Tree Trimming 101

Tree Trimming is a form of gardening that involves cutting back overgrown branches or stems on trees and shrubs in order to improve their appearance, protect nearby structures and prevent them from interfering with power lines. Proper trimming promotes healthy growth patterns and may help to reduce the risk of damage during storms. It also encourages and enhances new growth, improves air flow and sunlight penetration, helps maintain a safe structure and can stimulate the production of fruit.

Trimming should be done at least twice a year to keep a garden looking good. However, it’s important to remember that over-pruning can harm a plant or tree. If too much foliage is removed, it can deprive plants of the moisture and nutrients they need to thrive. Over-pruning can also cause rot, disease and other problems in the future.

The best time of year to conduct trimming is during the winter or early spring when a tree’s energy reserves are low. This way, any newly cut branches have a chance to grow before the onset of cold weather and can be better protected by the trunk and bark.

When conducting pruning, it’s important to use proper techniques and equipment. A good pair of loppers or hand shears will provide the best results. Avoid removing too much of the foliage at one time, and don’t remove more than about 20% of the total crown in a single session.

There are two main types of trimming cuts: thinning and heading. Thinning cuts remove specific branches to thin out a tree canopy, improving air circulation and light penetration. This can also help remove weak, diseased, or crossing branches and enhance a tree’s natural shape. Heading cuts remove entire branches or prune a branch to another branch, which can be used to reduce the height of a tree. Heading cuts can also be used to remove branches that are growing in the wrong direction and causing structural damage.

Other cuts that are commonly conducted include crown reduction, crown cleaning, and directional pruning. Crown reduction is a common method for reducing the size of a mature tree and is typically done to clear out sightlines, provide clearance for buildings and vehicles, or create more open space in a landscape. Crown cleaning is the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches and can be done at any time, but is most effective when conducted regularly. Directional pruning consists of removing branches that are growing in the wrong direction, such as branches that are growing towards buildings or sidewalks.

It’s important to note that the branch collar — the wide area at the base of a branch where it meets the trunk of the plant — should not be removed when conducting a pruning cut. This is because it helps the wound heal properly, and removing it can lead to decay. In addition, pruning should never be conducted by “topping” a tree, which is the practice of cutting branches to stubs. This is very damaging to the health of a tree and can result in brittle new growth that is prone to breakage.

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What Is a Consulting Arborist?

Arborists are trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees. They are also qualified to diagnose problems, provide recommendations for tree care and can testify as expert witnesses in legal cases. Arborists may have a wide range of specialties, depending on their education, experience and qualifications. Consulting Arborists are considered the highest level of arboriculture and are best equipped to do specialised jobs such as tree risk assessments, tree valuations, comprehensive tree evaluations and tree management plans for example.

A Consulting Arborist may perform the same tasks as a Commercial Arborist, but they are more often hired to write detailed reports for homeowners or businesses. They may also be called to give expert testimony for legal cases involving trees and are more likely to be involved in planning/development projects that involve existing mature trees.

When looking for a Consulting Arborist to help you with a specific job or project it is important to remember that they are only providing advice and not carrying out any contracting work. A good way to distinguish them from a Commercial Arborist is that the Consulting Arborist will not be affiliated with a tree care company who do the work and will instead charge for their professional services independently.

Consulting Arborists often collaborate with landscape designers, contractors, municipal urban foresters, property owners and municipalities for tree retention/protection during construction projects. This is a very complex role that requires a lot of communication and coordination to keep the mature trees on sites safe, secure and stable throughout the construction process.

It is very important to remember that not all Consulting Arborists are registered with the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). This credential is earned by demonstrating a high level of knowledge of professional practices and procedures through written reports. The path to becoming a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) includes formal postgraduate education in the field of arboriculture, completion of ASCA’s own Consulting Academy, a minimum of three years of professional experience and 30 hours of continuing education units every 3 years to maintain registration.

The ICA (International Council of Arboriculture) is another well-respected body for the certification of arborists. The ICA offers several credentials including Certified Arborist and Tree Assessor. To be a Certified Arborist you must have completed a formal education in the field of arboriculture and passed an exam with 200 multiple choice questions covering a variety of topics such as biology, soils, pruning, tree risk assessment, protection during development and climbing knots.

Choosing an independent Consulting Arborist is the best way to ensure that you are receiving objective, professional and unbiased advice. A good place to start is with your local arboricultural societies. Many of them have lists of registered consulting arborists and you can ask the consulting arborists you are interested in for referrals.

Growing Earth Tree is an ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Preservation Specialist, and has a team of highly qualified, professional, Consulting Arborists who will be able to offer you unbiased opinions and recommendations on any of your tree related projects.

