With fall already here in Southern California and winter just around the corner, one thought you might want to consider is – are your trees ready?  At Benchmark Landscape, we want to insure that our client’s landscapes are ready for what Mother Nature may decide to dish out this winter season.  We realize with the current economic conditions, it’s easy to become somewhat complacent and avoid the added expense of trimming your trees.   Benchmark appreciates and understands that thought process. However, we want to help you understand your options and why it might be a good idea to trim those trees soon instead of waiting another year.

Unfortunately over the years, we have experienced many misfortunes with neglected trees.  Yes, while it is true some trees do not need to be trimmed every year, others may really to be.   Top heavy trees or trees that have not been pruned for quite a while can easily be blown over or lose a large branch in a good wind storm.  Unfortunately, you hear about how a tree or limb can land on a building or car, or even worse, a person.  Trees do need to be thinned out, cleared of deadwood or crossing branches, and contained for the health of the tree.  Trees not only add beauty to a property, they add a great deal of value, if planted in the right location and cared for properly.  A mature, well maintained tree often adds tens of thousands of dollars in some cases to the property value.  We believe it’s a good idea to maintain that value, if at all possible.

Winter is an excellent time to prune many types of trees.  Deciduous trees (lose their leaves) are often pruned this time of year, as are Pine trees.  Pines tend to emit sap that can fall onto parked cars, roofs or other surfaces.  Other large fast growing varieties may need to be pruned more frequently to avoid splitting trunks, branch failure, all in an effort to promote solid structure throughout the years.  Keep in mind, there is a right way and a wrong way to prune any tree.

With winter weather approaching the area, consider having us or a certified arborist review your trees to see if they are in need of any winter pruning or not.   Who knows what kind of winter we’re in store for.  We’d hate to see you lose on your landscape investment.  Our team of managers is always here to help consult with you on any of your landscaping or arboricultural needs.  Let us know how we can help.