Brown's Arbor Care

The Art of Tree Care

General

The Art of Mulching: From Tree Health Benefits to Avoiding the Pitfall of Volcano Mulching

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The Unseen Protector: The Importance of Mulch for Trees

Ever wondered about the role of mulch in your garden? More than just an aesthetic dressing, mulch is a strong protective force that acts as a guardian for the soil. It safeguards the soil from the harsh elements, locks in precious moisture, curbs weed proliferation, and gradually improves the soil’s nutrient profile.

The relationship between mulch and a tree’s growth is not only essential but also reliant on proper mulching techniques. When done right, mulching can cultivate a fertile environment conducive to root growth. By moderating soil temperatures and preserving moisture, mulch significantly improves the conditions for root development. Furthermore, it lessens soil compaction, allowing roots to expand and penetrate deeper, enhancing the tree’s resilience and health.

Mulching: An Art and A Science

Like many gardening practices, mulching must be done with care and understanding. Mulch can influence the vitality of a tree positively, but when misused, it can lead to a problematic phenomenon known as volcano mulching.

Volcano mulching is a trend that involves piling mulch high against a tree’s trunk, creating a ‘volcano’ effect. Though it may seem harmless, or even artistic to some, this practice can be detrimental and sometimes fatal for trees.

The excessive mound of mulch in volcano mulching can trap too much moisture around the tree’s trunk, attracting decay organisms and leading to potential rot. It can also become a haven for rodents that gnaw on tree bark and suffocate roots by hindering air and water access.

The Right Way to Mulch

Avoiding the pitfalls of volcano mulching is straightforward with the right technique. Typically, a layer of mulch between 2 to 4 inches, spread over a 3-foot radius from the tree’s base, is most beneficial. It’s essential to keep the mulch away from the tree trunk, creating a donut-like shape. This practice keeps the decay organisms at bay and safeguards the tree’s health.

In essence, while mulching offers a multitude of benefits for trees, it isn’t a process to be taken lightly. The right mulching practices, customized to the particular needs of the tree species, can significantly improve the health and durability of trees. As with many things in gardening and life, it’s all about balance. Too little or too much of something good can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. So, let’s embrace the art of mulching and help our trees flourish.

The Importance of Calling Before You Dig: Keeping You and Your Property Safe

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Homeowners often take on various home improvement projects, and digging is often one of them. Calling before you dig is essential when planting a tree or stump grinding to prevent any damage to underground utilities or pipes. When starting any digging work, it’s important to call your state’s one-call center at least two to three business days beforehand, who will notify the relevant utility companies to mark the area with flags or spray paint. In some cases, hidden liabilities may exist, so it’s important to check for them before beginning any excavation work. By taking the necessary safety precautions, you can save yourself from costly repairs and ensure your safety.

To ensure your safety and avoid damage to underground utilities, you need to call before you dig. The nationwide 811 call before you dig service was created to prevent such incidents. The process is simple, free, and efficient.

When you call the number 811 or visit your state’s 811 center website, you provide information about your excavation site, and the 811 service transmits the information to the utilities. The utilities then send out locators to mark the publicly managed underground lines for free. This ensures that you can safely dig without damaging any underground utilities.

If you’re located in North Carolina, you can call NC811 or use the NC811 online system to submit your request. Once you provide the necessary information about your excavation site, the 811 service will notify the utilities to mark the area within three working days. It’s important to note that you must call 811 or submit your request online at least three working days before digging to ensure the utilities have enough time to mark the area.

In the Triangle area, the process is the same as in the rest of North Carolina. You need to call 811 or submit your request online at least three working days before starting any digging projects. The utilities will mark the area to help prevent any damage to underground utilities.

It’s crucial to call before you dig. By doing so, you are taking the necessary safety precautions to avoid any damage to underground utilities. The process is simple, free, and ensures your safety. Call 811 or submit your request online at least three working days before digging and be sure to follow the utility’s markings to ensure that you can safely complete your excavation project.

