Callers:

• Art – His landscaper trimmed back his orange tree more than he would have liked. He’s wondering if he should paint his trunk white or what we think he should do to ensure the tree stays healthy.

Recommendation – Let the new growth on the bottom of the tree. John talks about the white tree paint and what it is good for and not. Tree wraps are a great option too.

• Tony – He has a mature olive tree in his front yard and wants to know if it’s edible and how to care for it.

Recommendation – The olives are edible and need to be treated, but he can find out how to do it online.  Be careful not to over-prune this tree and be very selective when cutting back.

• Scott – He got pretty scratched up pruning his jujube tree and wants advice for next time he has to trim it.

Recommendation – Wear long sleeves and this is a very rough tree. No tricks, just a thick jacket or call a certified arborist.

*John shares more tips on pruning small trees in your yard.

Callers:

• Colleen – Her bottle brush shrubs is getting too big for her liking and she wants to know if she can cut them way back or not?  2nd Question – She has a new back patio and wants advice on black slate for a patio in her yard?

Recommendation – Yes, it can be cut back.  She’ll need to do it correctly and sometimes the plant is simply too big to contain and it might be better to replace it. 2nd tip – Go with a lighter color Belgard Paver from Oldcastle Superlite.

• Marylou – She has an older pecan tree and some of the pecans are bitter and is wondering if fertilizing it would help and when/how?

Recommendation – A good basic fertilizer would help. John says she should call Jay at Harper’s Nursery for advice.

More tips from John on proper pruning on shrubs.  Learn what “Lion Tailing” is and why you should avoid this with your trees.

Find a certified arborist in your area here.

Callers:

• Beth – She has a peach tree and a few citrus trees.  Her sprinklers are hitting the trunks and wants to know if she should paint the trunk or if that will damage it?

Recommendation – Salt in our water can damage the trunks, but it shouldn’t be a concern if they are otherwise healthy.  Painting wouldn’t hurt.

If you need your trees trimmed or have questions for John, call Integrity Tree Service!