The Importance of Proper Tree Maintenance

Trees add beauty and value to your property, offer shade and are an integral part of the natural environment. But they can also pose a safety risk if not properly maintained, and proactively inspecting and caring for trees is key to keeping them healthy, safe and in good shape.

Tree Maintenance involves more than pruning and trimming overgrown branches, and can include the following:

Crown Cleaning: removing dead or diseased limbs from the canopy of a tree. This allows the remaining limbs to get more sunlight, which in turn promotes a healthier tree.

Invasive Plant Removal: weeds and other climbing species compete for the same resources as a growing tree: water, nutrients and sunlight. They can damage a tree’s roots, restrict growth, increase the risk of infection, and reduce its ability to thrive. Regular inspections are required to identify these issues and to remove them before they become serious problems.

Pruning: removing limbs that are dead or diseased, and those that are crossing or rubbing against other limbs or structures. Pruning is a critical component of the care of your trees because it opens up the canopy to allow sunlight and air to penetrate to the lower branches and leaves where photosynthesis takes place.

Root Barrier Installation: installing a physical barrier to prevent soil from washing away underneath a planted tree. This can be useful in areas that are subject to flooding or erosion and in areas where the roots of a tree are likely to come into contact with underground pipes, power lines or other infrastructure.

Stumps: An unsightly eyesore and potential hazard, stump grinding is the process of reducing a tree stump to ground level. This can be done manually or mechanically.

Inspecting: Walk your yard regularly and look for red flags and risks, like steel support cables that have snapped in a storm or electrical wires sagging into the top of a tree. These are examples of situations that should be referred to a professional tree care company as soon as possible.

If a tree is in an unsafe or difficult-to-reach location, it may need to be removed completely. This is a complex operation that can be costly, especially when the tree needs to be removed in close proximity to an existing structure or power lines. Agreeing to remove fences or other major obstacles before the professionals arrive can help reduce costs. In addition, a fresh layer of mulch in the fall helps insulate and protect tree roots from winter temperatures. Using de-icing products that don’t contain rock salt is also helpful, as rock salt can impede a tree’s ability to absorb essential nutrients and moisture. It is best to avoid irrigating or applying fertilizers to newly planted trees. This can cause damage or even death if applied too early or at the wrong time of year. For these reasons, it is always recommended to consult with a Certified Arborist before making any decisions about the health or safety of your trees.

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The Importance of Professional Tree Care

Tree Care involves a wide range of activities to promote and maintain healthy, attractive trees. These include pruning, watering, mulching, assessing for potential trouble, and treating pests. While these tasks may seem simple enough, they require the skills of a professional. This is especially true when it comes to removing large, mature trees or those with historic or sentimental value. This work usually requires the use of very heavy machinery, like cranes or bucket trucks. In addition, the work requires the use of specialized tools that are often not readily available to private property owners. This is why it’s best to leave the work of caring for and repairing your trees to professionals with the proper training, equipment, and experience.

Spring is the season when New England trees come out of dormancy and start growing vigorously again. However, it is also the time when they are most vulnerable to disease and insect damage. It is important to monitor your trees on a regular basis and treat any problems immediately before they become more serious.

When examining your trees, look for the following common signs of stress:

A large wound on a limb that does not heal quickly. This indicates the limb is dying and can be a host for insect infestations or fungal diseases.

Damage to roots from construction or landscape installation. This can be caused by trenching, grading, or changes to soil grade. This can cause a variety of problems from root rot to structural destabilization.

Lack of sufficient water. This is most likely caused by poor soil moisture or overwatering. To improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture, amend it with organic matter. This could be in the form of compost, wood chips, or leaf litter. Mulching is a great way to add organic material to the soil, but be careful not to place mulch too close to the base of your tree, as this can lead to fungus and root rot.

Poor nutrient levels. Most plants need a variety of nutrients for growth. The majority of these nutrients are absorbed through the roots, so having your soil tested is very important. A&L Eastern Laboratories can test for a number of nutrients and provide recommendations on how to amend your soil to make it healthier for your plants.

Identifying the correct species of tree for your site. Many times, trees are planted in the wrong locations and do not thrive there. A professional can help you choose the right tree for your location and ensure it is planted correctly.

Insects and disease organisms are a huge problem for trees. These are most active during the spring and summer and must be monitored regularly. If they are found to be a significant problem (like a tree that has a weakened limb hanging over your house or is an undesirable species for the site, such as an invasive species), then it may be necessary to remove it. Using a professional to do this can avoid expensive and hazardous mistakes.

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service

Tree service professionals are trained to assess and care for trees, shrubs, and hedges. They can help maintain healthy urban trees and landscapes, reduce the risk of storm damage, and address issues with precarious branches. They use specialized equipment like cranes, chippers, chainsaws, and a variety of hand and power tools to cut, trim, remove, and reshape woody plants. They also install new plantings, replant dying or dead trees, and treat trees with pest infestations, fungal diseases, or insect damage.

