Month: July 2018

Ten Reasons to Remove a Tree

Trees lend a beauty to our yards that smaller plants do not. They create shade for a more pleasant time outside and attract wildlife which adds to our overall enjoyment. Trees become part of our family, creating memories as they are always there in pictures and images in our minds (tire swings and treehouses, parties in the backyard). Many can live a very long time, depending on the type. However, there may come a time when a tree must be removed in order to sustain your property.

Here are ten reasons to part with our leafy friends:

1. The tree is dead or dying. A dead tree is an eyesore can lower the resale value of your home as well as detracting from the overall appeal of your lot. When a tree ages, old bark will fall off on its own and eventually be replaced by a new layer of bark if the tree is healthy. If new bark does not reappear and areas of smooth wood remain, this can be an indicator your tree’s health is on the decline. One of the best ways to determine if a tree is dead is the tree scratch test. Just beneath the dry, outer layer of bark in a tree’s trunk lies the cambium layer of bark. In a living tree, this is green; in a dead tree, it is brown and dry. There are more indicators in our April Blog. Of course, it is best to have an expert look at your tree before making a decision. Red’s Tree Service is happy to examine your trees to determine if any need to be pruned or removed. When trees are taken out and the stumps ground down, you can replace them with different kinds of plants or just enjoy more open area giving your yard a whole new look.

2. Tree is unhealthy. You may notice that top of tree branches are dying back or the trunk is showing signs of decay. Look for cracks in the main trunks or leaders. Disease or insect infestation will ultimately kill the tree and can spread to other trees in your lot. There may also be structural problems, such as interior decay that is not noticeable from the exterior. Checking the base and main branches of your trees regularly can sometimes give a clue to problems inside (for example, sawdust-like piles at the base of the trunk may be evidence of insects).   

3. Tree is leaning in a dangerous direction, like toward your house, driveway, deck or children’s play area. Trees usually do not grow straight, and a little lean is normal. But if your tree is starting to look like The Leaning Tower of Pisa because of poor weight distribution or anchor root damage, it is likely unstable and needs removal or stabilization. Here are a couple of indicators:

– Exposed roots around the base of the tree

– Cracked or heaving soil, especially on the side opposite the lean

4. Tree becomes severely damaged by a storm or flooding especially if the roots are pulled out of the ground. Our specialists can examine the tree to determine if it can be saved or must be removed.

A man with a chainsaw is sawing a tree on a plot

5. Trees or the roots are growing too close to structures such as your house, utility lines or other structures. Roots can cause issues to plumbing, underground wiring, and foundations. Roots that surface above the ground can create uneven lawns that are difficult to walk on potentially causing tripping or falling. Do not forget about stump removal which helps to lessen continued growth of roots and created an even surface for replanting if desired.

6. Obstructed view. Sometimes pruning is not enough to clear out the area that is blocking your windows (or your neighbor’s view) so the whole thing needs to come down. Some cities have ordinances concerning obstruction of street signs and neighboring lots.

7. The tree has become too large for its location and poses a threat to other plants around it, including inhibiting your lawn growth or other trees or a danger if it should fall or drop branches. The tree might also be in the way of construction or will be mortally damaged by heavy equipment.

8.The tree drops troublesome leaves, sap, seeds, and/or branches. Debris on lawns can severely damage mowers.  These particles can also lead to brown spots that occur in the same area of the lawn, year after year especially during heat stress and drought. Residue from leaves and falling sap can discolor driveways or leaves and branches can get caught in wheel wells of cars. Of course, it is also unsightly requiring constant, tiresome cleanup.

9. There is significant crowding among trees on your property. If you see branches of separate trees overlapping above, it probably means that the roots are tangling below ground, effectively strangling each other in a struggle to survive. All trees need ground space for their roots to absorb nutrients and water from the soil and the roots are driven to spread in search of these things.

10. A change in your landscaping design. Trees require a lot of space and water, and if you desire a smaller garden, adding things like water features or xeriscaping will lead to different kinds of vegetation (or less). Creating a dining space outside is another popular trend that requires clearing out an area that currently has trees or shrubs especially if you want to put in a flooring surface, built-in barbeque or fire pit.

man cutting down a tree

The dangerous work of tree removal is best left to experts! It is important to hire reputable, experienced service to remove your trees. Red’s Tree Service offers free estimates for tree trimming and cares in addition to removal of trees, and stump grinding.  If you have any trees that you are considering having removed, call us at (901)-231-7733 to get the process started!!

