CATEGORY / Blogging

Trees, with their towering presence and graceful canopies, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a vital role in the environment. As a homeowner, you may find yourself wondering about the best ways to care for the trees on your property. While many routine tasks can be handled through do-it-yourself (DIY) efforts, there are certain aspects that necessitate the expertise of a certified arborist. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what you can—and can’t—do when it comes to DIY tree care.

What You Can Do:

1. Regular Inspections:

Regularly inspecting your trees is a simple yet effective DIY task. Look for signs of damage, disease, or unusual growth patterns. Check for cracked bark, dead branches, or pest infestations. Early detection of issues allows for timely intervention and prevents more significant problems down the road.

2. Watering and Mulching:

Proper hydration is essential for tree health. During dry periods, ensure your trees receive adequate water. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. A layer of 2-4 inches of mulch, spread evenly, can significantly benefit your trees.

3. Pruning Small Branches:

Pruning can enhance the appearance and health of a tree. For small branches with diameters less than 1 inch, DIY pruning is generally safe. Use clean, sharp tools, and make cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk) to promote proper healing.

4. Removing Dead or Diseased Branches:

Removing dead or diseased branches is crucial for the overall well-being of the tree. If you notice a branch that is lifeless or showing signs of disease, carefully prune it to prevent the issue from spreading. Dispose of the removed branches properly to avoid further contamination.

5. Applying Fertilizer:

Trees, like all living organisms, benefit from proper nutrition. You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil around your tree, following recommended guidelines. However, it’s essential not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and harm the tree.

6. Supporting Young Trees:

Young trees may need additional support to establish a strong and stable structure. Use stakes and ties to protect them from strong winds and promote straight and healthy growth. Be cautious not to leave stakes on for too long, as this can hinder the tree’s development.

7. Managing Mulch Properly:

While mulching is beneficial, it’s crucial to manage it correctly. Ensure that mulch is spread evenly and doesn’t form a “volcano” shape around the tree base, as this can lead to moisture-related issues and attract pests. Maintain a gap between the mulch and the tree trunk.

What You Can’t Do:

1. Large Tree Pruning and Removal:

Pruning large branches or, especially, removing entire trees is a task best left to the professionals. Handling large limbs can be dangerous and may result in injuries or property damage. Additionally, removing a mature tree requires expertise to avoid accidents and ensure a controlled process.

2. Chemical Treatments for Pests and Diseases:

While there are various over-the-counter products available for treating pests and diseases, the application of certain chemical treatments requires careful consideration. Arborists have the knowledge to identify the specific issue and choose the most effective and environmentally friendly treatments.

3. Climbing Trees for Pruning:

Climbing trees to perform pruning or other maintenance tasks is hazardous and should be avoided by individuals without proper training and equipment. Arborists are trained to use safety gear and follow industry standards to minimize risks during tree climbing and maintenance.

4. Tree Assessments and Risk Management:

Assessing the overall health of a tree and identifying potential risks is a task that demands professional expertise. Arborists use specialized tools and techniques to evaluate a tree’s structural integrity, helping them identify potential hazards and recommend appropriate measures.

5. Working Near Power Lines:

Any tree care tasks near power lines pose a severe risk and should only be handled by professionals trained in line clearance. DIY attempts to trim or remove trees near power lines can lead to electrocution and other life-threatening accidents.

6. Dealing with Storm-Damaged Trees:

After a storm, trees may be damaged or present safety hazards. Attempting to assess and address storm-damaged trees without proper training and equipment can be dangerous. Arborists are equipped to handle emergency situations and can safely remove or stabilize damaged trees.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while many aspects of tree care can be managed through DIY efforts, certain tasks require the expertise and skills of certified arborists. Regular inspections, proper watering, and small-scale pruning are within the capabilities of homeowners. However, when it comes to large-scale tree work, dealing with potentially dangerous situations, or addressing complex issues like diseases and pests, consulting with a professional arborist is the safest and most effective course of action. By striking a balance between DIY efforts and professional tree care, you can ensure the health and longevity of the trees on your property.

Trees, with their majestic presence and vital role in our ecosystems, are not immune to diseases. Recognizing the signs of common tree disease is crucial for prompt intervention and preservation of these green giants. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some prevalent tree diseases, their identifying features, and effective treatment strategies employed by arborists.

