Flowering Trees Add Beauty to Your Yard

After a long winter of monochromatic dullness, spring bursts onto the scene with a palate of beautiful colors. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are among the first bearers of spring color. Flowering trees also adds color to your yard during the spring and summer. Keep reading to learn more about these pretty trees and the care that they require.

Flowering Trees for Central Indiana

If you want to add color to your landscape, flowering trees are a good way to do it. There are a variety of flowering trees in different colors and of different sizes and shapes. Each tree offers a different type of flower so you’ll want to view them in full bloom to pick just the right one. Some good choices for flowering trees in Indiana include:

• Tuliptree – A large tree reaching as tall as 150 feet tall, the tuliptree produces yellowish green blooms from May through mid-June.
• Dogwood – With blooms of white or pink that appear in the spring, dogwoods reach heights of 20 feet.
• Crabapple – Spring-flowering crabapples are available in a variety of colors but also produce messy fruit later in the year.
• Flowering Cherry – There are several varieties of flowering cherry trees (with a range of sizes and a variety of colors) that do well in Indiana.
• Lilac – One of the first trees to bloom in the spring, lilacs bring both color and fragrance to your yard.
• Viburnum (Blackhaw) – Viburnum trees grow to about 15 feet tall and shows off its clusters of white flowers in early May.

Special Care for Flowering Trees

Caring for flowering trees is not much different than caring for other trees. Many of the same principles apply. However, ignoring the necessary tree care tasks may have more visible results in flowering trees. Failure to provide adequate water and fertilizer to flowering trees may lead to a decrease in flowers. One area of tree care that is different for flowering trees is pruning. Because flowers set in the fall for spring-flowering trees, pruning should be done immediately after bloom in the spring. Summer-blooming trees, on the other hand, can be pruned in the late winter or very early spring.

If you are thinking of planting a flowering tree, Ping’s can help. Our arborists can help you choose a good tree for the conditions in your yard. We also understand the best techniques for planting a tree as well as caring for the trees you have. Protect the beauty that flowering trees bring to your yard with top-notch care from Ping’s.

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

Your trees are constantly responding to environmental changes and throughout the year, they will need some help by way of pruning.

Tree pruning will help to improve the overall health of your trees, their overall appearance, and naturally reduces the possibility of tree failure. The improper pruning of a tree can stress a tree leading to potential decay, infestation, disease, and even death.

Below the arborist at 72 Tree, Seed & Land Co. discuss the different ways trees can be properly pruned.

Tree Height Reduction

When reducing the height of a tree, much care and precision pruning are necessary.

This procedure must be done correctly; “topping” or cutting through the main trunk often leads to several issues for the tree including failure.

Depending on the species and growth pattern of the tree, height reduction may not be possible without irreparably damaging the tree. In these cases, the choice to remove or relocate it may have to be made.

Tree Crown Raising

Crown raising involves the pruning, cutting, or removal of the lowest branches of a tree. This procedure provides more clearance under a tree for people and vehicles.

This procedure, when performed on younger trees, will encourage more growth in the upper branches. When raising the crown on older more developed trees, much caution is needed as the lower branches will be much larger and leave larger wounds.

Tree Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is a wise option for trees that sustain the full force of strong winds or have to bear the weight of accumulated snow or ice.

This is accomplished by the selective and careful removal of branches from within the crown. This process reduces the force of the wind on the canopy, as well as reducing the weight of snow and ice on the tree.

Care must be taken when thinning a crown. The improper procedure or over thinning can lead to disease, decay, infestation, or make the tree more susceptible to being blown over.

Tree Crown Cleaning

As the name suggests, crown cleaning is the removal of dead and dying branches. Crown cleaning is the more common of the pruning options.

This procedure helps to protect your tree by removing unnecessary weight, reduces the risk and hazard of falling branches, helps to halt the progression of decay and disease, thus improving the overall health of the tree.

Small or Ornamental Tree Pruning

Small or ornamental trees should be routinely pruned for many of the same reasons mentioned above. They may also be pruned for simple esthetics or to train them as they grow.

Professional Regular Pruning

Once aware of the signs your tree needs pruning, having your trees regularly pruned by a tree service or certified arborist will keep your trees healthy and beautiful. This will also benefit your landscape by the early detection of problematic infestations, fungi, or irregularities that may otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late to correct.

An added benefit to regular pruning services is curb appeal. The better your landscape appears, the more curb appeal your property will have. This usually translates to a higher property value.

