Lafayette Tree Service Bringing Sexy Back Into Your Yards

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Best Tips For Sycamore Tree Root Removal

sycamore tree root removal

If you have a sycamore tree on your property, it’s important to be aware of the roots. They can be a nuisance, growing under and around walkways, driveways, and foundations. Many property owners are faced with the task of sycamore tree root removal at some point. While sycamore trees are beautiful and provide shade, their large roots can cause problems for foundations, sidewalks, and driveways. 

Sycamore trees are notorious for growing a deep and wide root system. Additionally, as the tree grows larger, the roots can become more difficult to remove. Removing the sycamore roots as soon as possible is always advisable to prevent further damage. Here are 8 tips for sycamore tree root removal:

Check Local Laws Before Cutting

Tree preservation ordinances are implemented in different states in the United States. The California Sycamore tree belongs to this list. Sycamore roots have the tendency to emerge above the ground surface, however, cutting the roots is limited to a specific time of the year. To be certain, coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in your area or your city council. It is important to be familiar with the local laws. In some cases, you may need a permit before you can begin work.

Schedule Your Root Cutting During Late Winter or Early Spring

The roots of a sycamore tree often emerge above the surface which can cause damage to walkways and other paved surfaces. This is the main reason why regularly cutting their roots is essential. It would be ideal to cut sycamore roots during late winter or early spring. Cutting sycamore tree roots during winter can lead to dehydration. Additionally, avoid cutting the roots after buds start to appear on the tree. This can cause stress which can lead to extensive defoliation, twig death, and shoot dieback.

Locate Roots

This is one of the challenging parts that you need to do before you can begin cutting your sycamore tree roots. Check buckling and warping on the surface areas where you think roots are starting to emerge. Dig down to be able to confirm and locate the roots.

Identify Areas to Cut

Ideally, you need to identify the parts of the sycamore roots that are beginning to grow closer to the ground that may cause damage to your property. You can use a shovel to dig around the trench area on both sides of the roots to further expose it for easier cutting. 

However, locating roots that are under a hard surface can be quite challenging. You might want to seek the help of an arborist to be able to prevent damage to your tree.

Cut the Roots

Cut the smaller roots, preferably the ones with a diameter of 2 inches or less using shears. Try to create a clean cut by cutting straight through the root. You can use a handsaw for roots with bigger diameters.

Remember that you are only limited to no more than 25% of the roots growing under the canopy of the tree when cutting. If you are certain, seek help from an arborist to have your sycamore tree roots cut by a professional.

There are several ways to remove a sycamore tree root. The most common and the least expensive is digging around the roots with a shovel or a pickax. You can also use the root’s natural inclination for climbing against gravity by cutting it off at the base of the tree, but this will take much more time and effort. Regardless of what approach you choose in addressing this root problem, it would be best to seek help from a professional landscaping company or professional.

Consult with an Arborist

Maintaining tree roots in your yard and garden can be quite challenging. The same is true when dealing with invasive sycamore tree roots. Call us at Sexy Trees to put an end to your root problems. We are just a phone call away!

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Affordable Berkeley Tree Services Will Save Your Trees This Winter

affordable Berkeley tree services

In the heart of the winter months, Bay Area residents may worry about their trees and how they will survive. With strong winter winds and heavy rain in this region throughout the season, many trees have fallen — some likely made more vulnerable, experts say, by extreme drought conditions. For those of you living in Berkeley who are wondering if your tree is going to make it through these harsh winters, take a look at our affordable Berkeley tree services!

Droughts Make Trees Vulnerable

California has struggled with droughts for two hundred years, but the 2011 – 2017 drought marked the driest period in all of California’s recorded history. 102 million trees died from that drought alone – the total numbers are even more grim.

“Since 2010, an estimated 150 million trees have died in California’s national forests due to conditions caused by climate change,” including unprecedented drought, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Going into 2022, experts are not optimistic about the drought conditions in California and what that means for our trees.  

