Written by Martha Green and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/

The coldest season of the year can be hard on a tree, which remains exposed during all of winter’s fury. Young or newly planted trees are especially susceptible to the season because they lack established, extensive root systems and mature, thick bark.

By taking simple steps in fall, you can ensure your trees enter winter ready to weather whatever nature unleashes. To protect your new tree investment in its first winter, follow a simple checklist to take care of roots, trunk, and branches.

Protecting Your Trees and Home from Winter Weather

The nights are now getting longer, the days are colder, and it gets darker far earlier. That’s your indication that winter is well on its way and you need to start thinking about how you can protect your home and trees from winter weather. We’re not just talking about the cold, but fluctuating temperatures, ice, and wind can all cause havoc with your home and garden! Even if you don’t live in an area where you get particularly bad weather, you will want to follow our tips to make sure that come spring, everything will be in the same state as you left it in fall! 

High Winds

High winds can be exceptionally problematic, especially in areas that are coastal or lack any type of cover. Before the weather sets in, evaluate your garden for any dead wood or trees. Make sure you cut down anything that you think could come loose in high winds and cause damage or serious injury. Whilst you may not want to cut down any of your trees, it is a far better option to cut a dead one down in fall, than it is to have it uprooted in winter. It is also worth having the contact of an emergency tree removal service on hand during these unpredictable winter weather months. If a tree does come down on your land, power line or property, you will certainly need to have it removed to make the area safe.

Snow

It can be difficult to prepare your home and trees in the event of heavy snowfall. For your home, you can safeguard it against heavy snow. Start by clearing out your gutters; this makes sure that when snow sets in and then melts, it will be able to escape through your gutter and downspout system. If your gutters are blocked with items such as dead leaves or other autumnal debris, you may find that the water can’t escape and will leak into areas of your house. For trees, heavy snow can also cause a multitude of problems, whilst you can’t really protect them against the snow, you can protect your house and your garden. Fully evaluate which limbs look like they would break under load, and if you think you have spotted problematic ones that could damage your house if they were to break, either call a professional or remove the limb yourself. Try and avoid cutting away healthy limbs as this can damage the health of the tree, if you are unsure at any time when looking at your trees about the best course of action, call in a professional arborist to guide you. 

Fluctuating Temperatures

Some of us that live in temperate climates face temperatures that fluctuate, and whilst we may not see this as a problem, this can be a nightmare for our trees! It can stress older trees, which can result in the cracking of the bark and inner tree. It may not be possible to stop all cracking, but before winter sets in you may want to consider wrapping your older trees in commercial tree blankets. This can help regulate the temperature of the tree and mitigate the fluctuations from causing damage! 

Fluctuating temperatures also damage brickwork and the outer veneer of your home. Before this sets in, make sure that you fully check the outside of your property for any cracks. You want to be doing this well before winter sets in, as if moister gets in there it may be too late. When you find the cracks, seal it with weather appropriate filler to stop water freezing and then thawing out.

Protecting Your Grounds 

If you have recently laid new sod, grass, or planted young trees around your house and landscape, you will want to keep them safe so that when spring comes around it will look dazzling. It may sound counter-intuitive, but you want the ground to stay frozen! Temperature fluctuations will cause the ground to heave and push out what you have planted and all of your efforts will be in vain. You can combat this heaving by waiting until the ground temperature has dropped to minus 3 degrees. Once this temperature has been reached, you can begin spreading mulch over areas of new plantation. You can use a variety of materials to insulate your plants such as bark and pine straw. 

When the ground begins to freeze, you also need to consider your home, not just your plants and trees. When the ground freezes it increases the damage from water and flooding, as the ground is not able to absorb any moisture. Once the ground has frozen, be on standby to place sandbags around the entranceways to your home, close to venting, or even the entire way around to protect the foundations from excessive runoff. If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, you may be familiar with how to protect your property from the freeze. If this is something that is new to you, it is always worth keeping an eye on local weather reports. It is also worth noting that keeping trees in your garden can help limit the amount of floodwater that encroaches onto your land. 

Final Thoughts

Preparing your trees and your home for winter doesn’t have to be a long, tedious task. As long as you approach it in a methodical way, you will be able to secure dead limbs and limit the flood risk. You can wrap your trees in blankets and keep them insulated once the ground frosts over; this also helps towards limiting the damage of flooding if this does occur. Make sure that you keep a contact for emergency tree removal on hand over the winter period, just in case the worse does occur and you have a downed tree. It is always worth preparing for winter before winter arrives, that way you won’t have to spend out for emergencies as you have already prepared!

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Written by Ross Weber and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/

Removing a tree may be a risky job if you don’t know how to do it. It is not child’s play and those who don’t have experience, qualifications, or education in this subject should not attempt doing it. If you mess up the tree removal, it might result negatively by posing a threat or causing harm to individuals, power lines, houses, as well as automobiles. That is why it is always suggested and recommended to call for tree removal experts who are trained professionals and know exactly how to carry out a tree removal process smoothly.

Tree removal is a dangerous tree or a tree that you wish to remove for any one of a variety of reasons on your property that is no longer providing any benefit to you. It could be time to let go of it. It’s time to call the tree removal experts to get the job done.

Well Equipped Tree Removal Service Professionals for Residential or Commercial Properties

Augusta Tree Service Green Bay is one of the top recommended and experienced tree trimming, brush removal, wood chipping, and Tree Pruning and shaping services. Science of tree care has great importance to learn and to remove unwanted bushes or trees from residential or from commercial properties. It is admitted that unsteady trendy Well-mannered and well cutter trees always show s well impression. When it looks tree removal is inevitable and storm damage then it should be with great care to look like a beautiful view. Sometimes long trees create problems for residence area for commercial areas especially in storms so great precaution and proper awareness about tree removal services should be in mind to immediate contact for. Proper tree maintenance has great importance and great plans to meet with your specific objectives to resolve the unwanted trees as well as its unstable bushes.

