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Tree Care Maintenance Checklist

If you’re curious about how to actually maintain your trees, there is actually quite a bit you can do. It is important to follow specifications and work in moderation when using mulch, fertilizer, and water. Too much of any can actually cause more harm than good.

• Inspect trees/shrubs: One of the biggest threats to your trees or shrubs is standing water. If there is little drainage near your home, water can quickly pond around your trees. Too much water is actually very bad for your plants. It can result in root rot and bring insects that can burrow in plants, causing damage and decay. Look for signs of damage to determine if you need to remove any plants or invest in an insect removal service.
• Prune, prune, prune: The best way to keep healthy trees is to regularly prune them. Removing damaged or rotted branches will help protect the rest of the tree. It will also prevent damage to your home from a falling branch or tree trunk. Pruning will also help to reduce any stress to your tree from low or overhanging branches.
• Use mulch: By using mulch, you are helping to secure the necessary organic matter trees need beneath the surface. Mulch will help conserve soil moisture, without saturating the soil. This combined with regular weeding will help create an area for your tree to thrive and grow.
• Use fertilizer: Using fertilizer will help provide all the important nutrients your tree needs to grow tall and healthy. The right fertilizer will help to improve your trees ability to resist damage from disease, insects, and bad weather. It’s important to not over fertilize as this can have the opposite effect. Too much fertilizer, water, or mulch can actually be a bad thing.
• Rely on Experts: The best thing you can do for your trees and lawn care is rely on experts, like anyone from Fort Worth Arborist Co.. Experts can provide necessary and correct tree care and maintenance to prevent the need for removal. They can also provide regular maintenance that will result in healthier, longer-lasting trees.

Maintaining your trees will help to keep them healthier, longer. Investing in tree trimming services will make sure that your trees and property are well maintained and protected from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you keep a tree healthy?
  • Regularly prune branches, feed your tree with healthy fertilizer and soil, and make sure to place enough mulch around the base and roots. 
• How can I make my tree healthy again?
  • Make sure to plant a tree in the right place, use fertilizer and mulch, water regularly, prune branches, and schedule maintenance with companies like Fort Worth Arborist Co..
• How can you tell if a tree is healthy?
  • When there is visible growth in the trunk and in the branches. The color of the leaves is vibrant. There is no sap oozing from anywhere. If you have fruit trees, the fruit is plentiful and not lacking.
• What causes trees to die?
  • Something that can cause trees to die is called root rot. This is when there is an excess of water at the root, which then leads to dead branches, leaves and more. Insects can burrow in trees, causing damage and decay. And then there are accidents with lawn mowers and weed wackers that can result in tree death.
• How do you know when your tree is dying?
  • You can do something called a scratch test. This involves scratching the inner layer of a tree trunk to determine life or death. In healthy trees, the scratch will reveal green for life. In dying trees, the results will be brown or gray.

Signs Your Tree Needs to Be Removed

• Bug Infestation Your tree could pose a serious threat to the rest of your lawn and even your house if it gets infested with bugs. Termites are a specific problem, but there’s also the possibility of ants that can burrow into it while nesting and kill it. There are also plenty of other pests that could cause problems if they take up residence in your trees, so if you’ve exhausted all other options, consider getting it removed to put your mind at ease.
• Dead Branches / Rooting Wood If your tree is damaged or dying, there aren’t many things you can do for it. If it’s sick or dying, you have some options to get it healthy again, but there is no guarantee that it will get healthy again over time. So when it starts to die completely, you should have it removed at your earliest convenience. Having them handled while they’re dying and not completely dead helps cut down on overall removal costs.
• Overcrowding Too many trees in too small of an area will have negative effects on the ecosystem of your lawn. They can block sunlight to other trees, grass, and plants, and there might be a lack of nutrients to support each and every tree. Removal service could help save the health of the rest of your lawn. If you’re unsure if you should go that far, consider calling an arborist to ask if tree trimming in Fort Worth, TX is enough of a correction.
• Structural Damage If it’s been damaged over time or by the elements, or if it seems like a fall-damage liability, consider tree removal service to save you the trouble. If you find yourself asking “Is tree removal covered by insurance?” then this is one of the few times that it might actually be. Insurance usually doesn’t get involved unless the tree has fallen already, so a call to your company could help you determine what will be covered. Never let something that’s a fall-risk pose a threat to your home or your property.
• It’s Ugly While most people wouldn’t consider moving a tree without a purpose, there are times when you might get tired of a tree ruining the aesthetic of your lawn. If tree removal would get your yard back to looking good, consider calling a professional to take care of it for you.