Overall, pruning is beneficial and necessary throughout the year. Follow these tree pruning tips, and visit our tree care blog more articles and information.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/pruning-techniques/

Major late winter storms have wreaked havoc on the Northeast, while bringing more rain to the Southeast. From coastal storm surge and flooding to record setting snowfall and downed trees that have caused power outages, catastrophic property damage and loss of life.

With trees, preparation and preventative measures are key to their survival of severe weather. However, even the most well prepared landscape can suffer tree damage or loss in a major weather event.

Before the next storm strikes, the Todd’s Marietta Tree Services team outlined measures to help prevent your trees from causing catastrophic property damage (or worse) during major storms.

Tree Health, Inspection, and Diagnosis

Tree health and disease prevention begins with proper seasonal maintenance, watering, and pruning. Inspecting your trees needs to be a part of the seasonal routine. Through regular inspections, you will be able to detect problems before they have a chance to develop and compromise your tree’s health.

Whether it be dieback, holes from burrowing insects, mushrooms growing on the trunk or suckers randomly popping up, when you spot trouble, immediate action should be taken to halt the issue. Immediate action is necessary to preserve the health and integrity of your tree(s).

In situations where you are uncertain of what to look for or which actions to take, call in a professional tree service to inspect, evaluate, and explain the different courses of action that can be taken to resolve the issue(s).

Trees Too Close to Power Lines

We’ve all been through it. The rain starts, the wind blows, the storm strengthens, and the power goes out. Generally, the power goes out during a storm when a tree falls and severs a power line connection or disrupts a transformer.

If a tree is growing close enough to power lines that it is in constant contact, touches them when the wind blows, or is an overstory tree that is threatening to fall, here are some suggestions for the handling of that tree.

Tree on Your Property – If the tree is on your property and is interfering with power lines, be very cautious. Trees can become energized when in contact with power lines and cause severe injury or electrocution.

Pruning or cutting back the tree on your own is highly discouraged. Call in a reputable tree service to evaluate the situation and recommend a safe course of action.

In the event that action must be taken, in some cases the power company will be called out to cut the power supply until the tree pruning, cutting, or removal has been completed.

Your Neighbor’s Trees – If you see a neighbor’s tree that is or could interfere with power lines, notify and communicate with them on the issue. Educate your neighbor about the risks and danger that the tree(s) poses, and encourage them to contact the power company.

You are not required to get approval, so if the neighbor does not take immediate action, or the property is abandoned, contact the power company and inform them of the threatening tree(s).

Both you and the power company have an interest in preventing a tree from falling on the lines, so do not hesitate, as a broken line means an inconvenience and loss of power for your neighborhood.

Trees In an HOA Community – If you live in a community with a Home Owner’s Association, they may already have a contract with a local tree service. When you spot an interfering tree within the community, inform the HOA of the location. They will then serve notice to the property owner or take action themselves.

Public Trees – If you spot a tree that is interfering with power lines along the street or on public property, notify the power company of the location. They will dispatch a crew to resolve the issue through their right-of-way and vegetation management division.

Georgia Power’s right-of-way and vegetation management can be reached here, or by phone toll free at 1-888-660-5890 (dial option 1 for dangerous conditions)

Trees Too Close to Your House

When trees overhang a portion of your roof or have grown big enough to cause significant property damage, the following will help prevent a catastrophic tree emergency event during severe weather.

Routine Pruning and Care – The closer a tree is to your home, the more attention it should get. Make sure it is properly pruned according to the right time for its species. Inspect the tree often for signs of trouble and take action when you see something wrong.

Landscaping and Land Disturbance – If you have landscaping that requires heavy machinery, it is important to protect the roots of the tree from compacted soil.

TIP: Heavy machinery and equipment should not be allowed on the land surrounding a tree – from the trunk to the outer edge of the canopy.

Also, be aware that removing concrete slabs like those in walkways or driveways may result in your tree falling. As the roots grow beneath, the structure becomes a part of the tree’s support system. Always seek the advice of an experienced and reputable tree service when planning to cut trees, plant or redo your landscape.

Trees and the Weather

While trees are very capable of adapting to their location and responsive to the climate they grow in, severe weather will often challenge the strength and health of your trees.

Inclement weather and intense storms are primarily dangerous due to lightning, high-speed winds, and their ability to topple trees into power lines and on to structures.

It is up to property owners to ensure continuous vigilance and tree care to prevent catastrophic emergency tree events that result in severe property damage, power outages, or loss of life.

