Is the best time to prepare for the upcoming El Nino predicted

Trimming your trees in the summer is primarily for shaping and creating a solid structure, in preparation for heavy rains and strong wind conditions. Heavy trimming can be done as long as the tree is not under a tremendous amount of stress. Moreover, it is important to do your summer pruning sooner than later. If you wait too long, you could put the tree at risk of water damage or winter injury. Rain can damage fresh cuts on a tree, so it is better to wait to trim if rain is in the near future.

Remove dead limbs. Summer tree trimming plays an important role in the removal of dead, damaged, and diseased tree limbs. Any limb that has the potential to cause damage or stress to your tree should be removed. This enhances the tree’s potential for robust and best growth while minimizing the chance that a weakened branch will fall on your home during a storm.

Encourage hearty growth. Tree trimming in summer may encourage vigor. In summertime, weak tree growth should be pinched or pruned back about 3 inches from the end of each soft, leafy shoot. This can be repeated again in late summer if rapid side-shoot growth occurs. As always, it is best to leave trimming in the hands of top qualified professionals, such as Flintridge’s arborists.

Help native trees grow strong. Native trees are often good candidates for summer trimming. Tree trimming allows more light penetration, which can support new growth development. Proper tree trimming can encourage mature trees to produce stronger more stable root systems and limb structures. Increased light and air circulation resulting from trimming encourages the overall health of the tree. Tree trimming in the summer helps to support robust and durable branch development, which will help support healthy strong limbs in the future. Some week branches should be removed as they are susceptible to disease during the rainy season. It is best to trim these in the summer, preferably in July, August, or early September.  This again promotes the development of sturdy limbs. Opening up the tree and removing the correct amount of foliage sets the tree up for better circulation and prepares the tree for strong winds in the fall, winter and spring time. Summer tree trimming encourages better light penetration to shrubs and planting below. As always, it is best to consult a Flintridge arborist for the care of your trees and property.

Pest Control. Another benefit of summer tree trimming is pest control. By removing weak branches and excess foliage that have mites or aphid damage you are protecting the overall health and longevity of the tree. Often times dead wood in your trees could attract termites. These dead branches should be removed from your tree and property as soon as possible to prevent a termite infestation in your home!

Contact us for an arborist review of your trees to discuss the benefits of summer tree trimming.

818.952.5300

With all the rain this winter comes a lot of new vegetation growth that we need to manage!

Please call us if you have Trimming and Clearing.

818) 952-5300

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IS A YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITY

TREE TRIMMING AND BRUSH CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

NEW BRUSH CLEARANCE AND TREE TRIMMING REQUIREMENTS FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY

The state of California has seen an increase in frequency and size of wildfires, including historic brushfires in the city of Los Angeles such as the La Tuna, Creek, and Skirball fires. Additionally, smaller brushfires have been accidentally started by well-intentioned residents performing brush clearance. Therefore, Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance to increase requirements for brush clearance and fire safety in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ).  This ordinance establishes appropriate safety measures necessary to mitigate the occurrence of such fires.

Highlights of the new ordinance include:

• Use of metal cutting blades for grass or brush clearance shall be limited to those which are non-ferrous/non-sparking.
• Brush clearance cannot be done on red flag days, when fire weather conditions are at their peak.
• Individuals engaged in brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during their actual clearance of grass or brush.
• An approved fire extinguisher, or a pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation, to quickly extinguish a small fire before it burns out of control.
• A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.

Read the full Ordinance here. It is effective now.

Revised – February 9, 2017

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Owners of property located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) shall maintain their property in accordance with the Fire Code (L.A.M.C. 57.322).   Year-round compliance shall be maintained as described below on all native brush, weeds, grass, trees and hazardous vegetation within 200 feet of any structures/buildings, whether those structures are on the owner’s property or adjoining properties, and within 10 feet of any combustible fence or roadway/driveway used for vehicular travel.  

1. Areas within 200 feet of structures and/or 10 feet of roadside surfaces or combustible fence: Grass shall be cut to three inches in height. Native brush shall be reduced in quantity to three inches in height. This does not apply to individual native shrubs spaced a minimum of 18 feet apart, provided such shrubs are trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of their height with all dead material being removed (see diagram above).

2. For trees taller than 18 feet, trim lower branches so no foliage is within six feet of the ground, and remove all dead material. For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height, and remove all dead material (see diagram above).

3. Trees shall be trimmed up so the foliage is no closer than 10 feet from the outlet of a chimney (see diagram above).

4. All roof surfaces shall be maintained free of substantial accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs and any other combustible matter. Maintain five feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of overhanging trees (see diagram above).

