Biological Attacks Used to Curb Kudzu

With the short, mild weather of this past winter, it looks as though weeds are getting a head start this spring. As for the south, the main weed everyone dreads is the choking, enveloping kudzu vine. The invasive plant takes over just about any field, climbs tall timbers and is a nuisance to eradicate.

Most landowners in states like Mississippi and Alabama have done just about anything to eliminate the destructive plant.  Though the vines are easy to mow or mulch, the mechanical method doesn’t seem to be the most effective kudzu removal technique. In fact, time spent plowing over the green foliage doesn’t expel the root of the plant is likely wasted as surface sheering doesn’t expel the root crown.

Biological Growth Control

Herbicides may be effective in the long run, but they require dousing gallons upon gallons of chemical over a period of a few years before results are successful. That cost adds up very quickly and can even affect surrounding plants and groundwater sources. However, there are a few biological attacks that arborists have attempted to parry the kudzu plant into submission. Here are just a few new kudzu removal techniques that may be worth trying this year.

Bacterial Blights

In the past, blights have caused detrimental damage to large sources of crop plants including, potatoes, corn, tomatoes and apple trees.  Blights are naturally occurring pathogenic organisms that affect plants through mold and other water-born fungi.  They affect plant tissue by causing complete chlorosis, which is depriving the plant of essential nutrients. Soon the plant tissue begins to brown and die. Applying blights in a controlled manner to kudzu plants has been tested as a positive candidate for biological growth control and ultimately utilized as kudzu removal.

Insect Herbivory

Insect herbivory is simply a method of introducing controlled amounts of insects that are anatomically adapted to eating particular plants. By applying this biological attack, specific insects are encouraged to devour parts of the kudzu plant therefore causing significant damage and even killing the plant. Because kudzu is a native plant to southern Asia, and not to southern United States, there are few known insects that are natural predators to the plant. Therefore, research is being conducted to find the appropriate insects to use in controlling the growth and aiding in eliminating the devastating kudzu vine.

Seed Predation

Similar to herbivory, seed predation is a biological method of introducing natural predators to consume the kudzu plant. By consuming the seeds of the plant, the insects not only chomp through the leaves and vines of the plant, they interrupt the germination of the plant and alleviate the amount of regrowth or spreading of the vine. So far, field tests have found that more than twenty-five species of insects are feeding on the kudzu plant in areas of North Carolina. Of these predators, the sawfly and several different leaf-eating beetles were identified. The best thing about these predators is that they have no known hosts.

With several different studies being conducted across the southeast, there stands a forerunner as studies hone in on an effective method of biological control. The fungal pathogen known as Mythrocium verrucaria has shown the best results against kudzu vines. The fungus has been used as a pesticide on other plants and grows well in temperatures matching those of the southeastern region. The organism does not venture beyond the areas in which they are introduced, keeping surrounding vegetation and bordering crops safe from consumption. However, the one drawback is that the fungus is highly toxic to mammals. Extreme caution must be used in applying this type of biological attack, which is why it has not yet been released as an accepted kudzu removal strategy. Hopes are that the pathogen can be applied in closely moderated areas.

Photo courtesy: SweetCrisis

How to Remove Trees the Professional Way

There are times that you need to remove trees from your property for various reasons. The reason could be to clear the yard for a construction project you are planning, or you need to improve your landscape, or may be the trees have become a threat to life and properly already because it is decaying if not dead. Whatever the reason, you need to hire the services of a professional tree removal company to the job for you. Don’t think you can do the job alone, especially if you don’t have background on tree cutting.

Not a Kid’s Job

Trees can be big and tall, making them difficult to remove. Unless you are removing a young tree whose diameter is less than ten inches and less than 20 feet tall, don’t take it upon yourself. Nevertheless, you need to learn the basic steps in removing a tree, whether you want to do it alone or you want to hire a professional tree removal company.

To start, survey the area around your tree and check if there are any obstacles. Things to watch out are power lines and other utility cables in the immediate vicinity. The general rule would to give a clearance of about ten feet from the trees nearby. Next, check the tree’s natural lean because it is in that direction that the tree must fall. This means the undercut should the first cut you should make to guide the direction of the fall. In felling the tree, the back-cut must be at least 2 inches taller compared to the undercut’s bottom. Once the tree starts to fall, everyone must move away and stay in the opposite direction. Once the tree is down, cut its limbs into smaller pieces for easy disposal.

Bigger trees, those that are more than ten inches in diameter and are 20 feet high or more, need special equipment that only a professional tree service company is trained to handle. Trees this big and this tall are too risky to handle by amateurs.

