Why Trim?

• For aesthetic value, to maintain a desired shape
• To promote plant health and increase longevity
• To protect people and property

Proper pruning is the most effective preventative maintenance and should start when your tree is young. Proper training encourages the development of a strong structure. Pruning too late can deform trees and leave them with large wounds that invite diseases.

Most pruning should be done in the late dormant season, or late winter, before any new spring growth starts. Pruning at this time decreases the liklihood of certain diseases developing.

Trees that bloom early in Spring on last year's growth should be trimmed soon after they finish blooming. And evergreens usually require little grooming, but if you choose to, spruces and firs can be trimmed any time of year, and pines should be trimmed after their period of growth in the spring, usually in June.

All Seasons provides tree trimming services, just give us a call at 701-746-7777.

Iron Chlorosis is caused by a deficiency in iron, and if it is not treated soon enough could lead to the demise of a tree. Its most notable symptom is a yellowing of leaves, since iron is used by the trees to make chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight for photosynthesis. There is no certain time in a tree's life that it is more susceptible to this disease, for instance a tree could be healthy for many years before becoming affected.

Trees that are growing in flooded or compacted soils are more susceptible to iron chlorosis, and sometimes high soil pH is to blame as this prevents trees from being able to absorb the available iron in the soil.

If you notice your trees' leaves yellowing, give All Seasons a call and talk to our experts in the garden store. Or bring in a picture, or a leaf sample, so that we are better able to diagnose the tree problem, and provide you with a solution.

Not only are trees attractive on our flat landscape, they can also function as an effective windbreak when placed properly.

Benefits of windbreaks:

• Wind protection which provides more comfortable working conditions in summer and winter and helps to protect buildings from structural damage
• Energy savings as the house does not need to use as much energy for heating or air-conditioning
• Snow collection and control of drifting
• Screening and filtration from blowing soil and dust from area fields or gravel roads
• Aesthetic beauty especially when combine wtih ornamental flowers, foliage, bark and fruit

Windbreaks should consist of multiple rows of trees, or if space is limited trees that have dense foliage should be used. Windbreaks in our area are generally on the north and west sides of a location, but in an area where there are multiple farm buildings, windbreaks may be on all sides with access to pasture and a couple openings to allow a breeze through on the side not facing the prevailing wind direction.

Consult All Seasons about the best trees to add to your windbreaks or to create a windbreak from scratch.