Is Your Tree Safe?

Tree Risk Guidelines

Tree risk assessment has been undergoing dramatic changes in recent years. Arborists in the know are following studies out of Europe, the US, and Asia, helping us to determine the real safety of trees. For the purpose of this article, I am talking about trunk safety - whether or not a tree will fail in its entirety. How can a homeowner tell if their tree is safe?

• LEAN - Has the tree begun to lean recently?
• DECAY - Advanced decay could indicate the presence of a hollow trunk.
• SOIL issues - Have the roots begun to lift out of the ground, especially during winds.
• DESTRUCTION - Has there been excavation of the root zone for construction or irrigation?

If any of these things are noticed - give a professional arborist a call. There are several methods of conducting tree risk analysis, and several methods for reducing the risk of tree failure.

Tree Service for Seattle

A tree service is available to help you "do" things to your trees. In Washington State there is no requirement for any tree service to be educated about trees, however many tree services are operated by and employ ISA Certified Arborists. Some of the services tree services might provide are:

• Tree Pruning
• Tree Removal
• Tree Planting
• Diagnostic services
• Consulting and evaluation services

Tree Resource is a very "green" company. We try to approach tree care with preservation in mind. All of our clients receive a true consultation prior to any work being done. Often trees need no work to keep them healthy and thriving. We can help our clients know what, why and when to prune or remove their valuable trees.

Mulching Tips for Tree and ShrubHealth

Mulching 101

Mulching with coarse woody debris protects trees from mechanical damage, mitigates soil temperature and moisture extremes, and helps build soils. Here are some tips to mulch properly:

1. Avoid mulching the trunk of trees. (See the diagram above)
2. Mulch as wide an area as possible.
3. The best mulches are full of organic coarse debris, like arborist wood chips.
4. Get rid of turf and weeds by sheet mulching.
5. Mulch thick -4 inches deep - to inhibit weed growth.

That's about it - if you need wood chips in the Seattle area please contact us, Tree Resource would be happy to provide them for you.

Beautiful Old Trees

Veteran trees are those trees that have seen a lot in their time and have lived to tell the tale. We encounter them frequently in the urban landscape. Are they still valuable? Are they benefiting us? How do we care for them?

People often tell me that trees like these are the ones that their children love to climb. These are the trees that everyone in the neighborhood notices. They represent a living history of our community. They may have cavities, and large dead material, but they also house bird nests, and other local habitat. They often have mighty trunks, full of character. And, yes, they also crack sidewalks.

These trees might not fit our image of a beautiful tree, but they certainly are valued by our community. If you have one of these veteran trees, care for it. Take a photo of it, and send it to us to catalog. Share this monument of our history with others. Fight for them.

Tree Pruning 101

So you have ignored the rain and ventured outside this spring. The lawn needs mowing and some trees need trimming. Should you prune your trees? Sure. Why not? It’s time for spring cleaning. Let’s discuss some truths about trees, to give you a basis for starting.
The most important thing to know about trees before you prune is that trees do not heal. Pruning a live part from a tree causes permanent wound. What this means for your pruning is to set a goal and a limit. For example, removing the branch that you just hit your head on, might be the extent of necessary pruning. Or, the flowering cherry has a crowded branch pattern, and some thinning will enhance the aesthetics of a beautiful tree. So set a prescription for work and get it done.
Have a great time in your yard this spring. If you need woodchips for mulch, or a hand on your pruning projects, or would just like some helpful advice, please give us a call, or send us a note at treeresource.com.