Removing the stump from the ground is the next step after the limbs are removed. You will have four options here. If it’s a small tree, you can dig the stump out with a pick and a sharp spade. It will be hours of hard work, especially if the root system is deep and spread out wide. Or you can again let a professional tree removal company do it for you.

Premiere Tree Services of Beverly Hills

9663 Santa Monica Blvd, Number 732

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (424) 230-3557

beverlyhills@premieretreeservices.com

Spring Time Plans for Trees

Spring has seemingly sprung in parts of the southeast as temperatures are on the rise and gray clouds disperse. Now is the perfect time to perform professional tree care maintenance on your trees to ensure a healthy growing season. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to get you on track.

Start from the Bottom

Your trees’ root system is vital to a healthy appearance and mature growth. Taking care of these fragile lifelines is essential throughout the year, but spring has the most ideal weather conditions. The mild climate of Georgia thaws the soil and allows pesticides to absorb more effectively. Making sure roots are watered adequately and fertilized appropriately will help keep them strong and resistant to harmful insects and bacteria near Roswell. Using a mixture of water and pesticides that are specific to the types of trees in your area can also prevent tree diseases from spreading.

Work Your Way Up

Though most trees are trimmed in the fall when they’ve lost all of their leaves, early spring is still an ideal time to trim trees. Trimming off overgrowth gives the tree’s new blossoms room to breathe and corrects any abnormal growth patterns. It’s also best to cut away any broken, rotting, or diseased portions of the tree to maintain the trunk’s integrity. Average temperatures in Marietta give trees enough time to scab and heal before harmful insects take harbor. With newer trees, it may be time to trim lower branches to create proper height.

Eliminate the Middle Man (or bug)

Spring is the best time for burrowing insects to emerge, feed and breed. Protect your trees from the inside out to prevent defoliation and tree disease. Tree spraying in Marietta is the optimal safeguard for trees, plants and shrubs. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are all easy to administer to the soil around the tree’s root ball. Taller trees that are susceptible to defoliation may require professional tree spraying to reach the canopy.

Enlisting the expertise of a professional arboreal team will ensure that your trees get the proper treatment. Call on Premiere Tree Services to secure the health and well-being of your landscape through this spring and the next.

Environmentally Safe and Effective Tree Spraying: Don’t Panic, It’s Organic

Among the most popular ways of controlling pests and diseases in fruit trees is organic spraying. If you are tree spraying in Kansas City, MO, you must consider using organic spray because of its many benefits. Tree spraying using traditional pesticides are still widely used, but more and more tree owners are now shifting to organic. There are several important reasons for this. One very important reason has to do with health. Organic sprays are considered harmless to one’s health, while the traditional spraying that uses chemicals has been known to pose serious health issues. Another reason has to do with the environment. Organic tree sprays are not known to cause harmful effects on the environment compared to the chemical sprays that poisons the environment.

The following are some of the common types of fruit tree sprays that are organic. These organic sprays are effective for tree spraying in Kansas City, MO. It works well in killing insects and larvae that are overwintering.

Lime Sulphur/Horticultural Oil Mixture

This type of organic spray for fruit trees is composed of horticultural oil and lime sulphur mixture that can sometimes be purchased premixed. You can also purchase a kit and do your mixture. The lime sulphur component of the mixture is a natural fungicide that kills bacteria or fungus spores that are dormant. The horticulture oil component is use for smothering overwintering eggs or insects. The best time to use this spray is in spring right before the swelling of the buds. Otherwise, you face the risk of burning the new leaves. It can also be sprayed when the temperature is between 32 degrees F (0 degrees Celsius) and 70 F (20 degrees Celsius) for not more than 24 hours. This is because the spray’s oil part requires time to kill the insects and their eggs.


Water/Horticultural Oil Mixture

This second type of organic spray is effective for spring use and all summer. Just be sure to do the spraying early in the morning, or when the weather is a lot cooler and trees and vegetation have cooled off. This mixture is not as messy as the first type of fruit trees.


Homemade Mixture of Natural Tree Spray

You can also come up with your own mixture for your tree spraying in Kansas City, MO project. You can buy your own ingredients at any organic farming store. The store will also offer you brochures on how to do the mixing.