1. Recognizing the Signs

Before delving into treatment options, it’s essential to be able to identify the signs of tree diseases. Keep a keen eye on your trees for:

a. Unusual Discoloration:

• Yellowing, browning, or blackening of leaves can signal various diseases. For instance, sudden oak death manifests as brown spots on oak leaves.

b. Abnormal Growth Patterns:

• Wilted, stunted, or distorted growth can indicate infections. Dutch Elm Disease, for example, causes wilting and yellowing of leaves.

c. Presence of Fungi:

• Mushrooms, conks, or cankers on the trunk are signs of fungal infections. Armillaria root rot often produces clusters of mushrooms at the base of infected trees.

d. Bark Abnormalities:

• Cracks, lesions, or cankers on the bark may indicate diseases like canker diseases or bacterial infections.

2. Common Tree Diseases and Their Treatments

a. Dutch Elm Disease (DED):

• Identification: Wilted, yellowed leaves and twig dieback.
• Treatment: Pruning infected branches and applying fungicides can help manage DED. However, prevention through insect control is crucial.

b. Oak Wilt:

• Identification: Interveinal chlorosis, wilted leaves, and tree decline.
• Treatment: Proper pruning practices, injecting fungicides, and preventing root grafts between oaks can mitigate Oak Wilt.

c. Fire Blight:

• Identification: Wilting, blackening, and a burnt appearance on leaves.
• Treatment: Pruning affected branches during the dormant season and applying antibiotics are common strategies for Fire Blight control.

d. Armillaria Root Rot:

• Identification: Clusters of mushrooms at the base, dieback, and decline.
• Treatment: Improving tree vigor, removing infected roots, and applying fungicides can help manage Armillaria root rot.

e. Anthracnose:

• Identification: Irregular leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback.
• Treatment: Fungicide applications during the growing season and promoting overall tree health can control Anthracnose.

f. Powdery Mildew:

• Identification: Powdery white substance on leaves.
• Treatment: Pruning to improve air circulation, using fungicides, and selecting resistant tree varieties can help manage Powdery Mildew.

3. Preventative Measures for Tree Diseases

a. Proper Tree Care:

• Maintain good tree health through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization practices.

b. Regular Inspections:

• Conduct routine inspections to catch signs of diseases early on.

c. Pruning and Thinning:

• Proper pruning to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration can reduce the risk of fungal infections.

d. Disease-Resistant Varieties:

• When planting new trees, choose species and varieties known for resistance to prevalent diseases in your area.

e. Professional Consultation:

• Arborists play a crucial role in disease prevention. Regular consultations and inspections by certified arborists can ensure early detection and effective treatment.

4. Consulting with Arborists: The Expert Touch

While some tree diseases can be managed through homeowner interventions, consulting with certified arborists is often the best course of action. Arborists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, enabling them to accurately diagnose diseases and prescribe effective treatments.

Arborists conduct thorough assessments, considering factors like environmental conditions, tree species, and the extent of infection. They may recommend targeted treatments such as fungicide applications, soil amendments, or even the removal of severely infected trees to prevent further spread.

In addition to addressing existing issues, arborists are adept at implementing preventive measures to safeguard the overall health of your trees. These measures may include specialized pruning techniques, insect control strategies, and ongoing monitoring to catch potential problems before they escalate.

5. Conclusion: Nurturing Healthy Trees

Identifying and treating common tree diseases requires a combination of vigilance, knowledge, and timely intervention. By familiarizing yourself with the signs of prevalent diseases and adopting preventive measures, you can contribute to the well-being of the trees on your property.

However, when in doubt or faced with a severe infection, seeking the expertise of certified arborists is a wise investment in the long-term health and beauty of your trees. Together, through informed care and professional guidance, we can ensure that our leafy companions continue to thrive and enrich the environment for generations to come.

Trees, with their towering majesty and graceful foliage, are an integral part of our natural landscape. However, like any living organism, trees are susceptible to various issues that can compromise their health and vitality. In this article, we will delve into some common tree issues and explore the expert solutions arborists employ to address them, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our arboreal companions.

