ProQual Serves The Ronald McDonald House

This summer, ProQual partnered with the Ronald McDonald House by volunteering grounds maintenance to enhance the beauty and comfort to it's visitors.  Below is a video high-lighting some of the work we did and the fun we had.  A "Big Thank You" to The Ronald McDonald House for all the good that you do!

Account Manager, Devin Shepard receives ALCA Certification!

One of ProQual's account managers, Devin Shepard, has recently completed a 24 month process to become an Arizona Certified Landscape Professional!  He already has a 4 year degree in Landscape Horticulture from the University of Maine.  Next on his list of professional certifications is ISA Certified Arborist.  Click THIS LINK to read about some of the knowledge Devin has mastered in the ACLA program.

Water Management...

Our Certified Irrigation Water Auditors are at it again, installing ET Water “Smart” Irrigation controllers at one of our communities.

By combining specific site information and current local weather data, ProQual Landscaping is able to generate a custom irrigation schedule. Via wireless modem, daily weather data is downloaded from the nearest weather station and the Irrigation Controllers are precisely adjusted.

Taking weather data and continuously adjusting the clocks has averaged 20%-50% in water savings.

Now that’s a “SMART” move!

Protect Your Trees and Landscaping From Arizona's Monsoons Storms...

The Monsoon Season is in full swing in Arizona. No doubt, you have seen the damaged tress around tow already. Don't give up on protecting your landscape from these high winds!

Here are a few basic tree care tips for avoiding storm damage:

- Plant new trees with their mature size in mind. Do not plant in shallow soils, too close to buildings or wires, or in steep banks. Some trees are more brittle and susceptible to breaking. Do your research before planting to save yourself the heartache of losing a tree after years of care.

- Water, mulch, and fertilize the trees regularly and properly. Prevent the soil from becoming compacted.

- Prune annually (or every two to three years, depending on the variety) even while the trees are still young. Having your trees trimmed by a professional who understands healthy tree structure is your best bet for avoiding problems.

- Avoid digging around roots. If some digging is absolutely necessary, take measures to minimize cutting or any other impairment of the roots.

- Do not top trees! This common but incorrect practice guarantees eventual failure of branches.

A Certified Arborist - a professional who has been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can provide your trees with the best possible chance at long-term health and survival. They can quickly recognize potential defects in a tree before they become major threats, or that you may not have noticed yourself. If left to unattended, these defects can lead to branch failure, splitting, or loss of the entire tree. Keep in mind, though, that it is not only your arborist's responsibility to care for your trees. There is a lot you can do to help too.

Protect our Trees From Monsoon and Dust Storm Damage in Arizona...

Damaged trees are all over valley streets an neighborhoods this week. Don't give up on your trees... there are things you can look for to help you recognize and prepare for these Arizona Storms. Research indicates that nearly 75% of tree damage occurring during storms is predictable and preventable. Here are a few warning signs that your trees may be more vulnerable to wind and other severities of our summer weather:


- Dead branches can be unpredictable because they are brittle, and cannot bend under pressure like living tree branches.

- Cracking is a clear indicator of potential branch failure, most cracks tend to lead to splits in severe weather.

- Poor tree composition (branch structure) is hard to identify. Have your Arizona landscape professional look for excessive leaning, long horizontal limbs, crossing branches that rub against each other and create wounds, and narrow crotches (V-shaped instead of U-shaped).

- Multi-trunked trees need special attention and care. Two trunks or leaders that are of identical diameter and have a narrow crotch are not a good sign. In these cases you may want to consult with an Arizona Certified Arborist (tree specialist) to prevent total tree loss.

- Any hollow cavities, decay or fugal growth is a sign of weakness.

- Pests, such as the palo verde boring beetle, can negatively affect tree's health, but they typically target trees that are already sickly.

- Root problems can cause a variety of problems, keep in mind that roots are a tree's anchor. If a significant portion of a mature tree's roots have been crushed or cut, or if the tree is still root-bound from the box it came in from the nursery before it was planted, you may consider removing the tree before Mother Nature removes it for you (without warning).

