When is the Best Time to Trim Trees: Fall, Spring, or Winter?

best time to trim trees

To prune or not to prune… That is the question.

There is no one “right” answer to the question of when is the best time to trim trees. Different trees respond differently to pruning, so it’s important to know your species before you take a saw to its branches! That being said, there are some general best practices that can help you decide when to trim your trees.

Knowing when to trim trees is important for a variety of reasons. This guide breaks down the best time to trim trees in order to keep them healthy and beautiful.

Why Is Pruning Important?

Pruning is an important pillar of tree care. It helps to:

  • Remove dead or diseased branches
  • Stimulate new growth
  • Improve the shape and appearance of the tree
  • Encourage fruit production (in some species)
  • Have certified climber make sure the tree is safe for the public

Well-pruned trees are healthier and stronger, with a reduced risk of damage from storms or other hazards. Dead branches, diseased trees and weak limbs are all more likely to cause problems during extreme weather conditions.

Pruning also helps to keep your trees looking their best. Overgrown trees can be unsightly, and poorly shaped trees can lose their aesthetic appeal. Regular pruning can help you maintain the natural shape of your tree, or even improve its appearance if it’s looking a little worse for wear.

What is the Best Time to Trim Trees?

Although there is no one-size fits all pruning guide, anytime between late fall and early spring is generally best. This is because the trees are dormant during this time and can better tolerate the stress of pruning.

Pruning in late fall and early spring helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of infection and disease
  • Stimulate new growth
  • Encourage fruit production (in some species)

Summer and Fall Pruning

In general, it’s best to avoid pruning in the summer and fall as it can be stressful for trees. When trees are not dormant, they are actively growing and producing new leaves, flowers and fruit. Pruning during this time can interfere with this process and damage the tree.

Additionally, pruning in the summer and fall can promote the spread of disease. This is because fungi spores are more prevalent in these seasons and can easily infect cuts made to trees.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you need to remove dead or diseased branches, it’s best to do so as soon as possible. These branches can be a haven for pests and diseases, and can quickly spread to the rest of the tree if left unchecked.

Winter Pruning

Winter is also a good time to prune trees, as long as you take care not to damage the bark. Be extra careful when working with power tools in cold weather, as they can be more likely to malfunction.

Pruning in winter has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, pruning during this time can help to prevent frost damage and encourage new growth in the spring. However, it’s important to be aware that some trees are more susceptible to damage from cold weather. If you’re not sure how your tree will react, it’s best to consult with a professional before pruning.

Properly Trimming a Tree

Now that you know when the best time to trim trees, it’s time to learn how! Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches. These limbs are a risk to the rest of the tree and should be removed as soon as possible.
  2. Next, focus on any branches that are rubbing against each other or other fixtures in your yard. Friction can damage the bark and should be trimmed back to avoid problems.
  3. If you’re looking to improve the shape or appearance of your tree, start by pruning back any overgrown branches.
  4. Remove suckers (or water sprouts) which are fast-growing shoots that often appear at the base of the tree.
  5. When trimming, make sure to cut back to a branch junction or bud. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction.
  6. Finally, avoid topping your trees! This is when the main trunk of the tree is cut back, leaving only stubs. Topping can damage trees and make them more susceptible to disease and damage in the future.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start trimming your trees! Just remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging the tree. If you’re not confident in your pruning skills, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They can help you determine the best course of action for your tree.

Lichen on Trees: Hurtful or Harmless?

lichen on trees

Lichen, comprised of green algae and fungus, can be found in even the most inhospitable corners of the Earth. But should you be concerned if you notice lichen on trees in your yard? In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about this weird and wonderful organism.

What is Lichen?

Most people think of lichen as a plant when in reality it’s the result of algae and fungus working together in a symbiotic relationship. The fungus provides the body in which the algae can live, protecting it from damaging conditions such as UV radiation and drought, while the algae provide food for the fungus through carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

Despite its unassuming appearance, lichen plays an important role in the ecosystem. The slow-growing organism is an important food source for animals like slugs, reindeer, and caribou. Lichen also provides shelter for small animals and helps to prevent soil erosion.

With over 13,000 species, lichen can be found in a variety of colors and shapes, from neon green to crusty black to deep orange. The organism is commonly seen on surfaces like rocks, trees, soil, and shrubs.

Lichen on Trees: Should I Be Concerned?

