Month: January 2020

Your half-dead tree can cause a significant accident or infect the rest of your yard if you are unaware of its cause. By first knowing why your tree is dying, you can take action that may save it from falling and causing significant damage to your property.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered information about the causes and treatments for a tree that is half dead.

My Tree Is Dead on One Side

You may be asking, “How can a tree die on one side?” Several possibilities can lead to this condition, and all of them require immediate action. For deciduous and evergreens alike, consider the following causes and their treatments:

Tree Diseases

Verticillium Wilt – Verticillium wilt is caused by a fungus called Verticillium dahliae or another less common species, Verticillium albo-atrum. This soil-borne fungus germinates when plant or tree roots grow near it, infecting them through wounds or natural openings. The fungus spreads through the host’s vascular system and causes the plant cells to clog themselves. Once the xylem is infected, water can no longer reach the leaves because of the clogging.

Treatment: This disease is challenging to manage because it persists in the soil indefinitely. Infected trees that are not yet dead can sometimes survive the fungus. Dead or affected branches should be removed to help the tree regain its vigor. However, this disease can be transmitted on unsterilized pruning tools.

In cases where an entire side of a tree has succumbed to the disease, the tree should be removed before falling during a storm or unexpectedly.

Fusarium Wilt – Commonly found worldwide, Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum that enters its host through the roots and interferes with its water-conducting vessels. As the disease spreads into the stems and leaves, it restricts water and nutrient flow, causing the foliage to wilt and turn yellow.

Treatment: Similar to Verticillium wilt, affected stems and branches should be removed. Fusarium wilt can also be treated with biological fungicides.

Phytophthora Root Rot – Many tree and shrub species are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot, developing root and/or crown rot, mainly if the soil around the base of the plant stays wet for long periods. The leaves of an infected tree will appear drought-stressed and may die quickly in late spring or early summer.

Treatment: You can combat Phytophthora root rot by increasing soil drainage, pruning out affected branches and stems, and by maintaining the root flare of the tree free from soil, mulch, and debris.

These diseases are easily transmitted from one host to the next by overhead watering or splashing, pruning activities with unsterile equipment, and improper disposal of infected clippings.

Environmental Causes of Tree Decline

Soil Compaction – Soil compaction occurs when heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles, or other factors lead to the compression of the soil surrounding a tree. Soil compaction reduces the amount of air, water, and nutrients available to tree and plant roots.

When tree roots on one side of a tree are impacted by soil compaction, an entire side or portion of the tree can wilt and die.

Treatment: Avoid parking, driving, or storing any vehicles or heavy equipment near or under any tree. Once the soil is compacted, a professional tree service should be hired to aerate the soil and monitor the health of the impacted tree.

Lightning – If it doesn’t blow it up, a lightning strike can severely compromise a tree’s vascular system by vaporizing the liquid within it. Depending on the location of the strike and how it travels through the tree, only a portion of it may be impacted.

Treatment: If you suspect that your tree has been struck by lightning, have a tree hazard assessment performed immediately to assess the need for treatment or removal. Read more about tree hazard assessments at toddsmariettatreeservices.com/why-do-i-need-tree-hazard-assessment/

Surface Root Damage – Due to erosion, poor soil quality, or improper watering, tree roots may surface over time. When these roots are damaged or pruned, they are highly vulnerable to infection by opportunistic diseases like Fusarium, Verticillium, and Phytophthora.

If surface roots on only one side of the root plate become infected, only a portion of the tree will likely display symptoms of infection, decline, or death.

Treatment: If the roots cannot be buried, they should be protected from damage by people or machinery. Once surface roots are damaged, a professional tree service should be called to evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action.

Stem Girdling Roots – Stem girdling roots are dysfunctional roots that circle the stem (trunk), choking off the flow of nutrients and water between the roots and the rest of the tree. They can also compress and weaken the trunk of a tree at the root collar, causing it to lean and lose stability. Trees with stem girdling roots are at a significant risk of declining health, premature death, n and falling suddenly.

