The Importance of Dormant Pruning

The Importance of Dormant Pruning

Have you ever wondered why it’s common to see trees being pruned during the leafless seasons? Surprisingly, the absence of foliage during the dormant period is a strategic advantage for arborists. It allows them to clearly identify and address issues within the tree’s structure, from identifying problematic branches to assessing potential disease or pest concerns. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial practice of dormant pruning, especially pertinent to Las Vegas, NV, renowned for its hot and arid climate. Here, we’ll highlight four essential reasons that underscore the significance of dormant pruning in this particular environment.

 

Four Essential Reasons:

1. Water Conservation

In a region facing acute water scarcity and stringent water usage regulations like Las Vegas, dormant pruning emerges as a hero. By reducing the overall size of plants, it minimizes transpiration and water loss during the scorching and dry months. Trimming during dormancy ensures that plants utilize water more efficiently once they emerge from dormancy, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts.

2. Heat Stress Management

Dormant pruning becomes a proactive strategy for managing heat stress on plants. Conducting pruning activities during the dormant season allows plants ample time to recover from pruning stress before the arrival of the intense summer heat in Las Vegas. Well-pruned plants exhibit better resilience against extreme temperatures, significantly reducing stress-induced damage.

3. Disease & Pest Prevention

Pruning during dormancy serves as a preventive measure against diseases and pests. Removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out crowded areas can effectively halt the spread of diseases and discourage pests from infesting plants during their more active phases in warmer months.

4. Growth Enhancement & Aesthetics

Strategic dormant pruning isn’t just about maintaining health; it’s also about enhancing the visual appeal of plants. By shaping plants and improving their structural integrity, proper pruning techniques during dormancy stimulate new growth in spring. This approach results in healthier, more robust plants that not only look visually pleasing but are also better adapted to thrive in Las Vegas’ arid climate.

In conclusion, dormant pruning stands as a pivotal practice in Las Vegas, contributing significantly to water conservation, heat stress management, disease and pest prevention, and the overall health and aesthetics of plants in this challenging climate.

For personalized recommendations and professional guidance, feel free to contact our certified arborists at First Choice Tree Service. Let our experts help tailor a tree maintenance program that perfectly aligns with your needs.

Call or Click today!

702-564-1998 | firstchoicetree.com/estimates

Have you ever wondered why it’s common to see trees being pruned during the leafless seasons? Surprisingly, the absence of foliage during the dormant period is a strategic advantage for arborists. It allows them to clearly identify and address issues within the tree’s structure, from identifying problematic branches to assessing potential disease or pest concerns. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial practice of dormant pruning, especially pertinent to Las Vegas, NV, renowned for its hot and arid climate. Here, we’ll highlight four essential reasons that underscore the significance of dormant pruning in this particular environment.

 

Four Essential Reasons:

1. Water Conservation

In a region facing acute water scarcity and stringent water usage regulations like Las Vegas, dormant pruning emerges as a hero. By reducing the overall size of plants, it minimizes transpiration and water loss during the scorching and dry months. Trimming during dormancy ensures that plants utilize water more efficiently once they emerge from dormancy, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts.

2. Heat Stress Management

Dormant pruning becomes a proactive strategy for managing heat stress on plants. Conducting pruning activities during the dormant season allows plants ample time to recover from pruning stress before the arrival of the intense summer heat in Las Vegas. Well-pruned plants exhibit better resilience against extreme temperatures, significantly reducing stress-induced damage.

3. Disease & Pest Prevention

Pruning during dormancy serves as a preventive measure against diseases and pests. Removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out crowded areas can effectively halt the spread of diseases and discourage pests from infesting plants during their more active phases in warmer months.

4. Growth Enhancement & Aesthetics

Strategic dormant pruning isn’t just about maintaining health; it’s also about enhancing the visual appeal of plants. By shaping plants and improving their structural integrity, proper pruning techniques during dormancy stimulate new growth in spring. This approach results in healthier, more robust plants that not only look visually pleasing but are also better adapted to thrive in Las Vegas’ arid climate.

In conclusion, dormant pruning stands as a pivotal practice in Las Vegas, contributing significantly to water conservation, heat stress management, disease and pest prevention, and the overall health and aesthetics of plants in this challenging climate.

