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The 4 Rules of Utah Tree and Shrub Fertilization

Correct tree and shrub fertilization is necessary to ensure the health of your landscape and maximize the life of your plants.

You’ve invested significantly in your landscape, and giving plants proper care and nutrients helps to protect that investment. This is also the best way to keep your plants looking great throughout the growing season.

tree and shrub fertilization

In northern Utah, effective fertilization depends on selecting the correct nutrients and application method, and adhering to a regular schedule. Follow these simple rules, and your trees and shrubs will look great and effectively resist diseases and pests.

No. 1: Choose the Appropriate Nutrients for Fertilization

Our native Utah soils are generally poor and provide few of the nutrients that trees and shrubs need to thrive and grow.

Choose the right nutrients for fertilizing, and your plants will thrive. Choose the wrong ones, however, and you may damage your trees and shrubbery. Although each species has unique nutritional needs, the usual suspects of shrub and tree fertilization are nitrogen, manganese and iron.

The secret is finding the right ratio to meet each plant’s needs.

No. 2: Choose the Right Fertilization Application Method

Many types of fertilizer are sold in dry form, typically powders or granules. These products are applied evenly across the tree or shrub’s root zone. Once you apply a dry fertilizer, you must water it in enough to get the product to the plant’s roots. If you fail to water the fertilizer in properly, it may burn the grass at the surface and never reach its intended target.

Other application options include spikes that you drive into the ground and liquid fertilizers that you spray around the plant or directly onto foliage.

Arborists and plant care experts often use the injection method for fertilization, which delivers the nutrients directly to the plant’s roots. However, this method requires specialized injecting equipment.

No. 3: Follow a Shrub and Tree Fertilization Schedule

When you fertilize your trees and shrubs is almost as important as how you accomplish this task. Different species require specific nutrients in the spring, summer or fall. Younger trees and shrubs require more nutritional supplementation than their healthy, well-established counterparts.

Whatever your shrubs and trees need for fertilization, the key is consistency.

No. 4: Trust a Local Tree Care Expert for Fertilization Assistance

If you enjoy being hands-on with your garden and landscape — and if you don’t mind buying all the supplies and equipment you need — you can handle most of your fertilizing needs. However, consulting with a local arborist or tree-care expert will ensure you’re giving each tree and shrub the proper nutrients at the correct time of year.

Or, if you prefer to leave this job entirely to a professional, you can opt to have your tree-care expert take care of everything.

Reliable Tree Care, in Murray, Utah, offers our clients annual and seasonal services for fertilization, trimming and pest and disease control. When you trust us to care for your plants, you can rest easy knowing your tree and shrub fertilization is in good hands.

The Argument for Planting Native Utah Trees

In northern Utah, trees are an essential component of our lives.

They provide shade for our homes and parks, and a habitat for wildlife. They feed us with their bounty of fruits and nuts, and they filter pollution and turn carbon dioxide into life-giving oxygen. They cool our concrete jungle in the summer and shelter us from winter’s harshest winds.

native utah trees

Many species of trees are native to our growing zone, yet we regularly choose to introduce non-native varieties into our landscapes. Many Utah arborists, environmentalists and forestry experts believe this is unwise, and that we should limit — or eliminate — non-native varieties.

Why Do We Plant Non-Native Trees?

For most of us, the reason has mostly to do with aesthetics. We like the way a particular type of tree flowers, or the shape of its canopy is a perfect fit with our landscape design.

We often choose trees without regard to their provenance, in pursuit of a specific function, size, shape or appearance. Sometimes we make our selections based on how fast a tree will grow, or maybe even what’s on sale at the nursery.

The truth is that, with a few notable exceptions, most of us have no idea which species are native Utah trees and which ones aren’t.

What Are the Drawbacks of Non-Utah Trees?

The biggest problem with planting trees not native to Utah is the burden of care. Native species — and, to a similar degree, well-integrated species — are well-suited to our climate. Consequently, these varietals do not require any extra water, fertilizers or special treatment.

In some cases, introducing a non-native plant can create an invasive scenario, where the alien plant takes over an ecosystem and chokes out native species. This causes environmental imbalance, as wildlife and other flora that depended on the species become displaced or, in extreme cases, die off in the region.

