Trees in the Heights or up on the West End struggle for many reasons. Tree Service Pros of Billings gets asked the same questions week after week by property owners in Billings, MT. This guide covers what you need to know about keeping your trees alive in the Montana climate.
How often should I actually water my mature trees in Billings?
Mature trees need care to survive in Billings. Billings receives very little annual moisture, and our heavy clay soils dry out fast, especially when hot summer winds blow off the Yellowstone River. During the peak of summer, give your large trees a deep, slow soak once every week or two rather than shallow daily sprinkling. Stick a screwdriver into the dirt; if the tool does not go in at least six inches easily, your trees are thirsty. Tree Service Pros of Billings helps homeowners in Billings, MT manage proper watering schedules.
Why are the leaves on my ash tree turning yellow and dropping in July?
Ash trees across Billings neighborhoods often drop leaves early. Property owners are usually dealing with localized drought stress or common fungal leaf spots brought on by spring weather swings. Sometimes it is just the tree shedding extra weight because the tree cannot pull enough water through our dry soil. Mulching heavily around the drip line helps retain moisture, but if you notice dieback at the very top of the canopy, give Tree Service Pros of Billings a call to take a closer look at your trees in Billings, MT.
Is it safe to prune my elm trees in the middle of summer?
Do not touch your elms with a saw during the warm months. Dutch elm disease is spread by tiny bark beetles that are very active when it is hot outside, and the scent of fresh pruning cuts acts like an attractant for them. Wait until late winter when the trees are fully dormant and those beetles are inactive. Pruning at the right time keeps your trees safe and prevents an outbreak in your Billings yard.
What causes those giant swollen clumps of twigs in my cottonwoods?
Those messy-looking clumps are called witches' broom. They are usually caused by fungal infections, mites, or environmental stress. While they look ugly up in the branches, they rarely kill a massive cottonwood on their own. However, they do signal that the tree is under chronic stress. Pruning them out during the dormant season cleans up the canopy and stops the spread if a fungus is present.
How close to my foundation can I safely plant a new shade tree?
Planting a large tree too close to your house causes problems later. Roots need room to breathe and expand, and roots will find cracks in sewer lines or lift your sidewalk if planted too close. For large canopy trees, keep them at least twenty feet away from your foundation. Smaller ornamental trees can come in a bit closer, but always call 811 before you dig so you do not hit a utility line in Billings, MT.
Can a leaning tree be saved, or does it always need to come down?
Not every leaning tree is doomed. If a tree has grown at a slight angle its whole life, the tree usually builds extra reaction wood to support itself and is completely fine. The danger zone is when a healthy tree suddenly starts leaning after a heavy wet snowstorm or high winds. That means the root plate is failing. If the ground is heaving on the opposite side of the lean, that tree is unstable and Tree Service Pros of Billings provides safe removal services for properties throughout Billings, MT.