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Tree Diseases Common in Spring

Spring Tree Diseases

Tree diseases can crop up any time of year, but in spring especially, thanks to warmer weather and an influx of insects which might exacerbate or even cause some tree diseases.

Bacteria and viruses can thrive in the spring, which encourages decay.

Fungus is also a problem, especially in wet weather. Fungi can cause leaf spots, by far one of the most common problems that can plague your tree, discoloring parts of leaves and/or even killing them. These spots can be found on ornamental trees anywhere in the country.

Fungi spores are spread by the wind, so any tree can get them, but the good news is that leaf spots are almost always mostly a cosmetic problem, so don’t worry about losing a tree to them. Still, they don’t beautify your yard, so you might want to try treating affected trees with a fungicide. Also, regularly rake up leaves and quickly get rid of any standing water.

By nature, leaf spot growth is discouraged by cooler weather, so sooner or later they’re likely to disappear on their own.

Is There a Doctor in the Greenhouse?

Another common disease is anthracnose, which targets ash, maple, oak, sycamore and other shade trees. Your tree might have anthracnose if you notice a burned leaf appearance, especially along the veins. Branches might retreat if the infection is serious.

This disease can’t be treated with a fungicide, but it can be relieved with proper pruning and care. Get rid of fallen leaves and minimize overwatering if you can.

If you have quince or cedar-apple rust disease in your landscape trees, you’ll notice horns that seem to appear out of nowhere. These jelly-like fungi really flourish during wetter weather. You might also notice spindle-shaped spores.

For crab apple trees, the spores are spread via the wind, causing rusty spots on leaves. Such infections can cause defoliation early on, low-quality fruit and stunted growth. It’s a cycle that keeps going year-round.

Quince rust target a number of tree species, destroying fruit and distorting twigs. This type of spore can kill trees, and pruning is the best way to tackle this danger. Aim to cut branches about seven inches below the galls (ideally while the weather is dry) and use only sterilized tools. You may even consider planting trees nearby that are resistant to this disease to stop the spreading.

Getting Rid of Disease

It can be difficult for a non-arborist to correctly identify pests and diseases. If the wrong diagnosis is made and a treatment is selected, you might do more harm than good to your trees. Plus, with so many strategies and tools available for each disease, it can be easy to make a mistake. It’s usually best to rely on an expert to care for tree health.

Early spring is the perfect time to get a head start on making sure your trees are healthy and ready to thrive this season. Make sure your trees are disease free — call Reliable Tree Care today to schedule your inspection.

Call Arborists in Early Spring

Spring Arborist

Go ahead and add calling an arborist to your spring cleaning to-do list.

Early spring is the ideal time for tree-trimming services for many reasons. Some gardeners love winter pruning, and that certainly has benefits, but early spring is the last window of opportunity you have for preventive insect control, last-minute pruning and other chores.

In a few weeks, birds will be nesting and chicks chirping from your treetops, so you certainly don’t want to disturb or endanger them.

Peak Time

It’s much easier to see if any branches are dead once the leaves start to unfold.

In the winter, some limbs can be mistaken for dead when they are simply dormant. A skilled arborist will be able to tell the difference, but it can require a little more time and effort.

You’re in the clear to prune in early spring, but soon enough trees will be in full bloom, and pruning and trimming is discouraged because it can hinder growth.

Get the Best of Pests

Some trees suffer from pest and insect infestation chronically. However, infestations usually start in mid to late spring, when bugs are most active. Prevent problems now with the help of a skilled arborist.

These professionals can spot early signs of pests and insect problems, as well as offer organic, human-safe preventive solutions if a common issue is causing problems in your neighborhood.

You may also need to clear out old birds’ nests that can add weight to branches (and reduce the beauty of your tree). Plus, you can add a swing to a big, sturdy branch just in time for the warm weather. Your arborist can recommend the best branch for this equipment, and we will be happy to install it for you.

Fertile Ground

Spring is the best time to add fertilizer to your soil. The ground is workable, trees naturally enjoy a growth spurt this time of year, and plants need all the help they can get.

Trees are similar to children gearing up for a growth spurt. They’re hungry for nourishment and might gobble up more than usual. Have your soil tested to make sure it’s nutrient rich and not lacking. In Utah, much of the soil is diverse and nutritious, but you won’t know unless you test it.

Many green-minded homeowners prefer an organic fertilizer, such as manure. Your tree professional can tell you exactly which fertilizer is best for your situation. Nitrogen is the most common nutrient lacking, and can be found in many fertilizers.

