Bassett Tree Service Blog

Maple trees may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Arizona desert, but with the right care, they can thrive in Mesa’s unique climate. While they require more attention than native desert trees, a little effort goes a long way in keeping your maples healthy, vibrant, and full of shade. When you need maple tree services in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call. Water Wisely Mesa’s dry climate means water is a top priority for your maple trees. Deep watering is essential; aim for a slow soak that reaches the roots rather than frequent, shallow watering. In the hotter months, water at least once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature. Protect Against Heat Stress Maples love sunlight, but the intense Arizona heat can be tough on them. If possible, plant your tree in a spot with some afternoon shade to protect it from the harshest rays. Young trees, in particular, may benefit from temporary shade cloths during the hottest parts of the year. Fertilize Maples thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Because Arizona’s soil is often alkaline, you may need to amend it with compost or a soil acidifier to maintain the right pH balance. Fertilize in early spring and again in late fall with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth. Prune for Health and Shape Prune your tree regularly to help it grow strong and look its best. Remove dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve airflow. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Watch for Pests and Diseases Maples can be susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. Check the leaves regularly for signs of infestation, such as discoloration or sticky residue. Spraying the tree with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap can help keep pests at bay. Also, watch for fungal infections, especially in humid conditions, and remove any affected branches promptly. Maple Tree Services in Mesa At Bassett Tree Service, our team of expert tree surgeons provides a wide variety of tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on us for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at  480-745-2290  to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree-cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.

Palm trees are an iconic part of the Arizona landscape, providing a tropical touch to the desert environment. As spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to give your palms a little extra care to ensure they thrive throughout the warmer months. You can keep your palm trees healthy, vibrant, and ready to soak up the desert sun with a few proactive steps. When you need palm tree care in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call. Revitalize with Proper Watering While Mesa is known for its dry climate, spring brings a bit more moisture, making it an ideal time to adjust your watering routine. Check your irrigation system to ensure your palms are receiving the right amount of water—neither too much nor too little. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering may stress the trees during their growth phase. A slow, deep watering session once a week is usually effective, especially as temperatures begin to rise. Nourish with the Right Fertilizer Spring is a season of renewal, so why not give your palm trees a nutrient boost? Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for palms, rich in potassium and magnesium, which help promote strong growth and vibrant fronds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm your trees. Applying fertilizer in the early spring ensures your palms have the energy they need for the coming growing season. Pruning and Maintenance Take a look at your palms for any dead or damaged fronds. Pruning these improves the appearance of your trees and encourages healthy growth by redirecting nutrients to the living fronds. Be cautious during pruning—use clean, sharp tools and remove only the unhealthy or dead sections. Over-pruning can stress the tree, so less is more. Pest and Disease Check Spring is also a good time to inspect your palms for signs of pests or diseases. Look for discolored leaves, unusual spots, or signs of infestation. Early detection can help you take swift action, whether it means using a targeted pesticide or simply removing affected areas. Palm Tree Care in Mesa The certified arborists at Bassett Tree Service specialize in palm tree services in Mesa and the surrounding areas. Our local palm tree experts are highly skilled at caring for all species of palms, ensuring that they remain healthy year after year. Whether you need palm tree maintenance, palm tree removal, or other services for your palms, we can help. Give us a call at  480-745-2290  to learn more about our local tree company or to request an estimate for palm tree services near Phoenix.

