The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Trimming Their Trees
Kelsey T. • September 18, 2020
Maintaining trees in a way that allows property to be protected is something most homeowners value and do on their own from time to time. Consistent trimming and pruning will allow the tree to live longer by preventing disease caused from dead tree limbs. Continuing to trim improperly will harm the tree more than it will benefit it. This post will go over some of the biggest tree care no-no's that are seen all too often throughout the world.
Slicing Through the Branch Collar
It is important to outline what the branch collar is before diving into the details. The branch collar is the closest part of the branch that shares itself with the base of the tree. It is composed of vascular tissue which will release sap if it is cut into. The wound caused by it will take a long time to heal and can lead to infection throughout the tree. The reason this mistake occurs so often is because people who try to cut the limbs themselves will often try to cut limb so that it is flush with the trunk of the tree. Doing so will remove or damage the branch collar, causing complications. The best way to trim a tree limb is to leave the branch collar unaltered by leaving at least a one inch nub from the branch and the base of the tree.
Transferring Disease
Like their human counterparts, trees can receive transferable diseases through various forms of bacteria and fungal spores. The most common vehicle that these spores travel on is through un-sanitized sheers used on other trees. A simple method that goes a long way in tree health is to simply disinfect shears between trees. This will kill any unwanted parasites on the blades and keep the disease from transferring.
On a side note, keeping the foot of the tree clear of any fallen branches, foliage, or debris will also ensure that disease can harbor near the root system. When trimming a tree, make sure that the pile of removed limbs are kept away from the root system or completely disposed of.
Using Unsharpened Shears
Hacking a tree with aged or dull scissors can cause complications down the line for the branch collar. Having to cut multiple times on a branch will take longer for the tree to heal. These serrated wounds will open up an entry point for rot and disease to enter into. If trimming your own trees, invent in a set of lopping shears that sharp enough to chop through branches with ease. Getting old shears sharpened is another option as well.
Cutting the Wrong Tree Branch
Cutting away to many branches can cause the base to weaken overtime and disform as a result of over-pruning. As a rule of thumb, analyze the tree in question and remove dead or decaying branches before moving onto any other limbs. Branches that form a V-shaped angle are candidates for removal after the dead limbs are removed. From this point, it is important to assess the status of the tree and decide whether or not to continue cutting. If needed, remove smaller branches first before chopping off larger limbs.
Trimming at an Improper Time or Season
Certain species of trees are best to be left alone as certain times of the year. The bleeding sap from an exposed limb can attract petulant insects which can then spread disease throughout the tree or take it to other trees. This can also cause the bloom of fruit or foliage to be impeded or stopped completely. Late winter is often the best time for trimming for trees to do not bloom. For those that do bloom, it is best practice to wait until the tree has stopped blooming to prune. Throughout the year, dead limbs can be removed whenever they might occur.
If you have any questions about taking care of trees the right way, make sure to call our licensed arborist for all of your tree care questions. We have the proper knowledge of Colorado native trees and can consult and advice in tree care practices.
Discover how Aurora Tree Service can alleviate the challenges of maintaining healthy trees. Our expert solutions in Aurora, CO, ensure your trees not only survive but thrive, enhancing the beauty and safety of your landscape.
