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Learning About Alternative Energy Options

Hello, my name is Frankie. Welcome to my site. I am excited to share my knowledge about alternative energy options with you today. Our world’s reliance on fossil fuels can only come to an abrupt end, as this is a finite resource. Fossil fuels also have an incredibly harmful impact on the environment. I want to use this site to help people better understand the benefits of switching to alternative energy whenever possible. I will talk about the ease of making the switch in hopes of inspiring others to avoid using fossil fuels as much as possible. Thank you for coming to my site.

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Learning About Alternative Energy Options

Tips For Avoiding Pests And Diseases When Trimming Trees

by Nathaniel Pearson

Pruning itself rarely damages or injures a tree severely. The concern is after pruning, when the open wound may attract pests or disease organisms. This doesn't mean you should avoid pruning, though, as it is an important part of keeping your trees healthy. If you learn the following healthy tree tips, you can enjoy the benefits of pruning without any worry for disease or pests.

Tip #1: Keep the tree healthy

A healthy tree is less likely to become susceptible to a pest problem after pruning. The best way to ensure the health of the plant is to water it regularly so it isn't under any stress. If a tree is suffering, whether from drought, pest infestation, or disease, prune carefully. Only remove branches that are already dead or badly damaged. Don't trim off any healthy wood until after the tree has recovered.

Tip #2: Use clean tools

Both pests and diseases can be spread easily from an infected plant to a healthy tree via the tools during pruning. Wash the tools in soap and water, and then rinse them thoroughly as you prune. A 70 percent rubbing alcohol solution or the household cleaner Lysol work well. It's also a good idea to soak the tools in the disinfectant for a few minutes between trees, especially if you prune one with an obvious pest or disease problem.

Tip #3: Cut back wisely

The best way to cut back a branch is so that it is nearly flush with the main trunk or branch that it connects to. At the very base of the branch you will notice a small raised ridge of bark – cut flush to this ridge and don't leave a branch stub. The ridge, called the branch collar, has actively growing cells that will eventually seal over the cut to keep out pests and disease. If you leave a stub beyond this collar, it takes the tree longer to heal and problem organisms could invade the tree.

Tip #4: Know your timing

As a general rule, don't prune in fall. There are a few issues with this. First, pruning encourages some trees, such as evergreens, to put on new growth. This new growth isn't hardy enough to survive winter, so it dies and weakens the plant. Another issue is that recent pruning cuts can provide an optimal overwintering spot for some problem organisms. Instead, prune most trees in late winter or early spring, right before the flush of growth. The exception is flowering trees, which are typically pruned after they finish blossoming.

For more help, contact J&T Tree Co. or a tree trimming service in your area.

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