Premiere Tree Services of Kansas City, MO
4741 Central Street #413
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 226-6344
kansascitymo@premieretreeservices.com

Heads Up: Proper Tree Removal in Chapel Hill

Unknown to many homeowners, removing a tree from their yard requires proper handling. Tree removal in Chapel Hill can be a bit complicated depending on the property concentration in a particular area. There are several important practices to ensure that trees are properly taken down. These are to ensure the safety of properties around or right under the tree and the people living nearby.

First thing to do is to perform an inspection on the area where the tree removal will be done. Check if there’s an ample space below in case that tree branches fall down while cutting. Tree limbs and branches should be cut down to small sizes, enough for the personnel to handle. And lastly, people working on the tree removal must wear proper working clothes and safety gears, and use quality equipment to avoid accidents.

Since many of us are inexperienced in this procedure, it is recommended to hire the services of tree removal companies in your state to perform the job for you. There is an established market of tree removal in Chapel Hill so finding one is never that tedious.

Safety is the topmost priority in every tree removal procedure. Even professional tree removers don’t take risks in cutting trees unprotected. It is important to follow safety precautions in every project. This includes wearing protective gear, especially for the head, leather gloves as protection from sharp splinters, and a pair of heavy duty boots with ankle support and that won’t slip to provide good hold white cutting the trees.

Ensuring the area to be clutter-free is vital to avoid serious accidents that may cause injuries or damage properties. If several establishments are present nearby, exert more effort in carefully cutting the tree down. Branches should be cautiously put down and dropping the tree should be done with guidance.

Also take note of power lines getting in the way. A single mistake of a branch falling down, cutting power lines can cause a blackout around the vicinity. With this, tree removal services must coordinate with the local energy company for this concern. They may help you in keeping power lines out of the way.

A quick research online will lead you to the best service provider of tree removal in Chapel Hill. Check out the rates for their services, quality of equipment, and testimonials from customers to have an idea on how they perform. This will also help you prepare for the upcoming expenses.

Premiere Tree Services of Chapel Hill

1289 N. Fordham Blvd. Ste. 334

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

 

Phone: (919) 914-0499

Customer Service: info@chapelhilltreeservices.com

Brown Seaweed Production Posits New Biofuel Source

Brown Seaweed Production Posits New Biofuel Source

How would you like to be a seaweed picker? I bet you never knew that job position even existed! Well it does off the coast of Chile, and for good reason. Chilean aquafarms are harvesting abundant supplies of naturally-growing brown seaweed as a way to produce a new source of biofuel.

Brown Seaweed Biofuel Discovery

The recent development of an engineered microbe produced by Berkeley-based scientists of Bio Architecture Lab, Inc. (BAL) does some amazing things to brown seaweed. The enzyme's main contribution to science is its ability to consume the sugars of brown seaweed and convert it into biofuel. In the race to find more sustainable fuel sources to power our planet, biofuel is the new hope for the future. This major advance in the fuel industry can change the course of progression for the US.

Much like the E. coli bacteria from which the microbes were derived, scientists have outfitted enzymes to attack the primary sugars of brown seaweed. These primary sugars, called alginate, then metabolize into ethanol. Scientists hope that this microscopic enzyme will become a biofuel alternative to oil and coal, which are the predominate sources of fossil fuels.

Local Production Efforts

According to recent studies, only three percent of our oceans can produce enough seaweed to keep up with our fossil fuel demand. Coastal Chile is the destination of four aquafarms, but the frigid waters of Northern Pacific ports like Seattle and Portland are teeming with brown seaweed as well. Oceanic plants are desirable as a source of renewable energy because they don’t compete with any other crops used for food, such as corn and sugar cane.  

Over the next three years energy experts hope to increase the microbe technology in an attempt at commercialization. Research shows that with enhanced production seaweed can produce twice the level of ethanol from sugar cane and five times the amount of ethanol from corn. What’s even better news is that land clearing for mass production of corn and cane sugar would decrease if brown seaweed proved easier to harvest in a more contained location.

Harvesting Brown Seaweed

Because of the thousands of acres it takes to produce enough corn and sugar cane to produce enough biofuel for our country’s demand, brown seaweed harvesting takes the cake. Seaweed requires no watering or fertilization. It doesn’t compete with food crops or require crop rotation, nor does it require chemical enhancements. The naturally-occurring nutrients are supplies by the ocean’s ecosystem, which appeals to eco-conscious consumers.  

Beyond its use as a biofuel alternative, the modified E. coli enzyme could be used to produce isobutanol as well.

Photo courtesy AFP.

