Tree services advices: Do you want to keep your trees in good shape? First we will suggest some advices on tree care and after that we will introduce Tree Artisans, a tree services company in Colorado Springs. Not enough water is harmful for the tree, but too much water is bad as well. Over-watering is a common tree care mistake. Please note that moist is different than soggy, and you can judge this by feel. A damp soil that dries for a short period will allow adequate oxygen to permeate the soil. You can check soil moisture by using a garden trowel and inserting it into the ground to a depth of 2″, and then move the blade of the trowel back and forth to create a small narrow trench. Then use your finger to touch the soil. If it is moist to the touch, then they do not need water.
If your area constantly deals with drought you will want to consider trees listed as drought-tolerant. Some drought-tolerant species include Arizona Cypress, Japanese Zelkova, White Fir, and Kentucky Coffeetree. On the opposite side of the spectrum if your area deals with a large amount of moisture or wet conditions, here are a few trees that will do better in wet conditions: Baldcypress, Shellbark Hickory, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Paper Birch, River Birch, and Weeping Willow.
Lack of nutrients: One of the most common threats to trees and landscape plants is lack of nutrients. This can manifest in various forms, from discolored foliage to variations in the size and shape of the leaves, to stunted growth. One should be cautioned to not simply dump pounds of fertilizer – organic or otherwise – at the base of your tree if you believe there is a soil nutrient deficiency, as only a soil test can reveal the specific problem. First, identify what nutrient/s the tree is lacking and then add only that nutrient. As a rule of thumb, annual feedings of compost are usually sufficient if there is not a specific soil problem. One should also note that lawn feedings by lawn services may affect the nutrient levels available to your trees and throw the balance off due to the large amounts of fertilizer these services use. The University of Maryland has an excellent fact sheet on identifying nutrient deficiencies in trees.
Tree owners often need to move or transplant trees from a nursery or within the yard. Yard trees may have been planted too thickly or threaten to outgrow available space. Size is a critical factor in transplanting. The larger a tree, the more difficult it is to transplant. Before starting a mulching project, become familiar the critical root zone (CRZ) or tree protection zone. This zone is generally defined as the area under a tree and out to its dripline. Improving conditions in this protection zone will also result in major health benefits to a tree. Trees don’t need humans to grow. Most trees thrive where they are planted, but humans sometimes inadvertently damage the trees they’re hoping to showcase. Just parking a car underneath a tree regularly can damage the tree by tamping down the ground too hard, making it difficult for the roots to grow and shift in the soil. Many times, homeowners want to build a structure near or around a beautiful tree to have the tree enhance the final construction project. Don’t do it! When construction is too close to trees it can damage their roots and growth space. Roots need two to three times the length of branches to grow enough to support a tree. Be sure to discuss what your trees need with a contractor, and mark off places where you don’t want construction vehicles to drive or park. See extra information at Tree stump services in Colorado Springs.
As a tree ages, it becomes less able to adapt to major changes and is more susceptible to decline. The key to mature tree care is maintaining stable conditions, avoiding disturbances to the root system, and proper pruning to preserve structural integrity. Pruning of mature trees should be limited to dead branches. Foliage removal is recommended only when absolutely necessary. Soil management goals include: Simulate ideal conditions found in nature by mulching as far out to the drip-line as possible. Fertilize by prescription to correct nutrient deficiencies. Irrigate as needed to avoid drought stress.
Looking for the best picks if you want to cut down the tree maintenance costs? Start with picking the right trees for Colorado! Native Americans and early settlers in the west used the ripened seed pods of this beautiful tree as a substitute for coffee. The Nursery Staff loves it for its beauty and resilience. Kentucky Coffee Trees have a slow-to-moderate growth rate. They can reach up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Their size isn’t their only striking feature. The leaves of Kentucky Coffee trees are show stoppers! Each of the two-foot-long leaf segments consists of several lance-shaped leaflets off to each side. The effect is stunning and looks quite tropical! As an added bonus, the leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. The fragrant early summer white flowers may be hidden by the dense foliage, but they mature into beautiful seed pods as summer fades. You guessed it: the large pods make for great winter interest!