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How To Identify And Treat Stress In Your Trees

Stressed Out trees

How To Identify And Treat Stress In Your Trees

Stress is as bad for trees as it is for people. Call (631) 212-8250 and let Long Island Lumberjack handle your tree stress early! Don’t wait!

Humans have something in common with trees. From how we use water and nutrients to keeping ourselves cool, we share more health systems than you might think. However, there is one significant thing that we both need to ward off as much as possible: stress. Most of us are aware of what causes stress in the human body. Overbooked schedules, not enough time, insufficient sleep. These stress-inducing factors take their toll on the body over time: aches and pains, headaches, disrupted sleep, weight fluctuations and a compromised immune system.

But were you aware that trees also perceive stress?

WHAT ARE STRESS FACTORS FOR TREES?

Air Pollution: Particulates (granules) and dust in the air block photosynthesis in the leaves. Trees also “sweat” similarly to humans (transpirational cooling). Trapped particulates will prevent water from being released by the leaves, which in turn will cause the tree to overheat. Acid rain and ozone can also damage bark and cause an imbalance in the soil’s pH levels. Did you know that stressed trees release volatile carbon compounds, thus contributing to air pollution?

Excessive Pruning: This is a multifaceted situation

Eliminating too many limbs at once causes stress. The cuts made during the pruning process are, after all, wounds. Cutting out too many leaves at once means removing a significant energy source for the tree. Bold pruning can expose the tree to far more light than before, damaging the bark.

Soil Condition

Compaction due to construction and heavy foot traffic compacts the soil, making it difficult for tree roots to access oxygen. Poor topsoil is also commonly used in new housing developments. Compost is a bonus! Quality soil matters.

Temperature

Very often, trees don’t thrive in urban environments. Think of cities as “hot islands,” where concrete and metal don’t absorb heat the way turf does.

Light Pollution

Light pollution impacts a tree’s growth response. If trees are near artificial light sources that are perpetually on, they get confused! Think of it this way: with few exceptions, even most people can’t sleep with the lights on.

Storm Damage

While we can’t always prepare trees for storms, there are corrective actions we can take immediately after the damage has been done. For example, if a tree branch has been broken in half, knowing where to make a clean cut will affect the long-term health of your tree and ward off rot. It’s always best to call a professional if your tree has suffered damage. Long Island Lumberjack not only takes care of the damage after the storm, but we will also come out and check your trees to ensure they’re as stable as possible before an incident.

Moisture

Too much or too little water stresses your trees. Not unlike us humans, trees are made up mostly of water – 75%. The leaves are a whopping 99% water. This water is necessary to carry nutrients from the roots to the canopy. A tree’s water needs vary with the seasons, but in the spring, at its peak, a mature red oak may use up to 200 gallons of water per day.

WHAT DOES TREE STRESS LOOKS LIKE?

Canopy Dieback

You might notice that the tree blooms later than usual, or the leaves come down earlier than expected in the autumn. Compare the top of your tree to trees of the same species. Fewer leaves may be smaller, paler, and more sparse.

Water Sprouts

Sprouting new shoots from the trunk or main trunk is a sign of stress. These limbs are often weak and unsightly. The photo above is an excellent example of a tree under pressure. The stems are covered in unattractive new sprouts and leaves. You can almost see the tree “gasping for air” as a stress response.

Wilting Leaves

“Turgor pressure” refers to the process that helps the needles and leaves on trees hold their shape. Just like good hydration makes your skin look dewy and youthful, proper moisture helps keep leaves looking healthy and “plump.”

Early Fall Color

Trees displaying their fall color early in the season are undoubtedly stressed. Low iron or manganese absorption could also be causing early fall color.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Right tree, Right place

Selecting a genetically specific tree for your region is very important. And set your tree up for success from the start. Choose a good location with room for growth, access to water and adequate light, and little pedestrian traffic. The tree should also be able to thrive in the type of soil and water-drainage qualities in the area you have chosen for planting. Some trees do better than others with different kinds of soil.

Water

Frequently, we overlook watering in the winter. Winter watering is essential – particularly during dry spells. Wait until a warm day when you can safely connect your hose and give your tree a good soak.

