Tips

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 not been topped in about … Read More

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 from the ground Pruning Standards … Read More

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 close to the tree’s base. … Read More

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 grass, especially when lush, robs … Read More