Effects of Drought on Trees

When the soil becomes so dry that a tree’s roots can no longer absorb moisture, this is considered a drought. If these conditions persist, the tree’s smaller, hair-like roots will begin to die. Over time, the larger roots will die too. Root loss is very stressful for a tree and increases its susceptibility to a number of insects and diseases. 

When a storm occurs, a drought-weakened tree is much more likely to fall over or drop limbs. Winds can easily topple a tree that has lost its anchor in the soil, and heavy wind and rain can strain the branches that are already struggling. More effects of drought on trees include:

What Can You Do?

If you’re noticing any dead or dying branches on your trees, it’s best to get them trimmed by a certified arborist. Make sure you stake your trees down properly in the case of high winds, and water them deeply and regularly if you’re in an area that’s been experiencing drought conditions. Also, if you’re planning on cutting down any trees, it’s best to get them removed by a professional.

Affordable Berkeley Tree Services

If you’re living in Berkeley, CA and need some affordable tree services to help keep your trees healthy this winter, look no further than Sexy Trees! Our team of certified arborists are here to help with all your tree care needs.

With the recent extreme drought conditions, it is important to take good care of your trees heading into winter. If you are wondering whether or not your tree will make it this season, rest easy: there’s always our Berkeley tree removal services! Our affordable rates and expert arborists come equipped with all of the tools necessary for proper tree care.

Talk To Us Today! Call Our Office at 925-233-6877

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What a Bay Area Certified Arborist Can Do That Your Gardener Can’t

Bay Area certified arborist

When it comes to tree services, you can trust us. We are Bay Area certified arborist who provide comprehensive tree care, maintenance, and removal services.

The Bay Area is a wonderful place to live. With the Bay Bridge connecting Oakland and San Francisco, a world-class airport, and our charming neighborhoods – it’s easy to see why so many people want to call this area home. Bay Area residents have one thing in common – they love their trees! That’s why Bay Area homeowners often hire certified arborists for tree pruning services or sick tree care. Although gardeners have extensive knowledge about all other aspects of garden care, such as structural planting, drainage, lawn maintenance and paving, Bay Area Certified Arborists are experts at all things related to trees. For the unique diseases, weaknesses, or pests that could affect your trees, it’s always best to turn to the experts. 

What Are a Certified Arborist’s Qualifications?

An arborist will have extensively studied the science of trees to develop a specialized knowledge about growing conditions, sick tree care and treating problems such as cankers. They must have a minimum of three years’ full-time working experience in the professional tree care industry and must pass an examination covering arboriculture.

Local arborists (like us!) are also familiar with Bay Area tree trimming regulations (which vary by city) that require proper permits when removing or pruning Bay Area street trees. Not to mention all of the Bay-Area-specific trees that populate the area in droves!

Specialized tools are also required to safely and properly trim or prune a tree. Bay Area arborists use a variety of techniques to trim trees, depending on the species, location, time of year, and age of the tree.

Trust an Arborist for These Two Tree Services 

Sexy Trees offers a variety of services, from routine tree trimming to emergency tree removal and stump grinding. Our Bay Area certified arborist team can also help homeowners comply with city regulations for street trees and provide expert consultation on the best ways to maintain your trees’ health and beauty.

Safely Removing Downed/Fallen Trees

When Bay Area trees fall in storms or strong winds, they can cause major damage to homes and businesses. We are experts at removing downed/fallen trees that have damaged property. It is not safe for a gardener to attempt to remove these large trees without proper training. 

Bay Area Tree Pruning

There are many reasons why homeowners might choose to have Bay Area tree pruning done – from restoring the natural shape of the tree, to removing dangerous limbs or branches. Precise tree pruning is vital not just for the health and longevity of your trees, but also for preserving the beauty and visual appeal of your outdoor areas. Improper pruning by a gardener can result in weak branches and damaged tree surfaces, which encourages the growth of suckers.