Get your garden in tip-top shape by prioritizing a little early spring tree intervention. Call Reliable Tree Care for a free quote and to schedule your appointment before the summer rush begins.

Use Tree and Shrub Fertilization to Remedy Nutrient Deficiencies

Tree and Shrub Fertilization

You might need tree and shrub fertilization if your soil has nutrient deficiencies.

Our trees are a lot like us. Even with a great diet, they might need a little help in the supplement department.

Too much use and abuse can also cause deficiencies. Fertilizers and nutrient additions are saturating the market, but how can you tell what your soil really needs?

Trees need 17 key nutrients to thrive. Utah State University Extension horticulturist Jerry Goodspeed says all 17 are critical, but you might need bigger quantities of some nutrient.

The major nutrients and micro nutrients need to be perfectly balanced for a healthy yard. Major nutrients include carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.

The great news is that these three are totally free and come from air and water. However, if your soil has too much water, your plants’ roots aren’t getting enough oxygen and can die.

The Little Things

Micro nutrients include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. For most fertilizers, these three are in ample supply. Nitrogen is the pickiest of nutrients, requiring annual replenishment. You’ll need it for green plants.

Luckily, most soil has enough potassium and phosphorous already. A soil test can tell you if any extra nutrition is necessary. Nutrients largely found in fertilizers, and not naturally in all soil, include calcium, sulfur and magnesium.

However, Utah soil is usually rich with magnesium and calcium (lucky us!). Sometimes Utah plants need a little sulfur boost to minimize acidity.

All remaining nutrients are important, but you only need trace amounts. Nickel, manganese, copper, boron and more are routinely found in Utah soil. If you do need to supplement your soil, choose the most organic matter possible (like manure). This reduces the odds of any problems.

Iron Man (and Tree)

The one nutrient that’s really fickle is iron, and it’s a common problem. Too much acid and water can compromise iron levels and make iron-rich soil inaccessible to plants.

Unfortunately, most commercial iron fertilizers don’t get the job done. Avoid overwatering, only use organic matter, and if you really need a supplement, consider iron chelates. A reputable tree care specialist can provide the highest quality chelates.

The best way to ease your worries is to start with a simple soil test and let it dictate your next move. No matter the nutrient levels, consistently adding organic matter can only help. If you’re not sure where to get started, rely on local professionals to care for your trees and shrubs like their own. Call Reliable Tree care today and get a healthier, more beautiful landscape in just a few months with proper fertilization strategies.

Holiday Lighting Still Up?

Holiday Lighting Removal

Don’t be embarrassed if your holiday lighting is still up! In some instances, like with white twinkling lights, it’s perfectly OK (socially speaking) to keep these ambient lights up year-round. Just make sure they were properly strung in the first place.

If professionals didn’t install them, they might be strung improperly across some plants and trees, potentially damaging them and even posing a fire risk. If you want permanent lights, only use lights designed for year-round outdoor use, and never string them across foliage.

However, if what you have up are true seasonal lights, consider it your first spring cleaning task to remove them. Unplug them all and carefully examine them (when and where it’s safe to do so) for any tangles or obvious damage.

If your lights are strung from the rooftop, high branches or any other place where you don’t feel comfortable taking them down, call a tree care company to take care of the job for you.

Red Flags Amid Red and Green Lights

Many times, homeowners get away with stringing their lights unsafely. Damage can result from using indoor lights (a dangerous route), or lights with voltage that is way too high to be near those dry rose bushes (even more dangerous).

Count your lucky stars, and pledge to only use proper lighting that’s adequately strung next year. If you notice any burn marks on the house or foliage, dilapidated strings, exposed wires or cracked bulbs, know that it was solely happenstance that a disaster didn’t occur.

When bundling up lights for next year, take the time to check their function and safety now. If you plan to re-string lights every year (yourself), spring is a great time to install permanent hooks or posts to make the job easier in the future. It’s better than routinely stapling your house trim and your poor trees.

Plan Around Tree Growth

In some cities, public trees are permanently lit up year-round. It looks pretty, but it hinders tree growth and can cause bald patches and even slow limb growth. If you really want permanently lit trees, only light up mature ones. Make sure the strings are the right voltage and that the trees are well watered. You don’t want a tree lit in the middle of a drought!

The best trees for lighting are evergreens, which don’t undergo massive transformations throughout the seasons. Avoid lighting fruit trees, immature trees, or any trees with branches that can’t bear any extra weight.