Summer heat can quickly turn a lush yard into a dry, barren space. When the intense sun beats down, many delicate plants struggle to survive the rising temperatures. Finding the right trees to withstand this seasonal shift completely changes how you experience your outdoor space. At Aurora Tree Service, we specialize in helping homeowners identify, plant, and maintain trees that actively thrive during the hottest months of the year. A carefully chosen summer tree acts as an anchor for your property. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to transform your yard using heat-tolerant trees . We cover the core benefits of planting the right species, the selection process, and the specific maintenance required to keep them healthy. Here is a quick look at what you will learn: How summer-friendly trees lower your energy bills and clean your air. The steps our arborists take to match a tree to your specific soil. Proven watering and mulching strategies to protect roots from the heat. The Massive Benefits of Summer-Friendly Trees Planting a heat-tolerant tree does much more than fill an empty space in your yard. These rugged species work hard to improve your living environment when you need it most. Understanding these benefits helps you view your landscape as a valuable functional asset. Creating Natural Shade and Cooling The most immediate benefit of a healthy summer tree is the massive canopy of shade it provides. Dense foliage blocks harsh ultraviolet rays from baking your lawn and your home. By absorbing the sun's energy, a large tree naturally cools the air directly beneath its branches. If you struggle to keep your house cool during July and August, try planting a broad-leafed shade tree near your sunniest windows. This living barrier stops radiant heat from entering your home. Consequently, your air conditioning system runs less frequently, saving you significant money on your monthly energy bills. Improving Local Air Quality Trees serve as powerful natural air filters. During the summer, stagnant heat often traps dust, pollen, and pollutants close to the ground. Broad canopies actively catch these airborne particles on the surface of their leaves. Furthermore, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh, clean oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. A yard filled with thriving trees creates a highly localized pocket of fresh air. You and your family can breathe easier while enjoying your outdoor living spaces. Enhancing Landscape Beauty and Value A vibrant, green tree stands out beautifully against a dry summer landscape. Heat-tolerant species often feature deep green leaves, interesting bark textures, and sometimes even brilliant summer blooms. This visual appeal boosts your property's curb appeal immediately. Healthy, mature trees also add measurable financial value to your real estate. Potential homebuyers constantly look for properties with established, low-maintenance landscaping. By investing in the right trees now, you secure a higher property value for the future. How Aurora Tree Service Guides Your Selection Walking into a local nursery and grabbing the first green sapling you see rarely leads to long-term success. Every species possesses unique requirements for sun exposure, soil type, and water intake. Our expert team removes the guesswork from this critical decision. Evaluating Your Yard's Specific Conditions Before we recommend a single tree, we conduct a thorough assessment of your property. We test your soil to understand its drainage capabilities and nutrient levels. We also track how the sun moves across your yard to identify the areas that receive the most punishing afternoon heat. A quick way to spot a potential problem is to look at where water pools after a summer storm. If you have dense clay soil that holds hot water near the surface, we must select a tree that tolerates wet feet. We use this hard data to build a custom planting strategy for your home. Choosing Native and Drought-Tolerant Species We heavily prioritize native trees when planning a summer landscape. Native species evolved specifically to handle the historical weather patterns and pest populations of your region. Because they belong in your local environment, they require far less chemical intervention to stay healthy. We also focus on highly drought-tolerant varieties. These trees develop deep, aggressive root systems that tap into hidden underground moisture. Once established, they survive long stretches of dry summer weather with minimal supplemental watering. Expert Planting for Long-Term Success The day a tree goes into the ground dictates how it will perform for the next fifty years. A poorly planted tree will suffer from stunted root growth and severe heat stress. Aurora Tree Service utilizes proven, scientific planting techniques to give your new tree the strongest possible start. Strategic Placement for Maximum Benefit We never place a tree randomly. We map out the mature height and width of the canopy to ensure the tree never interferes with your roofline, power lines, or underground plumbing. We also position the tree to maximize its shading potential. By placing deciduous trees on the southern and western sides of your property, we block the hottest afternoon sun. During the winter, when the leaves drop, the bare branches allow the warm sunshine to reach your home. Proper Soil Preparation and Root Care Digging a hole is only the first step. We excavate a wide, shallow planting area to encourage horizontal root expansion. If we bury the root flare too deeply, the tree will slowly suffocate as the summer heat bakes the surrounding soil. We carefully untangle the root ball to prevent the roots from circling and strangling themselves as they grow. We then backfill the hole with native soil, ensuring the roots adapt quickly to their permanent environment. Maintaining Your Trees Through the Heat Even the toughest heat-tolerant trees require basic support