Tips & Advice

Winter Damage

In the spring and summer months many people ask the question,” What is the matter with my trees and shrubs?" Although each case is different, many times it can be attributed to winter damage. Winter weather can be
extremely stressful on our trees and shrubs. There are many different types of winter damage. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of species of trees and shrubs. What you can look for and do to reduce your trees chance of winter damage?
Abnormally low temperatures in early autumn and in late spring can cause tip die back and bud death. To help prevent this damage, select and plant trees and shrubs which are hardy to your temperature zone. Also, avoid heavy
watering and fertilizing in autumn. This can lead to the production of late new growth which is susceptible because it has not had time to "harden off" before winter.

Water Management

Many trees show signs and symptoms of stress due to lack of water. It is vital that you properly water your trees and shrubs on a regular basis. Water is the main component of all living things. Virtually all living cells and tissues need water and the lack of it will cause your trees to decline and die. In trees and plants, water is the pathway in which nutrients and minerals are circulated. Without water, photosynthesis (the
process in which carbohydrates and sugars are converted into energy) would cease to exist.
Trees lose water through a process called transpiration. Transpiration pulls water up throughout the tree from the root system. When the water loss through transpiration exceeds the trees ability to take up water from the
soil, the tree wilts. At this point the tree then begins to shut down certain necessary processes due to lack of water. The tree now becomes susceptible to other problems such as disease and insect infestation. It may also start dropping leaves and the tissue of the branch tips may start to
die back. This drought process can take many years to show up and some species of trees may never completely recover.

Too much water can cause tree roots to suffocate and is as bad as too little.

So how much and how often should you water your trees? This depends on the species and the size of the tree. Here are a few general guidelines that may help you in the watering of your trees:
Fewer, deep root watering is better than frequent, shallow watering (once a week during dry conditions and once every 3 weeks during regular conditions). Use a deep root watering probe on low pressure no deeper than 300mm below ground level. Apply probe every 3 feet around the drip line of
the tree. The length of soaking per hole depends on the moisture of the soil, 5-7 minutes should be adequate during normal conditions. Deep root watering has an added benefit of breaking up compacted soil which allows oxygen to reach the roots. This is especially important in the urban setting
where there is a thick layer of sod planted on top of the trees roots. If you don\'t have a deep root watering probe use a drip hose and water for about 15-20 minutes two or three times a week during drought conditions. Remember to reduce the amount of watering in the late summer to early
autumn.

Mornings are the best time of day to water. Evaporation is minimized, and the foliage has time to dry during the day.
If we get a heavy, soaking rain, then you can skip a watering.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your trees and shrubs please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Benefits Of Mulching

What is mulch? Mulch is organic matter which covers the soil. The organic ground cover in a bush or forest setting (leaf and needle litter) decomposes, and naturally provides nutrients for trees and other plant life.
In the urban environment, we plant grass over root systems and rake up our leaves in autumn. By doing so we create a difficult environment for trees to grow in. Adding a proper layer of mulch around your trees will help to simulate a natural forest setting by returning nutrients back into the soil, which in turn, helps to replenish the soil.
Aside from aesthetic benefits, mulching improves soil structure by adding organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. In addition, it moderates soil temperatures, helps in water retention, reduces competition from other
plants and grass, reduces soil compaction and suppresses weeds. By placing a layer of mulch around your trees, you reduce the chance of lawnmower and weed trimmer damage. These benefits create a natural and healthy environment
for your trees roots and help promote proper tree growth and survival.
Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch as far out as landscaping allows. Do not apply deeper than 4 inches, & don’t pile against the trunk.

Wood chips, sterilized bark chips, and composted leaves are the best materials for mulching. Use care and focus on the needs of the tree when applying mulch. Root suffocation can be the result if too much mulch is applied at one time. It is best to keep adding small amounts of mulch over time.
A recent U.S. Forest Commission study found that organic mulching is better than nonorganic fertilizers. Manufactured fertilizers can scorch roots and stunt growth if not properly mixed with the soil and in many cases provide no substantial benefit to a tree\'s health at all. Proper mulching is the key!