A tree care guide from Golden State Tree Solutions
Healthy trees are important for a healthy environment. Not only are they beautiful to see, trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, and shade for all on hot days. Healthy fruit and nut trees feed families. Keeping trees healthy helps prevent diseases that lead to broken limbs, dead trees, and property damage from fallen trees and branches.
Trees growing in orchards, backyards, livestock pastures, and public streets and parks often need more attention than those growing in natural habitats. The Golden State Tree Solutions team has a tree care guide to help you keep your trees healthy throughout the year.
Locally owned and operated, Golden State Tree Service serves Atascadero tree service needs, all of San Luis Obispo County, as far north as King City and south as Santa Maria.
Tree and shrub care for every season
Some species of trees and shrubs may need additional care throughout the year, especially fruit and nut trees, and ornamentals that are not native to where they are growing. Saplings, aging, and damaged trees also need additional monitoring and care. The Atascadero tree service is ready to respond to emergencies and to assist with caring for trees and shrubs anywhere on the Central Coast.
In general, the following months are classified into the seasons; however, there are often “transition” months between the seasons.
- Winter months are December to February.
- Spring is March through May. May is also a transition month between spring and summer, when some trees and shrubs need additional attention.
- Summer runs from June through August, and August is a transition month between summer and fall. Some trees and shrubs start to prepare for fall, while some are just entering their most fruitful stages.
- Fall is from August through November, although some fruit and nut trees continue to produce fruit into December.
Winter tree care
Trees are dormant in the winter, but they are not totally at rest. It’s the time when trees are conserving energy, protecting themselves from cold and winter storms, and preparing for spring growth. What seems to be a tree at rest from the outside, internally it’s growing roots, absorbing nutrients, and forming leaf and flower buds to be ready for spring.
Care tips for winter include:
- Pruning for structure. While fall is the ideal time for pruning, winter is also acceptable, provided you have already identified the branches that need to be removed. If you miss fall pruning, it’s generally okay to prune in early spring, especially fruit and nut trees.
- Removing dead and damaged branches helps the tree preserve energy and reduces the risk of further damage or disease.
- Inspect for pests, cracks, and other damage. Keep an eye on rainwater flooding around the base, and in some areas, snow or ice damage.
- Mulch, depending on the species. Most California natives don’t survive mulching, and some trees or shrubs do best when mulch is at least 12 inches away from the trunk.
- Fertilizing in late winter also depends on the species.
Spring tree care
Spring is a time of rapid growth as trees and shrubs sprout new leaves, and the buds and flowers that become fruit. Some species also send up sprouts in the spring, and grasses and other weeds grow as well. Spring is also the time when undetected winter damage becomes apparent, and time to start monitoring watering.
- Inspect for new growth, pests, winter damage, and remove dead or diseased branches.
- Additional pruning for fruit and nut trees to promote more fruit production.
- Pull weeds from under and around trees and shrubs. If you use herbicides, stay outside of the drip line, use a shield, and don’t spray on windy or breezy days.
- Fertilize according to the plant’s needs.
- Replenish mulch.
- Remove any winter protective wraps or covers.
- Avoid installing bird nets in the spring. Nets also keep out needed pollinators.
Summer tree care
Spring flowers become fruit during the summer and fall. Some trees and shrubs need additional watering during the dry summer months.
- Monitoring tree health and watering are the primary care tasks during summer.
- Inspect for pest infestations, especially in fruit and nut trees.
- Watch for bird damage to fruit. If bird deterrents are not working, summer is an appropriate time to install bird nets. Keep in mind that birds can be trapped inside the nets, so regular inspections are necessary.
- Where there’s water, there are weeds. Hand-pull the weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Monitor for signs of drought stress.
- Stone fruits start ripening in summer. Start harvesting as the fruit is ready, and clean up any dropped fruit daily.
Fall tree care
Many trees and shrubs start going dormant in the fall, and some fruit and nut trees are ready to harvest.
- Harvest fruit as it is ready, and clean up dropped fruit daily.
- Water as needed. Pull weeds as needed.
- As trees begin dropping leaves, rake them away from the trunk and reuse as mulch.
- Continue to inspect for damage, pests, and disease.
- Young trees may need winterizing. Older trees may also benefit from extra winterizing.
- Fall is a good time for pruning and for removing damaged branches.
Always ready to help
Golden State Tree Solutions, your tree service for Atascadero, all of San Luis Obispo County, and King City, is always ready to help keep your trees healthy. Founded in 2007, our services include:
- Weed abatement to remove dry weeds that are fire hazards.
- Defensible space around homes, businesses, and other buildings is a fire prevention strategy that is now California law.
- Dead or fallen tree removal.
- Live tree removal for diseased or hazardous trees.
- Shrubbery pruning and removal.
- Pruning and shaping trees and shrubs to remove dead branches and restore the natural shape.
- Stump grinding.
- Mistletoe removal.
At Golden State Tree Solutions, we take care of Arroyo Grande, Los Osos, Grover Beach, Avila Beach, and coastal communities. We serve all of San Luis Obispo County, communities near King City in Monterey County, and near Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County.
We provide free estimates and are available 24/7 for emergencies.
