Francisco's Tree and Landscaping Blog

With spring here, it's time to prepare your trees for the upcoming growing season. Proper tree care during this time can promote healthy growth, enhance the beauty of your landscape, and address any issues that may have arisen during the winter months. Below, we explore essential tree care tips to help you get your trees ready for spring. When you need tree maintenance services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding area, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. Start With a Clean-Up and Inspection Remove any debris, such as fallen branches or leaves, from around the base of your trees to prevent moisture buildup and discourage pests. Thoroughly inspect your trees to identify any signs of damage, disease, or pest infestations. Look for cracked or broken branches, discolored foliage, and unusual growth patterns. Check for signs of pest activity, such as chew marks or webs. Replenish Mulch Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. As spring approaches, it's essential to replenish mulch around the base of your trees to maintain these benefits and support healthy tree growth. Start by removing old or compacted mulch to allow for proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can attract pests and lead to root rot. Then, apply a fresh layer of mulch, keeping it evenly distributed and avoiding direct contact with the tree trunk to prevent moisture-related issues. Fertilize Trees require essential nutrients to thrive, and fertilization provides them with the additional nutrients they need to reach their full potential. Spring is an ideal time to apply fertilizer as trees begin to emerge from dormancy and enter a period of active growth. Choose a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for trees and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing. When fertilizing, spread the fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk to prevent potential damage. Plant New Trees Spring is an excellent time to plant trees, as the soil is typically moist and temperatures are moderate, providing ideal conditions for root establishment and growth. Before planting, carefully select the right tree species for your climate, soil type, and available space, considering factors such as mature size, growth rate, and desired aesthetic appeal. Choose a location with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil, and prepare the planting hole to accommodate the tree's root ball. After planting, water the tree thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Tree Services in Omaha and Council Bluffs For more than a decade, Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping Services has been providing our friends and neighbors with exceptional tree services in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska, and the neighboring communities. Our team of licensed arborists can assist with a wide variety of projects, ranging from tree pruning to stump grinding. To learn more, or to request a free estimate for the cost of local tree services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at  402-639-7407  .

Every homeowner wants a lush lawn, but getting there requires more than watering and mowing. The solution is lawn aeration; a highly effective method for fostering a healthier and greener yard. Below, we explore the many benefits of lawn aeration. When you need lawn aeration or other landscaping services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding area, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. What is Lawn Aeration? Lawn aeration is a gardening technique that consists of making microscopic holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to infiltrate the roots. This process is often carried out with aerators, which remove small plugs of dirt from the grass, which creates better circulation. Lawn aeration promotes improved oxygen and nutrient absorption and breaks up compacted soil, making an environment where grass roots can grow. Improves Nutrient Absorption Aeration increases the transport of nutrients to the roots by creating channels in the soil. This improved nutritional availability, which includes nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, encourages healthier and more robust grass growth. As the soil becomes less compacted, the roots can better absorb these vital nutrients, resulting in greener, more resilient grass. Creates Better Air Circulation Aeration allows oxygen to enter the roots, increasing respiration, which is critical to plant health. This enhanced air circulation promotes the breakdown of organic matter by breaking down thatch and increasing microbial activity in the soil. As a result, the soil loosens and gas exchange increases, preventing compaction. Allows for Better Water Penetration Aeration improves soil's ability to absorb water efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for reducing water runoff and allowing moisture to reach the roots, where it is most required. As the compacted soil loosens, it can better store water, resulting in more equitable distribution and a lesser chance of damp spots. This increased water penetration helps your lawn stay hydrated and promotes deeper root growth, making it more drought-tolerant. Landscape Maintenance in Omaha and Council Bluffs Our full-service landscaping company in Omaha and Council Bluffs provides a wide range of services for residential and commercial customers. From routine grass care, yard maintenance, and lawn mowing services, to complex hardscaping design to landscape installation, we do it all. Give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping Services a call at  402-639-7407  to tell us about your project and we’d be happy to let you know how we can make it happen and provide a free landscaping cost estimate.

Have you ever noticed those unattractive orange or reddish spots on your formerly green lawn? There’s a good chance you're dealing with lawn rust. We're here to help you detect, treat, and prevent this pesky problem. If you need professional landscaping to treat lawn rust in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding area, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. What is Lawn Rust? Lawn rust is a fungal condition that appears as rusty, orange, or brownish powder on your grass. You may notice it in warm, humid weather when your grass is stressed. There are usually a combination of causes, including insufficient air circulation, excessive moisture, and nutrient deficiencies. Lawn rust won’t permanently damage your lawn, but it is an eyesore. How You Can Treat Lawn Rust To eliminate excess moisture, first improve air circulation by mowing and trimming regularly. Feed your grass with a balanced fertilizer to boost its immune system, and water early in the morning. If rust has already set in, use a fungicide made specifically for lawn rust. Additionally, rake your grass to eliminate any rust debris. With a little TLC, your grass will be lush and colorful again. Lawn Rust Prevention Tips Preventing lawn rust requires creating a healthy atmosphere for your grass. First and foremost, avoid overwatering; rust thrives in wet environments, so strive for thorough, infrequent watering sessions. Mow your lawn regularly to allow for enough air circulation. Fertilize your grass with a well-balanced mix to keep it healthy and resilient. Also, keep an eye on the shaded areas of your yard, as rust grows in low-light environments. Trim back overhanging branches to allow for more sunshine. When you're finished mowing, properly clean your equipment to avoid spreading any potential rust spores. Landscape Maintenance in Omaha and Council Bluffs Are you ready to update your garden or yard? Do you need a hand with winter maintenance? Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping is the perfect partner for you. We work closely with homeowners to come up with a landscape design that is both functional and beautiful. Once the plan is set, we can implement it using all of the discussed plants and other materials. To learn more, or to request an estimate for landscape installation in Omaha or Council Bluffs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at  402-639-7407  .

Winter in Omaha can bring its fair share of challenges for maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard. As temperatures drop, it's important to give your outside space some TLC to keep it robust. We discuss a few practical winter landscaping tips below. When you need professional landscaping services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding area this winter, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. Prune Trees and Bushes Pruning in the winter helps your plants maintain their shape and vitality. It also removes dead or diseased branches, which prevents future problems. Prune on a day when it isn’t frozen. Remove any damaged or crowded vegetation to promote a stronger and visually appealing spring landscape. Take Extra Care of Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs Winter can be difficult for these young plants because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings. Consider adding a layer of mulch around their bases to shield the roots from cold weather. Be aware of watering; even in winter, young plants may still require moisture, especially if the season brings dry periods. Protecting them from high winds and abrupt temperature decreases is also essential. By paying extra attention to your freshly planted additions, you can ensure their success when spring arrives. Mulch Garden Beds Applying a layer of mulch protects all of your plant's roots from potential temperature swings. Not only does it help preserve moisture in the soil throughout the cold months, but it also functions as a deterrent to weeds that may crop up during the dormant season. It also provides a nice finish to your garden beds. Landscape Maintenance in Omaha and Council Bluffs Are you ready to update your garden or yard? Do you need a hand with winter maintenance? Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping is the perfect partner for you. We work closely with homeowners to come up with a landscape design that is both functional and beautiful. Once the plan is set, we can implement it using all of the discussed plants and other materials. To learn more, or to request an estimate for landscape installation in Omaha or Council Bluffs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at  402-639-7407  .