Treatment: Stem girdling roots can be removed by using saws or pruners if they have not caused extensive stem compression. If one has caused severe damage, removal treatment must include measures to avoid damaging the stem. These roots are frequently left in place when their removal cannot be performed safely. It may be necessary to consult with a professional tree service to determine what coarse of action to take.

Boring Insect Infestations

Boring insects like beetles can quickly cause the decline of a portion of a tree. As they burrow through the tree’s bark, they will sometimes begin channeling through the xylem and phloem. In other cases, they may burrow into the heartwood of the tree, carrying fungi with them that infect the tree and disturb the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree.

While initial symptoms may only appear on one side of the tree, the tree will eventually succumb and die, as more beetles successfully attack the tree as it weakens.

Treatment: Once a tree has been successfully attacked by beetles, treatment is challenging and will likely result in the removal and destruction of the infected tree. Most treatments for beetles are preventative and include:

• Setting traps
• Treating the bark of un-infested trees
• Removal and disposal of infested trees

However, the most exceptional line of defense for a tree is its health. In the case of insects or diseases, healthy trees can resist infestations and infections. Help your tree by:

• Watering it regularly
• Proper seasonal pruning
• Mulching with organic material
• Fertilizing when necessary
• Having it inspected annually

Read more about tree cutting and pruning at toddsmariettatreeservices.com/right-time-cutting-pruning-emergency-tree-removal/

Half of My Tree is Dead

In this article, you discovered what can cause half of a tree to die and what actions to take to either treat the tree or have it removed.

By taking immediate action when you notice the decline of your tree or a portion of it, you increase the possibility of saving the tree and returning it to a healthy state.

When you ignore the symptoms of disease or infestation, your tree can rapidly decline and die. Trees left untreated are more likely to fall during storms, causing catastrophic damages when landing on property, vehicles, and people.

Sources:
mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/help-diseases/verticillium-wilt
missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/girdling.aspx
extension.psu.edu/phytophthora-root-rot-on-woody-ornamentals
extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/soil-compaction
ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r280100811.html

The post Why Is Half of My Tree Dead? appeared first on http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com.

Planting the right type of trees in the right area of your landscape can make your home more efficient during the summer.

They’ll cast shade on your home, reducing the amount of solar heat your home absorbs. As a result, you’ll spend less money on cooling-related energy bills.

If you’re thinking about planting trees in your landscape for extra shade, there are a few things you should know.

Choose Deciduous Trees

For maximum shade, choose deciduous trees for your landscape rather than coniferous trees.

Deciduous trees, of course, shed their leaves annually, whereas coniferous trees produce and shed needles – typically less frequently than their deciduous counterparts.

Upon reading the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees, you may assume that coniferous trees are a better choice since they don’t shed their needles annually.

The reality, however, is that deciduous trees offer greater shade. Deciduous trees produce leaves that create a fuller and more complete canopy than the needles produced by coniferous trees.

Plant Trees on the West Side

You should plant the trees on the west side of your home if you’re hoping to create summertime shade.

While sun angles vary depending on multiple factors – region, time of year, etc. – most homes in the United States will be exposed to the midday summer sun on their west side.

Of course, you can also plant trees on
the east side of your home. The east side probably won’t receive as
much direct sunlight as the west side, but if you’re trying to make
your home more efficient, a little shade can still prove useful.

Plant Shrubs Around Air Conditioner

While trees are ideal for casting shade on your home, you can plant shrubs to cast shade on your air conditioning unit.

Planting just a few shrubs around the air conditioning unit can make it up to 10% more efficient.

The shrubs will cast shade that helps to keep the unit cool during the otherwise hot summer months.

Combined with deciduous trees planted on the west side of your home, this can reduce your home’s cooling expenses during the summer.

Maintain the Trees and Shrubs

Regardless of what type of trees or shrubs you intend to grow for shade, you’ll need to maintain them.

