Tree Care
Pruning
There are many misconceptions about what pruning consists of. The Foti philosophy is that we prune to enhance the natural shape of a tree or shrub and not try to change that shape. It is important to know the natural shape of the many plants that grow in New England prior to pruning, and this knowledge can only be obtained through years of experience. Instead of trying to create a shape by pruning, there is likely a tree or shrub that naturally has that shape. Proper plant selection can help save on annual pruning maintenance.
Shaping and/or shearing trees and shrubs are also acceptable methods, particularly in more formal landscapes. However, plant owners must understand that pruning actually promotes growth instead of slowing it down. Shearing should occur annually to maintain plant form and proper timing is crucial particularly on flowering plants to ensure that next year’s flower buds are not removed.
Reasons to prune include: Health, structure, appearance, safety, corrective work, vista, size reduction, disease control, clearance on structures and utility lines, and fruit production.
Tree Cabling
Storm damage on multi stem trees can often be prevented with the installation of steel cables. Foti Landscape stocks a full line of hardware and cable sizes for any tree size from small ornamentals to large shade or evergreen trees.
Fertilization
We suggest that tree and shrub fertilization be done every 18 months, alternating materials in spring and fall to support the tree’s natural processes. Spring fertilization has higher levels of nitrogen that enhances a plant’s foliage. The next phase is in the fall, 18 months later, and uses higher levels of phosphorus and potassium that enhance root and flower development. Enhancing a plant’s root system with fertilizer makes it more drought tolerant and less vulnerable to winterkill. We feel that our 18 month schedule provides a conservative, well-balanced approach to fulfill the plant’s needs.
Diagnostics and Remedial Work
The number one problem contributing to tree decline in designed landscapes is that the trees have been planted too deep, meaning that the trunk/root flare is buried when it should really be exposed to the air. The trunk/root flare is the point on the trunk where it starts to flare out as it meets the ground. Very often the problem starts at the nursery, where the tree is initially planted too deep, and then when it’s harvested it’s wrapped in burlap with the trunk/root flare concealed before it’s sold to a landscape company. Not enough landscape installers are trained to locate the trunk/root flare and therefore don’t know how to determine the correct planting height for installation.
After the installation, the situation can become worse when landscape maintenance crews keep piling mulch on top of the trunk/root flare year after year, creating what is called a “mulch volcano”. The roots & bark of a tree breathe, and without enough oxygen the roots will grow upward toward the air, producing a secondary root system that encircles the main trunk, ultimately strangling the plant. These encircling roots are also known as “girdling roots”.
In addition to causing girdling roots, excessive soil or mulch against the trunk of the tree can slow down or stop conduction of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, further compounding the problem. The dieback symptoms from girdling roots typically do not appear until 8-12 years after the tree has been planted, but improper planting can be identified much sooner.
The Foti Landscape crew is highly trained in identifying problems caused by improper planting depth and providing remedial services using the compressed air excavation tool. Our team will be happy to diagnose an issue and help you protect your valued trees and shrubs.
