Tree Service Tips

Depending on the species and where it’s planted, you can expect the average suburban tree to live anywhere from 10 to 75 years. Many trees can live even longer!

Unfortunately, not all of our trees will live to see the natural end of their lifespan. Diseases, infestations, poor soil, inadequate watering, root stress, and other factors can result in a sick tree that doesn’t survive past its early years. Worse, these conditions can be hard to identify and treat, and it’s not always clear what you can do to help.

If you’ve noticed common signs of a sick tree, from bark issues to drooping leaves to discoloration, be sure to follow our recommendations below.

Diagnose the Problem

If you can, try to figure out what’s wrong with your tree. This can often give you a better idea of how to treat the issue.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes be trickier than it sounds. Wilting and yellowing leaves, for example, can be a sign of underwatering, diseases, or bad soil composition, and some types of insect infestations will cause similar problems. A bit of online research can sometimes clear the air with more obvious problems.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your sick tree, you might need to reach out to an expert. In the meantime, you can still take the following steps to preserve the tree as best you can.

Treat Diseased Areas

If you think a tree disease is causing your problems, try using a fungicide spray.

Fungal diseases can be hard or even impossible to get rid of through pruning. In fact, by the time a fungal disease has become noticeable, it’s a sign that the sickness has penetrated deep within the tree.

That’s where the right countermeasures come in. Anti-fungal sprays and injections will kill the invading fungus without destroying the tree’s leaves, bark, or branches. Be careful to follow the instructions on the products you use, as these sprays can be hazardous to pets, children, and wildlife.

Prune Diseased or Dead Branches

When a tree is sick, removing some of its foliage is like taking a load off its shoulders. This simple act can help your tree put more of its energy and resources toward keeping its remaining branches as healthy as possible. In some cases, it can also help remove an infection or disease that has taken hold of your tree.

If you’re doing this on your own, make sure to sharpen your pruning shears for a clean cut. Look for branches with missing bark, hollow wood, and dead, brown, damaged, or leafless limbs. A lack of buds at the nodes can also be a subtle sign that the area is dead.

When you’re dealing with diseased wood, the signs can vary. Lesions on the bark, discoloration on leaves and stems, and powdery or textured patches are all red flags.

Keep in mind that pruning diseased wood isn’t enough on its own. You’ll also need to remove it from your yard, as the spores, eggs, or bacteria from the pruned branches can move back into the tree or other plants in the area. Throw out or burn these branches and disinfect your pruning shears to keep the diseases at bay.

Experts don’t recommend removing more than around a third of a tree’s foliage at a time. Any more than this, and you’re likely dealing with a tree that needs to be removed.

Fine-Tune Your Watering Schedule

Sometimes, what looks like a sick tree is just a tree in dire need of water.

If your tree isn’t dealing with the arid Texas heat well, you’ll likely see it start to die from the top down. Wilting and yellow leaves are common. Unfortunately, under-watering can also make your tree more prone to disease.

On the other hand, over-watering or poor drainage can impact your tree’s health as well. If the area around your tree often becomes spongy and damp or collects standing water after it rains, you may need to create a drainage ditch to protect your tree.

As a general rule of thumb, experts suggest giving a tree ten gallons of water for every inch of its diameter. Focus on deeper watering by leaving a hose running at a slow drip around the tree’s roots. If you never remember to water the tree as often as it needs, set up an automatic sprinkler system instead.

Check Your Soil

Your tree gets most of its nutrients from the soil around it, so it’s crucial to strike the right balance.

If it’s been a while, add some fertilizer spikes in your yard. To be safe, a soil test can help you understand the soil composition, giving you a chance to tell what (if any) nutrients are missing. If you’re not sure how to do this or you don’t know what kind of nutrients your tree needs, talk to an arborist for help.

The much-needed nutrients in fertilizer spikes can often help strengthen your tree, allowing it to combat any pests or diseases that have taken root. In addition, these products can help keep moss at bay.

Protect the Tree With Mulch

Once you’ve walked through the strategies above, the last step is to protect your hard work. Mulch is a great way to prevent root stress, block weed growth, and shield your tree from future diseases.

Spread a five-inch-high layer of mulch around the base of the tree, leaving a few inches of free space around the trunk. Putting mulch too close to the tree allows moisture to collect, creating a breeding ground for mold and fungus.