When neglected, they’ll continue to grow while consuming more of your landscape. To keep the size of your trees and shrubs in check, prune them when needed.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

The post How to Plant Trees in Your Landscape for Extra Shade appeared first on Woodsman Tree Service.

Is the tree you cut down trying to grow back from the stump? Many times, when trees get cut down, the stump and roots will continue to send out new growth. Knowing why they do this and what to do with it once the tree is gone can save you loads of time, effort, and money.

72tree.com assembled the following information on why trees grow back after being cut down, how to kill a tree stump, and remove it.

Do Trees Grow Back After Being Cut Down

Yes, they can. That’s why it’s essential to be knowledgeable about tree growth when you need to remove one permanently.

Cut trees with enough stored sugars and nutrients in their roots can produce sprouts from the roots and trunk as a measure of survival and reproduction. The following species will commonly sprout after being cut down:

• Poplars
• Maples
• Lindens
• Boxelder
• Red Oak
• Willows
• Beech
• Ash

When this survival mechanism is triggered, single, or multiple sprouts may appear. If left unabated, these sprouts will grow into trees without having grown a stable root plate, and likely pose a much more immense falling hazard than the original tree.

How to Stop Tree Stumps and Roots from Sprouting

Before you select a method to kill or remove a tree stump, evaluate the potential impact on the environment and immediate surroundings. The following are methods to eliminate tree stumps from sprouting:

Use Fertilizer for Rapid Decay – To accelerate the decaying process of the stump, do the following:

• Cut the stump to soil level
• Drill half-inch to inch-wide holes six to eight inches deep into the stump and aerial roots
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the holes and over the stump
• Cover and “mound” with soil

With little to no impact on the environment, this method is highly effective but takes several months to decompose the stump fully.

Note: In this and the following methods, areal roots are the large protruding “anchor” roots at the base of the stump.

Using Epsom or Rock Salt to Kill It – This process is one of the more economical, but takes several months to kill the stump. Apply this method by:

• Acquiring enough Epsom or rock salt to fill several deep holes and cavities in the stump
• Drill half-inch to inch-wide holes six to eight inches deep into the stump and aerial roots
• Pack the holes and any cavities with salt
• Use hot wax or another water-proof sealant to seal the holes and cover the cavities
• Secure a dark plastic tarp or trash bag over and around the stump to keep rain and sunlight out

In six to ten weeks, your tree stump should be dead and breaking apart.

Tip: While table salt will produce similar results, it is very harmful to the soil in the vicinity of the stump. Use only 100% Epsom or rock salt with no added ingredients.

Cover The Stump To Kill It – You can slowly kill your tree stump with this method, and it’s free.

• Secure a dark plastic tarp or trash bag over and around the stump to keep rain and sunlight out

Without adding any chemicals or salt, this method will take up to six months for the stump to die and start to decay.

While the tree is covered, there should be no growth. However, if sprouts do appear while the stump is still alive, cut them off.

Burn The Stump – Burning the stump is an effective way to remove it after it has died. The following steps will help you safely burn and remove your tree stump:

• Drill several half-inch to inch-wide holes six to eight inches deep into the stump and aerial roots. The deeper you can drill into the stump will ensure that it burns to the roots.
• Pour enough kerosene into the holes to thoroughly saturate the stump.
• Build a fire on top of the stump by placing scrap wood, twigs, and small logs on it. As the fire burns down, add more wood as necessary to keep the fire ablaze.
• When the stump has burned away, remove the ashes and replace them with soil.

As with any controlled burn, never leave it unattended. Keep a hose or fire extinguisher on hand in case the fire gets out of hand or begins to spread.

NOTE: Before using this method, consult your municipal ordinances to ensure that your controlled burn is legal, for more information call 411.

Tip: Turn the stump burning into a “bonfire” and invite friends and family over for an outside gathering.

