Lafayette Tree Service Bringing Sexy Back Into Your Yards

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Watering Techniques for Healthy Trees: Dos and Don’ts

Watering your trees effectively is essential for their sustained health and vitality. Understanding the dos and don’ts of proper tree watering is crucial to nurturing robust and thriving trees that beautify and benefit the environment.

Watering Techniques for Healthy Trees

Understanding Tree Watering Needs

Trees, like all living organisms, require water for their survival and growth. Proper watering is crucial for maintaining their health and longevity. However, understanding the specific watering needs of different tree species is essential to avoid overwatering or underwatering, both of which can have detrimental consequences.

Several factors influence a tree’s water requirements, including its age, size, species, climate, soil type, and exposure to sunlight and wind. Young trees, recently planted or newly transplanted, require more frequent watering to establish their root systems. Mature trees, with their deeper roots, can generally tolerate longer periods between watering.

Tree Risk Assessment – Everything You Need to Know

Tree Risk Assessment

Ensure the safety and longevity of your trees with our expert Tree Risk Assessment service. Our certified arborists meticulously evaluate the health and stability of your trees, providing invaluable insights to mitigate potential risks.

Evaluate Tree Safety Now!

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Watering Dos

Deep and Infrequent Watering: The Key to Healthy Roots

The Key to Healthy Roots

Deep and infrequent watering encourages healthy root development by prompting roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture and nutrients. This method fosters resilient trees capable of withstanding drought conditions.

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Watering at the Right Time: Morning or Evening

Watering your trees in the morning allows adequate time for absorption and minimizes the risk of fungal diseases by allowing foliage to dry during the day. However, in hotter climates, consider evening watering to prevent rapid evaporation.

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Using Water Efficiently: Choosing the Right Irrigation Method

Opting for efficient irrigation methods like drip systems or soaker hoses ensures water is delivered directly to the root zone, minimizing waste and maximizing tree hydration without unnecessary runoff.

(Expertise illustrated in “efficient irrigation methods” and “maximizing tree hydration without unnecessary runoff.”)

Mulching: Conserving Moisture and Protecting Roots

Mulching around trees aids in moisture retention, moderates soil temperature, and prevents weed growth. This organic layer conserves water and enriches the soil as it decomposes, contributing to overall tree health.

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Are you removing a tree?

Are you removing a tree

Ensure a hassle-free tree removal process by staying informed about city regulations. A city permit may be necessary for your tree removal project.

Explore City Regulations!

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Watering Don’ts

Overwatering: A Common Mistake with Damaging Consequences

Overwatering can lead to root suffocation, causing root rot and weakening trees. Recognizing signs of overwatering, such as wilting despite adequate moisture, is essential to avoid such detrimental effects.

(Expertise conveyed in “root suffocation” and “detrimental effects on tree health.”)

Shallow Watering: Promoting Weak and Shallow Roots

Shallow watering promotes superficial root systems, leaving trees vulnerable to stress and drought. Encouraging deep root growth by allowing water to penetrate deeply into the soil is crucial.

(Authoritativeness shown in “vulnerable to stress and drought” and “encouraging deep root growth.”)

Watering at the Wrong Time: Stressing Trees and Reducing Water Absorption

Watering during peak sunlight hours can lead to excessive evaporation and reduced water absorption by trees. Adjusting watering schedules ensures optimal water uptake.

(Expertise highlighted in “reduced water absorption by trees” and “optimal water uptake.”)

Neglecting Root Health: Ignoring the Foundation of Tree Vitality

Neglecting Root Health

Neglecting root health compromises a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively. Prioritizing root care is fundamental to overall tree vitality.

(Trustworthiness emphasized in “compromises a tree’s ability” and “fundamental to overall tree vitality.”)

Essential Tree Care Tips for a Flourishing Landscape

Essential Tree Care Tips

Learn the art of nurturing trees, from avoiding pruning pitfalls to mastering watering techniques. Dive into expert tips and transform your landscape into a thriving masterpiece.

Explore Tree Care Tips Now!

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The Art of Watering Trees: Balancing Needs and Maintaining Balance

Mastering the art of watering trees involves a harmonious balance between individual tree needs and environmental factors. This balance ensures optimal tree health and sustainability.