By following trimming methods, any person may easily resolve the specific issues with great care and having useful acknowledgment about the best remarkable progress about Trees. There are many tree removal services such as Augusta Tree Service Green Bay and experienced staff available to listen to your queries as well as to provide the perfect tree removal solutions under great supervision. When tree removal is inevitable then only trimming methods plays a vital role to remove the unwanted tree with an appropriate method. When you feel that your tree needs to be eliminated then immediate do consultancy with experts and call on the spot to remove the specific tree from your destinations.

It is confirmed that tree is causing potential harm to you and your properties as well so always take the right decisions to resolve the specific tree removal issues by hiring to experienced and passionate people. Tree trimming is essential in keeping the appearance and to real the atmosphere with great precautions. There are lots of useful tips and tricks which can be following to proceed accordingly. Augusta Tree Service has a team of passionate people to remove your specific issues and well maintain your issues depending upon your preferences. Restore the former appearance of your landscape and resolve the tree removal issues with great supervision and precautions. The lot and land clearing is cost-effective and prompt result-oriented to resolve the specific issues with great care.

Find an exclusive range of ideas and perfect solutions to resolve the tree trimming related issues with great care. To discuss your tree needs, follow useful tips and tricks to efficiently manage your creative ideas. Small-scale and large-scale top priority is your safety and the restoration of the appearance of the unwanted trees and bushed from your area. he goal of bringing back its former beauty is possible with continuous inspirations and have a great featuring plan to meet with your specific objectives with fast and prompt responding action plans,. Everything is based upon the facts and the figures to and to manipulates the results to make sure about perfect possible solutions with great care. 

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Written by Charles Wittson and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/

Although many of us take them for granted, we are all very lucky that trees exist. That’s because they produce much of the vital oxygen that’s in the air that we need for breathing. They also help keep soil firmly in place and make any landscape look better too. Another big misconception about trees is that they are maintenance-free. This is not true because they need to be fertilized sometimes and also watered in times of drought. Trees also need to be trimmed periodically. 

Trees can offer a lot of benefits. From providing shade to enhancing the beauty of your yard, there are many reasons why you might want trees on your property. However, trees do require some maintenance—and that includes trimming. Exactly how often should trees be trimmed? If you’re curious about how long you can go between trimming your trees, keep reading for the answer.

How Often Should Trees be Trimmed?

Trees play a key role in keeping our planet safe, clean, and healthy. They give us oxygen, which is our lifeline and absorb toxic gases which are dangerous to our health. They have a pivotal role to play to keep our environment pure and fresh. Since trees do us so many good things, we should reciprocate and take care of them. Trimming of trees is an essential aspect of their wholesome maintenance regime. You can trim the trees yourself or tree service company do it for you.

But why is it important to trim trees? We answer this question below;

To maintain their shape:

According to the local tree experts trees can grow in all directions. In forests, such wild growth is ok but not in your back or front yard. It would help if you trimmed trees to give them an aesthetically pleasing look. A tree growing out in all directions is not a beautiful sight. It can also obstruct the view of your house if it is planted inside the home premises.

To help them grow:

There may be dead, weak, or diseased branches in a tree. Sometimes the branches cross-outs each other. All this affects the growth of the tree. Once it is thinned out, it will grow back at a rapid pace. Certain breeds of trees must be made to shed their weight so that they achieve the optimum level of their growth.

To protect yourself:

The trees need to be trimmed to prevent any dead or weak branch falling, especially during stormy weather. It can cause severe damage to life and limb. It can harm your property, too, like your car parked on the street or the windows or doors of your house.

How often a tree should be trimmed:

These are some of the main reasons why a tree should be trimmed. There can be other reasons too. Now let’s come to how often a tree should be trimmed. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors; some of those are;

Age:

Age is a crucial determinant of whether a tree should be trimmed or not. As a general rule, a tree that is just one year old should not be trimmed. Older than one year should get this treatment. A tree should be trimmed at least once in two years.

Season:

For some trees, fall is the best season to trim. While for others, it is winter. Generally, fall to winter is considered a safe period to trim trees. A tree should never be trimmed during its blooming time, which could be either spring or summer. They should be allowed to grow in it.

Type of tree:

Like the season, the particular kind of tree is also essential before you decide how often to trim it. Some trees grow at a fast pace, so there trimming should occur more frequently. If a tree grows slowly, naturally, its trimming would happen not that often. A fruit tree, for example, also needs to be trimmed regularly as it helps it produce more fruits.

Location of the tree:

If a tree is planted in a populated area like a house, a park, or any other place where people move, then its trimming should be carried out on a regular basis. This is because you do not want any accidents caused by the falling branches of that tree. It should always be kept in a trim state.

●       The health of the tree:

How often you should trim your tree depends a great deal on the health of the tree as well. A weak, old and diseased tree should be trimmed more often and regularly. Whereas a robust and healthy tree can go without sometimes trimming for 2-3 years.

●       Seek professional help:

There are educated professionals who can look at a tree and guide you on how often it needs to be pruned and trimmed. These are called arborists. They will inspect the trees and give you their professional input about the health of the tree, the frequency of it’s trimming, and how to do it.

The climate of the area:

The decision of how often to prune also depends on the environment of the area. For people living in hot regions with plenty of sunlight, the obvious choice would be dense green foliage. Here the trimming would not be preferred that often. Similarly, the places with a tropical environment, trimming, could happen more often.

