Month: June 2025

Breathe New Life into Your Boise Lawn: The Ultimate Guide to Aeration

Unlock Your Lawn’s Potential with Expert Aeration

Is your Boise lawn looking a little tired, struggling with thin patches, or not responding to watering and fertilizing like it used to? The culprit might be hiding beneath the surface: compacted soil. Here in the Treasure Valley, our soil conditions, combined with regular foot traffic and weather extremes, can lead to soil compaction. This makes it difficult for essential elements like air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. That’s where professional aeration service in Boise comes in, a vital practice for maintaining a lush, healthy, and resilient lawn.

At Barefoot Lawns, we understand the unique challenges of lawn care in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley. With over 30 years of combined experience, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of core aeration. It’s more than just poking holes; it’s about revitalizing your lawn from the ground up.

Understanding Lawn Aeration: What Is It and Why Bother?

Lawn aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate to the root zone. Think of it as giving your lawn room to breathe and grow. Over time, soil naturally becomes compacted from rainfall, mowing, and even kids and pets playing. This compacted layer acts like a barrier, suffocating roots and preventing them from accessing what they need to thrive.

There are primarily two types of aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Spike aeration involves simply poking holes into the ground with solid tines. While it might seem beneficial, it can sometimes increase compaction around the hole. Core aeration, the method we champion at Barefoot Lawns, uses hollow tines to pull out small plugs (or “cores”) of soil. This physically removes soil, creating channels that relieve compaction and improve the soil structure. These cores are left on the lawn to decompose, returning valuable nutrients and microorganisms to the soil.

For homeowners in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley, where clay-heavy or compacted soil is common, core aeration is particularly crucial for a healthy lawn.

The Tangible Benefits of Aerating Your Boise Lawn

Investing in an aeration service offers a multitude of advantages for your lawn’s health and appearance:

  • Reduces Soil Compaction: This is the primary benefit. By creating space in the soil, roots can breathe, grow deeper, and access more resources.
  • Improves Water and Nutrient Uptake: Aeration channels allow water and fertilizer to penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching the roots more effectively. This means less water runoff and more efficient nutrient use.
  • Enhances Root Growth: With reduced compaction and better access to essentials, grassroots can grow deeper and stronger, leading to a more resilient and drought-tolerant lawn.
  • Manages Thatch Buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that can accumulate on the soil surface. While a thin layer is natural, excessive thatch can block water and nutrients. Core aeration helps break down thatch by introducing soil microorganisms to the surface.
  • Increases Lawn Density: Aeration can stimulate new grass growth, leading to a thicker, fuller lawn. This is especially true when aeration is combined with overseeding.
  • Improves Heat and Drought Tolerance: Deeper roots and healthier soil make your lawn better equipped to handle the hot Boise summers.
  • Boosts Overall Lawn Health: A well-aerated lawn is less susceptible to diseases and pest infestations.

Signs Your Boise Lawn is Crying Out for Aeration

How do you know if your lawn needs aerating? Look for these tell-tale signs:

  • Compacted Soil: Does your soil feel hard to the touch? Is it difficult to insert a screwdriver or shovel into the ground?
  • Water Puddling or Runoff: If water tends to pool on your lawn after rain or irrigation instead of soaking in, it’s a sign of compaction.
  • Thinning Grass or Bare Patches: Compacted soil restricts root growth, leading to a sparse lawn.
  • Excessive Thatch: A thatch layer thicker than half an inch can suffocate your lawn. You might notice a spongy feel when walking on the grass.
  • Heavy Foot Traffic: Lawns that experience a lot of activity from kids, pets, or vehicles are prone to compaction.
  • Newly Constructed Home: Topsoil is often stripped or heavily compacted during construction, making aeration beneficial for new lawns.
  • Clay Soil: Clay soils are naturally dense and prone to compaction.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s likely time to consider an aeration service.

When is the Best Time to Aerate in Boise, Idaho?