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Storms are a fact of life in the Portland and Vancouver areas. Snowstorms, rain storms, wind storms – they make the news, can disrupt our lives, and occasionally knock down trees. And when they do, the safest thing to do is call a tree service company experienced in emergency tree removal. If you haven’t dealt with a fallen tree before, or even if you have, here are the steps you should take if a tree has fallen on your property or home.

Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My House

It doesn’t usually matter whose tree it was, what matters is whose property it is on now. That is the person who will be responsible for hiring a tree service and paying for the tree work or arranging payment through their insurance.

If your tree fell on your neighbor’s property it is their problem and vice-versa. That being said, a good neighbor should not have to take complete responsibility for what is generally considered an act of god. Most neighbors will likely do what they can to make the situation right with their affected neighbors.

Making it right could mean splitting or taking care of any out of pockets costs your neighbor has regarding this work. This is especially a good idea if they have mentioned their concerns about the tree to you before.

Who to Call When a Tree Falls in the Road

If the area has foot or road traffic, rope off or block off the area to limit the risk of someone getting injured by the hazardous tree. Whatever you have on hand is better than nothing. This terrible situation is only made worse by someone getting hurt on your property. Also, think about putting a sign on the doors inside your home to prevent anyone from forgetting and using the affected exits.

Check the Power Lines

From a distance observe if your power lines are involved. If they are it might be advisable to either turn off your power or at least unplug any expensive electronics. Most modern electronics are surge protected now so this is less of a factor but it is still something to consider. You might want to call the power company as well to alert them to the issue.

Call in a Professional

Call a local tree service company that provides emergency tree service. The company will likely ask you for the photos so they can assess the situation. Tree services that provide emergency service should be able to dispatch someone to examine the damage in about thirty minutes. Once that person arrives they should be able to dispatch a crew in approximately another thirty minutes, even on the weekend or holidays. Sometimes extreme weather causes these times to increase. Speed is an important factor in limiting water damage to the interior of your home in our rainy climate.

There is no need to get an estimate for the emergency tree service work to be performed as tree service companies who routinely deal with these sorts of calls will usually bill your insurance company directly at an hourly rate. This is preferred as they take on the liability for collecting their fee from the insurance company and only require your cooperation in providing information to the insurance company.

Companies who don’t handle it this way might give you a bid which you decide to accept. However, when your insurance agency only agrees to pay a portion of the invoice, that same tree service company is nowhere to be found. Now you’re left with the difficult work of trying to recoup your funds.

Fallen trees are very dangerous! Even trees that look like they have fallen may be under great pressure and thus are extremely dangerous. It’s no joke – leave the emergency tree removal and clean up to the professionals. That neighbor of your who swears he is skilled with a chainsaw and can handle it for you? Really not a good idea. The one thing that can make this already bummer of a situation worse is a trip to the hospital.

Contact the Insurance Company

 If a tree has fallen on your home, call your homeowners insurance and open a claim. There is no reason to avoid doing this because homeowner’s insurance rates are not affected by this type of claim. Additionally, this type of emergency tree service work is very dangerous and thus very expensive. You will need to get the following information from your insurance company:

• Claim number
• Your adjuster’s name, phone number, and email.

The good news is there’s good chance that you won’t have to pay for this work, or at least for the part of the tree that has already fallen. The parties who are potentially paying for/doing the work are: the city, the power company, your homeowner’s insurance, your car insurance, or your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance.

The rules regarding who does the work and who pays for the work are complex, so contacting a Portland tree service who regularly handles this type of emergency tree removal work is your best bet to figuring this part of the equation out.

Don’t Skip the Paperwork

You will most likely need a tree removal permit and will most likely need to replant a new tree. The need of a permit to remove a naturally fallen tree seems crazy to some people, but the reality is that most cities now require tree removal permits, even for emergency tree removal. They also don’t usually care whether you hired someone to cut the tree down or the wind knocked it down.

Make sure the Portland tree service you are hiring is handling the permit process for you as most will do it free of charge. It is also one less thing to do in what is usually a pretty tiresome and stressful process of getting your house back to its previous condition.

