Tree health is imperative in Northern Arizona, where trees aren’t as plentiful as in other parts of the country. We love these beautiful, living things that add interest to our desert landscape and improve the quality of the air we breathe. Here’s what we recommend to tree lovers who want to have the healthiest, happiest trees possible.
Learn About Your Trees
One of the best ways to care for trees’ health is to know what they need. Learn about local trees, including their names, their growth cycles, and how much watering they like. Best practices for tree pruning may vary according to the species of trees on your property. It’s a good idea to know when your trees need pruning and where to prune them for optimal growth.
Some of the most common trees in Northern Arizona include:
- Desert Willow
- Desert Ironwood
- Arizona Cyprus
- African Sumac
- Ponderosa Pine
- Blue Palo Verde
- Alligator Juniper
- Gambel Oak
- Oleander
- Rubber Tree
- Silver Maple
Understand Threats to Tree Health
When you know the signs of tree diseases, you can take proactive steps to prevent and remediate them. The most common tree diseases we see in our area include sooty canker, fungal diseases, and root rot. Pests can also cause, exacerbate, and spread tree diseases in our area. Boring insects, in particular, can cause significant internal damage to our local trees. Signs of insect activity include a higher-than-average number of insects (living or dead) on or near the tree, insect tunnels and holes into the tree, and premature leaf loss/defoliation.
Fertilize and Water Your Trees
While many native Arizona trees are very water-wise, they often still need somewhat regular watering. Make sure to water the ground and soil around the trees, not the trunk itself. It’s also important to avoid overwatering your trees; too much moisture may contribute to root rot.
Fertilizing your trees is one of the best ways to promote good root health during the more dormant months (fall and winter), and robust growth in the spring and summer. Pay attention to which products are recommended for the trees in your yard, and apply them as directed on the product packaging for best results.
Meet Your Trees’ Best Friends
Zebrascapes’ landscaping team loves Arizona’s diverse array of trees, and we’re happy to answer tree care questions anytime. Wanting to plant trees? We can plant them at ideal times for optimal growth. The same goes for pruning. We know how to prune and care for native trees to prevent or manage tree disease. We can also apply fertilizer year-round in order to keep all your trees, plants, and shrubs growing their best.
Ready to level up your tree care this year? Contact us to schedule your tree service today.