Contrary to popular belief, lichen is not harmful to trees. Lichen tends to be found on trees already in a state of decline and is rarely found on young, healthy trees. Furthermore, because this organism isn’t a plant, it doesn’t make roots that can penetrate the tree bark. It will simply sit on the surface of the tree.

The good news is that lichen isn’t causing the decline of your tree, but is merely a symptom of an underlying issue.

What Causes Lichen to Grow on Trees?

Lichen prefers sunlight and moisture, so you’re likely to find it in sunny spots that have been exposed to rain. If your tree has recently lost leaves or a branch, this creates favorable conditions for lichen growth.

Should I Remove Lichen From Trees?

Lichen isn’t harmful to trees, so there is no reason to get rid of it.

Removing lichen can actually damage the tree’s bark, opening the perfect entry point for pests and disease.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of lichen on your tree, simply prune away the most densely-covered branches.

The Benefits of Lichen

Lichen actually offers several benefits to homeowners and the ecosystem.

As we mentioned before, lichen is an important food source for animals. The slow-growing organism can also help to prevent soil erosion.

Some types of lichen can be used to make a natural dye, while others are used in traditional medicine.

Furthermore, since lichen consumes carbon dioxide as a primary food source, it plays a role in lowering air pollution.

Warning Signs of a Declining Tree

While lichen isn’t harmful to trees, it can be a warning sign of a declining tree. If you notice lichen on your tree, pay close attention to the overall health of the tree.

Some common signs of a declining tree include:

  • Sudden loss of leaves
  • Branches falling off
  • More discolored leaves than healthy leaves
  • Deep cracks in the tree’s bark or trunk
  • An abundance of critters (they prefer weakened, dead, or dying hosts)
  • Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of the tree
  • Leaning or odd growth patterns

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a certified arborist for an assessment.

Preventing Lichen Growth on Trees

The best way to prevent lichen on trees is to ensure that your trees are healthy and strong.

Here are a few tips:

  • Water your trees regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  • Prune away dead or dying branches.
  • Add mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
  • Avoid wounding the tree bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.
  • Inspect your trees regularly for signs of stress or decline.

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent lichen growth on your trees.

Contact a Certified Arborist

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!

4 Sexy Shade Trees with Shallow Roots

shade trees with small root systems

Shallows, or trees with shallow root systems, are commonly featured in landscaped homes and properties. Shallow shade trees with small root systems feature roots that are only capable of growing 4 to 8 inches into the ground. 

Root systems of shallows are so superficial that you can practically see them above the ground. In fact, most of its visible and surface roots are above ground and can be a nuisance in most yards. Despite being a common tripping hazard, shallow shade trees are still considered staples in most landscaped properties.

Shade Trees With Small Root Systems

If you are looking for shade shallow trees for your yard, here are some of the top choices you might want to consider as a new addition to your stunning property.

Willow Trees

Willows are deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix. They are found around the world in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, floodplains, and riparian zones.

All types of willow trees feature shallow root systems. The most preferred landscaping trees under this variety are the willow tree family: the corkscrew willow, white willow, and weeping willow. They come in varying heights with the white willow growing the tallest at 65 feet at maturity. Meanwhile, the corkscrew willow grows the smallest with only 25 feet at maturity. Willow trees grow very fast but are very susceptible to wind damage due to the brittleness of their wood.

Ash Trees

Similar to willow trees, all ash trees have shallow roots too. What makes them ideal for landscaping is the fact that they can grow in any type of soil. They too grow fast but not as fast as the willow trees. Mature ash trees can grow as high as 50 feet to 80 feet tall with average widths ranging from 50 to 70 feet wide.

This deciduous tree features leaves that turn yellow, purple, and maroon during autumn, a lovely sight that makes it a popular option for landscaping.

Sugar Maples

The Sugar Maple is another favorite landscape tree that features shallow roots. However, unlike the other shade trees with small root systems, the sugar maple roots spread far from the trunk of the tree. This feature requires extra maintenance. 

Sugar maple trees thrive in both sunny and shady locations. During summer, it features a dense shade, ideal for the weather. Its beauty can be enjoyed the most during autumn when the tree features bright colored leaves. They can grow as high as 80 feet tall. However, unlike the willow and ash trees, sugar maples take longer before they can reach their maturity.

Pin Oak Tree

The Pin Oak is a type of oak tree that features very shallow roots. They grow very fast and thrive best in places with a lot of sunlight. It has an oval-shaped canopy with a thick trunk that is covered by branches and leaves. The leaves are shaped like oaks, but they have a different texture than other types of oaks. The bark is also quite different from other types of oaks, giving it its name “pin” oak tree because it has small spikes that look like pins sticking out from the trunk.

