Category: Tree Service

Regular pruning of the tree is important to ensure its beauty and long-term health. It may seem like an easy enough task to – just grab your hand pruners, maybe take inspiration from a YouTube video, and voila! Who needs tree pruning services, right? That kind of thinking is exactly what leads to costly tree pruning mistakes.

Some of these mistakes can result in significant damage to the tree as well as your property. In this post, our experts at Chippers Tree Service discuss the most common mistakes they see homeowners make regarding tree trimming and pruning.

Improper Pruning Cut

A proper pruning cut reduces the harm done to the tree and allows it to heal fast. On the other hand, a bad cut – like a stub cut (cutting too far from the trunk) or a flush cut (cutting too close to the trunk) can permanently damage the tree.

Pruning Without A Goal

Why exactly do you want to prune a tree? Is it to increase its flower or fruit production? Or is it to get rid of the dead branches? If you don’t have a specific goal in mind, pruning can inflict unnecessary damage on the shrub or tree.

Keep in mind that improper, extensive pruning takes a lot of time and effort to fix. In some cases, the damage can never be reversed!

Heavy Pruning During The Growing Season

If you prune the tree heavily when it’s in growing stage (spring until late summer), you can end up “starving” it by removing too many leaves. Removing too many branches can also lead to damage as the tree won’t be able to shield itself from the scorching sun.

Over-Pruning

Over-pruning a tree any time of the year makes it more vulnerable to disease and rot. Remember, every pruning job matters – after all, every cut is essentially a wound. When branches are removed, the stored nutrients are removed as well, affecting the photosynthetic capacity of the tree.

Using Dull Tools

This may seem like such a small issue, but using dull loppers or pruners can create improper or rough cuts that shred/rip the bark, leading to deadly wounds.

To make sure your trees don’t suffer from the improper pruning practices, make sure you only work with a reliable and licensed tree service. Don’t hesitate to ask the company how they plan to avoid making the tree pruning mistakes mentioned above. If you have a question or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us.

The post Common Tree Pruning Mistakes Homeowners Make appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

There is a multitude of chores and DIY tasks around the house and yard that demand your constant attention. However, tree care services like pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding are the kind of jobs best left to the professional tree services for residential customers.

At Chippers Tree Service, a professional provider of tree care services in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, we recommend that you consider tree care experts whenever you think your trees need that extra bit of care. While tree service companies perform several tasks, some of the most common tree care services include:

Tree Trimming and Pruning

Although trees in the Fort Worth area are mostly symmetrical, there will always be a few that need trimming to correct some flaw, whether inherent or acquired. Whether the tree in your yard that needs extra care is mature or young, you should hire professionals for its trimming or any other type of maintenance.

Our trained tree care specialists take extra care to trim branches and limbs in a manner that does not have any adverse effect on the tree’s structural integrity and gives it a more balanced appearance. This ensures that there are almost no chances of any lasting damage to your tree.

Stump Grinding and Removal

We highly recommend immediate removal of your tree stumps that may turn into a breeding ground for infection-causing pathogens and pests if left unattended. Old tree stumps can be an ugly sight to behold, apart from being a safety hazard for your small children and pets.

Our accomplished tree removal experts can take care of all sizes and types of old tree stumps efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. If a stump has a complex root system, as is the case with mature older trees, we recommend stump grinding to take care of the eyesore.

Tree Removal

If you have a tree on your property that may be rotting from the inside or infected with some fungus or pathogen, or one with a weak root structure making it susceptible to toppling over, you must engage professionals to have the tree removed from your property.

We understand your reluctance to remove a tree that might hold a special meaning to you, but you must understand that a damaged or weak tree poses an increased risk to life and property. Also, if you do not take professional help from a tree removal company, there is always a risk of new trees growing in a haphazard manner as the root systems of the older tree continue living.

We are also the foremost Dallas-Fort Worth, TX tree care specialists offering several other tree care services, including tree cabling and bracing, that may require the services of expert arborists.

The post Key Tree Care Services Available to Residential Customers in Dallas appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

There are a number of reasons for tree pruning; some are safety related, some are to lessen interference with buildings, and some protect the health of the tree. The need for pruning will depend on your own landscape goals as well as the trees themselves and surrounding property. Autumn is one of the best times to identify problem areas in a tree that could benefit from pruning.