Get Expert Help With a Sick Tree

Dealing with a sick tree can be frustrating and tricky, especially when you don’t have experience with plant care. If you’re struggling to save your tree, the tips above are a great place to start.

When you need help with a diseased or dying tree, get in touch with the team at Arbor Tech Tree Service. Protecting tree health is what we do, and we’d be happy to diagnose your issue, provide pruning services, and help you maintain the health of your trees and landscaping. To get started, call us at 214-445-8319 or contact us online.

Is your tree looking a little under the weather? Perhaps it’s more than just a bad hair day for your green friend.

Trees, like humans, can fall ill and sometimes need professional help for recovery. When home remedies don’t work, it’s time to call in the experts.

In this case, a tree removal service. This blog post will help you identify the five common signs that your tree needs professional attention. So, sit tight, keep reading, and let’s dive into the world of tree removal.

1. Decay: More Than Just a Bad Look

Decay is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a sign of a deeper problem. The most prominent symptoms of decay in a tree include its physical appearance and changes in its growth pattern. Here are the most apparent indicators:

Fungi Growth

Fungi are opportunistic. They thrive in trees that are already weakened or distressed. The presence of mushrooms or other fungi can suggest the tree’s internal structure is compromised. This can be a serious hazard, especially during storms or high winds. 

Fungal spores can spread to other trees, potentially causing a bigger issue. So, if you’re seeing more fungal growth, contact a tree removal service for an assessment.

Dead Branches

Dead or dying branches are a sign that your tree is struggling to nourish all its parts. Often, these branches will lack leaves, even during the growing season.

Cracked or Peeling Bark

A tree’s bark is its first line of defense against the outside world. Sometimes it sheds its bark as it grows. But at other times, this protective layer is cracking, peeling, or falling off, it’s a sign of an unhealthy tree.

Leaning Trunk

If your tree looks like it may fall, it probably will. A leaning tree is a dangerous tree. If you notice your tree tilting more than usual, it’s time to consider the tree removal process. This is a severe issue as it could result in the tree falling over, posing a significant risk.

Remember, early detection of these signs can help save your tree. But if the decay is too advanced, you will need professional help from tree removal services.

2. Storm Damage

Broken branches can expose your tree to diseases and pests, compromising its health. If you notice large branches scattered around your yard after a storm, it indicates that your tree has been battered severely. 

Split trunks, another telltale sign of storm damage, are a serious concern. A split trunk signifies that the tree’s structure has been critically damaged and may not be able to support the weight of the tree anymore. This poses a risk to your property and safety.

3. A Threat to Your Building

Trees can be a beautiful addition to your property. But if a tree is too close to a building, its roots can damage the foundation, or its branches can cause structural damage. In these cases, tree trimming or removal is necessary.

So, how close is too close? It depends on the tree’s species, age, and health. Generally, large trees should be at least 20 feet from your building, while smaller trees should be no closer than 10 feet. 

However, it’s not always the proximity that’s the problem, but the tree’s condition. Look for signs of root damage, disease, or decay early on. If a tree’s roots are visible on the surface or its branches touch the building, these could indicate potential issues. 

4. Deep Roots, Deeper Problems

When tree roots run too deep, they can interfere with gas, sewer, or even your home’s foundation. 

Deep roots can damage underground utilities, cause soil erosion, and even harm the structural integrity of nearby buildings. When roots grow too shallow, they can also lead to issues with the tree’s stability, causing it to tilt or even fall over.

Identifying vigorous root growth can be complicated, but some telltale signs exist. 

Bulging Soil at the Base of the Tree

This is usually the first and most obvious sign of a problematic root system. You may notice a visible rise in the ground, indicating that the roots have grown too extensive and are pushing the soil upwards.

Cracked Pavements or Sidewalks

As tree roots expand, they can exert pressure on anything in their path. If you notice cracks on your pavement or sidewalks around the tree, this may be due to the roots pushing against them.

Exposed Roots

Overgrown roots may start to become visible above the ground. This is a clear sign that your tree’s roots may be running too deep.

Unusual Leaf Drop

Is your tree losing leaves during a time of year when it shouldn’t? It could indicate root damage or disease.

Leaning Tree

A tree leaning or looking off-balance may have an overgrown root system affecting its stability. That can lead to the tree falling over, posing a safety risk.