Sexy Trees performs a wide range of other tree services all over the Bay Area – visit our website to see how our arborists may be able to help you! 

We’re Bringing Sexy Back (Tree Edition)

If you are looking for a Bay Area certified arborist team that performs excellent service, look no further than Sexy Trees. Our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions! 

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Essential Winter Tree Care Checklist

professional tree care service

Beautiful trees are a homeowner’s most prized possessions, and in winter, they need extra care to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant year-round. This essential winter tree care checklist by our professional tree service providers will explain which treatments you need to do on an annual or biannual basis for the best results. 

1. Prune out deadwood

When trees go dormant in winter, it is the perfect time to prune away any dead or broken branches, as well as those that rub up against one another. Damaged, dead or dying trees can be dangerous in winter, particularly when we get harsh winds that blow trees over. Dormant pruning makes them safer and can also rejuvenate weaker trees by removing dead and diseased wood. Winter pruning also helps promote healthy growth for the next season because overcrowded branches can cut off sunlight to the rest of the tree. For safe pruning, you may be interested in hiring professional tree trimmers. 

2. Remove weeds around your tree

Trees do not like competition for nutrients, so try to keep their roots free of weeds and grasses through regular weeding all year long. If you see tiny seedlings growing near your tree’s trunk, prune them out immediately before they become established. This will help prevent competition for nutrients in the soil, allowing your tree to thrive. 

3. Spread mulch around the root zone

Mulching is a year-round practice that can improve soil quality, conserve water and suppress weed growth, but few people know this essential winter tree care tip. During winter when trees are dormant, spreading mulch around their root zone will reflect sunlight back into the canopy. This warmth encourages healthy root development during the cold months when it is often difficult for roots to grow in search of nutrients in the cold ground. It also discourages weed growth by blocking out sunlight needed for seed germination. 

4. Cover young deciduous trees

Younger trees often grow very tall before they develop full size leaves that offer natural wind protection, making them more susceptible to winter breakage due to heavy snow or ice accumulation on their thin branches. Young deciduous trees need some winter protection for at least two years until they become stronger. Use tree wraps to offer wind protection, which you can purchase online or from your local garden center.

5. Hire professional tree care experts

Winter is the best season to have professional tree care service providers inspect your trees for signs of damage, disease or infestation. It is much easier to deal with problems while they are still small and easy to manage before they become large, expensive issues. If you hire professional arborists in the Bay Area, they will be able to suggest ways to prevent diseases that can limit a tree’s growth.

Contact Your Trusted Bay Area Tree Service

If you are looking for the top professional tree care services, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions! 

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How Root Flare Exposure Affects Tree Health

Birch Tree Roots Removal

One of the biggest overlooked tree care mistakes is a relatively simple one: your tree was planted too deep. If a tree seems to be declining despite efforts to regularly prune it, trim its branches, and give it adequate water, it might be time to take a look at the root cause of the issue (pun intended). In addition to regularly scheduling maintenance with your local Berkeley tree service experts, get acquainted with how a buried root flare could be suffocating your tree – and how to fix it.  

What is root flare and how can Berkeley tree services help?

The root flare of a tree is the area around the base of the trunk, where the trunk meets the roots and creates a sloping outward flare into the soil. A tree’s root flare is a powerful indicator of its health, and a damaged or improperly developed root flare can cause a number of detrimental effects for fledgling and established trees. A certified arborist will be able to identify an underexposed root flare and provide recommendations or services to fix it. 

Signs that your tree’s root flare is suffocating:

If you can’t see a tree’s root flare, soil or mulch is likely covering it (which it should not be). Indicators that the tree is suffering due to its improperly exposed root flare are: 

  • Prematurely dropping leaves in the fall or delayed leaf growth in spring 
  • New shoots have a narrow reach, which gives the appearance that the foliage is hugging close to the branches
  • The tree appears like a telephone pole sticking out of the ground: completely cylindrical with no visible flare. Though this is natural for some varieties of tree, most should slope outwards as the trunk meets the roots and enters the soil. 