Grind The Stump – Grinding the stump allows you to chop it up and remove it immediately. This method requires protective clothing and equipment and some knowledge of machinery operation and safety. The following steps will help you safely remove your tree stump:

• Use a chainsaw to cut the stump as close to the ground as possible, leaving a level surface
• Grind the stump and any areal roots until fully ground up
• Remove the wood chips (use them for mulch or discard them)
• Fill the hole with fresh soil

Keep children and pets at a safe distance while the stump grinder is in use.

Note: Before operating this or any other machinery, refer to the operating manual to ensure its proper and safe use. There may be safety features that you are not aware of on the machine.

Call A Professional Tree Service – Take all of the stress, equipment, time, and chemicals out of the process by calling a professional tree service to come out and remove your tree stump. They have specialized equipment and experience to remove your tree stump quickly and safely.

Stop Your Tree Stump from Growing Back

In this article, you discovered why trees continue sending up sprouts after being cut down, how to kill a tree stump, and how to completely remove one.

By killing and removing your tree stump, you are preventing sprouts from growing and creating a hazard to surrounding structures and people.

Allowing a tree to re-grow in this manner is significantly dangerous. These new trees grow without establishing a firm root plate and may topple as they increase in size without warning.

Sources:
umass.edu/urbantree/factsheets/26killastump.html
ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20662
warnell.uga.edu/sites/default/files/publications/Stump%20Removal%20pub_14-8.pdf

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/how-to-kill-stop-tree-stumps-growing-back/

Your Memphis Emergency Tree Care Experts

 Many parts of Memphis boast old-growth tree-lined streets that add a touch of wonder to our day to day lives. They provide shade, cleaner air, and sense that life is bigger than our problems. But the very thing that makes them special means they pose a greater potential danger to people and property in the event of a storm or other emergency. When a storm hits in Memphis, the first concern for many people is whether their trees will make it through. And if they don’t, where will they land? Thankfully, in the event of an emergency, you have a team you can trust to help clean up and minimize damage. Red’s Tree Service are tree service professionals serving Memphis, Collierville, and the Mid-South. We specialize in everything related to trees, such as tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, and emergency tree care services. 

When Do I Need Emergency Tree Care? 

If you’re wondering what kind of situation requires Memphis emergency tree care, and a good rule of thumb is to call us if there is a risk of property damage or personal harm. This might include: 

Fallen or damaged tree limbs: 

If you notice damaged limbs in your trees, you need to contact an experienced tree service to avoid any future damage or injury. A broken branch, even one that’s still high in a tree, poses a significant and unpredictable threat. You know it will fall, but you don’t know when, or what will be under it when it does. And trying to remove it yourself without the proper equipment and experience can be just a dangerous. Red’s Tree Service can safely remove the limb before anyone or anything gets hurt. 

If limbs or even trees have already fallen onto your property, you’ll need professional help to limit any further damage. A limb that falls on your open lawn may seem easy enough to deal with, but what about a tree that falls dangerously close to a power line, or even on your roof? In these types of situations, any risk is too big, and you can’t be too careful. 

Storm Damage: 

Memphis natives know to expect a few big storms every year. You also know what this can mean for your trees. We live in a wet and windy climate, so trees are always at risk. Strong storms can also gradually weaken older trees or cause the soil around the root system to erode. A tree that was strong enough to survive the last storm may not be so lucky during the next one. It’s a good idea to have a professional like Red’s Tree Service in Memphis inspect your property for any potential weak spots after a storm, whether or not there is any damage that needs to be handled immediately. 

Sick Trees: 

A sick tree left to get worse can cause serious damage to all the trees on your property. Tree diseases can cause weakness, instability or cause the tree to rot and die. If you notice brittle or peeling bark, uneven, foliage, yellowing leaves, dead branches, carpenter ants, fungus and roots that are brittle or knotty, consider it an emergency and call Red’s Tree Service. 

