Citrus Trees: A Favorite Since Ancient Times

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People have grown citrus trees since ancient times and helped spread these fruit-bearing favorites around the world! Citrus are native to Southeast Asia. However, humans brought them to increasingly distant places over time. Moving along trade routes, various species arrived in the Middle East and Mediterranean, then on to Europe. Spanish conquistadors first introduced citrus to North America in Florida. Now, citrus are some of the most common landscape fruit trees in California, Arizona and Texas.

Growing citrus trees at home

Citrus trees thrive in sunny, humid environments with fertile soil and adequate rainfall or irrigation. When selecting a planting location, consider soil drainage first and foremost as these trees require well-drained soil.

All citrus are broadleaved and evergreen. They do not drop leaves except when stressed. If you have a citrus tree losing leaves that is a definite indicator of an issue.

In warm, sunny climates, plant these trees or grow them in containers. In areas where the weather is too cold to grow citrus outdoors, you can grow dwarf plants potted indoors or in greenhouses. In containers, citrus trees will tolerate poor care better than many green shrubs.

The trees flower in the spring, and fruit is set shortly afterward. Fruit begins ripening in fall or early winter and develops increasing sweetness afterward. Fruit quality is highly dependent on the weather, variety and overall plant health.

How to tell if fruit is ripe

lemon tree

While the words “ripe” and “mature” are often used interchangeably, they are not actually the same thing. A mature fruit is one that has completed its growth phase. Ripening refers to the changes in a fruit after it is mature up until it begins to decay.

Some fruits are picked when mature but before they’re ripe and then they continue to ripen off the tree. That is not the case with citrus fruits; once picked they do not become sweeter or ripen further.

Color is not an indicator of ripeness with oranges because sometimes rinds turn orange long before the fruits are ready to eat. Tasting them is the only way to know if the time is right.

Also interesting is that the color of citrus fruits only develops in climates with cool winters. In tropical regions with no winter, citrus fruits remain green until maturity, such as with tropical “green oranges.”

Common problems in citrus trees

There are numerous diseases common in citrus trees, with some being quarantined. Citrus greening, sweet orange scab, citrus canker and black spot of citrus have had a serious impact on citrus industries. Report infected trees to the USDA. In home landscapes, root rot disease due to excess water is particularly commonplace. This disease is not quarantined.

Pests such as citrus leafminer, spider mites, rust mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids frequently infest citrus trees. Regular inspection will ensure identification of these pests early, before populations grow and serious damage occurs.

The post Citrus Trees: A Favorite Since Ancient Times first appeared on Tree Topics.

Container Trees: Pretty and Practical

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Containerized trees and shrubs can add points of interest to patios, decks, small yards and balconies. Just give some thought to selecting the tree, pot and potting soil. Then consider how the tree will be maintained. If container plants are cared for, they can provide enjoyment for decades.

The Plant

Choose a small maturing tree or a shrub species. Dwarf citrus varieties can perform well while providing flowers, fruit and attractive foliage. Cactus and many shrubs can also do well in containers.

The Container

Terracotta pots generally do well on patios and their weight adds stability. Lighter pots are easier to move. However, there’s more of a chance they might get blown over. All pots should have drainage holes in the bottom.

The Soil

Soil needs to drain well but it should also retain adequate moisture. For pots that will not be moved very often, a mixture of sand, soil and organic matter works well. For lighter pots, commercial potting mix can be used. With lighter soil mixes, the plant may need to be protected from being blown over in high wind.

The Growing Conditions

Pots may need to be shaded in summer because high soil temperatures can kill roots. Soil can also be cooled with irrigation. You may need to increase watering in hot, windy weather. A soil moisture sensor can help guide irrigation decisions. Plants that will stay in containers for decades need regular pruning to maintain their size. Root pruning is also beneficial to maintain plant size. Soil nutrient and pH levels should be monitored and deficiencies treated with fertilizer when detected.