Why Are Arborists So Expensive? Understanding the Cost of Tree Care

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Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. They are highly trained and provide a variety of services, such as tree pruning, removal, and emergency care. However, the cost of hiring an arborist can be a major concern for homeowners. So, why are arborists so expensive?

One of the main reasons that arborists can be expensive is the highly specialized nature of their work. Arborists require extensive training and need a supporting crew to get the job done. Running an arborist tree service business involves significant overhead costs, such as insurance premiums and equipment expenses. Arborists also have to invest heavily in specialized equipment, such as personal protective equipment, ropes, harnesses, and other tools, which can add up to over $100,000.

Another reason that arborists can be expensive is the complexity, unpredictability, and risky nature of their work. Arborists don’t just manage trees; they also eliminate limbs and dead trees that can be overhanging houses and other significant structures. One wrong cut could result in damage to property or injury to people, which makes the job more hazardous and requires the arborist to have specialized skills. Furthermore, tree removal can be expensive due to the amount of time, crew members, machinery, and risk involved in the job.

But what is the difference between an arborist and a tree trimmer? While both professionals work with trees, there is a significant difference between the two. A tree trimmer is primarily concerned with making the tree look better by cutting off excess growth. An arborist, on the other hand, is trained to diagnose and treat diseases, pests, and other tree problems, in addition to tree trimming and removal.

So, should you use an arborist? If you have concerns about the health, safety, or appearance of your trees, then an arborist is the best choice. They have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to properly care for your trees and ensure their long-term health and vitality.

When it comes to hiring the best arborist, there are several things to consider. Make sure to ask for proof of insurance before work begins. Ensure that they have the necessary training and expertise to provide quality tree care. You can check for reviews and recommendations from other customers to ensure the arborist is reputable and provides good service. Finally, make sure to get multiple quotes to compare prices and find the best value for your specific needs.

The cost of hiring an arborist can be high due to the specialized nature of their work, the need for a supporting crew, and the overhead costs associated with running an arborist tree service business. Homeowners should weigh the costs and benefits of hiring an arborist before making a decision and should consider getting multiple quotes to find the best price for their specific needs. Ultimately, hiring a qualified and experienced arborist can help ensure the health and safety of your trees, as well as protect your property and loved ones from harm.

Damages Caused by Tree Topping and Better Alternatives to Consider

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I don’t think the trees need any toppings, do you?

Topping trees is a harmful practice that is still used by some individuals. It involves cutting off the top of a tree or its branches and is done to reduce the height or size of a tree, shape it into a particular form, or clear power lines or views. While it may seem like a quick and easy solution to a tree problem, topping actually causes significant harm to the tree and can have negative consequences for years to come. It weakens the structure of the tree and promotes decay and disease. The cuts made to the trunk or branches are large and open, which makes it easier for insects and fungi to enter and attack the tree. Additionally, topping creates an unsightly appearance that can detract from the beauty of the landscape. Topped trees often have an unnatural, stunted look that is out of place in the natural environment. While there may be situations where tree topping is necessary, in most cases, there are alternative solutions that can be used to address tree problems without resorting to topping. If a tree has been topped, steps can be taken to try to fix it, such as gradually pruning the tree back to its natural shape over a period of years or providing structural support to the tree through cabling or bracing.

There are ways to avoid topping trees. One approach is to plant the right tree species in the right location. Trees should be selected based on their mature size, growth rate, and growth habit, as well as the site conditions, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels. By selecting the right tree for the site, the need for pruning or topping can be minimized.

Topping trees can also be expensive in the long run. While it may seem like a cheap and easy solution to a tree problem, it actually ends up costing more in the long run. Topped trees often require more frequent maintenance, such as pruning, to remove the weakly attached shoots and branches that grow after topping. Additionally, the weakened structure of topped trees makes them more vulnerable to storms and other natural disasters, which can result in costly damage to property and infrastructure.

Another approach is to use proper pruning techniques. Pruning should be done with the long-term health of the tree in mind, with dead, diseased, or damaged branches being removed. The proper pruning techniques are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the tree. It is recommended to use sharp pruning tools that are clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of disease. It is also important to make clean cuts that are made at the proper angle and location, to minimize the stress on the tree and promote proper healing.