The optimal time for lawn aeration in the Boise area and Treasure Valley is during the active growing seasons for cool-season grasses, which are common here. This typically means:

  • Spring (April – May): Aerating in the spring can help your lawn recover from winter dormancy and prepare for summer stress. It allows nutrients and water to reach the roots as the grass begins its vigorous growth period.
  • Fall (September – Early October): Many experts consider fall the best time for aeration. The soil temperatures are still warm enough for root growth, and weed competition is lower. Fall aeration helps the lawn recover from summer heat and build strong roots for the winter.

Avoid aerating during the peak heat of summer, as this can put additional stress on an already strained lawn. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged for effective aeration. Aerating a day or two after good rainfall or watering often provides ideal conditions.

What to Expect During and After Aeration

When Barefoot Lawns performs a core aeration service, our professionals will use specialized equipment to systematically go over your lawn, pulling up small soil plugs. These plugs, typically about half an inch in diameter and a few inches long, are left on the lawn’s surface. Don’t worry about them! They will naturally break down within a couple of weeks, returning valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Post-Aeration Care:

  • Watering: Continue your regular watering schedule. The newly created holes will help water penetrate more deeply. Consider checking your sprinkler system to ensure even coverage.
  • Fertilizing and Overseeding: Immediately after aeration is an excellent time to fertilize and overseed. The openings provide direct access for nutrients to the root zone and create ideal seed-to-soil contact for germination.
  • Mowing: You can mow as usual, but wait a few days if you’ve overseeded to allow seedlings to establish.

Did You Know? Quick Lawn Facts

  • A healthy, dense lawn is more effective at preventing weed growth.
  • Grass roots can grow several inches deep, but only if the soil conditions allow it. Aeration helps create those conditions.
  • Properly aerated lawns can reduce water usage by improving water absorption and reducing runoff.
  • The soil plugs removed during core aeration help to break down the thatch layer by introducing microorganisms from the soil to the thatch.

The Barefoot Lawns Advantage in Boise

Choosing a professional lawn aeration service like Barefoot Lawns ensures the job is done correctly and effectively. We use high-end, commercial-grade core aerators that provide deeper and more consistent soil penetration than most rental equipment. Our experienced technicians understand the specific soil types and climatic conditions of Boise and the Treasure Valley, tailoring our approach for optimal results.

We are committed to providing expert services at an affordable price, utilizing eco-friendly products and practices. Our team is dedicated to integrity, simplicity, and efficiency, with a friendly, small-business touch that our customers value. Beyond aeration, we offer a comprehensive Barefoot Lawn Care Program, including fertilization, weed control, grub control, and tree care services to keep your entire landscape looking its best.

Ready for a Healthier, Greener Lawn?

Give your Boise lawn the air it needs to thrive! Contact Barefoot Lawns today for a free estimate on our professional aeration services.

Get Your Free Aeration Quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I aerate my lawn in Boise?

Most lawns in the Boise area benefit from aeration once a year. Lawns with heavy clay soil, high foot traffic, or significant thatch buildup may benefit from aerating twice a year (spring and fall).

Is core aeration better than spike aeration?

Yes, core aeration is generally considered much more effective than spike aeration. Core aeration physically removes soil plugs, relieving compaction and creating lasting channels for air, water, and nutrients. Spike aeration merely pokes holes, which can sometimes make compaction worse around the hole.

What should I do to prepare my lawn for aeration?

It’s helpful to lightly water your lawn a day or two before aeration if the soil is very dry, as this helps the tines penetrate better. Also, mark any sprinkler heads or shallow utility lines to prevent damage. Our team at Barefoot Lawns will walk through your property to identify and flag sprinkler heads before starting.

Can I aerate my lawn myself?

While you can rent aerators, professional services like Barefoot Lawns use commercial-grade equipment that typically provides better results. Professionals also have the expertise to determine the best timing and approach for your specific lawn conditions.

Will aeration damage my sprinkler system?

There is a risk of damaging unmarked sprinkler heads. That’s why it’s crucial to mark them beforehand. Barefoot Lawns takes care to locate and flag sprinkler heads to minimize this risk. Our sprinkler services also mean we have extensive experience with irrigation systems.