This post first appeared on https://redstreeservice.com

Tree Relocation in Portland, OR: A Guide

Much like a job, a family, or even your favorite sports team, trees can be uprooted and safely relocated. Typical reasons for tree relocation are when they grow too close to buildings or within areas that don’t provide enough sunlight.

However, if you wish to relocate a tree in Portland, there are a few things to know, like what you can do, what you can’t do, the costs, and even if you’re allowed to do it in the first place.

Common Tree Relocation Questions: What You Can and Cannot Do in Portland

Portland’s tree code includes measures that preserve trees and ensure new ones are planted when others are moved. It can get a bit tricky when acquiring permits and for determining when they’re necessary. We’ve highlighted some of the most important points below:

  • Street trees need a permit. A street tree is when 50% of the tree’s trunk is in the public’s right of way. If this is the case, you’ll absolutely need a permit to relocate it.
  • Yard trees may require a permit. Certain zoning exceptions exist, and permits may not always be required. Permits are typically granted for trees which are dead or dying. You’ll need a permit if the tree’s diameter is over 12 inches.  How to measure tree diameter: A tree’s diameter measurement begins 4.5 feet off the ground. Wrap a measuring tape around the trunk and divide the number by 3.14.
  • Replanting afterwards. Once a tree is removed, it’s often required to plant a new one in its stead. If replanting is not feasible, then a mitigation fee might be applied (this keeps the city’s tree canopies in balance). We can let you know if a mitigation plan is required and can assist with helping you set one up.
  • Public safety reigns supreme. If a tree poses a public safety concern, then a permit for removal will be granted.
  • Heed the permits. Portland does not joke with its fines. Removing a tree without a permit could result in a fine up to $1,000–or $100 per inch in tree diameter.

If permits do not require a city-led inspection, they can be typically issued within 5 business days. If your situation requires an inspection, you might wait 3-4 weeks after submitting the application. This waiting period could depend on the urgency of your case as well as the inspection team’s current workload.

Tree Removal Costs

Trees next to a suburban sidewalk If you’re all set for relocating your tree, you’ll probably need to know how much it costs. This will depend on a few factors:

  • Tree size: Cost varies based on tree height as well as crown spread. You can perform the height measurement yourself, or use this app. For a ballpark number—if the tree taller than one story, it will likely cost over $1,000 for removal. Tree crown measurement is a bit more difficult to figure—we are happy to visit your property to help measure.
  • Account for overhang: If a tree is within 10 feet of your home, it will likely cost upwards of $2,000 to remove (this accounts for potential overhang over your home).
  • Difficulty of removal: Is the tree in the front or back yard? Is it on flat ground or an incline? These can raise or lower the cost. Dead or sick trees typically cost more than healthy ones, as they are more difficult to remove.
  • Time of year: Warmer months understandably mean heavier business for tree removal companies—so if you wait until “off-season”, i.e. winter, you may get a reduced cost.

Relocating is Entirely Possible

Tree relocation in Portland obviously brings some caveats. However, with permits in place and a proper arborist in tow, you should get your tree removed with minimal difficulty.

Our team at Urban Forest Professionals are best suited for any tree relocation jobs in Portland. For any questions at all, or a free estimate, please call our office at 503-226-7143.

This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com

When is the Best Time of Year for Tree Removal?

The cost of removing a tree in Oregon can vary based on many things. One of the main factors however is the time of year in which the tree is removed.

The short answer: tree removal typically costs much less during the winter or spring months. Below we’ll explain why, as well as other things to watch out for and consider as you seek estimates.

Cost can vary on company’s workload

Tree removal in winterSupply and demand often plays a big role for many company’s pricing. The need for tree removal is typically lower during winter and spring, so tree companies may offer lower rates to ensure steady business.

February and March have been statistically the cheaper months for tree removal—otherwise known as “dormant season” for trees. This is when the leaves have fallen and trees are easier to clear.

