March, 2018 | Trees by Jake

FLOWERING TREES FOR SPRING With spring right around the corner we can look forward to a gorgeous display of flowers on various trees. Below are some of our favorite trees that flower in the spring! DOGWOOD Rumor has it that this tree got its name because when the wind blows and knocks the branches together it sounds like a dog barking. Dogwoods are known for their compact size and grow to only approximately 30 feet. Their flowers consist of 4 bracts (saucer-shaped petal-like growths) below a small head of yellow flowers. The bracts may be white, pink, or red in color and really pop against the unique textured gray bark of the tree. The Dogwood has been a favorite American classic since the 1700s and the tree has become so popular that Dogwood festivals are held across the nation. EASTERN REDBUD The Eastern Redbud is known as the harbinger of spring as it is usually the first tree to bloom. It is the official state tree of Oklahoma. Flowering begins in March and produces a dramatic display of clusters ranging in color from light pink to dark magenta. The flowers appear on the twigs, branches, and even the trunk. After flowering, the tree produces heart-shaped leaves. These ornamental trees grow between 20-30 feet high and their lifespan is only 30 years. Redbuds are susceptible to canker (dead sections of bark) and while there is no effective treatment, it may be possible to prune the tree below the canker in an effort to save the tree. SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA Magnolias are one of the oldest tree species in the world. Southern Magnolias, the tree most people think of when they hear the word 'Magnolia,' are famous for their beautiful blooms that have become a symbol of the south. Their creamy white blooms can grow up to 12 inches in diameter and produce a sweet, rich fragrance. Other varieties produce pink, red, purple, and yellow flowers. Though the tree blooms in the spring, the flowers can last into the summer. Southern Magnolias can grow up to 80 feet high and have large, glossy leaves that can make it difficult to grow grass underneath the tree. TULIPTREE The Tuliptree is one of the largest native trees in North America reaching up to 90 feet in height. It has branches that begin far up the trunk that are arranged symmetrically. It serves as the state tree for not one, but three states - Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Its name originates from its tulip-shaped characteristics in its leaves and flowers. The goblet-shaped flowers are a yellow-green with a touch of orange on the outside. The tree does not flower until approximately 15 years of age and the showy flowers make them somewhat of an anomaly among tall shade trees in Northern regions. Unfortunately, their flower petals can create a mess when they litter the lawn and the tree does not tolerate drought well. CONTACT A TULSA TREE TRIMMING SERVICE Flowering trees that bloom in spring should be pruned after their flowers have faded. Contact TREES BY JAKE, a Tulsa tree trimming service to trim your flowering trees. We have over a decade of experience in the Tulsa tree care industry and are fully insured for both liability and workers' compensation. Call or text us today at 918-500-9955 and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Archive for March, 2018

FLOWERING TREES FOR SPRING

Bradford Pear Tree – BEWARE of this ornamental tree!