Avoid compaction

Soil compaction reduces oxygen and water availability to the roots. You can reduce compaction by eliminating heavy traffic zones around the trunk of your tree and within the drip-line zone. You should also be mindful of heavy construction equipment driving over these areas if you plan to have construction nearby.

Prune conservatively

Never remove more than 1/3 of a tree’s biomass in a single season – and you could probably be even more conservative. A licensed tree care specialist like Long Island Lumberjack will know how much is too much. Eliminating many of the tree’s resources will send the tree into a stress response.

It never hurts to call us if you’re concerned that your tree is stressed. We have many solutions to encourage healthy root growth, proper nutrient absorption, and more. Long Island Lumberjack is your best resource for tree care and preventative health maintenance. Our phone number is (631) 212-8250.

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Tree Removal Tree Services Tree Trimming

Is It Time To Have Trees Trimmed Or Pruned

Tree Pruning Times

Is It Time To Have Trees Trimmed Or Pruned

While your front lawn may not look like the above photo, there are several signs that it’s time to trim your trees. But do you know what they are? Weak branches, excess growth, deadwood, and uneven development are some signs you need to have your trees trimmed. These conditions can be dangerous and can also affect your property. Falling trees and branches can damage property and are a particular hazard during heavy winds.

Excessive Growth

When trees reach a specific size, you need to have them trimmed. While they may look lush and appealing, they can be hazardous. Thick branches can catch the wind, causing damage. Thick limbs can tangle with siding or phone wires. You can effectively maintain the beauty of your trees – and their health – by keeping them trimmed. You will also prevent future problems, including pest invasions.

Trees grow unevenly, and excessive growth can present a safety risk during high winds or storms. Uneven development can cause poor weight distribution and property damage. Also, unhealthy growth can contribute to decay or the death of the affected limbs. It can also cause uneven dissemination of sunlight throughout the whole tree. When these issues appear, it may be time to call Long Island Lumberjack to schedule a tree trimming or pruning.

Proper trimming is essential for the health of your trees. Aside from lowering the aesthetic charm of your garden, overgrown trees can also harbor pests, making it unsafe for people or pets to access the house.

Some signs it’s time to get your trees trimmed

Deadwood

Healthy trees will drop bark naturally. But unhealthy branches will not produce new bark, resulting in exposed, smooth layers of wood underneath the bark.

There are many signs of deadwood on trees, including decaying branches, bare spots, and large fungi. It is easy to spot deadwood in the spring and summer, but you may have to look closer in the autumn or winter to see the signs of decay. Call a licensed tree professional, like Long Island Lumberjack, to determine the cause and provide a remedy if you see large fungi or clinging dead leaves. If you see deadwood on your trees, you may need to get them trimmed. A certified tree specialist can properly remove deadwood, assuring your home’s safety and avoiding additional damage to your tree. Deadwood is often a sign of a more significant issue, perhaps a rotting branch. Always call a professional to have deadwood cut out.

Excessive Weight

Trees need to be trimmed to keep their shape and prevent damage to the property. If they have excessive weight, they may break or become unstable during storms. Improper weight distribution can lead to property damage and injury. Excessive weight on a tree can also lead to decay and damage to the branches. Branches that cross each other need to be pruned to redistribute weight. You may need to have a tree pruned for various reasons, including safety, construction, or client needs. When pruning a tree, it is essential to ensure it will not harm it. If you notice a large amount of weight on the tree, it may be time for trimming. Branches that are bent or twisted may require professional service. It is probably time to prune if you see excessive weight on your tree. Branches can form in unappealing places and pose a hazard to nearby structures. Eucalyptus trees, for example, can become extremely heavy if the root system can no longer support the weight. Unchecked growth can cause a tree to topple over. To reduce this risk, consider pruning your tree as soon as it is visually overgrown.

