Shrub & Specialty Plant Services

Shrub & Specialty Plant Care

Beyond large timber and invasive removal, Alta Vista Landscaping & Tree Service provides precision care for the delicate and ornamental elements of your landscape. Since 2018, our family-owned team has specialized in the horticultural needs of Folsom and El Dorado County’s unique plant life. Operating under License #1060343, we ensure your high-value specialty plants thrive through every season.

Professional landscaper performing precision shrub trimming on a native California lilac in a residential Folsom driveway, with an Alta Vista Landscaping service truck in the background

Specialized Maintenance for Local Favorites

Different plants require different pruning philosophies. We tailor our approach to the specific biology of your garden's stars:

Native Shrub Maintenance (Manzanita & Ceanothus): Our local California natives, such as Manzanita and Ceanothus (California Lilac), are drought-tolerant but can become "leggy" or woody without proper care. We provide thinning and structural pruning that respects their natural form while promoting vibrant seasonal blooms.

Palm Tree Services: Palms require specialized equipment and techniques. We offer professional trimming, "skinning" (the removal of old leaf bases for a smooth, clean trunk), and full removal of Mexican Fan Palms and Date Palms.

Ornamental Grasses: Essential for modern, drought-tolerant yards, grasses like Muhly or Fountain grass require specific annual cut-backs. We ensure they are pruned at the right height and time to encourage lush, green regrowth.

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The Importance of Specialty Care

Health & Longevity: Over-pruning or "topping" shrubs can lead to disease and a shortened lifespan. Our team uses selective thinning to improve airflow and light penetration.

Curb Appeal: Properly "skinned" palms and well-shaped native shrubs significantly increase the architectural value and professional look of your property.

Fire Resilience: In the foothills, overgrown shrubs like Manzanita can become volatile fuel. We manage their density to maintain beauty while adhering to fire safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions: Specialty Plants

What is Palm "skinning" and is it necessary? Skinning is the process of removing the rough, "shaggy" bark-like layers left over from old fronds. While not strictly necessary for the tree's health, it removes nesting sites for pests (like rodents and insects) and gives the palm a sleek, professional appearance.

When is the best time to prune my California Lilac (Ceanothus)? These should generally be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in the spring. This allows the plant to set buds for the following year without losing its floral display.

Why shouldn't I just shear my native shrubs into balls? Shearing natives like Manzanita often leads to a "dead center" where no light reaches the interior, causing the plant to become brittle. We use hand-pruning techniques to maintain a natural, healthy shape.

Do ornamental grasses need to be cut back every year? Most deciduous ornamental grasses should be cut back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new green shoots appear. This keeps the plant from looking messy and "choked out" by old brown blades.

Contact Us Today

Give us a call or send us a message using the form below.

530 417-5812 Lic#1060343