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December 29, 2022

The Top Mistakes Homeowners Make While DIY Tree Trimming

tree trimming

Proper tree trimming is essential not only for aesthetics but also for your home’s safety.

When your trees are healthy, the risk of stray branches falling and hurting someone decreases dramatically. When you choose to not use a tree service, though, mistakes can be made. Luckily, we’re here to teach you more.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about tree trimming and the potential mistakes you could be making.

Trimming Random Branches

It’s easy to assume that random branch selection is a good idea when you’re trimming trees, but you’d be incorrect. In fact, if you’re unsure of what to look for when you’re trimming trees, you might find it’s best left to a professional.

They’ll be able to carefully select which branches they choose to remove, how much they should remove, and how they should be removed. They’ll have a solid understanding of your project’s end goal, and they’ll be able to ensure it’s met.

If you don’t have an end goal in mind when you begin trimming, you’re going to have a hard time achieving the results that you want. In fact, you might end up causing more harm to your tree than you ever originally intended to.

Using Dull Tools

When it comes to dull and unsanitized tools, it’s important to keep them away from your trees at all costs. You may not realize it, but these two factors can actually lead to infectious bacteria and fungi spreading through the tree.

This is especially true if a different tree you cut with the same tools was already sick or diseased in some way. Infectious diseases can spread quite easily, and it’s important to prevent them from the beginning.

That means making even cuts with freshly-sharpened tools to help branches heal faster. It also means keeping tools clean between cuts. That doesn’t just apply to your tools, though.

Poor Cleanup

It’s also important to clean up the leftover branches and debris after you’re done trimming.

If you don’t, you risk a lot of unnecessary accidents or even fatalities as a result. You’re also leaving potential infection or disease on your property, meaning its access to your grass, shrubs, or other plants is a lot less limited. As a result, you’ve now placed those plants and the people in your home at risk for things that were easily preventable.

If you choose to hire a professional, they’ll take care of everything for you. You won’t have to worry about potential hazards, and you’ll know everything on your property is even safer than it was before the project even began. 

Trimming the Wrong Amount

When you cut too much or too little, there are a few things that can happen.

If you cut too little, then you’re not going to see any difference. On the other side, cutting too much can put your tree under a lot of stress. They’ll be losing their leaves, which is where the majority of their nutrition and sustenance comes from.

An experienced arborist knows exactly where to cut, and is also going to cut the right amount. That means your trees won’t be placed at risk during harsh weather, and they’ll be able to fend off disease or other risks a lot more easily. Your arborist will set a clear end goal at the beginning of the project, and they’ll have that goal in mind throughout the entirety of their work.

You’ll be left with healthier trees, and a lot more peace of mind.

Incorrect Timing

There’s a time and a place for everything, and tree trimming is no exception. Trimming your trees at the wrong time of year is going to cause potential nutrient and growth issues.

In some cases, trimming when the growing season is at its peak may be ideal. On the other end, trimming when the tree is dormant may be necessary. It all depends on the tree’s individual needs, and it’s important to take them into account when you’re getting started.

Improper timing can lead to stunted growth, and an inability to fend off infection or produce the proper amount of nutrients. This is where working with a trained professional can help, as you’ll no longer need to worry about timing.

They’ll be able to tell you the best time to trim your trees, and they’ll be able to help out every step of the way.

Improper Safety Measures

This is perhaps the biggest reason you should have for wanting to work with a professional. As an expert, arborists know the proper steps to take when it comes to keeping themselves safe on the job. They’ve been trained, and they have a wide array of industry knowledge to help back their efforts.

As a DIYer, you might not have as much education. Tree pruning is more difficult and dangerous than it may seem, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with safety measures and regulations.

Without the proper tools, knowledge, and expertise, you might find yourself in a situation that you never would’ve pictured yourself in by the end of the project.

Do You Need Help With Tree Trimming?

While DIY tree trimming is something a lot of homeowners choose to take on, it’s not for everyone. Hiring a professional can mitigate risks, and it can also save you time and money. They’ll ensure the job gets done correctly the first time around, and you won’t have to worry at all along the way.

Luckily, we can help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

Filed Under: Tree Trimming

December 19, 2022

7 Commercial Tree Trimming Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

commercial tree trimming mistakes

Is the tree next to your commercial property starting to look a bit wild? If so, it’s time to grab your trimmers and give the tree some TLC!

