Tree Work is the work of caring for trees. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including removing, planting and pruning trees. It also includes restoring and improving landscape ecosystems.
It is important to find a legitimate tree care company that uses upgraded equipment. This increases their productivity and reduces their costs.
Depending on the circumstances, you may want to remove a tree from your property, especially one that’s diseased or dead. It’s possible to remove a tree on your own if you have enough space around it, you are properly trained and equipped, and you follow a clear work plan. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a professional tree service to perform the task safely and effectively.
Before beginning any removal work, make sure that people and animals are at least double the distance away as the tree’s height, ensuring that they won’t get hurt by falling limbs or branches. Also, remove outdoor furniture, vehicles, fire pits, or any other lawn accessories that could be harmed by the falling tree. Finally, it’s important to create two escape routes before starting the work. These should be located on opposite sides of the tree and at least 45 degrees away from each other.
When the time comes to cut a tree, start by making an undercut on the branch’s underside and about a quarter of the way through it. Then, saw upwards on the branch’s top about the same distance. This will cause the branches to fall cleanly, rather than splintering.
If a tree has grown too close to buildings, power lines, or other obstacles, it may need to be removed completely. A professional tree service will use the right tools to remove the tree from a confined space and dispose of the remains, including stumps.
When choosing a tree service, ask about their certifications and insurance policies. A reputable company will carry liability insurance that protects you in case the contractor damages your home or possessions during the removal process, as well as worker’s compensation insurance in case someone is injured on the job. Also, make sure the company has experience working on the type of tree you need to have removed. For example, some tree services specialize in removing certain types of trees, such as oaks or cedars. These types of trees require more precise cuts and can be difficult to remove. Other companies can remove larger or more difficult-to-remove trees, such as pines or eucalyptus.
Pruning Trees
Tree pruning is the selective removal of branches and limbs to control size, improve structure, remove diseased or damaged wood, open vistas, repair storm damage, and provide clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. This is a highly technical job that requires knowledge of proper technique and the ability to see beyond a tree’s current appearance to what it can become with a little help.
Mature trees require regular pruning to maintain good health, a tidy appearance and reduce hazards. It is important that any tree work be performed by a certified arborist to ensure the safety of people and property. A certified arborist can identify a problem, determine the best approach to address it and suggest preventative maintenance.
Some trees, such as birch, maple, elm and walnut, are known to exude an excessive amount of sap from pruning wounds in late winter or early spring. This is not harmful, but it is recommended that these trees be pruned after this shedding period has passed.
Pruning can be done at any time of year, depending on the goals of the work being done. For example, light pruning to remove diseased or weak limbs can be accomplished at any point, while pruning to reduce density and promote air flow through a crown can be completed prior to the spring growth flush.
Large cuts that decrease a tree’s height or width are called reduction cuts and should only be performed with the assistance of a trained professional. Performing these types of cuts without a clear plan and understanding of tree biology can cause irreparable damage.
Proper pruning can have numerous benefits, including increased sunlight penetration to the ground, allowing lawns and gardens to grow more effectively, improving view lines and providing a clean and polished look to a landscape. A skilled arborist can guide you in achieving your desired outcome for your trees while keeping them healthy and safe for years to come. The most common reason to prune a tree is to correct an unsafe condition, such as dead or overhanging branches. An arborist can also help you train trees while they are young to develop strong structure and form a distinctive shape.
Trimming Trees
In addition to removing dead branches, trimming trees maintains their shape and size. It also promotes accelerated growth and helps reduce the risk of damage from wind, snow or ice. Regular pruning also helps trees resist diseases and insects.
When it comes to trimming trees, a professional is often the best option. A certified arborist can ensure the safety of your property and that the work is done properly. Plus, they have the proper equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently.
It’s important to hire a reputable tree service that has experience working on both residential and commercial properties. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, or check online reviews. Once you’ve found a few pros, request estimates from each and compare their prices. Be sure to consider whether or not the company is insured, as this will protect you in case something goes wrong during the work.
A good arborist will follow industry standards and avoid practices that can be harmful to trees. For example, they will not cut more than 25 percent of a tree’s foliage at one time, as this can stress the plant and cause it to die. They will also avoid cutting into or flush with the trunk of a tree, as this creates a wound that can make it vulnerable to insects and disease.
If you’re planning to do your own tree work, be sure to research local companies and look for a certified arborist. You can find a list of certified arborists on the website of the International Society of Arboriculture, or by searching for “ISA certified arborist near me.” Look for a company that offers liability insurance, as this will protect you in the event of an accident during the work.
NYC residents should always call 311 to request an official Tree Work Permit before doing any work on city-owned property. The permit will include a confirmation number that you can use to track the status of your request. In addition, the City will pick up all wood debris that results from a Tree Work Permit approved by the Forestry Division.
Planting Trees
Trees can enhance a property, provide shade and increase a building’s energy efficiency. They can also help restore wildlife habitat and improve soil stability. Planting trees is one of the easiest ways to make a difference.
A reputable arborist can tell you whether a tree is healthy, how to prune it properly and when, and how to protect it from damage or disease. Arborists are trained to work with a variety of species and landscape environments. They may use a variety of techniques, including pruning, felling, transplanting and structural support.
When planting a bare-root tree, dig a hole big enough to saturate the roots when watered. Do not add soil amendments or fertilizer at planting time, as these can irritate the young root system. Avoid stepping on the soil to compact it, as this damages and breaks fine roots. Water the new planting well, at least once a week, barring rain.
Using mulch is helpful to conserve moisture and control weeds, as well as protect the trunk from lawn mowers and string trimmers. Avoid covering the root ball with mulch, however, since this can cause fungus problems.
Planting a tree properly can increase the life of that tree and minimize future maintenance, repairs or removals. Ensure that the tree is planted in an area that provides sufficient space for it to grow, taking into consideration utility lines and other landscaping. A local ISA certified arborist, a garden center or nursery professional can help you find the right type and location for a new tree.
Before undertaking any tree work, call 811 (or your state’s number) to have your utility lines located and marked before digging. This can save you expensive repair bills and prevent injuries to workers or property damage.
Anyone who wants to do work on or near City trees must obtain a permit through Parks before starting. Permits are required for trimming, spraying for insect or disease management and planting. Those who do not have the necessary permits face fines and/or jail time.