With the change in seasons you may find your trees have put on a bit of bulk. Is fall the time to put in some work on that Coast Live Oak or to see to those tall palms? You might be left to wonder which type of cut is in the tree’s best interest and which is not.
We are used to being asked such questions at Luna Tree and make it our business to provide an answer. Being a family operation out of Capistrano Beach, we have been tending to the trees of this part of South Orange County since 1928. Should you wish to discuss your fall tree care, our number is (949) 240-5925.
There is no better time of year in the Beach Cities to turn your attention to your trees than now. As the weather breaks and the trees’ growth slows, one can get them in order for the Santa Ana winds and any winter storms that are to come. We would like to put forward the following advice for homeowners from Dana Point and Laguna Niguel to San Clemente and further afield.
Why Trim in the Fall
Here in our part of the country a tree will take to fall trimming because the cooler temperatures ease its growth. A cut made then is less of a strain and allows for recovery prior to the spring rush. It is also a way to forestall trouble when the rain and wind set in.
But our ISA-certified arborists will tell you there are benefits to fall trimming beyond a neater yard:
- To get rid of dead or feeble branches apt to go in the winter wind
- Lighten the load of heavy limbs ahead of storm season
- Let more air and light into the canopy
- Put an end to potential pest or disease issues at their start
- Make sure branches do not encroach on walkways, power lines or your roof
- Set the tree up for good growth in the coming year
Coast Live Oaks
You cannot miss a Coast Live Oak in South Orange County, but they require a deft touch. Prune them at an inopportune moment and they are susceptible to fungal troubles; for that reason we would rather see it done in the fall or early winter than in the wetter months. Too much should not be taken away in one sitting.
An aggressive approach with an oak will only weaken it. Our arborists will do some light thinning and take out the deadwood so as to preserve the strength and form of the tree without making hasty cuts.
Palm Trees on the Coast
Palms are what give the Beach Cities their look yet they have particular demands. Left to themselves, seed pods and old fronds will accumulate, bringing weight and pests with them. The fall is well suited to a clean up before the wind picks up.
All too often a palm is over-trimmed. “Hurricane cutting” of green fronds puts undue stress on the tree and leaves it exposed. A trim done right will leave plenty of healthy fronds intact and only the dead ones will be removed.
Safety First
Working with a mature oak or a palm of some height near the coast has its perils. Between the ladders and the power lines, a trim is not as straightforward as it seems and a limb coming down can be injurious or do damage to your home.
Let an experienced crew handle it. Our team is adept at removing limbs from large trees in a manner that does not put your property in harm’s way and we are fully insured for your protection. Do not make an attempt on a tree by your roof or a utility line.
A Word of Warning
One does not have to be an arborist to see something amiss. Make a circuit of the yard and if you see any of the following, you may want to have a professional have a look:
- Branches that are broken or hanging
- Roots that have lifted or a trunk on a lean
- Fungus at the base or on the trunk
- Bare patches in the canopy
- Any contact with wires or the roof
Winter is Coming
We have been of service to families in South Orange County for generations and would be happy to do the same for you. With us you get upfront pricing and a free estimate so there are no surprises once we start. For residential or commercial needs we are here around the clock. Call (949) 240-5925 and we will put you down for some fall trimming.