Emergency Tree Removal in Portland, Oregon

Having a tree fall on your house or property is unlikely to ever be a fun experience. However, if you keep these things in mind, you will come through the process much smoother and with less to worry about. And, in the event that a tree does fall on your house or property,  contact Urban Forest Professionals at 503-226-7143 and then dial extension 9. It’s the fastest, best way to get the certified, experienced arborists here at Urban Forest Pros in your corner and on the road.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“Urban Forest Pro surveyed my neighborhood and provided delightful cards showing the tree they thought may need some work and explaining that they already had a quote saved for if and when I gave them a call. It was perfect timing for us as we were gathering quotes for the tree at that time. Every person I interacted with from start to finish was pleasant and professional, the work was competitively priced, and the work they did on the tree was even better than I’d hoped for. Will certainly use them in the future.”

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
L Rideau
February 15, 2019
Read more reviews on Google!

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

Spring Lawn Care Activities

Was your lawn a disappointment last year? Were you embarrassed to have the brownest, sparsest lawn in the neighborhood? Did you finally just give up on achieving the green, lush yard of your dreams? If you answered any of these questions in the affirmative, we have good news for you. Spring gives you an opportunity to start afresh on your lawn. Here are some spring lawn care tasks that will help you have a healthy, beautiful lawn in 2018.

Clean Up from Fall and Winter

Nature can be messy, especially in the fall and winter seasons. Lawns all over central Indiana find themselves covered by a blanket of leaves every fall. Some leaves fall before summer even says goodbye. Others fall as the chilly nights of autumn arrive. But still others hang onto their leaves well into what feels like winter. Once snow falls, it is harder to rake leaves and remove them from your lawn. In that case, your first spring lawn care task should be to get rid of leaves as well as any tree branches or sticks that have fallen in winter.

Tune Up Your Mower

If there is one thing that everyone does in the summer, it is lawn mowing. It starts in the spring almost as soon as the weather warms and continues through the cooler days of fall. You better be ready! Many homeowners take their mowers in for a tune-up before mowing begins. This assures that your mower will be ready to run when the grass needs to be cut. At the same time, it is important to make sure that blades are sharp, ensuring clean, healthy cuts to grass.

Fertilize Your Lawn

When you want something to grow, you better feed it. This is as true for grass as it is for any other living organism. That’s why homeowners hoping for a lush, green lawn this year should fertilize in the spring. If you are unsure about how to apply fertilizer or just don’t want to do it yourself, Ping’s offers single applications of fertilizer as well as season-long lawn care programs that apply the right lawn care treatments at just the right time.

Overseed or Fill in Bare Spots

As your lawn starts to come back from its winter hibernation, it is a great time to look for thin or bare spots. There will be areas where grass has died or has just been weakened or damaged. Applying grass patch on bare patches allows you to fill in these spots. In addition, overseeding your whole lawn helps promote a fuller, healthier lawn. Take advantage of the mild spring weather to encourage optimal growth and nurture of grass seeds and young plants.

Prevent and Kill Weeds and Pests

While helping grass grow is a good thing, there are other plants and animals that you don’t want growing in your lawn. In the spring, weeds will take off almost immediately. To keep them from taking over, preventative treatments should be applied. Grubs are also known to invade lawns in spring. You can tell grubs are a problem when the birds start to congregate and feast on your lawn. Ping’s 6-step lawn care program will apply herbicides and pesticides to eliminate these problems.

Spring lawn care is important. It provides the foundation for grass that thrives through the changing temperatures and conditions of a central Indiana summer. You are not alone in these lawn care tasks; Ping’s offers services to help with many of these. Whether fertilizing, applying herbicides or pesticides, or overseeding, Ping’s will make sure that it is done at the right time and in the correct manner. Beyond just spring, Ping’s also provides a reliable lawn care program throughout the growing season. To learn more about the services we offer, see our website or call us for more information (317-298-8482).

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

You love your tree. It looks great in your front yard and provides much needed shade for your house, or maybe your favorite tree is the one the kids have decided to build a treehouse in out back. While we all love these gentle giants, trees can pose certain risks to your home. If not watched carefully an otherwise desirable tree can pose a significant threat to your home and its foundation. Here at Red’s Tree Service we have put together these helpful tips so you can know the risks, and prevent problems from occurring now and down the road.

