Tree and Shrub Care and Information
How to choose the right Tree or Shrub
Trees and shrubs add much when it comes to curb appeal. Evergreens and drought tolerant plants can really enhance a xeriscape. It can be quite simple to add these features and if you include a drip system then the maintenance is quite low. There are some things to keep in mind when planning your design and considering installing trees and shrubs. Consider the area that you want to put the plants. Is it full sun? or full shade? Is it in the lawn? Is it in a xeriscape? Is it deciduous (will leaves fall in the winter)? This is important to know so that you can be prepared to have some fall cleanup. How often does it need to be trimmed? Do you want flowers, fruit, colorful leaves? These are just a few questions to consider when looking to add a tree or shrub to your landscape. Each month we feature different trees and shrubs at a discount price. Check back every month and see if we offer the one you are looking for. Call us about our tree and shrub application program to keep your investment healthy and strong.
Trees and shrubs add much when it comes to curb appeal. Evergreens and drought tolerant plants can really enhance a xeriscape. It can be quite simple to add these features and if you include a drip system then the maintenance is quite low. There are some things to keep in mind when planning your design and considering installing trees and shrubs. Consider the area that you want to put the plants. Is it full sun? or full shade? Is it in the lawn? Is it in a xeriscape? Is it deciduous (will leaves fall in the winter)? This is important to know so that you can be prepared to have some fall cleanup. How often does it need to be trimmed? Do you want flowers, fruit, colorful leaves? These are just a few questions to consider when looking to add a tree or shrub to your landscape. Each month we feature different trees and shrubs at a discount price. Check back every month and see if we offer the one you are looking for. Call us about our tree and shrub application program to keep your investment healthy and strong.
How to Properly Care for your Trees
Trees and shrubs should be watered every 10 to 14 days. Ideally the soil should be moistened to a depth of 3 feet over the root area. Evaporation can be kept to a minimum by maintaining mulch around the base of the plant. Fruit trees will require a consistent watering schedule to avoid drought stress. Drought stress will keep fruit from growing to it’s full size and can reduce the fruit’s flavor. Don’t forget to thin fruit when necessary to keep branches from breaking. Do not fertilize your trees and shrubs during the hot summer season.
Water deep and water long. That doesn’t mean you have to water 5 times a
week. Typically a good long soak with a soaker hose around the perimeter
and in the case of trees, at the edge of the tree’s canopy, at least once every
two weeks is the best way to keep your trees and shrubs watered. Most people think they should be watering at the trunk, but by doing this you may be encouraging root rot.
The root system extends beyond the canopy looking for moisture. (see diagram) In order to keep your plants and trees healthy at this time, make sure to water to a depth of 18 to 24 inches. The best way to do this is to use a soaker hose. These hoses have small holes along the entire length. They let water out nice and slow, which gives it time to seep down into the ground where the roots are. The benefits of this type of watering are good strong roots and healthy plants with beautiful leaves, stems
and blooms.
The best way to remember when to water is to put it on your calendar then when you start to water, set your timer (so you don’t leave it running for the next two weeks!) About 1-2 hours of slow watering is about all you need to do unless it’s a really big tree. If you are watering trees put the hose around the perimeter of the tree about 2 feet from the trunk. Slowly move the
hose out to the outskirts of the canopy. Remember that the root system extends all the way out to the edge of the canopy. Shrubs also need to be watered around the drip line, but for a lot less time. Most shrubs are on timers with bubblers or drip, which work the same way the soaker hoses do. If your shrubs are looking droopy make sure your drip system is working properly especially as temperatures start to rise.
Trees and shrubs should be watered every 10 to 14 days. Ideally the soil should be moistened to a depth of 3 feet over the root area. Evaporation can be kept to a minimum by maintaining mulch around the base of the plant. Fruit trees will require a consistent watering schedule to avoid drought stress. Drought stress will keep fruit from growing to it’s full size and can reduce the fruit’s flavor. Don’t forget to thin fruit when necessary to keep branches from breaking. Do not fertilize your trees and shrubs during the hot summer season.
