Dry Season Tree Care

Florida typically experiences a dry season from October to sometimes as late as May. During a prolonged period of very low rainfall, trees and shrubs are stressed. Let's see how to recognize drought stress and take corrective action.

Drought stress occurs when water in the soil becomes limited and unavailable to trees and shrubs. As the soil dries, young roots can be killed, further hampering the ability of trees and shrubs to absorb water. The inability to obtain sufficient water then reduces their ability to defend against insect and disease problems.

Signs to look for are 

• loss of leaves starting in the top center of canopy
• yellowing and/or browning of leaves
• wilting of leaves
• dead branch tips at the top of the tree. 

Each of these indicates water not reaching the canopy and signs of a dry root system.

Fertilizer can also cause root injury when soil moisture is limited. Avoid fertilizing during a drought. 

Florida Irrigation Strategy

Give priority to newly planted trees because they lack full root systems, as well as trees with damaged root systems, these are the most at risk.

Remember we want to keep the tree’s roots moist, but not wet. Saturated soil can weaken your tree’s root system. Let the top 3 or so inches of the soil dry out before considering irrigating again.

Most tree roots in mid Florida are within 2 to 4 feet of the surface. It is this area where we want to supply water. Light, frequent irrigation will not work for trees.

Water slowly so water penetrates the soil, use one or two deep watering’s every week or week and half during drought.

If you have them, soaker hoses and drip irrigation should be used because they are the most effective watering tools to discharge even streams of slow, trickling water directly to the root zone.

Water strategically. Trees absorb more water in the morning, before the warming sun causes evaporation.

Finally be sure your program complies with local water restrictions.

No matter the season, when you need help with your trees, I recommend Mid Florida Tree Service.

Florida Winter Tree Care

Preparing the Landscape for Cold Weather

Florida's winter hardly compares to the harsh northern conditions, but we do get some cold weather. We even get the occasional frost and the rare freeze in Mid Florida. A little pre-planning and proactive care can make the difference between your trees living or dying. 

The first thing you can do for your trees is to keep them healthy year round. (see my recommendation below) A healthy tree is more likely to survive a harsh winter vs. a tree that's already weakened. 

Get Ready for Winter

Avoid fertilizer in late fall and throughout the winter. Fertilizer promotes new growth, which is generally more prone to injury from the cold. Pruning in late fall and into the winter can also be troublesome as newly pruned trees may also be more easily damaged by the cooler temperatures. 

If you would like to keep less cold-hardy plants, keep them in containers so they can be moved to a protected area when we are expecting a freeze. Stock up on blankets for your most vulnerable trees.

This leads me to the next topic:

Pay attention to the weather forecasts.

We usually get some notice before a frost or hard freeze. When one is predicted, move your vulnerable potted plants inside or to an otherwise protected area.

Cover your trees with blankets before the temperature drops. Let the blanket reach all the way to the ground. An electric light bulb can be placed under the blanket for added heat. If you can't cover the entire tree, wrap just the trunk with blankets or newspaper.

Aftermath

Don't be too quick to prune away cold damaged portions of your trees. Once spring arrives, you'll be better able to see  what parts of the tree remain healthy and then prune only as needed. 

Of course, when you need help with your trees, I always recommend Mid Florida Tree Service. They've been in business about as long as I've been alive. They know their Florida trees and are ready to help you take the best possible care of your trees.

Gibsonton Tree Service

I've lived in the Tampa area for over 30 years, and in East Hillsborough for about 20. Before I moved to the east side, I really didn't know much about Gibsonton. I hadn't heard about it's connection to the carnival industry, nor had I heard its nickname "Gibtown".

It turns out that Gibtown is the winter home of a lot of showmen and their employees, sometimes known as "Carnies". You might see some businesses with Showman or Carnival related names, and you might see carnival rides, packed into their open semi-trailers, sitting in someone's yard.

Gibsonton Florida is a Census Designated Place on the south shore of the Alifia River between Hillsborough Bay and I-75 and down to Big Bend Road.

This area was once called South Shore, and that name is being used again to refer to at least Gibsonton, Riverview and Apollo Beach. As a significant part of SouthShore, hosting a new movie theater, Cracker Barrel Restaurant and an aging Walmart Super Center, Gibsonton is growing into a more urban town.