Uneven Growth

If your trees grow unevenly, it may be time to trim them. This uneven growth can also indicate pests or diseases. It is essential to keep branches from crossing each other, or they can fall and damage your home or property. When you notice uneven growth, you should schedule an appointment with a tree-trimming service as soon as possible. Here are some other warning signs that your trees need trimming. Overgrown trees can also be a safety hazard. Overgrowth can make your trees unbalanced, making them appear bedraggled and out of proportion. Uneven growth can also make them seem unbalanced, making them look unkempt and untidy. Besides looking unsightly, overgrown trees can also hinder proper nourishment. Regular trimming will improve the health of your trees. Another symptom that you need to trim your trees is if you notice dead branches or split bark. If your trees have a lot of dead branches or split bark, this can suggest several health problems. It can also signify insectivores feasting on the bugs in your trees. Insectivores can cause severe damage, and you should take care of what’s attracting them – insects – as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that trees shed their leaves and branches naturally. Excessive amounts of dead matter can be hazardous to your home or property.

Weak Trunk

Weak tree trunks are not uncommon, and they mean your trees need trimming. Trees with large leaves, forked trunks, or internal decay are likely unhealthy and need trimming. Look for cavities, disfiguration, or fungi, which may suggest an upcoming problem. Weak tree trunks may also signal that the branches are rubbing with each other, which indicates internal decay and a need for close monitoring. Weak branches may cause property damage or be hazardous during strong winds. Dense branches are dangerous because they are so dense that they weigh down on limbs, causing them to break or cause other damage. A thick, overly dense branch may threaten your home even if the tree looks healthy. We can prune a weak branch to remove the threat and encourage healthy new growth. Besides the physical signs of weak tree trunks, you should also look for other signs of problems. If you notice that the tree trunk has a crack or split, it could have a pest infestation or disease. A broken branch might also be pointing to a nearby power line or other electrical wire. You should call a tree service professional if you notice dead wood or a crack in the tree’s structure.

Dead Branches

While dead branches are a normal part of the growth cycle of a tree, it is vital to keep them trimmed regularly. A branch with a large area of smooth wood near the crown is likely dead. When this happens, the branch could fall suddenly and cause much damage. Dead branches near the crown are hazardous, and you should have them removed as soon as possible. The same holds if a branch is over half the size of the tree. When a tree grows too tall, it needs to be trimmed regularly to prevent it from becoming unstable. Over time, it will begin to decay, which can spread to other branches. A tree can fall in a storm without pruning and lose its entire structure. Dead, dying, and twisted branches are apparent signs that you need to prune. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call an Ottawa tree service for an estimate. While deadwood is a sign that your tree needs to be pruned, it can also indicate a fungus or pest problem. When a dead branch or limb is close to a power line, it can cause damage to nearby trees and power lines. In addition, dead branches can lead to several problems, including mold, rot, and insect infestations. If you notice deadwood, call a professional to prune it correctly and prevent it from spreading the disease.

Bowing Or Snapping Branches

Snapping, bowing, or breaking branches are signs you need to get them trimmed. A broken branch can strike something nearby, causing injury or property damage. In addition, these damaged branches may become dangerous if you do not remove them quickly. If you have recently experienced severe weather, you should inspect your property and take immediate action to prune any damaged branches.

In addition, broken branches may indicate severe disease or a pest problem. Proper pruning will prevent decay or the spread of disease to the rest of the tree. Call a tree-care professional if you are unsure how to prune broken branches. If the problem is more complex, contact a Long Island Lumberjack to perform the necessary work. You can even hire a professional to trim your trees if you aren’t sure you’re doing it correctly. Regular pruning can keep your yard looking aesthetically pleasing and reduce the risk of insect infestation. Branches with unsightly growths can also pose a health risk to visitors. Keeping trees pruned will enable you to enjoy unique shapes and textures, including topiaries or espaliers. If you’re wondering if you need to get your trees trimmed, it’s a good idea to call an a tree professional like Long Island Lumberjack today. We will be able to explain the process to you and provide recommendations that will work best for your trees.

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Emergency Tree Services Tree Pruning Tree Removal Tree Services

The Risks Of DIY Tree Removal

DIY Tree Removal

The Risks Of DIY Tree Removal

In your quest to save, it could cost you more in terms of injuries and property damage. Trying the DIY route is not uncommon for many people who want to remove trees from their property. But they do so at significant risk to their safety and property.