Boston’s Winter Moth May Cause Untold Devastation

Boston’s Winter Moth May Cause Untold Devastation

Boston has witnessed the destructive behavior of winter moths every spring in eastern Massachusetts with absolutely no idea how to stop it. Winter moth caterpillars devour holes through newly blossomed foliage of shrubs, apple trees, maples, oaks and blueberry bushes. Because they have no natural predators in New England their population growth continues to increase year after year. It’s been a burden on the local forests and has even affected commercial and residential areas as well.

Local entomologists estimated trillions of winter moth larvae consumed more than 100,000 acres of trees in Massachusetts in 2005, with the trail of destruction augmenting about 4 or 5 miles each year. Thousands of trees were left bare from Boston to Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Hampshire. Tree services in the Boston area were forced to shorn dozens of branches and remove decaying shrubs. Though tree spraying has become a viable option, entomologists suggest a more organic solution. 

Cyzenis Albicans to the Rescue

Native to Europe, the moth has species-specific predators, called the Cyzenis Albican, that control the population, but none of them exist in the Boston. Without a balanced ecosystem the moths could ravage the area until the resource is depleted. This isn’t good news for the beloved trees of Massachusetts metropolis, the outlying cities Boston or for the native insects and animals that thrive on these trees. But since 2005 these greedy flies have been released into the vicinity to combat the spread of these destructive moths.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the US Department of Agriculture has ordered the containment of the winter moth in six areas of eastern Massachusetts including Falmouth, Yarmouth, Seekonk, Hingham, Wellesley, and Wenham. With a controlled release of moths entering the affected areas, the flies are a welcome inhabitant. They are considered safe for the survival of the natural ecosystem because they target the winter moth and no other species.

How exactly does this tiny fly eat a winter moth? It’s all in the eggs.

The Cyzenis albicans, a parasitic fly, lays its eggs near the food source of caterpillars. When the caterpillar consumes the larvae the eggs continues to grow and hatch in its stomach. Essentially the fly devours the caterpillar from the inside out, both feeding simultaneously. It’s considered a win-win for the fly. That’s one tenacious bug!

Restorative Tree Care

For those trees that have fallen victim to the wide-spreading winter moth, it may be too late to salvage the loss of foliage. With literally millions of moths burrowing into a single tree, tree removal may be essential to the safety of people and structures nearby. However, some trees are luckier than others and may only require tree trimming. Professional restorative care such as tree trimming, tree spraying, or tree removal can mitigate the destruction of these mischievous moths.

If you need professional tree services in the Boston area, contact Premiere Tree Services.  The certified tree experts offer residential and commercial tree care at affordable prices.

Premiere TreeServices of Boston

71 Commercial St. Ste. 98
Boston, MA, 02109
Phone: (617) 517-3719      
boston@premieretreeservices.com

Photo Courtesy: Markuso

Tree spraying in Kansas City, KS: A Few Basic Tips

There’s more to tree spraying than just aiming a hose. Tree spraying involves different techniques depending on the type of tree and the type of pest in question. This is not to mention the amount of caution you need to exercise in handling those potentially harmful chemicals. Before you make any attempt at spraying your trees, you must consult an expert on tree spraying in Kansas City, KS.

And you will definitely need the following basic tools and materials: hose, hydraulic sprayer, spray bottle of fungicide or insecticide and water. A professional in tree spraying will give you the following pieces of advice and steps to follow:

Water Spraying

Select the method of spraying. If you use water, you can use sprinklers, a hose, drip irrigation or a spray hose to water your trees.

Then proceed to spraying the ground around the tree if it is newly planted or if it is about two years old. You will need to saturate the area several times each month. Once weekly or every two weeks is fine, depending on the type of oil and the tree species. When the water begins to pool, you stop spraying.

If the tree is more than two years old, check its leaf canopy. You will have to spray under the canopy’s outer edge and around the tree. Avoid spraying right directly on the trunk because the tree’s roots are not centrally located anymore. Stop spraying once the water begins to pool or if the ground is already wet enough for the water to seep into the ground at two feet deep 

 

Insecticides

Identify the type of insects that is infesting your tree before you buy the chemicals. This is important because certain types of bugs and insects can be only killed by certain kinds of insecticides. There are even insects that can be killed without the use of insecticides.

Once you’ve identified the pests, research about their life cycle. Don’t spray too soon or too late because the insecticides may not have an effect. There are only certain times that some insects become vulnerable to insecticides.

Contact your expert in tree spraying in Kansas City, KS for a hydraulic sprayer if you don’t have one, especially if your trees are too tall to be reached using a hose. It is important for your sprayer to reach the topmost part of the trees to achieve full results.

