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Both soil fills and cuts will have an affect on the health of your trees. When fill is placed on the soil, tree roots initially remain at the original grade. They are subject to a condition of reduced soil aeration and increased moisture. Damage and death of some roots will occur as a result. Slowly…
Can trees be damaged by construction? A tree’s environment may be altered greatly during construction. Various tree species respond differently to construction. Trees, unlike animals, cannot move. As a consequence, a tree must adapt to the changes that occur during construction. Some trees are better at this than others. Construction damage to trees may not…
Identifying hazards after a storm You could be held liable if a hazardous branch or tree falls and damages property or causes personal injury after a storm. If you suspect or can see storm damage to your tree, you should consider getting a tree care professional to assess the damage. Any assessment should check for…
Filling of hollow trees, a process called “cavity filling,” was practiced by arborist for many years. Modern research. However, has shown that this procedure is not needed to support or improve the health of hollow trees. Tree experts have found that cavity filling with cement can actually damage a hollow tree. The rubbing created by…
Some tree species (boxelder, Chinese elm, cottonwood, poplars, silver maples, and willows) have brittle wood, which is easily broken in storms. These rapid-growing trees are prone to damage. Homeowners should be aware of these characteristics and avoid planting such species close to buildings, utilities, pedestrian areas, etc. where damage could occur. Preventive practices, such as…
Topping or severely cutting back of a tree’s crown is a poor arboricultural practice and should not be used for healthy tree maintenance. The common reason given for topping is to limit the growth of a tree, but this does not occur. In reality, the fast-growing watersprouts will actually outgrow a similar-sized tree that has…
Pruning trees, especially when younger, helps promote healthy trees with good branch architecture. Good pruning: * promotes good branch structure * can correct poor branch structure * reduces potential hazards * improves overall health by removing dead, diseased, and dying branches * gives the arborist a chance to examine the tree more closely than possible…
Trees often are wounded by careless use of yard equipment like lawn mowers, weed whips, and other trimming equipment. These injuries cut through important tissues just inside the bark, which can lead to the decay and ultimately death of the tree. A bed of mulch around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow…
Trees love mulch, if applied correctly. Homeowners and professional arborists depend on mulch in landscapes for several reasons. Functionally, mulches discourage weeds from growing, conserve moisture during drought periods, and allow better use of water by controlling runoff and increasing water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils. Mulch rings also decrease competition from lawn grass. Lawn…
Landscape trees can help you save money and live more comfortably. With properly placed trees around your house, depending upon where you live, you can reduce winter heating bills. A mature shade tree can block up to 90% of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. Trees act…