Stressed foliage often changes color earlier than foliage in the rest of a tree. Arborists can easily see the color change and help diagnose the cause. As the leaves fall, the structure of the tree will also become more visible. It becomes easier to see and identify structural defects that should be addressed. Any branches that are diseased or damaged may be good candidates for pruning.

Pruning Prepares Trees for Winter Weather

Winter storms, with or without snow and ice, all add stress to dead and broken branches in a tree. This can result in more of these branches falling during the winter. Dead and broken branch removal is one of the most common ways to prevent damage to houses or other objects beneath a tree.

Sometimes branches grow too close to roofs or siding, or they may grow too low over a sidewalk, driveway or lawn. As mentioned above, winter storms will certainly blow these branches around; no one wants a falling branch to injure someone or to damage a home or other building. Therefore, it is wise to have interfering branches removed, thinned, or reduced in length to lessen the problem.

Pruning at the Wrong Time can Attract Insects & Disease

Another factor to consider is that, in some areas, there are causal agents of disease spread by insects that are attracted to fresh pruning cuts. These insects are no longer flying in the late fall and winter, so this is the good time to prune susceptible species. If pruned now, trees including oak and elm will be less likely to contract diseases.

At Bartlett, we like to examine trees at this time of year and then apply our knowledge of tree structure, tree health, and pest problems to develop individual pruning plans to protect properties and improve the health and longevity of the trees.

The post Why Fall is a Smart Time to Prune Trees first appeared on Tree Topics.

The Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS) presented the George Robert White Medal of Honor to Robert A. Bartlett Jr., Chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts, on November 4, 2021 during the Society’s 119th Honorary Medals Dinner. During the ceremony, medals were awarded to individuals and organizations for their contributions to excellence in horticulture for the public good.

The George Robert White Medal of Honor was established in 1909 and is among the most distinguished horticultural awards in the United States. The first honoree was Charles Sprague Sargent, Director of the Arnold Arboretum. Other recipients include Gertrude Jekyll, Jens Jensen, The Royal Horticultural Society, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Tasha Tudor. Joining these distinguished honorees, Bartlett represents the third generation of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company.

Robert Bartlett Jr., Chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts, accepts the George Robert White Medal of Honor and addresses the crowd at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society Honorary Medals Dinner.

The post Bartlett Chairman Honored by Massachusetts Horticultural Society first appeared on Tree Topics.

During the month of May it seems fitting to mention a lovely species often called the May Tree. Aptly named for the month in which it blooms, the May Tree, or hawthorn, is a small, showy tree. It displays clusters of beauitful, white or pink blooms in spring.

Hawthorn is native through much of Europe and in Eastern North America. The tree has long, sharp thorns along its horizontal branches. With its thorny branches, hawthorn is an excellent hedge boundary and privacy screen. Berry-like fruit attracts many birds that take shelter in the tree’s dense, thorny foliage. Early settlers to North America ate the fruit during harsh winters. During medieval times, Europeans made jams and jellies with it.

The hawthorn fruit is called haws and is an important winter food for many birds.

Cultural and Historic Significance

The hawthorn tree holds traditional significance in numerous cultures. According to myth, the tree was seeded from lightning and offers protection against storms and fire. Ancient Greeks saw it as a symbol of springtime and fertility and used it as garland and decoration during wedding festivities. Celtic and Gaelic lore often associates the tree with faeries. In fact, the story of Thomas the Rhymer, references a hawthorn as the meeting place of the Scottish poet and the Faery Queen.

Hawthorn Care Recommendations

With its unique history and distinctive physical attributes, hawthorn is a great ornamental tree. It should be planted in a sunny spot. Tolerant of a range of soil pH, textures, and moisture levels, it is also moderately drought tolerant. The white flowers last about one to two weeks and are an excellent food source for pollinators.

A number of insect pests, such as aphids, mites and scale, favor hawthorn. It is susceptible to several diseases including fire blight, leaf spots and rusts. These issues can escalate quickly. As such, hawthorn should be routinely checked for any signs of pests and disease.

The post The May Tree: Hawthorn Shines in Spring first appeared on Tree Topics.

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https://www.treeservicebakersfield.co/?p=231

The hemlock woolly adelgid is a sap-sucking insect that feeds specifically on hemlock trees. As the insects feed, they damage the tree by removing sap and disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. Though all species of hemlock are vulnerable, damage is particularly severe in eastern hemlock and Carolina hemlock When large populations are present, an infested tree can die in just a few years. This invasive insect is native to Asia and the Pacific Northwest. It has now become well established in much of the Eastern United States, killing thousands of trees since its introduction.