Personal preference:

Your likes and dislikes can also play a fundamental role in determining when to trim the tree. Some prefer trees that are large and thick, while some would want them to be neatly trimmed.

Don’ts’s of tree trimming:

●       Do not trim more than 35% of the green foliage in one go.

●       Do not trim during the blooming period.

●       Do not trim a tree too close to electricity poles and wires.

●       Do not trim without proper equipment and safety gear.

●       Do not trim trees that are difficult to climb or access.

Benefits of tree trimming:

●       Tree trimming has a host of benefits for trees. Chief among those are;

●       It helps the tree to grow.

●       It keeps the tree in shape.

●       It keeps the tree healthy.

●       It cleans the dead, diseased, loses, and weak branches.

●       It lets the air passes more quickly through the tree.

●       It lets the sunlight reach throughout the tree.

●       It helps grow more fruits.

●      The tree evenly consumes the water and other nutrients.

●       It reduces the risk of accidents caused by falling dead or loose branches.

●       It extends the life of the tree.

Conclusion:

To sum up, we can say that it is requisite that the trees should be regularly trimmed. There are immense benefits to it. As to how often they need to be trimmed: well, that is subjective, and it depends on several factors which we have discussed above.

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Written by Elizabeth Olsen and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/

A tree naturally becomes a lightning rod in times of storms, as it towers over houses and some buildings. There are approximately 100 lightning strikes per second worldwide, which means trees get hit by lightning more than you can imagine. While not all trees are vulnerable to lightning strikes, some can get severely affected.

When a tree gets struck by lightning, it can experience damage ranging from physical to internal ones. Obvious signs of damage include blowing off the bark, broken limbs, and splits in the wood. You may also notice charred areas on its trunk caused by burning from the heat of the lightning.

We’ve all seen cartoons and caricatures depicting people getting struck by lightning, with their bodies jolting around like a rag doll and their hair all spiked up. However, does the same thing happen to trees? Are trees affected by electricity in the same way as humans? Are they affected at all? These are some of the questions we’re going to answer in this article.

What Are the Chances of Survival When A Tree is Struck by A Lightning

Lightning is one of the biggest threats to thousands of trees, which are struck and damaged by lightning every year. This is why sheltering under a tall tree during a thunderstorm is a terrible idea. Trees make effortless targets for lightning, tall wooden objects that serve as natural lightning rods during violent weather. If you have a garden or have a few trees in your backyard, chances are your trees will be one of these targets one day, so it’s better to prepare and know how to deal with the situation. In this article, we explain how trees can survive lightning strikes and what to do if your tree is ever struck in a thunderstorm. 

Can Trees Survive Lightning Strikes 

Many trees can survive being struck by lightning, mainly if only one side of the tree receives the damage. If good maintenance and care are provided to a tree that has been hit by lightning, and if the tree’s injury is not too deep, a tree can recover and live for many more years. A tree can even be struck by lightning twice in a lifetime and still manage to survive if it’s taken care of properly. That’s because usually what puts a tree at doom after a lightning strike is the injury that exposes the tree to sickness and infection rather than the actual strike.  

What To Do If A Tree Is Struck By Lightning

First, you need to be aware that an existing electrical charge can still be around the area of the blasted tree, so you should not approach a lightning-struck tree immediately after the strike. After waiting for a few minutes, the first thing to do is to supply the tree with plenty of water. This should be followed by providing the damaged tree with fertilizers to stimulate new damaged parts. The article How to Save a Tree Hit by Lightning mentions that you have to make sure to trim any broken branches or torn wood and keep an eye on the recovery progress, rather than removing the whole tree or doing extensive pruning before a year has passed. It’s just safer to wait until springtime because trees that make it until then have bigger chances of surviving the strike. 

Why Trees Get Struck By Lightning

Trees are rooted to the ground, so for them to take shelter from lightning while being the tallest, most unsheltered objects are almost impossible. Plus, they contain internal moisture that attracts lightning simply because they can conduct electricity better than the air particles around them. They are also usually planted in open areas or near buildings or water bodies, which makes them more prone to be struck than any other object. 

Many lightning protection systems can be installed to protect valuable or property trees by steadily releasing the electrical charge before causing any further damage to a tree. However, it’s more important to know how to save a tree after it gets struck by lightning as there is a higher chance a tree will be damaged after a strike, sometimes even while being protected by one of these systems. Make sure to watch your tree for a few months before deciding to remove it to give it time to recover and get rid of the damaged layers. 

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Written by Elizabeth Olson and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/

Trees need regular maintenance to ensure their long-term health and safety in our landscapes. The urban environment is the source of many stressors on trees; from asphalt reflecting excess heat to the salt, we put down in the wintertime. Trees do not usually encounter these stresses in their natural environment and they can often lead to poor growth or even death of the tree if they aren’t properly addressed. There are lots of things we can do to help our urban trees grow large and live long, productive lives.

Tree Care and Maintenance Tips From the Experts

The health of trees is essential for the health of the planet and our healthcare. Also, trees increase property value, create shade, and improve one’s homestead’s general beauty. There are several other reasons why a man can’t do without trees, and as such, there is a need for tree care maintenance. Here are excellent tree care and maintenance tips from experts.

Inspect the Trees

Tree maintenance requires that you should frequently inspect the branches, roots, and leaves to determine whether the tree is in perfect state. Look for marks on the trunks, punctured leaves, cracks on the branches, and any other signs of damage on the tree. The amount of damage will determine whether you will salvage the trees, or they should be removed. For tree-loving homeowners who intend to create the perfect landscape, tree experts from the Rhode Island Tree Service recommend that you hire professionals who will help you handle downed trees, ugly stumps and they will handle all the trimming needs.

