Tree Care involves a variety of services that are vital to the health and beauty of your landscape. From pruning to removing trees that are dead or posing a risk, these specialized services can make all the difference in preserving your property and keeping you safe.

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There is a lot to think about before planting a new tree or replacing an existing one. Matching a tree to its site conditions benefits both the plant and its owner over time.

The first thing to decide is what purpose the plant will serve in your landscape – screening, framing, shade, enhancing property value, etc. This will help you select a tree with the proper form (shape) and maturity size. Trees grow in many shapes and sizes, from dwarf shrubs to tall shade trees.

Other considerations include: soil conditions, climatic extremes, existing plants, nearby buildings and other overhead or underground utilities, sidewalks and driveways. A good tree will thrive only when it is able to grow to its full potential in the environment where it has been planted.

Poor site conditions are the number one reason for tree deaths, accounting for more than insect damage or disease. An experienced arborist can assist you in evaluating your site and selecting a tree that will do well there.

For example, soils that are too sandy, clayey or compacted may not provide the nutrients a tree needs to be healthy. A professional can also advise you on ways to amend the soil in preparation for a planting project. Many nurseries will test soil for fertility, salinity and pH for a minor charge; this information can be used to help you find trees that are suited to the site conditions present in your yard. They can also recommend ornamental traits such as flower color, fall and winter colors, bark textures, berries and evergreen foliage/leaves. These attributes add beauty and interest to the landscape and will help narrow down your tree selection.

Pruning

The practice of pruning is the removal of dead, diseased or crowded branches from trees and shrubs. It can also include the shaping of plants and the creation of specialized forms such as espaliers, topiaries and hedges. Pruning maintains plant health, increases sunlight penetration and encourages branch growth. It can also reduce risks to people, property and power lines.

Proper pruning is an important element of tree care, particularly in urban areas where trees and buildings coexist. Without proper pruning, trees can become damaged or even fall on people, vehicles, homes and structures. Trees that receive regular pruning are much less likely to develop decay, rot and insect infestations.

Pruning is typically performed in winter when the risk of damage is lowest, but it can be done at any time. Larger projects should be left to arborists, but minor pruning and maintenance can be done by anyone with a few basic tools.

When pruning woody plants, it is essential to make clean cuts, reducing the chances of disease and rot entering the wounds. When pruning, it is important to avoid cutting into or past the branch bark ridge (BBR), which is an area of cells that inhibits spread of disease and decay to other parts of the tree. It is also best to avoid making flush cuts, which can weaken the structure of a plant and lead to future problems.

There are four main types of pruning: cleaning, thinning, raising and reduction. Cleaning involves removing dead, dying or diseased branches; crossing or rubbing branches; and adventitious shoots (inappropriate or ill-advised growth). Thinning reduces the overall density of the crown to increase light penetration and airflow and to promote interior foliage development. Raising removes lower branches to provide clearance for pedestrians, parked cars and roads. And reduction reduces a tree’s height or spread, often for utility line clearance.

Trimming

Taking the time to trim trees and shrubs on a regular basis helps keep them in good health. It also prevents overgrowth that can obstruct views, interfere with power lines or create safety hazards. Routine trimming will increase sun exposure and air circulation, promoting balanced and shapely growth that contributes to the overall landscape design. In addition, well-maintained lawns can add value to your property.

There are several different types of pruning and trimming techniques that we use in our tree care services, including thinning, crown reduction, restoration, and retrenchment pruning. These practices differ in their goals, techniques, and frequency, but all help nurture a tree’s health, structure, and beauty.

The most common type of pruning is thinning, which involves removing specific live branches to reduce a canopy’s density and promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. During thinning cuts, we are careful not to remove more than one-fourth of the total leaf-bearing capacity of a mature tree. This practice is especially important in urban settings where trees are often planted closely together.

When done correctly, thinning cuts can significantly reduce the risk of tree failure. Other types of pruning, such as crown reduction or retrenchment pruning, are more involved and require specific skills. These techniques are usually conducted on older trees that have a history of structural damage from storms, heavy pruning or insect infestation.

Tree trimming is a critical part of our tree care services and should be performed on a scheduled basis. This will protect your trees from pests, insects, and diseases by removing diseased, rubbing, or dead limbs. In addition, trimming will help maintain proper form and structure, boost fruit production, and enhance your property’s visual appeal.

Stump Grinding

Tree stumps can be unsightly, detracting from your property’s aesthetic and making it look unkempt. They also present a tripping hazard for your family, friends, and pets. Additionally, they are prone to decay and can attract pests and insects to your yard. Stump grinding is a critical part of comprehensive tree care that eliminates these safety hazards and protects your yard from insect infestation.

Stump grinding is performed using a piece of specialized equipment known as a stump grinder. This consists of a cutting wheel with sharp teeth that grinds the stump and roots into small chips that can be mulched or removed from the site. Stumps can be grinded to a depth of about 18 inches, which ensures that the remaining root system is well below the ground surface and limits the likelihood of regrowth.

The mulch left behind after a stump is ground makes a great addition to flower beds or compost piles. It also helps to prevent erosion and promotes healthy soil. The process takes a fraction of the time it would take to remove a stump manually, and can be much less expensive.

Unlike complete stump removal, stump grinding only targets the above-ground portion of the stump, rather than the entire root system that extends underground. This can be an important consideration if you plan to replant the area.

Stump grinding also prevents the stump from sprouting new growth, which would otherwise lead to unwanted saplings in your yard. This is particularly important if you have children or pets who spend a lot of time outside. It also helps to protect your home’s value by ensuring that your property looks clean and well-maintained.

Removal

When a tree becomes too invasive or damaged, removal is necessary to protect the safety of people and property. It can also be a good option for improving the landscape, especially in instances where the trees are located too close to buildings or sidewalks. The same applies to trees that are weakened by disease, pest infestations, or structural damage.

As part of the removal process, our certified arborists assess the tree’s position and condition. They can determine if it is a health hazard and will need to be removed, or if the tree’s roots are too deep or have invaded other areas of the yard. The tree is then carefully taken down and properly removed, leaving the surrounding area unharmed as much as possible.

The best time to remove a tree is in the winter when it’s dormant and less stressed, but it can be done at any point during the year. This is particularly true when a tree is in severe decline and has become a liability, or when a diseased or insect-infested tree can’t be saved and needs to be removed as quickly as possible to avoid any further harm.

As part of the removal process, our expert arborists plan and prepare the area for the operation. This includes securing the appropriate permits, setting up any necessary safety barriers and notifying neighbors when required. They will also evaluate the most effective approach for the job, taking into consideration factors like the tree’s location, size, and proximity to obstacles. They will then use personal protective equipment to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. After the removal is complete, they can even mulch or grind the stump to prevent tripping hazards and deter pests.