This urbanization hasn't rid Gibsonton of its trees! Just take a look at it on a map with satellite view and you'll see how green it is. If your business or property in Gibsonton, Florida needs tree work done, I'd like to suggest my client. Mid Florida Tree Service has been in business, in this area, since about the time I was born! They have professionals on staff to understand the best way to care for your trees, regardless of the situation. Mid Florida Tree Service offers pruning, trimming and removal with stump grinding to ensure the remains are below grade. They offer deep root fertilizing so that the tree, and not just the grass, gets the nutrients needed. Emergency service for fallen trees and difficult removals where cut limbs falling on buildings is possible are well within their domain. They have the equipment and knowledge to bring them down safely. For Gibsonton Tree Service,

give them a call at (813) 986-2258

Emergency Tree Service

Live Oak trees are a Florida favorite. They make excellent shade trees and are attractive as well as good nesting sites and food sources for birds and squirrels. They add value to your property and may mitigate storm damage by acting as a wind break.

We mustn't let our love of these trees blind us to their potential downside. All trees shed branches. Larger trees may shed larger limbs. If their health is impaired, they may fail entirely. Even a healthy tree might come down if the soil becomes too saturated and the tree simply uproots. Any tree falling like this is, of course, dangerous. It is especially so with these large ancient trees. A certified arborist's maintenance schedule can reduce the risks of failure by keeping the tree balanced and healthy.

Emergency Tree Removal

I've talked about Live Oaks, because they are so LARGE and so common in Florida, but any large fallen tree can be a danger. To safely remove a fallen tree and prevent additional damage to property requires skill and experience. My client, Mid Florida Tree Service has both. 

Plant City Tree Service

There are 3 cities in Hillsborough County Florida, Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. Mid Florida Tree service takes care of trees in each of these cities and their surrounding areas. 

Today I'm writing specifically about Plant City.

Plant City's population is around 40k as of 2020. Known as a rural agricultural center, where strawberries are king and the Plant City Strawberry Festival draws crowds from around the state and beyond, Plant City's urban area is growing as well.

Farmers, home owners or businesses in Plant City all need professional tree service from time to time. Mid Florida Tree Service has been serving this area for nearly 50 years. They are located near Temple Terrace (Thonotosassa, near Harney Road). This puts them in excellent position to serve Plant City and the rest of eastern Hillsborough County Florida.

Mid Florida Tree Service has a genuine concern for their customers' opinion. They preserve that opinion by offering polite service and by working to high standards and efficiency as well as by leaving the site clean when the job is done.

In Florida, Tropical Storms and Hurricanes get a lot of press. That's especially true near the ocean and the gulf. Inland areas, like Plant City, still get their share of wind and rain from these systems, but even a normal afternoon thunderstorm can wreak havoc on Florida Trees. Whether that's limbs being broken by the wind, or roots failing because the ground is just too saturated for support, Mid Florida Tree Service can help you recover from these events. (A little prevention before the rainy season may even save you some trouble!)

If your home or business in Plant City has a tree emergency, or you just want to be prepared for the season, contact Mid Florida Tree Service today for help with your emergency or a preventative maintenance schedule for your property.

You can reach them at 813-986-2258

Is my tree dying?

Is your tree dying?

Dying trees can be dangerous! Large falling branches can cause property damage or bodily injury. Falling limbs and even entire trees have been known, unfortunately, to cause severe injuries and death.

A dead or dying tree can also hurt your property value. When it's time to sell, you want the best return on your investment so you are best prepared for whatever comes next. Even if you are not selling, you want your trees to look their best and a diseased tree tends to have more sparse leaves and the poor health is often evident in those leaves.

You'll want to protect your property, family and guests. You'll want to  maintain your home's value and improve your curb appeal, it is therefore  important to recognize the signs of a diseased or dying tree.

Knowing the signs can help you know when to ask an expert. Here are some things that will help you recognize the signs of a dying tree.

Any sudden changes in a tree's growth habits or appearance can be signs of trouble. 

Mushrooms or Toadstools

Fungus feeds on rotting organics, like wood. If mushrooms are growing on your tree, this is a sure sign that something is wrong under the bark.

Cracks or Cankers

Cracks & large open sores, called cankers, are a sign of disease. To make things worse, cracks and cankers let in pests, which can accelerate the destruction of the tree. These wounds may form due to damage from lightning or other external factors. Other times, these wounds are caused by a disease inside the tree. 

Leaning

If the angle of your tree's trunk changes, you can bet it's a problem! Look for bulging soil where roots might be heaving. Contact a professional right away if you see this.

Leaf Drop

Of course, deciduous trees are expected to drop their leaves once a year, but if your tree is dropping its leaves at the wrong time, it can  be a sign of trouble. On a similar note, look for dark or yellowing spots on the leaves as well.

What to Do When You Think Your Tree Is Dying

If you believe that your tree is sick or dying, contact a tree service in your area. I, of course, recommend my client Mid Florida Tree Service. Your tree service can diagnose the tree. Some trees can be saved if treatment is done in time. If the tree cannot be saved, your tree service can help you through the tree removal process.

Contact an Expert

If you're concerned about the state of one or more of your trees, contact an expert like my client, Mid Florida Tree Serivce.