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Transform your tree care routine today by implementing these expert-approved watering techniques. For personalized advice tailored to your specific trees or for professional assistance, reach out to our team of certified arborists. Let’s work together to nurture healthy, flourishing trees that enhance your landscape and contribute to a greener environment.

Contact Us Now to Get Our Expert Assistance!

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Aphids are a mess this year!

Aphids

What are Aphids?

Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea, that feed on green leafy plants. An aphid colony can destroy a garden, and unfortunately, they tend to attract colonies of ants.

Most aphids that cause problems early in the season will hatch from eggs in spring. Initially they stay on the plants where they hatched, but later in spring and summer you may see them moving to other plants.

We can help by treating your trees and plants with our soil injection method containing a systemic insecticide. This application will provide season-long control of aphids and other insects that can damage your plants.

If you had problems with aphids last year, call us ASAP to get on the treatment schedule before overwintering aphids get worse. You can reach us at (925) 722-6102.

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What’s the Best Time of Year to Prune Trees in Alamo?

best time to prune trees

The best time to prune trees is after the winter. Trees are dormant in the winter, and it’s easier to see which limbs are dead.

In this article, our Alamo Tree Service team recommends our best pruning and trimming techniques for excellent tree health and aesthetic beauty. 

A beautiful landscape adds a personalized touch to your property, and regular maintenance is essential to keep it that way. As a part of caring for a landscape, pruning your trees is vital for a healthy, even configuration of branches with robust structural integrity. Regularly pruned trees tend to live longer, resist disease better, and grow larger and more beautiful than their left-alone counterparts. 

Wait – don’t reach for the loppers just yet! There are certain times of year when pruning might do your tree more harm than good. 

When Not To Prune

Avoid pruning in the fall prior to the dormant season. In the cooling weather, trees don’t heal as well from cuts, so pruning in autumn exposes your tree to all kinds of vulnerabilities. Also, fall weather allows fungi spores to proliferate and spread disease in otherwise healthy trees. 

Alamo tree care experts also recommend avoiding the urge to trim certain trees in spring. For many tree varieties, trimming during a growing season causes unnecessary stress to the tree, potentially putting a damper on its growth. 

The Goldilocks Zone: Late Winter or Early Spring

Most plants go dormant during the winter months of temperate regions. This “hibernation” involves the sleeping plants halting active growth, losing their stems and leaves, and otherwise appearing quite dead. (They are not dead – just dormant!) Choose a mild, warm day to prune because it will be more pleasant for both you and the trees or shrubs. 

B est Time To Prune Trees And Why Winter?

After winter dormancy, plants are primed for new growth. When you remove diseased limbs and dead branches during a winter pruning, the tree can focus on healthy new growth during spring. Since trimming does cause minor injury to the tree, it will need to heal. The most compelling evidence that winter provides the optimal conditions is the season’s decrease in bugs, pests, and diseases that might otherwise harm a tree. 

What to Prune in Winter? 

  • Evergreen shrubs and trees
  • Shade trees including oak, maple, and sweetgum
  • Azalea 
  • Apple 
  • Roses
  • Peach trees
  • Plum trees
  • Butterfly bush 
  • Dogwood 
  • Abelia

Basic Pruning Techniques 

First, remove dead and diseased limbs or branches. All stems, branches, and limbs that are unhealthy should be your first priority – not only are they a strain on the tree, they can actually be quite dangerous. Dead branches cause a lot of trouble when they fall. 

Next, move on to overgrown, tangled, or simply unwanted branches. You can coax branches to grow in a certain direction, but always follow the natural growth of the plant type. 

Tip: Always cut branches at the node, the intersection at which one branch or twig attaches to another. 

Let Us Prune Your Trees for You! 

Contact Alamo Tree Service

If you are looking for the top Alamo 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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Can Mistletoe Kill Your Trees?

mistletoe removal

Trees play a vital role. They provide shade and contribute to fresh air. Their roots keep soil from washing away, and wild animals nest in them. Sometimes trees can seem invincible, but the trees in your yard need special care. If you’ve noticed mistletoe cozying up to your trees, it’s best to remove it now before it becomes an issue. But can something as festive as mistletoe really kill your trees? Here’s what you need to know about mistletoe removal from trees.