5. All cut vegetation and debris shall be removed in a legal manner. Cut vegetation may be machine processed (i.e.,chipped) and spread back onto the property at a depth not to exceed three inches within 30 feet of structures and six inches beyond 30 feet of structures. In addition, spread material shall not be placed within 10 feet of any usable roadside (in accordance with Fire Prevention Bureau Procedure No. 25)

The above general requirements also apply to landscape vegetation. 

All fire clearance shall be performed to comply with LAMC 46.00-46.06, relative to Native Protected Trees and Shrubs.

To Review ALL Enforceable Brush Clearance requirements, visit VMS3.lafd.org “Clearance Requirement.”

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IS A YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITY

Please call us if you have Trimming and Clearing.818) 952-5300

The Code for Los Angele County

EC. 57.322.1. GENERAL BRUSH CLEARANCE.

   No person who has any ownership or possessory interest in, or control of, a parcel of land shall allow to exist thereon any hazardous refuse or hazardous weeds, trees, or other vegetation which, by reason of proximity to a building or structure, constitutes a fire hazard. For purposes of this section hazardous weeds, trees, or other vegetation are defined as weeds, trees, or other vegetation which are in such condition and location as to provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the Chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.

SEC. 57.322.1.1. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.

   Each person who has any ownership or possessory interest in, or control of, a parcel of land shall comply with the requirements set forth in Sections 57.322.1.1.1 through 57.322.1.1.10.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.1. VEGETATION WITHIN 100 FEET OF BUILDINGS.

   Remove from the property all dead trees, and maintain all weeds and other vegetation at a height of no more than three inches, except as otherwise provided therein, if such weeds or other vegetation are within 100 feet of a building or structure located on such property or on adjacent property. This requirement does not apply to the maintenance of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants which are used as ground cover provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire; nor does it apply to a native shrub, provided such shrub is trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of its height; does not exceed 216 cubic feet in volume; is spaced at a distance of not less than three times its maximum diameter, but not less than 18 feet from the edge of any other native shrub, building or structure; and all dead wood and other combustible material within 18 feet of such shrub is removed except as provided above.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.2. TREES WITHIN 100 FEET OF BUILDINGS.

   Maintain trees which are 18 feet or more in height and are within 100 feet of any building or structure or within 10 feet of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway which is improved or used for vehicle travel or other vehicular purposes, so that no leafy foliage, twigs, or branches are within 6 feet of the ground. Trees and shrubs less than 18 feet shall be trimmed up 1/3 their height.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.3. CHIMNEY CLEARANCE.

   Remove any portion of a tree which extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.4. OVERHANGING BRANCHES.

   Keep all trees, shrubs, and other growing vegetation or portions thereof adjacent to or overhanging any building or structure free of dead limbs, branches and other combustible matter. Maintain 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of trees overhanging any building or structure.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.5. ROOF MAINTENANCE.

   Maintain the roofs of all buildings or structures free of leaves, needles, twigs and other combustible matter.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.6. ROAD AND FENCE CLEARANCE.

   Maintain all weeds and other vegetation located within 10 feet of any combustible fence or an edge of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway improved or used for vehicular travel or for other vehicular purposes at a height of not more than 3 inches. This shall not require the removal of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants which are used as ground cover, provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire, nor require the removal of native shrubs which meet the requirements set forth in Section 57.322.1.1.1.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.7. SECOND 100-FOOT MODIFICATION.

   Clear all hazardous vegetation and other combustible growth within the first 100 feet surrounding structures as required by this section. Reduce the amount and/or modify the arrangement of hazardous vegetation within the area comprising the second 100 feet for a total distance of 200 feet from any structure unless otherwise specified by the Chief. The work required shall be set forth in the Notice of Noncompliance.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.8. LANDSCAPE VEGETATION.

   Maintain all landscape vegetation, including, but not limited to, conifers (e.g., cedar, cypress, fir, juniper, and pine), eucalyptus, acacia, palm and pampas grass in such a condition as not to provide an available fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. The Notice of Noncompliance citing violations of this subsection will specify that such landscape vegetation poses a threat to buildings or structures in the vicinity and may cause them to be indefensible, and shall describe the work required to be done.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.9. GREATER FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES.

   Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the Chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.10. ADDITIONAL BRUSH CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.

   All individuals performing grass or brush clearance activities in the VHFHSZ shall adhere to the following specific requirements:

   1.   Grass or brush clearance operations shall not be conducted on red flag days.

   2.   Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during their actual clearance of grass or brush.