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The Importance of Tree Maintenance

Trees add beauty, tranquility, and value to your property. But like any living thing, they need to be cared for properly in order to thrive. This is especially important for trees in our urban environments. They are susceptible to a variety of challenges that can result in serious property damage and injury if not addressed. Proactive inspections and maintenance can help keep your trees healthy, safe and beautiful for years to come.

When many people think of tree maintenance, they often think of pruning or trimming. While trimming is an extremely important part of maintaining the health and safety of your trees, there are a multitude of other services that can be performed as well.

Regularly checking your trees for signs of disease, insect infestation, or decay can help prevent problems from getting out of control and causing serious damage. An experienced arborist can spot potential issues such as rot, fungus, or a compromised root system before they become major concerns and protect your home and family.

A complete tree inspection should be done every year to ensure that your trees are healthy and in good shape. This can be achieved by having a trained professional assess the entire tree, identify any issues that may need to be addressed, and create a plan to help the tree reach its full potential.

Proper pruning can significantly improve the health and appearance of your trees. Not only does it remove dead or diseased limbs, but it can also help to promote new growth by enhancing sunlight penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy. Pruning also helps to keep the structure of the tree in good condition, preventing it from becoming overloaded or unbalanced.

Soil and root care is another key aspect of maintaining the health of your trees. Whether it is through Bio-Stimulants, soil aeration, or excavation of the critical root zone, RTEC can provide your trees with the optimum environment in which to grow.

Keeping a one-metre radius of weed and grass free around newly planted or young trees will reduce competition for water, nutrients, and light and improve the chances of survival. Proper mulching can also be very beneficial to the root systems of young trees.

In addition, it is vital to keep an eye out for any potential problems that may arise from the proximity of your trees to power lines and utilities. If you see any branches that are hanging over or touching power lines, this is a serious safety issue and should only be dealt with by a professionally trained arborist with the appropriate equipment. Leaving such issues unchecked can lead to serious property damage, injuries and even death.

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Safety Tips For Tree Felling

Tree Felling involves the cutting down of trees and removing the remaining stumps. This can be for a variety of reasons such as damage to the timber industry, land clearing, fire protection or aesthetics. The process is often the most dangerous part of a harvest operation and can cause significant injuries to workers. There have been many cases of people being crushed by falling branches or trees, and there are countless reports of workers being injured by the equipment they are using. A well drafted safety plan is essential to the success of any felling operation.

Before starting a felling job, it is important to assess the site and the surrounding conditions. Look for any structural weakness or defects and avoid trees with interlocked branches, dead tops or hanging limbs that could fall during the sawing process. These are called “widow maker” trees and can easily kill or maim workers.

A clear escape route is essential, and it should be marked out around the base of the tree before commencing any work. It is important that the escape paths are free of debris and vegetation, and are located at least 45 degrees away from the expected fall line of the tree. It is also important to assess the ground condition, and make sure it is stable enough to support a fallen tree.

When a tree is felled it can be quite violent, especially large and old trees with thick crowns. The force of the tree falling can uproot neighboring trees and create large piles of wood waste. It is also possible that the tree will break and turn over, causing injury to workers or property. This is why it is important to follow a step-by-step plan and to keep an eye on all the time.

Ideally, a tree should be felled on the ground before it becomes too heavy to move. However, this is not always possible in practice due to the weight of the tree and other factors. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut a tree up into pieces before transporting it. This is often called bucking and can be done with either chainsaws or hand held saws.

In commercial forests, thinning and felling operations are performed in years before the main harvest to reduce forest density. This is to provide space and sunlight for the remaining trees and improve forest health. In private forest land and nature reserves, thinning is used to reduce the risk of wildfires by reducing fuel loads.

Felling is also used to prepare woodland for regeneration, by reducing the competition from competing tree species and promoting the growth of light-demanding species such as coppice. In addition, it can be useful in reducing soil erosion by allowing water to flow freely through the system of roots and trunks. In this case, the phases of felling are usually longer to allow for slower regrowth and to minimize sediment transfer to the water environment.

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How to Safely Perform Tree Cutting

Tree Cutting is an important and often hazardous task that can have a serious impact on your home or property. A well-managed and executed tree felling project can reduce the risk of a fallen tree, protect your family or visitors from injury, and increase the value of your land. If you have a tree that has reached the end of its lifespan, or it has become a safety hazard, it is important to have a professional tree service help you safely and properly remove it.

Before starting the actual cut, check that you are allowed to do so. Many jurisdictions prohibit unauthorized individuals from performing the work themselves, and doing so could lead to fines or legal trouble. If you are unsure of your rights, contact an attorney or local government office before beginning the process.

Determine the Direction of Fall – This is the most important step when felling a tree. A poorly positioned tree could easily fall on your house, vehicle, or another person and cause major damage. Before making the final cut, you should determine what direction the tree wants to fall and make a notch cut that will control this movement.