Emergency Tree Services We Offer

No matter what your tree emergency is, The team at Red’s Tree Service can help you avoid injury and damage while maintaining a beautiful tree-filled landscaping. 

Emergency tree service, including storm damage clean-up

When storms can cause large limbs to fall on your home and ice has been known to take down whole trees, we’re here to help with our emergency tree service! Our expert team is well versed in minimizing damage at every level as we carefully and expertly remove limbs and trees. Our emergency tree service often combines tree removal and tree pruning. We offer dynamic cabling to support weakened trees, as well.  

Cleaning up damage caused by storms can be dangerous if you attempt it on your own. We have the tools and experience necessary to cut down and remove fallen tree branches safely. We can handle any size project and will do our best to make sure that there is the least amount of damage to your trees possible. 

Dynamic Cabling 

This process uses steel cables to hold the branches of the tree together by connecting places that have been weakened or started to fall, and preventing them from falling further. It was developed to be much healthier for the tree. The cables are non-invasive and move with the tree. This service allows you to keep the beauty of your old trees without having to worry that they will fall and cause damage to your house, business, or other property. 

Tree risk assessment and preventive care

Not only do we work to correct the damage caused by emergency situations, but we help take steps to prevent damage in an emergency. A tree health and risk assessment by Red’s Tree Service can help you spot any weaknesses before they become major problems. This saves you time and money. Understanding and addressing the risks associated with your trees is important, but keep in mind that evaluating the seriousness of each of these defects is a job best left to professional arborists like us. Regular tree inspections that are combined with preventive care such as trimming, pruning, and fertilizing will result in trees and shrubs that look great and have the best chance for a long, healthy life. 

Contact your Memphis tree service experts for a free quote

To learn more about the many tree services we offer or to schedule an appointment for a free quote, click here. You can also call or text us at 901.424.4548, and our email address is [email protected]. 

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

Nutrient-rich topsoil is essential for a healthy lawn.

If the topsoil in your landscape has little or no nutrients – or if it contains the wrong type of nutrients – grass and other plants may struggle to grow in it.

With that said, there are a few things you should know when using topsoil in your landscape.

If you’re thinking about applying topsoil to your landscape, consider the five following tips.

#1) Only Use in Areas Where It’s Needed

It’s unlikely that your entire landscape needs new topsoil. Rather, you should only apply it to areas where it’s needed.

Patches of brown or otherwise discolored grass often indicate low-quality topsoil. As a result, you should consider applying topsoil to areas of discoloration such as this.

#2) Aerate Before Adding

It’s a good idea to aerate your landscape before adding new topsoil.

Aeration involves scoring the ground with many small and shallow holes. You can aerate your landscape using a walk-behind or motorized aerator.

As the respective tool digs small and shallow holes, it will mix up the underlying soil. The topsoil will then mix with the existing soil to create an ideal growing environment for grass and plants.

#3) Choose the Right Type

Of course, you should choose the right type of topsoil for your landscape.

A good rule of thumb is to use topsoil with a similar formula of nutrients and minerals as that of your landscape.

If you’re struggling to find the right type of topsoil for your landscape, visit a local plant nursery and ask for a recommendation.

They should be able to point you to appropriate topsoil that works for landscapes in your region’s climate.

#4) Distribute Evenly

Don’t forget to distribute the new topsoil evenly when applying it to your landscape.

Don’t just dump a load of topsoil into the middle of your landscape and call it day. To promote a healthy landscape, you should distribute the topsoil evenly.

#5) Spread New Seed

After applying the new topsoil to your landscape, you should seed it with new grass.

The new topsoil may smother some of your landscape’s existing grass, causing it to die. Ensuring the topsoil is evenly distributed can offer some level of protection to existing grass, but it’s not a foolproof solution.

Instead, you should reseed the areas of your landscape in which you apply the new topsoil.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

The post 5 Tips on Using Topsoil in Your Landscape appeared first on Woodsman Tree Service.