Inspect Diseases and Pests

Despite your effort, some diseases and pests could overpower you. It would be in your best interest to monitor the tree conditions, and you should be on the lookout for abnormal signs on the trees. Be on the lookout for a change in plant structure fungi, or spots on leaves. Such signs could indicate that diseases or pests have plagued the trees, and you should, therefore, take steps to control the spread.

Watering the Trees

Young trees need lots of water; thus, you should regularly water the young plants. Trees need lots of water and energy to grow, and as such, you should make an effort to ensure their survival, especially during the summer. When watering the trees, ensure that you leave the soil moist to increase the chances of survival.

Taking Care of Soil

One way to care for trees is by conserving the soil surrounding the trees. Most trees tend to wither due to poor soil structure and composition. In most cases, trees suffer due to soil acidity issues, soil compaction, and poor nutrition. By improving the soil composition, you end up enhancing the health of the tree. As such, make an effort to add fertilizer, drill holes in the soil to increase soil aeration, and use compost manure to fend off diseases and pests.

Pruning and Mulching

It would be a great idea if you surrounded the tree basement with mulch. Mulching helps protect trees from overnutrition and excess watering. When mulching, ensure that you place a 3-inch layer of mulch, and it should be inches away from the bark. It’s also important to note that some trees need pruning while others don’t. Research your homestead trees to determine whether pruning will affect their lifespan. For some trees, pruning will slow their growth, leading to death. Once you have determined that a particular tree needs pruning, seek help from experts. You wouldn’t want the fallen branches to damage your property, thus the need for hiring experts.

Experiment with Different Tree Species

For some people, trees might wither during a certain season; thus, you have to do without trees in that duration. Experts would advise that you research trees that thrive through all seasons and employ techniques to ensure that they survive in the harshest weather. It would help if you considered hiring an arborist who will assess the climatic conditions and recommend the right trees. Choose from a variety of shade trees such as oaks and maples or flowering trees such as cherry trees, redbuds or dogwoods. One of our favorite shade trees is the Shumard Oak. Japanese maples are more compact and are better for smaller spaces. Be sure to check your growing zone to make sure specific trees can thrive in your area.

Weeding Trees

Trees face competition from nearby plants and weeds for light water and soil nutrients. Experts often advise that you should have a 3 feet diameter around a tree. You can weed using your hands or with a hoe, and if matters get out of hand, you should consider using a weed suppressant that hinders the growth of weeds or kills them altogether.

Cooling the Trees

In the summer, shading and cooling of trees are essential for their survival. If you have young trees, ensure that you create shade for them. Also, materials such as block walls, glass, structures, and water surfaces, can cause heat stress on the trees. It would help if you evaluated the materials you intend to use for cooling the trees. It’s also important to note that certain materials such as decomposed granite, often absorb heat, resulting in heat stress for your trees.

If you have trees growing in your homestead, the chances are high that you might fail to care for them since you believe that nature will take its course. It’s important to note that trees need maintenance, and failure to take proper care will result in death. These tips will help you take care of trees, and in the end, you will reap the benefits.

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Written by Perla Irish and published on https://www.dreamlandsdesign.com/

With the wide range of tree cutting and climbing equipment available in the market, just about anyone can climb, cut, trim, or prune a tree. But just because a person has all the necessary tools to do such tasks, it doesn’t necessarily make him or her a tree care professional. And it certainly doesn’t qualify that person to be called an Arborist.

Arborists are educated in the science of tree care. They undergo training and proper certification before they are qualified to provide tree services. A Certified Arborist is actually considered as a doctor of trees because they have the knowledge and know-how to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and other problems commonly associated with trees.

Why Using Proper Tree Removal Equipment is Essential

It is not easy to remove a tree because it requires skills, experience, and the right tools. While you may know a little about cutting down a tree, it is not worth risking your safety, especially if you do not have the proper removal equipment to perform the job safely.

There are aspects of tree removal that should only be handled by a professional tree service in Edmond. Using the right equipment can give you the following benefits:

Easily Access Tight Spaces

There are tree situations that will deter you from accessing tight spaces especially for overgrown roots that have penetrated into your plumbing system. Without the right tools, it will be impossible for you to deal with this kind of problem.

There are also instances when barriers like the fence that surrounds your yard make it difficult for you to trim or remove the tree.

Traditional tree equipment cannot address this problem because they cannot get past your fence. It is going to be a big problem on your part. You will need special equipment for the process so you can pass through the barrier without destroying it.

Old-fashioned equipment may cause a problem in your yard. Restoring the attractiveness of your yard can be such a challenge. You can avoid this by using the suitable tools for the job so you can complete the task safely.

Overcome Obstacles

As much as you want to make the tree removal process as smooth as possible, there are obstacles that will make the job hard for you.

Aside from accessing tight spaces, another challenge that makes it difficult for you to cut down trees, is the property itself. There are barriers that will make the removal process time-consuming.

Instead of finishing the job in half an hour, you can end up extending it for a few hours. A professional tree removal company has the equipment to make the process a breeze. Professional arborists also know how to cut trees so they do not land on any property within your vicinity.

Things to Remember Before Hiring a Tree Removal Service

You will need to check some reviews so you will know if the company you are going to hire has done good work.

Knowing what past customers are saying about a particular company will help you make the right decision. You will also need to check with local government agencies to know if you need to secure permits for the job.

Each state has different requirements when it comes to tree removal service so you have to verify these with local officials in your state.

You may need a special permit for removing a tree. There are also areas that limit the type of trees that should be cut based on size. Trees that are too large must be taken out.

