Tree Service Bakersfield – Page 4 – Tree Services, Landscaping and More…

Made in the Shade: Planting Under Trees

November 1, 2021 Donna Hinds

It can be hard to grow bulbs, perennials, annuals, or shrubs under the shade of large trees. All plants need light to grow and only a few thrive in low light conditions. However, for the right species, mature shade trees provide an excellent source of shade or filtered sunlight.

The first step is to select plant species that are adapted to your area and are tolerant of low light.

The next step is to plant in an area that already has a dense tree root system. Tree roots tend to be concentrated near the trunk and within the drip line. When digging, avoid cutting tree roots, especially those beneath the canopy. Damage to roots is a leading cause of tree mortality.

Using soil to create a bed for shade loving plants can be equally damaging to the existing plant’s root system. Fill soil reduces oxygen levels in the root zone and can change drainage patterns. This may lead to root mortality and stem and root disease for the plants already there. With this in mind, proper soil preparation is key to protecting trees when planting a shade garden.

Preparing the Planting Bed

A Bartlett Arborist can loosen soil using a high-pressure air excavation tool. Air is propelled at supersonic speeds to loosen soil without damaging tree roots. Organic matter and fertilizer are mixed into the soil at the same time to encourage rapid root growth. This is a gentle alternative to hand digging or rototilling. Preparing the soil in this way enables landscapers or homeowners to easily place their favorite shade loving plants in the planting bed, often with no tools at all since the soils is loose and ready for planting.

An arborist loosens the soil under a mature tree to create a planting bed.

The roots of the newly planted material quickly and easily grow in the loose, rich soil allowing for rapid establishment. All you need to add is water and mulch. Mulch helps soil retain moisture and provides nutrients as it decomposes. The result is a great looking and fast-growing shade garden with no negative impact on the overstory tree(s).

Tips for Maintaining Planting Beds

Be sure to keep soil away from tree trunks – there should be a visible flare where the roots enter the ground. Additionally, when irrigating the understory plants, don’t direct water at the trunks of trees. This can cause disease problems.

Since there are now multiple plants growing in the same rooting area, the new plantings and the established tree(s) compete for water and fertilizer so volumes may need to be adjusted. Monitor conditions carefully until the new plants are established.

Plants that Tolerate Shade

Fullmoon maple

Striped maple

Three-flower maple

Downy serviceberry

Allegheny serviceberry

Apple serviceberry

American hornbeam

Eastern redbud

Texas redbud

Fringetree

Flowering dogwood

Kousa dogwood

Cornelian cherry dogwood

Japanese witchhazel

Chinese witchhazel

Common witchhazel

American holly

Sweetbay magnolia

American hophornbeam

Bottlebrush buckeye

Azalea

Sweetshrub

Plum yew

Summersweet clethera

Drooping leucothoe

Spicebush

Highbush blueberry

Mapleleaf viburnum

Koreanspice viburnum

Dusty zenobia

Columbine

False spriera

Bellflower

Bleeding heart

Barrenwort

Hakone grass

Hellebore

Coral bell

Hosta/Plantain lily

Cardinal flower

Flowering fern

Peony

Lungwort

Foamflower

Violet

The post Made in the Shade: Planting Under Trees first appeared on Tree Topics.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.treeservicebakersfield.co/?p=228

Tree Advice

Celebrating Arbor Day and Earth Day 2021

November 1, 2021 Donna Hinds

April is always a busy month at Bartlett Tree Experts. We’re in the heart of the spring season, our busiest time of year, but that’s not all. This month brings two holidays that celebrate the importance of the environment and trees in particular — Earth Day and Arbor Day. This is a special time for us. It presents an opportunity to share our passion for trees and tree care with people in our communities. On these holidays, it seems like everyone is as excited to be talking about trees as we are! Throughout the month, local Bartlett offices create and participate in all kinds of celebrations.