Word of warning, though: do your research before you start chopping. Tree trimming may seem simple, but doing it poorly can cause lasting damage. That’s particularly true if you have no trimming experience.

Want to make sure you’ll trim your commercial tree properly? Start by avoiding these seven commercial tree trimming mistakes at all costs!

1. Tree Topping

These days, tree topping is a bit of an outdated trimming practice. There’s a good reason for that: it’s one of the worst things you can do to a tree.

Topping involves cutting a tree’s trunk somewhere below its apex. That’s the simplest way to reduce the height of a tree that’s grown out of its space. It also causes undue stress to the tree and makes it more likely to topple.

See, the trunk is the most important part of any tree. If you top it, you’ll never be able to restore it to its natural shape. Instead, you’ll get several spindly branches known as water sprouts growing at the top.

Beyond being susceptible to breaking, these branches will also need trimming later on. In the meantime, they’ll allow strong sunlight to enter the tree, which may lead to sunscald and peeling bark.

2. Excessive Trimming

One trimming mistake many people make is that they trim too much. You can always take off more, but you can’t put those branches back.

Why is this important? For starters, every cut impacts the tree’s ability to heal, grow, and absorb sunlight. Removing branches can also lead to limb death and invite wood-decaying fungus.

In general, you should only cut dying branches, tree suckers, and branches growing down or inward. Not sure how to identify these branches? Consider hiring a professional tree service to handle the trimming.

Also, don’t try to cut off more than 20% of the tree’s crown during a trim. That’s why tree trimming is best done as a long-term practice. Letting your tree grow out of control and trying to fix it all at once is unlikely to work.

3. Lion Tailing

Do you know how some trees have thin canopies and many visible interior branches? Well, these trees have likely been victims of lion tailing.

Lion tailing consists of making the tree look like a tuft at the end of a lion’s tail. It’s done by removing the low branches and leaving the ones at the top. Unfortunately, gutting the tree of its interior makes it far more fragile.

The more foliage you remove from a tree, the more its crown is open to damage from the sun and wind. Without its flexible and protective form, a lion-tailed tree is more likely to get damaged in winter.

4. Trimming Large Branches

A proper tree-trimming process requires a lot of research. You should know which branches to cut, how much to trim, and what angle to cut at.

One thing many people struggle with is trimming large branches. For best results, avoid trimming branches larger than 4 inches in diameter. Doing so can cause an imbalance in the tree and expose it to insects and pests.

That’s another reason why annual trimming makes sense. Doing things that way means your company will only have to trim smaller branches. On top of keeping the tree healthy, this will produce a more attractive shape.

5. Using the Wrong Tools

Using the right tree-trimming equipment is essential for any trimming task. The most common trimming tools are shears, saws, loppers, and chainsaws.

Pick your tools based on the size of the tree’s branches. For instance, shears are great for simple cuts on bushes and thin twigs. Loppers can cut branches that are up to two inches thick, such as the ones on cherry trees.

If you’re struggling to reach some deadwood, use a pole pruner. These tools can extend up to 15 feet and often feature a pruning saw and a bypass blade. Use the blade to trim smaller limbs and the saw for larger ones.

Whatever tools you use, make sure they’re sharp. Using old or dull blades may create rough cuts that will shred the bark. In the long run, these wounds may lead to sunscald or other significant issues.

6. Imprecise Cuts

Having a proper tree trimming technique is essential for trimming. Sharp and precise cuts minimize the damage and allow the tree to heal quickly.

Flush cuts, for example, are always a bad idea. That’s when you cut too close to the trunk, removing the branch collar. Although this cut may look clean, it will create a wound that the tree won’t be able to seal over.

Of course, cutting too far from the trunk introduces other issues. Leaving too much of a dead branch may cause it to decay into the trunk. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be able to hang something off the cut branch.

7. Poor Timing

The best season for tree trimming tends to depend on the tree itself. That said, there are some periods where trimming isn’t advisable.

For instance, trimming in the summer exposes the bark to the sun. If your tree is already weak, harsh sunlight may cause other wounds. Those wounds will then attract disease-spreading beetles and other bugs.

Similarly, trimming during the fall may encourage growth that will die in the winter. To avoid wasting your tree’s energy, it’s best to trim it when it’s dormant. For most trees, this period will be November through March.