   3.   Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall use an appropriate extinguishing agent immediately to extinguish a fire.

   4.   All fires, regardless of size, shall be reported immediately via the 9-1-1 system to the Fire Department.

   5.   A Class 2-A two (2) gallon water fire extinguisher, pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle (fully open), or comparable pressurized Class 2-A extinguishing device, shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation.

   6.   Where a gasoline container is present at the site of the grass or brush clearance operation, a minimum 4A 60 B:C dry chemical fire extinguisher shall be within 10 feet of the brush clearance operation.

   7.   A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.

   8.   A safety strap shall be used at all times for any tool or appliance with hot exhaust. Hot exhaust shall not come in contact with any brush, grass, flash fuels, or other flammable material.

SEC. 57.322.1.1.10.1. PENALTY.

   A first violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A second and all subsequent violations of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.00 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, including prosecution as an infraction or prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, any violator convicted under this section, which resulted in a fire, may be liable for any civil cost recovery associated with the fire, as permitted by law.

SEC. 57.322.2. INSPECTION AND FEES.

   A fee shall be charged for the inspection of properties in the City of Los Angeles to determine whether a violation of this section exists. The fee shall be determined and established in the same manner as provided for in Section 57.106.7. Provided, however, that prior to any inspection occurring, the owner of record of each property proposed to be inspected shall receive a notice advising the owner of the intended inspection, the cost thereof, that penalties will be imposed for nonpayment within the time period specified, and that the owner will not be billed if the owner elects to follow the procedure, or any of the procedures, described in the notice within the period of time specified in the notice. Any procedure which the property owner may elect to follow must be determined by the Fire Department to be one which will provide adequate assurance to the Department that the property does not contain hazardous vegetation as defined in Section 57.322, a copy of which definition shall also be set forth in the notice, and which would not be unduly burdensome upon the property owner to accomplish. In the event an inspection occurs and the property owner is billed the cost of inspection, a penalty shall be imposed if the fee is not paid within the period of time specified in the billing document. Such penalty shall be 200% of the fee imposed, or the cost of rebilling, whichever is greater.

Many urban trees now only live about 20% of their life

Many urban trees now only live about 20% of their life expectancy due to issues like drought, pests and disease, but mostly because of improper care and installation.

A tree should live more than 50 years, and up to 100 years depending on their species. A recent USDA study analyzing tree life expectancy in urban areas finds the typical street tree living between 19-28 years; however, the ideal life span of a California oak is 600 years, and the average life span of Douglas fir and most Pine trees can be between 75 to 150 years in Southern California.

Urban tree planting has increased

Urban tree planting has increased in response to residents’ lack of interaction with nature and the benefits these trees provide the environment through services like cooling buildings with their shade and cleaning the air and water through filtration.

However, urban trees must withstand the drought, pollution, poor soils, limited leg room for roots, and pressure from insects and disease, and their health and cultural requirements are not considered or monitored.

Maybe it’s these urban challenges that cause them to die young; what’s worse, most are planted incorrectly, giving them a poor outlook from the beginning.

Basic knowledge of tree planting can help your urban tree live longer.

However, some basic knowledge of tree planting can help your urban tree live longer. We have 50 years of experience an trained Arborists to advise you.

1) Right tree, right placement. 

It is essential that certain growing parameters be considered when choosing what type of species tree to plant. Answer the following questions to choose the right tree. 

What are the attractive characteristics? Is the tree deciduous or evergreen? What are the cultural requirements of the tree (sunshine, soil, water and climate)? What is the soil pH and the soil type (well drained or compact)? Does the site get full sun or partial sun? How much water does that tree need? What is the growth rate of the tree? What kinds of things does the tree tolerate (salt, drought, flooding)? What are the insect and disease issues that tree is susceptible to? What are the planting needs and pruning needs of the tree? Can the tree thrive in areas that restrict root growth?

2) Space your trees properly for their mature size.

Small trees that grow 10 to 30 feet tall need a twenty-foot diameter. Medium sized trees that grow 30 to 50 feet tall need a thirty-foot diameter. Large tees that grow taller than fifty feet need a forty-foot diameter. Many homeowners make this mistake by planting a small sapling close to their house only to cut it down later, or over-prune, interfering with the natural shape of the tree.

3) Plant trees at the right depth.

