by Hasan Shaikh | Jul 19, 2019 | North Vancouver, Tree Care
Taking care of the trees throughout the year is necessary. Trees require proper maintenance during winter and summer so that they can flourish, blossom, and bloom correctly during spring.
Everyone loves adoring the thriving trees in the spring and watching the green leaves shed in the fall. What most people don’t know is that there is a significant effort behind this all. During the intense weathers like summer and winter, these trees require extra care because of which they blossom the rest of the year flawlessly.
Out of all the trees require most care during the summers. Since every season has a different effect on the trees, therefore, the care and maintenance need to be done accordingly as well. We’ll discuss how to take care of the trees in summers below:
Cooldown the temperature of the trees:
Any hardscaping materials around the trees can intensify and escalate the heat. Yes, it unbelievable, but it’s true. This is the primary reason why landscaping materials need to be chosen carefully. For instance, decomposed granite which is used like a mulch under absorbs the intense heat from the sun making the surrounding from the trees hotter. This can damage the trees quite a lot. Therefore, it is essential to keep such stuff as much away as possible. Other than this, glass, structures, water surfaces and block walls also act as a heat sponge which can decrease the health of the tree a lot.
Take care of the twigs and leaves:
Observe the trees carefully. If you see that the leaves and the twigs are falling during the summers, then there is definitely something wrong. While this is a normal process during the fall, the shedding of leaves can be unusual during summers. There are numerous reasons for this. Some of the most common ones are;
- It is the reaction to the soil compaction.
- The shade-loving tree is planted in extreme sunlight and is reacting to the intense heat.
- The soil might be saturated.
- The intense heat caused drought and water scarcity, causing the trees to react.
However, there is a solution to all these issues. If you water the plants regularly and plant the trees on the right spot, then the chances of the healthy development of trees are more.
Always water your trees at the time:
What do plants need the most? Water!!!
Water is the first and primary need of a plant, especially during summers. Watering the plant consistently helps in maintaining the health of the tree and promotes healthy growth as well. During the initial years, the trees are usually more prone to heat and droughts, which is why deep watering is preferred for firm root establishment.
Thus, it concludes that trees require extra and special care during the summers to flourish and bloom appropriately throughout the year.
Therefore make sure you keep all these things in mind to maintain the trees properly during summers. Even though there is some extra effort, but honestly it is worth it.
If you are looking for a professional for taking care of your trees, then feel free to contact North Vancouver Tree Service.
by Hasan Shaikh | Nov 5, 2018 | Tree Care
Regular Tree Maintenance to Prevent Tree Overgrowth
Overgrowing trees are a nuisance to the people long nearby. The overhanging branches all conspire to rob a homeowner comfort and pose risk of damage to properties. Trees can be a source of disputes between neighbors. Do branches or fruit from a tree that s not yours drop into your yard? Are there roots causing damage to your property? Are there branches shading your house?
Undesirable effects and characteristics of overgrown trees.
Tree overhanging property: Branches overhanging private and public property are a great nuisance. Such trees pose real danger in the event they fall due to a storm or weakened branches.
Trees blocking natural sunlight: Natural lighting s affected when overgrown trees surround a house. The most suitable corrective action is pruning or even felling. Although there’s no legal ‘right to light’ tree owners should be mindful of the effect their trees have on other people’s properties. The property owner is not obliged by law to work on the trees for the benefit of lighting to a third party. The performance of solar collectors for heating or generation of electricity is greatly reduced by trees blocking sunlight.
Blocking of views: overgrown trees rob a property owner the enjoyment of distant horizons and other surrounding views and activities.
Destructive roots: Huge overgrowing roots can wreak irreparable havoc to a property. Roots can block, break or damage drains and cause cracking of buildings. However, tree roots mostly enter drains that are already broken to cause further damage.
Bird droppings from trees: This is often a seasonal nuisance which can be really bad when trees are overgrown. This by itself however s not reason enough to prune or fell a tree.
Introduction of insects or pests to houses: Overgrown trees increase the incidences of wasps, bees and other insects or even wild animals. Some of these pasts can contribute to the spread of human diseases.
