When it comes to boosting the curb appeal and value of your home, tree services play a key role. But before you choose a company, be sure to do your research.
Many fly-by-night companies cut corners to save money, which can lead to poor workmanship and damage to your property.
Pruning
Pruning is more than simply sawing off limbs and branches that are no longer useful or healthy. When done properly, it can encourage strong growth, increase fruit and flower production, improve tree health, and provide aesthetic appeal. It can also reduce risk, protect property and people from damage during a storm or natural disaster, and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Some types of pruning are specific to individual trees and their needs, such as crown raising and crown thinning. These are done to improve airflow and light penetration, which is important for a healthy tree. They also help to correct structural defects, such as weak limbs that can break under stress.
Other types of pruning include pollarding, which involves reducing a tree’s overall height to encourage dense foliage and growth, and topiary, which is the art of shaping shrubs or trees into ornamental forms like hedges and spheres. A qualified arborist can offer advice about what type of pruning will best suit your particular plants and landscape.
The best time for tree pruning is in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant. This minimizes the amount of sap lost during the process and limits the impact on the tree. In addition, pruning during the dormant season reduces the risk of damage from insects and fungi, which may be more active during warmer weather.
Trimming
Tree trimming is the process of removing branches that are growing excessively to maintain a healthy plant, improve appearance, and prevent damage. It also involves thinning out overgrown plants and encouraging the growth of new foliage. This will help the tree grow more evenly and reduce the risk of disease or pests.
Professional tree services can prune and trim trees and shrubs to keep them in a safe, healthy condition and enhance their aesthetic appeal. This is a vital service for property owners as it can protect their homes from damage caused by falling limbs and help prevent costly tree removal and treatment.
Regular trimming can also prevent storm damage. Heavy snow and ice can put unnecessary stress on overgrown limbs, causing them to break under the weight of the extra debris. A professional can help prevent this from happening by removing any limbs that are too close to power lines.
Keeping up with routine trimming can also help prevent soil erosion. Trees are natural soil anchors and can help prevent wind and rain from washing away valuable topsoil. Having well-maintained trees on your property can also increase its value. Attractive yards can boost curb appeal and attract potential buyers.
Keeping up with regular tree trimming can also prevent the spread of diseases and infections throughout the plant. Diseases and fungus can quickly spread from one branch to another, but a professional tree services provider can remove any infected or unhealthy limbs before they cause more serious problems.
Removal
Tree removal is often necessary for health, safety, or aesthetic reasons. Trees that are too large for the space or that have grown close to structures or power lines might cause damage. Infestations with pests or diseases can also require removal, as they can spread to nearby trees and pose a threat to health and beauty.
Professional tree service providers are trained to assess a tree’s health, structure, and location in order to determine whether or not removal is appropriate. They use specialized tools to cut and remove the tree, taking care not to cause damage or harm. They can also assist in obtaining permits and ensure that work is done according to local regulations.
Stump grinding is another service provided by tree professionals. Using specialized equipment, they grind the stump of the removed tree to below soil level, making it difficult for pests or fungi to grow. They can also remove remaining debris and clear the area of invasive vegetation.
Many homeowners or contractors may need to secure a permit before removing certain trees, especially those that are larger than a certain size or are situated in conservation zones. Tree service companies are well-versed in local permitting processes and can often handle the paperwork on behalf of clients, streamlining the process for them. They can also help to plant replacement trees, ensuring that the property remains in compliance with local regulations.
Cleaning
Arborists need to be sure that their tools are free of pathogens and other contaminants. This ensures that they are safe to use, prevents cross-contamination with contaminated sites, and improves the efficacy of disinfection procedures. Disinfection methods include cleaning with soap and water, diluted bleach or alcohol solutions, and commercial disinfectants for specialized purposes. The frequency of these procedures depends on the environment and the types of tree services required, but the goal is to eliminate any lingering fungal spores or bacteria to protect their safety and the integrity of the trees they work with.
In the same vein, regular tree service companies can also keep an eye on invasive plants that are growing aggressively and disrupting a forest canopy. Invasive species, like weeds or vines, can suffocate trees by crowding out their roots and competing for resources. Tree service companies can spot these issues early and eradicate them quickly before they become problematic.
Another important part of tree care is to clear the landscape of debris after storms. This can reduce tripping hazards and fire risks, promote the health of living vegetation by clearing out diseased or dead material, and deter pests from invading. Before starting this process, it is a good idea to inspect the trees for any potential dangers, such as limbs hanging over power lines or leaning near them. Also, consider picking up small twigs and branches that can be reused for firewood.