Palm trees are a common sight throughout Riverview, and while they may look low maintenance, proper pruning is essential for their health and safety. Timing matters more with palms than many homeowners realize. Pruning at the wrong time or in the wrong way can weaken the tree, increase disease risk, and even make storm damage more likely. Why Timing Is Important for Palm Pruning Unlike hardwood trees, palms grow from a single growing point at the top of the trunk. Removing healthy fronds too aggressively or at the wrong time can stress the tree and slow its growth. In Florida, palms respond best when pruning is done with a clear understanding of seasonal growth cycles. Proper timing helps: Maintain the tree’s natural strength. Reduce stress during hot or dry periods. Limit exposure to pests and disease. Improve storm resistance. The Best Time of Year to Prune Palms In most cases, palms should be pruned only when necessary and not on a fixed schedule. Dead, broken, or hanging fronds can be removed at any time, especially if they pose a safety concern. Routine pruning is often best done during warmer months when the tree is actively growing. Over pruning during cooler periods or before a growth cycle can leave palms vulnerable and slow to recover. Common Palm Pruning Mistakes Many palm problems we see in Riverview are caused by well intentioned but incorrect pruning. Common mistakes include: Removing green, healthy fronds. Cutting palms into a tight, upright shape. Pruning too frequently. Leaving large stubs instead of clean cuts. Using improper tools that damage the trunk. These practices can weaken the palm and make it more susceptible to disease and nutrient deficiencies. How We Approach Palm Pruning Our certified arborists evaluate each palm individually before pruning. We focus on safety, tree health, and long term appearance. When we prune palms, we remove only what is necessary and leave healthy fronds in place to support growth. Our process may include: Removing dead or damaged fronds. Clearing fronds that interfere with structures or walkways. Identifying signs of nutrient deficiency or disease. Recommending fertilization or soil treatments when needed. This careful approach helps palms remain strong and attractive year round. Keeping Palms Healthy in Riverview Riverview’s climate supports many palm species, but proper care is still essential. Regular inspections, correct pruning, and proper nutrition all play a role in keeping palms healthy and storm ready. If you are unsure whether your palms need pruning, or if they have been over pruned in the past, a professional evaluation can help prevent further damage. Professional Palm Care You Can Trust Palm pruning should never be rushed or done without a plan. We help homeowners make informed decisions that protect their trees and their property. Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule palm tree pruning or a tree health inspection in Riverview.
Home improvement projects like new driveways, patios, and walkways can add value and functionality to a property. What many homeowners do not realize is that even small construction projects can cause serious damage to nearby trees. Tree preservation during these installations is possible with the right planning, and it often saves money and prevents long term problems. Why Small Projects Can Cause Big Tree Problems Tree roots extend far beyond the trunk, often reaching well past the canopy. When concrete, pavers, or asphalt are installed, the work frequently overlaps with the root zone. Cutting or compacting roots during installation can weaken the tree and reduce its ability to absorb water and nutrients. Common risks include: Root cutting that destabilizes the tree. Soil compaction from equipment and foot traffic. Changes in drainage that lead to water stress. Damage that does not show symptoms until months or years later. Trees often decline slowly after construction, which makes the connection easy to miss. Understanding the Critical Root Zone Every tree has a critical root zone that supports stability and health. Disturbing this area can increase the risk of failure during storms. Preserving roots during driveway or patio installation helps maintain the tree’s strength and longevity. Protecting the root zone reduces: The chance of leaning or uprooting. Stress related leaf loss. Branch dieback caused by root injury. Long term decline that leads to removal. Knowing where this zone is located before work begins is essential. How We Help Protect Trees During Installations Our certified arborists evaluate the site before construction starts. We work with homeowners and contractors to identify risks and recommend solutions that protect both the project and the trees. Our approach may include: Mapping the root zone to guide layout decisions. Adjusting the design to avoid major roots. Recommending permeable materials that allow water movement. Setting up root protection zones before work begins. Monitoring trees after installation for early signs of stress. These steps help ensure the project does not shorten the life of the tree. When Tree Preservation Is Not Considered Without proper planning, construction related tree damage often leads to expensive outcomes. Homeowners may face: Declining trees that require removal later. Increased risk of storm damage. Liability concerns if a weakened tree fails. Loss of shade and property value. Preservation is usually more cost effective than repair or removal after damage occurs. Planning Ahead Protects Both Trees and Property Tree preservation does not mean giving up on your project. It means making informed choices that protect existing trees while improving your property. With proper evaluation and guidance, many driveways and patios can be installed without harming nearby trees. Get Professional Guidance Before You Build If you are planning a new driveway, patio, or walkway, a tree evaluation can help you avoid costly mistakes. We provide practical recommendations that keep your project moving while protecting the health of your trees.  Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a tree preservation consultation before your next home improvement project.
Oak trees are a defining feature of many Florida landscapes, but it can be alarming to see branches falling during the summer months. Homeowners often assume something is wrong, especially when the tree otherwise looks healthy. In many cases, summer branch drop is a natural process, but there are times when it signals a deeper issue. Understanding the difference can help you protect both your tree and your property. Natural Summer Branch Drop Many oak species shed small branches during periods of heat and stress. This process helps the tree conserve water and energy when conditions are harsh. It usually involves smaller limbs and happens without warning, often on calm days. Natural branch drop often occurs when: Temperatures remain high for extended periods. Soil moisture fluctuates between very wet and very dry. The tree is managing a dense canopy. In these cases, the tree is adjusting to environmental stress rather than failing. When Falling Branches Are a Concern Not all branch drop should be ignored. Larger limbs or repeated breakage may indicate a structural or health issue that needs attention. Warning signs include: Branches falling from the same area of the tree. Visible cracks or decay where limbs attach to the trunk. Mushrooms or fungal growth near branch unions. Sudden leaf loss in addition to branch failure. Branches dropping during mild weather. These signs suggest the tree may be weakened internally. Common Causes of Problematic Branch Drop Several factors can increase the likelihood of dangerous branch failure in oak trees. Hidden decay inside limbs or the trunk. Overextended branches that were never properly pruned. Soil compaction or root stress that reduces stability. Storm damage from previous seasons that weakened the structure. Pests or disease affecting wood strength. An inspection helps identify whether the issue is environmental or structural. How We Evaluate Oak Trees Our certified arborists examine oak trees carefully, focusing on both the canopy and the root zone. We look for signs of decay, weak branch attachments, and stress factors that may not be obvious from the ground. Based on what we find, we may recommend: Selective pruning to reduce weight and improve balance. Removing dead or declining limbs before they fall. Soil treatments or fertilization to support root health. Monitoring the tree over time if no immediate hazard is present. Our goal is always to preserve healthy trees while reducing risk. Reducing the Risk of Summer Branch Drop Preventive care goes a long way with mature oak trees. Regular inspections and proper pruning help maintain strong branch structure and reduce stress during the hottest months. We recommend: Routine pruning to manage canopy weight. Avoiding soil compaction around the root zone. Addressing drainage issues that affect root health. Scheduling inspections before and after storm season. Get Professional Guidance for Your Oak Trees If your oak tree is dropping branches or you are concerned about its condition, a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind. We help homeowners understand what is normal and what requires action.  Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule an oak tree inspection or pruning service.
