Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Fall Tree Care In Florida


At this time of year your trees have a message for you, even though you might think they cannot speak. To "hear" what they have to say all you have to do is look at them. Do they look well-cared for and healthy? Fall is the ideal time for tree trimming, tree pruning and other forms of tree maintenance. If possible, you should start with tree maintenance while your trees are still young.

In Florida as in all places you are less likely to sustain damage to your trees and property when your trees are well-groomed. This is especially true when your trees are in close proximity to driveways, walkways, power lines and other buildings. Regular tree trimming also prevents branches from reaching the roof of your home. This is important because tree branches on the roof can cause mold and other fungi to develop. Errant branches can dislodge roofing tiles leading to leakage and rot damage to the lumber underneath. 

It could be that your trees are doubling as an always-open cafeteria for some of our Florida wildlife. If you have a problem with various nibblers gnawing on your trees, trimming off low branches can cut off their access. In some circumstances, wild animals can cause extensive damage to trees, as well as to lawns and gardens. Wildlife damage problems can occur throughout the year, but the fall and winter months are times when food supplies and cover may become more limited for many wildlife species, causing them to find your home or landscape an attractive place to call home.

Cooler weather is here and winter is coming. Start preparing now for the cold temperatures. Any sort of extreme weather condition may pose a higher risk of stress for your trees, so cable, brace and prune them before the more significant cold weather comes. Pruning in fall can be easier because most trees have little to no leaves, exposing the structure underneath. If your tree has weakened or has broken or rotting branches, it may not be strong enough to withstand the chilly winds and rains of wintertime. 

Cabling and bracing provide structural support for trees. Cabling or bracing trees may correct certain problems and make the trees reasonably safe.
The three main purposes for using structural support are:
1. Pro-active prevention of problems by providing structural support for healthy trees.
2. Mitigation to reduce the risk of a hazard from a tree with a potential problem.
3. Restoration to support a damaged tree.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate
Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045
Martin County: 772-546-0811
Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533
Broward County: 954-968-1045
Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.

RECOMMEND ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE

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Sunday, October 30, 2016

Autumn Mosquito Control In Florida


Fall is here and it is a season of many changes. The weather turns cooler, the nights get longer and the leaves change color. This is a time when some things slow down. As Halloween gets closer, some night-flying blood-suckers actually get less active. In this case we mean those six-legged vampires better known as mosquitoes.



Until we have had our first frost and temperatures consistently stay below 55, we may still see those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around. In the autumn months after mating, male mosquitoes die. But female mosquitoes actually hibernate. They can survive the winter months. In the spring when the weather warms up, they seek blood to feed on so they can lay their eggs. 

All mosquito larvae (eggs) require water, even in winter, and mosquito larvae can last years. As the water temperature drops, it basically creates a dormant stage in the mosquito larvae called diapause, which stops further development. Development resumes when the water warms again. Mosquitoes are quite the survival experts. 

 “Mosquitoes that tolerate the dry and cooler fall weather tend to be the mosquitoes that transmit disease, like West Nile virus,” says researcher Lyric Bartholomay, an Iowa State University assistant professor who tracks mosquitoes; “Mosquitoes are the most important disease vectors.” The insect transmits a range of illnesses that can be deadly to humans, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, dengue fever, and of course the Zika virus.

We experience warmer and more humid conditions here in the Sunshine State. The mosquito season in Florida will vary depending on which part of the state you are located in. The cooler northern portion normally does not begin to experience mosquito activity until early March, while South Florida may see mosquitoes in early February. The tropical South Florida climate is especially conducive to the mosquito lifestyle, since mosquitoes are attracted to moisture and humidity for breeding and laying eggs.

 During the mosquito off-season make your yard less welcoming to them. Ensure your garden is free of any breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Remove all standing water from your yard and any other objects, junk or gardening equipment that can collect rainwater. Clean up any leaves which may have fallen to reduce the dark, damp environments they create. Leaves also gather in gutters and on flat shed roofs, so it is important to safely get up and clear them out. Piles of leaves in the garden are not only unsightly, they are also a perfect home for other unwanted bugs and insects.