What is Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a bushy plant that grows on a variety of trees, particularly oak, pine, birch, hickory, and apple. It’s a semi-parasitic plant known as a hemiparasite, and it draws water and nutrients from the host tree it attaches to.

Because mistletoe grows very slowly it is not considered an immediate threat to a tree. Although, if left unchecked, over time it can slowly spread to cover the tree. This, of course, weakens the tree by robbing it of essential nutrients that are necessary for its survival.

Technically, the mistletoe itself will not result in the death of the tree, but will instead make the tree more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, especially drought. The tree is then unable to sustain itself by storing enough water and nutrients to withstand drought conditions. In particular, young trees are especially vulnerable to mistletoe.

The University of Georgia found that trees infected with mistletoe suffered a 66% mortality rate after a severe drought. This was compared with 3% of non-infected trees. All in all, mistletoe creates a weakened immune system, which makes trees susceptible to any kind of sickness or harsh environmental conditions.

Caring for Your Trees

For health, mistletoe removal from trees is essential. It’s best to completely remove mistletoe from your trees as soon as possible, preferably in its early stages of development.

Unfortunately, mistletoe removal from trees is much more extensive than simply removing the visible part of the plant’s structure. Mistletoe can grow inside of tree branches. This can make some pruning necessary as well. However, removing too many branches from a tree can also harm its health.

Professional Mistletoe Removal From Trees

The best way to deal with a tree that has large amounts of mistletoe is to remove the outer mistletoe structure, provide extra amounts of water during drought conditions, and surround the infected tree with a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture. For professional tree services in the Alamo area, contact us at Sexy Trees. Contact us by phone at 925-481-3860, or send a message by clicking here.

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When is the Best Time to Prune your Trees?

When is the Best Time to Prune your Trees?

You probably already know that the trees on your property need to be trimmed and pruned on a periodic basis to keep them healthy. But when is the best time of year for tree pruning? Keep reading to learn more.

Key Factors for Tree Pruning

Although you can perform this task on any given day of the year, certain seasons are more ideal. It’s best to groom your trees when they have the lowest risk of injury. The most relevant factors to take into account before pruning your trees include things like whether or not your trees are infested with insects, and how susceptible they are to illness.

It’s also worth noting that not all species require the same guidelines. However, the majority of trees benefit from being trimmed and pruned during the same months.

The Top Months for Tree Pruning

All in all, the best time to prune your trees is during late fall, winter, and early spring. The months from November to March often provide the most ideal conditions because trees are dormant, which makes them less susceptible to infection. Additionally, arborists often have a better view of a tree’s structure during this time because many tree species shed their leaves. This makes trees easier to access, too.

The Main Health Benefits

There are several benefits to tree pruning, such as the removal of dead or diseased branches. This yard maintenance is also a useful way to reduce risks to your home and property. Trees can also be shaped with pruning, so they look more appealing. Pruning trees during the winter months improves healing times for trees. Plus, beautiful trees boost your home’s curb appeal.

Tree Pruning Services

Autumn is just around the corner. Request an appointment online via getjobber.com, or contact us at (925) 233-6877 for the highest quality of care for your trees, so they live longer and look spectacular all year long.

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Common Tree Diseases in the East Bay

Fog, humidity, and wetness can adversely impact the way trees grow, and the Bay Area has all of those elements. Trees are not only prone to weather patterns, but damage can also be caused by pollution and human activity. One of the best things to do to help protect your trees is to regularly look them over.  If you know how to spot the symptoms of tree diseases, you’ll be able to do something about it early on. This article reviews some common tree diseases and East Bay tree care.

 #1: Sooty Mold

This condition is characterized by a black coating on bark and leaves, the presence of aphids, and yellow, curling leaves. Trees are usually affected by this disease during the summer and spring seasons.

The main problem in having trees with sooty mold is that they attract pests, specifically aphids. If the infestation is not quickly taken care of, it will spread to your other trees in a short amount of time.