- Weak roots and a thick canopy is the deadliest combination during a storm.

- Keeping your trees thin is the single most important thing to do to "storm-proof" them. The thicker a tree is, the more susceptible it is to damage in heavy winds. Even for a tree that is otherwise perfectly healthy, overly dense foliage poses a safety hazard during stormy weather. A dense canopy will not allow the wind to easily pass through, and the resistance to wind can cause branches to break or even bring the entire tree down. Can you see some light through your tree branches? This is a good indicator that wind can pass through the tree when needs be.

Protecting Plants From Freezing in Phoenix AZ...

It's finally the time of year when you might see frost in Arizona. When temperatures drop to 32 degrees or cooler, you'll need to protect plants around your property. Here are a few simple tips to help prevent frost damage in Arizona and keep your plants healthy:

Landscape plants
Use bedsheets or frost cloth to cover frost-tender plants such as bougainvillea, celosia, ficus, hibiscus, Mexican fan palm, red bird of paradise and sweet acacia.

Fruits and vegetables
Cover with a bedsheet or frost cloth.

Herbs
Bring container plants closer to the house or cover plants with a sheet or frost cloth. Frost-tender herbs to cover when frost is in the forecast: anise, basil, bay trees, scented geraniums, lavender, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena, marjoram, nasturtiums, Cuban oregano, oregano, rosemary, thyme, peppers and chiles.

Fruit and nut trees
Cover the tree overnight with a sheet or blanket that reaches to the ground. Uncover after sunrise.
Loosely wrap the trunks of young citrus and other cold-tender trees. These wrappings - towel, blanket, cardboard or frost cloth - may be left on during the frost season.

Cactus
Use foam or plastic cups or cardboard boxes to protect the tips of columnar cactus or bloom stalks on agaves and aloes.

IMPORTANT! Plants damaged from frost? Do not prune damaged areas until the plant begins growing in the spring.

If you have a commercial property in Arizona that needs landscape maintenance, contact ProQualLandscaping.com to schedule an appointment and learn how to protect your valuable lanscape assets with the care of an Arizona Certified Arborist and landscape professional.

Frost Damaged Plants in Arizona...

As I’m sure you’re aware, the cold weather is upon. Bitter nighttime temperatures have everyone huddling around heaters, outdoor fireplaces, or staying inside to keep warm. In the outlying areas of the Valley, some even have had to scrape frost from their windshields before heading off to work.

With an Arizona freeze, also comes the unsightly frost damage to many of our native desert plants. No longer do we see the bright Yellows, Reds, Greens, and Oranges, of our landscapes. Instead, we see browned out remnants of our once beautiful plants. While this is an ugly occurrence, frost damage is a normal process for our Arizona plants and landscapes.

Below are a few pictures of plants typically hit the hardest by Arizona frost:

Bougainvillea - Cape Honeysuckle - Gold Mound Lantana

 

Frost damaged Ficus in Phoenix Arizona

Arizona trees are no exception to the frosts ability to strike. At the left is a picture of a large ficus tree in Phoenix damaged by our nighttime freeze.

While there is a sense of cleanliness to trimming off this burnt, deathly looking material from the plants, it is NOT recommended. The dead plant material, surrounding the inner portion of the plant, acts as a blanket keeping the plant warm throughout the remaining threats of frost.

If trimming must be done, a light trimming of the outer 20% of the plant may be done to keep the plant in an aesthetically pleasing shape. Cutting more than this recommended 20% may cause injury to the interior, not yet frozen or damaged, portion of the plants energy system.

Once the threat of frost in Arizona has passed (typically around February 14th), pruning back plants can be done with relative success. This will be the time to trim off any frost damaged portions of our plants like Lantanas, Bougainvilleas, Oleanders, Honeysuckles, or Natal Plums. It is important to remember that once the plant has been trimmed back, the built up bio-matter trapped around the base of the plant must be removed as well. This bio-mass of decomposing plant material limits the amount of oxygen the plant uses for respiration. Removing it will help with nutrient uptake, the natural cooling process of the leaves, and strength of the roots. Be careful not to damage the base of the plant when removing the decomposing material as the outer layer of the plant in this area is very sensitive.