Have you heard of a scarifier? While you’re probably familiar with lawnmowers and weed eaters, a scarifier is a landscaping tool that’s often overlooked by homeowners.

When properly used, though, it can help you create a cleaner and more attractive landscape.

If you’re thinking about buying or renting a scarifier for your landscape, though, you’ll need to know how to use it.

What Is a Scarifier?

Also known as a dethatcher, a scarifier is a self-propelled or walk-behind landscaping tool that’s designed to remove thatch from the underlying soil.

Over time, dead plant matter will accumulate at the top of your landscape. Known as thatch, it rests between the healthy soil and the roots of adjacent plants.

If you don’t remove thatch, it may restrict the growth of your grass and plants while promoting a browner, more discolored landscape in the process.

A scarifier is designed to remove the thatch by scooping it out of the soil. It doesn’t store the thatch. Rather, it grinds it into a pulp.

Rake Debris

Before using a scarifier, use a rake to remove any large and medium debris blanketing your landscape.

Running a scarifier over twigs and branches shouldn’t harm it. However, you’ll experience better results if you rake your landscape before using a scarifier on it.

With your landscape raked, the scarifier can remove thatch more effectively.

Mow to 2 to 3 Inches

After raking your landscape, you should mow the grass to a height of about 2 to 3 inches.

During the summer, you may want to use a taller height of 3 inches. During the fall and winter months, on the other hand, a height of 2 inches is recommended.

Mowing your lawn will reduce the workload placed on the scarifier, allowing it to dethatch your lawn with greater ease.

Adjust Your Scarifier

When you’re ready to use a scarifier, go ahead and adjust the height to the highest possible setting.

Although there are several types of scarifiers, most of them feature adjustable height.

It’s always a good idea to start on the tallest height setting and lower the height as needed.

Run Over Your Landscape

To use a scarifier, you’ll need to push it across your landscape – just like a traditional lawnmower.

Depending on the amount of thatch that’s accumulated on your landscape, you may need to make several passes with the scarifier.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to cover your entire landscape with the scarifier. Rather, you only need to use it in areas where thatch is present.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

The post How to Use a Scarifier to Improve Your Landscape appeared first on Woodsman Tree Service.

Come Springtime, people will be thinking about flowers, gardens, landscaping and trees. If you’re thinking of planting some new trees on your New Jersey property this Spring, what are some of the best trees to plant for the state’s climate and soil? Which trees thrive in New Jersey?

Hazel Alder

Have you heard of Hazel Alder? While that may sound like a lady’s name, it’s actually a multi-trunk tree complete with dense branches. It does well in wet soils and can handle partial shade to full sun. If you’re looking for a tree that grows between 10 and 20 feet tall, Hazel Alder works well in New Jersey. By the way, these types of trees are sometimes called Smooth Alder.

Tulip Trees

Who likes tulips? There’s actually a Tulip Tree, and it produces flowers that are in the shape of tulips. This type of ornamental tree provides good shade and grows fast.

Silver Bells

If you’re done singing “Silver Bells” for Christmas, consider the tree known as Silver Bell for Spring planting. With bright yellow leaves in the Fall and silvery blossoms in the Spring, the Silver Bell looks good year-round and resists disease.

Sweet Birch

Looking for a tree with shiny red-brown bark and yellow foliage? Get a Sweet Birch if you have a yard where it can do well in full sun and grow nice and tall– up to 50 feet! If the ground is a bit rocky and the soil is moist, plant a Sweet Birch and you’ll have yourself a nice shade tree in the yard.

Flowering Dogwood

Do you like seeing pretty white, pink or red flowers? One of the more colorful trees is the Flowering Dogwood. It’ll attract songbirds, too!

Black Spruce

Have you heard of the Black Spruce? It’s an evergreen that works well in New Jersey– it does well in cold climates. Growing between 30 and 50 feet tall, the Black Spruce offers foliage year-round, complete with a nice blue-green color, even though it’s called “Black Spruce.” Make sure to mulch around its base.

