Tree Service: An Important Part of Landscape Design Services

Most homeowners, when they are looking for landscaping services, are really looking for lawn care services and give little thought to the trees in their yard, unless they’re in trouble, yet ongoing tree care is extremely important and is one of those things that is best left to a professional landscape design company with an arborist on staff. Trees are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance; seasonal inspection and basic care in terms of fertilization, soil modification, soil aeration or applications to manage insect and disease problems by your landscape design professional will help keep trees healthy and protect your landscape investment. Not surprisingly, cared-for trees can add considerable value to your property. Mature trees increase property value by as much as 10%, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Photo: Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Tree Service – Inspection
It is important to have the professional from your landscape design firm inspect your trees in the spring before leaves appear. They will be looking for signs of disease or damage to the branches, trunk, and roots. With branches they will be looking for such things as dead or broken branches, cracks where branches attach to the trunk, and branches missing bark or growing fungus. On the trunk they will be looking for cracks or cavities, cankers (missing bark), oozing or “bleeding” in the bark, and fungal growth. The arborist will also inspect any exposed anchoring roots for damage and signs that the tree could be beginning to lean.

Tree Service – Pruning
It’s heartbreaking to see trees and shrubs that have been deformed through improper pruning or worse, have died due to insufficient or improper care. Done incorrectly, pruning can stress trees. Often, by the time a homeowner realizes something is wrong with their tree, it’s too late. Hiring an arborist is well worth the investment.

When to prune trees depends in part on the intent in pruning. Pruning is done to maintain proper structure in young trees, improve tree shape or form, and reduce the likelihood of future damage during storm events. The removal of dead limbs can be done anytime. For new growth in the spring, trees are commonly pruned during dormancy in late winter just before spring. However, when to prune a tree or shrub varies by the type of tree or shrub – another reason this activity is best left to a landscaping professional or arborist.

Tree Service – Planting

Image courtesy of preservationtree.org

Planting the “wrong” tree in a location that is not optimal will result in problems down the road as a result of limited growing space, pests, diseases or simply poor growth. A landscape design professional will be able to recommend tree and shrub species that provide the attributes and appearance you are looking for (large, small, shade-providing, flowering, etc.) and that are appropriate for a particular location in your yard. They will properly implement the digging (depth and width) and prepare the soil based on the tree’s needs and environmental factors.

At Bonick Landscaping, we are tree and shrub experts that can help you choose the trees and shrubs that best meet your landscape design and lifestyle needs. Often, homeowners don’t realize that as professionals, we have access to many more varieties of trees, shrubs, and plants than what you will find available at your local nursery and know which species and cultivars are most likely to thrive in the Dallas area with our weather conditions. Whether you are wanting to maintain the health of your current trees and shrubs, or are thinking of adding new ones, Bonick Landscaping will provide you with the best in service, workmanship, and plantings. Call us today at 972-243-9673.

For over 30 years, Bonick Landscaping has served Dallas area clients with the highest standards looking for out-of-the-ordinary luxury landscape design and pools by offering the best in service, workmanship, and plantings. Services include hardscape and landscape design, pool designs, pool construction and installation, estate management, lawn care services and garden maintenance, pool maintenance, and more. For discerning clients in Dallas who want to express their own distinctive style through their landscaping, Bonick Landscaping can help you realize your dream. Call us at 972-243-9673 or visit our website at www.bonicklandscaping.com.