For best results, depend on an arborist who specializes in setting up holiday lights and who knows the right products and techniques to get the results you want safely.

Even better, only light up your home and yard once or twice per year, and always take them down right after the holiday. Your foliage (and neighbors!) will thank you.

If you need help taking down your holiday lights, call Reliable Tree Care for fast, friendly service.

Tree Care: Beware of Borers

Tree Boring Pest Control

Tree care includes battling those pesky borers, which are abundant in Utah in the spring.

These insects cause some of the most devastating damage to trees and shrubs, destroying the tree’s vascular system and in some cases causing permanent, irreparable damage. However, most trees can be saved if they’re caught in time and the borers are professionally exterminated.

Just like some illnesses in humans, once a plant gets borers, it’s more likely to get them again. Don’t worry. With proper tree care from experts, you can win the battle against the borers and put defenses in place to prevent them from targeting your yard again.

However, like in any war, it’s wise to know your enemy. These are some of the most common borers in Utah:

  • Ash borer: Also known as the lilac borer, this insect looks half moth, half wasp. It’s huge and lays its larvae right in your tree. It might look terrifying, but it’s only dangerous to trees (not humans). Telltale signs include trunk and branch holes. It’s one of the most common Utahn borers.
  • Honey locust borer: Also called the bronze birch borer, this little, iridescent borer appears innocent, but looks can be deceiving. Its larvae feast beneath the bark, making them hard to spot. They especially love birch, and they’re very hardy. Treatment each spring is recommended.
  • Black locust borer: A veritable plague, indeed. These borers make tunnels through the centers of trunks and branches of locust trees. This is a common borer adept at permanently weakening trees. However, annual sprays can stop them.
  • Greater peach tree borer: The No. 1 killer of cherry, plum, nectarine and peach trees in Utah is mostly black with a bright yellow back stripe, and looks part wasp, part bee. Their larvae hatch, permeate the bark and devour a tree’s cambium layer. You may notice their gummy sap and “sawdust.”
  • Poplar borer: This insect, aka willow borer, can’t get enough of willows, cottonwoods and poplars. You’ll know it’s there by holes seeping sap and sawdust at the tree’s base.
  • Conifer bark beetle: So little you’ll barely notice them, this pest can do some serious damage. In fact, they can take down a whole forest! They work in large numbers and live below the bark. If your tree starts unexpectedly dropping needles, you may have uninvited guests. Yearly treatment can keep them at bay.
  • Black turpentine beetle: Big and ugly, these decimators leave balls of sap (pitch) which, underneath, can contain up to 200 eggs. These pests take down trees fast, so you’ll need an arborist who takes quick action.

Don’t let a borer ruin your gorgeous trees. Treatment is fast, simple and can be effective for a year or more. Protect your yard from some of Utah’s most dangerous threats — call Reliable Tree Care today.

Spring Tree Service Tips

Spring Tree Service Tips

Spring is right around the corner, and your tree service appointment is likely on your mind. It might seem that if your trees are mature and haven’t had any major problems, they’re self-sufficient.

Unfortunately, that’s not true.

They might be low maintenance, but no tree is zero maintenance. Healthy trees don’t just grow on trees, and spring is the perfect time to get your landscaping off to a great start.

Your trees and shrubs need spring cleaning, too. If your holiday lights are still up in your trees, take them down. Leaving strands wrapped around trees can cause damage over time, including stunting a tree’s growth.

If you have winter wraps for protection, it might be time to remove them. This depends on where you live and if winter is truly over!

Sitting Pretty

Trees will have piles of debris sitting beneath them from the winter, like fruits and twigs. Rake these up, especially if you have any trees vulnerable to fungal disease. This most commonly happens with pines and crab apple trees (you don’t want to risk apple scab).

Once the area around your trees is clean and tidy, it’s time for a mulch layer. This helps soil stay moist and discourages weed growth. Younger trees need it more, but older trees also appreciate it.

When putting down mulch, ballpark a 3-inch layer all around the tree — but don’t let it actually touch the trunk. Leave a 1-inch gap (at least) between the tree trunk and the mulch, otherwise you risk diseases, since mulch retains heat and moisture (a breeding ground for infectious agents).

March in Like a Lion

Spring is often the wet season around the United States, but your trees may need more water than what nature provides. Wait until the soil is no longer frozen, then water trees deeply if de-icer was used near them.

Double-check your sprinkler, and make sure the lines and emitters are clean. Puddles around trees are a sign that the sprinkler head needs adjusting. Don’t spray directly on foliage, or you once again risk a fungal disease.