Avoid These Commercial Tree Trimming Mistakes

The bottom line: tree trimming is a demanding task. Still, the benefits of tree trimming are too numerous to ignore it. If you’re set on doing it yourself, this article can serve as the perfect starting point for your research!

Want to make sure you’ll avoid the common commercial tree trimming mistakes? Our expert arborists can take care of this task for you! Contact us right here to learn more about our services.

Filed Under: Tree Trimming

November 11, 2022

7 Tree Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners 

Tree Maintenance

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. 

Filed Under: Tree Service Tips

November 3, 2022

Top Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Tree Removal Service

Go look in your backyard. What do you see?

Are you looking at a beautiful oasis of healthy trees, thriving shrubs and bushes, and blossoming flowers? Or are you looking at dead tree limbs, broken branches, and leaves scattered everywhere?

If it is the first scenario, good for you! If you answered ‘yes’ to the second scenario, then it may be time for you to hire a tree removal service.

But before you do, you want to make sure that you ask the right questions before hiring just anyone to do the job! Here are the questions that you want to ask before hiring.

Are Your Arborists Certified?

While an uncertified arborist may be able to do the job, this may not be the best route to go. They may not have the right tools, the right training, or even all of the knowledge they should know in order to do the best job possible.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) ensures that an arborist is specially trained to provide the proper care to your trees. Not only is an ISA Certified Arborist an expert in the field, but they also have ongoing training to keep them up-to-date on the knowledge that they need to know.

At Arbor-Tech Tree Service, we guarantee that we have the best ISA-certified arborists in the area. They have met all the requirements to be eligible for the exam as well as their practical work experience in arboriculture. 

Do You Have Proof of Insurance?

Asking for insurance can easily slip your mind, but it is very important if you do not want to be on the hook for any damage to your property or to the workers who are working on your property if something were to happen.

For instance, if an arborist accidentally cut their hand or arm during the tree trimming service, having insurance would mean that you do not have to worry about any expenses or liability. If they do not have insurance, you would be liable for the expenses.

Before hiring any tree trimming service company, be sure to ask for proof of insurance. This will save you headaches down the road.

How Long Do You Honor a Quote?

When looking for an arborist that can come take care of your yard, you do not want to just look at one and then call it good. You should take the time to ask around to get quotes from multiple services. You want to ensure you are hiring someone that can do the job well but also not break the bank.

When you do this, though, you want to make sure you know how long the company will honor the quote they give you. Be sure to ask that before assuming it will be that price for a few weeks while you decide who to go with.

What Experience Does Your Company Have?

While experience isn’t the end-all-be-all, it is an important thing to ask when looking for an arborist. You want to make sure that the company you hire can do what you are asking, and you really want to make sure that they can do a good job doing it.

You should ask the company how long they have been in business, how long they have been in your specific area, if they are a chain or a small business, and the history of the company.

These questions will ensure you work with a company that has enough experience for your yard.

Do You Have Client Testimonials?

In addition to asking the company what type of experience they have and how long they have been in the field, you can ask for testimonials to solidify the experience they are telling you about. These testimonials will tell you a lot about the service of the company, and whether you should use them or not.

They should be able to provide you with client testimonials from past clients they have worked for. If they do not provide these, that is a red flag.

What Equipment Will You Be Using?

Tree service companies can use some pretty heavy equipment. 

This question is important for two reasons. It can help you determine how to prepare your yard for their arrival, and it will allow you to know if they are professionals in terms of the tree services they offer.

An important thing to note: If you know where your electrical underground lines are, you should make the company aware. If not, this should be a discussion you have with the tree removal company before they come with their heavy equipment.

You may also want to put plywood over your lawn to protect the grass for when they come for tree removal services. Tree trimming, on the other hand, should not require as much equipment.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Tree Removal Services

Tree removal is no joke. While you may think you can go out there and do it yourself, there are things you have to know to keep yourself and the tree safe. That’s why hiring a professional tree trimming service is the right way to go.

At Arbor-Tech Tree Service, we have years of experience and ISA-certified professionals who know what they are doing. Whether you need tree removal, tree trimming, or something that has to do with tree health, we have you covered.

Contact us today so that we can make your yard healthy and beautiful again!