Should the tree’s branches not have buds or leaves, it may be dying. Then it’s time to check the branches. Bending smaller branches to see if they snap is a good test. A quick break with no arching means the branch is dead. If several branches break this easily, it may be a sign the tree is dying.

After you do a snap test, you should follow up with a bark scratch test. Under a tree’s dry outer layer of bark is the cambium layer of bark. In a healthy tree this layer is green. In a tree that’s dead, this layer will be brown and dry. To check the cambium layer, you use your fingernail or small pocket knife and scrape off a small layer of the outer bark on a branch. The tree is alive if you see green under the scratch. If it’s brown, it’s dead. Do the scratch test on several branches.

One dead branch doesn’t mean the whole tree is dead. Sometimes in severe drought, trees will “sacrifice” a few branches to stay alive. Other signs a tree might be dying include cracks in the tree and old bark not being replaced by new bark. Shelf fungal growth on trees is also a good indicator a tree is dying of internal rot. Any part of the tree under the fungus is probably dead. Other signs a tree might be dying include cracks in the tree and old bark not being replaced by new bark. Shelf fungal growth on trees is also a good indicator a tree is dying of internal rot. Any part of the tree under the fungus is probably dead.

Root damage also indicates a tree is dying. But it’s hard to determine root damage. One indicator, however, is if the tree has suddenly begun to severely lean. Epicormic branching, or branches sprouting from the tree’s base, is also a sign of root stress.

Can a Dying Tree Be Saved?

If you discover any signs above of a dying tree, it is possible to save it. A professional arborist like those with Fort Worth Arborist Co.. can help you determine whether a dying tree can be saved.

Trees need proper nourishment and they get this through water. Dehydration kills, but so does overhydration. So proper watering can revive a dying tree. To properly water a tree, it’s important, first to have good drainage. Watering a tree regularly for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes is a good way to start nursing your tree back to health. If you can’t water them regularly, adding an automated sprinkler system is a good option.

Mulching nourishes the soil around the trees, as long as it’s not overdone, and helps trees fight bacterial and fungal infections. The roots still have breathe. So apply just a little mulch around the tree’s base to help the stay nourished. To apply the mulch, dig around the base about 5 inches deep so the mulch will have contact with the roots. Then apply about 1 and one-half inches of mulch.

How Do You Treat a Sick Tree?

Fort Worth Arborist Co. specializes in treating sick trees. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your tree is sick or dying. Along with the signs above for a dying tree, these signs below are sure signs a tree is sick:

• Seeping fluid, or alcoholic slime flux, which may smell sour or streak the tree
• Hard gray fungal growths
• Peeling bark
• Black flowers or shoots
• Light brown shelf fungus near base
• Yellow or brown leaves, a sign of root rot
• Powdery mildew on leaves

Fort Worth Arborist Co. offers a full range of sick tree treatments to fight everything from bagworm and spider mites to root rot and oak wilt. Treatments range from fungicides to handpicking bagworms from trees. Treatments are scientific and research-based.

Both trimming and pruning can also help protect your home, keeping branches from falling and damaging rooftops and leaves from clogging and damaging gutters. Of course, if your untrimmed trees have already clogged your gutter, reliable and affordable gutter repair and installation is available from Mac Construction and Roofing, a Midlothian, TX roofing company.