If you spot any of these signs, seek professional help. A trained arborist can assess the situation and provide the necessary solutions, ranging from root pruning to tree removal.

5. Dead or Dying: The Saddest Sign

The most obvious sign that you need a tree service is if your tree is dead or dying. Look for symptoms like a lack of leaves, brittle branches, or discolored bark. If more than 50% of the tree is dead, it’s time to call in the experts.

A dead or dying tree can pose a safety hazard. It may fall over at any time, potentially damaging property or injuring someone. Moreover, it can attract pests and diseases, affecting other trees and plants in your yard.

Tree Removal in Dallas, TX

Your tree’s health is essential for its beauty and the safety of your property. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best not to risk it and call a professional tree removal service. 

Arbor Tech Tree Services in Southlake, TX, are experts in tree care and can help determine your tree’s best course of action. Get a quote or learn more about tree removal, stump removal, and tree trimming today. Remember, a healthy tree is a happy tree, and a safe home is a comfortable home!

Maintaining landscaping is crucial for creating a positive and professional business image. Trees, in particular, play a significant role in enhancing a commercial property’s aesthetics and curb appeal.

Regular tree trimming is the best way to keep trees healthy, safe, and looking their best.

When seeking commercial tree trimming services, choosing a reputable, experienced company that can handle the job efficiently and safely is essential. To ensure you make the right choice, here are seven questions you should ask before hiring a commercial tree trimmer.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

The first and most critical question to ask any commercial tree trimming company is whether they are licensed and insured. A reputable company will hold the necessary licenses and certifications to perform trimming safely and legally.

Additionally, they should carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you from any damage that might occur to your property during the trimming process. Workers’ compensation insurance ensures that you won’t be liable for any injuries sustained by the crew while working on your property.

You don’t want to end up with your business tangled in a lawsuit for years on end just for a simple tree trimming job. 

2. What Experience Do You Have in Commercial Tree Trimming?

Commercial tree trimming can be vastly different from residential tree trimming due to the scale and complexity of the job. Inquire about the company’s experience in handling commercial projects, including the types of properties they have worked on and the size of trees they have trimmed.

A company with a proven track record of successfully completing commercial projects is more likely to deliver quality results for your property. This is important since many tree trimming companies have more experience doing residential jobs than commercial ones. 

3. Can You Provide References or Portfolios of Past Projects?

Ask the commercial tree trimming company to provide references from past clients or show you a portfolio of their previous projects. This will give you insight into the quality of their work and the level of customer satisfaction they have achieved.

Speaking with previous clients can help you gauge their experience with the company. Also, you will find out whether they would recommend their services to new customers or not.

You should also do some research on the side on your own. All the clients they will send you will give raving reviews, of course. But when you go through online Yelp or Google reviews, these should give you a better clue into their reputation and credence. 

4. What Trimming Techniques Do You Use?

Different tree trimming techniques are employed for various purposes, such as shaping, thinning, or crown reduction. A reputable company should be well-versed in a variety of trimming techniques.

They should also be able to recommend the most suitable approach for your specific trees and landscaping goals. Each commercial property has its own unique needs. Tree removal services should be aware of these due to their varied commercial experience. 

They should follow industry best practices and adhere to ANSI A300 tree care standards to ensure the health and vitality of their trees.

5. Do You Have Certified Arborists on Staff?

Certified arborists are tree care professionals who have undergone specialized training. They have also obtained certification from recognized organizations. Having certified arborists on staff is a strong indication of a company’s commitment to quality and expertise in tree care.

Arborists can provide valuable insights into:

• Tree health
• Disease prevention
• Long-term tree care strategies

Unless you hire a tree service monthly, a lot of the ongoing care will happen on your end.

Knowing what to do is crucial in this regard. This will ensure your trimming service costs don’t go to waste. 

6. Will You Provide a Detailed Estimate and Timeline?

Before hiring a commercial tree trimming service, request a detailed estimate. It should outline the following:

• Scope of work
• Cost breakdown
• Timeline for completion

A reputable company will be transparent about pricing and provide a clear timeline for the project.

You shouldn’t have to wait long for your commercial property to look pristine again. You want it done asap so that clients can come in and not be surprised by the noise and debris everywhere. 

Additionally, they should be willing to answer any questions you may have about the estimate to ensure you fully understand the services they will be providing.

