Francisco's Tree and Landscaping Blog

Retaining walls are more than just functional structures; they’re essential for maintaining the beauty and stability of landscapes. With the Midwest’s varied terrain and seasonal weather challenges, a retaining wall can be a valuable addition to your property. But how do you know if you need one? We discuss what to consider below. When you’re ready to build a retaining wall in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding areas, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. Managing Sloped Terrain If your property is on a slope, soil erosion can be a significant problem, especially after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. A retaining wall helps prevent soil from washing away, preserve your yard’s structure, and prevent damage to nearby landscaping or buildings. These walls can create flat, usable spaces for steep hills, transforming your yard into functional terraces for gardens, patios, or play areas. Preventing Erosion and Flooding Unpredictable weather can lead to heavy downpours that cause water to pool or erode soil—retaining walls direct and control water flow, reducing erosion and protecting your property from potential flooding. This is particularly important for properties near creeks, ditches, or drainage systems. Enhancing Curb Appeal Retaining walls don’t just serve a purpose; they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. Available in various materials like natural stone, brick, or concrete, these walls can complement your home’s architecture and create visually striking landscaping features. Stabilizing Foundations If your home or driveway is near a slope, soil movement can compromise the stability of these structures. Retaining walls act as a barrier, keeping soil in place and preventing costly structural damage. Retaining Wall Construction in Omaha and Council Bluffs Do you want to level off your yard or create usable space for gardening on uneven terrain? Do you need to make room for a driveway or pathway? Our Omaha retaining wall builders can work with you to complete these types of projects. Whether purely decorative or full of function, our retaining wall construction services are catered to your needs, ensuring that the outcome serves the purpose you desire. Big or small, we build them all. To request an estimate for the cost of building a retaining wall in Omaha or Council Bluffs, please give us a call at  402-639-7407  .

Nebraska and Iowa storms can leave behind substantial amounts of damage and debris, especially in your outdoor areas. After a storm, thorough cleanup is essential to repairing the look of your yard, maintaining safety, and halting more damage. Below, we provide a how-to for effectively managing storm damage cleanup. When you need cleanup services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding areas, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. Prioritize Safety First Examine the area for potential safety risks before starting any cleanup. Keep an eye out for any fallen power lines, broken trees, or jagged objects. Before trying to clean the area, contact experts immediately if you see any potentially hazardous conditions, such as live electrical wires or seriously damaged trees. Put on safety glasses, boots, and gloves to protect yourself from potentially dangerous or sharp objects. Clear Debris in Stages Start by clearing away any significant debris that may have been moved by the storm, such as fallen branches, tree limbs, and any outside furniture. If any sheds, fences, or other structures are broken, carefully disassemble them so that the area is cleaned in manageable chunks. Concentrate on smaller objects like leaves, twigs, and smaller broken materials once the larger garbage has been removed. Smaller waste can be collected more effectively if you use a rake or blower. Assess Tree and Plant Damage Look for indications of damage to your plants and trees. To keep the tree from suffering more damage, trim back any small branches or limbs that are broken but still attached. To properly remove or salvage trees that have been uprooted or seriously damaged, you will need to get in touch with a qualified arborist. Branches that are dead or damaged and left dangling should be removed right away. Check Your Lawn and Garden Your lawn or garden may sustain damage from flooding or soil erosion brought on by strong storms. Determine the degree of any water damage and, if the soil is compacted or wet, aerate it. If any parts of the lawn have been ripped up or damaged, fill up the spaces with dirt and, if required, reseed the grass. Replace any mulch that may have washed away and fix any broken planters or flower beds. Storm Damage Cleanup in Omaha and Council Bluffs Following a nasty storm, you can count on Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping to care for your property. We can complete uprooted tree removal, branch removal from a house, downed tree removal, tree debris cleanup up, and much more. Our team can also remove trees that have fallen on cars, houses, and other items of value, minimizing any further damage. If you need storm cleanup in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or a neighboring community please contact us at  402-639-7407  .