They mature quite fast and can reach 80 feet tall with their canopy stretching as much as 50 feet wide. It is a beautiful sight to behold in parks and other large lawns and properties. Unlike the rest of the trees in this list, the pin oak retains most of its leaves throughout the winter season.

Get in Touch with Expert Arborists

Planning to add beautiful shallows to your property? Sexy Trees can help. Our expert arborists and landscape artists are experienced in caring for the trees on your property. We have an eye for beauty!

Work with us today.

How to Properly Dispose of a Fallen Tree

properly dispose of a fallen tree

A fallen tree is a big safety hazard. It can damage anything beneath it and block your access to the driveway. Learn how to properly dispose of a fallen tree with this handy guide.

When a tree falls, the first order of business is to properly dispose of it. Leaving a fallen tree on your property can be dangerous and inconvenient, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to safely and properly dispose of a fallen tree.

What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

First, you need to assess the situation carefully and determine responsibility. Is the tree yours, or is it a tree maintained by the city? Often in the city or suburbs, city or county programs maintain trees in the right of way near the street or sidewalk. These trees may fall due to age, poor maintenance, severe weather, or other reasons, and it’s important to know who is responsible for removal before you begin taking action.

Once you’ve determined who is responsible for removal, take these steps:

  • If there is a danger of electric lines being damaged, call 911 and your power company right away.
  • If the tree is blocking a road or sidewalk, call your city’s non-emergency number to have it removed as soon as possible.
  • If the tree is on your property and poses no immediate danger, start planning for its removal. You will need to decide whether you want to remove it yourself or hire a professional tree removal company. (We highly recommend the latter.)

Properly Dispose of a Fallen Tree

Once the tree has been removed, you will need to properly dispose of the debris. This can be a time-consuming and difficult task, so we recommend hiring professional tree services with experience in removing fallen trees. First, the tree services will chop the tree into smaller pieces that can be easily hauled away.

Tip: Reuse parts of the tree! If the tree is in good condition, you can use the wood for firewood, lumber, or other projects. For example, if you have a fireplace or woodburning stove, properly cure the wood and use it for firewood. You can also use the trunk and larger limbs for natural landscaping, like creating a tree stump table.

Stump Removal

After the tree has been chopped up and removed, you will need to deal with the stump. People often don’t realize just how deep a tree’s roots can go, and removing the stump and roots can be a difficult and dangerous task. Professional tree services have the equipment and experience to properly grind down the stump and remove the root system.

Tip: If you’re planning to replant a tree in the same spot, save some of the wood chips for a natural mulch that will help the new tree get established.

Sexy Trees Has Your Back

If you need to properly dispose of a fallen tree ASAP, contact us at Sexy Trees. 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!

What to Do About Tree Roots Growing Under a House

tree roots growing under house

If you’ve been noticing tree roots growing under a house, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for homeowners, especially those who have older and very established trees planted close to the foundation of their homes. While tree roots rarely cause significant damage to concrete foundations, they can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what to do about tree roots growing under a house and how to prevent them from causing problems in the future.

Signs Tree Roots Are Growing Under a House and Damaging Your Home

There are a few main ways tree roots can damage your home:

  • Foundation: Tree roots growing through cracks in the foundation or concrete slab, causing damage to your house’s or other structures’ foundation.
  • Plumbing: Infiltration of water, sewer, and septic lines.
  • Paved Surfaces: Tree roots growing under sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under your house is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by planting new trees at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation and keeping them well-maintained. If you’re already in trouble with tree roots, though, here’s what you can do to mitigate the damage and keep your home safe.

If Tree Roots are Damaging the Foundation…

To a depth of 18 inches, excavate a trench along the foundation of your home. Cut all tree roots in this location and remove the ends. This can be achieved as long as the roots are more than 15 feet from the main trunk and only make up 25% of the tree’s overall root system.

If Tree Roots are Damaging your Plumbing…

If tree roots are infiltrating your plumbing, you have a few different options. You can cut the offending roots and re-route your lines, or use a root barrier to keep them out altogether. This is quite a complex task, so consult a professional before attempting to do anything yourself.

If Tree Roots are Damaging your Paved Surfaces…

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is to cut them out and replace the pavement. This can be a costly and time-consuming project, but if done correctly, it will last for many years. Talk to a professional tree service or landscaping company to get an estimate for the work that needs to be done.