7. Do You Offer Emergency Tree Services?

Trees can pose safety hazards during severe weather events or unexpected emergencies. Inquire whether the company offers emergency tree services to handle urgent situations. These could be fallen or damaged trees or something else related.

With the increased occurrence of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena, it’s important to have a tree trimming company on call at all times. 

Knowing that you can rely on the same company for both routine tree removal and maintenance and emergencies can provide peace of mind. This will also streamline your tree care needs.

If you are a previous customer, they might prioritize you over other emergency customers. That’s always a great bonus to have.

Tree Trimming Services – Pick the Best One for Your Needs

Maintaining trees on commercial properties is vital for enhancing the overall appearance and safety of the landscape. Yet, it’s not easy to find the right commercial tree trimmer for your business.

It does take a bit of research and effort on your part. But once you find the right match, you are golden (or green!). 

We offer commercial tree trimming services in Southlake and Frisco, TX. Contact us today to get a quote or to ask any burning questions you might have.

A study showed that trees add as much as $31.5 billion in value to homes each year. This is because buyers prefer homes with trees as they add to the landscape and curb appeal.

If your property has trees, it is important that you take good care of them. Most trees are hearty, but they can be susceptible to a variety of problems.

That is why tree care services are such a good option for homeowners. Professionals will take over your tree care for you so that you don’t have to worry about it.

Keep reading to find out why tree care services are so important.

Proper Planting

If you want to increase the value of your home, you may want to plant trees. This is a great way to invest in your property so that it is of higher value in the future.

The downside to this is that most people don’t know how to correctly plant trees. You may not know what trees to choose or where they should be located.

If planted incorrectly, they may not flourish later on or start growing at all. This is where tree care services can come in handy for homeowners.

Professionals will know what kind of trees are going to be best for your property. They will also know where the trees should be located to grow in the healthiest way.

They also have the tools available to plant the trees the right way.

Yearly Tree Trimming

If you already have trees growing on your property, they need regular care. Trees are relatively low maintenance, but you still need to look after them annually.

Tree trimming is usually required once or twice a year for most trees. Tree pruning helps keep the tree healthy and reduces overgrowth.

The problem with trimming is that it is a delicate process. It needs to be done at the right time of the year so that the tree is not left vulnerable.

Only a certain amount of branches need to be trimmed back to keep the tree healthy. Tree trimming services can help you tackle this without causing any damage.

Companies like Arbor-Tech Tree Service offers trimming and deadwood removal from your trees. They will make sure your trees are not overgrown or causing any property damage.

This is very important as tree branches can be a hazard to your home and utility lines.

Tree Removal

In some instances, you may also need tree removal services. This may be necessary if a tree is dead and you don’t want the risk of it falling.

This also may be necessary if the tree is in a bad place or growing over your home. No matter the reason, tree removal is something that you absolutely cannot do yourself.

You need to hire professionals who have the equipment to safely complete this task. They will be able to remove the tree without causing damage and dispose of it.

You could even have them plant a new tree while they are added to the same place.

Stump Grinding Services

If you have had a tree removed from your property, the stump may still be there. This is ugly and creates an obstacle in your landscape that is very inconvenient.

It is important that the stump’s removed to maintain the quality of your home. If this stump’s left behind, you need stump grinding services so that it’s removed.

The stump will be ground down so that it is not visible, and the wood chips will be removed.

Tree Care

Another important aspect of owning a tree is maintaining the tree health. Like any kind of plant, trees are susceptible to things as well.

A tree may develop a disease or have pests that are putting it at risk. Or the tree may have been improperly placed, not allowing it to get enough sun or water.

If you are not a tree expert, these are things that you probably won’t even notice. You may not notice tree damage until it becomes too severe to fix.

A tree service company will be able to notice these issues quite quickly. Professionals will be able to ensure the health of your tree is in tip-top condition.

They will be able to identify any needs it may have so that it can be treated. If it is diseased or infested, they will also be able to address these problems.

How to Choose the Best Tree Care Company

If you need tree care services, you need to find the best company. You should start by looking online and looking at the reviews of each company.

From there, you want to make sure the company has all the services you require. It is a good option to go with a company that offers all tree services in case you need them in the future.

Arbor-Tech Tree Service offers everything you may need for your tree as a homeowner. This ensures that the quality of your tree and the value of your home will not be negatively impacted.

