O'Hara Landscape Blog

Typically, April and May in Lantana are so dry it’s easy for lawn care efforts to exclusively concentrate on turf –a big mistake.  After all, turf is only one component of lawn care – all that fertilizing, aeration, dethatching, and mowing consumes a whole lotta time. The good news? Trees rarely require even a quarter of the tasks and time usually put into lawns. The bad news? Trees require a good amount of expertise and equipment. Most ornamental trees in landscapes appear stalwart –slow to grow and slow to change. So slow, in fact, laypersons rarely can tell tree’s condition by sight.

Depending on the tree, a lot or a little work may need to be done. The benefit of routine lawn care services is that we have the eye for what trees need, no matter its type, location, or size. When caring for a lawn, expect us to consider:

Storm Proofing

Quite obviously, Lantana gets hit with some intense storms towards late summer and early fall. Trees can bend, snap, and be a major cause of dangerous debris. When looking at a tree we’ll make sure the foundations are solid, as are new and old branches.

Proximity to other structures does play a role in decisions, but less a role many Lantana residents may think. Sure, trees farther away from a structure are less likely to hit it with debris or god forbid, topple into the given structure. Still, large and sickly branches can be launched quite aways. No matter where the tree is located, we need to get rid of these trees.

Watering

Like the rest of South Florida, installed and automated sprinkler systems are quite common in Lantana, and for good reason –these are known for providing more accurate, economic, and ecological hydration.

Automated watering can work for trees, but they often don’t need near the amount required by grass. In fact, too much hydration can downright sabotage a resident’s effort grow their own citrus, nuts, or other fruit. We make the point to ask if trees are part o an automated watering system. If not, we’ll go ahead and keep a schedule for when they need to be manually watered –very important during these dry months.

Fertilizer

Lantana soil is typically very alkaline and lacking in nutrients. This won’t only impact the lawn, but other flora as well. Just like all other plants, most trees can appear haggard without routine treatments. The only difference? Trees are a pure liability if they’re not at peak strength –just look at cleanup after a major storm. Trees kept at peak strength are less likely to be uprooted or to break apart.

Of course, the only real question is the type of fertilizer. Like all other flora, nitrogen is a key component. Like all other flora, different types of trees all benefit from different types of minerals. Depending on the tree’s proximity to other plants, expect us to apply a fertilizer that meets all these demands. If not, expect us to use mineral sprays so trees can gain some nutritional oomph without jeopardizing the plants sharing that bed or plot.

Trimming

Trees grow slowly. Like any other type of growth, we only notice it after a major difference is discernible. Of course, that’s only if we have the time and eye to do so.  Lantana is a busy place. We can hardly fault residents for not knowing when a tree must be trimmed, particularly since such chores are few and far between. Still, doing so is necessary for health, aesthetics, and safety.

We’ll not only keep dead and weak branches from making too much of an impact, but also make the trees look good while doing so. Of particular concern are branches that rub together, branches that have already been damaged, lopsided growth, and diseased branches. Tree diseases can be tricky. Usually experts are the only ones who accurately tell when a tree is infected, let alone which procedures to take once this has been established. Still knowing both is vital, particular given pest problems and other challenges in Lantana.

Youth

While older trees certainly need attention too, younger ones are way more at risk in the Lantana environment.  After all, such trees lack the sheer mass and nutrient creating power to survive such challenges. We provide extra attention to younger trees,  as these can quite easily become swamped by pests, disease, or the sun, or mere malnutrition.

Lawn Care Should be Comprehensive  

Quite obviously, total lawn care can be quite the undertaking –particularly in Lantana.  All the good will in the world doesn’t foster the successful growth of trees, nor do sub par landscaping services who believe their client’s ignorance is a free ticket to slack off. Lawn care isn’t just our profession, but our passion. For over 30 years we’ve provided Lantana and surrounding area with creative landscape designs and diligent lawn care–call 561-655-9011 or message OharaLandscape.com to see what our services can do for you.