Before you lose hope over a sick or dying tree, you can get help from Fort Worth Arborist Co. in Fort Worth, TX. If you have any questions or would like for a team to come out and check your trees call 817-975-0180.

One of the first things people notice when looking to buy or rent a home, stop and eat at a business, or even walk through a local park, is the landscaping. Beautiful trees and flowers, along with a nice fence, and some well-placed bushes not only livens up the home or business but also presents a clean and fresh environment that lasts longer than the initial walk through the yard.

Presentation of a yard is vitally important to not only making yourself but also your guests happy. Having dead flowers, dead patches of grass, and a broken fence can leave one feeling uneasy about the environment in which they are about to step in. As the spring approaches, it is time to spruce up your yard with a few landscaping tricks, not only increase your property value but also the visual and mental aesthetic of your house.

Taking Care of the Trees in Your Yard

The trees in your yard provide more than just shade on a hot sunny day, they also help provide clean air and beautiful aesthetic as light filters through the branches and leaves. Trees, though, can grow sick from insects, diseases, and changes in weather. It is important to make sure that your trees are getting the care and attention that they need. Here are the signs that your trees may need some help:

• Insect infestations
• Leaves are discolored
• There are root and trunk fungal growth
• Premature shedding of leaves
• Dead branches

If you notice any of these signs, it would be beneficial to get in contact with a team who is passionate about the well-being and care of the world’s trees. Fort Worth Arborist Co. is committed to making sure that the trees and plant life in the Fortworth area is thriving. Not only does it help make your yard look beautiful, but it also helps protect it from natural events such as erosion. If you would like a consultation or need some help nursing a tree back to health, call us at 817-975-0180.

Making Sure to Pull Up the Weeds

If you are looking for something more personal and hands-on to help spruce up your yard, it wouldn’t hurt to check near trees, bushes, and flowers for the pesky weed. Weeds steal nutrients from the other plants and often times grow quickly, taking up more space and blocking out valuable sunlight from your other plants. Not to mention that they are also water hogs and can cause your plants to die from dehydration.

Remove Dead Plants and Trees From Your Yard.

It’s always hard to let go of a beloved friend, and letting go of a plant you had around your home or business forever can be as equally as hard. Dead plants pose a risk to not only your plants but also to the people visiting your home or business. They are a playground for insects which can cause irritation to your guests, devastation to your plants, and are in general a pain to get rid of. Dead trees are dangerous during severe storms or even strong winds as they can easily fall over and wreck your yard, or worse, your home/business. A fallen tree can leave behind a hazardous environment and leave a hefty financial strain due to needed repairs on roofs and windows.

You can always replace dead plants with new ones, which will allow for the soil to remain healthy, and add a new look to your yard. If you need help with tree or bush removal, as well as finding the next perfect tree or bush for your yard, Fort Worth Arborist Co. can aid with that too! Just give us a call at 817-975-0180.

Fences

Fences add a unique look to a yard. Not only does it add a secure feeling to the premise but it also makes the yard look unified. Here are a few fence ideas to help you decide what would work best with your landscaping needs.

• Wooden Fences are perfect for family homes and small private business. They add a classy homey feel to any yard.
• Wrought Iron Fence is a little more pricey of an investment but it leaves behind a rustic aesthetic.
• Chain-link fences are used generally more for commercial businesses as they give a statement of security.

If your fence is looking a little-worn down it might be time to give it some good TLC, such as a new paint job or replacing some of the planks. Just don’t forget to add in some plants to help compliment whatever style of fence you are aiming towards, whether it be some pink roses to complement your dark wooden fence or maybe some white chrysanthemums to give a contrast to the wrought iron fence.

Does Landscaping Really Increase the Value of My Property?  

First impressions count, especially when it comes to the value of your home or business. Taking the time to make sure the yard and the landscaping around your business are looking clean and pristine will not only make your guests feel great but it will increase the value of your home anywhere from 5-12%.