Trees are a valuable asset to commercial properties, offering shade, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits. However, sometimes they become a liability due to safety concerns, property damage, or overgrowth. If you're managing a business in Mesa, understanding the tree removal options available can help keep your property safe, functional, and attractive. When you need a tree removed in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call. Emergency Tree Removal When storms roll through, trees can become damaged or uprooted, creating immediate hazards for buildings, parking lots, and pedestrians. Emergency tree removal services address these urgent situations quickly, ensuring your property is safe and operational as soon as possible. Professionals use specialized equipment to handle these high-risk jobs safely. Full Tree Removal If a tree is dead, diseased, or structurally unstable, a complete removal may be the best option. Full tree removal includes cutting the tree down and removing the stump, leaving your commercial space clean and free for new landscaping or other uses. In the dry, hot climate of Mesa, trees can also suffer from drought stress or pests, making removal necessary for health and safety reasons. Selective Removal Sometimes you don’t need to remove an entire tree, just part of it. Selective removal involves cutting back overgrown branches that interfere with power lines, buildings, or parking areas. This type of service helps maintain safety without sacrificing the tree's overall aesthetic or health. Lot Clearing If your commercial property is undergoing development or expansion, lot clearing services can remove multiple trees and brush to prepare the land for construction. This service ensures the site is cleared quickly and efficiently while adhering to local regulations. Hazardous Tree Assessment and Removal Certified arborists can inspect trees for potential risks like disease, root damage, or structural instability. Based on their findings, they may recommend tree removal to prevent accidents or costly property damage. Commercial Tree Removal in Mesa At Bassett Tree Service, our commercial tree removal experts work with all types of businesses to ensure their property is free of any dangerous or unhealthy trees. If you notice any indications that a tree may fall or is otherwise distressed, don’t hesitate to give us a call at  480-745-2290  . Our nearby arborists in Mesa will perform an onsite inspection to determine the needs of the tree, which may include removal, pruning, or other tree services.

Designing a desert-friendly landscape in Arizona requires selecting trees that can thrive in the arid climate while complementing your outdoor space. With intense sun, minimal rainfall, and high temperatures, it’s important to choose trees that are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and visually appealing. For tree care in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call. Opt for Native Species Native trees are naturally adapted to Mesa's desert conditions, making them ideal for your landscape. Palo Verde, Arizona’s state tree, is a popular choice with its striking green bark and yellow blooms. Mesquite trees are another favorite, offering fast growth, shade, and resilience. These trees require minimal watering once established and blend seamlessly into the local environment. Consider Shade and Size In the hot Arizona sun, shade is essential. Select trees like the Desert Willow or the Evergreen Elm for their wide canopies that provide cooling shade. These trees enhance comfort and reduce energy costs by shading your home and yard. Be mindful of their mature size to avoid overcrowding or interference with buildings, power lines, or other landscaping elements. Prioritize Low Water Needs Water conservation is vital in a desert climate. Opt for drought-tolerant trees like Ironwood or Acacia. These species require little irrigation once they’re established, making them eco-friendly and budget-conscious options. Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality Many desert trees offer both beauty and functionality. The Sweet Acacia, with its fragrant yellow flowers, and the Ocotillo, known for its unique silhouette, add character to your landscape. For added value, fruit-bearing trees like the Pomegranate or Date Palm provide shade and a tasty harvest. Plan for Success Plant trees during cooler months, like fall or early winter, to give them time to establish roots before the summer heat arrives. Use mulch to retain moisture and protect roots, and schedule routine pruning to maintain health and appearance. Tree Care Services in Mesa Our team of expert tree surgeons provides a wide variety of tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on Bassett Tree Service for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at  480-745-2290  to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.

Palm trees are a quintessential feature of Arizona’s landscapes, adding beauty and a touch of the tropics to arid surroundings. However, these iconic trees are vulnerable to several pests that can compromise their health and appearance. Understanding the most common culprits and how to manage them is essential for keeping your palms thriving. When you need palm tree care in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call. Red Palm Weevils Known for their destructive potential, red palm weevils lay eggs inside the tree, and their larvae bore into the trunk, weakening it. Signs of infestation include holes in the trunk, oozing sap, and a declining canopy. Left untreated, an infestation can lead to structural failure. Prompt treatment and preventative care, such as regular inspections, can mitigate the risk. Palm Leaf Skeletonizers These tiny pests feed on palm fronds, leaving behind a webbed, skeleton-like appearance. The damage weakens the tree's ability to photosynthesize and grow. Early detection is crucial; trimming affected fronds and using insecticides can help control the spread. Spider Mites Though small, spider mites can cause significant damage, particularly during Arizona’s hot, dry seasons. They form webs on fronds and suck sap, causing yellowing and browning. Regular washing of leaves and using miticides can keep them under control. Palmetto Weevils These pests typically attack stressed or dying palms but can also target healthy ones. Symptoms include wilting or collapsed crowns. Remove severely affected trees to prevent the spread, and ensure your palms are properly fertilized and watered to maintain resilience. Aphids and Mealybugs These sap-sucking insects can cause sooty mold to develop on palm fronds, affecting their health and appearance. Natural predators, like ladybugs, or targeted insecticides are effective solutions. Palm Tree Care in Mesa The certified arborists at Bassett Tree Service specialize in palm tree services in Mesa and the surrounding areas. Our local palm tree experts are highly skilled at caring for all species of palms, ensuring that they remain healthy year after year. Whether you need palm tree maintenance, palm tree removal, or other services for your palms, we can help. Give us a call at  480-745-2290  to learn more about our local tree company or to request an estimate for palm tree services near Phoenix.