Health Consequences of a Buried Root Flare 

Soil or mulch covering a tree’s root flare comes with immediate and long-term consequences. Immediately, the tree experiences reduced oxygen availability to its roots, reduced water infiltration, and reduced access to shallow nutrient pools. If chronically underexposed, buried root flare could cause: 

  • Fungal wood decay. When mulch or soil is mounded over the base of the tree, moisture can accumulate over the tree’s root flare and deprive it of crucial oxygen. Over time, this can cause fungal wood decay at the root flare, which weakens the structural integrity of the tree while compromising the vascular system.
  • Girdling roots. The excess moisture at the root flare causes dormant buds to emerge from the base of the tree. Although these girdling roots start out small, they quickly grow into a restrictive tangle that abrades the buttress roots and suffocates the vascular system. These unnatural roots are a direct result of covering the tree’s root flare. 

Talk to Us

If you are looking for the best Berkeley tree service, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions! 

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Maximize Shade with These Summer Tree Services

Summer tree services

Hire a locally-owned and operated tree service to take care of your property this summer. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. Check out these Maximize Shade with These Summer Tree Services.

Here in California where the summers are hot and dry, walking into a full-sun yard can feel like walking into an oven. Without areas of shade or protection from the sun, it can be nearly impossible to enjoy your yard the way it should be enjoyed in the summer: with big outdoor barbecues, hammocking, sitting poolside, playing volleyball, and harvesting summer fruits. Fortunately, protecting your yard from the sun is as simple as a bit of tree maintenance and strategic planting. If you’re looking for a professional Berkeley tree service to maximize shade in your yard this summer, read on for our advice.

The Science of Shade

Trees can reduce the temperature of the surrounding air by six degrees Farenheit. This occurs through the dual effects of shading and evapotranspiration, or the process by which the tree releases water vapor. The air is even cooler directly under the tree – cool air settles near the ground, so the temperature under the tree’s canopy can be twenty five degrees cooler than the temperature of nearby concrete.

Maximizing Shade

Planting Strategically

Depending on the variety of bushes or trees you plant in your yard, you can expect results right away, in a few years as the plant grows, or a decade or two in the future when the plant has matured. Before purchasing plants, be familiar with where and when the sun is hitting your yard at full strength.

To shade your home and reduce energy costs, plant tall trees with wide crowns to the south of your home. Shorter trees or trees with lower crowns can shade low afternoon sun angles from the west – plant these along the property line to increase the yard’s privacy. Hedging trees allow shade to stretch across the yard during the late morning and early afternoon. High-density foliage creates the best shade – a few popular northern California varieties are the Monterey Cypress, Indian Laurel, Waxleaf Privet, Wax Myrtle, and Olive.

Tree Pruning

Summer tree pruning services help keep your trees healthy and well-shaped, which can improve the growth and density of the foliage long-term. This necessary service allows your trees to grow a healthy canopy with robust branches and dense leaves, which means fuller shade protection.

When pruning, remove any damaged, diseased, or dead tree limbs. These waste the tree’s valuable resources and cause it unnecessary stress.

Tree Care

Unkempt and neglected trees won’t produce quality shade – plus, they’ll be messy visual eyesores. Simple summer tree care includes deep watering, pruning, inspecting for insects, refreshing the soil, adding mulch, and fertilizing when the summer is over. For recommendations based on a particular tree, consult an arborist or tree care professional.

Schedule a Berkeley Tree Service

If you are looking for an excellent Berkeley tree service, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on.

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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The Science of How Trees Talk to Each Other

Professional Berkeley Tree Service

Our Professional Berkeley tree service can fully appreciate the amazing science behind how trees talk to each other. In fact, excellent tree care depends on it! The natural world is full of secrets. From the deepest gorges to the peaks of the highest mountaintops, our world is full of plants, animals, and fungi that coexist in millions of different ecosystems. If a person stands on the beach and looks out at the ocean, they may have no idea that underneath the surface lies 94% of the animal species on this planet. Similarly, when a person stands in a forest, they may have no idea of the invisible messages that are being sent via underground fungal networks or through pheromones attached to spores in the wind.