Filed Under: Tree Service Tips

September 8, 2022

The Benefits of Tree Removal

tree removal

While some trees have been living for over $3,000 years, not every tree needs to stick around that long. And that’s especially true if you have an unhealthy tree or one that poses a threat to your property. Sometimes it’s better to remove a tree if it’s going to do more harm than good.

Curious to learn more? Read on to learn about the benefits of tree removal!

Avoid Potential Property Damage

Do you have tree limbs that hang over your roof? When that tree falls, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in damages.

A tall tree that hovers too close to your home could be an easy target during a thunderstorm. Or it could be unhealthy and structurally unsound. 

When a tree is unhealthy or unstable, it poses a risk to anyone or anything around it. Even worse, if a summer storm just passed through and brought high winds, your trees might be unstable. If you see missing bark or limbs, it’s wise to take a closer look after the storm is gone.

You may notice that a tree’s roots are pulled from the ground, or you may see gashes. Look for signs of damage to the trunk or a shift in the tree’s position. A leaning tree typically is a sign that tree removal needs to be on the horizon. 

Prevent Injuries or Accidents

The last thing you want to see happen is for a tree to cause an accident. But if you have a tree limb obstructing your view of a busy road, you’re asking for trouble when you back out of the driveway. This is a situation where it makes the most sense to remove a tree.

Tree limbs that hang over driveways or other highly-trafficked areas could fall and cause injuries, as well. Similarly, tree roots that push through your pavement to make it uneven can become tripping hazards. And you might be liable if someone injures themself on your property. 

Tree limbs that interfere with powerlines are another cause for concern. During storms, if those limbs fall, they might take the powerlines with them. This translates into power outages and potential fires. 

Downed powerlines also threaten anyone who happens to walk or drive by them. You’re better off taking preventative action to trim branches before your stormy season. 

Keep Nearby Vegetation Healthy

If you have a dying tree that’s suffering from an infection, that infection could spread to other nearby trees. Diseased trees can compromise the health of any other tree or vegetation around it. 

For instance, fungus on the limb or one tree could be causing it to develop a canker. Since the fungus and canker can cause trees to become brittle and structurally precarious, you need to be alert. Look for brown spots on leaves, rusty colors, or white mold as visual signs.

You may be able to remove an infected limb to prevent fungus or other diseases from spreading. But you should talk with a certified arborist first to make the right decision. You want to ensure that you’re keeping your other trees safe. 

Improve the Appearance of Your Home

If you have a dead tree on your property, you’ll notice visual signs such as peeling bark and missing leaves. Worse yet, you may notice pests like termites or fungus. None of these visual indicators will do anything to make your home and property look good.

Having trees that are too close to your property is another common problem. Especially if a tree sprouts limbs that hit your roof or siding, you’re looking at the potential for damage. In this scenario, it makes sense to remove a tree. 

On top of that, large tree roots can cause cracks in your driveway or foundation. And if tree roots disrupt your sidewalk, you’ll put any walker or jogger at risk. 

You’re better off removing a problematic or dead tree if it’s diminishing your home’s curb appeal. A tree removal service can remove the tree and even handle stump grinding. They’ll know how to remove it safely and without damaging nearby structures. 

Save Time and Money

While you might have time to occasionally trim a low-hanging limb, true tree maintenance requires more expertise. After all, when was the last time you climbed an old oak tree while carrying a chainsaw? If you can’t pull up a memory, then you should hire a pro.

And most people don’t have the time or money to invest in the gear necessary to tackle tree servicing properly. A trained arborist will have the harness, boots, ropes, and spikes needed to handle the job. They’ll also know how to climb a tree and use a chainsaw. 

It’s easy to think you can save money by doing tree maintenance or removal yourself. But you’ll only ratchet up the risk of injuries if you fall. Avoid hospital fees by leaving tree services to the professionals. 

And avoid damaging your surroundings. If a tree limb falls onto a bed of flowers or shrubs, it could damage them. Professional arborists know how to choreograph their cuts and notches to ensure the tree falls in the right direction.

Pursue Tree Removal

Tree removal makes sense when you’re trying to remove an unhealthy tree or a dangerous one. You can prevent accidents while protecting neighboring trees and shrubs from disease. You can improve your home’s curb appeal by getting rid of an unsightly tree, and you’ll save money and time in the process.

When you’re ready to make tree maintenance a priority, contact us so we can help!

Filed Under: Tree Trimming

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