Glossary of Lawn Aeration Terms

  • Aeration: The process of creating holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots.
  • Compaction: The condition where soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and restricting root growth, water infiltration, and air circulation.
  • Core Aeration: A type of aeration that uses hollow tines to extract small plugs (cores) of soil from the lawn.
  • Spike Aeration: A type of aeration that uses solid tines to poke holes into the soil without removing soil.
  • Thatch: A layer of living and dead organic matter (stems, roots, leaves) that accumulates between the green grass blades and the soil surface.
  • Tines: The spikes or hollow tubes on an aerator that penetrate the soil.
  • Overseeding: Spreading grass seed over an existing lawn, often done after aeration to fill in thin areas and improve turf density.

Achieving a Healthy, Vibrant Lawn in Kuna, Idaho: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Local Experts in Kuna Lawn Maintenance

Welcome to Barefoot Lawns, your trusted partner for creating and maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn in Kuna, Idaho. The unique climate and soil conditions of the Treasure Valley present specific challenges and opportunities for lawn care. With our deep understanding of local horticulture and years of experience, we’re here to guide you through the essentials of Boise lawn maintenance and help you achieve the lush, green lawn you’ve always desired. Our commitment to eco-friendly products and expert techniques ensures your outdoor space not only looks fantastic but is also healthy and sustainable.

Understanding Kuna’s Unique Lawn Care Needs

Kuna’s semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters, dictates a specific approach to lawn care. The local soil, often a silty mix with a slightly basic pH, also plays a crucial role in how your lawn thrives. Choosing the right grass types, implementing proper watering practices, and understanding the seasonal demands are fundamental to successful lawn maintenance in our region.

Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue are generally well-suited for Kuna lawns. These varieties flourish in the milder temperatures of spring and fall but require diligent care, especially during the peak summer months, to maintain their vigor and color.

Seasonal Lawn Care in Kuna: A Year-Round Approach

A proactive, year-round lawn care strategy is essential for a consistently healthy lawn in Kuna. Here’s a breakdown of key tasks by season:

Early Spring (March – April)

  • Clean-up: Remove any lingering leaves, branches, or debris from the winter months.
  • Soil Testing: Consider a soil test to understand its pH and nutrient levels. This helps in tailoring your fertilization strategy.
  • Pre-emergent Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent common weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Timing is crucial for effectiveness, typically around early April.
  • Fertilization: As soil temperatures rise (around 55°F), apply a starter fertilizer to give your lawn a healthy boost.
  • Initial Mowing: Once the grass begins to grow, give it its first mow of the season.

Late Spring (May – June)

  • Fertilization: Continue with a regular fertilization schedule to promote lush growth.
  • Weed Control: Address any weeds that may have emerged with post-emergent treatments.
  • Aeration: This is an excellent time for core aeration. Aeration helps to alleviate soil compaction, improve water and nutrient penetration, and promote stronger root growth.
  • Watering: Establish a consistent watering schedule. Lawns in Kuna will typically need about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

Summer (July – August)

  • Watering: This is peak watering season. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, which makes your lawn more drought-tolerant. Early morning is the best time to water.
  • Mowing: Mow your lawn at a higher setting (3-4 inches). This helps shade the soil, reduce water evaporation, and prevent stress on the grass during hot weather.
  • Pest and Grub Control: Monitor for signs of lawn pests like billbugs or grubs. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing significant damage. Consider Barefoot Lawns’ grub control services if needed.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to sustain growth and color.

Fall (September – October)

  • Overseeding: Fall is an ideal time to overseed your lawn. This helps fill in any bare patches and thickens the turf.
  • Fertilization: Apply a fall fertilizer or winterizer. This provides essential nutrients to strengthen roots for the winter and promote a quick green-up in spring.
  • Watering: Gradually reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool and rainfall increases. However, ensure the soil remains moist heading into winter to prevent desiccation.
  • Leaf Removal: Keep your lawn clear of fallen leaves to prevent matting and potential fungal issues.
  • Final Mow: Mow your lawn a bit shorter for the final cut of the season.
  • Sprinkler System Winterization: Before the first freeze, it’s crucial to have your sprinkler system professionally blown out to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Barefoot Lawns offers expert sprinkler services in Boise and surrounding areas.

