How to properly care for a tree in the cold in Texas

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Trees need to be protected from the winter as much as we do. How can you prepare your landscape for the upcoming weather in the winter? One thing that trees do when cold temperatures approach is trees go dormant. This is a response to environmental changes during the fall and winter days.

How to keep trees healthy this winter

Watering during the winter

Winter is a cold and dry season, which is exactly why it is vital to water your trees during the winter since trees can get brittle and dry if not watered properly. During the winter, the soil will begin to dry and temperatures will begin to decrease. It is recommended to water around the dripline, the area under the branches of the tree; this way the water reaches the majority of the roots and can absorb water most efficiently. This also prevents water from accumulating near the trunk, which can lead to the tree’s roots to rot and decay. A key point to remember is to water deeply, not frequently.

Mulching

For the most part, tree owners also put a layer of mulch around the base of their trees, which will ultimately help protect the tree’s roots and help retain moisture and warmth. Mulch reduces water to evaporate and will help maintain moisture levels which will prevent frequent watering.

Pruning

Pruning is best recommended to do during the winter season. Not only will it improve the tree’s health, but also structure and appearance. It is recommended to prune towards the end of the tree’s dormant season. A tree’s dormant season is usually around the fall or winter. This allows the tree to enter a period of inactivity in order to survive the cold and dry winter conditions. Pruning will also allow trees to adjust to the upcoming spring season.

Cover your trees from the cold weather

Providing an insulated covering for your trees is a good way to protect trees from the cold. Not only does it prevent cold winds, but also helps trap warmth. It is recommended to make sure the covering is large enough to extend from the tree trunk to the ground. Some people prefer to cover the whole tree. Either way, they both prevent damage from cold temperatures. It is also important to ensure the tree wrap is not too tight and allows air circulation for the tree.

Protecting your tree from cold temperatures

It is inevitable to control cold weather, however following basic steps as above can go a long way to protect our trees from the cold temperatures. Winter care is crucial in order for a tree to maintain its health. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us and we will gladly help. Our arborists enjoy taking care of trees so homeowners can enjoy a beautiful landscape. If you’re interested in seeing more of what we can do for your trees, contact us today.

Small Tree vs a Shrub. What Works Best for my yard?

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Small backyard? No problem! Some backyards do not have as much space as others, which makes small backyard owners consider whether it is best to plant a tree or not. However, there is also the option to plant shrubs instead of trees. What is the difference between a small tree and a shrub, and which one is the best option for your backyard?

Best Trees for a Small Backyard

Homeowners with small yards, who don’t have space for big trees, should consider planting small trees. Small trees still offer shade and privacy, which will also minimize the risk of damage a big tree can do to a house.

Benefits of Small Trees for Landscaping

Small trees maintain a balance in your landscape. With small trees, you are allowed to plant multiple small trees and give a sense of symmetry and balance in your backyard. Small trees maintain controlled shade and debris. Shade can cool your property without overwhelming your landscape.

Small trees reduce the risks on your property. It is most likely that a small tree will not have thick, heavy branches that may cause damage to your property.

Popular small trees for landscaping

  • Crape Myrtle
    • A Crape Myrtle tree can be grown as both a shrub or a small tree. The Crape Myrtle is a low-maintance tree that can withstand heat and even handle poor soil. They can reach up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
  • Magnolia
    • Magnolia trees are known for their flowers during the Spring. However, they also range from 15 feet up to 40 feet tall, depending on care and how it is pruned to be a specific size.

Benefits of shrubs for landscaping

Although a shrub may be similar to a bush, there are still some differences that distinguish both. Shrubs are small-medium perennial plants with woody stems that are close to the ground. Shrubs provide shade during hot summers, but also protect from the wind during the winter. Some shrubs produce flowers and fruit, which attract birds to eat from it and even blooms that attract butterflies. They are also impacted by the season changes, therefore have seasonal beauty. Shrubs change color all year long; from blooming flowers in Spring and Summer to fall colors and berries in autumn. They also improve air quality by filtering dust and toxic materials in waterways. And lastly, they are reliable and easy to grow if planted in the perfect climate and soil conditions. If taken care of properly, they can last in your garden for many years!

Popular shrubs for landscaping in Texas

  • Cenizo
    • This Shrub is also known as Texas Sage, and is also the Official State Native Shrub of Texas.
  • Texas Ranger Shrun
    • This shrub is native to Southwest and Northern Mexico. This shrub is heat, wind, and drought resistant. However, it does grow best in the sun and water. Hence, making it an ideal low-maintenance option.

Now you have alternatives for a small landscape

Whether you decide to plant a small tree or a shrub, both options have positive benefits for your yard. Some people consider trees or shrubs, but some people prefer both! Most importantly, most of the options are beneficial, while being low-maintenance. If you need more information or tree assistance, feel free to contact us today.

The Best Time to Prune Crepe Myrtles in Texas is During the Winter Season

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Crape Myrtles are known to be low-maintenance landscaping trees. However, they still require care such as pruning during the winter month in order to maintain its health. Aside from basic care, there are still a few things that need to be considered in order to maintain a visibly healthy tree. It is recommended to prune a Crepe Myrtle during the winter since it has many benefits.

When is it best to prune a Crepe Myrtle tree?

  • A Crepe Myrtle can be pruned any time of the year, but it is best recommended to prune it during the winter. Pruning is the removal of branches, buds, or roots in order to improve a tree’s health, structure and appearance.
  • During the winter, the majority of the leaves fall from trees, this allows a better view to spot damaged areas or see any preventable risks the tree may have.
  • Winter pruning allows exposure to pests and diseases, although pests are most active during warm weathers; during the cold months, pests are not as active and can make it the ideal time to call pest control services if needed.

What are the best tools for pruning?

  • If the target is to remove branches and buds, then it is recommended to use bypass pruning shears. If the branches are longer and more wide, then long-handled looping shears may work best.
  • If the target is to remove a trunk or branches larger than ¾-inch in diameter, then a pruning saw is recommended.

Pruning techniques for a Crepe Myrtle

  • Although a Crepe Myrtle is a low-maintance landscaping tree, it must still be taken care of in order to maintain its health. However, if not pruned properly, it may have a negative impact on the tree.
    • A basic technique is to reduce the amount of trunks necessary. Crepe Myrtle Trees are naturally multi-trunked trees. This gives the advantage to shape and help form it. It is recommended to leave at least between three to five trunks in order to maintain form and health.
    • Remove any buds or suckers off the tree. Small sprouts or buds can potentially reproduce and can overwhelm the tree itself.
    • Branches are a vital part that will make a crepe tree to look more of a tree rather than a bush. Removing any branches will determine the appearance of the tree.

Pruning tips

  1. Do not leave stubs on branches since there is a possibility of decay to enter the tree, which can ultimately cause the branch to rot and spread further into the tree.
  2. Avoid removing too much from the tree. In general, you shouldn’t remove more than 25% of a tree’s total leaf area. In any case it is done, it is best to wait at least two years before attempting to remove more wood.

Pruning A Crepe Myrtles in Texas? Do it in the winter.

Trees that do not require much maintenance still need basic care. Now, your Crepe Myrtle can be beautiful and healthy for the following year.

Still have more questions over pruning or basic tree care? Go to our main page to see the services we offer. We provide high quality services to all customers across the DFW area.

Contact us today.