branches reach). Right after fertilizing, water the tree or shrub area very well to get rid of any sitting fertilizer. Watering also helps direct the fertilizer to the roots, optimizing your efforts. Spread rates vary from fertilizer to fertilizer, so remember to take note of any specific recommendations. If possible, mark off the area with posts or tape for at least 24 hours so the fertilizer isn’t disturbed or accidentally touched by children.

Finishing Touches

After fertilizing, apply two inches of mulch below your trees or shrubs — shredded leaves or bark works well. Adding in organic matter boosts the effectiveness of your fertilization, helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds from popping up. Aim to keep one to two inches of mulch under your trees at all times, checking monthly for necessary touch-ups.

Prefer to have a professional handle fertilization for you? You’re not alone. Call Reliable Tree Care for all your tree and shrub fertilization needs, and give your own green thumb a break.