Q. I have a California pepper tree near my pool that’s
constantly dropping leaves into it. I am wondering if I can lower its height so
it will drop fewer leaves and stems. Anything else I should think about?
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| Because pepper tress are usually evergreen during warm winters in southern Nevada they will drop their leaves all season long. |
A. California pepper tree is a better selection than
Brazilian pepper. But they are both evergreen and can pose a problem near water
that you want to keep clean. Evergreen plants constantly drop leaves all season
long but drop their leaves heaviest soon after times of new growth. A deciduous
tree that drops its leaves for the winter months is a better choice near pools
because you clean the pool only once.
Read more about pepper trees here
Make Sure its Not Water
Make
sure it’s not dropping leaves because of a lack of water. Increase the amount
of water and the frequency of application to make sure it’s not dropping its
leaves because the soil is too dry. The recommended frequency of water application
by water purveyors is correct for mesic trees growing in landscapes. Check to
make sure enough water is applied each time to penetrate the soil 18 to 24
inches deep. Make sure that water is applied to at least half the area
under the tree canopy. Water again when the soil at 8 to 10 inches deep is
about half full of water or starting to dry out. To reduce soil evaporation and
we growth, apply a surface mulch of rock or woodchips to a depth of 2 to 3
inches.
Also
remember to apply water on, or just before, windy days. Use your weather app on
your phone to judge when it will be windy in the future.
You’re Right
You’re right
in that lowering the trees height decreases the amount of leaves and stems you must
clean up, but evergreen trees are still going to drop leaves at inconvenient
times of the year. If you decide to lower the trees height rather than replace
the trees, then pay the extra expense to have it done correctly by a licensed
arborist. Not all licensed arborists are good at pruning trees. See some
examples of their work before you employ them.