The third drawback to planting non-Utah trees is adaptation. When a non-indigenous species evolves over time, separate from its native ecosystem, the varietal’s integrity can become compromised.

Unless you’re a self-taught expert on native and non-native plant species, how can you determine the best Utah trees to choose for your landscape?

Trust an Arborist to Recommend the Right Utah Trees

Ultimately, the right selections for you will depend on your needs and your tolerance for care. You can find all the guidance you need by consulting a local arborist for recommendations. A Utah arborist will take the time to learn about your wants and needs, to help you make the best selection.

And whatever species you choose, your arborist can help you design a tree-care plan to ensure a long, healthy life for your newest additions. Your arborist can recommend an appropriate schedule for pruning as well as pest and disease control. And with periodic evaluations, they can address any potential problems proactively.

Reliable Tree Care, based in Murray, Utah, understands the challenges and benefits of both native and non-native species. Our expert arborists can provide services including fertilization, pest and disease control, pruning and trimming. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an arborist to learn more about selecting the best Utah trees for your needs.

What Is the Life Span of a Utah Fruit Tree?

A client called recently, concerned about her Utah fruit trees — one peach tree, in particular.

This tree was near and dear to her heart, as her father had planted it before his passing, years earlier. She noticed one day that more than half the tree appeared to be dying. She was certain the problem was pests or a disease if some kind.

utah fruit tree

When we went to take a look, however, it became obvious that the tree had simply reached the end of its natural life span. So what is the life span of a fruit tree in Utah? And can you do anything to make your fruit trees live longer?

How Long Do Fruit Trees Live in Utah?

The answer to this question depends on the variety of tree. It’s also important to remember that they will not produce fruit for their entire lives. Specific cultivars from one variety have different life spans as well. For example, heirloom varieties have a much shorter life span, but produce more flavorful fruit than a variety bred for hardiness and longevity.

Generally, you can expect Utah fruit trees to live and produce fruit somewhere within these ranges:

Apple15 to 35 years
Pear10 to 30 years
Peach8 to 12 years
Cherry15 to 20 years
Plum15 to 20 years
Apricot15 to 20 years

Besides the northern Utah climate, the strongest influences on plant health and life span are the types of diseases and pests in your area, the growing conditions and the care you give your trees.

Fortunately, you can control some of these factors.

Arborists’ Recommendations for Choosing & Planting Fruit Trees

One way to ensure that your trees thrive and produce prolific harvests for as long as possible is to choose the right species and cultivar for your area.

But whatever fruit you prefer, giving your trees the proper care is the best way to lengthen their life. This starts with siting them correctly within your landscape. Once planted, your trees require consistent care, including periodic fertilization and pruning.

Although you can take some steps to prevent damage from pests and diseases, the most effective way to create a tree resistant to diseases and pests is to care for it correctly. A healthy tree has the best chance by far of resisting the most common diseases.

Make sure you allocate the correct amount of space when planting, and if you have self-unfruitful trees, be sure to plant two different varieties. You want a location that is protected from the harsh, winter winds, has good drainage and is not especially low-lying, as cold tends to settle in these areas more at night.

Can You Extend the Life of Your Fruit Trees?

If you choose your plants well and locate them appropriately, you’ll have a great head start. Proactive care will keep your fruit trees healthy, strong and producing stellar harvests for as long as possible.

In Utah, fruit tree care consists of periodic pruning, fertilization and pest control treatments.

When your plants receive the proper care, they will thrive year after year. Not only that, but they will produce healthier, tastier fruit that is pest-free and easy to harvest.

In Murray, Utah, Reliable Tree Care is the region’s expert in fruit tree pruning, fertilization, and disease and pest control. Contact us today to learn more about Utah fruit tree care.

What Is Killing My Utah Trees?

Something is killing too many of our Utah trees, and this problem is extending throughout the Intermountain West. In fact, a number of pervasive diseases and pests are wreaking havoc with trees across our state.

killing-trees

If your healthy trees start to take a turn for the worse, bark beetles or a disease may be to blame. More likely, however, is that your sick tree simply isn’t getting what it needs to grow and thrive.

What Is Killing Your New Utah Tree?

When new trees fail to establish, we tend to assume fault with the plant itself or with how it was cared for during the first weeks and months after planting.