Before you take any steps to improve your landscaping, make sure that you have a coherent plan in place. This will help you avoid any impressions of disorganization. If you have any questions or would like a team to help make sure that you are making decisions that will last, call Fort Worth Arborist Co. at 817-975-0180 in Fort Worth, TX.  

When it comes to improving your home and increasing curb appeal, tree planting represents one of the most effective strategies. As a matter of fact, new trees can work like a fresh coat of paint, in that they dramatically improve your home’s outward appearance. Landscaping, flower beds, and a well-tended lawn all serve to beautify a home, but none of these can compete with the presence of a new tree or two. Aside from the pleasing visual element, trees also bring a number of practical benefits. Whether you want to plant a sapling, or install a fully grown tree, you’l enjoy heightened property value, savings on your bills, and more. At Fort Worth Arborist Co., we are the local experts for tree planting in Fort Worth, TX. To learn more about what we do, schedule service, or ask any questions, feel free to call us today at 817-975-0180.

How Do You Properly Plant a Tree?

Planting a tree may seem like a major endeavor, but anyone can do it with a little elbow grease and proper technique. The key for successful, healthy growth centers primarily on the hole you dig. If you follow these instructions step by step, you’ll have your new tree comfortably installed in no time.

1. Dig the Hole: Your goal is a hole just deep enough for the top of your tree’s root ball to rest even with the ground. As for width, measure that of your root ball, and triple it. You also need to consider the tree’s eventual size in order to place it at an appropriate distance from your home.
2. Fill the Hole: Once you have your tree properly situated, you need to fill the leftover space with soil. When you do this, make sure not to pack the soil too tightly, else it will constrict the tree’s growth. With any leftover soil, create a raised ring around the outer limit of the tree’s hole. This will help contain water and prevent its run-off.
3. Install Stakes: Until your tree’s roots become established, it will need support to stay upright. Arrange three stakes in a triangle around the tree, then drive them into the ground. Once secured, you’ll need zip ties or sturdy rope to tie the tree to each stake. Make sure that the tree isn’t too tightly secured, however.
4. Water the Tree: Give the tree a good watering right after you plant it, and then every day for several weeks. After the tree establishes itself, you can gradually reduce your watering to two or three times a week.

Planting Where a Tree Was Removed

If at all possible, you should avoid planting a new tree in the same spot as an old one. Even with expert removal of the stump, the old tree’s site is not the best place for a young tree to thrive. For one reason, the previous tree will have stripped the soil of many vital nutrients. Also, sawdust left behind from the old tree can negatively impact the soil’s remaining balance of nutrients. The presence of dead roots can also inhibit a young tree’s growth. Lastly, if the old tree succumbed to disease, pathogens will likely remain in the soil.

Tree Planting Benefits

Should you decide to plant a new tree, you will enjoy a range of benefits. Aside from the satisfaction associated with watching you new tree grow, you will experience a selection of both qualitative and quantitative advantages. These include:

• Increased Property Value
• Energy Savings
• Better Quality Air
• Aesthetic Improvements

The presence of attractive trees on a well-maintained lawn can work wonders in regards to a home’s value and appeal. In terms of outright property value, that of your home can increase up to 19 percent with the addition of mature trees. During the summer, trees can lead to a great deal of energy savings. This derives from the shade they provide, which makes it less necessary to run your AC constantly. In the winter, trees can also shield your property from frigid wind. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how tree planting help the environment, it occurs through the exchange of hazardous carbon dioxide with breathable oxygen. Trees actually absorb carbon dioxide, and subsequently reduce the impact of smog. A full-grown, healthy tree can produce in excess of 260 pounds of oxygen in a given year.

Tree Planting FAQ

What Is the Importance of Planting Trees?

Planting trees can help reverse the many negative effects of air pollution. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas, and trees represent one of the only ways to effectively and permanently remove it from the surrounding environment. Trees also provide an important habitat for birds and other animals.

