Author: Petalon Landscape

Yes! Landscape and Irrigation Experts Say Fall is Ideal

Yard drains control the flow of irrigation and rainwater from your landscape to the sewer system. Pooling around the gutters or standing water on your lawn are clear indications that they need attention. As with the drainage system inside your building, clogged or broken pipes can cause back up, flooding and costly damage outside. Unsightly and unhygienic surroundings will reflect poorly on your business. While you may have done it earlier this year, fall is a good time to get professional drainage maintenance done again.

Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, rocks and even trash will find their way into drains, despite best efforts to keep your commercial property clean. Tree roots are also likely culprits for blocking and damaging the landscape drainage system. Timely cleanup and repair in the fall will help prevent flooding from heavy winter rains. Rather than struggle with breaks and blockages when the weather is cold, plan your drainage maintenance before winter sets in.

Tips to Prepare Your Drainage System for Winter Storms

• Drainage inspection: Examine the water inlets and outlets on your landscape. Some termination areas may be located on the street or in a basin. Puddles that never dry up are a sure sign of a drainage problem and could result from clogging or a pipe that needs repair. Petalon conducts visual landscape inspections for run-off, water leaks and standing water to help you avoid expensive drain repairs.
• Clean out the debris: Remove the drain covers and clear out any leaves, trash and debris from the pipe. Run a snaking hose (or auger) to remove dirt and soil. Then, flush the pipes with running water to ensure they are clean. This may be a challenge if the drain branches out in multiple directions. Your landscape maintenance company may be able to help with drain machines or hydro-jetting that clears clogs fast.
• Repair or replace broken pipes: Older or poor-quality pipes can break because of weather, age, or with pressure from tree roots. From drain pipes, grates and basins to rain gauges and master valves with flow meters, Petalon has you covered. Our irrigation management experts can also help you achieve your water conservation goals.

Count on our full-service commercial landscape management company to help you maintain year-round curb appeal. Our attractive, drought-tolerant landscaping designs, weekly gardening programs, smart irrigation management and landscape drainage solutions keep your property looking its best in every season.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our cost-efficient landscaping solutions.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our landscape management company requesting a quote for drainage maintenance.

Tips to Improve Tree Health and Yield

Although your fruit trees might lie dormant until spring, they need protection from cold temperatures, pest infestations, rodent problems and any type of damage to the tree’s structure. Simple measures like cleaning out fallen leaves and using dormant-season sprays, for example, help to deter pests and fight disease. Here are some expert tips on winter care for your fruit trees in Northern California.

Caring for Your Fruit-Bearing Trees in Winter

• Clean out dead leaves: They are likely to have insect eggs or fungus spores that are damaging to the health of your trees.
• Mulch: Replenish the layer of mulch under the trees before winter. Mulch will help rainwater penetrate to the roots and prevent soil erosion. Maintain a three-inch layer to prevent run-off and discourage weed growth.
• Pest control: Apply dormant oil sprays to control pests, minimize fungal infection, and curb the spread of certain diseases. These specially formulated oils are effective against soft-bodied insects such as aphids and mites, some insect eggs, as well as scale. Depending on the type of tree, its age, and overall health, your arborist may also suggest wrapping the tree trunk. This provides added protection from rodents and certain pests.
• Pruning: Removing dead, decaying, diseased, and obstructing limbs will improve light penetration and encourage healthy growth. Knowing when and how much to prune trees is important to ensuring strong growth. Dates, apricots, cherries, and plums each have different pruning schedules and requirements. Young trees will need different care than mature fruit trees.
• Examine tree structure: Damaged tree bark and limbs require timely, professional attention in order to preserve overall tree health.
• Plant new trees: Winter can be a good time for planting new fruit trees. The type of soil, amount of sunlight and growing space are important points to consider before you plant. As well, you must determine whether the new tree will need a partner for pollination to bear fruit.

Fruit Tree Management Services

Properly maintained fruit trees can provide a bountiful harvest. If you are looking to increase the yield of your existing trees or plant new ones, we can help. The Petalon team provides comprehensive services for fruit tree management. We take care of preparing the planting site, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pruning, pest control, and weeding.

Orchard owners and property managers across Northern California including in San Jose, Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto, CA trust us with their fruit tree maintenance requirements.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact us online to book our services and learn more about winter care for fruit trees in Northern California.