In some cases, the tree itself may have come from the nursery with a problem. If so, most reputable garden centers will refund your money or replace the plant.

Overwatering and underwatering can kill a tree. The roots need to remain slightly moist (though not waterlogged), and you must take care not to let the root ball dry out. You may have planted the root ball too deeply or in a hole too shallow or narrow for the roots. You may also have failed to sufficiently loosen the root ball before planting.

However, if you have planted a non-native species of tree, the local climate conditions may not meet the plant’s needs. This problem may be exacerbated if you have not amended your soil to appropriately fulfill the tree’s nutrition.

What Is Killing Your Established Utah Trees?

If your established trees are struggling, any of the problems noted above for new trees may be to blame. But if you are caring for the tree properly and haven’t had problems in the past, the plant is more likely suffering due to a pest or disease.

Some potential suspects include bark beetles, Ips beetles, tree fungus and bacterial disease. The Utah State University Extension publishes image galleries depicting problems common to our areas, which may help you better identify the potential culprit.

What Do I Do if My Tree Is Dying?

The most important thing is to get your ailing tree attention quickly. The longer the problem is allowed to go unaddressed, the worse your chances of saving the plant.

USU’s Extension provides an excellent resource for troubleshooting tree problems. However, there’s no substitute for an expert eye. The knowledgeable arborists of Reliable Tree Care are well-versed in the problems that can affect Utah trees.

Talk to us about implementing a regular regimen of care for your trees. The best way to protect your trees from problems is to support their health all year long, with fertilization treatments, pruning and trimming. The arborist can also inspect your trees at each visit, to detect potential problems as early as possible.

In Murray, Utah, Reliable Tree Care provides a comprehensive range of services, including fruit tree care and pruning, disease and insect control. If something is killing your Utah trees, don’t delay in calling us to schedule a consultation with a professional arborist.

It’s Time to Talk Shrub and Tree Fertilization

Now’s the time to schedule your Utah shrub and tree fertilization services.

tree fertilization

If you aren’t fertilizing your landscaping trees, fruit trees and shrubs regularly, you may be putting them at risk. Our northern Utah native soils have almost no natural nutrients, so unless you amend the soil with a mixture designed for your trees, the plants have no way to get what they need to grow and thrive.

Reliable Tree Care offers professional arborist services throughout northern Utah, including tree and shrub fertilization programs.

Why Do Utah Trees and Shrubs Need Fertilization?

In the wild, trees grow strong and healthy without fertilizer, so why not in your yard?

If you look closely at the ground cover in the wild, you will likely see something you don’t see in your own yard. You’ll see fallen leaves, downed branches and twigs and a variety of natural, organic matter. Left alone, that organic matter breaks down and the nutrients leach into the soil.

Think of this as Mother Nature’s fertilizer.

In your yard, you bag your lawn clippings and rake up the leaves and debris that fall from the trees, eliminating any potential natural soil amendments.

But you wouldn’t think of planting vegetables without upping the nutrient content of your garden soil. Your trees are no different. New trees require a diligent fertilization program, and today, even established trees require periodic care.

Deep Root Feeding for Tree and Shrub Fertilizing

As your trees’ roots respond to the warmer weather and begin to grow, they immediately seek nutrients to fuel what’s going on above ground. Providing a deep-root feeding gives the plants what they need to produce leaves, fruit or flowers.

Our arborists first determine what nutrients the plants need, and then inject them deeply around the root system.

We also offer mycorrhizae treatment for the roots. This treatment deposits a type of fungus into the soil that surrounds the roots. After attaching itself to the tree roots, this fungus helps the roots grow stronger and more resilient, and makes it easier for them to get the nutrients they need.

Fertilize Trees and Shrubs with Foliar Treatments

Root-based fertilization treatments work slowly over the season to provide nutrients through the root systems of trees and shrubs. For a quicker method of nutrient delivery, our arborists also provide foliar fertilizer treatments.

Foliar fertilizer treatments apply micro- and macronutrients to the leaves of the tree or shrub. The plant absorbs these nutrients within only 24 hours.

Reliable Tree Care of Murray, Utah, can customize a fertilization schedule based on your types of trees and shrubs and their growing conditions. These programs dramatically improve your plants’ health and make them resistant to drought, disease and pest infestation.

