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Tag: Tree Care

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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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How to Know When it’s Time to Take a Tree Down

local Berkeley tree service

Our Local Berkeley tree service pledges to stand by your trees in sickness and in health. We think there’s nothing more breathtaking than an ancient, magnificently robust and skyscrapingly tall tree—except being told you have to make the decision to cut it down. Even well-established trees can get sick and experience a weakened structure as a result. This puts the tree at risk of falling, and it’s not safe to leave it waiting to collapse. Now, you have to make a decision: can the tree be healed, or does it need to be cut down?  

Here’s a handy article to help you decide whether to ask your local tree service for tree care advice or a saw. 

Trees Showing These Symptoms Must Be Cut Down

A Dying Trunk.

A healthy tree trunk is essential to the structural integrity of the tree. If the trunk shows signs of vertical cracks, sounds hollow when you knock on it, or has lost large amounts of bark, these are all indicators that the tree is dying. Dead trees can suddenly drop limbs or fall. Another danger of leaving a dead tree standing is the risk of spreading disease or pests to other trees or shrubs. 

Root Rot

Root rot attacks the roots of a tree planted in wet soil. Unfortunately there is no solution to root rot except to avoid it in the first place. Your infected tree is looking at a future of poor growth, wilted leaves, early leaf drop, branch dieback, and eventual death.

Loss of Branches.

When large branches suddenly crack off of your tree, it is pretty clear that everything underneath and surrounding the tree is in danger. Sometimes, dropping large, dead branches is a tree’s way of trying to concentrate energy in areas that are still healthy – and you might experience serious property damage or personal harm in the meantime. Otherwise, it might be totally harmless Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome – an arborist will be able to tell the difference. 

Sudden Oak Death 

It’s not just oak trees – rhododendrons, ferns, lilacs, fir trees and dogwoods can also succumb to this fatal fungal infection. If a tree has sudden oak death, it may exhibit leaf spots, shoot dieback, and discolored, sappy cankers. Unfortunately, as the name implies, most trees infected with this fungus will die. 

Trees Showing These Symptoms Need Care 

  • Wilted leaves
  • Spotty, blotchy, or discolored leaves/needles
  • Cankers 
  • Covered with a white, dusty fungus 
  • Leaves with holes 
  • Pest infestation 
  • Girdling roots 
  • Weak branch unions
  • Winter injuries
  • Scab disease
  • Pale green leaves within the canopy

Our Local Berkeley Tree Service Has Your Back

Whether you require tree removal or a diagnosis and tree care advice for a sick tree, our Berkeley tree service can help. 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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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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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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Your Checklist for Smart Summer Tree Care

Summer Tree Care

Are you wondering if it’s time for tree pruning or some other important  tree care service? Summer means hotter temperatures and less rain, which can often be a death sentence for plants that aren’t well established. If you’ve ever watched a plant shrivel up, leaves turning yellow, then brown, then crunchy, you’ve certainly seen the effects of dehydration in plant life. Changing up your gardening routine for the summer, particularly paying attention to younger plants and trees, can allow them to thrive, even through the hottest months. Check out what our  tree service experts recommend for your summer tree care plan.

1) Tree Pruning

Summer tree pruning helps keep your tree healthy and well-shaped. We recommend removing damaged, diseased, or dead tree limbs, as these can cause unnecessary stress to a tree. Stone fruit trees in particular benefit from summer pruning to encourage bigger and higher-quality fruit. Pruning in summer can promote robust branch growth, healthier canopy development, and overall shoot growth.

2) Give Your Tree a Deep Watering

California summers can reach high temperatures in certain geographical regions, and the resulting drought can cause extreme stress on trees. To counteract the lack of water in summer, give your trees a deep watering every one to four weeks. Deep watering encourages deeper root development, which increases the tree’s access to nutrients and water in the soil. This can bolster a tree’s resistance to uprooting and protect it from disease.

3) Watch for Signs of Distress

Changes in a tree’s leaves are usually the first indicator that a tree is stressed in some capacity. In the summer, a tree’s leaves may droop, wilt, turn yellow, appear scorched, stop growing, or even fall from the tree. Keep a close eye on trees that are exhibiting any problems and practice consistent tree care.

4) Refresh the Soil

Hard, dry soil can impede a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. Proper soil aeration can soften the soil surrounding a tree, which allows a better environment for helpful microorganisms to thrive.

5) Add a Layer of Mulch

Properly mulching a tree will regulate the soil temperature, slow down moisture evaporation, and help reduce weeds that would otherwise compete with the tree’s resources. Two inches of mulch is enough – any more can suffocate the base of the tree, which needs carbon and air!

6) Keep an Eye on Insects

In the summer heat, some species of insects like to cling to the shade underneath your tree’s canopy. By standing under your tree and looking up, you can check to see if too many insects of a particular type have infested your tree. Not all insects are harmful, so you may want to consider an arborist’s opinion before purchasing an insecticide.

7) Fertilize When Summer is Over

After a harsh summer, trees require a replenishing dose of nutrients. In early fall, make sure to fertilize your trees and check the pH of the soil to ensure that your trees are receiving the nutrients they require.

Tree Pruning & Other Services

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!