Water deep and water long. That doesn’t mean you have to water 5 times a
week. Typically a good long soak with a soaker hose around the perimeter
and in the case of trees, at the edge of the tree’s canopy, at least once every
two weeks is the best way to keep your trees and shrubs watered. Most people think they should be watering at the trunk, but by doing this you may be encouraging root rot.
The root system extends beyond the canopy looking for moisture. (see diagram) In order to keep your plants and trees healthy at this time, make sure to water to a depth of 18 to 24 inches. The best way to do this is to use a soaker hose. These hoses have small holes along the entire length. They let water out nice and slow, which gives it time to seep down into the ground where the roots are. The benefits of this type of watering are good strong roots and healthy plants with beautiful leaves, stems
and blooms.
The best way to remember when to water is to put it on your calendar then when you start to water, set your timer (so you don’t leave it running for the next two weeks!) About 1-2 hours of slow watering is about all you need to do unless it’s a really big tree. If you are watering trees put the hose around the perimeter of the tree about 2 feet from the trunk. Slowly move the
hose out to the outskirts of the canopy. Remember that the root system extends all the way out to the edge of the canopy. Shrubs also need to be watered around the drip line, but for a lot less time. Most shrubs are on timers with bubblers or drip, which work the same way the soaker hoses do. If your shrubs are looking droopy make sure your drip system is working properly especially as temperatures start to rise.
Important things to Consider when Trimming your Trees
There are 3 key factors to consider when getting ready to trim your trees.
Safety
In windy New Mexico climate, it's important to trim off any dead or broken branches. (You don't want to come out and find a tree limb dangling precariously over your car when you're in a hurry to get to work.)
So examine your tree branches periodically to see if you have these issues with your trees or even your shrubs. It's easier to spot when the leaves haven't fallen if you have a deciduous tree. But if you have an evergreen, be sure to check for insects and branches that are not putting out new growth. These may need trimming or a tree application.
Health
Many people believe that it's healthy to cut off all the major branches to just nubs, this is known more commonly as topping the tree. In reality you are actually damaging the tree when you top a tree this way. What is better for it is to trim crossing or rubbing branches, clearing out some branches in the center to allow for more air flow which is actually a great way to prevent our strong winds from knocking the tree over. (A dense tree works like a sail that catches the wind.) Trimming healthy branches is best done when the tree is dormant. Otherwise you run the risk of dripping sap. We know this from personal experience. It's no fun cleaning sap off your vehicle.
Aesthetics
Trimming is also about beauty. It's like getting a haircut, keeping the ends neat and clean. You want to be sure to trim branches in a way that enhances the tree. If you have low growing branches or perhaps growing down instead of up, you can guide the growth of the tree or shrub by strategically planning your cuts.
There are 3 key factors to consider when getting ready to trim your trees.
Safety
In windy New Mexico climate, it's important to trim off any dead or broken branches. (You don't want to come out and find a tree limb dangling precariously over your car when you're in a hurry to get to work.)
So examine your tree branches periodically to see if you have these issues with your trees or even your shrubs. It's easier to spot when the leaves haven't fallen if you have a deciduous tree. But if you have an evergreen, be sure to check for insects and branches that are not putting out new growth. These may need trimming or a tree application.
Health
Many people believe that it's healthy to cut off all the major branches to just nubs, this is known more commonly as topping the tree. In reality you are actually damaging the tree when you top a tree this way. What is better for it is to trim crossing or rubbing branches, clearing out some branches in the center to allow for more air flow which is actually a great way to prevent our strong winds from knocking the tree over. (A dense tree works like a sail that catches the wind.) Trimming healthy branches is best done when the tree is dormant. Otherwise you run the risk of dripping sap. We know this from personal experience. It's no fun cleaning sap off your vehicle.
Aesthetics
Trimming is also about beauty. It's like getting a haircut, keeping the ends neat and clean. You want to be sure to trim branches in a way that enhances the tree. If you have low growing branches or perhaps growing down instead of up, you can guide the growth of the tree or shrub by strategically planning your cuts.
Here are some examples of the different shapes you can have with a tree. All of these are healthy well trimmed trees as opposed to the tree above which is badly topped and the trunk is split. The tree could not be saved.
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