Trees planted too deep look like telephone poles because their natural root flare cannot be seen above the soil line. This strangles the roots below the soil. A proper planting hole is two to three times wider than the root ball and no deeper. (Rough up the sides of the hole with your shovel so roots will spread easier.) Place the tree so the root flare is at or just above the soil line. Sometimes, the tree is planted too deep in the container or root ball it comes in. It is essential that you dig a little to find the top root, and plant at that depth. Avoid amending soil, as roots won’t expand into the less favorable soil.

4) The best thing for a tree in an urban environment is pruning.

The worst thing you can do is improper pruning. Topped trees and stubbed branches weaken new growth and create an avenue for insect and disease. Proper pruning allows strong structural growth, protection from wind, and reduces the risk of tree failure.

The reason urban trees need to be pruned vs. forest trees is that they grow massive side branches, which are usually shaded out in a forest environment. Start corrective pruning the second season of your tree’s life.

5) Use mulch from local trees

Use mulch processed from local trees and avoid rock and artificial mulches. Mulch two to four inches deep as wide as you are willing to go. Properly mulched trees will require less irrigation, less competition with grass roots, and keep trees safe from lawn mower damage.

6) Strangling roots

Strangling roots (commonly called girdling roots) circle the base of the tree rather than spreading out, providing a weak anchor and and cutting off the sap flow to the stems and leaves. These trees will decline and die within five to twenty years. Girdling roots are caused by improper planting, obstructions like sidewalks and curbs, and poor soils.

Signs of girdling roots include: absence of a trunk flare at ground level, leaning trunks, bark cracks, branch dieback, and leaf issues. Data collected at University of Minnesota concluded that a third to half of the trees that fall after a storm can be attributed to girdling roots. It is much easier to prevent girdling roots rather than fix them when tree starts showing signs of decline. At planting, cut off circling roots, follow good planting practices and monitor tree to avoid girdling roots in the future. Some tree species are naturally prone to girdling roots like ash, pine, and oak.

7) Tree Staking

Do not stake your tree unless you have to, and remove them after one season. Only use staking materials if wind is an issue at the site, or to protect from vandalism. Staked trees do not grow strong, develop poor root systems, and suffer from rubbing against their support system.

Learning basic tree care from Flintridge Tree Care you will be increasing the life of your trees and ensuring that they will outlive you, a gift to the next generation.

Trees are dying

The drought has compromised the life expectancy of all trees.

Urban and forest trees are dying at a record rate in Southern California

The problem is related to drought or heat. When trees are under drought stress or any other stress, this reduces their defense mechanism in resisting insect damage or disease-causing organisms. Since most trees are so large, it may take several years for the tree to die due to insect, disease, or drought injury.

Contact us to protect and save your trees

Contact us to remove a dead or dying tree

Contact Us

What we can do to save your trees

• Inspection
  • Start by having one of our highly trained arborists come out and assess your trees
    • Our trees are part of the value of our property and neighborhoods
    • We are able to recognize the early signs of weakness in your trees
  • Recognizing signs of drought stress is important because it can become irreversible, knowing how to mitigate the stress is invaluable
  • Most all of our competitors do not have the education and experience that our team has developed over the past 50 years.
• A Drought Plan needs to be developed
  • Loss of water around an established feeder root system can kill off a tree fast and watering needs to be done properly. A plan to supply water to these areas needs to be established
  • Less rain and less watering will kill your trees, we need to supplement this process right away before the damage is irreversible
  • Grass and shrubs on the surface have died off and less watering is going to the trees and we still need to get water to the trees
  • Zero scape landscaping and synthetic turf can be killing your trees, this can be reversed with a professionally developed plan
  • Every tree needs to be assessed and may have deeds that are species specific
• Trimming
  • necessary and unnecessary pruning needs to be assessed by a trained professional
    • thinning out a tree too much can shock your trees. During our drought trees are already stressed and may not endure the added stress of over trimming.
  • Deadwood
    • Trees spend extra energy on deadwood and on trunk suckers and they should be removed
  • Low hanging limbs need to be removed to so we can move around under urban trees
  • Insects are attracted to dead wood
    • Termites only devourer dead wood and they can swarm from your trees to your home in a day, even right after you have tented your home
  • Bacteria and or fungus
    • Drought compacted soil cuts off oxygen to the soil and roots and bacteria can grow  
    • Too much water can cause root fungus
    • A supplemental watering system needs to be well thought out
• Watering
  • Watering in an urban environment can be a challenge
    • The root zones of our trees are usually shared with our neighbors
    • Roots establish themselves where there is a water source and when that source is interrupted the tree becomes stressed
  • Around hard scape
  • Drip irrigation
    • This is the most common way to maintain a consistent water source to our trees
    • Drip irrigation can be unsightly and not practical around hardscape
    • Drip irrigation can be a tripping hazard
  • Watering tubes!
    • Direct root watering
    • Conserves water by watering directly to root system, eliminates runoff
    • Collects natural rain/surface water directing it to the root system
    • Can be connected to low volume automated irrigation supply.
    • Eliminates tree stress caused by soil compaction.
    • Root Aeration supplies oxygen rich air directly to the root zone.
    • Permanent solution for drought conditions.
    • Establishes tree root zones quicker.
    • Promotes deep root growth.
    • Can be used on new plantings or existing trees.
    • Fertilize directly to root zone with less fertilizer and no run-off.
    • Installed in a day by one of our team.
• Mulch
  • Holds the moisture so water is utilized and doesn’t evaporate
  • Decomposition adds much needed organic nutrients to the soil
  • We produce organic mulch everyday all day
  • Can be added over drip irrigation and watering tubes
• Weeding
  • Weeds compete for water needed for our landscaping
  • Weeds use up valuable nutrients from the soil
• Fertilizing
  • Fertilizing a weak tree can add additional stress if done in the wrong manor.
  • We use time released tablets to avoid shocking your trees
  • Ideally, we add fertilizer into the watering tubes to ensure direct delivery
• Removal
  • When all else has failed we can remover dead or dying trees and turn them into mulch that will be used around another tree to save it.
  • Unnecessary planting and shrubs that take too much water
  • Dead or dying trees all fall, remove them before it’s too late!