In this post, we discuss some situations where you may feel the need to remove a tree. Then we discuss the tools and consent you may need to do so. Finally, we outline the risks you take when taking on DIY tree removal and why calling Long Island Lumberjack, and its team of tree professionals might be your best choice.

Why Cut A Tree Down?

Often, trimming the tree is all that is necessary. For example, thinning the tree’s canopy by trimming may be satisfactory if you wish to introduce more light into your yard. Even for dropping dead branches, trimming may be all that is required. However, in some situations, nothing other than removing the tree will be sufficient. If a tree at your home creates a safety hazard you cannot resolve with trimming, you need tree removal. This suggestion may be especially valid if the tree is prone to dropping branches unpredictably. If you have children playing on your property, a hazard like falling branches is essential.

Sometimes roots can cause sewer blockages or other structural issues to your residence. Here, you may need help to remove a tree rather than simply tree trimming services. Perhaps you are renovating your home and need to get rid of a tree because you will need to build in that spot. Or maybe you don’t like the location of a tree because of the negative aesthetic effect on your garden or home. It might be the case that a neighbor has objected to your tree’s overhanging branches along the fence line. Think about a tree extending over your home, and the tree is structurally unsound. In that case, hiring a professional tree care company like Long Island Lumberjack is a good idea.

We can assess the situation and do a tree trimming or removal, as required. Another reason for tree elimination is if the tree in question absorbs all the moisture from the ground, making it difficult for other plants to thrive. Or, if the tree drops leaf litter everywhere, that tree is creating too much extra work in the garden and may not be worth keeping.

What Do You Need Before Starting Tree Removal?

You first need to know whether you need permission from local zoning authorities, your condo board, or Homeowners Association. One benefit of calling Long Island Lumberjack is that we will be on top of all the regulations for you. There are rules around cutting back a neighbor’s tree with branches that reach over and into your yard. You may need to request that they cut back the tree formally, and you may need legal permission before you can do it yourself. Then there is the matter of machinery and other equipment.

A tree specialist will have all the equipment to remove trees safely. But do you already have any equipment to expedite safety while extracting a tree? And while it’s one thing to have the equipment, it is entirely different whether you know how to use it properly. By hiring a professional for removing a tree or even tree trimming, you are paying for their proficiency and skill. That skill allows them to do the job safely–preventing harm to themselves and others and damage to your property. The risk of personal injury and property damage is not to be taken lightly.

The Principal Risks Of DIY Tree Removals

The first risk of DIY attempts to remove trees is personal injury, whether to yourself, a family member, or a passerby. If you are not a tree specialist, you won’t have the experience of knowing how to manage a tree removal safely. Removing a tree is a significant risk; even pros occasionally get it wrong. Tree felling is an occupation with one of the highest mortality rates in the world. If it’s dangerous for even the experts, it is doubtless too risky for you to DIY it.

In the following series of pictures from the New York Daily News, we see a professional lumberjack being knocked from his ladder by a falling branch. Despite taking all appropriate safety precautions, a wayward branch sent the man flying from a height of several feet. Fortunately, he didn’t sustain serious injuries during the event, but he could have. Someone with less experience would probably not fare as well.

Don’t take the chance. Hire a reputable company like Long Island Lumberjack to do the job for you at a much lower risk. Suppose you don’t hurt yourself or someone else while conducting DIY tree removal. There is still the possibility that you may damage your house or another part of your property, like a fence. Then you argue with your neighbor about compensation for the damaged fence. Or a limb of the tree you are removing might land on that prized heirloom rose bush, and you’ll never hear the end of that. There are many potential adverse effects from DIY tree removals, some more significant than others. The most serious, of course, is your injury or even death, especially when working at dangerous heights with dangerous tools.

Your Safest Option For Tree Removal

When you need to remove a tree, your best option is to hire a professional for the job. We’ve been in the business for a long time at Long Island Lumberjack. We know what we’re doing regarding tree trimming and removal. We can help assure that your garden and yard are safe for yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Contact us at (631) 212-8250 to arrange tree removal on your property today.