1. Diseases: The Silent Threat Trees, much like humans, can fall prey to diseases. Fungal infections, bacterial diseases, and viral pathogens can affect different parts of a tree, from its leaves and bark to its roots. Arborists play a critical role in identifying the type of disease and implementing effective treatment strategies. Arborists often recommend a combination of cultural practices, such as proper pruning and sanitation, along with targeted fungicides or antibiotics. Regular inspections by trained arborists are essential to catch diseases early, preventing their spread and minimizing the impact on the overall health of the tree.
2. Insect Infestations: Unseen Invaders Insects can pose a significant threat to trees, both above and below the ground. Common pests include beetles, aphids, and borers, which can damage leaves, bark, and even the tree’s vascular system. Arborists utilize integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which may include the release of beneficial insects, the use of insecticidal treatments, or the application of systemic pesticides to protect trees from harmful invaders. Regular monitoring allows arborists to detect pest infestations early, enabling them to implement timely and targeted interventions to save the tree from irreversible damage.
3. Structural Issues: The Importance of Stability Over time, trees can develop structural issues, compromising their stability and safety. This can result from factors such as poor pruning practices, storms, or the natural aging process. Arborists assess the structural integrity of trees and may recommend corrective measures such as cabling or bracing to provide support to weak branches or split trunks. Pruning is another key strategy employed by arborists to reduce the risk of structural failure. Proper pruning not only enhances the tree’s overall structure but also removes dead or weakened branches that could pose a danger during storms.
4. Soil Compaction and Nutrient Deficiency: Root Concerns Healthy roots are essential for a tree’s well-being, and arborists often encounter issues related to soil compaction and nutrient deficiencies. Compacted soil restricts root growth and limits access to oxygen and essential nutrients. Arborists employ techniques like soil aeration to alleviate compaction, allowing the roots to flourish. Additionally, arborists may recommend fertilization to address nutrient deficiencies. A tailored fertilization plan ensures that trees receive the specific nutrients they need, promoting robust growth and resilience against environmental stressors.
5. Environmental Stress: Weathering the Elements Trees are constantly exposed to environmental stressors, including extreme weather conditions, pollution, and changes in soil moisture. Arborists take a holistic approach to mitigate these stressors, incorporating practices such as mulching, which helps regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. In instances of prolonged drought or excessive rainfall, arborists may recommend supplemental watering or drainage improvements to help trees withstand challenging weather patterns. These proactive measures enhance a tree’s ability to adapt and thrive in its environment.
6. Root Issues: Unseen Challenges Below Ground Tree roots can face various challenges, from compacted soil to encroachment by construction activities. Arborists employ root collar excavation and other techniques to inspect and address root-related issues. By carefully examining the root zone, arborists can identify and rectify problems that may otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring the tree’s stability and vitality. Root pruning is another common strategy to address issues such as girdling roots, which can constrict the tree’s vascular system. Arborists carefully remove or redirect problematic roots, promoting healthy growth and preventing long-term damage.

Conclusion:

In the hands of skilled arborists, common tree issues become manageable challenges rather than insurmountable threats. Through a combination of proactive care, precise diagnosis, and targeted interventions, arborists play a crucial role in preserving the health and beauty of our arboreal companions. Regular tree inspections, timely treatments, and informed management practices all contribute to a landscape where trees can thrive for generations to come. As stewards of the natural world, arborists stand as guardians, ensuring that our trees continue to enchant and enrich our surroundings.

A tree stump isn’t just an eyesore; it can pose serious safety and health risks. In addition, rotting stumps attract fungi, insects, and pests that can spread to other plants in your yard and even your home.

Stump grinding and stump removal are two of the most effective ways to get rid of an unsightly stump. These services are also much safer than attempting to remove a stump by yourself.

1. Increased Property Value

When you’re trying to sell your home, your property needs to make an impression. You want your house to attract potential buyers who can afford to pay top dollar for it.

Tree stumps are an eyesore that detract from the appearance of your yard and home. They can also reduce the value of your property when it comes time to sell.

Stump removal is the best way to improve your curb appeal and increase the value of your property. It also helps you maintain your yard properly and protect your family from injury.

Pests and Disease:

Leaving tree stumps in your yard can attract a wide range of unwanted pests. These critters can spread to neighboring plants and trees, or even your house.

Getting rid of the stumps is the best way to prevent these critters from spreading to your yard. You’ll also avoid the cost of removing and planting new trees to replace them.

2. Aesthetics

Having a tree stump smack dab in your front yard is not for the faint of heart. Not only is it a hazard to your health and safety, but it can also be a pain in the kevlar to maintain and an eyesore when it comes to landscaping a new or restored lawn. The good news is that there are many solutions to the stumpy challenge, including the best of the breed, professional tree services. To get the job done right, you’ll need the assistance of a reputable company like the pros at Arboretum. The best part is that you’ll be able to get back to doing what you do best, your home or business. Stump removal is a surefire way to make your home or business a safer place for you and your loved ones.

3. Safety

Having a tree stump in your yard can be an eyesore and a safety hazard. Not only do they obstruct your view, but they can also trip and injure you, especially when working around them with a lawnmower.

Stumps are also home to fungi, insects and other organisms that can affect the health of other plants in your landscape. This is why it is important to remove a tree stump and its roots as soon as possible.