Effects on the Soil

Even small, newly formed tree roots are very powerful! Tree roots are driven to find more and more sources of water and nutrients, so they are constantly extending themselves to aid their search. The kind of soil the tree is planted in dictates the results of these movements. There are different effects for the two primary types of soil that can be substantially affected by tree growth. The first type of soil is composed primarily of clay. These types of soils become more densely packed as tree roots push through them because they compact easily. On the other hand, soil that consists of loose dirt and rocks will simply tend to shift and become displaced, allowing the roots to move through it easily. The kind of damage that tree roots may have in store for your residence depends on the type of soil your house sits on, so it is highly useful to know which type of soil is under your home. Prevailing weather conditions are another way that trees can affect the soil beneath them. Roots may shrink as clay soils dry during droughts. During heavy rains, the roots may expand as they absorb water. The structural integrity of soil can be damaged by both shrinkage and expansion.

Foundation Damage

Though many homeowners believe tree roots to be the cause of foundation damage, they are not directly responsible. Most of the damage done to home foundations is caused by the changes in the condition of the soil, which often manifests itself in the form of concrete settling. Concrete settling, for the most part, is only unsightly, but it can sometimes be dangerous. Shifting and cracking is more likely to occur when concrete settles. The effect on the overall structure of your home depends on how significant the movement is. Some homes, especially newer homes, may not be disrupted at all by cracks in the concrete due to root activity. Residential foundations are more substantially impacted by concrete shifts due to settling. Older homes have been known in extreme cases to suffer damage of the entire structure. Ceilings may become uneven, support beams may shift, and walls may sink or crack. Oftentimes concrete settling can cause basic structural damage in older homes, though it is not always a hazard. It is all too easy to blame trees for causing foundation damage as they are often viewed as invaders of a home’s landscape. There are many different reasons besides tree roots that can cause foundation damage. A poorly insulated basement, gardens planted too close to the foundation by homeowners, and drainage pipes are all factors that can lead to soil dehydration and concrete settling.

Preventing Root-Related Damage

You can take a number of steps to protect yourself when concerned about the potential for roots damaging your foundation. Concerns often arise after the foundation has been laid and nearby trees have already been long in place. Building a root barrier is one way to address the issue.  You may have to dig all the way down to the base of your home’s foundation in order to do so, but while you are digging for the barrier you can cut away roots that are approaching your foundation. This process can be a hassle, but it is better than merely trusting that your home will be left undamaged by weather cycles and root growth. If you decide to plant a new tree in your yard, make sure to select a slow-growing tree species that has less aggressive rooting tendencies so you can avoid the threat of root damage. Willows, silver maples, and elm trees that spread deep and insidious roots should all be steered clear of. Instead, go for oak or sugar maple trees that grow more slowly. Reconsidering your plans for tree planting in the area around your home is another way to prevent tree roots from causing damage. Always consider how large your yard is before planting a tree. One misconception that underestimates the facts, is the common held belief that a tree will develop roots as broad as the tree is tall. A tree can actually develop roots that are two to three times its height! You should think about trying something smaller, or different landscaping options if you cannot provide adequate space for the tree’s roots.

Building a New Structure

You can take a number of steps to prevent root damage in the future while building a new home. An insufficiently deep foundation is one of the most common causes of foundation damage. Older homes built on shallow foundations are far more vulnerable to root damage and concrete settling than homes built with full basements.  Full basements offer significant structural protection in comparison to the shallow foundations that are susceptible to dried-out soil conditions and shifts.

Save Those Trees

You do not need to start cutting down trees immediately if you are worried about invasive roots. It can be avoided by using such strategies as a root barrier and is often unnecessary. An analysis of your soil type and foundation status can also demonstrate that roots are not a major threat to your home. Cutting down trees should only be done when all other efforts have been exhausted!

If you have noticed foundation damage and suspect tree roots, soil changes, or concrete settling, call Red’s Tree Service today! Our team of professional arborists will assess your trees and soil and offer a variety of solutions. Do not let tree roots rock your foundation. Red’s Tree Service can help you stand on solid ground!

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

Ping’s Tree Service Receives TCIA Accreditation

Many industries have their own system for developing and recognizing experts within the industry. Through accreditation program, seasoned experts within an industry can pass on their knowledge and certify that those who have completed the program have the skills and expertise needed. By awarding accreditation, industry groups can also communicate to the general public that graduates have mastered industry skills and demonstrated success. Ping’s has recently renewed their 3-year Residential/Commercial Accreditation with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which was formerly known as the National Arborist Association.

What Is TCIA Accreditation?