Before hiring a tree service, make sure you know what to look for. Ask potential services for a list of past customers and contact information, then take the time to talk to them. You can also vet potential companies on online review sites to see what other people have said about their work. Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, ask them the following questions.

What will you do with the debris from the job?

After the removal or pruning process, a good tree service company will clean up the site. They’ll haul away large pieces of wood and limbs, sweep and rake to remove smaller debris, and apply tar to cut surfaces to prevent infection by insects or fungi. They may even remove any stumps that are left behind from the trimming or cutting process. Be wary of professionals who advertise “topping” as a service, as this is a poor practice that damages trees and leaves them more vulnerable to future damage.

Do you have insurance?

A professional tree service should carry general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage insurance. This ensures that the company will cover any damages caused to your property during the course of the project. In addition, it protects you as the homeowner from being held liable in the event that a worker is injured on your property or if the company is unable to complete the work for any reason.

Can you provide a written quote?

The quote will depend on the specific job details. However, a good tree service will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the time and cost for the work to be completed within a reasonable amount of time. They’ll consider variable factors like the presence of electric wires, proximity to buildings, and whether there are any heavy traffic conditions, as well as standard fixed factors like man-hours.

When a client hires you to perform tree service, they expect to be treated with integrity and respect. Be punctual, courteous, and professional in your interactions with clients, and they will be more likely to refer you to their friends and family. In turn, these referrals will drive growth for your business. If you haven’t already, start collecting reviews from your satisfied customers by setting up automatic review collection in Jobber. This way, you’ll be able to ask every customer for a review after each job is finished and they’re paid. This will save you a lot of time and effort, and it will help build trust with your new and existing customers.

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Tree Trimming Tips

Tree Trimming is an essential practice to help trees grow strong and healthy. This practice consists of selectively removing branches to prevent damage or disease, maintain the desired shape or size and enhance visual appeal. Many types of pruning techniques can be used on shrubs and small trees, but a professional arborist is best suited to work with larger trees.

A skilled arborist prunes a tree to ensure the plant remains healthy and functional and to maintain the appearance of the landscape. Pruning removes dead, damaged or diseased limbs, opens the canopy to let in more sunlight and reduces stress on the tree. It also removes water sprouts, suckers and undesirable fruiting structures. In addition, thinning of the crown allows light to reach the interior of the tree and encourages new growth. In some cases, this can also improve the overall health of a tree and decrease the likelihood of damage from wind, snow, ice or heavy rain.

In addition, a skilled arborist can address safety concerns by removing weak, broken or hanging branches that could fall and cause property or personal injury. He or she may also remove limbs that are too close to buildings, power lines or other infrastructure. Lastly, pruning can eliminate overgrown branches that obstruct views or block sidewalks and driveways.

As trees mature, it is important to continue to thin their crowns to promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of damage from heavy snow, ice, wind or rain. Crown thinning is usually done during the dormant season, which minimizes wounding and enables optimal healing. It is also recommended to remove only 10% of a live branch’s total width, as removing too much can reduce light penetration and increase the chance of future dieback.

While a skilled arborist can prune a tree to almost any height, it is generally best to reduce the height of large trees only by a few feet at a time over several years. This is to ensure the tree has enough energy to produce its own food and avoid putting too much stress on the remaining branches.

When cutting a branch, make a first cut on the underside of the limb, about 3 inches away from the branch collar (the thick spot where the parent and child limbs meet). Make another cut slightly beyond the first, straight through the limb, leaving a stub. The second cut should be sloped downwards to allow water to flow off the cut and away from the bark ridge, reducing the potential for water damage or infection. Water that sits on a wound slows the healing process and can lead to disease and insect infestations.

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Stump Removal – How to Properly Remove a Tree Stump

Stumps are unsightly and they reduce the amount of space in your yard that you can use for other purposes. They’re also a tripping hazard for people and pets and they can attract unwanted pests to your yard. Removing them is one of the top things you can do to improve your yard’s beauty and safety. But stump removal can be a daunting project, especially for homeowners who aren’t familiar with the methods and tools involved.

There are a few different ways to remove a tree stump, and each method has its pros and cons. Some methods are more time-consuming, while others require a great deal of brute strength. The size, location, age and type of stump are all important factors to consider when choosing the best method to remove it.

Manual Method

Stumps can be removed manually by digging and scraping them away, but this is a labor-intensive process that requires a variety of specialized tools. It’s not a good option for people with limited physical mobility or who simply don’t have the time to commit to this project.

If you choose to go with this method, begin by clearing out any debris and roots from around the stump with a shovel or other tool. Once the stump is exposed, start digging into the sides of the root system with a shovel to loosen it. Then, using a sharp blade, cut through the roots with a saw or axe. This should be done carefully to avoid compromising any existing trees or damaging the surrounding soil.

Burning is another option, but this can be a dangerous and messy process. Stumps can also be removed by chemical products that speed up natural decomposition, but these can take several months to work.