 

Premiere Tree Services of Kansas City, KS
10940 Parallel PKWY Suite K-131
Kansas City,KS 66109
(913) 730-7700
kansascityks@premieretreeservices.com

Tree Removal | Tree Trimming

Garlic Tree Spray Keeps Critters Away in California

A few years ago my friend was recounting her recent visit to California when she mentioned something peculiar. She said when she was riding down the highway just outside of Escondido she was taken by surprise at the “Dr. Seuss-like” trees sticking out of the tawny grass of the countryside. A native of the East Coast, she hadn’t ever seen these types of crooked trees before. But that wasn’t the most unusual discovery.

To get a better view, she opened the window and breathed in the fresh air of the landscape. Suddenly, an unmistakable aroma invaded her nose that she wasn’t prepared to experience. The smell of fragrant garlic wafted through the air, which to her was the scent of heaven.

“Wait” I said, “Garlic? Are you sure?”

But really it was a rhetorical question because she could pick up the smell of garlic from the faintest of fumes. After all, she eats garlic on just about anything. So it wasn’t a question of “what”, but more a question of “why”.

Nature's Tree Spray Alternative

Chances are she drove by a field of garlic growing in the wilds of California, but the more likely scenario isn’t so straight forward. What she may have smelled was Garlic Barrier. A natural pesticide, Garlic Barrier contains 99.3% of pure garlic extract. It’s used by organic farmers to protect their crops from insects and nearby wildlife. Because of its natural properties, the non-invasive liquid concentrate is preferred by farmers as way to repel hungry critters without giving them a dose of lethal chemicals.

The downside is that crops give off the distinctive aroma of pungent garlic. But that beats the downside of losing crops to deer, rabbits, and those pesky blood-sucking mosquitoes. Speaking of blood-sucking, I’m sure you could keep away vampires as well.

As an alternative to chemical tree spraying chemicals, Garlic Barrier can be used on any type of crop from tomato plants to cotton, alfalfa and fruit trees.

Tree Spraying: Keeping Your Fruit Trees Healthy

The importance of spraying your fruit trees should not be underestimated. Spraying, along with other tree services such as pruning and trimming, protects trees against pests and diseases, thus keeping them healthy and strong and maximizing their fruit-bearing capabilities. Tree spraying in Dayton can be done with the help of a professional tree service company, or you can do it on your own. Either way, you need to know some basic information on how to spray your trees the right way.

First thing to know are the tools to be used in tree spraying. The use of proper tools and equipment makes the job easier to do and faster. Choose a sprayer that is of excellent quality. You can visit any store that sells farming tools and inquire more about tree spraying equipment. You will not go through all the hassle if you decide to hire experts in tree spraying in Dayton.

Choosing The Type Of Spray
You can choose from any of the several spray products available in the market today. Of these products, the most commonly used are the organic type, usually made from mineral oil, which is good for suffocating pests. Sulphur and copper also work pretty well against fungus. But avoid using sulphur products on apricot trees. Also wait for thirty days from the time you used oil spray before using sulphur spray products.

How To Spray Fruit Trees
Tree spraying should be done during a calm weather. The spray will be blown away by wind, wasting your investment. In a calm day, you can get a thorough covering of your trees, from the tip of the branches to the trunk’s base. In spraying, cover the area under the tree. Also spray the root area. If you are spraying near a pond, make sure there will be no spray particles that drift into the water. Sprays are mostly poisonous to fish. And to protect yourself, wear glasses and gloves. Chemicals, even if you are using organic ones, may cause some amount of harm.

Choosing the time of the year to do your tree spraying is important. Expert tree spraying companies know when the best time is to do tree spraying. Check the climate in your locality. The best time to do tree spraying in Dayton must depend on what particular part of the year that pests attack trees.

Generally, though, winter is a good time to do an oil spray because the trees are leafless and dormant, an anti-fungus spray before the opening of flower buds and another spraying after the petals of flowers have dropped.

The History of Charleston's Palmetto Tree

Since the Revolutionary War the palmetto tree has been synonymous with South Carolina and a symbol of victory against the British. After Col. William Moultrie’s heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s island in 1776, the palmetto tree became an indelible emblem of triumph. In 1775 the original state flag depicted a crescent moon against a dark blue background, but was redesigned a year later to include the palm. The flag was adopted with its amendment in 1861. To this day, South Carolinians harbor a profound gratitude towards the tree that helped them fortify the coast and ward off a British invasion.  