For personalized recommendations and professional guidance, feel free to contact our certified arborists at First Choice Tree Service. Let our experts help tailor a tree maintenance program that perfectly aligns with your needs.

Call or Click today!

702-564-1998 | firstchoicetree.com/estimates

Have you ever wondered why it’s common to see trees being pruned during the leafless seasons? Surprisingly, the absence of foliage during the dormant period is a strategic advantage for arborists. It allows them to clearly identify and address issues within the tree’s structure, from identifying problematic branches to assessing potential disease or pest concerns. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial practice of dormant pruning, especially pertinent to Las Vegas, NV, renowned for its hot and arid climate. Here, we’ll highlight four essential reasons that underscore the significance of dormant pruning in this particular environment.

Four Essential Reasons:

1. Water Conservation

In a region facing acute water scarcity and stringent water usage regulations like Las Vegas, dormant pruning emerges as a hero. By reducing the overall size of plants, it minimizes transpiration and water loss during the scorching and dry months. Trimming during dormancy ensures that plants utilize water more efficiently once they emerge from dormancy, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts.

2. Heat Stress Management

Dormant pruning becomes a proactive strategy for managing heat stress on plants. Conducting pruning activities during the dormant season allows plants ample time to recover from pruning stress before the arrival of the intense summer heat in Las Vegas. Well-pruned plants exhibit better resilience against extreme temperatures, significantly reducing stress-induced damage.

3. Disease & Pest Prevention

Pruning during dormancy serves as a preventive measure against diseases and pests. Removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out crowded areas can effectively halt the spread of diseases and discourage pests from infesting plants during their more active phases in warmer months.

4. Growth Enhancement & Aesthetics

Strategic dormant pruning isn’t just about maintaining health; it’s also about enhancing the visual appeal of plants. By shaping plants and improving their structural integrity, proper pruning techniques during dormancy stimulate new growth in spring. This approach results in healthier, more robust plants that not only look visually pleasing but are also better adapted to thrive in Las Vegas’ arid climate.

In conclusion, dormant pruning stands as a pivotal practice in Las Vegas, contributing significantly to water conservation, heat stress management, disease and pest prevention, and the overall health and aesthetics of plants in this challenging climate.

For personalized recommendations and professional guidance, feel free to contact our certified arborists at First Choice Tree Service. Let our experts help tailor a tree maintenance program that perfectly aligns with your needs.

Call or Click today!

702-564-1998 | firstchoicetree.com/estimates

Why Fall Fertilization is Important

Why Fall Fertilization is Important

Fall fertilization is so important for plants in Las Vegas, especially for those that are perennial or go dormant in the winter. By providing essential nutrients during this time, you support robust root development, ensuring a strong foundation for plants before the freezing ground. The fertilization also aids in nutrient uptake and storage throughout the winter, allowing plants to thrive when they reawaken in spring. Additionally, properly fertilized plants exhibit enhanced stress resistance, enabling them to withstand cold temperatures, drought, and diseases. Come spring, you’ll witness improved growth, abundant blooms, and overall healthier plants. By fertilizing in the fall, you minimize nutrient leaching and promote efficient absorption in soil with warm temperatures.

Seven Key Benefits

1. Root Development: During fall, plants focus on root growth and development as they prepare for the upcoming winter. Fertilizing in the fall provides essential nutrients that support root growth, enabling the plants to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes.

2. Nutrient Uptake and Storage: Fall fertilization ensures that plants have sufficient nutrients available for uptake and storage throughout the winter. Plants store nutrients in their roots and stems during the dormant period, which helps them survive and thrive when they re-enter an active growth phase in the spring.

3. Enhanced Stress Resistance: Properly fertilized plants are better equipped to resist stressors such as cold temperatures, drought, and diseases. The added nutrients strengthen the plant’s overall resilience, helping them withstand the harsh conditions of winter and recover more quickly when spring arrives.

4. Improved Spring Growth and Blooming: Nutrient reserves accumulated during the fall through fertilization provide a boost to plants when they resume growth in the spring. This can lead to more vigorous growth, increased flower and fruit production, and overall healthier plants.