After frost pruning has been completed, a light application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer is recommended. 6-20-20 is what we use. This can be purchased at your local nursery, as they can help explain the proper rates at which to apply the product.

With a little patience and timely Arizona landscape management practices, the beauty will soon return to our Native Arizona plants. The smell of spring will be enhanced by the fragrance from our flowers and trees as they recover, naturally, from the long and cold winter months. Soon, spring will be here…

Have a great and safe New Year!

Scott Cosgrove  ISA Certified Arborist in Arizona, CLP, CDLP, ACPA, CTM
ProQual Landscaping

Arizona HOA and Condo Landscape Maintenance...

ProQual Landscaping will work with your organization to develop a landscape maintenance plan that will accomplish your vision, protect your valuable landscape assets and meet you budgets.

Lawn Maintenance
 
Seasonal Color Displays

Trees and Shrubs

Mulch
Fertilization
Landscape Design

Interlocking Paver installation

Retaining Walls
Water Conservation
Xeriscape planning


Commercial Landscaping Services in Phoenix Arizona and surrounding cites:
• Lawn maintenance
• Licensed pesticide applications
• Turf care programs: Nutrient management /weed controls
• Enhancement programs: Flower rotations /seasonal color
• Tree/shrub care: Nutrient management / IPM programs
• Monthly site reports: Prepared by our staff and e-mailed to you
• Snow & Ice Management: Timely service to get you back to work and play

We gladly engage RFP's
For more information please contact us or call 480-456-0608

Arizona Storm Damage Trees and Landscaping

Repair or Replace Trees in Arizona

Arizona its fair share of both summer monsoon and winter storms that damage trees.  Once power is restored after a storm and the clean up process starts, land and homeowners can begin to assess damage to their Arizona landscape trees. In the case of simple ornamental trees, cleanup and tree trimming doesn't have to be done immediately unless life or property are threatened.

Arizona landscape storm damage to trees can range from relatively minor damage with only the smallest branches being injured to splitting of the trunk and uprooting of the tree.  While minor injuries seldom result in permanent damage to the tree severe injuries can increase a tree's susceptibility to insect and disease attack ultimately killing the tree. Damage to landscape trees should therefore be properly treated and repaired by a Certified Arborist to maintain the health of the tree. All serious tree damage should be treated by a tree specialist. A tree specialist should treat other more serious damage especially if extensive bracing, cabling of removal of large branches is required.  Never try to remove branches or trees from utility lines.  Let the Arizona tree care professionals at ProQual Landscaping do it.

Whether repairing a storm damaged tree or replacing the tree, please consult a tree care specialist before making your decision. This could save you thousands of dollars in the end. If you would rather remove the storm damaged tree, the professionals at ProQual have the equipment to quickly remove the tree and haul off the debris. Don't let just anyone with a chainsaw and a truck remove your landscape trees... ProQual does it right!

Rye Grass Lawn Care in Arizona...

Ever wonder how some properties just seem to have that perfect winter lawn in Phoenix? Once you have over seeded with Rye Grass for you winter lawn there are a few maintenance items to consider. 

We found some great information for Arizona Rye Grass lawn care and wanted to share them with everyone...

Rye Grass comes in to major types – annual and perennial. Annual grass survives for only one growing season whereas the perennial Rye will thrive for years. These grasses were introduced to the United States from Europe where they have been grown for centuries. Rye grass, no matter if it is annual or perennial is a cool season grass that will do well anywhere outside the southern tier of the United States.

Rye grasses are often mixed with other types of grasses although they provide wonderful ground cover and a lush lawn by themselves particularly in cooler climates. In the south Rye grass can be used to green up a lawn comprised of grasses more suitable for their warmer climate. Rye grass germinates quickly and seeding is relatively simple as no soil preparation is necessary as long as the seed has contact with the soil and is spread uniformly throughout the area to be seeded. Seed spread just prior to expected rain will deliver results quickly and one can expect to see little “grasslings” sprouting after just a few days.

Read entire article here.

Arizona Rye Grass Winter Lawn