Local Arborists Celebrate in their Communities

One of our favorite ways to commemorate these holidays is by visiting children in school settings to teach them about the importance of trees. Preschoolers sit wide-eyed when we explain that part of our job is climbing trees. Elementary students have equal enthusiasm when hearing about the science of trees and their many amazing adaptations. As part of our Bartlett Legacy Tree Program, we often give these students native tree seedlings to take home and plant.

Sharing our love of trees with children is a favorite Arbor Day activity.

Young children aren’t the only ones who benefit from the Legacy Tree Program. As part of this Program, we give away thousands of trees each year. On Earth Day and Arbor Day, Bartlett arborists can be found distributing seedlings in many locations, everywhere from local garden centers to parks and museums. During these events we share tips on planting and care to help the trees settle into their new homes.

A Bartlett Arborist Representative handing out dogwood seedlings for Earth Day.

These small trees play a big role in connecting with our communities, but celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day is about more than just planting. The holidays also remind us to care for what we already have. With that in mind, volunteering also plays a role in our activities. Some Bartlett offices will assist in local cleanup efforts. Others will provide services like pruning to help places including parks, cemeteries and historical sites best maintain their trees.

A Bartlett arborist participating in a volunteer day of service on Arbor Day.

Trees are everything to us here at Bartlett. Every day we celebrate their beauty and the value they provide, but especially on Earth Day and Arbor Day!

Take a look at some of our seedling giveaways and other Arbor Day and Earth Day events in which we participated.

The post Celebrating Arbor Day and Earth Day 2021 first appeared on Tree Topics.

Tree Service

Tree Damage from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

October 30, 2021 Donna Hinds

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.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.treeservicebakersfield.co/?p=197

Tree Service

Add a POP of Color with Flowering Ornamentals

October 30, 2021 Donna Hinds

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.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.treeservicebakersfield.co/?p=190

Tree Service

Monitor Trees for Signs of Insects & Disease

October 29, 2021 Donna Hinds

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.

Tree Advice

Container Trees: Pretty and Practical

October 29, 2021 Donna Hinds

Containerized trees and shrubs can add points of interest to patios, decks, small yards and balconies. Just give some thought to selecting the tree, pot and potting soil. Then consider how the tree will be maintained. If container plants are cared for, they can provide enjoyment for decades.

The Plant

Choose a small maturing tree or a shrub species. Dwarf citrus varieties can perform well while providing flowers, fruit and attractive foliage. Cactus and many shrubs can also do well in containers.

The Container

Terracotta pots generally do well on patios and their weight adds stability. Lighter pots are easier to move. However, there’s more of a chance they might get blown over. All pots should have drainage holes in the bottom.

The Soil

Soil needs to drain well but it should also retain adequate moisture. For pots that will not be moved very often, a mixture of sand, soil and organic matter works well. For lighter pots, commercial potting mix can be used. With lighter soil mixes, the plant may need to be protected from being blown over in high wind.

The Growing Conditions

Pots may need to be shaded in summer because high soil temperatures can kill roots. Soil can also be cooled with irrigation. You may need to increase watering in hot, windy weather. A soil moisture sensor can help guide irrigation decisions. Plants that will stay in containers for decades need regular pruning to maintain their size. Root pruning is also beneficial to maintain plant size. Soil nutrient and pH levels should be monitored and deficiencies treated with fertilizer when detected.

The post Container Trees: Pretty and Practical first appeared on Tree Topics.

Tree Service

Invasive Shot Hole Borer Affecting California’s Trees

October 29, 2021 Donna Hinds

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.

Tree Advice

Types of Tree Trimming

October 28, 2021 Donna Hinds

There are several different categories of tree trimming and knowing which type of trimming to perform can help ensure the tree grows lush and vibrant. It’s always best to call in professional tree pruning services to get the job done. We can get you a free estimate. Many residents in the DFW area give us a call after pruning their trees as a DIY job. This is because they cannot understand what went wrong.

While discussing our tree trimming practices, we use proper and descriptive terminology for describing various techniques used for pruning different parts of a tree.

