Fall into Action: Prepare Your Landscape for Winter!

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.–When autumn’s cooler weather approaches, we bundle up to protect ourselves against the changing weather. We begin to winterize our homes by adding insulation to drafty windows and doorways. As the days get shorter, our number of chores about the house seem to increase. However, maintenance to the home is just the beginning of preparations for colder weather to come. Our trees need care to prepare for colder months as well.

“While your trees seem to be in a state of hibernation in the winter, exposure to the tough conditions can cause them major stress,” says Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). “Minimize stress by helping your trees through the cold months, a little at a time. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you’ll be rewarded in the spring.”

ISA recommends the following tips for preparing trees for colder weather:

Rely on mulch. Put composted organic mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes in the soil. A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree’s roots a little extra protection.

Give your trees a drink. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a lifesaver. But be sure to water when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.

Prevent mechanical injuries. Branch breakage or splitting can be caused by ice and snow accumulation or chewing and rubbing by animals. You may prevent problems with young trees by wrapping their base in a hard, plastic guard or a metal hardware cloth. Wrapping trees with burlap or plastic cloth also can prevent temperature damage. However, it is important to remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow. Other damage can be caused when plowing or shoveling snow. Be mindful of trees nearby. Damage to limbs and trunks from plow blades or a sharp shovel can be detrimental to trees.

Prune your trees. Fall is a good time to prune your trees. Not only are trees dormant in the colder months, but it is also easier to see a tree’s structure when there are no leaves on the branches. “Proper pruning is vital to the health of trees and plants, in part because it helps relieve stress on trees and keeps them growing,” says Skiera. “Just be aware that each tree is different, and pruning at the wrong time or the wrong way can injure a tree making it more susceptible.”

For more information on fall and winter tree care, or to find an ISA Certified Arborist

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Take Precautions When Hiring Tree Services to Help With Storm Clean-Up

CHAMPAIGN, IL- Severe storms such as the recent hurricanes can cause major damage to limbs or entire trees, which often results in damage to nearby property. These trees need to be removed or trimmed by a qualified professional in order to lessen long-term damage to the tree and surrounding property.

Finding a qualified tree service is important protection for the homeowner. Sometimes less credible tree companies follow storms for a quick buck and blow out of town as fast as the storm. Knowing how to hire a reputable arborist can help prevent becoming a victim all over again.

A professionally trained arborist can determine if a tree can be saved. Even if the tree must be removed, safety and training are still needed to prevent additional damage from the removal. Most chainsaw injuries occur during storm cleanup.

In a time of disaster, a fast recovery is desirable, but not taking the time to hire a reputable tree service may create greater problems in the future. The worst result of haste may be paying in advance for tree work that is never completed. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers these tips on hiring an arborist.

How to find a qualified arborist

When searching for a tree care company, there are several things to look for before making a selection.

• Certification-Ask if the arborists on staff hold an ISA certification. ISA offers a range of certification credentials from Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist to Board Certified Master Arborist. To be certified individuals must pass a voluntary comprehensive exam. Certification must be maintained through continuing education, which means they should be up-to-date on the latest in arboricultural technology and are knowledgeable of acceptable practices.
• Licensing-Some states require licensing for tree care companies operating within that state. Louisiana and Mississippi, two states hit recently by hurricanes, both require tree companies to be licensed. Licensing usually requires passing an examination and/or earning continuing education credits. Check your state’s requirements, and make sure companies you are considering are in compliance. In some states licensing is the only necessary requirement. Therefore, this could super-cede ISA Certification as a requirement to look for; however, if a tree care company from out of state is offering services you should look for ISA credentials.
• Professional Affiliation-Ask about membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and/or one of its chapters. There are also state arborist associations such as the Louisiana Arborist Association (LAA), and the Professional Arborist Association of Mississippi (PAAM). Affiliation with industry organizations demonstrates a willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and information.
• Advertisement- Check the local yellow pages directory, or newspaper for arborists who list themselves as ISA Certified Arborists, state licensed, or who display the official logos of professional membership. Also look for logos of business accreditation by organizations such as The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), who requires they have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff. Most reputable tree care professionals do not go door to door soliciting business, so avoid those companies that show up at your doorstep offering to prune your trees. If a tree care company from out of state is advertising, it is even more important to look for these logos of professional identification.
• Insurance- Ask for proof of insurance and then verify coverage with the insurance company. A reputable arborist should have insurance to cover personal and property damage as well as worker’s compensation. If you hire an uninsured tree expert, you can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur while they are on the job. If you hire a company that is from another state, verify that his insurance covers him for work done in your state.
• References- Ask for references from past customers and do not hesitate to check them, or to visit the locations where the company or individual has done tree care work.
• Estimates- Do not be afraid to ask for an estimate, and it is ok to get more than one estimate. You should not always select the lowest bid. When examining the bids, you should look at all specifications and credentials, and the work to be done to determine which company will provide the best service with the skill and professionalism needed to protect your investment. And most importantly get it in writing. Most reputable arborist will have the customer sign a contract so be sure to review it and do not be afraid to ask questions.

It is important to remember that good tree work by qualified professionals is worth the additional expense; however, poor work, no matter the price paid, can cost you a great deal in the long run. Professional prices should include liability and workman’s compensation insurance, and may also include the use of bucket trucks and equipment. There may also be pricing that includes heavier specialty equipment that may be needed such as cranes, loaders, etc., or hardware that may be installed in the tree. If you feel an estimate is high, do not hesitate to ask what the price includes, you may realize you are getting much more bang for your buck than what a less expensive tree service is offering.

Take the time to be an informed consumer and prevent yourself from becoming victimized.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, and to find a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org.