Removal during these months is also advantageous for the environment. The colder ground means the surrounding Earth is less impacted during removal. Frozen ground can keep the nearby vegetation in place during the extraction.

On the other hand, tree companies can get super busy during late spring and summer; i.e., the stormy or windy months. This is when places may need emergency services.

Watch out for super low bids

Most reputable tree companies have licenses and modern equipment to maintain; so, if rates are suspiciously and noticeably low, we advise caution: it could mean the company is skipping costs in an important area. The lowest cost is not always the best cost.

Call Urban Forest Pros for Tree Removal in Oregon

Despite “busy” or “dormant” seasons, you can get trees removed at any time of the year. It just may impact the cost.

If you do have trees that need removal, we at Urban Forest Pro can offer not only competitive rates but also an unparalleled level of professional, safe, and efficient work.

Call our Portland office at 503-226-7143 for a free estimate.

This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com

Crape Myrtle – A Southern Tree for Your Alpharetta and Roswell Yard

Crepe myrtle tree on landscaped yard in Alpharetta Ga

Lagerstroemia, known as crepe myrtle or crape myrtle is a tree that thrives in US Hardiness zones 7 through 10, making it a perfect choice for your Alpharetta or Roswell yard. The genus came to the US over 200 years ago and got its name from the Swedish merchant Magnus von Lagerstrom.

The most popular species is L. indica. It is a native of southern China and Thailand. For centuries, crepe myrtles have been grown in Asia as ornamentals.

Of all the southern trees and plants, crepe myrtles are among the most desired for their outstanding summer display of blooms and their brilliant fall colors. 72 Tree, Seed & Land Co. prepared an extensive article covering the characteristics, environment, and care these trees need to flourish and light up your landscape.

Are Crepe Myrtles Trees or Bushes

The Lagerstroemia genus contains approximately 50 species of trees and shrubs both deciduous and evergreen. So, this species can indeed grow as a tree or shrub, making it ideal for hedges, container planting, or even in groupings along your landscape.

Height – The L. indica species possesses cultivars and hybrids that remain under 5ft in height, some that reach 11 to 15ft in height, and those that tower over the others, reaching heights of 20 to 30ft.

Canopy – At maturity, the canopy can reach from 6ft to well beyond 15ft depending on the species.

TrunkCrape Myrtles are known to have multiple trunks with beautiful bark which exfoliates in the winter months. Be cautious when pruning or working around these trees, their wood is somewhat brittle, and the trunks may easily crack when put under pressure.

Lifespan – When planted in full sun and fertile soil, Crepe Myrtles can live well beyond 50 years. In fact, dotted along the southeastern landscape, it is common to come across specimens over 100 years old.

Uses – Depending on the species, these trees work as shrubs, hedges, container plants, landscape groupings, and in some cities as street trees.

If you decided you prefer to plant an evergreen instead, visit 72tree.com/3-evergreen-species-alpharetta-roswell-yard/ for some great candidates.

Crepe myrtle lagerstroemia lavender blooms Alpharetta Ga

Crepe Myrtle Tree Care

About two years after planting, these species become very tolerant to drought, heat, humidity, and will do well in nearly any well-drained soil. They become robust enough to resprout even after being completely frozen.

Crepe myrtles are low maintenance. However, you still need to do some planning before planting and a bit of upkeep as they grow.

Planting – Location is critical when planting crepe myrtles. Select a spot that has well-drained soil and gets full sun. Planting in partial or full shade will significantly reduce its ability to flower and may reduce its lifespan as well.

Crepe myrtles have a shallow and very fibrous root system which can extend 3 to 4 times the diameter of the canopy. As with all trees, the planting location should be at least 5 to 10 feet away from cement pathways, foundations, and sidewalks.

Pruning – Very little pruning is required. Improper pruning disrupts the development of a robust branching system and will leave your specimen deformed and vulnerable to weather, pests, and fungi.

If there is a need to prune, it should occur in late winter or early spring to correct the following:

• Removing crossed or rubbing branches.

• Removing suckers from the base.

• Branches growing inward (toward the center).

• Canopy thinning for better air circulation.

• Gradually remove side branches up to 4 or 5 feet as the tree grows.