The notch cut is a wedge-shaped cut that will be on the side of the tree that is going to fall. The notch should be about 25% of the total width of the tree and be placed at the top portion. The back of the notch should meet with the back of the last cut that you made to establish an “hinge” point where the tree will naturally want to fall.

After the notch is established, make a horizontal cut that extends only one-third of the way into the tree, and is about a foot from the notch. This cut is called a felling cut and it will be the final cut that actually causes the tree to fall. Insert your tree-felling wedges into this cut pointing in the direction that you want the tree to fall and drive them in. Be careful not to touch the wedges with your saw.

Once the tree has been cut and dragged away, you will have a stump left that can be ground down or removed using special equipment. If your yard or property has been cleared by a tree service, they can also handle the remaining stump and roots. In addition, some professionals can even handle the breaking up of the original tree into logs that can be used for firewood or other purposes. These services are available from most professional tree services, and they have the experience, tools, and knowledge to complete these projects quickly and effectively. Be sure to get a quote from several different companies before choosing one to perform the work for you. This can save you time and money. If a company offers free estimates, this is usually a good sign that they are confident in their abilities and quality of work.

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Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Yard With Stump Grinding

The appearance of unsightly stumps not only detracts from the curb appeal of your property, but it also creates a safety hazard that can be tripped over by family members or guests. Stump grinding removes this tripping risk, enhancing the aesthetics of your landscape and adding to the value of your home.

Stump grinding is the process of removing a tree stump and the roots that remain beneath ground, leaving behind a small mound of dirt. Depending on the size of the stump, the root system and location of the site, this process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. The resulting wood chips can be used as mulch or removed from the site. The cost of this service will vary based on the size of the stump and the extent of the root system.

Stumps left in the ground can attract pests, such as termites and ants, that can infest healthy trees in your yard or garden. They can also become a breeding ground for fungal diseases that spread to other plant life and could potentially damage your home or other structures. Stump grinding removes these dangers and promotes the health of your yard by eliminating tripping hazards and reducing the chances of pest infestations and disease.

Having a tree stump in your yard can be a real eyesore, especially if it’s an older stump that has been around for quite some time. Stump grinding eliminates this unattractive feature and allows you to repurpose that space for landscaping or other gardening purposes, such as planting a new tree, shrub or flower bed.

If you are considering selling your home, the removal of a stump through stump grinding can significantly increase the value of your property. This is because potential buyers may be turned off by the sight of an unsightly stump and be reluctant to make an offer. This is especially true if the stump is located near a street or driveway.

Stump grinding is a simple and affordable way to improve the look and feel of your property. If you are interested in this service, it is important to find a qualified professional with modern equipment and a good reputation. You will also want to ensure that the company is insured and licensed. Ask for referrals from past customers and read reviews online. Finally, be sure to request an estimate before hiring a professional to ensure that the service will meet your specific needs.

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The Difference Between Tree Lopping and Tree Pruning

Trees are an essential part of the natural environment, and they help to balance the ecosystem around us. However, they can also cause a nuisance when their branches start to interfere with buildings or block pathways for individuals to use. This is when you need to call in the professionals for Tree Lopping. Tree lopping is the process of cutting down a tree to reduce its size or shape, and it is often done for aesthetic purposes. It is also a popular way to keep trees under control, as it can remove overgrowth and prevent them from interfering with your property.

The Problem With Tree Lopping

Unfortunately, tree lopping has a negative impact on the health of the tree. When performed incorrectly, it can lead to the deterioration of a tree and leave it open to disease and pest infestations. Tree lopping also puts a great deal of stress on the trees and can make them vulnerable to falling branches, which may cause damage or injury to those nearby.

Lopping is a harsh method of pruning that involves indiscriminately cutting down large portions of a tree without consideration to its health and structure. It is often performed to get rid of large side branches that are growing into houses, driveways, or roads, as well as reducing the overall height of the tree. This is a drastic measure that should only be used when immediate hazard mitigation is required.

The Issue with Topping

Topping is the act of removing all or most of the side branches of a tree. This can result in an open wound that is susceptible to infection from bacteria and parasites, as well as allowing the tree to starve. It is a common mistake to think that topping stimulates growth, but this is not the case. The new shoots that are produced after a tree is topped are weak and may cause future problems for the tree, as they will not be as strong and stable as the original branches.

Both tree pruning and tree lopping are useful for a variety of reasons, but the two methods are very different. While tree lopping is a destructive pruning technique that should only be carried out by professional arborists, tree pruning can improve the health and safety of your trees while encouraging longevity. So, before you call in a professional to trim your trees, learn the difference between these two methods and make sure you choose the one that is right for you.

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