Read on to learn more about the mystery of how trees communicate with each other.

Through the Air

Trees can communicate with each other using pheromones and scent signals they release into the air. One remarkable tree that utilizes this method of communication to protect its neighboring companions is the umbrella horned acacia, found in the grasslands of the African savanna.

When giraffes chew on this tree’s juicy, sickle-shaped leaves, the umbrella horned acacia notices the injury and emits a distress signal in the form of ethylene gas. The gas signals the surrounding trees to begin pumping tannins into their leaves. When a giraffe or other herbivore munches on these tannin-enriched leaves, they can become deathly sick. Other animals subsequently avoid the tree’s leaves.

Through the Soil

Trees are often thought of as singular entities, but most of the time they are connected to a larger, mutually beneficial community of trees through underground fungal networks. This system allows a collective of trees to share resources and make decisions about nutrient flow, which direction to grow branches, and how to deter predators.

The fungal networks, called mycorrhizal networks, consist of very thin threads of mycelium, or mushrooms, that help trees communicate with each other underneath the soil. By linking to this network, trees can spread information to their neighbors. For example, if an older established tree becomes aware of a struggling sapling through the network, it can draw water towards the surface through its root system to help the sapling. Trees can also agree to sabotage unwelcome plants by directing toxic chemicals through the network.

A Supportive Network

Trees can distinguish their “family” from other neighboring trees. Using seedlings, ecologists at the University of Reading were able to determine that trees can recognize the root tips of their kin and distinguish them from unrelated seedlings. Related trees show kinship by sending extra carbon through the underground mycorrhizal networks. When threatened with drought or disease, predators or insect attacks, trees will warn and prioritize family.

Professional Berkeley Tree Service

If you are looking for excellent Berkeley tree service, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on.

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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Tree Care for Sexy Trees in 2021

tree care

Trees provide many benefits, but only when properly taken care of. You need to regularly tend to your trees if you want to enjoy the beauty and shade they add to your property. Although you can always call a certified arborist for professional tree care, knowing the basics is helpful. Do you want sexy trees in 2021? Keep reading…

Proper Planting

Choose an appropriate place for your trees and consider possible future changes. Have you always wanted to build a room addition? That’s not a good place for your new tree. Also, keep in mind how large the tree will get, and whether or not it will have enough sunlight. Make sure there won’t be a structure that blocks the light. Your tree shouldn’t be close to power lines, sewer lines, or other underground systems. Some types of trees can even  disturb pipes with their roots if they’re planted too close to the house.

Protecting the Roots

When selecting which trees to plant, it’s important to consider the best weather conditions for a species to thrive. You also need to understand how seasonal changes could affect the tree, depending on where you live. A layer of mulch helps protect the tree’s roots by locking in moisture and evening out the soil temperature. This is easy tree care for both summer and winter fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning should always be done right to avoid damaging your trees. Bear in mind, too much pruning can be just as harmful as none at all. The goal is to help the tree grow strong and healthy. But incorrect practices can leave your tree vulnerable to insect infestations and other issues. Cuts should be clean, not jagged, so they heal properly.

Watering

Like other living things, trees need water to survive. Rain is usually not enough to keep your trees in good health. A little extra tree care is in order. Your watering routine will depend on the season, as well as the species of trees in your yard. For instance, you’ll likely need to increase the frequency during summer, and maybe even soak the roots once in a while. You probably won’t have to water your trees during the winter, especially if they’ve already matured.

Related Content: Your Tree Watering Guide

Mulching

Another great tree care method is mulching. Some of the benefits were already mentioned above. It can keep weeds and grass from growing around the base of the tree, too. Start mulching at least five inches from the base and go out as far as you like. Never cover the base of the tree with mulch. You can build up to four inches deep, using natural wood chips or bark. You’ll prevent the tree from drying out and may even avoid accidental snips when you’re mowing the lawn.