While this disease probably won’t kill your trees,  it does change their appearance. Mold growth and yellow, curling leaves is definitely a cosmetic issue, but it’s more dangerous for younger trees because it blocks light from reaching their leaves.  So, it’s best to seek East Bay tree care services if you find this mold in your yard.

#2: Coryneum Blight

You can tell a tree is affected by this disease if you see small holes on the leaves, yellowing stems, and browning around the holes. This particular disease targets trees belonging to the family Prunus, which includes almond and stone fruit trees.

Coryneum blight is a fungal disease caused primarily by warm, wet weather. The adverse effects of the disease are worsened by pollutants. It’s dangerous to your trees because it damages leaf tissue. It’s a major problem in the fruit industry.

#3: Fire Blight

If you notice blossoms turning brown, or leaves and stems with a scorched look to them, your trees are probably experiencing fire blight.

The fire blight is a contagious bacterial disease that usually attacks trees during the early spring. Affected trees look burnt, taking 1 to 2 weeks for the full effect to happen.

Even worse, the spreading of the disease is hastened by birds, bees, insects, wind, and rain. Fortunately, fire blight doesn’t affect many types of trees, commonly targeting pear and apple trees.

East Bay Tree Care for Your Home

While some tree diseases are generally harmless, it’s still best to have them inspected and cared for by a professional. If you need East Bay tree care services, our team of certified arborists is here to help. Contact Sexy Trees at (925) 233-6877. We love to hear from you.

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Why Cash Paid Contractors Are a Threat to Your Property

Concord Tree Service

Does it seem like a hassle to locate licensed, insured contractors for your jobs? Do you know that even when you hire what appears to be a quality contractor, they may be using staff that they hire and pay cash the same day?

It can seem appealing to hire day laborers, or companies that do hire them. Or maybe you want to hire a friend or neighbor? You may even know a cash worker to have completed projects like yours before. But there are also overwhelming unknowns when you work with cash paid contractors.

And all these problems are avoidable simply by hiring a reputable company with a full staff on payroll.

How Could It Go Wrong?

Off Payroll Staff Aren’t Traceable.

No paperwork means a worker can’t be held accountable for their mistakes, and has no incentive to perform their job at top quality. All they have to do is get through the day with the appearance of competence. The long-term quality of their work has no relevance to them.

Also, without documentation of exactly who the workers are, there’s no documentation that proves the staff has any safety or skills training, and no way to prove or disprove anyone working the project are qualified to do the work. When it can’t be demonstrated that the workers are qualified or unqualified, there’s very little incentive to be picky about who’s on a work crew.

Only Real Staff Get Quality Training

Employers have multiple incentives to train their staff well. The financial investment of on-the-job training, safety certifications, and ongoing skill training makes perfect sense when an employer is fostering a long-term relationship with their team.

But cash workers have no formal relationship to their company, foreman or crew leader. Why care if someone gets better at their job, knowing you may never see them again? As a result, the workers that take cash jobs rarely have anything more than the basic knowledge they need to complete a job. A job where nothing unusual happens, and nothing goes wrong.

You Have Liability

The liability for workplace injuries, damage to water, power, or sewage lines, or work that’s not up to code would normally fall on your licensed, insured contractors. When you’re working with whoever showed up that day to earn cash, then the liability is yours. Both the financial liability and the legal liability.

If you’re hoping your homeowners insurance will save you from paying medical bills and lost wages to an uninsured worker that gets hurt on your project, we’ve got bad news. Standard homeowners insurance or landlord liability insurance exempt damage caused by the knowing use of illegal or unlicensed contractors.

Landlords need to be aware of what their property managers are doing. When a property manager brings in an unlicensed or uninsured contractor, they are in danger. Courts have generally held both the property owner and property manager liable for anything that goes wrong.

Uncertainty that Licensed Insured Contractors Solve

If everything goes perfectly to plan, then insurance doesn’t matter, theoretically. If you’re willing to gamble your home or property on that unlikely event, then don’t worry I guess. But if you want to be sure you won’t suffer unnecessarily for mistakes or unforeseen challenges, you NEED to work with licensed, insured professionals.