TCIA is the oldest and most well-respected tree care trade association in the country and their accreditation takes into account a company’s ethics, quality of work, and consumer confidence. Within the tree care industry, the TCIA’s accreditation program offers tree care professional the opportunity to reach a high level of proficiency and to be recognized for that.  They examine the policies and procedures of companies applying for accreditation.  According to Bob Rouse, TCIA’s chief program officer, “Accreditation is a process that helps the owner really get a handle on their business, get it organized, understand strategically how it works and where they want to take that company in the future. It shows customers that this is a model tree care company, the best in the area, and raises the bar for other tree care companies in the area.”

What Does TCIA Accreditation Tell You?

So what does that mean for you as an Indianapolis resident? In short, it gives you confidence in the Ping’s organization. Nearly every homeowner or commercial property owner has at least one tree and thus will need tree care at some point. You might notice that your trees are showing signs of distress or disease. Or you may recognize that your trees are looking straggly and in need of a trim. Sometimes icy or windy weather bring down a whole tree or a weak branch, demanding your immediate attention. Whatever your situation, you’ll want highly trained, knowledgeable tree care professionals to address your problem.  And with the TCIA accreditation, you can rest easy knowing that Ping’s is equipped to provide the best tree care in the Indianapolis area.

Ping’s offers tree care services ranging from routine maintenance to 24/7 emergency service. Last year, we also opened a landscape division, which provides lawn care, landscape, and snow removal services. It is our honor to be able to deliver services of the highest quality to residents and commercial property owners in the Indianapolis area. Call us at 317-298-8482 or schedule an estimate on our website.

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

Generally, a certified arborist is an arborist who has obtained their Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. To gain this certification, there are the following experience requirements:

• 3 years of full time experience working in the arboriculture industry OR
• 2 year degree and 2 years of experience OR
• 4 year degree and 1 year of experience

There is also a difficult computerized test that tests arborists on the basics of all aspects of the tree industry, not just those that they work in currently. Certified Arborists must maintain their certification every 3 years by either taking continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

What it means to be a certified arborist

If someone is a certified arborist it means they have shown a basic aptitude in their profession. It is in no way a guarantee that an arborist is skilled or an expert, but it does provide a general assurance that they know the basic principles in their profession and that they have a desire to follow generally accepted best practices in that profession.

To give you an idea of the skill levels involved, it is less rigorous than being a journeyman electrician but more rigorous than getting a commercial driver’s license.

Why arborist certification matters

In our opinion, any tree company you hire, the owner, the estimator (if the estimator is not the owner), and the crew leader should all be ISA certified arborists. There is really no other assurance that the arborist pruning your tree both knows what they are doing and are doing pruning that is of value to your trees.

We regularly read 5-star reviews online about the pruning performed by companies we know to be scamming customers. We also regularly see tree pruning around town where the customer would have been better off just shredding their money.

It is very difficult if not impossible for the average person to recognize poor pruning work that is damaging to the health of a tree. Your only assurance that the work was performed properly is that the estimator who wrote the work order up and the people who did the pruning proved to an outside organization that they have a basic level of professional knowledge by getting their ISA Certification.

Certified Arborist Portland, Oregon

Urban Forest Professionals provides its customer an ISA certified arborist on every crew. We are one of the only Portland tree service companies to guarantee this fact. In addition, all of the grounds crew are training to be arborists and have a desire to learn arboriculture, obtain their certification, and have a long term career as an arborists. We have found that by only hiring people who seek this work out as a long term profession with the desire to learn and grow as an arborist allows Urban Forest Professionals to provide the best quality care for our customers.

Are Landscapers Also Considered Certified Arborists?

Now that we know what an arborist certification is, you may be wondering if this profession is much different from what landscapers do. Perhaps you just think of it as working with “Thorns” versus “Timbers.” However, the comparison is more complex than that and goes far beyond Providence Park!

Horticulture and arboriculture share some common ground – the care of natural surroundings. Landscapers and arborists can work together, yet the two are not interchangeable. While both work with plants, one is more specialized than the other. When looking for Portland tree services, it’s important to know the difference between landscapers and arborists, or else you could end up with lackluster service.

Landscaper job description

You can expect Landscapers to know how to care for the land, such as:

• Designing and installing landscape (natural features) or hardscape (man-made fixtures).
• Installing and maintaining lawn irrigation, and ensuring proper water drainage.
• Covering land with mulch to enrich or insulate the soil.
• Preparing, creating, and maintaining garden beds.
• Pruning shrubs to promote health.

Although landscapers are skilled at horticulture, they are ill-equipped to handle complicated tree projects. Landscapers may not have the appropriate tools or training to complete arboricultural jobs correctly – or safely. Too often, a landscape contractor attempts arboriculture, only to hurt himself or damage the property.