during severe summer heatwaves. Proper maintenance keeps the foliage thick and the branches strong. We provide ongoing care programs to monitor and protect your valuable landscape investments. Deep Watering Techniques Light, daily watering actually harms large trees. It encourages the roots to stay near the scorching surface of the soil. Instead, summer trees require slow, deep watering sessions that push moisture far underground. We instruct our clients to use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems placed at the drip line of the canopy. This method delivers water directly to the absorbing roots. Deep watering once a week builds an incredibly resilient root system that shrugs off summer droughts. Applying Mulch to Protect Roots A thick layer of organic mulch acts as a protective shield against the summer sun. It insulates the soil, keeping the root zone significantly cooler than the surrounding air. Mulch also locks in vital moisture and prevents aggressive summer weeds from stealing water from your tree. We apply a three-inch layer of natural hardwood mulch around the base of the tree. We carefully pull the mulch away from the actual trunk to prevent rot and insect infestations. This simple step drastically improves the overall health of your tree. Summer Pruning and Health Inspections While heavy structural pruning belongs in the dormant winter months, summer requires specific maintenance cuts. We carefully remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches that drain energy from the rest of the tree. This light pruning improves air circulation through the canopy, which naturally cools the tree. Our arborists also perform detailed summer health inspections. We look for early signs of heat stress, such as scorching on the leaf edges or sudden canopy thinning. Catching these issues early allows us to adjust your watering schedule before permanent damage occurs. Transform Your Summer Landscape Today You do not have to watch your yard wither and fade under the intense summer sun. By selecting the right heat-tolerant trees and utilizing expert planting techniques, you can build a resilient, deeply shaded landscape. A healthy summer canopy lowers your energy costs, cleans your air, and makes your outdoor spaces comfortable again. Take control of your landscape before the worst of the heat arrives. Contact Aurora Tree Service today to schedule a comprehensive property evaluation. Let our certified arborists help you identify, plant, and care for the perfect summer trees for your home. Meta Information Meta title: Identify the Best Trees for Summer With Aurora Tree Service Meta description: Learn how Aurora Tree Service helps you select, plant, and maintain heat-tolerant trees. Discover the massive benefits of a shady, summer-friendly landscape.
Winter brings a sudden, stark change to most neighborhoods. Deciduous trees drop their leaves, leaving bare branches stretching against the cold sky. Your yard can quickly look barren and lifeless. However, one specific group of trees stands vibrant and strong no matter the season or the weather. Evergreen trees provide a constant, reliable source of life, color, and structure to your property. They anchor your landscape design when everything else goes dormant. At Aurora Tree Service, we hold a deep appreciation for these resilient trees. We want to help you understand the true beauty of evergreens and show you how they can transform your yard. This comprehensive guide explores the unique physical characteristics of evergreens and their massive benefits for your landscape. You will also learn how our expert team provides the specific planting, care, and maintenance services these trees need to thrive for generations. The Unique Characteristics of Evergreens Most people can easily identify an evergreen tree, but few understand how they function. These trees evolved specific physical traits that allow them to survive harsh environments. Understanding these unique characteristics helps you appreciate the deep resilience of your landscape. Needles and Scales Instead of Leaves Unlike oak or maple trees, most evergreens do not grow wide, flat leaves. Instead, they feature tightly rolled needles or flat, overlapping scales. This specific shape minimizes the surface area exposed to the elements. This clever design prevents extreme moisture loss during dry, freezing winters. A thick, waxy coating covers each needle, trapping essential water inside the tree. This wax also helps snow slide easily off the branches. Without this waxy layer, the heavy winter snow would snap the limbs under its massive weight. Year-Round Color and Life The name "evergreen" perfectly describes how these trees manage their foliage. Deciduous trees shed all their leaves at once during the autumn. Evergreens shed their needles too, but they do it gradually over several years. Because they constantly grow new needles while slowly dropping the oldest ones, the tree never sits bare. This continuous cycle means the tree can perform photosynthesis and produce energy all year long. When you look out your window in January, that vibrant green color proves the tree is actively alive and working. Enhancing Your Landscape With Evergreens Adding evergreens to your property does much more than just add a splash of green. These versatile trees serve highly practical functions in landscape architecture. Aurora Tree Service helps homeowners place these trees strategically to maximize their functional benefits. Creating Natural Privacy Screens If your house sits close to a busy road or a neighboring property, you likely crave some privacy. Building a tall wooden fence blocks the view, but it often looks harsh and unwelcoming. Evergreens offer a soft, natural alternative to rigid fencing materials. Planting a staggered row of arborvitae, spruce, or cedar trees creates a dense, living wall. Because they never lose their foliage, this green screen protects your privacy during