A third option is to bury the stump in nitrogen-rich compost and keep it moist for a period of time. This encourages fungi and microorganisms to consume the rotting stump, and after 1-2 years, it should be soft enough to dig out or pull out, though thick lateral roots may still remain.

If all else fails, a stump grinder is the way to go. This is a powerful machine that grinds stumps and turns them into sawdust, but it can be very expensive to rent and requires special safety gear.

Whether you want to remove an old, stubborn stump from your yard or you want to make room for a new garden bed, flower bed or tree, tackling this task is a worthwhile endeavor that can dramatically improve your outdoor space. But before you dive in, assess the situation to determine which method is best for your particular case. Having a clear plan and the right tools will help ensure the process goes smoothly and quickly.

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The Benefits of Stump Grinding

Stump Grinding is an essential service that’s often overlooked by property owners. Yet, it plays an important role in a healthy landscape. Stump grinding involves the use of specialized equipment to grind down tree stumps below ground level, eliminating unsightly obtrusions and enabling you to fully reclaim the space on your land. Whether you’re looking to enhance your yard or simply want better use of your space, a well-implemented stump grind should be part of any comprehensive tree removal project.

A stump can be a major eyesore in your yard, taking away from the beauty of your landscape. It can also obstruct mowing, restrict water flow and promote weed growth, and pose a safety risk for anyone who steps onto your property. In addition, a rotting stump can attract pests and spread pathogens that can infect your trees and plants and devastate your yard. Stump grinding is an efficient and cost-effective way to eliminate these issues and reclaim your yard.

While stump removal may seem like a more comprehensive option, it’s not always the best choice. Depending on the size and location of the stump, removal may require extensive excavation that can disrupt nearby landscaping or construction projects. A professional arborist can recommend the right solution for your property.

If you intend to replant in the same area, it’s important to communicate this to your arborist prior to stump grinding. The process will not remove all the roots, so regrowth is possible and the soil may be unsuitable for planting in the future. Also, the root system remains in the ground and can take years to decompose, which could potentially interfere with new growth.

Stump grinding is significantly less invasive than full removal and requires much less equipment, which means a reduced impact on your landscaping and lawn. It is usually less expensive than removal as well, and it leaves behind a pile of useful wood chips that can be repurposed for mulch or replanting.

A stump left behind is a tripping hazard and can become covered in weeds, which take away from your curb appeal. It can also attract unwanted pests such as termites and carpenter ants. Stump grinding eliminates this tripping hazard and prevents these pests from finding their way into your home or business.

Before starting the stump grinding or removal process, be sure to call Virginia 811 and have utility lines marked so that they can avoid causing damage during the work. It is also a good idea to consider hiring a professional tree services company that specializes in both stump grinding and removal. This way, you can get both services in one fell swoop and ensure that your yard is healthy and beautiful in no time.

Stump grinding is an effective and convenient way to reclaim your yard. However, it’s important to understand the differences between stump grinding and removal so that you can decide which option is right for your property. If you’re considering either service, be sure to contact us today for more information.

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What Does an Arborist Do?

Arborists are professionals that specialize in the care, maintenance, and preservation of trees. They provide a wide range of services, including tree removal, pruning, planting, and consulting. An arborist may also diagnose and treat diseases, insects, and other problems affecting the health and structural integrity of trees. They can be found working on construction sites, performing consultations for homeowners and business owners, as well as promoting and supporting community tree care efforts.

Arborists must undergo rigorous education and training to become certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. A degree in horticulture, plant science, ecology, or biology is usually required for this career. On-the-job experience with tree work, such as working for a tree service company, nurseries, or in the forestry industry is also beneficial. After gaining sufficient experience, an arborist can choose to specialize in a specific field such as utility work, plant health care, or tree climbing. They can also become a master arborist, which is the highest level of professional certification for this field.

In order to perform their duties, an arborist must be physically fit and have a high tolerance for heights. This is because many of the tasks performed by an arborist involve working in the air, at great heights. In addition to these physical factors, arborists must be competent with the use of a chainsaw and other tools of the trade. A recent study found that the most demanding activities for arborists were physical (tree felling and tree climbing), followed by cognitive activities such as supervision and observation. It was also discovered that these tasks were associated with increased blood pressure and decreased hand grip strength.

Trees play a vital role in the environment and are often an integral part of the landscape. It is important to keep in mind that the lifespan of a tree depends on how well it is cared for. Proper tree maintenance can ensure that your property is safe and healthy for you, your family, and friends.

When choosing an arborist, it is important to find one who is licensed and insured. Ensure that they have the proper credentials by asking for references and checking online reviews. It is also a good idea to get a detailed estimate and timeline for the project before hiring anyone.

DIY tree work can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the appropriate skills and knowledge. Hiring a professional arborist can help protect you and your family from injuries due to falls or chainsaw accidents.

If you are considering hiring an arborist, do your research to find a reputable professional who is certified by the ISA and has extensive experience in working with residential and commercial properties. It is also a good idea to request copies of their insurance and licensing certificates before hiring anyone. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you are getting the best service and ensuring the safety of your property and family.

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