Month: April 2025

A tree risk assessment (TRA) is a formal evaluation that helps determine whether a tree poses a potential hazard to your property. Homeowners often confuse this with general tree evaluations, but a TRA follows strict criteria to ensure safety and health. This guide explains what a tree risk

What Happens During a Tree Risk Assessment?

1.Inspection

• An arborist examines the structure, roots, and canopy for signs of weakness or disease.
• Factors such as age, species, and location are considered.
• The arborist may also assess past pruning or damage history to understand structural weaknesses.

2. Documentation

• Photos, notes, and measurements are compiled to support findings.
  Arborists may reference historical growth patterns and previous assessments.
• The assessment includes soil conditions, potential fungal growth, and nearby environmental stressors like construction or weather damage.

3. Tree Risk Evaluation & Recommendations

• The final report details potential hazards and outlines maintenance or removal options.
• Arborists categorize risks into low, moderate, high, or severe levels.
• If immediate action is necessary, recommendations may include pruning, bracing, soil aeration, or removal.

When Should You Get a Tree Risk Assessment?

A tree risk assessment isn’t always necessary, but in certain situations, it’s highly recommended:

• If your insurance company requires one: Some policies may request a TRA to evaluate trees near your home.
• After a storm or extreme weather event: High winds, heavy snow, and ice accumulation can compromise tree stability.
• If you notice cracks, leaning, or significant dead limbs: Structural issues can lead to sudden tree failure if not addressed.
• Before major landscaping or construction projects: If you’re adding a new structure or altering your yard, a TRA ensures trees won’t pose a risk during or after construction.
• For peace of mind: If you have mature trees near your home, assessing potential risks can prevent unexpected damage or emergencies.

Key Factors That Influence Tree Stability

Several factors determine a tree’s risk level and whether intervention is needed:

• Tree Species: Some species, like willows, have weaker wood and are more prone to breakage.
• Tree Age: Older trees may develop decay, cavities, or root damage that compromise stability.
• Soil Condition: Compacted or waterlogged soil can weaken roots, increasing the likelihood of tree failure.
• Previous Pruning History: Over-pruning or poor pruning techniques can lead to weak branch structure.
• Root Health: Trees with damaged or shallow roots are at greater risk of falling.
• Environmental Factors: Nearby construction, road salt, and other stressors can weaken a tree over time.

Benefits of a Tree Risk Assessment

A tree risk assessment provides several advantages for homeowners:

• Protects Property & Safety: Identifying potential hazards helps prevent costly damage and injuries.
• Extends Tree Life: Proactive care, such as pruning and soil improvement, can increase tree longevity.
• Ensures Compliance with Local Regulations: Some municipalities require a TRA before removing large trees.
• Improves Insurance Coverage: Documentation from a TRA can support insurance claims if tree damage occurs.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once the TRA is complete, the arborist will provide a report outlining:

• Overall tree health and stability
• Potential risks and the likelihood of failure
• Recommendations for pruning, cabling, bracing, or removal
• A suggested timeline for action

If no immediate risks are found, the arborist may suggest monitoring the tree and reassessing it in a few years.

Proactive Tree Care to Reduce Risk

Homeowners can take several steps to maintain their trees and reduce the likelihood of failure:

• Regular Pruning: Remove dead, weak, or overgrown branches to maintain a strong structure.
• Mulching & Soil Aeration: Keep soil healthy to promote root growth and stability.
• Monitoring for Changes: Watch for cracks, leaning, or branch dieback.
• Storm Preparation: Before heavy storms, have a professional check for weak branches.

Contact Our Portland Tree Risk Assessment Experts

If you’re unsure about the health or safety of a tree on your property, don’t leave it to chance. While not every tree needs a formal risk assessment, having a certified arborist evaluate your concerns can provide peace of mind and clear next steps. Regular check-ups and proactive care help your trees thrive—protecting both your property and the natural beauty of your landscape. Reach out to a professional today and keep your trees growing strong for years to come.

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

Spring is right around the corner, and now’s the time to show your trees a little love. After a long, cold winter in Northern New Jersey, your trees are just waiting for a little care and attention to bounce back strong.

At Big Foot Tree Service, we’re here to help your landscape shake off winter and come to life again. Whether you’ve got trees that need trimming, cleanup after a rough storm, or a few stubborn stumps left behind, spring is the season to tackle it all. Here’s how to get started.

