How to Prepare Trees for Phoenix Monsoons
While experts are having a hard time predicting whether 2017 will be a strong weather year for the Phoenix region, they do agree you should prepare your landscaping now. Trees are greatly at risk during monsoons, and once a tree is damaged or uprooted by high winds, you may have a hard time saving it. The stakes are even higher when the tree grows near buildings, overhead utilities or vehicles. Here is how to prepare your trees for the monsoon season:
- Trimming: Trees need to be trimmed so that the air can flow through the branches easily even as the wind picks up speed. This is also a good time to trim out dead branches, check for cross-branching, and remove limbs that look in danger of falling on your house.
- Watering: Don’t forget to cut back on your watering when there is a lot of rain. Overwatered plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests.
- New Trees: Don’t prune trees that have been planted recently, because that can cause them to go into shock.
- Staking: Recently planted trees might need stakes for 1-2 years. Place stakes above the root ball. Make sure the tree is able to sway in the wind.
- Damaged branches: If you do have tree branches that split or break during a storm, you need to make sure they are clean cut and trimmed properly to prevent disease.
If you have any concerns of questions about preparing your trees for the heavy weather ahead, don’t wait until you have a problem. Contact us for expert help in protecting your landscaping investment.