The white, cotton ball-like masses that indicate a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation. Small nymphs are also visible.

Signs of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock woolly adelgid is an incredibly small insect. Detecting its presence is made easier by the white coverings of the egg sacs. These have a woolly appearance, hence the name, and look like miniature cotton balls lining the underside of branches.

Typically the insects begin feeding in the lower part of the tree. With that, early signs of their presence can usually be found there. Needles near the base of the hemlock tree will fade in color or fall off. The lower twigs and limbs will eventually begin to die. Hemlock woolly adelgid populations can grow very quickly.  Each female can lay up to 300 eggs on a host tree.

In the native range of the pest, hemlock species are more resistant and populations are further controlled by natural enemies.  Unfortunately, in the non-native areas of the eastern U.S. where the pest is now widespread, these natural checks and balances are not in place.

There are a number of options for controlling hemlock woolly adelgid. Catching infestations early is very important as these insects reproduce very quickly. Regularly monitoring hemlocks for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid is the first step in maintaining plant health and preventing the loss of trees.

The post Tree Damage from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid first appeared on Tree Topics.

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https://www.treeservicebakersfield.co/?p=197

Every landscape looks great when flowering trees and shrubs are blooming. When the right plant is in the right place, it’s magic! Ornamentals are a great choice for adding a pop of color in a landscape since they are usually small and easily managed. Here are a few that will do well in many situations.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

This species has a lot of variations, each one with features to love. “Forest Pansy” has purple foliage with red branches. “Oklahoma” has dark red flowers with shiny foliage. “Alba” has white flowers. With a mature height of 25-35 feet, redbuds perform for the landscape all year long. Spring produces flowers on bare branches. Green heart-shaped leaves follow in the summer months and then turn yellow in fall. During winter, the attractive bark enhances its surroundings. These trees are hardy and will grow in sun or shade, alkaline or moist soils and even in containers. Redbud adapts best to hardiness zones 5-7, but can grow in zones 4-8. Get additional recommendations for caring for redbud.

Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

This deciduous tree grows slowly, eventually up to 40 feet or more. Its natural growth is multi-trunked with branches that spread to provide filtered shade. However, it can be trained as a single trunk tree that has a vase-like shape when mature. The leaves seem to constantly change color, from reddish purple in spring to dark green tinted with red in summer. In autumn, the colors are scarlet and gold. The Katsura species tolerates moist soil and shade but hot sun and drying winds should be avoided. It is pest resistant. Plantings grow best in hardiness zones 4-8.

Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

This deciduous tree has a rounded outline with widespread open branches to a flat crown. It is well proportioned, fast growing and retains its symmetry with a little pruning. Spring buds open to become beautiful yellow flowers. If watered well, the plant produces fruit pods that look like lanterns. Honeybees are highly attracted to the blooms. Hardy to an extreme, it is tolerant of high winds, alkaline soil, drought conditions and changes in temperature. It does not sustain much wind damage or salt injury nor does it seem to have problems with soil nutrient deficiencies. It is resistant to insects and disease.

Snowdrop Tree (Halesia carolina)

The snowdrop tree is common to the southeast. It exhibits slow to moderate growth of up to 25-30 feet. The tree is pyramid shaped in youth and becomes more rounded as it matures. Its white blooms, which look like wedding bells, appear in May. When paired with under plantings like azaleas or rhododendrons, the effect can be striking. The bark is attractive, scaled and very dark. The leaves are yellow-green in summer months turning to yellow in fall. Moist, well-drained soil is preferred. This species does well in shade and may need a pruning to maintain shape.

Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)

The smoke tree achieves moderate growth to 15-25 feet and has a broad urn shape with a rounded crown. Pruning can produce a multi-trunked form. The smoke tree takes its name from its stunning flowers. After blooming, the flowers resemble wisps of smoke. Leaf color is blue-green and there are even varieties with purple blossoms. All varieties exhibit a beautiful, orange-red fall color. Smoke tree is hardy and drought tolerant and prefers dry soils with good drainage.

The post Add a POP of Color with Flowering Ornamentals first appeared on Tree Topics.