Start with a Tree Check-Up

Before you do anything else, take a walk around your yard. Look up and down—literally. Keep an eye out for:

• Broken or dangling limbs
• Cracked trunks
• Leaning trees
• Mushrooms or fungi at the base
• Old storm damage

Spot something that looks off? Give us a call—we’ll come take a look and give you a free estimate.

Time for a Trim

One of the best things you can do for your trees in early spring is tree trimming. This helps:

• Remove dead or damaged branches
• Encourage healthy growth
• Shape the tree properly
• Prevent limbs from causing damage in spring storms

Getting your trees trimmed before everything starts to bud helps them grow stronger and more evenly throughout the season.

Clear Out Winter’s Leftovers

Fallen branches, leaves, and winter debris can build up around the base of your trees, creating the perfect spot for pests and rot. Clearing things out:

• Helps prevent disease
• Keeps pests at bay
• Makes room for fresh mulch or new plants

If the cleanup feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ve got storm damage cleanup services to handle the heavy lifting.

Refresh the Mulch

Once the area’s clear, fresh mulch helps keep your trees hydrated and healthy. It locks in moisture, keeps roots cool, and stops weeds from stealing nutrients. Just remember not to pile it too close to the trunk—trees need to breathe, too.

Remove What’s Not Coming Back

Did a tree not make it through the winter? Still have an old stump that’s in the way of spring projects? Now is the time to clear the space. We offer safe tree removal and stump grinding so you can reclaim your yard and start fresh this season.

Let Big Foot Tree Service Help You Spring Into Action

We’re proud to serve homeowners and businesses across Northern New Jersey with honest, reliable, and efficient tree care. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we’ll even check if your county requires a permit for tree removal—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Call us today at 973-885-8000 for a FREE estimate!

The post Get Your Trees Spring-Ready in Northern New Jersey appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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

Fertilizing trees is an essential part of their long-term health, but knowing when and how to do it is key. Many homeowners wonder whether they should fertilize their trees in every season or if there’s a specific time that yields the best results. This guide breaks down the best times to fertilize, the types of fertilizers to use, and the mistakes to avoid.

Why Fertilizing Matters

Trees rely on the nutrients in the soil to thrive. However, urban and suburban environments often lack the natural replenishment processes that exist in forests. Fallen leaves and organic matter are usually raked away, which means trees don’t get the nutrients they naturally would. Fertilization helps replenish the soil and ensures trees stay strong and resistant to pests and diseases.

Spring vs. Fall: The Ideal Seasons for Tree Fertilization

Spring Tree Fertilization:

• Trees put on new growth in the spring, making it a good time for fertilization to support strong branches and lush foliage.
• This is particularly important for young trees that need extra nutrients to establish themselves.
• Use a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) to promote root and foliage development.

Fall Tree Fertilization:

• Many arborists prefer fall fertilization because it prepares trees for the following spring.
• Nutrients settle into the soil over winter, allowing roots to absorb them as the tree comes out of dormancy.
• Organic mulch can be applied in fall to gradually break down and enrich the soil.

What About Fertilizing in Summer and Winter?

Summer Tree Fertilization:

• Avoid fertilizing in summer, as heat can cause negative effects, including stress and potential nutrient burn.
• Trees focus on water retention and stability rather than new growth during hot months.

Winter Tree Fertilization:

• Trees are dormant in winter, meaning fertilization has little to no impact.
• Instead of fertilizing, focus on mulching to insulate roots from extreme temperatures.

Choosing the Right Tree Fertilizer

Organic Fertilizers:

• Organic options like compost and mulch provide slow, long-term benefits.
• Bark chips, decomposed leaves, and manure can all enhance soil quality naturally.

Synthetic Fertilizers:

• Sometimes necessary for specific deficiencies but should be used carefully.
• Can be beneficial for fruit trees and evergreens that have specific nutrient needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fertilizing Trees

• Over-Fertilizing: Applying too much can lead to excessive growth, making trees more vulnerable to pests and disease.
• Using the Wrong Type: Lawn fertilizers may not be appropriate for trees and can contain harmful chemicals.
• Ignoring Tree Species Needs: Fruit trees, evergreens, and tropical trees all have unique fertilizer requirements.

Contact Our Portland Tree Fertilization Experts

If you have any questions about fertilizing your trees or need personalized advice on the best fertilization practices for your specific tree species, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experienced arborists is here to help ensure your trees receive the nutrients they need to thrive. Contact us today for expert guidance and tailored recommendations to keep your trees healthy and strong year-round!

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