Best arborists near New Castle, CO

The best time to prune Japanese flowering cherry trees depends on where you live and the type of flowering cherry tree. Some trees benefit from being pruned toward the end of winter or early spring, after the last freeze. Meanwhile, other trees do well after blooming, in late spring or early summer. Avoid pruning your flowering cherry tree in the early winter, as this encourages open wounds that can lead to infections or infestations. 

In most ways, palm trees are incredibly low-maintenance. They don’t need a ton of water—which is why they’re so beloved in desert regions—and they basically prune themselves. But they do need an ample supply of sunlight and to be in soil that will allow for proper drainage so that their roots don’t become waterlogged and at risk of developing illnesses.

If the plant begins to wilt, develop spots, or change color, these could all be signs that your palm tree has a disease. But a few basic treatments, like pruning and applying fungicide, will usually be more than enough to return it to perfect health.

A tree growing close to a house can pose several risks, but removal isn't always the only or best solution. Potential problems include roots growing into the foundation and causing structural cracks, branches damaging the roof or promoting moss growth, and debris clogging gutters, which can lead to water damage. Trees can also provide access for pests and encourage mold. However, a small, healthy tree may not be a problem, and for larger, established trees, strategic trimming can be a cheaper and more beneficial alternative to removal. It is generally recommended to take action for trees within 10 to 20 feet of your home, especially if they are unhealthy or encroaching. Your best bet is to consult a professional arborist who can assess the specific situation and provide expert advice.

Generally, you’ll want to prune back the trunk by 1 to 2 feet each year to promote bushy growth. Doing so concentrates vegetative buds closer to the bottom of the tree, where you can easily harvest fruit. For side shoots that are a year old, leave at least six leaves. 

Never remove more than 30% of a tree’s foliage during pruning—even if your tree is really overgrown. Removing this much foliage at a time could kill your tree.