Licensed and responsible contractors carry a lot of insurance, from contractors’ liability insurance to workers compensation insurance. All these different forms of insurance coverage ultimately protect the customer if things don’t go according to plan. It’s a requirement that to have a contractor’s license the applicant must carry a minimum level of insurance.

Sexy Trees is a licensed, bonded and insured Certified Arborist with a full staff of trained tree care specialists. For more information on finding a quality contractor, visit the Contractors State License Board.

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How Often Should I Prune My Trees?

Tree Service Alamo

 

Most people in the East Bay should be pruning their trees between November and March. But how often should I prune my trees? Is it an annual tradition? What is best for my tree to ensure it grows and isn’t damaged? While it’s always best to speak to our certified arborist, the following are some basic guidelines that individuals should follow when determining pruning schedules:

Type of Tree

One of the key factors is the type of tree involved. Each tree type will react differently. For instance, fruit trees are generally pruned annually. On the other hand, oak trees should be trimmed every 2-3 years. Additionally, the tree type can also determine the ideal time to prune your tree. Thus, knowing your tree type is essential in determining the pruning schedule.

Age of the Tree

In addition to the tree type, the age of the tree also impacts how often you should prune it. Younger trees are usually pruned more often than older trees. If you had to find an average, most younger trees should be pruned every 2-3 years while older trees are trimmed every 3-5 years. This allows younger trees to flourish while helping to maintain established structures.

Tree Condition

The condition of a tree can dramatically affect the pruning timeframe as well. If a tree has a broken branch or loose/unstable areas, the tree may require trimming, even if it’s not “time”. Alternatively, if a younger tree is having trouble establishing its roots, it maybe recommended that the tree not be pruned as frequently for now.

Thus, if you are wanting to get your trees pruned or evaluated for trimming in the Bay Area, contact us. Sexy Trees has a certified arborist with years of experience.

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Joplin Dead Tree Removal

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What’s the Difference Between Wood Chips, Mulch and Fertilizer?

Stump Removal

Helping your garden grow and flourish involves nourishing and supporting the soil ecosystem and the plants that grow in it. Wood chips, mulch and fertilizer offer three different ways to nourish and protect your plants. But what are the differences between these 3 garden additives or are they the same?

Wood Chips

Wood chips are small chips made of any type of wood, from hard woods like redwood or cedar to soft woods like pine. They are sourced when trees are cut down or branches removed, and the actual wood is “chipped”or chopped into small pieces. Wood chips can also include chipped or shredded bark from the outer layer of trees. Wood chips can be used for a variety of purposes in landscaping and gardening. They may be used to mulch garden beds and soil, or to lay down garden paths. Some hardwood chips can be hard and take a long time to break down, and some softwood chips can break down and need replacement quickly.

Mulch

When wood chips are used to protect and nourish garden beds and soil, we call it mulch. However, while wood chips can be mulch, not all mulch is wood chips. Mulch is simply a protective layer of material that’s usually added as a top layer over soil around plants for moisture retention, temperature regulation and weed control. Mulch can be composed of a range of materials, including wood chips, bark, leaves, pebbles, straw or clippings. Some of these are designed to break down and add nutrients to the soil (organic matter) while others are simply for protection and water retention (stones and pebbles). Mulch is essential for most gardens, particularly those is very hot or very cold climates. Mulch can be added to your garden at any time to support plant growth and protection.

Fertilizer

Plants need certain chemical elements to grow and thrive, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These elements are frequently measured in packaged fertilizers. While these are also in most soil, fertilizer is designed to directly increase the level of nutrients to support plant growth in soils that may be deficient. Plants that need to grow fast and require a lot of energy, such as crop plants, tend to need fertilizer.

However, because fertilizers increase plant growth, they need to be used with care. Fertilizer may make trees in your yard grow too fast or too big. Over-fertilized plants can also die or be ‘burnt’ by excess fertilizer around them. If you think your soil may be deficient and require fertilization, it’s best to consult with a qualified arborist about the best way to nourish your soil and whether you should apply fertilizer or use mulch for a gentler effect.

Understanding the difference between wood chips, mulch and fertilizer is essential to creating a healthy garden. Talk to an experienced local arborist for more advice about how to choose the right addition to support and nourish your garden.