Certified arborist job description

In contrast, Arborists are “tree doctors” who specialize in tree health. They are extensively trained and properly equipped to tackle challenging tree work, such as:

• Assessing the condition of trees and how to heal disease.
• Pruning trees, in consideration of available space, tree health, and productivity.
• Removing or reducing trees correctly and safely.
• Cabling or bracing vulnerable branch unions to create structural support.
• Transplanting and replanting trees to more appropriate locations.
• Performing deep root or tree spike fertilization to provide trees with key nutrients.
• Injecting fertilizers and pest control formulas into trees.
• Grinding stumps, ensuring a tree’s remnants are is eradicated.

Safety considerations highlight the differences between landscapers and arborists. Arborists are trained to use specialized tools to climb and cut trees safely. From rigging to harnesses to aerial lift equipment, providing Portland tree services for the towering species in our area requires unique equipment—equipment that landscapers don’t have.

Liability insurance distinguishes these fields as well. Trustworthy Portland certified arborists carry extensive liability insurance to protect themselves and the homeowner; in contrast, landscapers are not typically insured for arboricultural liability. Homeowners may have to foot the bill for damage if the contractor doesn’t carry the proper insurance for Portland tree removal or other services.

City codes for the City of Portland State that homeowners must obtain permits before planting, pruning, or removing certain trees. According to the city’s new tree code, failing to acquire the correct permits could bring fees of up to $1,000 per day, per tree. To avoid fines, it’s best to work with a certified, experienced arborist. For example, Portland arborists can identify whether you have a heritage tree on your property. Heritage trees are protected by City Code; they can only be removed when officials confirm that they’re dead, dying, or dangerous—and in all cases, you’ll need Portland certified arborists to get the job done safely.

Horticulture and Arboriculture

Ultimately, it’s best to see these two fields—Horticulture and Arboriculture—as separate jobs best left to their respective professionals, landscapers and arborists. Of course, some Portland arborists also offer extensive landscaping services. However, for the health of your trees and the safety of your family, it’s best to entrust tree services only to certified arborists.

If you want more information on when to call an arborist or a landscaper, check out this informative presentation by a group of Tree Care Industry Association board members, and read our blog on How to Select a Certified Arborist.

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

Getting Trees Ready for Spring

Just when you thought you couldn’t handle another day of brutal Indiana winter, spring is within sight! But before you put away the hats and gloves, the heavy coats and snow shovels, remember that we still have a few weeks of winter.  And that is a good thing because there are some tree care tasks that need to be done before spring is in full bloom. The window between the worst of winter weather and the bright flowers of spring can be quite short so get ready for these necessary activities.

1. Tree Inspection

While inspection seems like a rather passive and minor activity, it’s not.  To the contrary, thorough inspection can help you spot problems while they’re small and, pardon the pun, nip them in the bud.  When trees are bare, it is easier to see weak or diseased branches.

2. Tree Trimming

Before trees start to leaf out, it is also helpful to do any pruning or trimming that is needed.  Not only is it easier to see what’s going on without leaves, but is also better for the health of the tree to prune before the weather gets warmer.  In cold weather, the chances are reduced for infection or infestation of the open wounds left by pruning.

3. Tree Clean-up

As the snow begins you melt, you may begin to see a real mess around your tree.  If you placed protective wrapping on your tree for the winter, you’ll want to start by removing that.  Fallen branches should be picked up to from around the tree to make your lawn beautiful and ready to take off in spring weather.

4. Tree Planting

Once the ground thaws, spring is a perfect time to plant any trees you’d like to add to your landscape.  The earlier you can get them in the ground, the better as they will have more time to recover from the trauma of planting before they must endure the trauma of hot summer weather.

5. Tree Fertilization

Growth takes energy so you want to provide all the nutrients your trees need to grow. Fertilizers will have an optimal effect if they are applied as soon as the ground is workable.  That way, when your tree is ready for that spring growth spurt, it will have the nutrients it needs at its disposal.

6. Soil Testing and Amendment

Relatedly, this transition time is also a good time to test your soil and see what nutrients it is missing.  Soil that is lacking the necessary nutrients for healthy long-term tree growth can be amended with the proper additives.

7. Mulch Application

Tree health is closely tied to their ability to access water.  Bare or weedy soil can divert necessary water from trees. Mulch keeps water from evaporating and prevents weeds from taking root. To help retain water in the ground around trees, mulch should be properly applied.