Winter (November – February)

  • Minimal Maintenance: Lawn care activities are minimal during winter. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen or dormant grass.
  • Plan Ahead: Winter is a good time to plan for the upcoming lawn care season and schedule any needed services.
  • Tree Care: Consider dormant oil treatments for your trees to manage overwintering pests. [Our Boise tree services can help with this.]

Key Elements of Successful Kuna Lawn Maintenance

Proper Mowing Techniques

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. Mowing at the correct height for your grass type (generally 2.5-3 inches for cool-season grasses, or even 3-4 inches during summer stress) helps promote deeper roots and overall lawn health. Keep your mower blades sharp for clean cuts, which reduces stress on the grass and makes it less susceptible to disease.

Effective Watering Practices

Watering deeply but infrequently is more beneficial than shallow, frequent watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn more resilient to drought. The best time to water is early in the morning to minimize evaporation. The amount of water needed will vary based on grass type, soil type (sandy soils need more frequent watering than clay soils), and weather conditions. An efficient Boise lawn irrigation system is key.

Strategic Fertilization

Fertilizing provides your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A soil test can help determine specific nutrient deficiencies. Following a regular fertilization schedule, typically involving applications in early spring, late spring, summer, and fall, is crucial for a healthy lawn. Using slow-release fertilizers can provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.

Weed and Pest Management

A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides in the spring can prevent many annual weeds. Post-emergent controls can target existing weeds. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, focusing on prevention and targeted treatments, are effective for controlling common lawn pests like grubs and billbugs. Barefoot Lawns offers safe and effective pest control solutions for your Kuna property.

The Barefoot Lawns Advantage in Kuna

At Barefoot Lawns, we understand the specific needs of lawns in Kuna and the greater Treasure Valley. We pride ourselves on providing personalized, honest solutions with a friendly, small-business touch. Our experienced team utilizes high-end equipment and eco-friendly products to deliver expert lawn care services. Whether you need seasonal fertilization, aeration, weed control, grub control, or comprehensive Boise landscape maintenance, we are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best grass types for Kuna, Idaho?

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue perform well in Kuna’s climate. A blend of these can often provide the best resilience and appearance.

How often should I water my lawn in Kuna during the summer?

During the hot summer months, your lawn will likely need 1.5 to 2 inches of water per week, applied in 2-3 deep watering sessions rather than light daily sprinklings. Always check soil moisture before watering.

When is the best time to aerate my lawn in Kuna?

Late spring or early fall are ideal times for lawn aeration in Kuna. This is when cool-season grasses are actively growing and can recover quickly.

How can I control weeds in my Kuna lawn?

A combination of pre-emergent herbicide application in early spring and post-emergent treatments as needed throughout the growing season is effective. Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn is also a natural deterrent to weeds.

Do I need grub control in Kuna?

Grubs can be a problem in Kuna lawns, causing brown patches and damaged roots. If you suspect a grub infestation, it’s best to have a professional assessment. Barefoot Lawns offers grub control treatments to protect your lawn.

Glossary of Lawn Care Terms

  • Aeration: The process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps alleviate soil compaction.
  • Cool-Season Grasses: Grass types that grow best in cooler temperatures (60-75°F), typically most active in spring and fall. Examples include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.
  • Dethatching: The removal of the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil surface and the green grass blades.
  • Fertilizer: A substance containing nutrients (primarily nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) applied to soil to promote plant growth.
  • Grub: The larval stage of certain beetles, which can feed on grass roots and cause significant lawn damage.
  • Overseeding: Spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in thin spots and improve turf density.
  • Pre-emergent Herbicide: A type of weed killer applied before weeds germinate to prevent them from sprouting.
  • Post-emergent Herbicide: A type of weed killer applied to visible, actively growing weeds.
  • Soil pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Most grasses prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Keep Your Kuna Trees Thriving: Expert Tree Services for a Healthy Landscape

Your Guide to Professional Tree Care in Kuna, Idaho – Nurturing Nature’s Giants

Trees are the cornerstone of a beautiful and healthy landscape in Kuna, Idaho. They provide shade on hot summer days, enhance property value, support local wildlife, and contribute to cleaner air. But like any living thing, trees require care and attention to flourish. At Barefoot Lawns, we understand the unique challenges and needs of trees in the Treasure Valley. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team is dedicated to providing top-tier tree services, ensuring your arboreal assets remain healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come. We’re committed to using high-end equipment and eco-friendly products, delivering expert care that Kuna homeowners can trust.