During this historic drought, there are several things that you can do to help preserve our urban forest. As we continue to prioritize our water use, it is important to remember that trees are one of our greatest community assets. They improve air quality, provide shade, and beautify our communities. During this drought, they need a little extra care. One of our trained arborists are available to assess your needs.

Contact Us

• Post author allseasons
• Post date September 8, 2022

Tree Trimming Time for Oaks is between July thru October for best results

Most native oak trees are dormant in the summer.

Evergreen oaks are dormant JULY thru OCTOBER. Tree Trimming time for Deciduous oaks that lose their leaves is in the winter.

For deciduous oaks like Engelmann oak, valley oak, and blue oaks winter is the best time for tree trimming.

Coast live oaks are evergreen and therefore dormant thru July and October.

COAST LIVE OAKS ARE COMMON IN THE FOOTHILLS, OF SAN GABRIEL VALLEY AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES, SUCH AS LA CANADA – FLINTRIDGE, LA CRESCENTA, GLENDALE, ALTADENA, PASADENA, SOUTH PASADENA, SAN MARINO, SIERRA MADRE, AND ARCADIA.

OAKS BENEFIT FROM CARE NOW, ACCORDING TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES.

http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/acwm/215959_SUDDENOAKDEATHbrochure.pdf.

Now is tree trimming time for your oak trees and many city 
municipalities agree July thru October is the best time
 to trim coast live oak trees. 
Consequently cities such as South Pasadena and 
La Canada-Flintridge strictly mandate these
tree trimming times. A fine can be administered if 
pruned outside of times allocated by the city. 

California law protects native trees, including oak trees. 
The state of California bans the tree removal of native 
oak trees and pruning more than 
10% without a permit and complete evaluation. 
Flintridge Tree Care's 
arborists can help you with the evaluation and permit process.  
Pruning your oak tree up to 10% is necessary for healthy
 growth and preventative damage. 

Oak trees are historical. They existed in the state 
during ancient times, according to the city of Los Angeles, 
and were used by Native Americans and Spaniards living
in the area. 

Healthy prune, when trees are dormant, benefits 
your oaks, and sets them up to create new growth 
in the spring.  When  oaks are kept maintained the
 chances of getting sick and  dying are reduced. In 
addition, they have a better chance  of withstanding
heavy winds. 

According to the farmer’s almanac, Santa Ana
 winds typically happen from October to March. 
The windier part of the year lasts for 7.1 months, 
from October 4 to May 7, with high wind speeds.
 The windiest month of the year in California 
in February.  The calmer time of year lasts from 
May  to October.  Stay ahead and schedule your tree trimming now.  

Get peace of mind from Flintridge Tree Care 
and get your free estimate today. Have your 
oak trees and other tree pruning done now and 
pruned regularly. Regular maintenance of your trees
will save you money, time, and energy. 

Set up a regular maintenance plan for your tree trimming and you will not have 
to worry any longer. We will take care of your trees and 
landscape regularly. Ask about our plans. 