When Should You Plant a Tree?

You should ideally plant your tree in the dormant season that occurs at the beginning of fall and again at the start of spring. This allows the tree time to establish its roots in a temperate environment, and before spring rains stimulate top growth.

What Are the Best Trees to Plant in Front of Your House?

To know what trees do well in your environment, take a walk around your neighborhood. When you see a tree you like, snap a picture to take to your local garden center. You should also give preference to sturdy, slow-growing trees that adapt well to changing conditions and have lengthy lifespans.

How Close Can You Plant a Tree to Your House?

Trees that grow to less than 30 feet should exist no closer than 10 feet from your home’s foundation or utility lines. For trees up to 70 feet tall, increase this distance to 15 feet, and raise it to 20 for trees taller than 70 feet.

What Are the Fastest Growing Trees for Privacy?

If your primary goal is increased privacy for your home, a few different species grow quickly and lushly. These species include:

• Hybrid Poplars
• Leyland Cypresses
• Willow Hybrids
• Thuja Green Giants

When it comes to Fort Worth, TX tree planting, Fort Worth Arborist Co. is the local expert. If you have any questions about the establishment of trees or their growth requirements, give us a call at 817-975-0180. Should you need help planting your tree, or pruning existing trees, we’re available for your service.

While trees are great at providing shade, shelter for animals, food, playgrounds, and so many more benefits, they are easy targets to inflict damage when storms happen. If a tree is old or spindly, it is very easy for a strong gust of wind or powerful rain to break off a limb and send it flying into your window. Sometimes storms are so severe and strong that they can even uproot entire trees onto roofs! If your roof has gotten damaged from storms in the past, getting commercial roof coatings in Fort Worth, TX can help to repair it.

While you can’t prevent storms from happening, you can prevent how much damage occurs to your home by keeping your trees maintained and getting tree trimming and pruning services. Pruning involves removing dead parts of the tree, insects, parasitic areas, and more to help the tree grow. Trimming helps to maximize air circulation and sun exposure for a tree. Call Fort Worth Arborist Co. at 817-975-0180 for our trimming trees services in Fort Worth, TX.

What Are the Benefits of Tree Trimming?

• Trimming trees helps to manage their length and keep them from growing in directions they shouldn’t.
• Instead of having a whole tree die, you simply cut off the area that is dead and continue to allow the rest of the tree to thrive.
• Trimming trees help to limit the amount of moisture and sunlight a tree gets. If there are too many leaves and branches, eliminating the overgrown parts will help to contain the growth.

If a tree gets overgrown and becomes too heavy, it starts to weigh down the branches. Too much stress on the branches eventually causes them to break, which can result in damage to your home if the tree was nearby. To prevent having to get roof repair from declining tree branches, get tree bracing and cabling in Fort Worth, TX from Fort Worth Arborist Co.. Call our Fort Worth, TX office at 817-975-0180 to schedule your tree branches support bracing and cabling service today.

5 Ways Trees Can Damage Roofs

• If a serious storm happens and your tree has long limbs and branches, these can snap off and pierce your windows or roof. Trimming your tree can prevent this from happening and help provide tree branch support.
• If you have a tree that hangs over your roof, leaves will constantly fall on it. While it may look pretty and not seem like a big deal or inconvenience, these leaves can clog your gutters and prevent rainwater from draining, results in backflow or flooding.
• While a tree covering your roof provides great natural shade and lowers your home’s temperature, it prevents your roof from getting sunlight. So if it rains, the water won’t evaporate and sits there stagnant under the tree, turning into algae and mold that eventually rots your roof.
• Long tree branches make great playgrounds for bugs, squirrels, possums, and raccoons. If the branches reach your roof, the critters will eventually dig into your decking looking for warmth.
• Tree leaning or sagging need to be removed as they can fall onto your house the next time a storm hits! It’s much cheaper to remove a tree permanently than to replace your entire roof from storm damage due to a tree falling on your house.