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Trees help the environment and the people living in it at a very high level. Take the example of any forest or tree-rich area and you won’t be able to give a single example where the place either dried or had some bad consequences, unless they planted the trees recklessly without a proper plan. Not only absorbing dangerous gases and letting out oxygen, trees help the society in their daily lives, such as providing a cooler atmosphere, offering habitat to animals and birds, reducing various air and water-borne pollutants, decreasing energy costs, providing shade, supplying shelter to the homeless, providing a beautiful scenery and park spot, enhancing the appeal of the surrounding areas and much, much more benefits that cannot be calculated directly. But have you ever asked yourself that what do we give these living things in return for their favor? The answer is quite predictable as we see less greenery in the world everyday.

Unconcerned tree planters just forget about the rights of living things after a few years of watering the plants. After that, they are not even disturbed by the poor health of the tree under which they meet their date partners; the decay in roots and the crumbled leaves, nothing is observed! Landscapes deserve their right of proper maintenance and tree care regularly without delay. For those who want to give something in reply of nature’s uncountable benefits, a few tree care preparations have been discussed that would ensure the trees’ long and happy survival, and in-turn lead to nature’s most wonderful creation keep providing benefits to you at all times.

Firstly, a point should be noted that trees are not to be toyed with. The plantations and proper tree care would be successful if commenced at a specific time and also in a particular amount; anything excess or in shortage can be dangerous to the trees. In addition to that, the grunt work itself is dangerous enough. It is why experts and ISA certified Arborists should be hired for proficient work. You should only attempt the work manually if you think you’re skilled enough in the tasks and would not cause them or yourself any considerable harm during the process.

Trees, particularly trees on house, face a lot of troubles during their lives protecting the neighborhood where they are planted. Tree diseases such as EAB, forest pests and bugs, storms and their after effects, deforestation and tree removal without compensation, thoughtless tree topping, and also seasonal issues are some of the main troubles faced by the trees and it is important for you to improve their conditions in ways that don’t make the degree worst. Properly planned tree pruning can lead to stimulation in fruit growth and it even enhances the firewood material in trees. Irresponsible tree removal should be prevented and every tree removed should be recycled with another two shrubs planted. Skilled tree trimming could provide with attractive scenery and you could even design your surroundings with it; tree topping should however be completely avoided. Removing stumps through root grinding trees can be favorable for the trees but the work requires more labor and can be dangerous with tree diseases and broken limbs.

You can’t repay the trees for the favors they might have directly or indirectly delivered you, but you can surely try your best by following the above-given simple steps with fertilization (insecticides and pesticides) and effective and re-planted tree cutting.

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Have you ever given up on your child’s bad health at any time or even kept him away from the best possible treatment? The basis of the question was not to rage you in any way but just to make you realize that trees and plants are also living things just like ordinary humans and they not only need attention from time to time, but they also need the proper care and protection which enables them to live longer. If not for the sake of their health, be concerned about the benefits the foliage provides to the society and the overall environment.

With a large number of manufacturing industries producing various wood products, the raw material forest timber or firewood is always in high demand. Tree owners and planters are often given inducements for their provision of chopped lumber and due to the cash or incentives being high; owners supply the wood to these giant companies, not thinking about the drawbacks of deforestation. Trees and landscapes face various problems such as pests, storms and seasonal endurance, and it is up to you as the tree-owners or society-helpers to make a difference. Just giving water to your tree every day for a minute does not equal tree care in any way.

No magical procedures are essential for a tree’s healthy survival, just a little time and some simple steps can ensure plants’ vitality and you get your compliment from the trees in return with better environmental shape and shelter. Dangerous pests, storms and EAB imperil the lives of trees in various ways. You have to recognize the pests and tree diseases in the landscape and also the damage they pose to the trees. Any threat should be dealt with through pesticides and insecticides; although it should be noted that some bugs are actually valuable to the trees and it is important that they are not mistakenly harmed. Storm-struck and EAB tree disease affected areas should be quarantined without delay as it is known that trees cause the most danger to lives and property during and after a storm. Landscapes need deep-root fertilization in intervals but it should be taken care of, that trees are not harmed in any way. Tree pruning and tree trimming is very necessary for ornamental trees for better scenery, health and shelter. Pruning also enhances the timber value and stimulates more fruit production in trees.

This and much more can be done to help trees regain their health and make a green world. For the best possible results and no damage to the vegetation, it is best that you employ a trustworthy and certified Arborist who can relieve you of all the pain and do all your work with professionalism. Many things have to be considered when tree care and certified Arborists make sure that they make no less or no more changes to the original structure and give no potential damage to the trees such as re-planting trees after expert tree removal, preventing tree chopping, pruning trees in their best season, helping landscapes survive all seasons, fixing any potential storm damage, using correct fertilization techniques, treating tee diseases and tree bugs, and root grinding and removing stumps. Tree on houses are also taken care of without extra charges, where their wrong plantation might cause damage to furniture and property. These teams consisting of professionals make the decisions and plan the tree-protection directions for you. You just have to worry about the sum of money paid to them and you save your trees from any likely harm.

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Snow and Trees

Snow is both good and bad for trees. Snow causes damage, but also protects trees and roots against extreme low temperatures that could damage or kill it by insulating the roots.
Snow causes bending, breaking, splitting and falling and uprooting. Some trees can bear more snow weight than others. A trees’ shape is also a factor in how much snow it can handle. Snow will cause branches to separate. A good right angle branch will be better than a narrow crotch. Small twigs and dead branches that get broken off will not be missed. Snow also provides water in the spring.

A professional Arborist can asses your trees and make some suggestions on which branches should be pruned. Pruning your tree can make it better able to withstand the extra weight of Ice and snow. Branches can be thinned to reduce their surface area and wind resistance. It is best to hire a professional arborist for selective thinning.

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