Knowledge Center

What type of trees are the best to plant?

It's always good to plant a variety of trees, some of the best trees to plant for this area oaks trees. Oak trees are indigenous to the Cedar Park area and have the best chance of survival even with the Oak Wilt disease that affects so many.

When is the best time to plant a tree?

A lot of homeowners believe spring is the best time to do their tree planting. When asking Gardening experts they consider fall the best time to add trees to the landscape. Trees planted now get a head start on establishing roots before summer returns.

How close should I plant my trees?

It depends on what type of tree it is and how far the canopy will expand. So much of planting a tree relies on what type of tree it is and where you are wanting to plant it. You do not want to plant trees to close to each other, it will harm their root system and not give them the space they need to grow.

What is the best way to plant the tree?

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. More importantly: Make sure the hole is no deeper than the top of the root ball. Planting the tree 1 to 3 inches above the level of the surrounding ground is best, since the tree may settle.
2. Digging the hole in the shape of a square is also a good idea.
3. Place the tree on solid soil. Don't loosen the soil under the root ball, and don't add compost, bark or any other amendment. Lift and carry the tree by the root ball, not the trunk.
4. Backfill only with the soil you excavated for the hole.
5. Tamp down the soil around the root ball.
6. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
7. Use soil to build a 4-inch-tall berm around the edge of the hole. Add a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch inside the ring, but never cover the root flare.
8. Once the tree has been planted it is good to give it a slow drink of water

How often should I prune?

Their are many factors to consider when pruning your tree. The best times to prune vary and are based on specific tree needs.

Pruning during dormancy or in the fall is the most common practice. It results in a burst of new growth in the spring and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. Some species, such as maple, walnuts and birches, may ?bleed??when the sap begins to flow. Once the tree leaves out it will subside.

The development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. The reason for the slowing effect is that you reduce the total leaf surface, thereby reducing the amount of food manufactured and sent to the roots. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily, or limbs that hang down too far under the weight of the leaves.

Water trees for Summer SurvivalTrees

Teas summers can be brutal to newly planted trees. they need consistent water. In drought like condidtions, nature is not enought. If your tree was planted within the past five years, give it 5–10 gallons of water each week during summer drought conditions. Regular watering helps young trees survive, establish strong roots, and grow faster.

Water slowly and deeply. Place an open-ended hose inside the berm—the ring of soil or mulch around the tree—and let the water run at a slow trickle for several hours or overnight. Deep, slow watering gives the roots time to absorb moisture where they need it most.

Use mulch to protect moisture. Add a thin layer of mulch around the tree to help the soil hold water longer and keep moisture available to the root system. Build the berm about 4–6 inches deep, but keep mulch away from the trunk. A proper berm should look like a doughnut around the tree.

Keep the base of the tree clear. Avoid planting shrubs, flowers, or other plants around the trunk. These plants compete with your tree for water, especially during hot, dry weather.

Try a simple bucket-watering method. Drill small holes in one side of the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket. Set the bucket inside the berm, fill it with water, and let it drain slowly into the soil. This gives your tree a steady drink without leaving a hose running. You can also use a “gator bag,” available at many hardware and garden stores.

Don’t forget older trees. Large trees more than five years old still need water, just not as often. Water established trees about once every four weeks during drought. Use a slow trickle from an open-ended hose and move it around the tree. For older trees, place the hose near the dripline—the area under the outermost branches—instead of next to the trunk.

Watering makes a big difference. Trees can grow 30–60% faster when they receive water through the summer drought. Brown grass can often recover after dry weather, but a dead tree will not. The next time you water your lawn, give your trees a drink, too. Following the 5-day summer watering schedule can help your trees survive the hot, dry Texas summer.

What is Crown Reduction?

When a tree has grown too large for the space it is in a method called Crown Reduction is used to help manage the trees growth. This particular method is also referred to as drop crotch pruning. This is the preferred method used by tree care companies since it helps create a more natural appearance and increases the time before pruning is needed again.

When should I have a tree removed?

There are many reasons to have a tree removed. If the tree is dead or dying or is the carrier of a disease. Not all trees carrying disease have to be removed it is only in the severe cases that tree removal is necessary. If your tree is dead or dying then the tree will more than likely need to be removed so the tree does not become a hazard to people or your home.

Why is a broken branch a hazard?

Have you ever heard the term "widow maker"? This is the name given to an unattached branch hanging high in a tree waiting to fall on your head. This term is not one that we use lightly, it's a real danger and has become a common term because of the numerous deaths related to those being hit by falling branches. At Doleva we don't ever want anyone to have to experience this term personally. We are the professionals and we have years of experience in tree trimming and maintaining of trees of all shapes and sizes.