Our technicians are trained to provide superior service that results in a significant decline in mosquito populations. We use proven products to provide long-lasting mosquito control, which means we can make fewer visits to your home. With our service, your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about the nuisance of mosquitoes.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate
Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045
Martin County: 772-546-0811
Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533
Broward County: 954-968-1045
Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.

RECOMMEND ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE
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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Autumn Plant Care In Florida


The season of harvest is upon us again and we are crossing the bridge between the summer and winter months. During this time the weather becomes cooler and many plants become dormant from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice. Though we do not experience the same extreme in climate changes as do our neighbors to the north Florida nevertheless undergoes a significant seasonal transformation.

All plants will to some degree be affected by the change in climate. Crops for fall in Florida include bush and pole beans, corn, eggplant, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. In October and November we can plant crops such as beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, and strawberries. It is also a good time for planting some ornamental plants, begin planting trees and shrubs this month. Planting in autumn allows them time to grow roots and transition into the garden.

October's first weeks may tend to be as wet as September, but by the end of the month and the start of November we can expect our six-month dry season to begin. As temperatures begin to cool, plants need less water. Adjust your watering schedule for lawns, borders, and containers. Pay close attention to containers as they tend to become waterlogged.

The fall Florida garden and lawn can thrive with the peaceful, cooler temps (sixties) dropping at night (after months of extreme heat). There are less daylight hours but temps are warm and sunny continuing to nourish and support growth. We will usually not experience the harshly cold conditions until late November or December.

Fall is a great time for garden projects, but make sure your vegetable garden is prepared for a sudden frost or cold snap. A good application of mulch now will also prevent many vegetables and edibles from frost damage. Mulch helps keep the soil near the plants' roots moist and may also protect against the natural freezing and thawing of the soil, which can cause heaving and damage to roots. Winter may come later here in Florida but come it will. 

If you have questions about your trees, plants or property, Zimmerman Tree Service provides consulting and diagnosis services to answer your questions and meet your needs. We provide free estimates. Whatever you need to know about South Florida tree and plant care our knowledgeable experts can help you. We can do a walk through of your property, inventory the major elements of your landscape, identify problem areas, advise you on courses of action and implement plans to meet your needs.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate
Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045
Martin County: 772-546-0811
Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533
Broward County: 954-968-1045
Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.
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Monday, August 29, 2016

Reduce Mosquitoes And Reduce Zika In South Florida


While ants can certainly ruin your picnic by going after your food, mosquitoes make things worse by making YOU their food. Mosquitoes are best known for the habits of the adult females which often feed on blood to help generate their eggs. Adult mosquitoes prefer to be most active from dusk until dawn but can become active with sufficient cloud cover or in dark shady areas. They do not prefer to be active in the sunshine since they may desiccate and die.

Several of the mosquito species found in Florida are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, horses, and other animals. Symptoms of these illnesses can range from mild to very severe. Mosquito-borne diseases are diseases that can be spread through the bite of mosquitoes. These diseases may be caused by a virus, also known as arboviruses, or can be caused by parasites.

Aquatic habitats abound in our state, making it home to dozens of mosquito pest species. There are currently 80 species of mosquitoes known to occur or have been identified from various collections in Florida, more than any other state. Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, heat and certain smells, like perfumes, scented soaps and lotions. Their bites can cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases, like West Nile virus. Asian tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes, which are commonly found in the Southeast, can spread the chikungunya virus.

Mosquito-borne diseases found in Florida include West Nile virus disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Many other mosquito-borne diseases are found in different parts of the world, and can be brought back to Florida if infected people or animals are bitten by mosquitoes while in Florida. Some examples of these diseases include chikungunya fever, dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, and Rift Valley fever.


The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, which can breed in a pool of water as small as a bottle cap and usually bite in daytime. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, takes several bites for each blood meal and prefers biting people; it accounts for most Zika infections. This mosquito is common in the United States typically only in Florida and along the Gulf Coast, although it has been found as far north as Connecticut in hot weather.
Our technicians are trained to provide superior service that results in a significant decline in mosquito populations. We use proven products to provide long-lasting mosquito control, which means we can make fewer visits to your home. With our service, your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about the nuisance of mosquitoes.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 


ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate
Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045
Martin County: 772-546-0811
Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533
Broward County: 954-968-1045
Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.
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