Stump removal can be done by digging it out, pulling it out by a chain, shredding it with a stump grinder or burning it. This is the best way to get rid of it for good without hurting the environment or damaging the roots of any other trees that may still be present in your yard.

4. Health

A tree stump that is left behind can pose serious threats to your health. It may be a habitat for unwanted pests and disease-causing insects like termites, ants, beetles, and wood borers.

Stump removal can keep you and your family healthy by preventing these problems from occurring. It can also help to reduce the risk of a tree falling on your home and damaging it.

If you do have to remove a stump, you should make sure to dispose of it properly. The best way to do this is to use potassium nitrate, or just plain saltpeter.

Using saltpeter is not only effective, but it can be done safely and without harming the surrounding plants or soil. It is a natural, organic method for eliminating a dead tree stump.

5. Health

A dead tree stump can harbor pests and diseases. When these pests and diseases are left untreated, they can wreak havoc on your property’s plants and trees. They can also spread to your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Stump removal is essential for your family’s safety and security. If a child accidentally steps on one, they could hurt themselves or get seriously injured. Moreover, stumps can damage your mower and other landscaping equipment.

In addition, a tree stump that is not removed can sprout new growth. This is because of the extensive roots that remain behind, even after the tree has been cut down.

The roots can grow around the stump and damage your yard, patio, sidewalk or driveway. They can also crack your foundation or wrap around and break pipes, putting you at risk for expensive property damage.

Trees help clean our air, water, and soil by reducing pollution. They absorb carbon dioxide, and remove and store it while releasing oxygen back into the air.

Ultimately, trees contribute to urban stormwater management through direct control of runoff intensity and amplification of soil infiltration. However, achieving reliable modeling of stormwater benefits requires a better understanding of interactions between soils, trees, and the atmosphere that occur during rainfall events.

Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Planting and maintaining trees and vegetation reduces carbon dioxide emissions because they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, store it in soil and undergrowth, and sequester it in the forest for a long time.

Trees also lower surface and air temperatures, lowering energy demand for heating and cooling buildings. This is particularly important for cities.

A study published by University College London, the University of Oxford, and ETH Zurich found that if all the world’s forests were planted and maintained, two-thirds of the carbon emissions put into the atmosphere can be removed. To reach this goal, 11% of the earth would need to be covered in trees (the size of the United States and China combined).

Reduced Noise Pollution

Planting trees and shrubs is a great way to reduce noise pollution. Trees and shrubs block sound through several mechanisms, including absorption, deflection, refraction, and masking.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, planting evergreens can reduce noise by 3 -5 dB. It also adds aesthetic value to your home and neighborhood.

Choosing the right trees to reduce noise requires knowledge of what will thrive in your area. Use online tools to help identify the best choices for your specific landscape.

For year-round noise reduction, choose a variety of broadleaf evergreens like Spruce and Oakleaf Holly. These species are fast-growing and have dense growth patterns, making them ideal for reducing noise.

Reduced Water Evaporation

Trees and other vegetation reduce water evaporation by reducing the amount of direct solar radiation absorbed. This can help regulate the local water cycle, especially in arid regions.

The evaporation of water from bare soil is another important process in the soil water balance. The rate of evaporation depends on the amount of energy transferred to the soil from climatic factors, such as solar radiation, air temperature, and wind speed.

One way to reduce evaporation is to cover water surfaces with a chemical layer or other covering material. These can be applied by hand for small ponds and may require a form of a mechanized delivery system for large storages.

Reduced Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a serious issue worldwide. It affects lands, water, and food security. Degraded soils are more prone to flooding and mudslides, and they tend to be less fertile.

Trees are among the most effective natural protection against erosion, but human activities like farming and land clearing can have negative impacts as well. These include tilling, overgrazing, and deforestation, all of which remove ground-covering vegetation that would hold the soil in place.

In addition, many of the agricultural crops that replace trees, including coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean, and wheat, aren’t strong enough to hold onto the soil, resulting in even more erosion as they grow up. This cycle continues as farmers move to clear more forests, removing even more of the earth’s soil and causing further erosion.

Increased Property Value

In addition to the environmental benefits, regular tree maintenance and removal can increase the value of your property. This is due to a number of factors, including a community’s popularity, a decrease in crime, and the entrance of younger homebuyers into the market.

While some people may not like the idea of paying higher property taxes, the small uptick in your home’s equity can be a great asset to help you pay off bills, take on renovations or fund a vacation. It also can help you avoid mortgage insurance, which can be an expensive monthly expense for many homeowners. With a little planning, the extra equity in your home can be an asset for years to come. Call Townsend Residential today to discuss tree pruning and removal services.