Fall is an ideal time for stump grinding in Mesa. With the sweltering summer heat subsiding, this season brings milder temperatures that make outdoor work more manageable. But timing isn’t the only factor to consider. Below, we discuss why autumn may be the best season for tackling stump removal. If you have a pesky stump that needs to be ground or removed, contact Bassett Tree Service in Mesa, AZ, to take care of it. Prime Growing Conditions Are Over In Arizona, the hot summer months encourage rapid plant growth, and stumps can quickly sprout unwanted new growth if left untreated. By fall, however, growth rates slow down considerably, reducing the risk of fresh sprouts and making it easier to prevent regrowth altogether. Grinding the stump in fall ensures you’re addressing it at the end of its growth cycle, which helps eliminate it effectively without worrying about it coming back. Minimize Pests and Disease Risks Stumps left in the ground can attract pests, particularly termites, ants, and beetles, which thrive in warm weather. Mesa’s climate allows these pests to remain active much later into the year, making fall an opportune time to remove stumps before they establish colonies in decaying wood. Additionally, fungal growth is more common on dead wood, which can spread to nearby trees and plants, impacting the health of your landscape. Removing the stump in autumn helps avoid these potential infestations and disease risks as they prepare for dormancy. Prepare for Winter Landscaping Projects Fall stump grinding allows you to clear your landscape and prepare it for winter and spring projects. With the stump removed, you’ll have more flexibility to plan winter planting, landscaping improvements, or even hardscaping features like patios or pathways. Since the ground is cooler and drier in fall, there’s less disruption to surrounding plants, and any damage to soil can naturally recover over the winter, preparing it for spring planting. Avoid Damage to Lawn and Soil Mesa’s dry climate makes soil conditions ideal in fall, as the ground is firm yet manageable after the intense summer heat. This stability makes stump grinding more efficient and reduces the risk of damaging surrounding lawns or plants. The mild temperatures also allow for quicker recovery of any ground disturbance caused during the grinding process. Stump Grinding and Removal in Mesa A stump leftover from a fallen tree can be a trip hazard, a home to termites, an eyesore, disrupt land use plans, or all of the above. At Bassett Tree Service, we offer stump grinding and stump removal in Mesa, Phoenix, and the surrounding area using multiple tactics. Ultimately, we will make the ground level, allowing you to use the area exactly as you wish. To request an estimate for the cost of stump removal , give our friendly team a call at  480-745-2290  .

An important part of tree care is pruning, although doing it at the right time makes all the difference. Although fall seems like a good time to prune because leaves are falling and plants are getting ready for winter, fall isn't necessarily the best time to do this. We discuss the reasons behind this, with a few exceptions, below. For professional tree care in Mesa, AZ, contact Bassett Tree Service . Why Fall Pruning Can Be Harmful Pruning can disrupt the dormant phase that trees go through in the autumn. New growth, which is susceptible to harm from impending cold weather, can be stimulated by fresh cuts. Due to the lack of time for this growth to harden off before winter, the tree will be more vulnerable to stress and disease. Increased Risk of Disease Fall pruning may potentially expose trees to diseases. Open wounds on trees are easy prey for fungi and bacteria, which are more active in cooler, damp environments. In the fall, pruning wounds may take longer to heal and become more prone to infection. When Fall Pruning is Appropriate However, there are several exceptions. In general, light pruning in the fall to remove diseased, dead, or broken branches is harmless since it helps the tree concentrate on healthy growth. To prevent diseases like oak wilt, which can spread during warmer months, certain trees, such as elms and oaks, should also be trimmed in the late fall or early winter. Best Time for Major Pruning Prior to the onset of new growth, late winter or early spring is the ideal period for major tree pruning. This eliminates the possibility of disease or damage, allowing trees to recover swiftly when they resume their growth period. Tree Care in Mesa Our team of expert tree surgeons provides various tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on Bassett Tree Service for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at  480-745-2290  to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree-cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.