New Jersey’s Official State Tree

Finally, consider the Red Oak, New Jersey’s official state tree! Offering a tall, large canopy spread, Red Oak brings your yard beautiful Fall colors and invites area wildlife to it.

If you’re having tree problems in New Jersey, learn how the experts at Big Foot Tree Service can help.

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

Are you thinking about starting a garden?

Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that pays off in the form of a beautiful landscape.

There are a few different ways to create a garden, however, the most common of which include ground and container gardening.

So, which of these gardening techniques should you use?

What Is Ground Gardening?

As the name suggests, ground gardening involves growing plants in the ground.

The soil is typically tilled, after which it’s mixed with fertilizer to create an ideal growing environment. Seeds are then planted into the soil, thus leading to a ground garden.

You can create either a level or raised ground garden. The former involves growing plants at the same level as the ground, whereas the latter involves growing plants at a raised level, though still technically in the ground.

Regardless, ground gardening uses the soil in the ground as the medium for plant growth.

What Is Container Gardening?

Container gardening, on the other hand, is an alternative gardening method that involves growing plants in containers such as pots.

The containers are filled with soil, as well as fertilizer, to simulate a natural environment for plants.

Plant containers are available in countless sizes and shapes. You can even build your own containers using some basic materials and tools.

The term “container gardening” simply refers to the use of pots or containers to grow plants.

Advantages of Ground Gardening

Ground gardening offers several advantages, one of which is larger plants.

A plant’s size is largely restricted by the medium in which it grows. When you grow plants in the ground, their roots can expand throughout the soil.

When you grow plants in a container, on the other hand, their roots can only expand to fill the container, resulting in smaller plants.

In addition to larger plants, ground gardening can help you achieve a more attractive landscape. There’s no substitution for the beauty of ground gardens.

Growing plants in the ground will add colors and vibrancy to your landscape, resulting in a more attractive curb appeal for your home.

Advantages of Container Gardening

There are still reasons to consider container gardening. With containers, you can easily move your plants.

If there’s a cold snap right around the corner, you can move your potted plants indoors to protect them from the cold weather. Once the cold snap has passed, you can move them back to outside your home.

Container gardening can also help you create an attractive landscape. You can find pots and containers available in nearly any color.

If you want to add a specific color to your landscape, simply choose a pot or container in that color.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

The post Ground vs Container Gardening: Which Is Best? appeared first on Woodsman Tree Service.

The right tree can turn a backyard into a serene retreat, but how do you know which trees will thrive where you plant them? Here in the Mid-South, the weather can go through every season in a week, and the rain can seem like it may never stop raining. The experts at Red’s Tree Service in Memphis can help you determine which trees will fit your space perfectly. But in the meantime, here are some trees that thrive in the unique climate of the Mid-South. 

Red Maple Trees 

Maple trees are some of the most common trees native to North America and can be found in many different varieties and sizes, depending on the part of the country. One of the most common types of Maple trees in the Mid-South is the red Maple. When you think of a maple tree there’s a good chance you’re thinking of red maple. They have distinct red leaves and the classic maple leaf shape. You may not think about the south when you think of maple syrup, but red maples of one of three trees commonly used in maple syrup production. Red Maples grow all over the eastern United States, including in Memphis. 

Tulip Poplar Trees 

Another popular tree in Memphis is the tulip poplar. In fact, it’s the state tree of Tennessee! Tulip poplars thrive in Memphis because they love moist, rich soil. This tree is an ideal shade tree, and is used for aesthetic reasons as well as occurring naturally in forests, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. These trees are a great addition to any landscape, because they grow easily in the Mid-South climate, provide the perfect summertime shade, and they don’t attract many unpleasant bugs. They are, however, a great honey plant, so your yard can be a sweet sanctuary for honey bees. 

Fun fact: it’s the wood of choice for making pipe organs!   