• Reducing multi-trunk trees to a single trunk (not recommended).

Summer pruning can include:

• Removing old seed pods and spent flowers (removing them after the first bloom encourages further blooming).

• Removing small twig-like growth.

All crepe myrtle species bloom on new wood. The proper and minimal pruning of your tree will encourage this growth and promote a beautiful summer blooming season.

If you are pruning your tree because it has gotten too large for its location, you’ve planted the wrong species.

Watering – Provide newly planted crepe myrtles with a deep and thorough watering. Then, water your tree up to 4 or 5 times per week during hot weather or when planted in sandy soil. When the tree is dormant or during cold weather, your tree will need watering once per week.

Blooms – As previously mentioned, all crepe myrtles bloom on new wood. After the first bloom, removing the spent flowers will encourage further blooming in the season.

Crepe myrtle Roswell Ga pink bloom japanese beetle

Tree Pests and Disease That Attack Crepe Myrtles

These trees like all others on your landscape are susceptible to infestations, disease, and animal damage. The best defense against these threats is to keep your tree(s) healthy, plant, prune, and water them properly and they will be less likely to suffer damage from the following:

Pests that infest crepe myrtles:

Japanese Beetle – This insect is approximately 1/2 inch in length, its body is oval and metallic green, and its wings are copper in color.

Larvae remain underground where they consume grass and young tree roots. Adult beetles feed on the tissues of the leaves and are most active on trees in full sun during the warmest part of the day.

A Japanese beetle infestation can cause severe damage to all of the trees on your landscape. Traps, pyrethrins, and neem oil can help curtail a beetle outbreak. However, this is an urgent situation which needs to be evaluated by a certified arborist.

Crape Myrtle Aphid – These insects are yellowish-green and have black spots on their abdomen. They measure from a sixteenth to an eighth of an inch in length.

Both nymphs and adults feed on the underside of the foliage causing it to droop and yellow leaf spots to appear. Buds, flowers, and branch tips can all be damaged as well from their feeding.

Sooty mold will appear on the leaves when there is an aphid infestation. This mold is a byproduct of the aphid’s excrement and will disappear once the outbreak ends.

Watch this video to learn how to eliminate aphids and “black” sooty mold on your crape myrtle.

When a crape myrtle aphid infestation occurs, apply a 2oz. to 1 gallon solution of molasses and water to the affected areas and release ladybugs around the tree. Neem oil is also very useful in controlling aphids.

Fungi that attack crepe myrtles:

Powdery Mildew – This fungus appears as a white powdery substance and can spread very quickly if not handled properly.

It is worth noting that trees planted in full sun are not typically bothered by this fungus.

To control powdery mildew, spray a fungicide on the affected area and its surroundings.

Sooty Mold – This mold has a tar-like appearance and is a result an aphid infestation (see above).

Bark Shedding – Don’t be alarmed. While it may seem that something has infected your tree, there is nothing wrong with it. Crepe myrtles, once reaching adulthood will naturally exfoliate their bark in winter months, revealing the magnificent color variations of its trunk.

Crape Myrtle with white blooms in Roswell Ga

Crepe Myrtles and Summer Blooms

If you are looking for an incredible addition to your Alpharetta yard or landscape, crepe myrtles are a must have. Besides being low maintenance, they will put on a colorful show every summer.

An added plus in the summer is when the blooms attract birds seeking refuge and nesting and offer their nectar and pollen to the bees.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagerstroemia
https://www.leugardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Crepe_myrtles.pdf
https://crapemyrtletrails.org/crape-myrtle-history/
http://www.pcmg-texas.org/images/trees/crape_myrtle_pest.pdf
https://crapemyrtletrails.org/pest-control/

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/crape-myrtle-southern-tree-your-alpharetta-roswell-yard/

How Do Trees Grow?

Tree meristem tissue new growth Marietta Georgia

Simply put, trees grow up, trees grow out, and trees grow down. In one form or another, trees are always growing throughout their lifecycle, and do so until their death.

Knowing how they grow can improve your landscaping and gardening practices. Our team at Todd’s Marietta Tree Services constructed practical information below about tree growth and will dispel some common myths.