Prevention is Key – Use Root Barriers

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is prevention. You can do this by installing a root barrier around the perimeter of the structure in question. A root barrier is a physical barrier that prevents tree roots from growing in a certain area. Root barriers are usually made of plastic or metal and can be installed by a professional tree service. This will keep tree roots from growing under your sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack.

Tree roots can cause a lot of damage to your home if they’re not dealt with in a timely and effective manner. If you think tree roots may be causing problems, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage tree roots will be able to do.

Contact Professional Tree Services Now

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!

How to Remove a Tree Without Killing It

how to remove a tree without killing it

Removing a tree can seem like a daunting task, but sometimes it’s necessary. If a tree grows too large for a given space or is planted too close to house foundations, it should be moved to allow for adequate room to grow. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the things to consider before removing the tree, plus a few expert tips for removal if you decide to do it yourself. So whether you’re removing a tree for health reasons or because it’s in the way, follow these tips and you’ll be able to get the job done without any trouble!

Can I Safely Remove the Tree?

First, you will need to assess whether or not removing the tree without killing it is going to be possible without a professional. Consider these questions:

  • How large is the tree’s trunk and what are its root ball dimensions? If the tree is larger than 12″ in diameter, it would be best to hire an arborist to remove it. The roots may be too deep and established to safely remove the tree without doing some damage.
  • Is the tree leaning? If so, it’s likely too top-heavy and could fall during removal, potentially causing damage to your property or injuring someone.
  • What is the condition of the soil? Is it compacted and infertile? If so, the roots may have a hard time growing after removal from the soil.
  • Are there any utility lines near where you plan on taking down this tree, especially if it’s leaning or has significant girth at its base? If so, contact your local utility company for advice before proceeding with any work related to removing trees from your property.
  • How close to your home or other buildings does this tree grow? If it’s within 20 feet (six meters), then a professional arborist is recommended because you won’t be able to move the tree without disturbing its foundation or roofing structure.

If you read through these questions and know that you have the equipment and means to remove a tree on your own, we have a few tips for you in the next section! If not, call a professional arborist or landscaper who has experience in safely removing trees.

Tips for How To Remove a Tree Without Killing It

If you feel like removing the tree yourself is doable, here are some tips on how to remove a tree without killing it:

  • To prevent shock, prune the tree’s roots before removing it from the ground. Cut straight down into the soil around the root ball with a sharp shovel or spade, making sure not to cut any of the actual roots themselves. This will help them retract and reduce stress on the plant when you remove it from the ground.
  • Add compost to the soil around the newly-pruned roots to help them recover. Also take the time to loosen any compacted soil.
  • Take care to dispose of diseased or infested trees properly. They can spread diseases and pests to other plants in your yard.
  • Choose the right time. It’s much easier to remove a tree if you do so during its dormant period. This is when the tree is not actively growing and producing leaves, which makes it less likely to suffer from shock due to being disturbed or relocated elsewhere on your property. The best months for transplanting trees are generally between November and March.

Get in Touch With an Arborist 

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!

How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

How do you trim a tree that is too tall? If you’ve ever had a tree in your yard that was just a bit too tall for the space it was planted in, then you are familiar with the dilemma of what to do about it. Do you trim it yourself and hope for the best? Or do you call in a professional? In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to trim a tree that is too tall, so that your trees can stay healthy and happy while your landscape stays beautiful.

Avoid Topping Trees

Topping, otherwise known as the process of cutting off the top of a tree, is frowned upon because it is massively detrimental to tree health and destroys the tree’s natural shape. Topping a tree causes a gaping wound that makes the tree susceptible to rot, pests, and diseases. Not only does topping create an unsightly tree, but it forces the tree to create new, often weak branches that are more likely to break off.

Topping a tree should always be avoided. There are much better ways to prune and trim a tree!

How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

Pruning is more appropriate than topping for reducing the height of a tree, but it’s still not an easy task and should be done very carefully.

When pruning a tall tree to reduce its size, pruning cuts should be made just above lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed. Make the cuts at a 45-degree angle, sloping away from the center of the tree. This will help direct growth outward and prevent any weak angles from forming.

It’s important to note that pruning for height reduction is an uphill battle – you may not be able to get your tree to stop growing upward altogether, but you can help to slow it down. With careful pruning and a bit of luck, you can maintain the health and beauty of your trees while keeping them at a more manageable height.

