Posts

,

Killing Unwanted Trees | 5 Easy Ways to Kill Nuisance Trees

Killing Unwanted Trees

Killing unwanted trees can be more difficult than you may imagine. You may have a nuisance tree near your home or power lines that you want to remove. Simply lobbing it off at the base of the trunk may not be the best solution. Most tree species are very hardy and will find a way to survive despite your attempts to destroy them. At the very least, the root system may continue to live causing an additional headache. Read more

,

Avoid Planting Fast Growing Trees When Possible | Or Should You?

Avoid Planting Fast Growing Trees

Here’s a contradiction, today I am telling you to avoid planting fast growing trees when possible. Yet in a previous article I recommended several fast growing trees you could plant in your yard. I know what you are thinking “come-on man, make up your mind!” Ok, you caught me, but the truth of the matter, like everything else in the landscaping world, there are pros and cons to anything you plant. Read more

Tree Watering Ring | Slow Release Watering Bags for Newly Planted Trees

Tree Watering Ring

One way to avoid transplant shock for your newly planted trees is to utilize a tree watering ring or a slow release watering bag. The image above demonstrates the tree watering ring in use in a garden bed in front of a new home. The medium brown color of the device neatly conceals the bag from the street-view when placed on a bed of bark mulch. Pile the bark up about 6 inches deep around the perimeter of the bag and it will all but disappear. Read more

Pruning Upper Branches | How to Safely Prune Upper Tree Limbs

Pruning Upper Branches

The need for pruning upper branches becomes inevitable as your trees mature. In many cases the upper tree limbs can grow dangerously close to power lines and other structures. The trees sprawling branches may extend near your home, covering eave gutters, or worse contacting roof shingles or the side of your house. Read more

Tree Planting Zones in the USA | List of Popular Species for Each Zone

Tree Planting Zones

The map above depicts the various tree planting zones in the USA. When selecting new trees to plant in your yard it is important to choose trees that are suitable for the specific zone that you live in. The USDA has published this chart to help you determine the zone number for your area of the country. Read more

Tree Planting Depth for New Trees | Proper Hole Depth & Width

Tree Planting Depth

What is the correct tree planting depth for new trees? Perhaps even more important what is the proper width of the new hole? These parameters may differ slightly for various species and the maturity of the young tree. But one thing is certain, all transplanted trees end up in a new hole at some point. Yet not any old hole will do. Experienced arborists recognize that both the tree planting depth and the diameter of the hole, are critical to the health of the tree. Read more

,

Best Shade Trees | Choosing the Best Shade Trees for Your Yard

Best Shade Trees

When choosing the best shade trees for your yard the first thing to consider is the available space. The last thing you need on a 40-foot building lot is a 100-foot-tall Sugar Maple with a span of 80 feet. Another consideration is how fast the trees will grow. If your goal is to create summer shade on your rear deck, you don’t want to wait 10 years before you can enjoy it. Selecting fast growing trees such as the Red Maple, Weeping Willow, or a Hybrid Poplar is your best bet. Check out our top choices of shade trees for small or large yards. Read more

,

Planting Flowering Trees Will Add Color to Your Yard

Planting Flowering Trees

Planting Flowering Trees throughout your backyard will add beauty and color to your landscape. Some of the more common varieties of flowering trees include the Japanese Flowering Cherry, Crape Myrtles, Pink Dogwoods, and the Saucer Magnolia. Planting flowering trees such as these popular species will transform your backyard into a beautiful paradise. When these gorgeous trees are in full bloom they will attract birds and small animals which will bring your yard to life. Read more

,

Sealing Tree Limbs After Cutting or Pruning Your Trees in the Fall

Sealing Tree Limbs

The additional step of sealing tree limbs after pruning may or may not be necessary. As a tree grows you may find that it’s limbs may interfere with phone lines or the tree branches may come into contact with your home, shed, or garage. In most of these cases it will be necessary to remove the tree limb to avoid damage to your property. Since this will more than likely occur during the growing season you will need to apply sealant after removing the unwanted tree limbs. Read more

,

Planting Young Trees | When is the Best Time

Planting Young Trees

The best time of year for planting young trees is dependent upon several factors. The specific climate for your region is a major consideration in determining the best time for planting young trees. You need to be familiar with the parameters of the climate in your area when planting trees in your yard. As an example, in the deep-south you should avoid transplanting trees during the extreme heat of mid-summer. This is especially true in dry hot climates. The intense summer heat can stress your newly planted tree. When the heat is severe, the effects can be devastating for young trees. Read more