Why to prune, how to prune and when to call a professional?

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In this month’s blog, instead of just talking about when to prune your trees, we’d like to discuss how and why to prune your trees, and when to contact a certified arborist to do the job. “Tree experts say a basic understanding of tree biology when pruning helps promote and maintain a tree’s health and structure, in addition to improving the economic investment to the landscape.”(ISA)

Here are Arbor Day Foundations steps to pruning at all stages of a tree’s life:

  • Pruning at Planting – Leave as much of the entire leaf surface as possible to manufacture food that will build a larger root system. Roots will be larger after one year if left unpruned.
  • Year 3 and 4 – Root growth should be well on its way to anchoring the transplant and expanding the size necessary to nourish the growing branches
  • Years 5 to 7 – Lower limbs are pruned off to raise the bottom of the crown well out of the way of human heads. The lowest limbs are now permanent limbs.
  • Years 15 and beyond – With proper pruning at the beginning of your trees life your tree will have a better chance of surviving extreme conditions such as wind storms, ice, and drought. That is because proper pruning gave strength to the branches.

When considering smaller trees, “Proper pruning will save you money and give you a safer more beautiful, healthier, and easier-to-maintain tree.” (Arbor Day Foundation). However, please keep in mind, pruning large trees can be risky. “It usually involves working above the ground and using power equipment, like chain saws. It’s important to consider your safety, and that of your trees. Hire a professional arborist or ISA Certified Tree Worker™ because they are trained in the latest safety measures and techniques.”(ISA) If you are in need of assistance with pruning your trees, call us today, we are experienced certified arborists!

References:

http://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/newsroom/ProperPruning_TreeHealth.pdf

https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/annual-pruning.cfm

Do you know when trees need to be removed?

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Spring is the perfect time to remove that tree, but how do you know which trees need to be removed?In this month’s blog we are going to focus on tree removals, recognizing which trees might need to be removed and how to get them removed appropriately.

“When a tree develops problems, it is frequently difficult to decide when to remove it. Hazardous trees that have structural defects that could potentially cause injury to people or damage property need immediate attention.” (University of Maryland) Also, “Removing trees becomes necessary when the plants are severely injured by storms, when they outgrow their sites or when they become maintenance problems.” (University of Minnesota) Trees may also need to be removed if they are dying because of illness or pests, such as the Emerald Ash Borer here in Indiana.   

Arborists can help with all of these removal needs and more, including (Tree Care Industry Association):

·        Identify at-risk trees

·        Know the laws about chemicals and deforestation

·        Properly spray trees with chemicals

·        Alert you about any spreading diseases

·        Brace your trees for support

·        Recommend trees that would work well with your yard

·        Identify valuable trees you can sell

·        Give you pruning tips

·        Remove your tree

·        Climb up high

·        Use heavy equipment

“Certified arborists are knowledgeable in all aspects of tree care and should be consulted when evaluating the health of a tree and for insect and disease management.” (University of Maryland) “Large trees are best removed by professional tree services. Their employees have the proper equipment and training to fell trees safely and avoid damaging property. Most cities require licensing of tree services.” (University of Minnesota)

At Browning Tree service, as certified arborists, we can evaluate your trees for sickness, pests, or safety and professionally remove them. Contact us today and get an early start!

Resources:

https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/removing-trees-and-shrubs/

https://www.tcia.org/TCIA/Blog_Items/2014/What_To_Do_When_Your_Tree_Is_Dying.aspx

https://extension.umd.edu/learn/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree

Trees need care during colder months too…prepare for spring now!

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When it comes to your trees, there’s two things to think about during the colder months. One thing is winter and early spring pruning. Although pruning can be done at any time, “as a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush.” (ISA, Trees Are Good). In addition to preparing to prune your trees, you must also examine your trees for Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer continues to devastate trees in the Midwest every year and this pest is weakest in the winter, which makes it the perfect time to prevent them from spreading further.  Read more about each of these winter tips below.