Palmetto logs were used to construct the fort at Sullivan’s Island because they grew in abundance along the coast. Little did the troops – on either side – know how defensible the resilient trunks would be against British ammunition. The hearty stalks absorbed cannonball fire and sustained only minimal damage, leaving the fort intact. The British eventually retreated in 1782 and South Carolina laid claim to the city of Charleston.

Official State Tree

In 1939 the palmetto, also known as a sabal palm or cabbage palm, became the official state tree of South Carolina. Undoubtedly recalling the rich history of the state, the palm represents the fierce independence of the people who settled there.

Palmetto Tree Facts

Palmettos grow tall and lean, reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet. And though the tree can grow straight or curved, the fibrous trunk is surprisingly sturdy. The root system is equally strapping, making it easy to adapt to salty or dry soil conditions. A native to Spain, the palmetto could even thrive in desert landscapes such as Phoenix or Reno.  

Indicative of the coastal lands in and around Charleston, the palmetto also grows in parts of Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Among the species of plants native to the southern United States, the palmetto is nearly hurricane proof, often the only tree standing after heavy rains and sea swells have snapped live oaks and pines. For that, it has become a favorite among coastal residents, often lining streets and shading homes.

Citizens of Charleston turn to professional tree services to trim the tall branches, which are susceptible to roaches and other sub-tropical insects. Palmetto trees are not only an important landscape feature throughout the city, the leaves are often used for salads and pickling.

Holiday Tree Dedications

Finding the perfect gift for family and friends around the holidays can be a grueling endeavor. Everyone expects to get what’s on their Christmas list so they don’t have to stand in the Returns line the day after Christmas. But there’s a way to give a meaningful gift that anyone would love without standing in any lines. TreePeople of Los Angeles suggests gifting a tree this year. Ordering a dedication tree offers a long lasting gift that people all over the state of California can enjoy for years to come.

Each year, thousands of gift trees are ordered through TreePeople, as well as other gift tree websites, and are becoming a popular gift for all occasions. Gifting a tree not only makes a wonderful gift for the holidays, it can also commemorate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, new birth, or dedication to a lost loved one.

A gift tree is also an eco-conscious contribution to restoring the local environment and involving friends and family in the rebuilding of our nation’s forests. TreePeople, based in Los Angeles, have received donations from residents as far as San Diego who have donated trees to honor their loved ones, in an effort to revitalize the Angeles National Forest in California. The donations help plant new trees as well as maintain trees that have been donated already.

Though TreePeople doesn’t know exactly where your tree will be planted, and can’t guarantee a specific location, all dedication trees are planted within in the park woodlands and mountain forests of the Angeles National Forest. The area has been chosen because of deforestation caused by wildfires, neglect, and other natural causes. Because so many trees are donated throughout the year, it’s not possible to put markers on every tree, but participation is encouraged. If you’d like to make your gift exceptionally special, tree planting events are open to dedicators and recipients.

During the holiday season, each donation is given special attention by presenting your honoree with a personalized greeting card and a certificate of announcement as a token of gratitude.

This year think outside the big box stores and celebrate the future of our planet. Tree donations start at $25 and multiple trees can be donated at a discount. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to involve your friends and family in green efforts – donating a tree is a great way to show them how they can make a difference.

Importance of Cabling and Bracing for Tree Preservation

Photo courtesy of: sedaetically.edu.ms

Nothing is more sacred to the Ohio State University faculty, staff, and student body than the iconic buckeye trees on campus. For a University whose mascot is a tree, preserving these precious arbors takes vigilance and a little help from a local tree service company. One of the ways in which OSU has maintained the health of so many of their trees is through cabling and bracing.

Cabling and bracing, the most common type of structural aid for trees, involves the installation of cables and anchors. By connecting a split or overgrown branch to another stronger branch, that once precarious limb can continue to thrive. Think of cabling and bracing as an alternative to pruning. By keeping the structural integrity of the tree sound without sacrificing the canopy, the man-made hardware allows trees to flourish in confidence.

This is great news to devoted OSU personnel as they have banned together to become a “Tree Campus”. The honorary recognition, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation, is given to universities who have developed ways to foster tree preservation on campus. Current Tree Campus USA recipients have made a concentrated effort to connect with the community beyond campus borders, adopted learning opportunities for the student body, and encouraged urban forestry efforts. Most importantly, these universities have well-managed tree populations, which are realized by conducting tree inventories.

