by on June 11, 2013
Landscaping specialists say that a structurally sound tree that is professionally cared for is an important quality to your St. Louis Landscape and will even increase your property’s value. It is for this reason that winter pruning is a must. There is no better time than the winter for St. Louis Landscapers to evaluate the health and structural needs of your ornamentals.
What can be distinguished during winter pruning?
When landscaping experts prune your trees in the winter, they are looking for signs of damage caused by disease, insects or other problems. They inspect the tree for damaged limbs that need to be removed in order to maintain the health and vitality of the tree. However, it’s also important for them to maintain the structure of the tree so it does not become physically weakened. During the winter, they are better able to obtain this information because there are no leaves to hide possible damage.
Newly planted trees can also be inspected to see how well they are flourishing. The first few years of a tree life are very important, and if there is something that should be corrected, now is the time to do so. One specific problem landscaping authorities look for is “co-dependent branches.” These are branches that are not attached to the tree in a structurally sound manner. If this condition isn’t corrected when the tree is still young, the branches are more likely to break when the tree is older. This may not sound like a serious issue, but as a property owner, it may be hazardous to have a tree on your property that has limbs that are easily broken.
Call and schedule a winter inspection with your local landscaping company!
by on May 28, 2013
Winter pruning allows Landscaping St. Louis Landscaping experts to fully assess the health and structural integrity of the tree without the interference of foliage. It is important to have this process scheduled early in the winter in order to give Landscaping St. Louis Landscaping specialists time to accurately diagnose any problems and devise solutions to keep your St. Louis Landscape looking beautiful.
Winter is the ideal time for pruning because the limbs can be fully assessed without the weight of foliage on them. Pruning is generally known to encourage growth, so when it occurs during the growing season, new tissue and bark are constantly being added to the branches. When the foliage is no longer on the tree, proper pruning can take place to establish how much dead or decaying material is on the tree.
Pruning during the growing season is encouraged, but can disrupt the tree’s energy. Landscaping authorities say that since leaves are the primary food source for trees, the pruning that goes on during the summer actually decreases the amount of energy the tree is getting. Obviously the tree is capable of getting through the winter on reserved energy sources, so pruning does not have as much of an impact.
Another reason why winter pruning is ideal and beneficial is because the tree is completely dormant, including disease and insect activity. Pruning sometimes makes trees vulnerable to insect infestations and diseases, especially if the pruning techniques aren’t performed correctly and the tree is wounded. If perchance the tree is wounded during winter pruning, it will be able to seal before or during the early spring before insects and diseases become active once again.
For more information on winter pruning, contact your local Landscaping St. Louis Landscaping company and schedule a consultation!
