An effective landscape requires year-round tree care, from proper pruning during spring and fall growth periods to winter dormant maintenance.

Trees can be an invaluable addition to your property. Not only can they add aesthetic and financial benefits, but also protect against storm damage by providing shelter from winds.

Learn the key signs of storm damage on trees with this useful guide by Tallahassee Tree Services.

Spring

Trees are one of the key elements in any landscape design, providing local identity and increasing property values while serving essential functions such as shade provision, cooling cooling and water filtration.

Tallahassee residents eligible to adopt trees can play an active part in Tallahassee’s efforts to expand and maintain our urban forest canopy by participating in Tallahassee’s Adopt a Tree Program. Trees will be planted according to City regulations in locations that won’t interfere with overhead utilities and give roots plenty of room to spread away from pavement, thus maintaining healthy trees that benefit our city environment.

Winter pruning promotes new growth while eliminating diseased or dead branches, while fertilizing in spring introduces nutrients, encouraging root development and vibrant foliage. Addressing problems as they arise is also key for keeping your yard healthy – for instance removing crossing, rubbing or crowded branches on shade tree species as soon as they appear, checking oaks for root damage or soil changes and closely watching water oaks for internal decay as these are poor compartmentalizers.

Summer

In summer months, trees may need additional watering depending on the weather conditions. They should also be regularly checked for pests and diseases to detect problem areas before they worsen further. Inspection can help identify problem spots quickly before their severity worsens further.

High winds can damage or defoliate trees, particularly young or weak ones. Most storm-damaged trees will recover, though it is important to pay closer attention to ensure their health.

Installing Japanese Magnolias in your yard is a beloved Tallahassee tradition and an elegant way to show off your discriminating taste. These striking plants can be seen throughout older neighborhoods throughout Tallahassee, while Maclay Gardens is fortunate enough to have a local grower produce them every spring for us – their beauty lifting spirits while reminding us of our past. These limited quantity trees may sell quickly so shop early!

Fall

As trees are long-term investments, taking up to two decades from planting to harvest, it is vital that we take time and care in nurturing their health, safety and reaping any desired benefits such as shade, beauty or property value.

Watch for changes in tree behavior that seem out of the ordinary, such as late leafing out, early fall leaf dropping or having less branches than usual growing may all indicate stress in a tree. Rake up fallen leaves as disease-causing fungi thrive in fallen leaf deposits.

Large trees help prevent stormwater runoff that carries excess nutrients and pollutants from lawns and streets into Wakulla Spring, as they slow the water’s flow and allow it to soak into an aquifer instead of draining off onto streets.

Winter

Tallahassee residents benefit immensely from trees. From shading our neighborhoods and homes to adding beauty and value to their properties, trees provide many advantages that we take for granted every day. While most require little care in terms of maintenance requirements, some require specific interventions to protect against potential problems which could arise. Proper winter care of trees will help them get ready for another growing season and thrive!

Many of the city’s large trees are southern live oaks, which are highly wind resistant. Their roots reduce stormwater runoff by gathering excess nutrients and pollutants from lawns and streets before draining directly into Wakulla Springs. Furthermore, these trees absorb rainfall into an underground aquifer system for absorption.

Look for epicormic sprouts, which appear as new branches rooted superficially to the bark and are rapidly attached, as a sure sign of stress or disease. Young and newly planted trees should be protected from sun scald by wrapping, while salt-containing rock salt or ice melts such as sodium chloride can dehydrate their tree over time.