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Types of Tree Trimming

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There are several different categories of tree trimming and knowing which type of trimming to perform can help ensure the tree grows lush and vibrant. It’s always best to call in professional tree pruning services to get the job done. We can get you a free estimate. Many residents in the DFW area give us a call after pruning their trees as a DIY job. This is because they cannot understand what went wrong.

While discussing our tree trimming practices, we use proper and descriptive terminology for describing various techniques used for pruning different parts of a tree.

Crown Pruning

Removing Damaged or Dead Branches

The most common form of crown pruning is removing diseased, dying, dead and visibly broken branches. Our arborists have a keen eye and are able to identify the branches that require pruning just by looking at them. It is quite possible that you may miss these branches if you don’t have a trained eye.

Removing Excess Foliage

Another tree trimming technique involves removal of excess branches and foliage. This is done to reduce the weight of extended limbs and branches and to manage the risk of branch failure. Arborists know the amount of pruning that can be done for a tree. A handy rule of thumb is to never remove more than a fourth of live foliage from the tree.

Removing Potential Threats

Homeowners generally have a good idea about the branches that are a potential threat to signs, buildings, electric wires and other structures. It’s fundamental to identify and remove these branches before they fail completely. Our arborists can diminish hazards by removing poorly attached branches.

Cutting Back Branches

This technique is different from tree topping that involves the removal of a significant portion of the tree. In this structural pruning approach, the arborist will cut high growing branches to lateral and lower growth. This is done to allow the central trunk of the tree to become dominant. There are no large indiscriminate cuts made in this approach.

Specialized Types of Pruning

Maintaining Appropriate Clearance

Trees that are planted too close to buildings or in tight spaces require a special type of pruning to maintain adequate clearance from the buildings. Special clearance pruning is required to avoid maintenance issues in trees planted near patios or other landscaping structures.

Topiary Pruning

This is another form of specialized pruning. Shrubs and trees are pruned to perfection in this type of tree trimming to become more attractive. However, you would need regular maintenance if you are planning topiary pruning in your yard.

Preventing Blocked Views

Sometimes, tree branches become obstructions to views. In this form of tree trimming the tree may be thinned out, entire branches may be pruned, or the crown may be raised.

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Why Hire a Certified Tree Care Expert For Spring Tree Care?

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Spring tree care is an investment that can provide significant returns and leads. Attractive and healthy trees go a long way in enhancing the appearance of your property and in adding value as well. As a certified tree service in Fort Worth, we can take care of your maintenance and spring tree care needs. Maintaining trees and shrubs requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise.

You could save a lot of time, money, and effort by hiring a certified tree care expert for your spring maintenance.

Highly Trained and Professional

We staff ISA certified arborists and tree care experts that are highly trained and specialized. Our crew is equipped with the proper training to analyze tree related issues and to correct them with proper tree care. Our arborists can do a lot from identifying potential hazards or harmful concerns to implementing the right services to help your trees.

Arborists have the experience to come up with a plan of action that will help your trees and ensure a healthy and happy yard. Not paying attention to sick or decaying trees can eventually cause your other plants to show signs of sickness. It doesn’t take much for pests and diseases to jump from one tree to the next. An arborist will make sure that all signs of damage, decay, and disease are caught early before they can wreak havoc in your yard.

Required Services Provided in a Timely Manner

Spring care is something that needs a lot of time and attention. It is not enough to give your yard a quick once-over. We have a keen eye and enough time and hands on deck to assess the health of your individual trees and take adequate measures to protect them.

As certified tree care experts, we know the kind of services that your trees require for staying healthy and the best way to provide these services. Not to mention, our arborists have experience offering a wide range of care options, such as tree pest control, tree disease control, planting, tree removal, stump removal, and tree trimming or pruning among others.

We are your one stop shop for everything that needs to be done as part of spring tree care. Call today for a free quote: 972-743-9959.

The post Why Hire a Certified Tree Care Expert For Spring Tree Care? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Is It Time to Call Spring Tree Services?