Pruning

During winter months trees go into a dormancy, similar to how animals hibernate. They may look dead, but they are definitely alive, which makes it a perfect time for arborists to prune. “Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring.”(Arbor Day Foundation) “Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature's pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree's life.” (Trees Are Good) Make sure to utilize a certified arborist to prune your trees properly.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparation

“When considering some of the treatment for the coming year we may think there is little we can do until spring.  But, there is actually extensive work to be done this winter.” (MSU) “During the winter months the EAB is in a very vulnerable state.  It can neither fly nor crawl from its location within ash trees. One very important procedure that can be done throughout the winter is SANITATION.  Sanitation has several important benefits; reduces the population of EAB, helping to prevent explosions of the insect population, and reduces the food substrate and habitat for the EAB.” (Treedoctor.com) It addition to being dangerous to other Ash trees, EAB can make these trees brittle and unstable, making it a major safety hazard to anyone or anything nearby if they fall. “Since the tree may already be unstable and dangerous, it's wise to hire a trained, certified, insured professional arborist to do the job.” (Chicago Tribune)

If you are ready to start pruning or need help with examining your ash trees for EAB, contact us today. We are certified ISA arborists located in Lafayette.

 

Resources:

https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/when-to-prune.cfm

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home/ct-sun-0215-garden-morton-20150209-story.html

https://treedoctor.msu.edu/ash/winter

http://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees

We've Receive a New Certification!

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In October of this year we were awarded the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). The "TRAQ is an ISA qualification program that trains arborists how to use the methodologies outlined in the ISA Best Management Practices for Tree Risk Assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity."  

"The ISA Certification Program has led the way as a credentialing body in the arboricultural industry for many years. In order to meet the needs of the profession and respond to the demands of the stakeholders for advanced certificate-based programs, ISA has expanded its training and credentialing opportunities to include qualifications."

Click here to learn more about this certification.

Winterize Your Trees

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Article by Purdue Extension

"As trees in our urban and suburban landscapes prepare for winter dormancy and cold, they could use a little extra care from you to ensure a good start in the spring. As the seasons change, trees prepare to overwinter in a dormant state. Dormancy is not death; it is a natural state in which trees prepare and adapt to cold conditions with physiological and structural adjustments. Even though the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground, trees are still active, making necessary preparations for winter. Winter conditions will make finding moisture a challenge—and keeping plant cells hydrated in winter is critical for survival. Potential sources of winter water  include unfrozen soil; internal reservoirs; and the area above the ground, but just under the snow cover (the subnivean zone). If trees cannot find needed water in these areas, expect poor health and growth the following spring. 

Summer and fall drought conditions can place trees in an overall water deficit, predisposing them to pest issues and poor health the next growing season. Likewise, spring and summer weather affects the trees’ ability to survive winter weather. Young or newly planted trees will require more attention because of limited abilities in obtaining water in their growing environment. The key to survival is giving trees adequate moisture before winter freezes the world around them. Good cultural practices and proper plant healthcare make a difference in how much water is available to your trees in winter and how well they survive." Tips for winter preparation include:

  1. Trunk Wrapping
  2. Mulching
  3. Fertilizing
  4. Watering
  5. Pruning

Click here to read more information on each of these tips in the full article. 

 

Ash Trees Treatment or Removal for the City of Lafayette

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If you are in need of an Ash tree on your property to be treated or removed we can service that issue for you. Call us or fill out our Contact Us form.

From the City of Lafayette website...
"If you have an ash tree on private property you think is still alive it may be a candidate for treatment. The rule of thumb is having a leafy canopy that is 60-70% present.  There are a few tree companies in Lafayette that will be able to tell you if your tree is a candidate for treatment. If the tree is infected and not treated it will die."


READ MORE HERE

"We Appreciate Your Honesty & Expertise"

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"We appreciate your honesty & expertise with all the questions we had.  While you encouraged us to get 2nd opinions we already had 1st & 2nd opinions before yours marking it as our 3rd opinion & most respected. Thank you!  We look forward to working with you"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    - Gail & Mel, Lafayette, Indiana

Why Hire an Arborist?

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"An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees."

Click here to read more from the ISA website.