Contact Us

Flintridge Tree Care has been successfully trimming trees in Glendale, La Canada, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Pasadena.

45 years in the tree business. We are certified tree workers, with knowledgeable project managers, and arborists. flintridgetreecare.com

Tree trimming is essential for the drought

It’s easy to be reluctant about tree trimming/tree pruning especially if you have several trees on your property. However, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Glendale residents benefit from trimming trees regularly.  Today, Flintridge Tree Care is in Glendale, CA, trimming trees to improve the overall appearance and structure of the tree, which prevents the development of broad or weak branches. It also keeps limbs from growing with weak crotches or even crossing each other and competing for space in the crown.

While in Glendale, California, Tree Trimming helps counterbalance root loss.

Trimming your trees regularly allows you to accommodate any root loss. It also helps shape the trees as you wish and end up having the tree look as you envisioned it.

Tree trimming in Glendale allows you to detect any diseases before they advance.

You can easily detect any diseases affecting your trees when performing the trimming exercise. Early detection will enable you to prevent the disease from spreading and report the problem to your local specialist. Flintridge

Knowledgeable Arborists for tree trimming

Flintridge Tree Care has very knowledgeable Arborists on staff ready to assist in keeping your trees healthy.

Tree trimming increases the productivity of your fruit trees. Minimizing the number of branches that each tree has increases the number of nutrients that the tree gets from the soil. As a result, you end up getting bigger and tastier fruits.

Glendale residents improve the overall appearance of your trees. Call Flintridge tree care for your free tree trimming estimate. Our expert tree trimmers know how to shape a tree such that it looks as exquisite as you want it to be. You have to trim and clip your tree regularly to achieve the desired look.

Your local arborist, Flintridge Tree Care will minimize damage by tree trimming in Glendale, California. Trees close to the house, pool, or garage need to be pruned regularly to get rid of branches that could fall and damage your property or neighbors’ property. 

Tree trimming will add value to Your Property’s Environment. Untrimmed trees make your property look unkempt, causing your environment to lose its appearance value. You can easily change that by pruning your trees regularly. Tree trimming- Tree pruning is essential.

Ask about our low-cost maintenance plans.  Monthly payments will reduce the large lump annually.  Spread your payments over time with our maintenance plans.  Flintridge Tree Care qualified arborist will discuss a tree trimming – tree pruning plan to fit your budget and keep your trees healthy and happy.

If dead branches fall from untrimmed trees, they can cause damage to property. Keeping the trees trimmed minimizes these risks and, cuts any possible cost spent on repair.

Flintridge Tree Care will turn your property into a beautiful scenery.

Types of Tree Trimming – Tree pruning

Deadwood pruning

This involves trimming the branches that are dead, diseased, or dying. It’s also known as crown cleaning, and it helps in improving the overall appearance of the tree. Many homeowners have conflicting thoughts about this type of tree trimming, and tree pruning service despite it being the most basic.

With dead branches, it’s not about whether they’ll fall but rather when. Removing those branches at an early stage minimizes the risk of injury or any possible damage to property. You also prevent sick branches from spreading the disease and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the tree.

At times, you can focus on minimizing the size of the deadwood instead of removing the entire branch. This type of tree trimming makes the tree less dangerous and makes it look cleaner.

Crown Thinning

Also known as crown thinning, this type of tree trimming involves removing weak branches to open the canopy. Crown thinning enhances air and light penetration into the tree. It also lightens the load of the larger branches by removing defective branches.

When crown thinning, ensure you remove unwanted branches throughout the crown without forgetting the edges. Avoid removing too many branches from the center as this may affect the overall structure of the tree.

Crown Lifting

This is cutting off the lower branches of the tree crown to lessen the mass of the larger limbs. It is done with the aim of clearing sidewalks, and roads, and removing branches that may be conflicting with your house structure.

This type of tree pruning has adverse effects on fully grown trees since larger branches leave bigger wounds on the tree. Crown lifting is, therefore, recommended for younger plants. It is also advisable to avoid over pruning as this may affect the lower limb of the tree negatively.

This type of tree pruning allows your tree to match the surrounding landscape.

Crown Reduction

This involves lessening the overall height of the tree or the mass of the larger branches. This type of tree pruning service is highly recommendable on younger trees than it is for more mature ones. In older trees, it’s better to remove an entire limb instead of reducing it.

In this type of tree trimming, the focus is to remove terminal branches to preserve the main limb. Crown reduction should be done with great care by someone who understands the tree growth pattern. If done the right way, crown reduction allows your tree to continue growing healthy and also minimizes the risk of decaying after pruning.

