News, Tips, and Insights from Napoleon Tree Service
February 2026
A Note From The Owner - Steele
Welcome to the February edition! After navigating January’s wild temperature swings, it’s officially time to shift our focus to early spring prep. At Napoleon Tree Service, we’re not just looking at trees; we’re looking at the safety and beauty of the landscapes you call home. Let’s get your canopy ready for the season ahead.
Commercial Project Spotlight: Big Trees, Big Responsibilities
Big Trees, Big Responsibility. Recently, we tackled a massive commercial clearing job in Deland, FL. The property was transitioning from a former brewery into a hub for blue-collar services, but it had years of overgrowth interfering with both sightlines and overall safety.
Working closely with TPMG and Orlando Industrial Real Estate, our crew brought in specialized equipment to efficiently clear out the hazards. The ultimate result? A massive boost to the property’s safety, curb appeal, and longevity. Transforming a potential hazard into a professional landscape—all in a day’s work.
Weather Alert: From Record Setting Cold to Record Setting Heat
What a month it’s been. Just two weeks ago, we were bracing for some of the coldest temperatures Central Florida has seen in years. Now, we’re hitting record highs and dealing with a significant lack of rain. This “weather whiplash” is a major stressor for our local canopy.
The Confusion: The recent freeze likely caused “leaf burn” or browning on your tropicals and younger oaks. But the immediate heat wave is telling those same trees it’s time to push out new growth.
The Drought Factor: New growth requires a lot of energy and water. Because we’ve had very little rain lately, your trees are trying to grow while running on empty.
Advice from our ISA Certified Arborists
It’s tempting to cut off those brown, freeze-damaged leaves. However, those dead leaves actually provide a “buffer” for the new buds underneath. Wait until the “Spring Flush” is fully underway to see where the tree is naturally recovering.
With the dry stretch we’re in, supplemental watering is crucial. A deep soak twice a week is better than a light sprinkle every day.
Tree of the Month: The Tabebuia
The Tabebuia, or Trumpet Tree, is one of Florida’s most spectacular spring bloomers, famous for its vibrant canopy of yellow or pink flowers. While these trees are drought-tolerant and hardy, they benefit significantly from structural pruning to manage their brittle wood and ensure a strong branch architecture. This month, keep an eye on your Tabebuia’s bloom cycle and consider a professional assessment to keep its growth balanced, healthy, and ready to stand out in your landscape.
Arborist's Tip: Don't Over Water
To get the most dramatic bloom out of your Tabebuia, ease up on the irrigation as we move into the flowering season. A little bit of “drought stress” actually signals the tree to drop its leaves and push out those iconic trumpet-shaped flowers. Once the bloom is over and new green leaves appear, you can return to your regular watering schedule.
From the Blog Structural Pruning Vs. Topping
Did you know that February is the last call for major structural pruning before the spring growth spurt hits? To ensure the health of your canopy, we never “lion’s tail” or “top” trees. Read our full breakdown on why structural pruning saves you money in the long run here
Growing Together - A Quick Lesson from NTU
Not all leaning trees are dangerous, but some are definitely “red alerts.” Our goal is to empower you to be the “eyes on the ground” for your property. Here is what you should look for:
- Self-Correcting Lean: A tree that curves upward (usually safe).
- Ground Heaving: Soil lifting at the base of a lean (immediate danger).
Your February into March To-Do List at A Glance - Preparing for a Green Spring
| Feature | Action Needed in February & March | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Young Trees |
Structural Pruning |
Ensures a strong “leader” branch for future growth. |
|
Palms |
Dead Palm Frond Removal |
Reduces nesting sites for pests before spring. |
|
Mulch Beds |
Refresh 2-3 inches |
Retains moisture as Florida’s “dry season” continues. |
Spring Growth is Coming
Is your canopy ready?
Before hurricane season prep begins in a few months, make sure your trees are healthy and secure. Contact us today to book a Tree Health Assessment.