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Why Do-It-Yourself Tree Removal is a Bad Idea

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Do-it-yourself tree removal might seem like a good idea in some situations. But when you factor in danger and unforeseen costs, it quickly becomes apparent removing a tree on your own can become a nightmare . Here’s why: Danger Even smaller trees can react in surprising ways when cut. Even if the tree doesn’t land on you when it is felled, it can “kick out” in an unexpected direction and cause injury. Likewise, a falling tree can hit power lines or your home, resulting in injury or even death.   Damage Property damage is possible in even the simplest tree removal situation. Even if the tree doesn’t take out a power line or hit your home, it can damage landscaping or personal property, including vehicles in your driveway or on the street nearby. Utility facilities such as gas risers and telephone poles might be vulnerable, too.   Cost Finally, are you really saving money with do-it-yourself tree removal? Certainly not if things go wrong as noted above. Between po...

How To Create More Shade On Your Property

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  Any artist knows that the world is made up of darks and lights, and there is plenty of room for both on your property. When someone designs landscaping and hardscaping, they often look at the amount of shade that there will be. Trees have long been the favorite way to create shade in your yard because they naturally change with the times of the year. When you need more sunlight on your patio, trees have already shed their leaves. When you need the cooling properties of the shade. Shade is an important part of your yard for a few different reasons, and it is easier to create shade naturally and permanently. Here are some of our tips and tricks about creating shade. Why Do You Need Shade? Helps to create outdoor living space during the warmer months Helps to add depth to your yard Can increase the longevity of outside furniture There are a few different reasons why you want to have shade in your yard. The primary reason is that shade helps to creat...

The Basics of Tree Trimming & Pruning

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If you enjoy a beautiful, clean, and cared-for yard, there’s no doubt you’ve thought of tree trimming and pruning. Both services are standard in the professional landscape industry and keep your yard in the best condition. However, you may not know what makes each service different and whether you need both. Below, we’ll discuss the differences between trimming and pruning and how your yard can benefit from each service. Trimming vs. Pruning: What’s the Difference? Tree trimming and pruning may seem like the same thing, but the reasoning behind each service varies: Tree trimming promotes healthy growth for shrubs, hedges, and trees. Professionals trim branches that threaten utility lines or obstruct roadway vision. This service also helps maintain aesthetic appeal. Pruning is the act of removing unnecessary branches, roots, and growths. This service is the best way to remove waterspouts, which may open your tree to harmful pathogens. If your landscaping issues are mini...

How to Protect Your Trees From Cold Temperatures

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This time of year, many of those who have invested in nice landscaping are concerned about cold temperatures effecting their young and mature trees. They wonder if all this snow and cold weather can harm a tree’s health, or worse, kill it before warm weather emerges once again. The short answer to this question is yes . Continue reading to learn how trees are affected by cold temperatures and extreme climate conditions we often see in winter, and what you can do to protect your trees year-round. Tree Health and Stability Like virtually all living organisms, trees too can be negatively affected by cold temperatures and inclement weather. This is especially true for long bouts of extreme weather conditions. Several environmental elements, climates, and weather conditions can affect the overall health and stability of a tree. And from these harsh winter temperatures and weather, endless issues may arise. Trees can lose their water and nutrient supply during these seasons, which ...

Helpful Tree Care Tips For Spring and Summer

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If you own a home, chances are you have trees on your property. And as a homeowner, protecting and preserving your investment is your top priority, and part of this initiative is proper tree care. Healthy trees can drastically increase property value since they provide such a wide range of benefits, including noise reduction, privacy, shade, improved energy efficiency, and much more. So keeping trees in good condition is in the best interest of your investment, as well as, your quality of life. There are several things you can do on your own to care for your landscaping trees, but for some tree care needs, you’ll require the services of a qualified professional. Continue reading to learn some helpful tree care tips for this spring and upcoming summer. Take Good Care of Your Trees Having basic knowledge of proper tree care helps you understand the level of care your trees need to remain healthy and alive for a long time. This is the first tip for tree care. If you do not have ...

Why Does My Tree Look Bad?

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You may not notice right away, but sometimes trees can start to slowly decline in appearance and performance. One week they can look great, and the following month they look as though something is not quite right. If you have found yourself in a similar dilemma, continue reading to learn what might be wrong with your landscaping trees. Water Distribution The first question you want to ask yourself involves the amount of water your tree is getting. Is it getting too much? Is it not getting enough? Both of these scenarios will causes adverse changes in your landscaping trees. Trees require deep watering, especially in hotter temperatures. Strive toward saturating the ground with water, starting at the trunk and finishing at the outer perimeter of the tree’s dripline. This should suffice until the tree roots are dry again. Pest and Insect Control Once you have addressed any water management issues, it is time to ask yourself about pest and insect control for your trees. Beet...