Spring is a great time to deadhead, but leave pruning for the winter. Remove dead or broken branches, and take this time to look closely at the trunks before leaves and flowers pop up. Not sure what to look for, or does this seem too big of a task? Call the experts at Reliable Tree Care for all your tree services this spring.

Tree-Trimming Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid Tree Trimming Mistakes

Tree trimming is easy, right? That’s a common misconception, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may do more harm than good!

Not only is there a plethora of mistakes you can make trimming trees, it’s also dangerous. You can only do so much to dictate where a big, heavy branch ultimately will land. Even climbing a ladder just a few steps can lead to a fall.

When it comes to tree trimming, it’s almost always best to leave it to a professional.

One of the most common mistakes is topping ― unceremoniously lopping off the top of the tree. If you have a tree that’s too big for where it was planted (which is common), topping is often seen as a quick fix.

But when you cut off the top of a tree, you end up with an ugly landmark right in your yard. Worse, you’ve weakened the branch structure. A deformed and weak tree isn’t doing you any favors.

Biggest Missteps

Another problem is when trees are trimmed at the wrong time. There are right and wrong times to trim a tree, depending on the species and where you live. Trees that are stressed shouldn’t be trimmed — if the timing is off, you might lose the tree altogether.

For example, trimming branches that face west in the summer is a huge mistake, since the sun’s rays can scald certain species. Usually only a trained arborist will know the best time to trim your trees.

Improper cuts also are a classic newbie mistake. If you cut branches too close to the trunk, you’re getting rid of the collar. This is where special cells are stored that heal the tree from damage. You can sometimes see collars (it’s a swell/bump where the branch connects to the trunk).

Cut too close, and you leave a gaping wound where insects and disease can thrive. Improper cuts also can cause a big branch to suddenly fall, or the trunk to split.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Excessive pruning happens all too often. You shouldn’t remove more than 20 percent of an adult tree’s foliage in one fell swoop. Most of the time, about 8 percent is ideal.

Removing most of the canopy will limit the tree’s ability to produce fruit or support itself. You might be hoping to get more grass below the tree, but structural pruning is better than going after a tree with a prune-heavy hand.

Raising the canopy too much is called lion’s tailing ― your tree will look like a huge stalk of broccoli in your yard. It’s ugly, albeit not dangerous, and not a look you want.

Save yourself the time and trouble and call Reliable Tree Care today, home to your local tree-trimming specialists.

Tree Care and the Farmer’s Almanac

Farmer's Almanac Tree Care

When planning the care you provide your trees, have you taken the Farmer’s Almanac into account? The 2016 predictions have been released, and Utah is slated for a dry and mild season.

“Unseasonably mild temperatures” are forecast, with a little less rain than Utahns are used to. The good news is that precipitation levels will be closer to normal after months of overly dry conditions for the state and the rest of the southwest.

What does this mean for your landscaping activities?

For many in Utah, it means you can keep gardening and planting year-round with minimal watering duties! You’ll also have to endure fewer insects, and you might even be able to indulge in a smorgasbord of a winter crop.

Cool-season veggies and flowers will thrive, so think primroses and pansies this time of year. If you planted these crops in autumn, you’ll likely be able to enjoy them early.

However, for gardening, make sure you follow these mild winter tips.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Plant on the north side, or use the eastern side as a second option. If you expose plants to a south sky in winter, they’ll experience severe temperature variation. Instead, aim to give them as much stability as possible.

Add about 3.5 inches of mulch to the garden, always after the last frost (if that’s an issue in your region). This keeps the soil cool, but doesn’t necessarily protect it from getting cold. Ultimately, this minimizes root damage and prevents a constant freeze/thaw cycle.

Wrap saplings and bushes with twine to help with any frost weight. The twine should be wrapped at the base, then wound in a spiral to the top and down again. Most plant breakage happens in winter, and you’ll get healthier plants for the effort.

You also might want to implement a burlap screen via stakes to keep younger plants safe from those western gusty winds. It also helps them from getting freeze dried in the winter sun and protects them from any salt runoff from nearby roads.

High and Dry

Winter sucks moisture from leaves just like it does your own skin. If roots can’t get water due to frozen soil, they’ll suffer. Water properly throughout the winter and well into the fall (at that point, begin to taper off).

Whenever the soil is loose enough (not frozen), make sure your plant’s roots are getting the hydration they need.

Bear in mind that winter plants can be a much-needed food source for animals. Mice, rabbits and voles particularly love your winter vegetation. Some fencing might be in order, or another organic barrier method.