OSU could be next on the list of universities with this honorable mention. With the help of software programs such as Google Earth and i-Tree, students are able to map the landscape of their campus and inventory what type of trees there are and the quantity. Not only does this inventory help recognize OSU as a Tree Campus USA, it allows students to evaluate the importance of trees in urban areas. It’s a learning experience that is constructive to the local ecosystem.

Tree cabling is recommended for trees that require additional support – typically heavy hardwood trees like the ones on OSU campus. Additional structural bracing helps poorly structured trees from breaking under the weight of snow and ice in frosty Ohio winters. However, there are two types of cabling that
work differently.

Dynamic cabling allows trees to sway naturally in heavy winds by connecting branches to other branches instead of to the trunk. The tree is still able to strengthen itself over time and compensate for previous weaknesses. Dynamic cabling also uses less invasive hardware to avoid harming the tree bark.

Static cabling is used with more severe structural damage. Limbs that are splitting or cracked can lead to catastrophic failure without installing hefty hardware directly into the tree. For that matter, many balk at this method because it involves permanent bolts that pierce the entire branch, which interferes with the tree’s natural fortification of the tissue.

Whichever method is adopted to strengthen the trees on OSU campus is up to the tree service company they call, but they both offer benefits in the long run. Cabling and bracing prevent failure in trees with structural weakness that are otherwise healthy, restore damaged limbs that would otherwise be removed, and mitigate hazardous collapses and premature removal of the entire tree.

With the football season in high step, Ohio State University is busy achieving other goals unrelated to the playoffs. The OSU buckeyes have a much more universal benchmark involving their campus and the trees therein. Let’s hope for the sake of the environment that they make rank.

Save A Forest, Plant A Tree, But Do It Right

We have been told thousands of times about the importance of planting trees. But how many of these plant-a-tree campaigns teach us how to plant trees? The reason why many trees don’t live years is that they were not planted the proper way. Planting a tree does not consist of simply digging a hole, burying a seedling there and praying it will grow into a giant shelter for wild birds. Proper procedures have to be followed.

In fact, anything related to trees must be done with the help of professionals. In Cumming, GA, there are companies who offer any type of service regarding trees. Since there are many of them in existence, and you don’t have time to research on each one of them, you can ask companies like Premiere Trees Services to help you out.

Premiere Trees Services can link you to any of the tree service Cumming, GA companies for your tree planting concerns. On your own, you need to do some research too. If you plan to have lush trees around your house, you will have to care for them. And you cannot look after your trees if you don’t anything about the basics in tree planting.

First off, you need to decide if what you want is horticultural or wildland planting. If you are living in an urban environment, horticultural tree planting is the most practical option. This is the type of tree planting used by house owners who want to have a green landscaping for their property.

Horticultural plants usually have intact root balls, which makes possible to plant them in any season. They also need to be taken care of more meticulously since they serve not just as shades but as ornaments.

If you want to revive an entire forest, wildland planting is for you. This is the type of planting initiated by governments and organizations to save forests and wild vegetations. Since it involves huge land areas, a more extensive planning and preparation is involved. Wildlife planting is cheaper on a per tree computation. But the sheer magnitude of the project makes it very expensive.

Where To Go For Professional Tree Removal

Something most property owners don’t think about until they need it is professional tree removal. Most people pay no attention to a tree until it dies or becomes a problem. Then they do not know what to do about it or who to turn to. Fortunately professional tree removal is available in Cincinnati, OH. 

Professional tree service in Cincinnati, employees are trained and experienced that know how to safely and quickly get rid of dead trees. Whether the tree has died or fallen over they can get rid of it quickly and safely. They can dispose of the biggest trees in a safe and responsible manner.Your big problem can be solved by a simple phone call to a professional tree service.

The pros can come out to your place look over the tree in question and tell you how much it will cost to remove right there and then. Then if you like the price they can start work right away and that problem tree can be gone before you know it.They can even get rid of the stump if you wish and haul away all of the deadwood. 

That way your problem is solved and you can get on with your life.  It can be as if there was no stump there in the first place. If that was not enough a professional Cincinnati, OH tree service can even plant a new tree to take the place of the one they took away. Stop sitting around wondering what you’re going to do about that dead or dying tree. Call the pros today they can solve your problem and help you concentrate on your life, your family, your career and other things that are really important.

Make Sure Tree Pruning and Trimming is done Right the First Time

Many property owners will wonder why they need a professional Alexandria, VA, tree service. After all they believe that they can do jobs like trimming and pruning of trees on their own and they may think that they can do it cheaper.