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The telltale signs of various tree diseases and insect infestations are often most evident in summer. Populations of many types of scales, mites, and aphids are particularly noticeable at this time. Some problems can be spotted and treated immediately. However, when certain insect pests are present and visible, it may already be too late to treat. Even in these cases, learning now that these insects are present is important. You can get a jumpstart on planning for treatments for next year and implement cultural practices, like proper mulching and irrigation, that will keep trees healthier and more resistant to infestation. By regularly looking at your trees you may notice some of the common signs associated with tree pests or disease.

Signs of a Tree Issue

Strange bumps, or galls, on leaves can indicate insect feeding and egg-laying activity.

Discoloration, spots, or bumps on leavesBranch dieback, wilting, or stunted foliageMushrooms or fungal growth near a tree’s trunkDark areas or oozing liquid on the trunk or rootsPresence of defoliating insects, nests or caterpillarsSmall exit holes in the trunk or branchesSap-sucking insects secreting honeydew that leads to sooty mold growthSawdust-like debris caused by wood-boring insectsPremature autumn color and leaf drop

Scale insects can be difficult for property owners to spot because of their unusual appearance.

Correct Diagnosis is Key

Some symptoms may indicate problems that cause negligible damage and require little to no intervention. Conversely, others may reveal that a serious problem exists or could develop if the symptoms are ignored. Therefore, correctly diagnosing the cause of symptoms is critically important in caring for trees and shrubs.

The post Monitor Trees for Signs of Insects & Disease first appeared on Tree Topics.

The polyphagous shot hole borer is a recently introduced, non-native beetle that is having a devastating impact on landscapes, forests and agriculture in southern California. This insect pest bores into trees, creating galleries where it feeds and lays eggs. Wood boring insects are known for being destructive to trees as their activity inside the tree disrupts the flow of water and nutrients. The polyphagous shot hole borer is especially damaging because it also introduces a pathogenic fungus that rapidly kills trees.

This pest has dozens of host plants so they are broken down into three categories:

Non-hosts: beetle attacks the plant and is repelled without fungal introductionFungal hosts: beetle introduces the lethal fungus, but does not reproduceTrue hosts: beetle introduces the lethal fungus and reproduces successfully

Small holes surrounded by wet bark indicate a shot hole borer infestation.

True hosts are plentiful and include many native California trees such as coast, valley, and Englemann oaks, sycamore, big-leaf maple, boxelder and blue palo verde. Non-native true hosts in the same region include several other oak and maple species, avocado, coral tree, camellia, acacia and many others.

Infested trees will have multiple small, round entry holes. These holes are often surrounded by white crust, wet bark, or both.

Since management options for this insect/pathogen combination are still being researched, regular monitoring to identify infestations is currently the best course of action. Trees that are severely infested should be removed.

 

The post Invasive Shot Hole Borer Affecting California’s Trees first appeared on Tree Topics.

Spring tree care is an investment that can provide significant returns and leads. Attractive and healthy trees go a long way in enhancing the appearance of your property and in adding value as well. As a certified tree service in Fort Worth, we can take care of your maintenance and spring tree care needs. Maintaining trees and shrubs requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise.

You could save a lot of time, money, and effort by hiring a certified tree care expert for your spring maintenance.

Highly Trained and Professional

We staff ISA certified arborists and tree care experts that are highly trained and specialized. Our crew is equipped with the proper training to analyze tree related issues and to correct them with proper tree care. Our arborists can do a lot from identifying potential hazards or harmful concerns to implementing the right services to help your trees.

Arborists have the experience to come up with a plan of action that will help your trees and ensure a healthy and happy yard. Not paying attention to sick or decaying trees can eventually cause your other plants to show signs of sickness. It doesn’t take much for pests and diseases to jump from one tree to the next. An arborist will make sure that all signs of damage, decay, and disease are caught early before they can wreak havoc in your yard.

Required Services Provided in a Timely Manner

Spring care is something that needs a lot of time and attention. It is not enough to give your yard a quick once-over. We have a keen eye and enough time and hands on deck to assess the health of your individual trees and take adequate measures to protect them.

As certified tree care experts, we know the kind of services that your trees require for staying healthy and the best way to provide these services. Not to mention, our arborists have experience offering a wide range of care options, such as tree pest control, tree disease control, planting, tree removal, stump removal, and tree trimming or pruning among others.

We are your one stop shop for everything that needs to be done as part of spring tree care. Call today for a free quote: 972-743-9959.

The post Why Hire a Certified Tree Care Expert For Spring Tree Care? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.