Crown Pruning

Removing Damaged or Dead Branches

The most common form of crown pruning is removing diseased, dying, dead and visibly broken branches. Our arborists have a keen eye and are able to identify the branches that require pruning just by looking at them. It is quite possible that you may miss these branches if you don’t have a trained eye.

Removing Excess Foliage

Another tree trimming technique involves removal of excess branches and foliage. This is done to reduce the weight of extended limbs and branches and to manage the risk of branch failure. Arborists know the amount of pruning that can be done for a tree. A handy rule of thumb is to never remove more than a fourth of live foliage from the tree.

Removing Potential Threats

Homeowners generally have a good idea about the branches that are a potential threat to signs, buildings, electric wires and other structures. It’s fundamental to identify and remove these branches before they fail completely. Our arborists can diminish hazards by removing poorly attached branches.

Cutting Back Branches

This technique is different from tree topping that involves the removal of a significant portion of the tree. In this structural pruning approach, the arborist will cut high growing branches to lateral and lower growth. This is done to allow the central trunk of the tree to become dominant. There are no large indiscriminate cuts made in this approach.

Specialized Types of Pruning

Maintaining Appropriate Clearance

Trees that are planted too close to buildings or in tight spaces require a special type of pruning to maintain adequate clearance from the buildings. Special clearance pruning is required to avoid maintenance issues in trees planted near patios or other landscaping structures.

Topiary Pruning

This is another form of specialized pruning. Shrubs and trees are pruned to perfection in this type of tree trimming to become more attractive. However, you would need regular maintenance if you are planning topiary pruning in your yard.

Preventing Blocked Views

Sometimes, tree branches become obstructions to views. In this form of tree trimming the tree may be thinned out, entire branches may be pruned, or the crown may be raised.

The post Types of Tree Trimming appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Tree Service

Why Hire a Certified Tree Care Expert For Spring Tree Care?

October 28, 2021 Donna Hinds

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.

Tree Service

Is It Time to Call Spring Tree Services?

October 28, 2021 Donna Hinds

Spring is right here and your trees have already started feeling it. This is the perfect time to be considering spring tree services. There are several tree service in Fort Worth, TX that offer everything you could require during a spring tree service. Let Chippers Tree Service prepare your tree for spring growth. We can inspect your properties trees and recommend ways of maximizing their beauty, health, and safety.

Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for a tree lover. With over 30 years combined experience and cutting edge equipment we can handle all your tree car. Tasks such as tree cutting, pruning, stump grinding can be dangerous if you don’t have the experience or proper equipment to undertake.

Get Spring Ready

There are several things you can do to ensure that your trees remain vibrant, healthy and beautiful in the peak of the spring season. A few of these include:

Conducting an inspection

You should schedule an inspection of your yard and trees by an arborist. You don’t want pests to set up shop in your trees. Here you will be able to find any signs of pest damage, uncovered root systems, and weak spots in the tree. They will also look for other damages that may be hampering growth. This inspection will allow you to understand the things that need to be done for protecting your tree and ensuring a healthy growth system.

Removing dead and dying branches

There are lots of branches on most trees. However, these branches need to be routinely cut back or trimmed to prevent the tree from getting overwhelmed. This is especially true for dead and dying branches on healthy trees. Pruning will ensure the tree keeps growing as it should.

Fixing standing water issues

Standing water can be a problematic issue for any tree. This is especially true for their root system. Early spring is when water could be standing around the tree system. You should have a professional take a look at the tree root system to identify if there is any standing water issue. They will also recommend ways for fixing the problem by installing drainage and other methods.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

You can stay rest assured that your trees will grow the way they are supposed to, throughout the spring and year-round. Damaged and decaying trees can quickly turn into a liability instead of an asset. You can have several issues fixed during spring tree services. This includes keeping pests away, pruning problem branches and ensuring a healthy landscape. The time is now to seek professional services for keeping your trees in the peak of their health.

The post Is It Time to Call Spring Tree Services? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.