Contact us today to learn more about our professional arborist services and to schedule your shrub and tree fertilization appointment.

Trust an Arborist to Protect Your Trees from Storms

With spring almost gone, arborists all over northern Utah are busy prepping homeowners’ trees for the summer storm season.

summer storms and trees

If you invested in decorative, shade or fruit trees for your landscape, the last thing you want is to lose one in a windstorm — especially if they are mature trees. Using the services of an experienced arborist is the most effective way to protect your trees.

Arborists Evaluate, Prune Trees

An arborist can prepare your trees to better withstand extreme wind, rain or lighting strikes.

This involves trimming away dead branches and potentially thinning the canopy (depending on the species) to reduce upper weight and wind resistance.

They will also examine the tree for any weak unions of large branches, where they are most likely to crack and break off. This protects the plant, but also reduces risk that the branch may fall and cause damage to your property, or a neighbor’s.

Finally, they may install bracing or cables to strengthen the trunk, and possibly recommend adding lightning protection.

An Arborist Can Provide Expert Care for Maximum Tree Health

After physically working with your trees, the arborist will turn next to systemic aspects of the plant. A healthy tree is better able to withstand the rigors of summer storms and to resist disease, drought and pests.

After evaluating the soil conditions, they may apply fertilizer to provide nutrients and balance the pH level. If it appears you aren’t watering the tree appropriately, the arborist can recommend a schedule for care and watering.

Uh-Oh … You Didn’t Call an Arborist Before the Storm?

If you didn’t call the experts at Reliable Tree Care before storm season, you may need our services after a particularly bad wind or rain.

In many areas, the city or municipality requires arborist removal of a tree that has fallen.

An arborist can also evaluate injured trees to determine the extent of the damage. This may involve checking on the root system and looking for heaving around the base of the trunk.

If your damaged tree can be saved, our team will mitigate further harm by installing cables or bracing to reinforce the trunk. We may also trim away any damaged portions, including limbs that may interfere with electrical wiring.

Reliable Tree Care, based in Murray, Utah, provides a full range of professional tree care services, including insect and disease control, tree and shrub fertilization, pruning, and fruit tree care. Contact us today to schedule one of our friendly, neighborhood arborists to evaluate your trees before storm season.

Utah Tree Disease & Pest Control Alert

Now that Spring has sprung, tree disease and pest season is about to get into full swing.

tree disease control Utah

In Utah, tree diseases and pests pose a concern from mid-March through the fall season. Although diseases and pests are most common with fruit trees, they can plague landscape and shade trees as well as ornamentals.

Although you may not be able to prevent all these problems, staying alert to potential warning signs can help prevent serious damage or death to your trees. Three pest and disease problems may be of extra concern for particular trees this year.

Leaf Scorch: A Physiological Tree Disease

Leaf scorch occurs when tree roots are unable to obtain the water necessary to supply the entire plant. It’s most common during dry periods with excessive heat or high winds. This tree disease commonly strikes broadleaf varieties including ash, elm, poplar and maple.

Watch for light-brown spots that appear first at the margins (edges) of leaves, eventually spreading across the entire leaf. This disease tends to strike younger leaves first, as they are more vulnerable. This condition is easily confused with iron-deficiency scorch, as the symptoms are similar.

Poor watering or a compromised root system is typically to blame for leaf scorch. Be sure to provide sufficient water during hot, dry periods, using a slow-soak technique. Prune dead leaves and branches, and apply a layer of mulch to help hold in moisture above the root system.

European Cherry Fruit Fly: A Looming Tree Pest Threat

The dreaded European cherry fruit fly was first detected in North America in 2016, and is expected to penetrate U.S. hardiness zones 2 through 9 — which includes all of Utah. A relative of the western cherry fruit fly, this tree pest primarily affects cherry, honeysuckle and snowberry trees.

This summer, the Utah Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey team will closely monitor the region for any evidence of this invasive pest. Cherry fruit flies are active from May to early July. Look for soft, brown spots and the characteristic exit holes on fruit. In Europe, this pest is known to decimate 100 percent of the year’s cherry crop, left unchecked.

Using ground barriers, pesticides and diligent sanitation practices are the most effective ways to combat these tree pests.