Pollarding

This tree trimming technique involves removing all branches and remaining with a framework of the secondary branches of the main stem. Pollarding begins when the tree is still young and is done at regular intervals during the tree’s lifespan. This trimming is done to provide a constant supply of small-diameter poles.

Tree trimming is essential for the drought.

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• Post author By Tim Thornton
• Post date 10-12-2021

Deciduous trees or trees that shed their leaves annually enter a dormant state during fall or winter to help them survive the lower temperatures and the lack of water. This is a very good time for pruning, also called dormant tree pruning and 90% of the pruning can be done during this time.

The deciduous trees are still alive during fall dormancy. However, except for some root growth when soil temperatures are favorable, the rest of the tree conserves energy by stopping growth and generally waiting out for the cold season to pass.

To put things in contrast, evergreen can conserve water a lot better and never fully enter dormancy. For that reason, evergreens should be pruned during growth season and not during fall.

What Is Fall Pruning

Fall pruning or Fall Tree Trimming is the process of removing branches, parts of a branch or stems of a deciduous tree during the cold season when the plant is dormant. Properly done dormant tree pruning encourages growth, can shape the plants at the beginning of their lifecycle and can also improve the overall health of the tree.

When is the Dormant Season?

Trees enter dormancy after they drop their leaves to conserve water and stop growth during the cold season. Generally, in the trees drop their leaves in mid-October, with some tree species such as oaks and beeches keeping their leaves for a little bit longer.

Other factors that trigger dormancy are shorter days/longer nights, the amount of rainfall and a drop in soil temperature.

Long, warm autumns are not necessarily good for the plants, since they can grow new leaves and stems that will be killed by a sudden freeze.

When Does the Dormant Season End?

There is no exact date when trees stop being dormant. To complicate things, weather is very unpredictable and might put plants back in eco-dormancy, or dormancy during the time when a plant is ready for growth, but the temperature is still not high enough. In California this occurs mainly in our higher altitudes.

The trees keep track of chilling units, or the number of hours when the temperature is above freezing, with temperatures between 40 to 50 F encouraging the plant to exit dormancy the most.

How Tree Dormancy Works

One of the most important reasons for a tree entering dormancy is water management during freezing temperatures.

There are 2 main ways trees manage water during winter and each one comes with advantages and disadvantages.

The tree keeps water inside their cells, but lowers the freezing point of the water by mixing it with various minerals or hormones. This process, also called supercooling, has the disadvantage of not being to able to withstand very cold temperatures. Even if the freezing point has been lowered, it is sometimes not low enough.

Some trees push water and liquids to the space in-between cells, allowing the water to freeze without damaging those cells. This process also has its own disadvantages, mainly because the tree may become dehydrated.

Fall Pruning Advantages

There are quite a few advantages to winter pruning, and that is why experts recommend the vast majority of pruning to be done during this time.

Sap Activity Changes During Low Temperatures

Because of the way how the trees manage water during the fall new cuts will not ‘bleed’ as much.

The Tree Is More Likely to Increase Its Health

Because of the low temperatures, certain tree diseases and insects that act as pests are less active. Fresh cuts are more likely to attract tree diseases and insects, but not when it is cold outside.

There Is Less Shock to The Tree

Because the tree is dormant, it is not exposed to as much stress as pruning outside dormancy.

You Can Easily Inspect the Tree

With the foliage out of the way, it is easier to see a lot of details such as:

• If the tree has any structural issues
• Identifying dead or diseased areas of the tree and removing them to improve health
• Pruning outside of growth season can prevent the sprouting of weaker shoots and promote stronger growth during spring
• Winter pruning helps to easily identify potentially competing parts of the tree or branches that might represent a safety risk. These parts can be strategically removed by a trained arborist.

You Can Fertilize the Tree At The Same Time

Fertilizing the tree during dormant season benefits the roots as opposed to growing weak shoots.

Dormant Tree Pruning Techniques

There are a few pruning techniques. Some are good and some are bad for the tree (such as tree topping).

Any pruning work should be done with a purpose in mind:

• Safety
• Tree health
• Space management (such as trees that are too close to power lines)
• Disease management
• Pest control
• Air flow
• Getting more sunlight
• Making sure the tree does not compete with other plants
• Shaping and balancing the tree

During winter, there are two main strategies you can use to prune dormant trees.

Thinning

It is the process of cutting of a whole branch all the way to the main trunk or to its parent branch. It is used for disease and pest control, or to direct light and improve air flow.

