Daily Archives: July 11, 2013

Tips for Watering Your Trees During the Summer Months

As we approach the inevitable hot Texas summer, it’s important to closely monitor your watering schedule and methods for watering your trees. Trees need to be watered routinely and correctly to ensure their lasting health and well being. A good approach is to periodically check the soil so that you can gain a feel of when to water. You want the underlying soil (soil that’s about 2-3 inches below the surface), to have similar moisture content as a damp sponge.

When watering, the water needs to be applied slowly so that the deep roots are fed. Light surface watering, such as sprinkler systems, are not adequate for trees and can promote shallow root systems while starving the deeper roots. The best place to apply the slow watering is the outer half of the root ball area under the canopy with a garden hose for about 10 -15 minutes, or 5 – 10 gallons of water, depending on the size of the tree. Other systems for watering such as a soaker hose, gator bag, or drip irrigation can be highly effective also. Mulch can be used to help maintain the moisture levels around the root ball. Mulch depth should stay around 2 – 4 inches deep.

Overwatering leads to a large amount of trees declining every year. Tree roots need to have the ability to breathe, and without a drying period, roots can slowly begin to die. One symptom of too much water is the unexpected lightening or yellowing of leaves starting on the lower part of the tree, and slowly moving outward.  Other symptoms may include wilting of young shoots or brittle green leaves.

We recommend the continued use of SuperThrive, at least once a month, to promote the health of your trees. Please don’t hesitate to call Fannin Tree Farm https://www.fannintreefarm.com with any questions you might have.

We would be honored to earn your business!

A Tree is Only Good as its Roots

The root structure of the tree is one of the largest considerations when buying a new tree. Unfortunately, the root structure is hidden so other factors can be concidered when examining the health of your new tree. Examining a tree with the proper root pruning is essential for the longevity of your investment.

Three Root Pruning Processes:

RECEIVES PROPER IRRIGATION AND FERTILIZATION

Water stress is eliminated with the proper irrigation maintaining great root growth. Without the right acidity in the soil, the root system has a difficult time absorbing the right nutrients for adequate growth. Both qualities of proper irrigation and fertilization can be established with both growing methods, Balled & Burlap and Container Growing Methods.

ROOT PRUNING FOR TRANSPLANTATION

Root pruning is used to encourage new feeder root to form and take to the new soil quicker. Root pruning minimizes risks associated with the transplant and virtually eliminates the risk of the tree not growing roots into the new soil.

IS CURED BEFORE SHIPPING

The harvesting techniques ensure that the trees are properly “cured” before being re-installed at it’s final destination. A “cured” tree is a tree that has been harvested and the root system has hardened off so that when reinstalled the root system can take properly to its new soil and have the best livability rate.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE ROOT SYSTEM?

A dense root structure. Under-watering and improper fertilization lead to a opaque root system. A dense root ball shows an high amount of root surface area. Next, the “cured” or hardened off roots that are visible throughout the root system. Fannin Tree Farm has always kept the highest standards of root care; continuous measurement of water and fertilizer consumption, proper root pruning and curing and extreme care in transplantation. Our passion is to see our trees become apart of your home, and will give you the proper maintanence instruction to see that your tree stays healthy and happy.

Is your HOA bugging you about replacing the dead trees left from summer? Look at our NEW before and after pictures to see if Fannin Tree Farm can restore the life into your property!

To find out more on our root care and transplanting please call us at 972.747.9233