With the cooler months on the horizon, are your trees up to it? A long Arizona summer can take its toll and you may have seen some dead wood or thinning out of the foliage, or perhaps just telltale signs of stress. If you are at a loss as to what is required of your trees before winter makes itself known, we can put your mind at ease.
Homeowners in the Quad Cities rely on A and C Tree Services, LLC to see that their trees remain safe and in good health throughout the year. For any questions regarding your property, pick up the phone and call (928) 800-0452. Until then, take a page from these fall tree care tips for the betterment of your landscape.
Why You Should Make Time for Your Trees in Fall
In places like Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Prescott and Dewey-Humboldt, fall is an ideal time for tree care. The worst of the summer heat is behind you and your trees are slowing down to make ready for the cold. With a modicum of effort you will find this is where it counts.
A tree that is in fine fettle going into winter will stand up to wind and the odd storm with far more fortitude. Some forethought now is the best way to avoid trouble down the road.
Do a Winter Inspection
Put in a walk around the yard and give each tree a once over. Be on the lookout for anything amiss that might be a hazard when the weather changes.
What to look for on a fall inspection:
- Branches that are broken, dead or cracked
- Limbs encroaching on the roof, driveway or power lines
- Unusual growths or leaves of a strange color pointing to disease
- Fungus or mushrooms at the trunk
- Any leaning or exposed roots that would indicate the tree is not stable
- Holes in the bark or sawdust from pests
Should you come across such warning signs, have a pro come by. There is no sense in letting a compromised branch become a safety issue when the winter winds come in.
Pruning Done Right
Many species should be pruned in the fall and early winter while they are dormant. It is a sound practice to get rid of diseased or dead wood so the tree can put its energy to better use and there is less chance of a limb coming down.
That said, do not be hasty about it. An ill-advised cut can open a tree to disease. When in doubt as to which limbs to go after, let someone with the training handle it.
Tidy Up the Debris
You will have leaves piling up at the base of your trees. While a light mulch has its place, a matted layer of wet leaves will only hold moisture and attract the likes of pests. Put in the work to clear the trunks of heavy leaf and branch buildup; a new coat of mulch will do nicely to insulate the roots and retain moisture in the cooler weather.
A Word on Watering
Do not think the drop in temperature means your trees can do without water. In Arizona the dryness lingers well into fall and a tree needs its moisture to be strong for winter. Occasional deep watering is preferable to doing it often and shallowly. Younger stock with underdeveloped root systems in particular require your attention.
Leave the Hard Work to the Pros
There are some things you can do yourself, but when it comes to sizeable branches or tall trees near a power line, it is advisable to call in a crew with the proper equipment.
We are a family and veteran owned business, A and C Tree Services, LLC, and our licensed and insured team serves residential and commercial clients in all of the Quad Cities. We are available 24/7 and provide free estimates as well as discounts for veterans and seniors.
For those who want to put tree problems behind them for the year, inquire into one of our maintenance plans. We have monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly arrangements for home and business so the trees are tended to and you do not have to worry about it.
Our team is on hand to assist with whatever you need, be it a cleanup, an inspection or some pruning. Contact A and C Tree Services, LLC at (928) 800-0452 to set up a free estimate and ensure your property is safe and looking its best this season.