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Spring is right here and your trees have already started feeling it. This is the perfect time to be considering spring tree services. There are several tree service in Fort Worth, TX that offer everything you could require during a spring tree service. Let Chippers Tree Service prepare your tree for spring growth. We can inspect your properties trees and recommend ways of maximizing their beauty, health, and safety.

Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for a tree lover. With over 30 years combined experience and cutting edge equipment we can handle all your tree car. Tasks such as tree cutting, pruning, stump grinding can be dangerous if you don’t have the experience or proper equipment to undertake.

Get Spring Ready

There are several things you can do to ensure that your trees remain vibrant, healthy and beautiful in the peak of the spring season. A few of these include:

Conducting an inspection

You should schedule an inspection of your yard and trees by an arborist. You don’t want pests to set up shop in your trees. Here you will be able to find any signs of pest damage, uncovered root systems, and weak spots in the tree. They will also look for other damages that may be hampering growth. This inspection will allow you to understand the things that need to be done for protecting your tree and ensuring a healthy growth system.

Removing dead and dying branches

There are lots of branches on most trees. However, these branches need to be routinely cut back or trimmed to prevent the tree from getting overwhelmed. This is especially true for dead and dying branches on healthy trees. Pruning will ensure the tree keeps growing as it should.

Fixing standing water issues

Standing water can be a problematic issue for any tree. This is especially true for their root system. Early spring is when water could be standing around the tree system. You should have a professional take a look at the tree root system to identify if there is any standing water issue. They will also recommend ways for fixing the problem by installing drainage and other methods.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

You can stay rest assured that your trees will grow the way they are supposed to, throughout the spring and year-round. Damaged and decaying trees can quickly turn into a liability instead of an asset. You can have several issues fixed during spring tree services. This includes keeping pests away, pruning problem branches and ensuring a healthy landscape. The time is now to seek professional services for keeping your trees in the peak of their health.

The post Is It Time to Call Spring Tree Services? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Tree Care: Are You Harming Your Healthy Trees?

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harming, helping tree, tree care

 

Trees tend to have a long lifespan. Some tree species are known to live for centuries while others live for decades. Trees have a life cycle and with the right tree care you can ensure your tree has a long lifespan. Tree trimming is an important aspect of tree care. There are several tree pruning services in Dallas that can make sure your tree grows the way it should.

You could be harming your tree without even realizing it if you are trimming it using the wrong technique or in an improper way. Trees go a long way in adding to the curb appeal to your property and improving its value. You don’t want to lose out on the enhanced property value by having a damaged or dead tree on your property.

It’s important that you let the professionals handle the job if you suspect a tree is coming close to its end. Tree care experts may be able to prolong the life of your tree for a few more years. Or else, they would ensure that the tree is removed from your property in a safe and efficient manner.

How Are You Harming Your Tree?

You may be taking proactive steps to protect your tree, which may in turn be harming it. For instance, you may want to protect your tree with a girdling while you mow the lawn. This may cause bark scrapes to occur. Or, you may be mulching too much or too close to the roots starving the tree of ground oxygen. Some homeowners without realizing get salt too close to their trees during the winter, which can actually shorten the lifespan of your tree.

Other things that could be harming your tree include:

Covering roots

You should not be covering the roots of your trees with decorations, erections, or anything else. The root system is not protected in this effort. In fact, it may be harming your trees more than protecting them. Instead, if you really want to do something for your tree, you should consider putting more dirt over the exposed tree roots. But, you should know that this may cause unsightly mounds and tripping hazards in your yard.

Tying a dog

Trees seem like the perfect spot to tie your dog up. However, tugging, jumping, and rubbing can damage the bark of your tree. This is the first line of defense against pests, elements, and other dangers.

Poor pruning

Every tree care expert knows the importance of proper pruning. You should never attempt to prune a tree on your own. Many people make the mistake of over pruning, which can harm the tree and it can cause more harm than good. So, it’s best to leave the pruning to the professionals.

The post Tree Care: Are You Harming Your Healthy Trees? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

How to Prevent Leaning Trees?

