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22 Feb 2021
Best Time Of Year To Trim Trees In Arizona

Best Time Of Year To Trim Trees In Arizona

The best possible time to trim trees in Arizona will vary based on type of tree. Timely trimming can help your trees look better, live longer, and improve overall health. This article will tell you exactly when to cut different tree species.

Best Time To Trim Trees

For all Arizonans, the best time of year to trim certain trees may differ depending on location. Southern Arizona citizens should typically trim trees at different times than those living in Northern Arizona. These differences are based on when the cold seasons set in at various parts of the state. Tree trimming is certainly not a one-size-fits-all task. Different species, located in different areas will need to be trimmed accordingly.

This article will go over the best time to trim these tree species:

  • Citrus trees
  • Fruit trees
  • Oak trees
  • Palm trees
  • Maple trees
  • Mesquite trees
  • Desert trees
  • Evergreens

Citrus Trees

These trees are sensitive to frost damage. While it is extremely rare for the desert to reach frost-inducing temperatures, it is still suggested that you wait until February to trim citrus trees. The prime season to trim these trees starts around the middle of February and lasts until the end of March. Try to avoid trimming any later than the end of March, as the foliage helps protect trunks from being scorched by the summer sun.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees, featuring apples, pomegranates, nuts, nectarines, apricots and peaches, are best to trim from December until February. Most owners will want to control the height of the fruit bearing tree branches, since trimming makes harvesting all of the aforementioned fruits much easier.

Oak Trees

The colder months of the year are the times when oak trees should be trimmed. Just like fruit trees, it is recommended to wait until December before trimming. Perform any trimming all the way up until mid February, when temperatures begin to rise in Arizona.

Palm Trees

The best time to trim palm trees is considerably later in the year than citrus trees. Experts suggest waiting until after mid June to trim these trees. This is the best time of the year to remove seeds that are forming, plus any dead fronds or leaves.

How To Bring A Dead Palm Tree Back To Life

Maple Trees

Maple tree trimming should be completely avoided during the winter months. During this time, the trees will ooze sap. Trimming will cause the trees to bleed, typically leaving a mess in your yard.

Mesquite Trees

Mesquite trees grow exceptionally fast with long branches developing quickly. Therefore, it is best to trim these trees ahead of monsoon season. The months of May and June are the ideal times to trim mesquite trees. Avoid any storm damage by trimming before the storms.

Desert Trees

Trim desert trees from December all the way through February. These trees need to be dormant in order to avoid any stress caused by pruning.

Evergreens

The month of March is the perfect time to trim evergreens. If you forget or can’t get to the trees in March, then September is the only other month when trimming should be performed.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

More Articles About Arizona Landscaping

21 Jan 2021
Can You Grow Lemon Trees In Arizona?

Can You Grow Lemon Trees In Arizona?

Citrus plants are very popular in Arizona. Many homeowners choose citrus plants because it’s so easy to grow them in Arizona’s hot and dry climate. Citrus plants that tend to flourish in the area include Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Pumelos, and Mandarins, among others. But what about lemon trees? Can you grow lemon trees in Arizona? The answer is yes!

Grow Lemon Trees Indoors And Outdoors

Lemon trees certainly grow well when potted, which leads to a lot of homeowners planting them indoors. Plant the lemon tree in a place that can be drained well, while also leaving a lot of room for the plant to grow and expand. Indoor lemon trees tend to grow no larger than five feet in height. Lemon trees need a full day of sunlight, so be sure to plant this where the sun shines brightly. It’s also okay to put the tree outdoors during the warmer months and bring them back in overnight, or even for good once the temperatures begin to dip consistently. Placing the trees outdoors will allow for the necessary pollination by bees.

When you opt to plant the tree outdoors, exposure to sunlight is the most important thing. Make sure your lemon tree is placed in a spot where it can receive as much sunlight as possible. These trees are a bit sensitive to cooler temperatures, so that’s why a lot of sunlight is crucial for them to flourish. In Arizona, the best place to plant these trees tends to be on the south side of the home. Frost can be devastating for these trees, but this issue is rare in Arizona.

Watering Lemon Trees

The lemon tree needs to be moist when it is planted. After that process is completed, though, it is recommended to water the tree slowly and deeply once per week during the summer and twice per week during the remainder of the year. These trees thrive when the soil is slightly dry in between watering sessions.

Fertilization

Tree experts recommend fertilizing your lemon tree three times per year. Ideally, fertilizing them in February, May and September works best. Choose to use slow release, organic fertilizers for your trees.

Sunlight

As mentioned above, these trees need an abundance of sunlight to grow. Sunlight and heat are keys to producing sweet and delicious fruit. But what about sun damage? If you notice some leaf scorch toward the end of the summer season, this is perfectly normal, so don’t panic. Younger lemon trees will show more scorching than older trees.

Soil For Lemon Trees

A great way to keep the roots moist is to lay down a layer of mulch that is a few inches thick, running out to the drip line that is used for watering. Lemon trees prefer a slightly acidic and well-drained soil.

Protect Against Frost

It is extremely rare, but pay attention to the forecasts just in case there is a chance of frost overnight in Arizona. If there is a chance, your best course of action is to cover your young lemon trees. Protect the trees with burlap and frost cloth, if possible. A sheet or blanket can also be effective, but refrain from using any plastic coverings. Once the temperature has risen above freezing, uncover the plants and let them soak up the sun for the day.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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