8. Arborist Consultation

Finally, keeping trees healthy is not always a straightforward task. You may not know what your trees need or the best approach to take with them. It is often helpful to schedule a consultation with a trained arborist who can assess the situation and give recommendations for ensuring trees’ ongoing strength and vigor.

Don’t let care for your trees overwhelm you during the short period of transition from winter to spring.  Instead, let Ping’s help you out.  The experts at Ping’s offers Indianapolis tree trimming, planting, fertilizing, and other services to help you get ready for spring. Schedule today online or by calling us at 317-298-8482.

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

What causes a tree to die from the top down? A common reason for a tree to die from the top down or from its outer limbs is drought. Even with reasonable rainfall, your tree may not be getting the water it needs to thrive and survive.

When a tree begins to deteriorate from the top down, this condition is also known as dieback. Dieback is the gradual death of tree branches, foliage, and/or limbs starting at the tips (extremities) and moving inward toward the trunk. Dieback, as mentioned above may result from drought. However, there may be a variety a variety of causes contributing to the gradual death of your tree.

The following will help you to identify what is causing dieback, the options available to save the tree, and the actions you can take to prevent the tree’s death.

What Can Cause Dieback from the Top Down?

In order to identify the cause of dieback, you need to know what you are looking for. The following are common reasons and symptoms when tree health declines.

Drought – Symptoms include the wilting or discoloration of leaves, limb, twig, and branch dieback, as well as the death of roots. Trees suffering from drought are very likely to be affected by insects, disease, or both.

Soil Imbalance – Soil is composed of minerals, organic and inorganic matter, water, air, and has an acidic or alkaline pH level. When an imbalance of these levels occurs, nutrients needed for the tree’s survival may not be absorbed. This can certainly lead to dieback and death of the tree if not addressed.

A sure sign of soil trouble is the absence of worms, plant growth, and small insects. “Life” should be detected in your soil, if not your soil’s health needs attention.

Insect Infestation – Invasive insect species also cause or accelerate dieback. When trees are stressed, they produce more amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. This in turn makes them more attractive to invasive insects that feed off them.

As an infestation grows, the tree becomes more stressed and in turn, produces more of the chemicals – attracting more insects. This process can become a self-reinforced loop, and the initial stressors now combined with the infestation will eventually lead to the death of the tree if not treated promptly.

NOTE: While trees have adapted their defenses and healing processes over the millennia, it is these same adaptations that may feed an insect infestation.

What Options Do I Have to Save My Tree?

For each of the causes listed above, there is a specific course of action to halt or even reverse it. Once the cause is identified, the following simple treatments may help to save your tree.

Drought Treatment – During dry seasons or when rainfall is scarce, give your trees a thorough watering once a week. Make sure that the soil is soaked to a depth of at least twelve inches. Mulching around your trees base will slow the evaporation process and help the soil and tree retain moisture.

Soil Imbalance Treatment – While calling in a Certified Arborist may be the best option here, you are perfectly capable of getting a soil test kit from your local nursery or home improvement store (gardening department). Use the kit to determine if there is an imbalance for the species of affected tree(s), then seek appropriate soil treatments to return the soil to a healthy composition.

Insect Infestation Treatment – Once an infestation is confirmed, insecticides, traps, and oil can be used to kill the existing insects and prevent further infestation. Read this 72tree.com/using-dormant-horticultural-oil-treat-tree-insect-infestations/ for more on using and applying oils to treat insect infestations.

It is important to note that insect infestations are typically the result of a tree already stressed or in bad health. Once the infestation has been dealt with, begin looking for other stressors that may have lead to the weakening of the tree’s health.

How Do You Save a Dying Tree?

When dieback occurs, saving your tree will involve pruning or trimming off the dead parts of the tree, and identifying the reason that the dieback occurred. Once identified, treat it. If it is an infestation that is threatening other trees and plants, you may have to make the decision to completely remove the tree to prevent further contamination and damage.

Proper Treatment and Prevention – Once you have treated the cause of your tree’s dieback, understand that you can save a dying tree by simply paying attention to it through the seasons. Your tree will show signs of stress, and once you detect it, consider it a call to action.

It is equally important to establish and follow seasonal maintenance and care. Bringing in a Certified Arborist or reputable tree service to inspect your trees and landscape will help give you the upper hand in keeping your trees healthy!

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/my-tree-dying-top-down/