Heading Back

It is the process of removing just part of a branch. There can be no stub left after heading back a branch, because it might rot and attract a host of diseases and insects. To ensure there is no stub left, the branch has to be cut all the way to the next extending side branch or to the next bud.

Fall Pruning Services

So, should you prune your trees exclusively during fall? Not exactly. There are a lot of good reasons to prune trees during spring and summer:

• Some species should be pruned in spring, after they are done blooming
• To increase safety – some pruning cannot wait such as when the tree poses a safety risk to you and your property
• Some minimal pruning to increase the beauty of the tree
• To remove overhanging branches or to make room for something else

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that you have to take into consideration during a winter tree pruning project. The decisions you make will affect the overall health of the tree, it’s structural integrity and the way it will grow in the future. Trees increase your property’s value and healthy trees pose a much lower risk to its safety. That is why it is always a good idea to contact Flintridge Tree Care and our arborist for dormant tree pruning services.

Fall is a Good Time to Plant Your Garden or Re-Landscape

• Post author By Tim Thornton
• Postdate 10-15-2021

In recent years, you may have heard the saying “Fall is for Planting.” We assure you this is not a plea from your local nursery to gain more customers during a slow time of year for business. While most people think of spring as planting time – avid landscapers know fall is the best season to plant many trees, shrubs and hardy perennials. When we take a closer look at the relationships between plant growth and weather, we realize that we want the plants to be established/rooted in and ready for optimum growth in the spring.

Plants Focus on Root Growth in the Fall

As the fall starts, many of the plants in our landscapes rebound from the toils of summer. Fall is a time of rejuvenation in the garden – our roses begin blooming again and our tomatoes abundantly set fruit. New blossoms make their mark on the landscape as the fall palette takes hold. Plants rejoice in the cooler nights, damper soils and returned rains. This shift in weather allows plants to get back to the business of growing.

The cooler temperatures reduce plant stress and are ideal for root growth, allowing newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials to quickly establish their root structures. It is an interesting fact that plants can develop roots if soil temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes much of the fall and winter months throughout Southern California, which means plants installed in autumn have several months of active root growth during the dormant season. When warmer temperatures arrive in the spring, plants put their energy into growth – rather than setting root – and get a good hold before the heat of summer returns.

What to Plant in Fall?

Not all plants benefit from fall planting. Research shows early fall planting is best for container-grown and ball-and-burlap shade and ornamental trees and pines. But, spring is best for planting bare-root plants and broadleaf evergreens, such as holly and boxwood. However, many containerized plants may be planted any time if handled properly. These are the majority of the plants found at our local nurseries. One of the main reasons fall-planted broadleaf evergreens fail is due to water stress – the green leaves are exposed to dry winds all winter long and continue to lose water, yet many landscapers forget to irrigate plants during the winter months. For success with fall plantings of any type, be sure to water regularly throughout the winter to keep roots and soil moist.

While we often fertilize plants or amend soil during spring planting, we should also fertilize in the fall to encourage root stimulation. The same is true for fertilizing woody trees and shrubs during the fall to encourage root growth. Fertilization and pruning encourage new growth and new growth encourages new root structure to develop before cold temperatures arrive. New succulent growth can be damaged as temperatures drop below freezing due to their high-water content, so often it is better to wait until springtime to plant succulents. Replete the process in spring – fertilizing plants again in the spring, and prune as needed during winter dormancy will give you the optimum looking garden.

Choosing Plants with Fall Foliage Color

Not only is fall a great time to establish plants, it is also ideal for selecting trees and shrubs for fall color. If you are looking for a shade tree or shrub known for fall foliage or if you are not sure exactly what plant you want, wait until plants reveal their fall colors. This will assist you in selecting the most vibrant specimen. Visiting the garden center in the fall will also allow fall-blooming shrubs and perennials you may have passed over in the springtime to shine. This is a great way to identify plants of seasonal interest to showcase in your garden.

Trees that you should plant in the fall

Fruit trees:

Apple, Citrus, Fig, Avocado, Pomegranate, Plum, Pear, Apricot, Etc.

Evergreen trees:

Pines, Cedars, Spruce, Podocarpus, Ficus, Oaks, Ash, Palms, Melaleuca, Pepper, Etc.

Deciduous trees:

Maple, Liquid Amber, Oaks, Elms, Beech, Aspens, Birch, Sycamores, Gingko, Etc.

Plant that Hedge now:

Ficus, Podocarpus, Eugenia, Ligustrum, Carolina Cherries, Etc.

Why you want to Relandscape in the fall  

Soil is moist

Water is plentiful

Temperature is cool or mild