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Trees and Turf

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:19:43 GMT

A landscape design should provide adequate plant spacing to minimize competition

How to select the right trees and grass.

Tree and grass selection, competition among plants, maintenance practices and special considerations all must be considered when trees and turf share a landscape.

Woody plants and turfgrasses are critical design elements in urban and suburban landscapes. Trees and turf offer distinct personal, functional and environmental benefits. The intended benefits of these plants amy never be obtained, however, if potential incompatibilities are not addressed.

Thinning grass under large shade trees: large tree roots that hinder mowing; young trees that don't seem to grow; tree trunks badly damaged by lawn mowers or string trimmers. - all of these undesirable effects can be caused by tree and turfgrass conflicts.

Turfgrasses provide many of the same environmental benefits as trees.

take up carbon dioxide and produce oxygen via photosynthesis
cool the air by changing water into water vapor
filter dust and particulates
entrap air polluting gases
reduce erosion

Turfgrasses, in addition to being environmentally beneficial, are attractive in formal and informal designs. There are many advantages to combining trees and turf in the landscape.

Selection

When trees and turf are used in the same area, extra attention must be given to plant material selection to ensure tree an lawn compatibility. Grass is generally a sun-loving plant. Most species will not grow well in areas that get less than 50 percent open sunlight. However, new shade tolerant grass varieties are being introduced.

In areas where the lawn is the primary design features, select woody plants that are small, have open canopies (to allow sunlight to penetrate to the ground), or have a high canopy. Select trees that do not root near the soil surface. Surface rooting is most prevalent where shallow topsoil or clay soils are present.

A landscape design should provide adequate plant spacing to minimize competition

Competition

All plants require sunlight, water, and rooting space for growth. In the landscape, plants compete with their neighbors for these resources. Some plants even release chemicals in the soil to restrict growth of nearby plants. A landscape design should provide adequate space for plants (keeping size at maturity in mind) to minimize competition.

While shading is the most obvious form of competition, roots also compete below ground for water, nutrients and space. The majority of fine, water-absorbing, tree and grass roots are in the top 6 inches of soil. In this region, grass roots ordinarily occupy a much greater percentage of the soil volume than tree roots. and absorb more of the available water and nutrients - especially young trees. However, grass root density is often much lower in areas where trees were established first. In these situations, shading and other factors help to make tree roots more competitive.

Competition is especially important when transplanting, seeding, or sodding. The newest plant in the area must be given special treatment to become established.

Fine, water absorbing tree and grass roots are in the top 6 inches of soil.

Competing sod should be removed from around transplanted trees and shrubs. Water new transplants and seedlings as needed.

Mulching is the best alternative to turf around trees. A 2 to 4 inch layer of wood chips, bark or other organic material over the soil beneath the tree's drip line is recommended because it:

helps retain soil moisture
helps reduce weeds and grass competition
increases soil biology and fertility as it decomposes
improves appearance
protects the trunk from serious injuries caused by lawn care equipment
improves soil structure (better aeration, temperature, and moisture conditions.

Maintenance Practices

Trees and turf have different requirements. Given the close proximity of tree and turf roots, treatment of one plant may damage the other.

Many broad leaf herbicides used in lawn care can cause sever damage to trees when misapplied. herbicide drift on windy days and vaporization on hot days can cause damage to non-target woody plants. While most herbicides do not kill tree roots, some, such as soil sterilants do. herbicides that can cause tree damage will note this on their labels.

Fertilizer applied to one plant will also be absorbed by the roots of nearby plants. This can be a good thing, but excessive fertilization of either trees or turf can result in excessive above ground growth or reduced disease and pest resistance.

Lawn watering is beneficial to trees if done correctly. Trees need on average the equivalent of 1 inch of rain every 7 to 10 days, depending on the species. Frequent, shallow watering does not meet the needs of either trees or turf. and can be harmful to both. Allow turf to grow to the top of its recommended mowing height to increase health and rooting depth and decrease irrigation, fertilization,k and weed control requirements. Mowing no more than one-third of the grass blade's height and letting the clippings remain on the lawn promotes a healthy and vigorous lawn. Encourage communication between tree and lawn care professionals to prevent duplication of maintenance activities.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us

Why Hire An Arborist

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:14:53 GMT

You wouldn't perform surgery on yourself, Learn why its important to hire a professional arborist

Arborists specialize in the care of individual trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns.

Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

What is a Certified Arborist?

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.

Services Offered By Arborists

In our next post, We'll show you why its important to that you work with a licensed and insured company.

Tips for planting new trees

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:06:09 GMT

Late winter and early spring is an excellent time to plant if you are thinking about planting new trees. With the loss of so many of our precious old growth pines and oaks here in Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities, we are faced with the responsibility and privilege of helping to establish and care for the next generation of trees that can add to the value of our lives, properties, and future generations.
It is truly sad to lose our large, old growth trees that make Idyllwild so beautiful and awesome, and while it certainly does take many decades for trees to grow from nursery to magnificent giants, young trees can bring hope and enjoyment.

The forest can and will regenerate naturally and it is a proven fact that responsible and diligent forestry on our parts can definitely help the process and there are good conversations to be had about the management of our public lands and forests.

Our yards and properties however, will need some help from us and my aim in this article is to provide property owners with a few tips for planting and establishing new trees in their yards.

1 . Consult with an arborist or a forester. An "old tree guy" should work also, but an arborist is educated in tree selection, matching tree species to planting site, soil science, and industry planting standards. Even if you don't hire the Arborist to do the work, at least just get some advice from him or her. They will be happy to provide pointers.

2 . If you choose to plant yourself, here are a few tips that will help you get your trees started.
Number one: Tree Selection. Choose the correct species of tree. I can not over state this enough. This arborist strongly recommends that you choose tree species that are native to your area. If you choose exotic tree species, do your homework and figure out which ones match your local climate and site.

Once you've decided on species, if at all possible, find a good nursery that will let you be selective abut the trees you pick. Look for healthy trees with a good, balanced structure, intact bark, free of diseased or dead parts.

Matching the right tree to your site and Tree selection are the critical first steps and the following link to International Society of Arboriculture's tips on New Tree Planting will provide many other helpful tips for planting and establishing new trees that can add value, life, and enjoyment your property and neighborhood.