Blocking of security cameras or sensors: Safety can be compromised by overgrowing trees where they limit the range of operation of cameras, sensors and other important equipment.
Interference with utility lines: Overhead utility lines like telephone or electricity could be interfered with in instances where branches become too big. This could lead to disastrous effects like electrocution or loss of supply. Large trees near houses hamper the reception of satellite television and other communication equipment.
Who owns the tree?
A tree belongs to the person in whose property it grows. The overhanging branches, even those encroaching other people’s properties, still belong to the initial owner. However, a tree can be considered to be reasonably liming another person’s enjoyment of their property. If the tree is likely to inflict injury on anyone on your land or damage land and any property, then there is reason enough to petition authorities for resource.
What to do?
The losses that come with entertaining wild growth of tree are often not worth it. The disputes that overgrown trees can cause with neighboring people can sometimes lead to protracted court cases. Money is lost while dealing with such issues.
The simple option is to keep trees in check by pruning to prevent any overgrowth. Owners should contact arborists for a routine attendance of trees. Properly pruned trees are beautiful and attractive.ss
by Hasan Shaikh | Nov 3, 2018 | Tree Care
Tree Health Diagnosis
This is a professional consulting service offered by arborists and extension officers regarding the health of trees n a property. Diagnosis must be done onsite in the presence of the property owner who should provide historical and current information such as irrigation patterns, treatments proved and sol disturbances.
Tree health diagnosis is a complex process that aims at establishing the risks or threats to the life of the tree. The process must also recommend ways of treating the trees, minimizing or completely eliminating the threats.
The need for diagnosis.
Trees form an important part of the environment. Trees in a landscape boost property values by double-digit percentage points. Trees temper weather elements proving conducive environments to live in. During summer trees cool their neighborhoods and provide warmth during winter.
For healthy and beautiful trees arborists and homeowners should be in a position to establish when a tree is ailing. When trees are not well tended they become targets of pests, diseases, and problems arising from the deficiency of water and nutrients. Other reasons for a tree to look unhealthy include encroachment by invasive species and improper planting.
When do you need a tree health diagnosis?
There are many symptoms that indicate deterioration of health that could lead to the decline or even death. Some of these include:
- Change of leaf color from dark green to brown or even yellow.
- Dead or dying leaves, twigs or branches.
- Powdery substances or scales on the barks of trees.
- Stunting ingrowth such as slow development of bud and leaves.
- Leaf drop
- Dieback of the crown.
- Thinned, dwarfed or damaged trees.
- Growths such as algae or mushrooms on the stems, twigs or leaves.
- Holes from boring insect on trunks or leaves.
Most of the above problems could be caused by various reasons. They may indicate dehydration or overwatering, rotting of roots, poor nutrition or exposure to bug or diseases. These problems might be caused by external damages by impact or exposure to hostile weather conditions.
by Hasan Shaikh | Oct 28, 2018 | Tree Care
Below is a guide regarding tree care throughout the year. For healthy and attractive trees specialized care must be given during spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring.
Trees begin to break their dormancy as the warm spring weather approaches. During this period trees are vulnerable to pest and disease infections. Tree care around this time should revolve around planting, trimming and fertilizing among others. Any tree care that involves digging near the tree should be done with care to avoid possible damage to root systems. This is also the best time for planting. It’s less stressful on the tree to plant before the hot and dry temperatures begin. Below are some of the best practices during this time of the year:
- Pruning should commence in March to thin out and remove old, damaged and overgrown branches.
- Mulching materials should be placed around the base of trees to help retain moisture when the temperatures get high. Mulching also serves to discourage the growth of weeds hence preventing the use of mowers that can damage barks.
- Planting of trees around April is recommended. Consider the sol structure, drainage, and fertility before choosing a site to plant trees in. The right tree should go to the right place. Proper planting practices must be exercised to avoid stressing the tree. Planting too deep or over mulching are some of the practices that should be avoided.
- Watering might be done whenever the sols get dry but caution must be taken to avoid waterlogging.
Summer.
Most of the care practices in spring can also be carried over to summer. If the trees are in an area affected by drought, watering should be a priority. Mulching helps retain the moisture hence nourishing the tree through the dry period. The equivalent of one inch of watering is sufficient. Trees that are adequately watered have the vitality to resist diseases.
