Category: Tree Service

Mistakes Homeowners Make When Trimming Their Own Trees

Tree trimming falls under “spring cleaning” for a lot of homeowners as the weather starts to turn nice in the spring. Rake up any remaining leaves, remove dead plants/flowers, trim up some trees that might appear overgrown, etc. That last one, however, is much trickier and involved than one might think. While tempting to think you can just do it yourself, because “how hard can it be,” right? Well, there are a lot of errors that can be made that can not only harm the tree but potentially put yourself in danger. Here are some common mistakes made when trimming your own trees:

Safety

This sounds obvious, but should be mentioned first. Tree pruning and trimming is difficult and dangerous, and while some things are clear (don’t sit on the big limb you’re cutting off, don’t rush to get the tree trimmed to try and beat a big storm coming in), there are other things that are not as clear but are just as important. This is why there is a certification for arborists – they are required to keep up to date with safety measures, in addition to knowing how to properly do the job (more on that later.) Far fewer accidents happen when the job is left to the professionals.

Poor Cutting

Did you know that cutting back a dead branch too close to the tree’s trunk can significantly damage the tree? Or if you don’t cut enough that it will not only look uneven but can invite disease, pests, and fungus? How about how much to prune? A lot of homeowners frequently will trim a lot more than is needed, which can also damage the tree. Also, are your tools sharp enough to properly do the job? We all know Abraham Lincoln was famous for saying that if he had eight hours to cut down a tree, he’d spend the first six sharpening the ax, and when you’ve tried to cut anything with a dull blade, it’s certainly understandable.

Certified arborists know how to properly cut branches and limbs, as well as how much so that your tree will remain healthy. Their skills are as sharp as the tools they use, and they’ll get the job done with themselves and you staying safe. Have trees that need trimmed? Reach out today!

How To Know When It’s Time To Take A Tree Down

Trees are great for the landscape of your property, not only for decoration but also the shade they can provide. Unfortunately, sometimes these trees will need to be taken down due to a number of factors. They can be damaged by high winds, lightning, or a harsh winter. Here are some other signs that it’s time to remove a tree.

Go Back To The Roots

With larger trees in particular, you can see the roots protruding from the ground. In some cases this is normal, depending on the type of tree, because there are more roots that are much deeper underground, but in other cases, this can indicate that the tree is struggling to find nutrients. If one tree has roots showing but others near it do not, this is a troublesome sign.

Another indicator is holes and dips in your lawn – this can be a sign of root rot. If you see mushrooms in spots on your lawn, this is also a sign, as the decomposing roots will fuel the fungus growth.

Speaking Of Fungus…

Keep an eye out for mushrooms at the bottom of the tree as well. If you are starting to see quick grown on the trunk or along the roots, the tree is struggling to stay alive. Moss on the tree is not a problem, but other fungus indicates bigger problems.

The Main Elements

The branches, trunk, and leaves will also tell you a lot about the health of the tree. Dropping large, dead branches is a sign that your tree is struggling to stay alive, and also can be detrimental to your home if the tree is positioned close to it. If bark is falling off the trunk or sounds hollow when you knock on it, call a professional right away to have it removed. Unhealthy trees also will have fewer leaves, or will not shed dead leaves in the fall.

If you have a tree showing any of these signs, don’t wait – Spencer’s Tree and Landscape Solutions‘ certified arborists will come give an accurate assessment of your tree and treat it as necessary. Give us a call today!

Our Recent Work In Bucyrus

At a local job in Bucyrus, I was called out to diagnose some issues with these Black Hills Spruce. I determined that they were getting a disease called needle cast, which is a fungus due to the root system being stressed. The original planting was done by so called professionals however these trees were planted 6-8” too low, especially for this area where we have heavier soils that do not drain well. Spruce trees are not native to this area and will struggle when planted improperly or in poor soil conditions.

My prognosis was that these trees had to be raised up to a proper elevation and we were able to do that thanks to our tree spade shown in the picture. We spaded them out and added an amended mix of sand and topsoil to raise them 6-8” so that the roots can drain better and have better air flow.

We are also putting these trees on a disease and fertilization program to help ensure that the homeowner has a successful tree planting.

Why Hire A Certified Arborist?

When it comes to your landscaping, not only do you want your trees to look good, but they also need to not interfere with anything else on your property, such as powerlines, chimneys, or hang over your roof. Proper maintenance of these trees is paramount to making sure this doesn’t happen. This is not a job for just anyone, as it needs to be done by professionals with the right equipment, and that can perform the work efficiently and safely.

Certified arborists are the best and most qualified landscapers in the industry. They earn accreditation through entities such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), as well as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).  The education arborists get from these organizations includes proper training for pruning limbs to create a better shape for the tree and allowing light and airflow through it, safely removing damaged or dead limbs and branches, and identifying disease within the tree and removing all parts they can.

Regular checkups for your trees are important to maintain their health and aesthetic. Spencer’s Tree and Landscape Solutions employs certified arborists that perform preventive health and safety assessments, sprays and/or injections for disease and insect control, aeration, pruning, and irrigation. In dire circumstances, a tree will be recommended for removal, but that is a last resort, unless of course it is located in a potentially dangerous spot on your lot or is being replaced by a new tree.

Contact us today to schedule your tree and landscaping assessment!