Do Trees Grow from the Bottom Up?

Yes. Trees do grow from the bottom up in the sense that the roots are transporting the “growth” building blocks up the trunk, through the limbs, and to the extremities of the tree.

However, the answer is NO when considering that tree growth occurs from its extremities. Consider the following:

Root Growth – Roots grow outward and down from their tips (similar to how limbs and branches grow longer). As roots grow and age, they thicken (much like the trunk does).

Tree root growth fall and winter

The roots of a tree are able to spread out and grow far beyond the tree’s dripline (the outer edges of the canopy).

Root activities almost exclusively support the growth of a tree. Four primary functions of tree roots are:

  • To seek out sources of water and nutrients.
  • To store glucose in the colder months (when growth is all but halted).
  • To participate in the underground ecosystem through mycorrhizal associations or root grafting.
  • To anchor the tree to the ground.

Trunk Growth – The trunk doesn’t stretch or grow upward. It does thicken though, and it adds two rings as each year passes. One light ring during the growth period and one dark ring as it slows down for winter or dormancy.

When looking at a cross-section of a cut down tree, you can tell how old the tree was when it died by counting one light and one dark ring for each year from the outside inward.

Tree trunk cross section age rings

A common misconception is that tree trunks stretch upward as they get taller, when in fact they do not. If you were to pin a medal on the trunk at exactly five feet up from the root flare, it would still be exactly five feet up from the root flare fifty years or one hundred years later.

Branch and Limb – Growth in length happens within meristem tissues located at the tips of branches, stems, and twigs. These specialized tissues facilitate the upward growth of the tree, as well as the expansion of the tree’s canopy.

Tree growth new limb with meristem tissue

Branches and limbs grow in diameter through the vascular cambium within the bark. Very similar to how a trunk grows in diameter.

Do Trees Grow All Year?

While different species of trees will follow slightly different growth patterns, the answer is yes. Trees are continuously growing throughout the year.

Springtime – Foliage, limbs, and branches grow at high speeds in the spring.

Spring tree growth in Marietta Ga

Summertime – This is when trunk and limb diameter growth takes place.

Fall and Wintertime – As the trunk, branches, limbs, and foliage stop growing, the roots continue to expand outward and down throughout the coldest months of the year.

How Do Trees Get Their Mass?

It’s principally carbon. Without carbon, trees could not exist. Every time you exhale, you are providing the building blocks for a tree’s mass. Carbon dioxide (captured from the air) and water (sent to the leaves by the roots) bond together within the leaves of a tree to form carbon molecules.

During photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is transformed into chemical energy and captured within the bonds of those carbon molecules.

Photosynthesis in leaves for tree growth

Those carbon molecules along with hydrogen and oxygen comprise the tree’s food source known as glucose. Each glucose molecule contains six oxygen atoms, six carbon atoms, and twelve hydrogen atoms.

Once a tree has satisfied the activities which keep it alive (cellular respiration), whatever carbon molecules (glucose) are left over are used in the growth process, adding to its mass.

Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus together comprise nearly all of a tree’s mass.

Tree Growth, Sunlight, Balance, and Longevity

While there are many facets that comprise a tree’s mechanisms, it is sunlight that is the driving force behind it all. Throughout the entire lifespan of a tree, it will depend on the sun for energy to grow and thrive.

Tree growth requires sunlight Marietta Ga

Tree growth is symmetrical by nature. Throughout the life of a tree, its growth is consistently seeking balance. Trees will not grow beyond their capacity to support themselves. When stressed they will shed leaves, flowers, fruit and even drop entire branches.

Speaking of thriving, the lifespan of a tree depends primarily on its species and the environment it is growing in. While some palms live to about sixty years old, some pine species make it to well over five thousand years old. And there is increasing evidence that an ancient clonal grove of aspen trees called “Pando” is upwards of eighty thousand years old.

Sources:
https://projects.ncsu.edu/project/treesofstrength/treefact.htm
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/infopubs/_forest-facts/FF-How-A-Tree-Grows_pub.pdf
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/what-oldest-living-thing-earth

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Todd’s Marietta Tree Services

200 Cobb Pkwy N Ste 428 Marietta, GA 30062
(678) 505-0266

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