• Tips for planting trees right now and getting soil ready and how to water.
• Avoid planting trees too deep into the soil. It is a major reason trees fail to survive.
• Using a drip hose to get a deep watering will help trees be succesful.
• John actually planted several trees around the plaza at the AZ State Capitol. Listen as he describes how he ended up being a part of the process.

• More about trees surrounding the Arizona State Capitol.

John invites Sara, a plant healthcare expert at Integrity Tree Service by phone to talk about all the pests and what to beware of heading into spring.

• John thanks Ray Lopez at Scottsdale Weed Control for helping him over the years.
• Sara’s Number 1 Concern – Getting rid of the white fly insect that invaded the valley last year.
• John, Sara and the crew discuss other main concerns & what you should do at your home to avoid major problems in your yard.
• Treating mesquite trees to avoid all the litter created.
• Making tortillas out of mesquite beans.

Caller:

• Mark – He has two 15 year old ficus trees and wants advice on tarps to prevent frost damage on the crown of his tree?

Recommendation – John has put frost cloth together to cover the canopy. The bottom needs to be sealed and he’s even had customers who use flood lights under the tree to help keep it warm. It is possible to do very large trees and experts should be able to handle it.

• John shares details on the Arizona Tree Council and their Annual Tree Climbing Championship at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona.

Texts From a Listener’s:

• They have an orange tree and it’s done great until this year after they planted a garden nearby. Would this have something to do with no fruit produced this year?

Recommendation – It could have damaged the root system near the tree. It’s unusual that it would eliminate the fruit, but overall the fruit production in the valley was down this year.

• Tips on growing fig trees in Tucson?

Recommendation – They should be good to go down there, but John recommends calling a local nursery like Civano Nursery for a variety that will do well.

If you have tree questions or need work at your home, remember you can reach John during the week at Integrity Tree Service!