Categories
Tree Crowning Tree Services Tree Trimming

Tree Topping Crown Reduction What’s Better

Tree Crowns Reduction

Tree Topping Crown Reduction What’s Better

If you’ve recently looked at your property, perhaps you’ve noticed that some trees are taller than what’s acceptable to you and your neighborhood or HOA. It’s time to do something about them before they outgrow their allotted space. Your primary question is, how will you be able to safely cut down the tree to an acceptable size?

Tree Trimming & Pruning

Most tree owners usually turn to tree trimming (also known as pruning) to reduce the size of their trees and keep them in shape. Trimming a tree holds excessive growth in check. Trimming can also reduce leaf diseases by increasing airflow through the tree’s canopy.

A tree service professional should maintain large trees. We may prune mature shade trees to thin the canopy and create an open tree; this increases air circulation and light penetration. The best time to prune shade trees is during the dormant period, just before seasonal growth (March to April). Do not remove over one-quarter to one-third of the total growth. If you must remove over one-third of the canopy, remove a bit of the growth over a few seasons.

Methods of Pruning

There are many pruning types, but tree topping or crown reduction is the most common. Which of these two will keep your tree healthy and beautiful? Which tree service professionals recommend? Read on for all you need to know about these two choices.

What Is Tree Topping?

We also know tree topping as rounding over, hat-racking, or tipping. This technique involves removing the large branches from the treetop and leaving only lateral branches and stumps on the tree.

Is Topping Trees Good or Bad?

Tree service professionals like Long Island Lumberjack agree you should never use tree topping as a primary pruning method. Unfortunately, tree topping is not an advisable option for controlling tree size. Someone should only implement this method when you are removing an unwanted tree.

Effects of Tree Topping

Tree topping leaves the tree with lateral branches and stubs that are still too small to take on the role of producing and delivering food throughout the entire tree. It, therefore, causes many problems for the tree. Topping also triggers the regrowth of unappealing and vertical branches, which will scar the tree with awful water sprouts and branches.

Branch wounds sustained by the tree during topping heal slowly. The tree is susceptible to insects and fungal decay during the healing process. Because topping leaves the tree uncovered without its branches and foliage, it can also cause intense bark damage.

Benefits Of Topping Trees

Topping comes in handy when a tree has undergone extreme damage from a natural disaster. In such an event, tree topping may be your only alternative to repairing the tree. In other cases, however, you should fully know that the price of tree topping exceeds the benefits. Tree topping can leave a tree in shock, unable to nourish itself. This inability to create energy can cause disease and even sudden tree death. Tree topping can also generate risky conditions for its locations, so you should steer clear of topping.

What Is Crown Reduction?

Crown reduction is one of the most prevalent methods that Long Island Lumberjack uses to manage the size of a tree and keep its shape. It’s also more ideal and better for the tree than tree topping. Crown reduction involves reducing the foliage of the tree while still keeping the general framework of the crown; doing this trims the overall shape of the tree and controls its size. In a general sense, we cut limbs on the uppermost portion of the tree canopy shorter to decrease the tree’s height. However, we only remove them to the subsequent lateral growth to ensure that they heal faster and grow again correctly.

We strongly suggest that you only cut 20% or less of the tree’s canopy at once to prevent the tree from suffering.

Effects of Crown Reduction

Unlike tree topping, crown reduction on trees is not harmful. You improved the health of the trees since you have had them appropriately trimmed and eliminated limbs or branches suffering from pests or disease. Crown reduction also provides satisfying results where aesthetics are concerned. Having your trees trimmed can also increase the production of fruit-bearing trees and ensure better quality fruit. Crown reduction also helps increase sun exposure and air circulation on trees.

And The Winner Is…

The best choice is crown reduction rather than tree topping when dealing with large trees. Crown reduction keeps the tree’s size balanced; it preserves the plant’s natural shape and ensures good tree health. Tree topping is a harmful procedure.

Hire a Professional For Your Tree Services

Tree topping, crown reduction; which is better? You finally know the answer. But pruning large trees can be dangerous. If pruning involves working above the ground or using power equipment, hiring a professional tree service is best. The pros at Long Island Lumberjack can determine the pruning necessary to improve your trees’ health, appearance, and safety. The professional tree service team at Long Island Lumberjack can also provide the services of a trained crew with the required safety equipment and liability insurance.