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Your trees can develop a lean for a wide variety of reasons. They may not be properly planted or maybe you have been overwatering them which has caused a shallow root system. In most cases, leaning trees right themselves up. However, in some cases you may need the help of a professional tree service in Fort Worth Texas to provide added support to the tree.

There are several steps you can take to prevent trees from leaning. Proper tree maintenance plays an important role in your tree’s health.

Annual Inspection

Texas is known for its storms and bad weather. Heavy rain, ice, high winds and tornadoes are quite common in this part of the country. You need to make sure that a certified arborist inspects and maintains your tree at least once a year. Improperly maintained trees are susceptible to damage from severe weather. Leaning is one of the most common concerns in trees after inclement weather.

A certified arborist would know how to detect structural issues. They would recommend fixes before the tree starts leaning. They can also identify other potentially concerning factors, such as cracked or broken limbs, fungus growth diseases, weather, improper pruning, insects, construction damage, and rot or planting mistakes.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is another way to prevent the top from getting too high. Many top-heavy trees develop a lean in high winds because their base is not structurally sound enough. Cutting away a few branches and limbs can cause the tree to become stronger. It will also help in taking away a lot of added weight. Most trees are burdened by dead or decaying branches. Your tree trimmer will remove these branches to allow new growth to burst forth.

Trees that are trimmed are also automatically healthier. They will have a strong and robust root system. This root system is imperative in protecting the tree and preventing it from leaning. Regular trimming makes sure the tree stays upright in safe conditions and gets enough sunshine.

Avoid Topping a Tree

While trimming and pruning are important, you should never top a tree. This is where the top of the canopy is lopped off. This causes the tree to attain an unsightly stump at the top. It creates an unnatural appearance which is susceptible to insects, decay, and diseases. This may also result in the root system becoming weak and the tree to start leaning.

Make Sure the Tree Planted Properly

Improperly planted trees may develop a lean. This makes it important to always plant your trees properly at the right depth. You can get help from a certified tree care expert to understand which tree is right for the existing soil conditions. A leaning tree can cause tremendous problems if not fixed quickly.

The post How to Prevent Leaning Trees? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Identify and Manage Invasive Plants

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Invasive plants are not native to an ecosystem. Further, their introduction results in harm to that ecosystem. Their presence can negatively impact the environment as they spread aggressively and outperform native plants. They can also hurt the local economy, affecting agriculture, outdoor recreation or operation of utilities, to name a few. In some cases, invasive species can even introduce threats to human health like toxins and allergens not previously common in a geographic region. For many property owners, invasive plants can also be a major nuisance. They are often difficult to remove and control, and quickly take over prized landscape plantings and native woodlands.


Invasive plants easily overtake and outperform native species.

Depending on your location, there are likely a number of invasive species that have already become established. Each region seems to have a plant that locals know and hate. For example, Japanese knotweed, burning bush and tree of heaven are all well-known, and unloved, invaders.

Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
tree of heaven
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
winged euonymus
Winged euonymus, burning bush (Euonymus alatus)Some common invasive plant species.

Some invasive plants were introduced accidentally. Others were first planted intentionally, owing to some endearing quality they possess. Once established, however, these species have overtaken ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and have negatively impacted wildlife populations.

Be sure to know what plants are considered invasive in your area. The USDA provides a number of resources and invasive species lists at the National Invasive Species Information Center.

What do do about invasive plants

Some places have instituted programs to control the spread of invasive plants. In fact, many areas now restrict the sale of certain species known to be invasive.

Removing invasive plants on your property is largely dependent on the species. Methods include:

pulling plants out at the roots manually;mowing or trimming to prevent plant growth;judicious use of selective herbicides;using grazing animals to control plant populations.

It is important to tailor strategies for managing invasive plants to the species, situation and local ecosystem. A multi-faceted approach may be necessary because these plants have an amazing capability to persist and regrow. Local experts, such as a Certified Arborist, can provide good advice.

When an appropriate program is implemented, the results can be astounding. Just know that even when you see short-term results, management of invasive plants often requires a long-term commitment.

The post Identify and Manage Invasive Plants first appeared on Tree Topics.

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