Inspection of leaves and branches is necessary during this time. This is for the purpose of checking for pests and diseases. Early fall leaf color at this point requires the intervention of an arborist.
Fall.
This period is charactered by shorter days and longer nights. Trimming of trees in fall prepares them for winter. During this time the leaves do not obscure the main branches making it easier to inspect for diseases.
Heavy snow accompanied by freezing ice during winter weighs down the tree and can cause weakening of branches or even breakage.
Pruning should be done to avert this danger when the next winter snow or ice storm hits. In preparation for winter weather, arborists should lessen the weight of the tree by removing dead wood and weak branches. This important task should not be neglected due to the disastrous effects falling trees can have on people and property.
Fertilization during fall is beneficial for promoting the growth of roots rather than leaf growth. This helps the tree store up reserves and prepare for vigorous growth the following spring.
Winter.
Trees cannot run away from the biting cold that comes during winter. Instead, trees hibernate. Hibernation is a biological process where the tree slows down the metabolical processes to withstand severe conditions. However, research indicates that the roots remain active even in the frozen soils. This s why it is necessary to ensure there is sufficient moisture in the sols during fall. During winter:
- Trees should be evaluated for weaknesses that can make them susceptible to severe winter conditions.
- Watering of deciduous and evergreen trees should be done at least twice a month between October and March. Soil moisture levels can be established by digging down 4 – 6 inches.
- Pruning or rejuvenation of trees should be done during late winter so plants will recover faster with the new growth in spring. Removal of disease infected limbs is recommendable when they are dormant. The pruning tools should be sterilized to prevent further infection.
- Mulching is necessary for retention of soil moisture. Maintain mulch 4 inches deep around trees but several inches from the base. Evergreen trees face the biggest risk of dying from the winter conditions since they continually lose water through their needles. To survive they require more watering.
- Trees susceptible to snow and ice loads should be supported by permanent or temporary ropes, cables or twines.
by Hasan Shaikh | Oct 26, 2018 | Fertilization & Spraying, Tree Care, Uncategorized
Tree insects or pests
Through direct or indirect invasion insects and pests can cause considerable damage. Alongside the application of pesticides, pest control has evolved to include other options. Collectively these methods are referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This is a complex strategy that involves comprehension of how pests interact with their host, with the general climatic conditions, plant health, and nutrition and with each other.
The pest management method should be compatible with other tree management strategies. Not all the insects present in a landscape cause economic or physical damage. Pesticides should not be applied indiscriminately just by sight of a few insects. Other climatic and cultural factors that may reduce the pest numbers should first be considered.
The most popular pests and insects that attack trees include; aphids, mealy bugs, elm leaf beetle, bronze birch borer, leaf miner, spider mites and many other insects. These insects severely reduce the ably of trees to fight other biotic or environmental conditions like drought and heat.
Categories of insects and their control.
Boring Insects: These include elm bar beetle, Asian longhorned beetle, dogwood borer amongst others. The tunnel deep into the stems cutting off waster conducting tissues. If left untreated for a long time they can cause the death of the tree.
Control of these insects can be achieved by pruning, watering, fertilization, and mulching. The goal is to keep the tree as healthy as possible. Dead wood should be removed from the field.
There a number of chemicals and sprays that can be used for the treatment of affected trees. These include the multi insect killer tree injection kit. This is injected directly to the tree’s trunk. The soil can also be drenched with insecticide once a year. This is applied in the fall or early spring and can help fight the borers throughout the growing season.
Chewing insects: Examples include tent caterpillars, leafminers, gypsy moth, cankerworm, Japanese beetle among others. These insects are broadly categories as defoliator. The migrate to leaves and fruits and cause damage by chewing.
Insecticides can generally be used to kill the insects. Physical barriers can also be used for controlling movement up and down a tree and hence interfering with their lifecycle. Healthier trees are more likely to withstand pest attacks. Maintaining trees in good health and vitality helps with the immunity of the trees.
There are a number of effective sprays and chemicals that can be used for treatment. These include bug buster and safer’s trounce yard and garden insecticide. However, these should probably be recommended by an arborist.
