by Tammy | Feb 23, 2022 | Tree Pruning
Florida’s subtropical climate makes it one of the best places to grow oranges. In fact, Florida grows more than 70% of the country’s entire orange supply. A vast majority of those oranges grown are made into juice. If you’re looking to add freshly squeezed orange juice to your table, then growing an orange tree is perfect for you.
To properly care for your orange tree requires regular care and maintenance. One of the care tips you must know is how to prune an orange tree. Pruning is a method arborists use to keep trees healthy by removing dead, diseased, or weak limbs. Tree pruning is known to increase fruit yield, allowing you to get the most out of your orange tree.
What You’ll Learn in this Guide
In this guide on how to prune an orange tree, we’ll provide the following:
- Why Prune Orange Trees
- When to prune an orange tree
- Tools and equipment needed for the job
- How to prune an orange tree correctly
- Additional tips on caring for an orange tree
If you are unsure of pruning your own orange tree, we recommend you contact our team for professional tree pruning services. Pruning is best done by a professional with experience in tree health and care. Green Earth Environmental would happily assist you in caring for your orange trees.
Why Prune Orange Trees
The purpose of pruning orange trees is to remove dead or diseased limbs. By doing so, you’ll maintain the tree’s health and stimulate growth. They can be pruned to learn a specific growing habit like hedges (espalier) for aesthetic reasons.
When to Prune an Orange Tree
Adult orange trees should be pruned once a year during early spring when there is no longer a chance for a frost or near freeze. Tree pruning reduces the tree’s hardiness, so a potential frost could do harm. Young orange trees can be trimmed at any time of the year as long as there is no chance of frost.
Tools for Pruning an Orange Tree
The tools needed to prune your orange tree is based on the size of the limbs you’re removing. These are three types of pruning tools you may need:
Anvil Pruners: Use on limbs with a thickness of up to half an inch.
Bypass Ratchet Lopper: Use on limbs with a thickness of up to one and a half inches. They can handle large limbs but will require more effort.
Pruning Saw: Use on thicker limbs ranging in two to four inches in thickness.
Before using any of your pruning tools, make sure they are clean and sterilized to prevent the spread of disease. Do this by applying a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water to the blade.
How to Prune an Orange Tree
Follow the steps we’ve outlined below to learn how to prune an orange tree correctly:
1. Remove Suckers: Start removing suckers from the tree. Suckers are sprouts that appear from the tree’s roots or below the graft line (the area below a distinct scar on the trunk). Suckers can typically be removed by hand, but you can use the anvil pruners if needed.
2. Remove Problematic Limbs: Next, remove wood that is dead, damaged, or diseased. If only a portion of a limb is problematic, remove it to the point in which it’s healthy. For entire limbs, cut just above the branch collar and ensure the cut is clean.
3. Remove Mature Fruit: Finally, remove any mature oranges from the tree. You don’t want to leave them for too long as they can hinder next year’s yield. Plus, you want to enjoy as much citrus goodness as possible.
Don’t Hesitate to Hire a Professional
The professionals at Green Earth Environmental know how to prune an orange tree. They can help you care for your orange trees throughout the year. We can even help you design the landscaping your orange tree will live. Give us a call at (866) 734-2422 for a free estimate on our tree services or landscape design services. We look forward to caring for your orange trees and working with you on a gorgeous landscape.
by Tammy | Feb 23, 2022 | Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems are an essential tool used in properly maintaining your landscape. Plants and trees of all types require regular watering for long, healthy lives. Watering by hand is a common method, but it isn’t nearly as efficient as the latest irrigation systems.
If you’re considering an irrigation system for your property or you want answers for an existing system, we’ve compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions in one place.
What is an irrigation system?
An irrigation system artificially delivers water to plants through a series of tubes, valves, and sprayers. While modern methods use tubes and sprayers, the invention originates thousands of years ago. The original irrigation systems were in the form of canals, ditches, and aqueducts. They were developed to deliver water to areas that did not regularly receive water.
Are sprinklers an irrigation system?
Yes! Sprinkler systems are the most common irrigation system out there. They are commonly used for lawns as they simulate rainfall, providing even dispersal of water across large areas.
What types of landscape irrigation systems are there?
There are two primary types of landscape irrigation systems: sprinklers and drip irrigation. As you can guess, sprinkler irrigation utilizes a collection of sprinklers that disperse water across an area, usually lawns. Drip irrigation is better for uneven areas and large groupings of plants. A system of tubes buried underneath the first layer of mulch or in the ground delivers water to the base of plants.
How much does an irrigation system cost?
It depends on the size of the property and the type of system you require. Many properties utilize a blended irrigation system comprised of both sprinklers and drip irrigation. For an accurate estimate of your irrigation system, contact our team for a free quote.
Is a landscape irrigation system worth it?
Yes! Landscape irrigation systems offer you many benefits. Drip and sprinkler systems operate more efficiently than any person who can hand water. Your system is customized to the needs of your landscaping and plants. It will water your plants at the perfect time of day with the perfect amount of water. This means you’ll save money on your water bill every month.
Irrigation systems are also known to increase the health of plants and landscaping. They reduce the growth of weeds, reduce fungi growth, and preserve soil nutrition. All of these benefits only improve the chance of your plants growing long and gorgeous lives.
How much water does an irrigation system use?