Best Pruning Practices for Tree Health

If you’re going to try pruning your trees yourself, it’s important to know some basic tree pruning guidelines. When pruning a tree:

  • Do not make flush cuts (cuts that remove the branch collar, or shoulder, of the branch as it connects to the tree). If you cut into a branch collar, you’ve cut into the tree’s trunk. This is an invitation for bacteria to enter and see how much damage they can do to the trunk before the wounds close.
  • Do not remove more than 25% of the live crown in one pruning session. Removing too much of a tree’s canopy at once can negatively affect its health and growth.
  • Choose the right time to prune. Don’t prune in the middle of summer, when trees are actively growing and photosynthesizing. Spring or winter are better times to prune, when trees are dormant.

Contact Professional Arborists

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!

When is the Best Time of Year to Trim Trees?

best time to trim trees

When is the best time to trim trees? Whether you’re an arborist, a homeowner, or just curious about when best to prune your trees, the answer often depends on the type of tree and other factors. For example, some types of tree (like fruit trees) only need pruning in late winter while others (such as oaks) can be trimmed at any time throughout the year. In this easy guide, we’ll go over the best time to trim trees along with some other considerations, such as the effects of insects, disease, and cold weather.

Prune in Winter for Most Tree Varieties

Generally speaking, the best time to trim trees is from November through March when they’re dormant. This is because most trees are less susceptible to insect damage and disease during this time. It’s also a good idea to wait until late winter/early spring so you don’t accidentally prune away any flowers or buds that are about to bloom.

If you’re trimming a fruit tree, however, it’s best to do so in late winter when the tree is still dormant but before new growth begins. This will allow for the best shape and size of the fruit tree. Similarly, if you have a tree that blooms in the spring, it’s best not to trim it until after it flowers.

Trees best pruned in late winter:

– Apple

– Apricot

– Cherry

– Peach

– Pear

Trees best pruned in early spring:

– Crabapple

– Dogwood

– Hollies (English and American)

Keep in Mind the Effects of Insects and Disease on Trees

Insects and disease can impact a tree’s best time to trim as well. For example, if you notice that your trees are infested with bark beetles or other insects in January or February, it may be best to wait until the end of March before pruning them so that any new eggs laid will hatch out after you’ve trimmed the tree.

Similarly, if your tree is diseased, it’s best to wait until after you’ve treated the disease before pruning it. Otherwise, you may spread the infection to other parts of the tree.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

When trimming trees, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid damaging any nearby structures or plants. If you’re trimming a tree that overhangs the house, for example, be sure to leave at least six inches of clearance between branches and any part of your home. Similarly, if you’re trimming trees near power lines (or on steep land), it’s best to call an arborist to do the work for you.

Give Us a Call

If you are looking for the Bay Area’s favorite tree cutting service, look no further than our team of experienced arborists. 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!

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! 

Summer Tree Planting Keys to Success

Lafayette Tree Service

Early autumn and spring are generally considered the best times to plant new trees, but there are some reasons summer tree planting is preferable. Trees are typically in a dormant stage during the fall, which means their growth is significantly slowed, almost like they’re sleeping. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and plant, here are some tips to ensure your summer trees flourish.

Not so Fast

If you plant small trees in the summer, consider leaving them in containers for a while. Trees that are containerized develop a healthy root system, which means they have a better chance to thrive. By keeping very young trees in a pot, it’s less likely they’ll experience transplant shock, a condition that can kill trees in all seasons, not just summer.

Provide Enough Water

There’s less rainfall in summer months, so you’ll need to manually water any trees planted at this time of year. Scheduling sufficient watering ensures that your trees don’t dry out and wither. If you help your new trees through the dry months, you can probably let nature take its course from autumn onwards. It just depends on your local climate.

Heeling In

Before summer tree planting, dig a large trench filled with fresh soil. Ground that has already been cultivated is ideal, but if not, use fresh compost and ensure there’s plenty of moisture to help roots get established.

The trench should be dug with a sloping back, and deep enough for the roots of the tree to be entirely covered. Once you finish your summer tree planting, cover the roots then help the tree remain upright by treading on the fresh soil.

The Best Trees for Summer Tree Planting

While summer tree planting isn’t considered ideal if you live in a hot climate, following these simple steps can ensure that your new trees make it through the dry season. If you’d like more information on the best trees for summer planting, call us at (925) 233-6877. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.