5. Minimizing Nutrient Leaching: Applying fertilizer in the fall allows plants to take up the nutrients they need before winter. This can help reduce the risk of nutrient leaching, where excess nutrients can wash away with winter rains or snowmelt, preventing pollution of water bodies.

6. Efficient Absorption: In the fall, soil temperatures are usually still warm, promoting efficient nutrient absorption by plant roots. The nutrients from the fall fertilization are absorbed and stored, ready to support spring growth.

7. Balanced Nutrient Uptake: Fall fertilization allows for a balanced application of essential nutrients, ensuring that the plant has adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients necessary for its health and growth.

It is crucial to select and apply the appropriate fertilizer with care, considering the specific needs of your plants and following recommended guidelines. Responsible fertilizer application, in accordance with local regulations and best practices, is of utmost importance to prevent potential harm caused by excessive usage. Let First Choice Tree Service guide you in determining the best approach to effectively nourishing your trees and shrubs. Contact us today for expert assistance.
PLANT HEALTH ON WINDY DAYS

PLANT HEALTH ON WINDY DAYS

It’s another windy day in Las Vegas. Ever wonder why we call our plant health customers to reschedule their service on windy days? Licensed applicators are mandated by the Nevada Department of Agriculture to strictly follow label instructions without exception on many of the chemicals used for plant health.  Most restricted use chemicals have wind guidelines to negate drifting or unwanted contamination outside the service site.

Other reasons we adhere to wind guidelines is due to the nature of the chemical. Whether it’s a fertilizer or pre-emergent application that is tinted and can stain or leave unwanted residue on homes, vehicles or outdoor furniture; or another treatment application that could put spray techs at risk, it’s best to always consider best practices on whether to spray plant health applications during wind events.

Although rescheduling applications due to wind at times inconveniences our customers, First Choice Tree Service always takes care to follow label instructions, adhere to state mandated guidelines, and do what’s best for our customers and the safety of our spray techs.

WEED CONTROL

WEED CONTROL

Pre or Post? Know the Difference for Weeds in Your Yard

Did you know you can prevent weeds from emerging in your lawn and rockscapes? Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a protective seal around the seeds to prevent germination of weeds and eliminates any chance of growth.

Do you already have unsightly weeds as pictured above? An application of a post-emergent herbicide will do the trick. Post-emergent weed killers travel down the stalk of the plant and into the root system, killing weeds after they’ve already started growth above the ground.

First Choice Tree Service offers a variety of plant health care services, including pre and post-emergent applications to keep your lawn and rockscapes free of unattractive weeds. Call us today to schedule your service.

WHY IS PLANT HEALTH CARE SO IMPORTANT?

WHY IS PLANT HEALTH CARE SO IMPORTANT?

We love our trees. We love their beauty and the value they add to our homes. However, we receive many calls from tree owners concerned there is something wrong with their tree. Everything from a tree branch has died, the leaves are dropping from the tree when they are not supposed to, to their tree just looks sick or just doesn’t look well. Many times the cause could be something minor but it’s important to get to the root of what the issue could be before it’s too late.

Maladies in trees can have many different causes. It could be your tree is lacking in much needed nutrients, or is suffering from a pest infestation, or could have a disease causing its decline.  The best course of action is to contact a plant health specialist who can help you identify the issue and offer recommendations and treatments to bring your trees back to their full beauty and health. But mostly, it’s important to not wait until your tree presents a serious condition. It’s best to maintain your tree’s health with regular fertilization, and insect and disease control applications. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule a plant heath assessment for your trees and shrubs.

Keep An Eye On Your Pine Trees

Keep An Eye On Your Pine Trees

One of the effects of the extended drought experienced in the Southwest region, including Nevada, is the introduction of the Mediterranean Bark Beetle to our area. The bark beetle attacks mostly coniferous trees, such as pines trees weakened by years of drought. One of the first signs of infestation is the fading or browning of the trees foliage. Upon closer inspection, you can actually see pitch tubes caused from boring in the bark by this pest.

The pictures above show the destruction the bark beetle caused in a 10 year span. Las Vegas has a large pine population and has felt the presence of this pest. Many of the valley’s pine trees are in declined or have died due to bark beetle infestation. The good news is your pine trees can be treated for this pest. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our certified arborists if you suspect you pine trees might be infested.