If your winter is jam-packed and you’d prefer to let the pros handle your tree and shrubbery care, call Reliable Tree Care for comprehensive services around the Salt Lake City area.

Fruit Tree Planting Time Is Now

Fruit Tree Planting

February and fruit trees go together like Valentine’s Day and chocolates!

As one of the rainiest months of the year, it’s also one of the busiest for gardeners. Heavy rains can reach tree roots and get rid of irrigation water salts, making this the perfect month to plant fruit trees and rose bushes.

However, it’s best to do the actual planting in dry soil, so wait for a dry spell before you think of doing any planting. You can squeeze a fistful of soil to see if it sticks together — if it does, it’s still a little too wet.

This time of year presents other weather problems too, however, like gusty winds. If any limbs break off of your fruit trees, you might need to prune them to re-balance them. A lopsided tree can look silly, or at worst, topple over.

Garden Prep

In February, you can find a lot of bare-root trees and plants for sale. Bare-root trees have no soil or leaves at the roots. You might find them in boxes, bags or packaged containers from the nursery.

If you do notice some leaves beginning to show, it’s all right to snap them off. New sprouts will come out shortly. However, if you get the package home and you don’t see many roots, return these plants. You need an abundance of roots for the plant to get entrenched in the soil.

Both deciduous fruit trees and roses will need yearly pruning during their leafless stages. Otherwise, the flowers and fruits won’t be as abundant.

If you have roses, know that different types require different pruning (and some don’t need any at all). Encourage new growth by getting rid of old branches so that sun and air can filter in ― aim for a vase shape. A dormant spray to ward off bugs and pests can be used on leafless fruit trees and rose bushes.

Dressing Up the Yard

In addition to fruit trees and roses, February is also a great time to plant camellias. They grow almost immediately after flowering, and your local nursery likely will have an abundance of camellias in stock.

Plant them high, with one inch of root ball showing above the ground. Planting them too deeply can easily kill them during this important time. Besides this one quirk, camellias are impressively durable and tough.

The planting season has just begun, but spring will be here before you know it. Get a head start on your spring bounty by making sure your existing fruit trees are in good shape, and that any newly planted trees, roses or camellias get off to a strong and healthy start. If you prefer to let the pros handle the planting and trimming, call Reliable Tree Care — your local experts on fruit trees.

Know Your Arborist

Arborist

There are many types of arborists, just like there are many types of trees!

Arboriculture is the profession of tree and shrubbery care. Arborists optimize our quality of life by choosing, planting and maintaining trees. When well cared for, plants can add immense value to a home or public area with their bright colors and ability to filter air and purify drinking water.

Trees also offer shade, lowering HVAC costs while simultaneously minimizing pollution and upping home values.

Sadly, the average tree in an urban neighborhood only lives 60 years. In a rural area, these trees can live hundreds of years. When surrounded by urban sprawl, trees need a lot of help. Without the care of an arborist, they can turn from key resource to expensive burden.

Today, arborists are more important than ever as cities expand and we understand more about all the positive economic, social, and environmental power of trees.

The Arborist’s Profile

Arborists are attracted to their field because they like being outdoors, doing physically demanding work, helping the environment and working with people. They’re problem solvers, figuring out some challenging tree troubles.

It’s a mentally difficult task, too. Being an arborist includes a variety of responsibilities — picking plants, pruning, bracing, fertilizing, taking care of pests and making sure trees are structurally sound. Arborists watch over trees in construction zones and are brought in for appraisals in legal situations.

Arborists have three primary specializations: commercial, municipal and utility. Commercial arborists don’t serve just commercial clients — they also do residential work. They work as individuals (business owners or freelances), in a partnership or for a company. They might be called by government agencies, homeowners, planners/developers or as an expert witness in court.

Municipal arborists, sometimes known as urban forestry arborists, do work similar to commercial arborists. However, they specialize in trees and plants in parks and on streets or other public land. They’re also the arborists on hand at construction zones.

Additionally, they create and enforce ordinances while keeping public records. They inform the public, go over landscape plans and train employees.

Utility arborists handle trees that are near power lines or railroad tracks. They also plan for tree maintenance at these locations and inspect existing work. They’re always testing line clearance and watching for vegetation advances while teaching the public about the importance of tree care.

Tree Experts

Many arborists have a college education, but the industry remains an apprenticeship-like environment. Some arborists do their training at a technical school.

To ensure you hire the best in your area, call Reliable Tree Care, where you can connect with expert arborists.