Why Professional Tree Care is Essential for Your Kuna Property

While it might be tempting to handle tree care yourself, professional services offer significant advantages. Trained arborists possess the knowledge to accurately diagnose issues, from nutrient deficiencies to pest infestations and diseases common in Idaho. Early detection and proper treatment can save a tree that might otherwise be lost.

Key Benefits of Expert Tree Maintenance:

  • Enhanced Tree Health: Proper pruning, fertilization, and disease management promote vigorous growth and longevity.
  • Improved Safety: Identifying and removing dead or weak branches reduces the risk of property damage or injury, especially during Kuna’s seasonal storms.
  • Increased Property Value: Well-maintained, mature trees significantly boost your home’s curb appeal and overall market value.
  • Pest and Disease Prevention: Proactive treatments can protect your trees from common local threats, keeping them vibrant. Our pest control services extend to protecting your trees from harmful insects.
  • Optimal Growth and Structure: Strategic pruning guides a tree’s growth, ensuring a strong and aesthetically pleasing form.

Investing in professional tree care is an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your Kuna landscape.

Comprehensive Tree Services Offered by Barefoot Lawns in Kuna

Barefoot Lawns offers a suite of specialized tree services designed to address every aspect of tree health. We tailor our approach to the specific needs of your trees and the Kuna environment.

Deep Root Feedings: Nourishing from the Ground Up

Kuna’s soil, like much of the Treasure Valley, may not always provide all the essential nutrients trees need to thrive, especially in urban or suburban landscapes. Deep root feeding is a highly effective method of delivering a specialized blend of nutrients directly to the tree’s root zone. This process involves injecting liquid fertilizer under pressure, ensuring that nutrients reach the critical absorbing roots.

Benefits include:

  • Improved nutrient absorption compared to surface fertilization.
  • Enhanced tree vigor, leaf color, and density.
  • Increased resistance to drought, pests, and diseases.
  • Stimulated root growth and overall tree stability.

Our tree fertilization services in Boise and Kuna are designed to give your trees the vital nourishment they need.

Insect and Disease Control: Protecting Your Green Investments

Trees in Kuna are susceptible to various insects and diseases, such as aphids, scale, fungal infections, and blight. Our experienced technicians can identify early signs of infestation or infection and implement targeted, eco-friendly treatments. We prioritize the health of your family and the environment by using responsible application methods.

Common issues we address include:

  • Aphids and mites sucking sap from leaves.
  • Borers that damage tree trunks and branches.
  • Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or anthracnose.
  • Bacterial infections that can weaken or kill trees.

Regular inspections and preventative treatments are key to keeping your trees healthy and warding off potentially devastating problems. Timely intervention can often prevent the need for more drastic measures, such as tree removal.

Dormant Oil Treatments: A Proactive Shield

Dormant oil applications are a crucial preventative measure, typically applied during the tree’s dormant season (late fall to early spring). This horticultural oil is a refined petroleum product or vegetable-based oil that, when sprayed on trees, smothers overwintering insects and their eggs. Pests like scale, mites, and adelgids can be effectively controlled before they become active in spring.

Advantages of dormant oil:

  • Highly effective against a broad range of overwintering pests.
  • Relatively low toxicity to humans, pets, and beneficial insects once dry.
  • Reduces the need for stronger pesticides during the growing season.

This proactive approach is a cornerstone of an integrated pest management strategy for maintaining healthy trees in Kuna.

Expert Insight: Watering Wisely for Kuna Trees

Barefoot Lawns Tip: Proper watering is just as critical as fertilization or pest control, especially during Kuna’s dry summers. For established trees, deep, infrequent watering is more effective than shallow, frequent applications. This encourage roots to grow deeper, making the tree more drought-tolerant. Ensure your sprinkler system is configured to provide adequate coverage without overwatering. Young trees will require more consistent moisture until their root systems are established. Always check the soil moisture a few inches down before watering.