To put it briefly, topping trees is a harmful practice that should be avoided at all costs. It causes significant harm to the tree and can have negative consequences for years to come. It weakens the structure of the tree and promotes decay and disease. Topped trees often have an unnatural, stunted look that is out of place in the natural environment. By selecting the right tree species and planting location, and by using proper pruning techniques, trees can be maintained in a healthy and sustainable way, without resorting to topping.

The Art and Science of Pruning

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As an arborist, I have seen firsthand the importance of pruning trees properly. While pruning is often viewed as a simple task, there is actually a lot of art and science involved in getting it right. In this article, I will discuss the principles of Dr. Ed Gilman, a renowned arborist and professor at the University of Florida, who is widely regarded as an authority on the art of pruning.

Dr. Gilman believes that pruning is both an art and a science, and that a good pruner must have a deep understanding of tree biology, as well as the skills and techniques needed to shape and maintain trees. His principles of pruning are based on his extensive research and experience in the field, and are designed to promote healthy tree growth while minimizing damage and stress.

Pruning Principles:

Understand the biology of the tree

The first principle of pruning, according to Dr. Gilman, is to understand the biology of the tree being pruned. This means understanding the growth habits, growth rate, and structure of the tree, as well as its overall health and condition. It is also important to understand the purpose of the pruning, whether it is to remove dead or diseased branches, reduce the size of the tree, or shape it for aesthetic reasons.

Prune at the right time

Timing is an important aspect of pruning. Dr. Gilman recommends pruning trees during their dormant season, which is typically during the winter months. Pruning during the dormant season helps to minimize the stress on the tree and allows it to heal more quickly. It is also important to prune at the right stage of growth, such as after a flush of new growth, to ensure that the tree is able to recover quickly.

Prune for the long-term health of the tree

Pruning should always be done with the long-term health of the tree in mind. Dr. Gilman recommends removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as those that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This helps to prevent disease and insect infestations, as well as promoting healthy growth and development.

Use proper pruning techniques

The proper pruning techniques are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the tree. Dr. Gilman recommends using sharp pruning tools that are clean and disinfected, to prevent the spread of disease. It is also important to make clean cuts that are made at the proper angle and location, to minimize the stress on the tree and promote proper healing.

Don’t over-prune

Over-pruning is a common mistake that can have serious consequences for the health and appearance of the tree. Dr. Gilman recommends removing no more than 25% of the tree’s canopy at one time, to avoid causing stress and damage to the tree. Over-pruning can also result in the tree becoming top-heavy and unbalanced, which can increase the risk of breakage in wind or rain.

To bring it all together, following the principles of pruning outlined by Dr. Gilman can help ensure healthy tree growth and maintain the beauty and integrity of our urban forests. By understanding the biology of the tree, pruning at the right time, promoting long-term health, using proper techniques, and avoiding over-pruning, arborists can effectively shape and maintain trees for years to come.

Plan for Pruning

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Are you looking to improve the health and appearance of your trees? Proper pruning is essential for maintaining a beautiful and thriving landscape. At Brown’s Arbor Care, we recommend carrying out a heavy prune in the late winter to early spring when the tree comes out of dormancy and focuses on growth in recently pruned areas.

Our expert arborists take care to create cuts on trees that will encourage wounds to quickly seal. We prioritize the removal of deadwood and branches that may cause issues in the future, while keeping the overall form and health of the tree in mind.

It’s worth noting that the smaller the cut, the quicker it will compartmentalize. This is why it’s a good idea to have trees pruned when they’re young and the limbs are a smaller diameter. By doing so, you’ll encourage healthy growth and avoid future problems.

At Brown’s Arbor Care, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service and results. If you have any questions or concerns about pruning your trees, please fill out the form on our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help.

Don’t let your trees fall by the wayside. Trust the experts at Brown’s Arbor Care to provide comprehensive tree care solutions that will keep your landscape looking its best. Contact us today to learn more!

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