Why the Right Removal Equipment is Essential

Some amateur companies may offer their services for a very low price because they are not using the right equipment. If you still take the risk of hiring them, the result of their workmanship may not satisfy you because it is not up to par.

Not using the right equipment can make the quality of work suffer. This is one thing that sets professional tree removal services apart from amateur providers.

Licensed arborists will make sure that the job is completed safely and fast. You can also be sure that the people who will perform the job have the relevant experience and skills.

Depending on the removal service that you require, professional tree removal services will bring the specific tools and equipment needed for the job.

The equipment is not only limited to truck and chainsaw as other essential tools will also be used for effective tree removal. The type of equipment used says a lot about the expertise of people who will be performing the job.

When searching for a tree removal company, be sure that you pay attention to the type of equipment that the provider will use for the work.

You can expect the result to be outstanding if the company is mindful of the tools and equipment to use. It shows how careful they are in carrying out the task. Tip Top Tree is one of the tree removal companies you can trust in this matter.

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Written by Perla Irish and published on https://www.dreamlandsdesign.com/

Perfectly shaped shrubs and trees on any commercial or residential property are the results of consistent and professional care. This is never a one-time process. Tree care is always an ongoing process, and neither is tree maintenance required any less. And, yes, you can do most of these tree care procedures by yourself. But, are you willing to put in the time, energy, resources, and studying that that requires? Do you have the recommended tools and equipment for caring for and maintaining your trees? If not, then it is best that you seek the help of a professional for tree spraying, trimming, and other tree care needs.

The Importance of Professional Tree Care Services

If you happen to have a tree on your property, then you should consider yourself to be very lucky. It has become a rare occurrence to have a tree around residential properties now, which is sad given how a lot of us probably did grow up with a tree in our yard.

There are many things that you can do with a tree, and this includes building a treehouse, having your swing, using it for shade during the summer months, and all kinds of other things.

Trees helped us a lot as kids and we came up with a lot of creative ways to incorporate them into our play.

Given how we now live in a world where trees have been cut down indiscriminately, we must take care of the ones that we do have left.

Now, trees happen to have different needs compared to plants, but you do technically have to protect them from the same things, structural issues that might affect overall balance, disease, rot, and pests.

These are just some of the problems that you can face when dealing with trees, and if you feel like you do not know what to do at all or that you do not have the time to take care of the tree yourself, you can call in the professionals and have them do it for you.

Professional tree care services will come in, inspect your tree, and then let you know what needs to be done to keep the tree healthy and in good condition.

A good tree care company will take over these responsibilities for you and make sure that your tree stays strong.

You can ask around people you know to have potential options that you can look into. If you happen to need professional services, you can look into Allentown Tree Service LLC and see what they have to offer.

Professional tree care services can cover a variety of different services which can include and are not limited to:

Trimming Your Tree

Getting your tree trimmed or pruned is a very important job, and it is one that you should to the tree care company.

Trimming a tree properly requires certain tools, the knowledge of how to go about trimming different trees depending on their needs, and the skills and experience to be able to work from a height.

Working from a height is common when dealing with trees, and unless you happen to be an experienced professional, it can be incredibly dangerous and risky to attempt to do it on your own since fall-related injuries and accidents are a real risk.

Trimming your tree is important because it helps prevent the crown of your tree and branches from spreading out too far, and it can help make your tree look better as well.

Dealing With Pests

Pests are every plant owner’s nightmare, and trees are no different. Trees are also susceptible to getting infected, and the best thing you can do in that scenario is call in the professional as soon as you can before the infestation leaves any serious damage or problems.

Another thing you can do is have the professionals come in before pest season begins and have them armor up your tree and get it ready to deal with the pests because, at the end of the day, prevention is still better than cure.

Dealing With Disease

Trees are also susceptible to developing different diseases. The kind of disease your tree develops will depend on several factors, including the type of tree you have itself.

Once you start having doubts that your try might be diseased, it is advised to call in the professionals as soon as you can because once the disease starts spreading throughout the tree, it can end up causing even more problems and in the worst-case scenario, destroy your tree and leave it hollow, leaving you with no choice but to have it removed.

Storm-Proofing Your Tree

If you happen to live in an area where storms are frequent and even consistent during certain times of the year you need to make sure that your plants and trees can be strong enough to deal with them.

You should ideally call in the professionals before the start of every storm season so that they can inspect your tree and let you know whether or not it needs any additional support.

Storm-proofing can include things like making sure that your tree has enough support to stay upright and in its natural position, and at times covering the tree to prevent it from getting struck by lightning or letting that travel to the ground.

Tree removal is another important service that a lot of professional tree care companies provide, but it is something that each company might have a different stance or policy over, so make sure to discuss that over with them so that everyone is on the same page.

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Written by Perla Irish and published on https://www.dreamlandsdesign.com/

As leaves fall from the trees each autumn, branches formerly covered in a canopy of dense foliage come out of hiding. Although many gardeners would rather never deal with the falling mess of leaves, I relish this time as an opportunity to inspect each tree canopy. It’s now that I carefully make note of any branches I may need to remove from my trees. Taking advantage of these dormant months gives me time to develop a plan for pruning and trimming trees in my landscaping.

Tree Care Tips: This Is How to Prune A Tree the Right Way

If you have trees of any kind in your yard, it is worth your while to learn about pruning. Properly pruning a tree can increase its aesthetic value and boost its health.

However, indiscriminate pruning can harm or even kill a tree. Incorrect pruning techniques often result in lifelong damage to a tree, with no chance of recovery.

Pruning is a nuanced art form, and proper technique can vary from tree to tree. But lifelong gardeners swear by some of the following pillars of pruning.

