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Finding it challenging to oversee tree management in your HOA community? Trees not only represent a significant financial investment, but also enhance curb appeal and play a crucial role in ensuring resident safety.
The hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather events like hurricanes and freezes pose significant challenges for tree health and maintenance. As an HOA board member or property manager, navigating these complexities while balancing budget constraints can feel overwhelming.
Let’s explore how Houston’s climate impacts tree management for HOA’s and the essential tree maintenance services you should schedule throughout the year for optimal tree health.
Houston’s unique climate significantly impacts tree management for homeowners associations. With hot summers, mild winters, severe weather events like hurricanes, heavy wind and rainstorms, as well as sporadic extreme freezing weather, understanding these climate factors is crucial for effective tree care. Houston’s high temperatures and varying rainfall levels can stress trees, making them more susceptible to disease and pests.
Selecting the right tree species is crucial for thriving landscapes as well. Opt for species that are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This not only ensures that the trees are more resilient and healthy but also makes caring for your trees more cost-effective and easier.
Tree management for HOAs can be difficult to navigate. As a board member, you might be uncertain about the specific services your trees require and the best times to perform them. Let’s explore recommended tree care services and their optimal timing to ensure your trees stay healthy without unnecessary expenses.
Regular inspections are an essential component of tree management for HOAs. These inspections allow for early detection of pest or disease problems before they escalate into larger more costly issues. By identifying potential threats early, you can implement effective treatments promptly, ensuring the health and longevity of your trees. Regular inspections should be scheduled monthly with your landscape management company.
Our account managers evaluate the health of trees at your HOA at least one time monthly while onsite performing their monthly audits. At that time, they propose any needed curative or preventative services found to maintain the health of your trees. Production managers are typically evaluating trees weekly as well while onsite with maintenance crews. These team leaders report any needed tree services like broken limbs or trees needing removal to the Account Manager to relay to you, the client.
Pruning and trimming are crucial maintenance practices that contribute to the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees in HOA communities across Houston. Regular pruning and trimming helps to enhance tree health, prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth.
For optimal tree health and safety, it’s recommended to schedule pruning and trimming annually or sometimes bi-annually, depending on the tree species and growth rate. Early Spring or late winter are often ideal times for these services in Houston, as trees are dormant and pruning promotes healthy Spring growth.
Deadwood or small broken branches are addressed during regular maintenance visits if the crew can reach them with only ground equipment. As Crape Myrtles are so popular here in Houston, they are scheduled to be lightly pruned in January or February prior to budding. They are selectively pruned; stray limbs and rubbing or crossing branches are removed to improve tree aesthetics. If reachable, spent seed pods will be clipped.
Major tree pruning needs will be assessed regularly and the Account manager will work with the client to ensure trees are properly cared for. Monarch has ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified team members who can assist as needed to ensure tree health.
Tree fertilization is also an important component of seasonal tree care in Houston. Fertilization provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in the soil, promoting robust growth, disease resistance, and overall vitality. Proper fertilization can improve root development and help trees withstand environmental stress such as heat, drought, and pests. Trees can benefit from annual fertilization. Depending on the health of the trees, more frequent or targeted fertilization may be required.
The type and frequency of fertilization depends on the species and size of your tree. Spring and/or Fall treatments may be recommended by your Account Manager. An overall program for all trees throughout the HOA may be established as needed. We may recommend and perform a deep root fertilization treatment. This is an effective method to feed trees. Deep root fertilization injects nutrients and organic matter directly into the soil and the trees’ root zone to aid in overall health of the tree.
Proper watering is necessary for maintaining healthy trees in Houston, especially for newly planted trees. New trees require more frequent watering to establish strong root systems and withstand the stress of transplantation from a pot or ball and burlap. For mature trees, deep watering less frequently encourages deep root growth and drought resistance. It’s essential to adjust watering schedules based on seasonal weather patterns, ensuring trees receive adequate moisture without waterlogging the soil.
We recommend that most new HOA trees be put in a separate bubbler zone. These bubbler zones can be made to water as much as needed without impacting other turf or shrub schedules. We dial back or remove watering on these zones after a few months, once the trees’ roots have been established. Our team coordinates watering schedules throughout the growing season as needed.
Finally, mulching around trees can help with tree health and the overall aesthetic look of your HOA’s landscape. When newly planted, trees benefit from a mulch ring to suppress weeds and retain moisture. It’s crucial to apply mulch properly, ensuring that mulch is not built up around the base of the tree.
Caution must be taken to avoid creating “mulch volcanoes,” where excessive mulch piled against the tree’s trunk can lead to moisture retention and rot at the base. This improper mulching technique can contribute to tree decline and even cause the tree’s death over time. For aesthetics, moisture retention, heat and weed prevention we recommend mulching two times per year.
Mulch is typically installed around trees two times a year, in the Spring and Fall. However, if additional mulch is not needed and would be detrimental to the health of the tree, our Account Managers will notify you. With many of our new customers we see that mulch removal or reduction, due to over mulching, may greatly benefit the health of their trees.
During extreme weather, your trees can sustain and create the most damage. An HOA property manager should be able to count on their landscape contractor to manage all of their landscape issues, including tree care emergencies. While our team’s safety is priority, especially in extreme weather events, we strive to be available during emergencies and to respond to all landscape needs promptly.
At Monarch, we have an after-hours emergency line available to all of our clients in case any urgent need arises. Account Managers keep in close contact with their clients but especially during weather events so that they can rest assured we have their landscape needs covered.
Ensuring the health and beauty of your HOA’s trees requires expertise and careful planning. At Monarch Landscape Management, we specialize in providing comprehensive tree care services tailored to Houston’s unique climate and community’s specific needs.
From regular inspections and pruning to fertilization, watering, and mulching, our team ensures your trees receive optimal care year-round. Professional tree care management not only protects your investment in the property’s landscape but also ensures the safety of residents and the property itself.
Ready to ensure your HOA’s trees thrive in Houston, TX? Get started today by filling out our contact form.
Written By: Monarch Landscape Management