Tree Care Services: Everything You Need to Know

Do you need tree care services for the tree on your property? This is very important since trees can add significant value to a home.

You need to make sure the tree is being maintained and protected from damage so that it stays healthy.

Do you want to hire a tree service company? Contact us today at Arbor-Tech Tree Service to schedule an appointment.

Trees are often the element that can turn an ordinary property into an extraordinary property. The older and more mature a tree can grow, the more lovely and grand it is. However, like all parts of the home, it can be tricky to learn how to care for and maintain the trees surrounding your home correctly.

Whether you are planting new trees or caring for more mature trees, this is the article for you. We will be covering the best tips for tree maintenance so that you can help your trees thrive!

Protecting the Roots

Protecting the roots and the trunk of your tree is essential to its continuing to grow and thrive. Damage to major roots or the trunk itself will cause the most problems for your tree and can even cause it to die if the damage is serious enough.

One of the ways to protect the roots and trunks of your tree is to ensure that no vehicles or riding lawnmowers come into contact with it. Using a weed wacker or a push lawnmower is a safe option for your tree’s surrounding areas.

Additionally, using a riding lawnmower or a vehicle around your trees is actually known to compress the soil in your yard. This is particularly bad in the area surrounding the tree as it could limit the amount of oxygen that your tree roots are getting, causing negative health impacts.

Trimming Your Trees

It may seem counterintuitive to trim and prune your trees, but it is essential not only to the health of your trees but to your personal safety as well. Trees left untamed can carry dead branches or even tree diseases. Regularly trimming branches allows the tree to maintain its health.

It also maintains the structural integrity of the tree, making it less likely for large branches to break off during inclement weather, which can help protect your home, property, and vehicles. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of trimming your trees, be sure to give us a call today.

Proper Mulching

Adding a bit of mulch to your trees will help them grow to their fullest potential! Often, we only think about adding mulch to brand-new trees or trees that are being transplanted. However, a bit of extra mulch for your mature trees will go a long way as well. Mulch allows trees to maximize their nutrients and protects the connection between roots and trunk.

Using Fertilizer

Newer trees need to be fed fertilizer regularly to grow big and strong. However, if you notice that the mature trees in your yard aren’t growing at the rate they should be, then giving them a bit of fertilizer can also be helpful. Mature trees do not need fertilizer regularly, but they can provide a boost if they stagnate in growth.

Watering Your Trees

Typically, trees will get the water they need from the seasonal rain. However, if you are going through a particularly dry season, giving your trees an extra bit of water will help them maintain their health. As trees continue to grow and their roots extend deeper and deeper, they will gain water from further out in the soil, and they will need to be watered less.

However, consider watering your trees (especially young trees) 2-3 times a month for optimum health.

Watching Out for Tree Diseases

We don’t often think of it, but trees can get diseases too. The first step you need to take is to identify the tree species in your yard properly. From there, you will want to educate yourself on the common types of tree diseases that specific species are susceptible to.

This will allow you to quickly identify when your tree has a disease so that you can get to the root of the issue and heal the tree. Many tree diseases will make themselves known via the leaves. Discoloration, perforations, rustlike appearance, and more can indicate that your tree has a disease.

There are a lot of factors that can cause a tree’s stress and subsequent disease. These factors include overcrowding, a drought, or even root damage. Luckily, many tree diseases can be cured by minimizing these factors and trimming the proper parts of the tree. This will help preserve them so that they do not die.

Tree Removal for Dead Trees

In the unfortunate instance where either a part of your tree has died, or the entire tree has, it is important to have these parts of the trees removed from your yard. If a tree has died from a disease, it can spread that disease to other trees in your yard. Additionally, if the tree and roots are not removed, it is taking up space that other plants have to receive nutrients which could cause downstream effects. Calling a tree removal service is the best way to ensure the tree removal is done correctly. 

The Top Tips for Tree Maintenance

There you have it, the seven most important tips for tree maintenance. If you are a new homeowner, utilizing these strategies will help your trees grow and flourish. You will be able to enjoy these trees for years to come. If you ever decide to move, a properly maintained tree will be a gift to the subsequent buyers that live in your home.

Enjoying the shade, changing autumn leaves, and the beautiful foliage of the trees surrounding your home is a priceless gift. If you are interested in tree trimming services or other tree maintenance tips, then be sure to check out our website. We are here to help you.