Cytospora or Perennial Canker: A Shade and Fruit Tree Disease

Cytospora, also known as perennial canker, is a common but potentially devastating tree disease that attacks Utah shade and fruit trees. Cytospora is caused by a fungus that commonly plagues aspen, birch, willow and other broadleaf trees. Stone fruit trees, including apple, cherry, peach and apricot, are also vulnerable.

Watch for small bumps on trunks or branches, or sunken cankers that range in color from gray to brown. In more advanced stages, you may also see orange or brown masses or spores protruding from the pimple-like bumps.

Cytospora can’t be treated, but fortunately, it only attacks trees that are weakened. Combat this tree disease by keeping yours healthy and vigorous, and pruning to eliminate dead branches and wounds that may be susceptible to infection.

Reliable Tree Care, based in Murray, Utah, provides disease and insect control services throughout northern Utah. Our experienced arborists are trained to diagnose and treat problems to help ensure your trees stay healthy all year long. Because early detection is critical, contact us immediately if you suspect any type of tree disease or pest infestation.

5 Tree Removal & Pruning “Don’ts”

For tree removal and major pruning, you need knowledge, experience and the right tools for the job.

No doubt you’ve seen news reports of even experienced tree service professionals being seriously injured or even killed while tackling a large job.

tree removal Utah

If you elect to undertake a project of this nature, use common sense to avoid injury and property damage.

No. 1: Don’t Use a Ladder for Tree Removal or Major Pruning

Ladders are dangerous enough for simple household tasks like changing light bulbs and removing cobwebs. Trying to cut large limbs or saw sections of tree trunk while standing on a ladder is asking for trouble.

Ladders move too easily, and the ground below is rarely level or stable enough to support your weight while moving around and using tools. Besides, most do-it-yourself tree trimmers don’t have a tall enough ladder for the job. Consequently, they end up perched on the top “not a step” step — usually just before they hit the ground.

No. 2: Don’t Prune or Remove a Tree Near Utility Lines

Utility wires, including electricity, telephone and cable TV, can be a source of trouble when pruning or removing trees.

At best, you may accidentally bring down a wire, leaving your neighborhood without utility service. Worst case, you run the risk of becoming entangled in high-voltage power lines.

And if you attempt to remove a stump, consider whether underground utility lines, including gas, power and sewer, are located nearby. Tree roots can easily become intertwined with underground cables and pipes.

No. 3: Don’t Tackle Tree Removal in Bad Weather

Our northern Utah climate can dish out weather conditions that make tree removal or pruning a dangerous pursuit.

Wind, rain and snow can easily cause you to fall. Even more dangerous, lightning can strike the tree, your ladder or your tools. If you must work on your trees, do so on a clear day with little or no wind. If you see storms brewing, don’t try to race Mother Nature. Go inside and try again on the next nice day.

No. 4: Don’t Make Tree Removal a Spectator Sport

There’s nothing quite like cutting down a huge tree — or pulling a suborn stump — to bring out the neighbors. In fact, given the chance, your neighbors are likely to pull up a lawn chair and watch the fun. Likewise, your family and friends will be naturally curious.

As you might imagine, this is an accident waiting to happen. Don’t allow anyone near your tree removal project, lest a large branch (or the entire tree itself) come down and injure someone.

No. 5: Don’t Try to Remove a Tree Yourself

Many homeowners are tempted to try tree or stump removal themselves to save a little money. But when you consider the risk of property damage and injury, they don’t outweigh the potential savings.

Instead, trust this dangerous job to a professional.

In Murray, Utah, Reliable Tree Care provides expert solutions to all your tree-care needs. Our experienced arborists provide insect and disease control, trimming, shaping and removal of fruit, landscaping and shade trees.

Contact us today for safe, affordable tree removal and pruning in the Salt Lake City area and throughout northern Utah.

It’s Tree Trimming Season!

Tree trimming is one of the many tasks homeowners and arborists take on in April. However, not all trees benefit from pruning this time of year.

Cherry trees love a good trimming now, while willows are prone to over-growing if pollarded too early in the year.

tree trimming

Deciduous trees enjoy trimming in late winter/early spring, from February through early April in Utah. However, if you overlook pruning and it’s already late April, wait. Deciduous trees start to “leaf out” as the weather warms, so energy reserves are slight, and bark damage is slow to heal. (Heads up: You’ll also want to avoid pruning deciduous trees during leaf drop in the autumn).

