Maintaining your trees is important for both the looks and the overall health of the tree and plants surrounding it.

We take it very seriously and are committed to helping you maintain them as well.

Our company is located in Little Rock and we serve North Little Rock and Sherwood areas too.

We’ve been in business for many years and during that time we, as a company learned how to get the job done right.

Our staff members are safe, corteous and don’t cut corners.

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Once a tree leaves the sapling stage and is starting to become a mature tree, you’ll have to babysit it much less than usual, but your work isn’t over. You’ll still need to have a care plan for the maintenance of your trees.

What’s more, the plans might not all match up! Some species are more labor intensive than others, and any particular disease or weakness will require extra care. It’s never a bad idea, even if you do plan to do most of the tree maintenance yourself, to get an expert opinion on your care plan.

An expert arborist will be able to tell you what the particular needs of your trees are, and developing a relationship with a professional you trust will give you someone to call should more serious issues arise.

Mulching

If you have mulch around the base of your trees, you’ll need to make sure that it is the correct type for your soil and weather and that it’s placed correctly.

Some research into your particular area will give you some guidance on soil type. Mulch should never rise up the trunk of the tree, or even cover exposed roots. This can lead to root-rot, which can destabilize the tree.

Mulch should extend from about 6” from the trunk all the way to a few inches past where the tree’s canopy ends. 

Fertilizing

Most trees do not require any additional fertilization. In fact, over-fertilizing can damage trees. It can cause excessive growth with under-foliation, which doesn’t allow the tree to photosynthesize enough nutrients to feed the new growth.

This creates a cycle where the homeowner treats the symptoms of over-fertilization with more fertilizer. The first step in a fertilization plan, therefore, should be to test your soil and make sure that your tree really needs it.

These common missing elements are phosphorus and nitrogen. Remember to fertilize only in spring and fall, or whenever your tree’s growth cycle is, and never to fertilize during drought, when trees go dormant.

Watering

Mulching can provide a huge watering benefit, especially to new trees in their first two or three growth cycles. At this stage, trees are particularly susceptible to drought and heat, both of which can cause them to enter dormant cycles.

If this occurs, the tree’s full growth potential may be stunted. For young trees, aim to keep the soil moist to the touch all the way down to a depth of about 2”. Fully grown trees require less care to maintain proper hydration because their root systems are fully developed and able to pull water from a larger ground area.

At this point, you will probably be able to mist your lawn and let the trees do the work. As long as the trees you’ve chosen are compatible with your weather zone, this should be enough to keep them healthy. ​

Pruning

Pruning is not just a cosmetic concern. When trees grow unevenly, whether due to disease, injury, or growth obstruction, it can place undue stress on the trunk and other limbs.

If the unevenness is mild, pruning can maintain balance while the tree heals. Airflow and light exposure are also important. When foliage grows too thickly, it can block sunlight from lower branches.

The rule of thumb here is that if you find you need to reduce the foliage by more than ⅔, you’re probably better off removing the whole stem. If that’s outside of your skill level, have a professional at least give a consultation about what’s best for your tree.

Trimming on the other hand is a heavier-duty chore than pruning, but it’s inevitable that you’ll need to do it over the course of your tree’s lifetime.

Some trimming can be done at home, especially under the guidance of a pro, but some should always be done by an expert. When the limbs that need to be trimmed are above ground height, it can be a safety hazard to try to do the job yourself.

Similarly, when utility wires are nearby, it’s probably best not to attempt to work on them on your own. Calling your utility company is the first step in dealing with this.

Disease and Injury

Occasionally, trees become infested, diseased, or injured. If you notice unusual discoloration in the leaves, rotting bark or wood, or uneven growth patterns, this could be the case. In these instances, it’s always a good idea to consult an arborist and find out what’s going on before you attempt to remedy it.