In Mesa, the sun is both a delight and a challenge. While it provides warmth and light, the relentless heat can be tough on trees. Proper care is essential to ensure your trees not only survive but thrive in this arid environment. We discuss key tips to help your trees withstand the harsh desert sun below. For professional tree care in Mesa, AZ, contact Bassett Tree Service . Choose Drought-Resistant Trees The first step in tree care is choosing the right trees for the climate. Opt for drought-resistant species like Mesquite, Palo Verde, or Ironwood. These trees are well-suited to Mesa's dry conditions and require less water than non-native species. Their deep roots and tough leaves help them withstand the scorching sun. Water Deeply and Infrequently Watering is crucial, but it’s all about the method. Shallow, frequent watering can lead to weak roots. Instead, water deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to grow deep into the soil, where they’re less affected by surface heat. A slow drip system or soaker hose is ideal for delivering water directly to the root zone. Mulch to Retain Moisture Mulching is a simple yet effective way to protect your trees from the sun. A thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce evaporation. To prevent rot, leave a few inches between the tree and mulch. Prune Wisely Pruning is necessary, but it should be done carefully, especially in Mesa’s hot climate. Prune during the cooler months to avoid stressing the tree. Remove dead or damaged branches, but avoid heavy pruning, as this can expose more of the tree to the sun, leading to sunburn on the bark. Protect from Sunburn Just like humans, trees can suffer from sunburn, particularly young trees with thin bark. To protect them, consider wrapping the trunk with a tree wrap or painting it with a white, water-based latex paint. This reflects sunlight and helps prevent the bark from cracking and peeling. Tree Care in Mesa Our team of expert tree surgeons provides various tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on Bassett Tree Service for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at  480-745-2290  to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree-cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.

Trees, much like us, can fall ill. When they do, they need proper care to restore their health. Recognizing the signs of a sick tree and knowing how to treat it can save your beloved greenery and keep your landscape looking lush and vibrant. Learn how to nurse your tree back to health with our tips below. When you need tree care services in Mesa, AZ, contact Bassett Tree Service . Recognize the Symptoms Identifying a sick tree is the first step. Look for these common symptoms: Discolored Leaves - Yellowing or browning leaves can signal various problems, from nutrient deficiencies to diseases. Wilting - Leaves and branches may droop or wilt if the tree is under stress. Fungal Growth - Mushrooms or other fungi at the base of the tree are signs of root rot. Unusual Bark Texture - Cracked, peeling, or discolored bark can indicate underlying issues. Dead Branches - If branches are dying off and falling, the tree may be in serious trouble. Diagnose the Problem Once you've identified the symptoms, diagnosing the problem is next. Common tree ailments include: Pests - Insects like beetles, aphids, and caterpillars can cause significant damage. Diseases - Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections can affect trees. Environmental Stress - Poor soil, drought, or excessive water can stress a tree. Treatment Options After diagnosing the issue, you can choose the appropriate treatment: Pruning - Remove infected or dead branches to prevent the spread of disease and pests. Watering - Ensure the tree gets enough water, but avoid overwatering. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture. Fertilizing - Provide the necessary nutrients to strengthen the tree’s immune system. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid shocking the tree. Pesticides - Apply pesticides if pests are the problem. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider organic options to protect the environment. Professional Help - If the tree is severely affected, it’s best to consult an arborist. They can diagnose and treat the tree more effectively. Tree Care in Mesa Our team of expert tree surgeons provides various tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on Bassett Tree Service for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at  480-745-2290  to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree-cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.