Maple trees tend to bleed excessively if pruned this time of year, but that bleeding isn’t harmful. The sap will slow down and stop by summer, but some homeowners can be put off by such a heavy flow.

If you have oak trees and missed the 2017 pruning season, avoid pruning between April and July. Spring pruning attracts beetles that can carry fungus to cuts, spreading tree diseases. Oak trees should ideally be trimmed in February and March.

Tree Trimming by Species

Evergreen trees like firs and spruces like to be pruned in the late winter. Make sure these trees are still dormant when you trim them. If you’re doing it yourself, look for side/lateral buds on spruces and firs. Always cut directly above one of these lateral buds or a branch.

If you have pines, wait until June/July when you can see the new growth in “candle stage.” To reduce yearly growth, pinch off about half of the candle.

For lower branches you’d like to remove, late winter is the perfect time to tackle them. In Utah, winters can linger, so if trees are still dormant in early April, it’s safe to remove these sometimes hazardous and unattractive branches.

Bearing Fruit

Tree trimming for fruit trees can be done from February through early April. If you wait until fall or early winter, fruit trees can become vulnerable to cold weather injuries. A little early spring pruning is a great way to encourage large, healthy harvests for the year. In addition to tree trimming, April is also prime time to take care of additional tree care tasks.

Evaluate your trees and see if any are starting to leaf (or not). A tree that should be leafing and isn’t can be a warning sign of a diseased or even dead tree. However, this is a diagnosis that only an arborist can make.

You’ll also be able to see fungi in April. Notice any unusual growths? It’s likely that new fungi isn’t widespread yet, thanks to winter weather. Take care of fungi as soon as you spot it to save your trees.

Contact Reliable Tree Care for all your tree trimming, pruning and diagnostic needs.

Tree Insect Control in Utah

As spring approaches, your tree insect control efforts amp up. According to Utah State University, the best approach is using numerous simultaneous techniques, including biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical options, for tree insect control. This method reduces negative environmental side effects and can be used as needed.

tree insect control

First, your integrated pest management professional will diagnose any problems, then determine management needs and pinpoint the best time frame to tackle challenges.

Every best practice is unique based on pest type, geographic region and severity of the problem. Diagnosis is key, because most tree problems aren’t caused by biotic issues like insects and diseases, but rather abiotic issues such as the environment, improper care and insufficient irrigation.

However, biotic and abiotic symptoms can look similar, especially to nonprofessionals.

What’s Bugging You?

Your insect control specialist will look for pests and damage to the tree/plant, then determine injury type. Not all insects are pests; some help the environment.

Prevention tactics depend on the tree species, how adapted they are to the site and the water/temperature situation. Insecticide treatments must align with pest activity (is it long-term or recent?). Issues in progress are treated, but bear in mind that insect control alone often isn’t enough for aggressive, long-term pests known tree killers.

Bark beetles are a big problem in Utah when it comes to tree insect control. They love spruces and pines especially. As adults, they form colonies and create tunnels in trees for dining and laying eggs. You can get up to five generations per year, which spells trouble for the tree trying to mount a defense against this pest. These beetles prefer smaller limbs at the tops of trees, making damage tough for homeowners to spot.

Your Plan of Attack

Bark beetles are secondary pests, and they prefer weakened trees. However, USU reports that summer droughts and heat have led to an increase in bark beetles. They can easily move from tree to tree, so prevention of bark beetle infestation is key, including reducing your trees’ stress and maintaining adequate water levels. Your tree insect control specialist will treat infected areas, remove infestations and haul away dangerous sections of the tree.

Pesticides such as Carbaryl and Permethrin are best for bark beetle management. Treatment in spring before beetles are able to fly is critical, and one dose can allow up to 18 months of insect control. Large limbs must be treated with a special, high-pressure sprayer that tree insect control professionals have available.

Prepping for Spring

Additional Utahn pests include round-headed beetles and moths. Both are tree borers that adore aspens, ashes, birches and poplars. It’s best to not plant these trees, but if you already have them, then maintaining their health is important.

Contact Reliable Tree Care for all your tree insect control needs before the warm weather gives flight to the biggest pests.