Willow Oak Tree 

The willow oak tree, in particular, can either be an amazing addition to the right space or frustration in the wrong one. That’s why it’s so important to get an expert opinion from the team at Red’s Tree Service regarding the best type of tree for your needs. Willow oaks need a lot of space and a lot of water. If they don’t have the moisture and space that they need, they might steal it from the plants around them. So they may not be best for small yards. However, if you have space, you won’t find a shade tree. Willow oaks are easy to take care of because they can thrive in water-saturated soil as well as drought, which is perfect for Memphis weather patterns. 

American Elm Tree 

The American elm tree is common in most of North America and is one of the most iconic trees in cultivated landscapes. It’s featured in countless paintings by American artists and makes up over half of the trees growing in Central Park. In Memphis, they make great shade trees and street-side trees because they naturally curve away from the trunk to give a wide area of shade, or to meet over a scenic street. They like to grow along rivers and hillsides, making the topography Memphis an ideal place for American Elms to thrive. 

Box Elder 

Box elders are a type of maple tree that grows all throughout North America, including in the Mid-South. They grow quickly, so they may be a good option if you’re looking for a quick shade solution. These trees can grow in almost any mild, cool or cold region in the United States.

Plant your boxelder near a stream or river, if possible. They tolerate most soils, including sand and clay, growing happily in dry or wet soil. However, in some settings, they’re considered a nuisance because they can spread rapidly and spring up quickly. They also attached some unpleasant insects. 

Expert tree advice in Memphis 

Red’s Tree Service is a locally owned and operated tree service company serving Memphis and the Mid South. Our family-owned and operated business has been providing quality tree services for over 40 years. We have a trained and certified arborist with the knowledge to ensure our clients make the most informed decisions for their trees.

We can answer any questions you have about which trees will thrive on your property, and which ones may be best to admire from afar. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

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

While tree removal is sometimes necessary, being stuck with the stump is not. There are several ways to get rid of it – some costly, others harmful to the surrounding soil. If you prefer to remove the stump yourself, you can use the alternative method of using Epsom Salt.

Epsom salt is an inorganic chemical containing sulfur, magnesium, and oxygen. Sulfur and magnesium can provide much-needed nutrients to the soil. At the same time, Epsom salt eliminates moisture, which is what you need to remove a stump naturally.
Once a tree is cut down, the stump will continue to live and regenerate if it gets the nutrients it needs. Most nutrients are carried through the roots by moisture. Without moisture, the stump will begin to rot and decompose. This, in turn, will make it easy to break off parts of the stump until you can pull the remainder of the stump out of the ground. When the stump has decomposed enough to dig it up, try to remove as much of the roots as possible.

There are a couple of different ways to use epsom salt to kill a tree stump.

Method 1

Drill 1-inch holes approximately 3 inches apart into the surface of the stump. Try to drill down 8 inches if possible. Next, pour dry Epsom Salt into each hole, then add just enough water to moisten the salt. You will also want to pour Epsom Salt around the base of the stump and any exposed roots. Cover with a tarp or other waterproof cover to prevent weather from washing the salt away. Check the stump periodically and remove any dead chips of wood. Reapply Epsom Salt as needed until the stump is dead.

Method 2

Mix a concentrated solution of Epsom Salt and water in a large, five-gallon container. The proper ratio is two parts water to one part Epsom Salt. Next, pour the solution on the stump, the base of the stump, and any exposed roots. It’s a good idea to pour the solution on the surrounding soil also. Cover with a tarp or other waterproof cover. This method may take longer and require treatment weekly until the stump rots.
With both methods, you may want to keep uncovering the roots with a hoe and pouring Epsom Salt in a thick layer directly on the roots to keep moisture from feeding the stump. Once the stump is dead, you will be able to pull it from the ground or dig it up, depending on the size of the stump.

All that’s needed now is to refill the hole and replant with grass or other foliage. The soil should be nutrient-rich due to the application of the Epsom salt. Looking for more Stump Removal Services contact us today.

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