Keep reading for some expert-level advice on tree care.

Why Prune Trees?

As we said earlier, you should never prune trees without a reason. Simply pruning because you think you are supposed to, is an ill-advised move.

That being said, here are some of the main reasons people prune trees:

• To remove dead or rotting branches
• To remove precarious branches out of the way of a house or sidewalk
• To increase the fruit-bearing potential
• To influence the shape of the tree
• To improve the health of the tree
• To thin the tree’s branches
• To improve the aesthetic appeal of a tree

Trees absorb nutrients through their roots and direct those nutrients to all of their branches. What you are doing when you prune is you are redirecting where those nutrients are going.

By strategically planning out which branches you want the tree to focus on, you influence its shape.

You also influence its fruit-bearing potential, if it is a fruit tree. This can increase the amount and quality of the fruit the tree bears.

Sometimes, trees experience damage at the hands of the weather, insects, or other forces. This can result in a healthy tree having a broken branch or infected area. When this happens, pruning is your friend.

Trimming off a broken or infected branch prevents the disease from spreading through the rest of the tree. In this instance, you can save a tree’s life by being quick with your pruning shears.

Additionally, you need to prune broken or rotting branches because they pose a safety risk. When heavy branches fall on houses or people, they can cause significant injury or damage.

Pruning away those branches can save you injury and even money.

Lastly, sometimes pruning is simply a practical matter. As trees grow, their branches may spread out over walkways, sidewalks, or out into the street.

When this happens, pruning shears will help you make it right.

When to Practice Pruning as Tree Care

You may think that it doesn’t matter what time of year you attempt to prune your trees. But actually, when you prune is important.

Most experts recommend that you prune your trees in the late winter. Most trees, even conifers, are dormant during this time, so they will be less affected by the cuts.

Furthermore, pruning trees after the coldest point of the year will help ensure that your trees are not hurt by the cold after you prune them.

Practically speaking, pruning during the winter also makes the most sense. Deciduous trees are leafless during this time of year, so it is easier to see what you are working with.

Some people who are pruning in order to thin their trees prefer to do it when the trees are full. This way, they can see the effect they are having on their trees.

If this is the case for you, avoid spring or early summer. Prune in the late summer when the trees are still full but not blooming.

But, make sure you are more than a month away from the first frost to prevent cold damage.

Regardless of the time of year, you should never prune newly transplanted trees.

You should leave young trees alone for the first year after you plant them. After they successfully survive the transplant, you can begin pruning.

These are the times of the year when you should generally prune your trees. But you also need to be prepared for emergency pruning.

Emergency Pruning to Save Your Tree

While there are definitely preferred times of year to prune your trees, there are times when you must act immediately.

As was mentioned before, sometimes your tree becomes affected by outside factors. These include storms, pests, or diseases.

When you notice this happen, there is no time to lose. You cannot wait until the preferred season if you want to prevent additional damage to your tree.

Diseases and pests will spread throughout the limbs and kill your tree if not stopped.

As soon as you notice something like this, cut the affected limb back to a healthy branch. For diseases and pests, dip your shears or saw into a bleach solution in order to prevent spread.

For branches that have broken during a storm, cut brack the limb to a healthy branch. An unclean break caused by a storm gives pests and bugs an opportunity to infiltrate your tree.

Give your branch a clean cut in order to avoid this catastrophe.

How to Prune Your Tree

So now you know why you might prune a tree, and when you should do it. But now you need to know-how.

For smaller or younger trees, you will be able to prune your tree’s branches with a sharp pair of hand shears or lopping shears. However, bigger branches are a little more difficult.

The intuition of many novices is that they should attempt chopping off their desired branch with a hand saw or a chainsaw in one movement.

However, making a series of cuts instead of one can prevent damage to your tree.

You see, if you make one cut, the branch will fall and peel some of the tree’s bark at the same time. To avoid this, use this tried and true method:

First, a few inches from the base of your branch, make a small cut on the underside of the branch.

Next, a few inches beyond that, make your cut all the way through. The branch will fall and not take any bark with it.

Finally, use your saw to remove the rest of the stub. It will no longer be so heavy that it will remove bark when it comes off.

Make sure to make your final cut at a forty-five-degree angle, with the wide side of the angle pointing downward. This helps your tree avoid water damage and heal faster.

Situations That Call for Pruning

As we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of reasons for pruning. But you may not be familiar with some of the indicators of the need to prune.

For example, if you want to prune in order to strengthen your tree, you need to know what it looks like when your tree is weak.

To help you out, we have listed some of the top indicators that your tree’s branches need pruning.

“Suckers” are one of the main things you need to watch out for. Sometimes, trees will produce some small branches that grow straight out of the ground.

While they may seem small at first, they can ultimately weaken the strength of the tree.

Cut them at the base before they grow too tall.

You should also look out for branches growing in a cluster. Sometimes, a branch will shoot off five or six smaller branches from one entry point.

This means that none of them will end up being very strong.

Cut the excess branches at the divergence point. This will allow the one or two remaining branches more sunlight and nutrients.

Your tree is also asking for pruning if it grows divergent trunks. A forked trunk means that two smaller trees will grow instead of one.

To strengthen your tree, remove one side of the trunk at a young age.

This will allow the remaining trunk to grow up big and strong.

How to Read Your Tree’s Growth Buds

Your tree gives off signals about how it plans to grow and in what direction. These signals are known as growth buds.

By learning how to read your tree’s growth buds, you can make educated pruning decisions.

There are three types of growth buds. They are terminal, lateral, and latent.

Terminal buds are ones that are growing on the end of the branch. The presence of that bud means that your tree plans to keep growing in that direction.