Well there are many reasons why a professional tree service can do the job right the first time and save a property owner a lot of money. To be honest a lot of property owners will save both time and money by using professionals. Life will be easier and their property will look a lot better because they went with the pros.

For example you can actually spread tree killing pests and funguses by trimming or pruning a tree at the wrong time of the year. Many property owners don’t realize this and end up spreading something that will harm their trees. You can also spread such pests by not disposing of waste from such jobs properly.

Then there’s safety, pruning and trimming trees can be a very dangerous activity. Hundreds of people are injured doing it each year. The potential hazards include falling from the tree, falling branches and improper use of dangerous tools including chainsaws. Many people end up in the hospital because they don’t know how to use the equipment.

An added concern is property damage if falling limbs land on a neighbor’s car the property owner will be liable for that damage. He or she can also be liable for damage to roofs, power lines, and buildings. To make matters worse insurance will probably not pay for such damage.

Amateur tree services can be just as bad or worse than doing it yourself. Hiring that guy who knocks on the door, your neighbor’s kid or that guy hanging around in the Lowe’s parking lot to trim your trees could save you money. It could also cost a fortune because chances are that character is not bonded or insured. Any damage he does will be your fault and you will have to pay for it.

To make matters worse he could make your trees look worse. Money paid out to amateur tree services is often money wasted. Hiring a professional service that is properly licensed, bonded and insured will save you money in the long run. More importantly an Alexandria, VA, tree service will employ professional arborists that can spot other problems with your trees. That can save you even more money. 

Emergency Tree Removal In Sunnyvale and You

One emergency that most home and property owners are not prepared for is a tree that needs to be removed. Whether it is dead, dying, leaning over or fallen over a big tree that needs to be removed can be a real problem.

Fortunately professional tree removal is available in Sunnyvale, CA and it is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. Professionals can come out to your home and start removing a downed tree as soon as you notice it. They can get the trunk and even the stump out of your yard and clear away all the debris.

In many cases the cost of their service can even be covered by your home or property owner’s insurance. If you want your insurance to cover the cost you will need to hire a professional Sunnyvale tree service that is licensed, bonded and insured. Most insurance companies will not reimburse you for work you do yourself or for work done by an amateur you hire off the street. They will only cover the cost of a professional that gives you an estimate.

Fortunately most professional tree services will give you a free estimate before they begin work. That means you will know how much it costs and you can even call your insurance company and see if it will pay before you authorize any work. You will be able to get the emergency tree removal you need.

Professional tree disposal is one less problem that you will have to deal with or worry about in an emergency. Instead of wondering what you’re going to do you can have the dead tree cut down and hauled away. That way you can begin dealing with other more important problems such as damage to your house. You’ll be able to begin clean up and repair efforts faster and have them over sooner.

All the Things That Trees do for Property and Home Owners

Before you balk at spending money on a professional tree service in Santa Clara, CA you should take a look at all the things that trees do for property and home-owners. When you look at the benefits that trees provide you, you will see that money spent to keep them healthy and alive is money well spent. 

Let’s just take a look at just a few of the things that trees do for home and property owners just before you think of removing your trees. Some of them just might surprise you. The benefits that trees can provide you include:

• Shade this is an obvious one but it is an important especially in a desert environment.
• Color, many species of tree provide color including greenery which is important. The color makes property more attractive and more valuable.
• Character. Trees often add character to a property or a lot. Without them it would be nothing but dirt and rock. Older neighborhoods in particular are often defined by trees.
• Foliage including trees, brushes and shrubs prevent erosion and stop flooding. This can keep your land from washing away.
• Oaks and palms also provide a place for animals including squirrels and song birds to live. Many people couldn’t imagine living without these critters.
• Fruit many kinds of tree including peaches, palms, orange, apples, elderberry etc. provide tasty fruits that people love to eat. This is organic food that is better for us and in many parts of the country people generate extra cash by selling it by the roadside.
• Places for kids to play, who doesn’t have fond memories of that tree house dad built when they were a kid. Imagine your kids not having trees to climb and play in.
• Increased property value. Properties that have trees on them are worth more. People pay a premium to live in older established neighborhoods with large trees.
• Protection from weather including rain.
• Beauty, many people just love looking at trees.
• A sense of place many equate trees with an established neighborhood and a historic community. Quite a few people will not live in areas without trees.
• Attraction to tenants. Many people will be more likely to rent a home or a commercial property with trees on the grounds. Some people will not rent where there are no trees.

With everything that trees do for us hiring a professional tree service makes sense. If it can keep trees alive and healthy, money spent on it is an investment in our properties.