The Local Angle: Tree Care Challenges and Opportunities in Kuna, ID

Kuna’s unique climate, with its hot, dry summers and cold winters, presents specific challenges for tree health. The alkaline soil common in the Treasure Valley can also make it difficult for some tree species to absorb necessary micronutrients like iron, leading to conditions like iron chlorosis (yellowing leaves).

Common trees in Kuna landscapes, such as maples, oaks, and various fruit trees, each have specific needs. Our local expertise means we understand these nuances. We can recommend tree species that thrive in our specific conditions and provide the tailored care your existing trees require. From managing sunscald on young tree trunks to addressing specific local pest pressures, our Kuna-focused approach makes a tangible difference. With services extending throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, and Nampa, we’re familiar with the regional ecosystem. If you’re looking for comprehensive lawn care expertise in Boise and surrounding areas, we can help with that too.

Furthermore, new developments in Kuna mean many homeowners are establishing new landscapes. Planting the right tree in the right place and giving it a strong start with professional advice and services like aeration (which benefits surrounding turf and indirectly, tree root zones) can set the stage for decades of beauty and shade.

Ready to Enhance the Health and Beauty of Your Kuna Trees?

Don’t wait for problems to arise. Proactive, professional tree care is the key to a vibrant, healthy landscape. Contact Barefoot Lawns today for a personalized consultation and a free estimate for your Kuna property.

Get Your Free Tree Service Quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often should my trees in Kuna be serviced?

A: This varies depending on the tree species, age, health, and your specific landscape goals. Generally, an annual inspection is recommended. Some services like deep root feeding might be done every 1-3 years, while pest or disease treatments are applied as needed. We can provide a tailored schedule after an initial assessment.

Q: What are common signs that my tree might be sick or infested?

A: Look for discolored or wilting leaves, premature leaf drop, dieback in branches, unusual growths on bark or leaves, insect activity (e.g., boreholes, frass), or fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms) at the base or on the trunk. If you notice any of these, it’s best to call a professional like Barefoot Lawns for an evaluation.

Q: Are your tree care products safe for pets and children?

A: Yes, at Barefoot Lawns, we prioritize the use of eco-friendly and low-impact products. We take care to apply treatments responsibly and will always advise on any necessary precautions, such as keeping pets and children away from treated areas for a short period until products have dried.

Q: Can you help with tree selection and planting for my Kuna property?

A: While our primary focus is on the care and maintenance of existing trees through services like fertilization and pest control, we can certainly offer advice on tree species that are well-suited to the Kuna climate and soil conditions as part of our holistic landscape health approach. For comprehensive landscape maintenance in Boise and surrounding areas, we can discuss your broader needs.

Q: What is the best time of year for tree pruning in Kuna?

A: For many tree species, late fall or winter (during dormancy) is an ideal time for pruning as it minimizes stress on the tree and reduces the risk of disease transmission. However, light pruning to remove dead, damaged, or hazardous branches can be done at any time. Specific pruning needs can vary by tree type, so a professional assessment is beneficial.

Glossary of Tree Care Terms

Arborist: A professional trained in the art and science of tree planting, care, and maintenance.

Deep Root Feeding: A method of fertilizing trees by injecting liquid nutrients directly into the root zone, below the soil surface.

Dormant Oil: A horticultural oil applied to trees during their dormant season to control overwintering insects and their eggs.

Frass: The sawdust-like excrement produced by wood-boring insects.

Horticultural Oil: Refined petroleum-based or plant-based oils used to control pests on plants by smothering them.

Iron Chlorosis: A condition where leaves turn yellow due to an iron deficiency, often caused by alkaline soil making iron unavailable to the tree.

Root Zone: The area of soil around a tree where its roots are primarily located and absorb water and nutrients.

Sunscald: Damage to tree bark caused by intense winter sun, often on an exposed south or southwest side of the trunk, leading to cracking and splitting.