The amount of water your irrigation system uses depends on the size of your property and the types of plants in your landscaping. Once our team understands the scope of your property and needs, we can provide an accurate estimate of water usage.
How do I turn on an irrigation system?
Your irrigation system is automated for the most part. It will be programmed to operate at specific times of the day. Our team will show you how to program your irrigation system to adjust its schedule and run-time upon installation. The original settings we apply are based on what your landscaping and plants require.
Do I need to winterize my irrigation system?
Yes. In South Florida, the process of winterizing your irrigation system is simply reducing the frequency of watering during the rainy season (May through September).
Have a Different Question?
Don’t see your question answered above? Give Green Earth Environmental a call at (866) 734-2422 for an answer. We are experts in landscaping care and maintenance, including irrigation systems of all types. We’re able to install, repair, and maintain your irrigation system throughout the year. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or to request a free quote. We look forward to caring for your landscaping and property’s beauty.
by Tammy | Feb 11, 2022 | Landscaping
South Florida and the Greater South Florida areas provide a climate for incredible landscapes throughout the year. Regardless of the type of property you care for, residential or commercial, there are many landscaping elements you could incorporate. For inspiration, consider any of the South Florida landscaping ideas listed below.
South Florida Landscaping Ideas From Experts
At Green Earth Environmental, we offer a full suite of services for our residential and commercial clients. Every aspect of landscaping—design, construction, maintenance—is handled by our in-house team. We’re here to turn your property into an attractive, unforgettable landscape. Our design team can implement any of the South Florida landscaping ideas we’ve listed and so many more.
1. Plant Wall
You may have also heard of these landscape features referred to as garden walls, greenery walls, and vertical gardens. Plant walls are built on vertical structures, indoor or outdoor, with plants attached to them. Irrigation systems are typically integrated into their design for easy maintenance. They offer an eye-catching appearance to any property because they add texture and color to all types of spaces.
2. Water Fountain
You can find a vast number of South Florida landscaping ideas for water fountains alone. These versatile landscaping features can fit almost anywhere on your property. They can showcase different types of materials, designs, styles, and sizes. Choose from natural stone, terracotta, or even metal. Water features of all types have been known to implement a calming sensation in nearby spaces and reduce noise pollution.
3. Walking Path
Like water fountains, walking paths come in various materials and designs. Choose from brick, natural stone, concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, and more! Walking paths may seem obvious for certain areas, but many property owners overlook these practical South Florida landscaping ideas. Walking paths areas such as the side of your house will benefit your property and make getting around easier and cleaner!
4. Flower Tree Ring
Spruce up your trees with a flower tree ring. This is essentially adding a flower bed at the base of the tree. They range in all sorts of sizes, some expanding several feet away from the tree. This South Florida landscape idea can even incorporate tiers of flowers using retaining walls. Flower beds do not always have to outline a sidewalk or structure. Elevate a natural element of your property with something natural, like flowers!
5. Raised Garden Beds
You can quite literally elevate your garden with raised beds. Raised garden beds are simply containers with soil in which plants are grown. They are typically made of wood, metal, or stone. Raised garden beds have a more organized aesthetic than in-ground gardens. In addition, they offer many benefits, such as greater control over soil quality, reduced pests and weeds, and they can go anywhere.
6. Pergola
A pergola is a structure featuring open rafters, allowing the elements to pass through. They are often constructed over outdoor living spaces such as patios or decks. These rafters offer shade at the right times of the day. Pergolas are often made of unfinished wood and pair well with viny pants. Plant a few at the base of the structure and watch them create a natural roof through the rafters.
7. Pond
Ponds are one of the best South Florida landscaping ideas to consider because they are extremely versatile and beautiful for all types of properties. Residential and commercial properties are able to take advantage of various types of ponds such as koi ponds, natural ponds, or plant ponds. Depending on the level of maintenance you want, we can help you implement a pond into your property along with other types of water features.
8. Retaining Wall
As professionals, we know the importance of focal points in a landscape. Retaining walls made of stone or pavers is an exceptional way of doing that. If you’re looking for South Florida landscaping ideas for sloped areas, a retaining wall is your answer. These vertical structures are similar to raised garden beds in that plants are off the ground. They help in preventing soil erosion and take up less space than traditional landscaping.
9. Mailbox Garden
The mailbox is likely one of the last areas of improvement on your landscaping list, if it’s even on there at all. Of all the South Florida landscaping ideas to consider, the mailbox is one of the areas often overlooked. Your landscaping doesn’t always have to be connected to your home. Adding pavers and a small flower bed to the base of your mailbox will give it a more lively appearance.
10. Landscape Lighting
Finally, the last of our favorite South Florida landscaping ideas is lighting. It’s easy for landscape lighting to be used wrongly or poorly, but when used right, it can have drastic effects on your property’s look at night. Let our team help you choose the right landscape lighting features for your property, ensuring it’s used right and showcases your property’s best qualities.
Need Help Implementing South Florida Landscaping Ideas?
Do you need assistance implementing your South Florida landscaping ideas? Get in touch with Green Earth Environmental, a leading South Florida landscaping company with over 17 years of experience. Our in-house design and crew members will help you integrate your South Florida landscaping ideas effectively. For more landscaping ideas, visit Houzz.
Give our team a call to learn more about our services or to request a free quote! You can reach our team by calling (866) 734-2422 or emailing our team via the form on the contact page. We deeply care about the environment and want to help you effectively integrate it into ongoing urbanization.
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