Blog - First Choice Tree Service

DORMANT OIL

Nov 27, 2019

Breeding season for certain tree and shrub damaging insects is in the fall, particularly mites and borers. An application of dormant oil helps manage pest population by coating the insect’s spiracle, effectively smothering and preventing insect larvae from hatching in the spring to infest your trees and shrubs. Dormant oil is a cost effective option for pest management.

The optimal time for dormant oil applications is in the cooler months when trees are dormant before new growth occurs. Application timing is very important. For best results, we recommend treatments from winter to early spring, or December to February. It can be applied to trees, shrubs and other plant material. Dormant oil can also be used to treat for shot hole disease and mildew. Call us today for more information.

WHAT IS AERATION AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOUR LAWN

Nov 13, 2019

Aeration is the process of alleviating soil compaction and reducing thatch in turf grass. Compacted soils prevents proper distribution of air, water and nutrients within the soil. Aeration is one of the best things you can do for you lawn. It creates openings in your turf to ensure water and nutrients will reach the soil beneath the grass, promoting a healthier, more beautiful lawn. The turf pellets created from aeration acts as a natural mulch that also benefits your lawn.

The best time to aerate you lawn depends on the type of grass you have. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass and is the most common type of grass used in Nevada. It tends to endure cooler weather better than other types of grasses. Fall and spring is the optimal time to aerate this type of turf to obtain the best results. Also, you should schedule your lawn fertilization for around two weeks after you aerate.

First Choice Tree Service offers aeration, fertilization and other lawn care services to keep your lawn looking great. Our plant health care specialists can answer any lawn care questions you may have. Call us today.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER TREE CARE

Nov 6, 2019

Proper tree care is so important to the life of trees. Without regular maintenance, such as pruning, fertilization and adequate watering, the lifespan of a tree can be cut significantly. Improperly cared for or neglected trees are susceptible to disease and insect infestation, which can cause a decline in the health of a tree. Trees with heavy canopies due to lack of pruning or weakened by neglect are at a greater risk of broken branches or falling in severe weather events, creating safety hazards.

Improper care or neglect of trees can ultimately result in the removal of the trees. Case in point; the trees pictured had not been maintained over the years. Note the dramatic difference in the health of the trees pictured in 2009, and same trees 10 years later in 2019. The cost of removing these trees is well into the thousands, not including the loss in property values.

Many homeowners think they are saving money by not properly maintaining their trees. However, the beauty, health and safety of your trees rely on regular tree care. Beautiful, well cared for trees are healthier, live longer, are more attractive and add value to your home for many years to come.

FALL ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE!

Oct 22, 2019

There is a common myth that with spring comes the worst of Las Vegas’s allergy season. Surprisingly, fall brings its own headaches to allergy sufferers. Although seasonal allergies give way to triple-digit temperatures during our hot summer months, the return of a runny nose and watery eyes could be due to allergens such pollen from ragweed and sagebrush that make their presence known once the heat dies down a little. Take heart though. Las Vegas is considered one of the best cities in the country to live in for fall allergy sufferers. The fall allergy season will usually last only until around November, when cooler weather arrives. You can trade in your tissues for your warm, cozy sweaters!

GIRDLING

Oct 9, 2019

When you walk or drive around your community, do you ever notice tree stakes still attached to trees, year after year? These stakes are called “transfer stakes” and support the tree trunk for transport from the nurseries. They are not meant to stay with the tree when planted. Improper staking or prolonged staking of trees is a major cause of “girdling,” also called “ring-barking”. Girdling is the complete removal of a strip of bark from around the entire circumference of either a branch or trunk of a woody plant. A girdled trunk restricts the movement of water and nutrients to the upper canopy, as wells as the transfer of sugars from the leaves to other parts of the tree. Girdling can also occur from string trimmers or mowers accidently striking the trunk. Girdling can result in the death of the area above the girdle and/or even death of the tree over time.

The tree transfer stakes should be removed and replaced with properly installed wooden lodge poles or steel stakes, 12 or more inches from the trunk to help support your newly planted tree. They should support the tree no longer than 6 to 12 months or until the tree is stable and has established its root system, then removed to prevent trunk or branch girdling. Care should also be taken when using lawn equipment around tree trunks. If you’re concerned your tree may be afflicted with girdling, consult one of our professional arborists.

WHAT ARE URBAN FORESTS AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

Oct 2, 2019

An urban forest is a forest or a collection of trees that grow within a city, town or a suburb. There are over 130 million acres of America’s forests located in our cities and towns. In the greater Las Vegas area, there are well over 100,000 trees of over 250 different species that grace our streets, boulevards, parks and metro areas.

Close to 81% of the U.S population lives in urban areas, and while the aesthetic values of urban forests might be eye-catching and attractive, urban forests provide numerous essential services to the people who live in those areas. The benefits of urban forests include the filtering of air, water and sunlight, provide recreational areas, reduced energy use, and increase human health and well-being.

The care and management of an urban forest has its challenges. However, First Choice Tree Service takes pride in partnering with local municipalities to work together to maintain the health and beauty of the trees that enhance our community. Another reason why First Choice Tree Service is always your best choice!

Sources: Las Vegas Review Journal, U. S. Department of Forestry