Related Content: The Magic of Mulch

Professional Tree Care

Rely on our experienced Berkeley tree service to help you maintain your tree care. At Sexy Trees, we do all the work so you won’t have to. Call our skilled arborists today at (925) 233-6877 for an estimate, or email by clicking here.

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The Most Popular Indoor Trees

We offer our Berkeley tree service to residents with backyards, but this week we want to talk about how special indoor trees are too. They can add a living structural element to your home, and even boost your mood. Plus, they help improve air quality. Here are a few of the most popular homebound trees.

Parlor Palm

Parlor palms can help brighten up rooms that don’t receive a lot of natural light. They’re independent and don’t need much love, light, or water to thrive. So if you tend to forget about your leafy friends, or have north-facing windows, the forgiving parlor palm might be right for your home.

Malabar Chestnut

But the giant chestnut craves a bright, indirect light source, and extra water because it comes from swampy wetlands. Make sure your tree is in a pot with good drainage, though. The giant chestnut has a braided trunk and is sometimes called a “money tree.”

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The flowering fiddle leaf fig would be happy in a bright bathroom, where it’s shielded from drafts, but gets some extra humidity. After all, it originated from a lowland tropical jungle in Africa.

Jade Tree

Jade trees are for beginners or people with a black thumb. They have succulent leaves and don’t mind sporadic watering. They just need a sunny window, making them one of the easiest trees to care for.

Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island pine is an adorable, long-lived variety of tree that you could eventually transfer to your yard. They’re those little holiday trees you see in December, but they can grow quite large, so keep that in mind. If you live in an apartment, this pine will eventually outgrow your space.

Citrus

Citrus trees are a sweet-smelling option, and although they might be a little fussier than some of the other indoor trees, they’re worth it. They have dazzling blooms, plus, just think of the fresh lemonade and citrus pound cake recipes.

Berkeley Tree Service

At Sexy Trees, our team is passionate about the work we do. We believe beautiful trees make the world a better place, and we offer estimates on our Berkeley tree services. If you have any questions about your indoor or outdoor trees, please call us at 925-233-6877 or email me at [email protected].

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Heat Impact on Trees

Tree Service Alamo

When we were younger, we learned about photosynthesis.  This is the mechanism by which trees “breath”.  It is the process to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen.  But, how does heat impact trees and this process.  It has a dramatic effect.

Heat Impact

During warmer weather, photosynthesis rates slow down and put more pressure on the trees.  In fact, the heat impact on trees is even more substantial as trees are losing water through their leaves while having lower photosynthesis rates thereby causing a dramatic impact on a trees ability to maintain itself.

Sun Rays

The heat impact from sun rays do result in some tree protections.  Trees as with humans have HSPs.  These are special proteins within them to help protect your body’s proteins from the higher temperatures.  They work to allow for continued cell functioning.  Beyond HSPs, there are other nutrients that help during the heat.  For instance, calcium can provide further stabilization assistance for the body.

Solutions

Beyond the natural protections, you can do a lot to protect your plants and trees.  Here is a short list of recommendations:

  • Modify watering to higher amounts to give your trees and plants more nutrients over the summer months.  Many times, this involves doubling or tripling the watering times during the warmer months.  We recommend spreading this out over the course of a 24 hours rather than merely extending the run time for each iteration.
  • Utilize mulch to keep moisture in and keep the trees cool.  A healthy layer of about 1-2 inches is recommended.
  • Use fertilizer and high quality soil to give your plants the right nutrients.  If you’re unsure, get your soil tested and then mix it with the right combination of nutrients.
  • Do not be afraid to use continued soil sampling to maintain the right balance.

If you have questions about how to maintain the right balance and protect your landscaping, contact Sexy Trees certified arborist.