As the warm days of summer give way to cooler temperatures in Omaha, it’s time to prepare your yard for fall. Taking the right steps now will protect your lawn, trees, and garden beds, ensuring they bounce back healthy in the spring. Below, we share how to get your yard ready for the changing season. When you need professional landscaping services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding area this fall, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to see how we can help. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn Fall is the ideal time to aerate your lawn, especially in Omaha where compacted soil can be a problem. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to reach grass roots more effectively, promoting strong growth. After aerating, apply a fall fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium to help your grass store energy for the winter. Rake Leaves and Remove Debris Fallen leaves may look pretty, but leaving them on your lawn can suffocate grass, trap moisture, and encourage mold growth. Rake up leaves regularly and remove any brush or plant debris that could attract pests. Composting these materials is a great way to recycle nutrients back into your garden. Plant Fall Perennials and Bulbs Fall in Omaha is a great time to plant perennials and spring-flowering bulbs. Increased rainfall and cooler temperatures help roots establish before winter. Consider planting tulips, daffodils, or crocuses to add early color to your yard next spring. Prepare Garden Beds for Winter Clean out vegetable and flower beds, removing dead plants and weeds. Mulch garden beds to insulate the soil and protect roots from temperature fluctuations. This also helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from sprouting before winter hits. Landscape Services in Omaha and Council Bluffs Are you ready to update your garden or yard? Do you need a hand with fall maintenance? Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping is the perfect partner for you. We work closely with homeowners to come up with a landscape design that is both functional and beautiful. Once the plan is set, we can implement it using all of the discussed plants and other materials. To learn more, or to request an estimate for landscape installation in Omaha or Council Bluffs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at  402-639-7407  .

Like people, trees can become sick. When that happens, they require medical attention to become well again. You can preserve your cherished greenery and maintain the rich, colorful appearance of your environment by recognizing the symptoms of a sick tree and understanding how to cure it. Follow our tips below to learn how to restore the health of your tree. When you need tree care services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding areas, give Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping a call to get started. Recognize the Symptoms The first step to treating a sick tree is to identify it. Symptoms to look for include: Discolored Leaves - Yellowing or browning leaves may indicate several issues, including illnesses or nutritional deficiencies. Wilting - When a tree is stressed, its leaves and branches may droop or wilt. Fungal Growth - The presence of mushrooms or other fungus at the tree's base indicates root rot. Unusual Bark Texture - Discolored, flaking, or cracked bark may indicate underlying problems. Dead Branches - A tree may be in major danger if its branches are withering and falling off. Diagnose the Problem Identifying the cause is the next step toward diagnosing the problem. A few of the most common tree ailments are: Pests - Insects that can do a lot of harm include caterpillars, aphids, and beetles. Diseases - Trees can be impacted by bacterial, viral, and fungal illnesses. Environmental Stress - Trees may experience stress from poor soil, dryness, or too much water. Treatment Options After diagnosing the cause, you can choose the appropriate treatment: Prune - To stop the spread of disease and pests, cut off diseased or dead branches. Water - Make sure the tree receives adequate moisture, but do not overwater it. Mulching around the foundation helps aid in moisture retention. Fertilize - Give the tree the nutrition it needs to fortify its defenses against disease. To prevent stunning the tree, apply fertilizer with a slow release. If bugs are the issue, treat the area with insecticides. To conserve the environment, always heed the manufacturer's instructions and take into account organic options. Expert Assistance - We recommend speaking with an arborist if the tree is seriously impacted. They are better equipped to diagnose and care for the tree. Tree Care in Omaha and Council Bluffs For more than a decade, Francisco’s Tree and Landscaping Services has been providing our friends and neighbors with exceptional tree services in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska, and the neighboring communities. Our team of licensed arborists can assist with a wide variety of projects, ranging from tree pruning to stump grinding. To learn more, or to request a free estimate for the cost of local tree services , please don’t hesitate to give us a call at  402-639-7407  .