The terminal bud also inhibits the growth of lateral buds.

Lateral buds are ones that grow on the sides of the branch, shooting out in a lateral direction. These buds promote horizontal growth, making your tree appear bushier.

However, these buds tend not to grow much until the terminal bud is removed.

Therefore, you can decide with pruning how you want your tree to grow. It can keep growing in the direction of the terminal bud, or you can direct it to start becoming bushier.

The last type of growth bud is called a latent bud. Latent buds are waiting in the wings. They are your tree’s backup plan in case the branch gets damaged.

They wait until they are needed before they grow. But, you can see them beneath the tree’s surface.

That means that by pruning around the latent bud, you can encourage it to grow. This is especially helpful if you have a branch that has been damaged by the weather.

Situations in Which You Should Never Prune

This whole article has been spent telling you when and why you should prune your trees.

But there are a plethora of reasons why you should not prune your trees, too. Here is a list of some of these reasons:

• You don’t know what you are doing
• It’s the wrong time of year
• You have the wrong equipment
• The branches are in a dangerous or precarious position
• You don’t have a reason for pruning

As we said before if you don’t have a reason for pruning or you do not know how do not attempt to prune your trees.

What you have read in this article are tree pruning basics. You should look for specific information regarding the type of tree you own for more exact pruning tips.

If you have the wrong equipment, do not attempt to prune your tree. This can result in tree damage.

Lastly, there is no reason to put yourself in a dangerous position in order to prune your tree.

Climbing ladders with chainsaws or trying to lean out on a branch is not advisable. In these situations, you should call a professional arborist.

A professional arborist, like those at GraftinGardeners, will know what is best for your tree. They will be able to make the cuts to achieve the desired result.

For precarious branches, many skilled arborists know how to fall a branch away from your house or property.

Plus, they are trained in how to use pruning equipment, so there is less of a safety risk. When in doubt, hiring a professional arborist to help with tree maintenance is a good investment.

Pruning Trees for a Long Lifetime

The fact of the matter is that skillfully pruning your trees can help them live long and healthy lives.

Pruning is how you protect them from pests and disease, and relieve undue stress on some of their limbs.

Additionally, pruning is an aesthetic skill and art form. By learning how to prune trees, you can turn your garden into the oasis that you are envisioning.

Pruning is a nuanced form of tree care, but it is a very valuable skill for gardeners. For more information on caring for trees and other plants, check out our Gardening Section.

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Written by Admin and published on https://didyouknowhomes.com/

Your home is one of your most valuable possessions. Homeowners want to take care of their home’s exterior to ensure its longevity and to keep it as pristine as possible. Unfortunately, trees and their branches cause damage to homes in our area every year. This leads us to an important question: Just how far should tree branches be from the roof?

Low-hanging branches can certainly harm your roof. Heavy branches can definitely do more significant damage, but even lighter branches can add excess moisture to your roof from the rain and elements.

Branches from your trees cause the shingles on your roof to wear down prematurely. Not to mention, the leaves could get inside the gutters, which will clog them.

How Far Should Tree Branches Be From Your Roof?

With all the time we now find ourselves spending at home we have started taking a lot more notice of our property. Those minor concerns that you always had but were too busy up until now to really think about are suddenly front and center in your thoughts. Have you ever looked at that tree that seems to have grown perilously close to your home and wondered, ‘should I be concerned with that?’ 

Perhaps, you are considering selling your property and are worried about low-hanging tree branches and the impact, if any, they may have on any Home Inspection the proposed purchasers are likely to have carried out.

Here is some useful information for you to consider if you do have concerns about your trees and their branches.

Your Roof & Its Construction

Today’s modern timber roofs are generally all constructed in the same manner. Timber framing is attached to the top of the external walls and has a breathable membrane applied over it (usually roofing asphalt) with timber battens holding the membrane down. On top of these timber battens a roof covering such as tiles or asphalt shingles is placed, the purpose of which is to protect the membrane from the elements.

The roof coverings allow water to run off and into the gutters where it is taken away preventing any water ingress into the attic space. Should water get into your attic it can rot the supporting timbers and even allow water to enter the living spaces leading to dampness and mold. Water ingress also presents a safety hazard concerning any electrics that are present in the roof space and the potential for short-circuiting leading to a fire.

The Risks

Whether you are selling your property or have lived in it for many years and have recently become concerned with the proximity of the surrounding trees, it’s important to know the risks that tree branches present to your roof. Low-hanging branches or tree limbs can very easily damage your roof, no matter what their size whether they be a heavy limb or a smaller branch.  

It is obvious that should a large, thick limb become detached from the tree during a storm then the likelihood of damage to the roof is high. In a worst-case scenario, the heavy branches could come through and into the home itself, causing extreme damage and possible injury to the occupants. 

Light branches can be equally damaging however as they can expose the roof to snow, rain and all the other factors the roof covering is designed to protect from. Smaller low hanging branches can repeatedly rub against and wear down shingles or scrape the roof tiles. By scraping repetitively against the tiles and shingles, tree branches can easily wear away the layers of asphalt, thereby weakening the integrity of the roof. It is also possible that in storm conditions, smaller tree branches may become lodged in any gaps that exist in the tiles and in high wind situations, physically pull the tiles off the roof.

If you have any urgent concerns, contacting a reputable tree care company such as our friends in Trufast Tree Services is your first step. Whether it’s trimming or emergency tree removal the guys in Trufast will be able to help.

Tree Damage & Your Home Insurance

The good news is that if your home suffers damage as a result of falling trees or tree branches, your homeowners’ insurance will likely contribute towards the costs of repairing any damage. 