every single month of the year. They also absorb massive amounts of neighborhood noise, turning your backyard into a quiet, peaceful retreat. Building Effective Windbreaks Harsh winter winds strip heat away from your home, forcing your heating system to work overtime. A strategically planted row of large evergreens acts as a powerful windbreak. The dense network of branches and needles catches the wind, forcing it up and over your house. By blocking these freezing gusts, evergreens actively lower your winter energy bills. During the summer, they provide massive swaths of cool, dense shade. This natural temperature regulation makes your outdoor living spaces much more comfortable. Providing Shelter for Local Wildlife Your local ecosystem relies heavily on evergreens. When winter storms roll in, birds and small mammals lose the natural cover provided by deciduous bushes. Evergreens step in to offer crucial, life-saving shelter. The thick branches block the wind and keep out the snow, creating a warm microclimate near the trunk of the tree. Pinecones and seeds provide an essential food source when the ground freezes solid. By planting evergreens, you actively support the health and diversity of your local wildlife. Expert Evergreen Care With Aurora Tree Service While evergreens boast incredible resilience, they still require professional care to reach their full potential. Planting the wrong tree in the wrong spot quickly leads to disease, stunted growth, or property damage. Aurora Tree Service provides the expert guidance you need to protect your investment. Selecting the Right Tree for Your Yard Not all evergreens thrive in the same conditions. A towering Colorado Blue Spruce requires massive amounts of space, while a compact juniper fits perfectly near a foundational wall. We help you select the exact right species for your specific soil type, sun exposure, and yard size. We evaluate your property carefully before making any recommendations. We consider the mature height and width of the tree to ensure it never threatens your rooflines or underground utility pipes. This careful planning prevents expensive removal jobs decades down the line. Proper Planting Techniques Planting an evergreen requires much more than just digging a hole. If you plant the root ball too deep, the tree will slowly suffocate. If you plant it too shallow, the heavy winter winds will blow it over. Our professional crews handle the entire planting process with absolute precision. We dig the exact right hole, loosen the surrounding soil, and add essential organic matter to boost root growth. We also apply a thick layer of natural mulch to regulate soil temperature and lock in vital moisture. Ongoing Maintenance and Pruning Evergreens require a completely different pruning approach than deciduous trees. If you cut a pine branch back too far, it will never grow new needles. Amateur pruning often leaves evergreens looking permanently bare and misshapen. Aurora Tree Service understands the specific growth habits of every evergreen species. We carefully remove dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation and allow sunlight to reach the inner trunk. We shape the tree gently, maintaining its natural, graceful form without causing unnecessary stress. Keeping Your Evergreens Healthy Through the Seasons Even the toughest evergreens occasionally face environmental stress. Our team monitors your trees closely, catching small issues before they escalate into major health crises. We provide seasonal care strategies that keep your evergreens thriving year after year. Winter Protection Strategies While evergreens love the cold, a sudden freeze or an extremely dry winter can cause serious damage. This damage usually manifests as "winter burn," where the needles turn a rusty, unhealthy brown. Winter burn happens when the freezing winds strip moisture from the needles, but the frozen roots cannot pull up replacement water. We help you prevent winter burn by implementing deep watering schedules late in the fall. We also apply specialized anti-desiccant sprays to the foliage of vulnerable trees. This invisible coating acts like a heavy winter coat, locking moisture inside the needles until the spring thaw arrives. Watering and Fertilization Guidelines Newly planted evergreens require massive amounts of water to establish their root systems. Even mature trees need supplemental watering during severe summer droughts. We provide specific watering schedules tailored to the age and species of your trees. Furthermore, we offer targeted fertilization programs. Evergreens occasionally suffer from nutrient deficiencies that turn their vibrant green needles yellow. We test your soil and apply slow-release fertilizers that deliver the exact nutrients your trees crave. This proactive feeding keeps your evergreens growing strong and fiercely resisting common pests. Secure Your Landscape With Aurora Tree Service Today Evergreens offer a quiet, steadfast beauty that transforms any ordinary yard into a spectacular landscape. They block harsh winds, protect your privacy, and provide a vibrant splash of color during the bleakest days of winter. However, to truly enjoy these benefits, you must start with healthy trees and expert care. You do not have to guess how to plant, prune, or protect your trees. You just need a dedicated team of professionals who understand the intricate science of arboriculture. Are you ready to enhance your property with beautiful, healthy evergreen trees? Contact Aurora Tree Service today to schedule a consultation with our tree care experts. Let us help you select, plant, and maintain the perfect evergreens to bring year-round beauty to your home. Meta Information Meta title: Discover the Beauty of Evergreens With Aurora Tree Service Meta description: Learn how evergreens enhance your landscape with year-round color. Aurora Tree Service offers expert tips on planting, pruning, and maintaining evergreen trees.