Sucking insects: These include aphids, trips, spider mites and scale insects. They can literally suck the life out of a tree. Most of these are relatively immobile. They form a hard-protective coating on the plant parts they derive juices from. In return, they produce a sticky substance known as honeydew.
Various insecticides such as aphid chaser, bug buster, and insecticidal soap can repel these insects away.
Pest control methods generally.
Spraying: Sung recommended pesticides and insecticides in a spray helps to cure and prevent invasion. The particular chemical to use should be recommended by an extension officer. Proper precautions should be exercised while handling farm chemicals.
Injection: injections are the best option for controlling insects that live deep within the cambium layers of a tree. Injections also address any environmental concern that comes with spraying insecticides. Injected chemicals can also hardly find their way to groundwater supplies.
Fertilization and watering: These practices maintain health and vitality of trees which indirectly helps fight insect infections. addition of nutrients strengthens the tree defense system. A strong tree can fight the impact of leaf-chewing insects.
by Hasan Shaikh | Oct 22, 2018 | Plant health Care, Tree Care, Uncategorized
What’s an invasive species?
These are species that are not native to a particular ecosystem and also have the potential to harm the environment, harm human health, and the economy. They are able to survive, reproduce and spread, unaided, and sometimes at alarming rates across landscapes.
Invasive species are fast spreading and may harm a particular habitat, region, forested areas or wilderness area by dominating. This leads to the loss of natural controls such as predators and herbivores. Invasive species can either be plants or animals.
Invasive species should be confined within their natural geographical areas. Botanists, farmers, land managers and researchers sometimes use the title invasive species for noxious weeds such as Andean pampas grass, kudzu vine, and Yellow star thistle.
A large number of these species are introduced through human activity. This means that not every tree you may plant or encourage to grow is beneficial to your landscape.
Traits that enable invasive species.
Invasive species possess tarts or combination of traits that enable them to out-compete indigenous species. Some of these traits include fast growth, fast reproduction, and fast dispersal rates. These species are able to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and can also alter their growth form to suit current conditions.
To establish itself, an invasive species must outcompete native species for water, nutrients, physical space or food.
Common invasive tree species.
Tree of heaven: its scientific name is Ailanthus altissima and was introduced to North America by a gardener in the 18th century. The ability of the tree to grow rapidly even under adverse conditions enabled it to spread quickly over vast distances.
The tree also produces toxic chemicals through its bark which kill neighboring tree hence eliminating competition for resources. Tree of heaven grows to a height of about 100 ft and has a fern-like compound leaf that maybe 2-4 ft in length.
Royal paulownia: The scientific name Paulownia tomentosa and was introduced to North America for ornamental reasons from China in the 19th century. The tree has rounded crown, heavy and clumsy branches and can grow to a height of about 50 ft.
Recently, the tree is being produced for its wood product which fetch high market prices. The tree grows aggressively in disturbed environments including stream banks, rocky slope surfaces and forested. In its process of growth, it displaces the species indigenous to those areas.
White pollar: The scientific name is Populus alba and was also introduced from Asian countries in the 18th century. Originally intended for ornamental purposes, the tree has escaped and spread widely from initial planting areas. The tree is able to outcompete native species due to its ability to grow in a variety of soils even in sunny areas. White pollar produces huge seed crops and is able to re-sprout fast in response to a damage.
Tallow tree/Chinese tallow tree.
This tree is also referred to as popcorn tree because of its beautiful bone white seeds that contrast nicely to its fall color. Its scientific name is Triadica sepifera and was introduced to North America on purpose for seed oil production and for ornamental purposes.
Tallow tree is a fast grower and it takes this advantage to terrorize prairies and grasslands to the detriment of native species. The tree has broad pyramid shaped crown and can grow to a height of about 50 ft. The plant is poisonous but not to touch.
Summary.
Invasive species offer a number of advantages and disadvantages to a habitat. Unchecked these species can easily replace native species in large forested areas or destabilize a habitat. Although people mostly focus on the negative side, invasive species can offer a number of benefits.
Invasive trees can be harvested and used as source of bioenergy. Other invasive species such as the Royal paulownia produce quality wood that have compete prices in the market.
