The frigid cold of winter or the harsh heat of summer, which do you prefer? I’ll take the cold instead of the summer heat as most of the trees in Arizona would agree.
Summer season taxes trees and winter offers a time to store energy and make preparations for the grueling heat waves to come. As temperatures change, the importance of proper tree care is critical.
The majority of us have heard the term photosynthesis- 6H2O + 6CO2 ---> C6H12O6+ 6O2. If you’re a scientist you might understand that but for the rest of us it is how the energy of sunlight helps tree leaves produce food. This is an important factor to consider while pruning so that a tree does not decline in health or promote improper growth habits. Among the most common pruning objectives are fire prevention, crown thinning, structural pruning, view clearance, deadwood removal, corrective pruning and hazard pruning. A tree care professional will evaluate your trees to assure the right pruning method is selected and performed correctly.
Speaking of health decline in trees, there are health programs available that can prevent further health loss and preserve or revive a tree that looks like it is ready to succumb. Poor soil conditions, diseases, drought, extreme temperatures, competition, and wind are just some of the natural stresses our trees are faced with today. Added stress to trees from development, soil compaction, over watering and improper pruning can be avoided or corrected by an arborist.
All living organisms, including our trees need a good source of nutrients to not only grow but to survive. After a tree becomes stressed it is an easy target for such pest as the bark beetle. Other symptoms of a lack of nutrients are stunted growth, yellowing leaves, dead needles, dead limbs, smaller blooms, smaller fruit, and insect infestation. To prevent losing one or more of your trees, hire a certified arborist to assure the health, vigor, and most importantly the survival of your trees.
Matthew McGeary
Certified Arborist
The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co.