That said, however, you will be liable to pay any excess or deductible first and if your insurer feels that the damage was caused because the tree fell due to neglect then you may not receive coverage for the claim at all.

Furthermore, in the event that damage is caused to a neighbors house by a tree on your property, the neighbors’ insurance company may likely look to mitigate their loss by coming to you looking for payment. In other words, failure to maintain your trees could lead to a serious bill for damage caused to your home or to any other person’s property damaged by your trees.

It is paramount therefore to keep your trees trimmed and in good shape.

Signs That Your Trees Are Sick Or Unstable

Firstly, while we will show you here what to look out for, it is essential that you seek the professional advice of an arborist like the guys over in Trufast if you have any concerns over the health of your trees or their proximity to your home.

• Discolored leaves – While discolored foliage isn’t always a sign that your tree is diseased, it is a common sign that all is not well.
• Peeling Bark – Some trees, such as birch, shed bark naturally but on many tree types, it is a sign of disease.
• Cracked or Split Trunk 
• Leaning Trees – If your trees are leaning excessively to one side it may be as a result of an imbalance in the canopy or uneven root growth.

So how far from your roof should tree branches be?

The answer to that question depends mainly on the type and height of the trees in your garden. The taller the tree, the father it should be from your property with very tall trees standing approximately 30 feet away. No matter the tree height, arborists recommend that any tree branches should be a minimum of 6 but ideally 8-10 feet away from a roof to ensure that your roof remains undamaged. 

A further consideration, and in relation to a topic mentioned above, is that your homeowners’ insurance may stipulate a distance any tree must be from your home. Failure to adhere to this clause may result in non-payment of claims that may arise from damage caused by trees. 

DIY Or Professional Help?

If you have any concerns about hanging branches, ensure that you get them trimmed back immediately, to prevent any damage. Unless you are competent with chainsaws and working at height it is probably best to contact a tree care service whose arborists will ensure that your house isn’t at risk from the trees that surround it. The arborist will carry out a health check on the trees and will deal with any branches that may pose a risk meaning you can relax and do not have to worry about any possible damage to your home, or indeed, yourself.  You will want to get help with custom options like timber battens as well.

A further benefit to engaging the services of a tree care company is that their employees will be fully insured against any damage they cause to your home or themselves. If however, you do intend on trimming branches off your trees yourself, make sure that you are following best safety practices. 

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) – Helmet, ear & eye protection, etc.
• Don’t climb on unsupported ladders – falls are a common occurrence.
• Never work alone, if something were to happen to you make sure there is somebody there to help.
• Watch out for hidden electrical wires.

Tree care is a dangerous undertaking that should be taken very seriously. While the temptation to save money is understandable, the large medical bills and loss of earnings that follow an accident could see any savings you have made wiped out in an instant.

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Written by Lucy and published on https://www.residencestyle.com/

Your next home improvement project may be as simple as planting a tree. What’s the best return on investment for home improvements that increase your home’s value? What are some of the common characteristics of old, wealthy neighborhoods? Think about it. Most of them have big, old trees! Plant a tree in your yard. The value of a tree in your yard will increase as it grows.

Any tree hugger worth her bark knows that trees help the environment by supplying oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, stabilizing the soil, and providing a habitat for wildlife. And let’s not forget that they also provide shade and beautify our homes.

How Proper Tree Care Can Improve The Value Of A Property

There are many ways you can improve the value of your home, but one of the most obvious strategies is to improve its curb appeal. There are also many ways you can approach your home’s curb appeal, but one of the biggest issues is often the trees. 

That’s because overgrown, damaged or pest ridden trees are not only an eyesore but can be very off-putting for prospective buyers. Unless you’re selling your home as a fixer-upper, buyers don’t want to have to cut down large trees, lop branches or call in an arborist because the trees look unhealthy or dangerous. They want to see a beautiful swath of trees in the full bloom of health and not needing any work.

Many buyers also want to live in a ‘leafy street’ or suburb, because there’s just something about seeing a long line of beautiful broad leafed trees along a road or throughout a suburb. So one tip is to plant these broad leafed trees along your front property line, so that they are not too close to your home. Their location needs to be far enough away from your house so that they don’t cause problems with bushfires or the foundations, but close enough so they also help to provide some shade in the hot summers.

Best trees for Brisbane gardens

Depending on the size of your front garden there are a number of awesome trees that grow well in Brisbane. These include the Weeping Lilly Pilly that has a lollipop shape, provides great shade and grows to around 8m in height and 6m wide. The Eucalyptus Summer Red is another large tree that reaches 6m in height and boasts stunning red blossoms attracting lots of native birds into your front garden. The iconic Brisbane Poinciana is a fabulous shade tree with vibrant red to orange flowers throughout summer. It can reach 10m to 15m in height with a massive 10m width, so it’s not for the faint-hearted! Then there’s the Lemon Scented Myrtle, Bottle Brushes and the gorgeous Eumundi Quandong Tree.

Creating a healthy environment with trees

Planting more trees is one way to improve the air quality around your home. That’s because trees actively remove carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, particulates and ground level ozone from the air. They also provide natural shading and privacy for your home, as well as acting as a windbreak and encouraging more birds into your garden. Basically, the right type of trees add value to your property, particularly healthy, well maintained mature trees.

Taking care of your mature trees

A healthy mature tree is an investment in the value of your home. So it’s important that you monitor your trees and provide them with regular maintenance to promote their health and structural integrity. This maintenance includes pruning and mulching, as well as fertilising the soil if necessary. An annual inspection by a qualified Brisbane based arborist will also help to keep your mature trees healthy and looking fabulous all year round.

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