There is a definite urge to get outside with how nice it has been! And you may be wondering if you can’t get a jump on some of that spring work.

Currently, soil temps as of today (March 13) in the Sioux Falls area are 35 degrees at 4 inches below sod. This means and moisture we get can now soak in. And thats great. But it also means we are still about 10 degrees short of soil temps where water absorption and root growth will occur. So we are still 4-6 weeks away from green leaves on our trees.

What you can do now (for at least the next 2 weeks) is to get any pruning done. This is the best time of year to prune your trees. Some of your trees may leak some sap afterwards (especially maples), but that is perfectly fine for the trees and nothing to worry about.

What you should avoid for at least another few weeks, is to do that other yard work. Avoid raking up your lawn, flowerbeds or anythign like that that may expose the plants underneath to any sudden cold snaps of weather we may get. Wait until you see consistent green grass to start that (that is wehn soil temps are in the mid 40s).

There is a definite urge to get outside with how nice it has been! And you may be wondering if you can’t get a jump on some of that spring work.

Currently, soil temps as of today (March 13) in the Sioux Falls area are 35 degrees at 4 inches below sod. This means and moisture we get can now soak in. And thats great. But it also means we are still about 10 degrees short of soil temps where water absorption and root growth will occur. So we are still 4-6 weeks away from green leaves on our trees.

What you can do now (for at least the next 2 weeks) is to get any pruning done. This is the best time of year to prune your trees. Some of your trees may leak some sap afterwards (especially maples), but that is perfectly fine for the trees and nothing to worry about.

What you should avoid for at least another few weeks, is to do that other yard work. Avoid raking up your lawn, flowerbeds or anythign like that that may expose the plants underneath to any sudden cold snaps of weather we may get. Wait until you see consistent green grass to start that (that is wehn soil temps are in the mid 40s).

If you are going to tackle pruning your trees, here are a few tips to keep in mid for a healthy tree response:

1. Make clean cuts and avoid damaging the branch collar and trunk tissues. When in doubt as how close to get to the trunk, leave a small stub. Use hand pruning tools and not any tyoe of chainsaw. Chainsaws tear wood tissue and make it harder for the tree to seal over those wounds. They can also damage the trunk tissue.
2. Sterilize your pruning tools between cuts on all fruit trees or trees with any fungal infections or cankers. Many tree diseases can be spread by pruning tools. I really like to use Lysol or 409 bathroom cleaner. It won’t rust tools!
3. Do not take any more than 20% of the canopy in any season.
4. Only take what you need for clearance, what will help the trees structure, or what is dead or broken. Any other reason (generally speaking) is excessive and will not benefit the health of the tree. Thinning, heading, topping, or “weight reduction” are not valid or standard pruning practices anymore and should be avoided. Remember, trees do not NEED pruning. You cannot make a tree healthier by pruning, only risk its further stress.

Here is a list of common treatment timings that will be coming in April and into early May. I cannot offer all of these, but I want to make sure you are aware in case you may need or want it.

• Spruce Bark Beetles
  • This will start around 100 degree growing days (DGD). I can offer this protection now through a direct injection to the trees. It provides 2 years of protection. The cost is $16 per inch of trunk diameter. This will act as an alternative to the standard 2 sprayings. The spraying is still effective, but depending on timing of the sprayings and the size and umber of trees you have, it may be a better option for both quality of protection and costs.
• Zimmerman Pine Moth
  • This will start around 100 degree growing days (DGD). I can offer this protection now through a direct injection to the trees. It provides 2 years of protection. The cost is $16 per inch of trunk diameter. This will act as an alternative to the standard 2 sprayings. The spraying is still effective, but depending on timing of the sprayings and the size and umber of trees you have, it may be a better option for both quality of protection and costs.

• Apple Scab
  • This is a service I cannot provide at this time. A product is coming that will greatly change how this disease is managed, but it is awaiting USDA approval (so don’t hold your breath).
  • But if you are having this done, here is the proper protocol to give you the best control: Spraying should start when new growth is 1/4 inch expanded (1/4 inch of green new leaf). Then 2 more applications should be made roughly 10-14 days after the first. Any longer of spacing and there will be gaps in protection. Chemicals for control should contain Myclobutanil and Copper Hydroxide along with a non-ionic surfactant. Your applicator should have this with product rates listed within the service description! If spraying is too late or not spaced correctly, there will be gaps in protection. Do not start spraying if the leaves are more than 1/2 inch expanded (especially if it has rained and been above 65 degrees), it’ll be a waste of money.
• Fireblight suppression
  • This disease is largely controlled through sanitation pruning. It should be being done now or have been done by now in late winter. But there are options to have the tree sprayed with Copper Hydrioxide to suppress infection. One spraying when the tree is dormant just before bud break. And another when the tree is in peak bloom. I cannot provide this service.
• Cytospora Canker
  • This is another disease best managed by sanitation pruning. That pruning should be being done now or have been done by now in late winter. There are additional treatment options to aid in tree health to naturally suppress further infection. This includes soil applications of Cambistat (Paclobutrazol) and bi-annual trunk sprays of Reliant (Phosphorus Acid) to aid in fungal suppression. I can offer these services.

If you are in need of having your ash trees treated on the odd number years, now is the time to sign up for the 5% pre-pay discount. I have signed up about half of my normal customers, so there is still plenty of you out there that need to get on the list to maintain the trees protection. Please contact me to learn more and get signed up.

Thank you for the time and please contact me with any questions or concerns. Spring will be here very soon and spring is when most tree care services are the most critical.

—
Sam Kezar
Aspen Arboriculture Solutions, LLC
605.759.6020