Strategic Tree Placement Can Reduce Outside Noise

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Trees provide us with so many benefits. They breathe out oxygen and breathe in carbon dioxide , while we breathe out carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen. Besides this essential phenomenon that supports all living organisms on earth, trees do so much more for us. They increase property value, provide shade and comfort, which also reduces energy consumption in the home, and they add beauty to sorts of landscapes. But did you know that trees can also reduce the level of outdoor noise you hear from inside your property? This is a wonderful noise control solution for homes and commercial businesses. Effective noise reduction can be achieved on your property by strategically placing trees around your landscaping. Continue reading to learn more about strategic tree placement and how it can reduce outside noise pollution. Effective Noise Reduction Trees can reduce the level of outdoor commotion since they are full of mass. By placing them in just the right spots, you can significan...

How to Take Care of a Live Christmas Tree

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Many families are putting up their Christmas trees. If you are one of those families who love a real conifer, then you are probably already on the hunt for a good one. But finding the perfect tree is just the start; you must also do what’s necessary to ensure it stays perfect once it is in your home. Basically, it all comes down to routine tree care. Be sure you are prepared to take good care of your Christmas tree if you want it to retain its freshness, luster, and fragrance all month long! Continue reading to learn some important maintenance tips for live Christmas trees, including how to prepare them, water them, and more! A Christmas tree will not require the same type of routine maintenance as would a tree that is planted in the ground with an attached root ball. Since Christmas trees have a severed the root ball, there is no need to provide it nutrients or sun; it will not be growing anymore. However, there are a few important things you can do to retain its freshness a...

Can I Prune My Trees Yet?

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If you look at our local weather forecasts, it seems as though the temperatures are slowly rising. This has many of us anticipating and early spring. With milder weather, you may be eager to get a jump-start on all your spring landscaping preparations, such as trimming, transplanting , and even planting. But before you do, it is wise to ask yourself whether or not it’s still too early in the year to prune, especially when it comes to your landscaping trees. Continue reading to learn the recommended best practices for tree trimming and seasonal tree care. Benefits of Tree Pruning Tree pruning is a common tree maintenance practice that is used to stimulate new, strong growth, and to eliminate overgrown limbs. Pruning provides a wide range of benefits, for both trees and people. Not only does it reduce hazardous obstructions and allow for easier entry onto a premises, pruning also promotes vigor and growth, making trees stronger and healthier for many years. It also makes trees ...

How to Protect Young Trees From Buck Damage

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This time of year, it is common to find damage on trees caused by “buck rubbing”, which is a behavior that male deer engage in for the purpose of marking their territory and attracting female mates. They are also known to simulate battle with trees as practice for real-life defense situations. Regardless of why bucks rub their antlers on trees, the outcome is usually a damaged tree. If your landscaping trees are subjected to this type of wildlife interference each spring, it is time for you to learn how to put a stop to it for good. Continue reading to learn how you can protect your new and young trees from future buck damage. Basics of Buck Rubbing When bucks rub their antlers on young trees, the repetition of the act causes the thin, vulnerable bark of the tree to peel off. When peeling occurs around the entire tree, it can be described as “ girdling .”  Fortunately, trees are resilient, and in most cases, can easily come back from buck damage. However, the best practi...

Why Won’t My Hydrangeas Bloom?

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Nothing beats the big blossoms of a hydrangea plant covering the bright green shrubs they grow on. Bountiful, beautiful, pom-pom-shaped flower heads brighten your garden in shades of bright white to bubblegum pink to lovely lilac to sky blue. And the flowers are long-lasting, meaning you get to enjoy them all summer long. No wonder hydrangeas are so popular in home landscapes. So it certainly can be frustrating when your hydrangea is not blooming. While hydrangeas can be pretty easy to grow, it can be frustrating when you don’t get the massive blooms and color you were expecting. That’s where focusing on proper care can ensure you get the long-lasting flowers you crave year after year. Let’s look at what would cause a hydrangea not to boom and how you can change the outcome with some simple maintenance tips and tricks. Reasons Why Hydrangeas Aren’t Blooming Like any other plant, to get optimum growth, which includes blooming capabilities, you want to ensure the right plant...