Tree Trimming Mistakes to Avoid

Tree Trimming, photo by ChibiJosh, flickrTree trimming isn’t - and shouldn't be! - as simple as grabbing the nearest chainsaw. In fact, chainsaws can do more damage than good in the hands of an under-qualified handyman. (Remember, well-maintained, trimmed trees are valuable: trees can increase your property value by as much as 15%!) Don’t trust your tree trimming to just anyone!

If you want to properly maintain the health and vitality of your trees, hiring a properly certified tree professional is necessary. Here are a few common trim trimming mistakes that you should be aware of when interviewing a prospective tree trimmer:

• Topping is the most glaring error in tree maintenance. We’ve all seen properties where the trees have had nearly all the leafing branches cut away. The now very-ugly tree suffers greatly. If it survives the "trimming" the tree will grow in an unsightly and deformed pattern. Worse, the new branch structure is severely weakened. This causes further damage and expense down the road. These unfortunate trees frequently require structural pruning, for example.

• Timing is also very important. Spring is the best time to prune, while the cold of winter is the worst time to prune a tree. Similarly, flowing shrubs and trees should be pruned when their first blossoms appear. Don't make the mistake of cutting off new growth or bloom.

• Healthy Tree Know-How A common tree trimming mistake is to cut too close to the trunk. This way the tree’s own natural tissue callous can seal the cut wound. This prevents disease from entering the trunk. 

• Common sense safety precautions should always be followed. A professional tree care specialist will have “safety first” as part of their regimen. This will avoid making costly or dangerous tree trimming mistakes.

With these few guidelines, you’ll be able to have an informed conversation with your tree contractors. If you seek peace of mind that the job will be done right, call us at Big “O” Tree and Lawn : 540-337-4588.

Fast Growing Virginia Trees

Spring is here! Need some fast-growing trees? Don't add a bunch of mulch and hope this speeds the process. Start your landscape research here at Big "O" Tree and Lawn.

Too frequently residential and commercial development in Virginia fails to include adequate tree cover into the landscaping plan. (Worse, sometimes the trees are planted improperly, slowing tree growth or even killing the tree.)

The unpleasant result is a spare, unshaded landscape. This is uninviting to people and wildlife alike. After all, mature trees are prized for their beauty as well as for their ability to increase your property value.

Yet, this doesn’t always mean waiting decades for trees to mature to full size at your home. There are several fast-growing species well-suited for Virginia. Planting these saplings will result in larger leafy trees without a long wait.

The following is a brief list of some common fast-growing trees. All are well-suited for Virginia’s climate:

American Sycamore (Platanus Occidentalis) - Sycamore trees are a classic American species will grow up to 100’ high with an equal width.

Gingko (Gingko Bilboa) - One of the oldest known trees on earth, gingkos are well-suited to urban treescapes. They have no known pest nor insects threats. (It's one of Julia's favorites.)

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) - Another classic American species with bright flowers and abundant nuts.

Pin Oak (Quercus Palustris) - A hearty fast-growing pine reaching 75’ high - remember, this tree will need to room to spread its lower branches. (It's one of Jon's favorite trees.)

Sugar Maple (Acer Saccarum) - A spectacularly colored maple in autumn also produces sap that is boiled into maple syrup.

Linden tree photo by BawBawLinden (Tilia Spp.) - Lindens are mainstays of urban treescapes with their narrow profile, yet generous height to ensure ample shade on summer days.

The graceful Linden tree shown at left is at the east entrance of Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

This list can go on... The best way to research which fast growing tree species is the right size for your property. Check with your local nursery or the local agricultural extension office.

Or, call and make an appointment with Big "O" Tree and Lawn to discuss: 540-337-4588.



Ten Ways Tree Care Is Money Well Spent

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Now that seen the importance of hiring a certified tree-care professional, let’s discuss how that expense will pay for itself.

Money Grows on Trees!1. First, let's look at the increased property value associated with having healthy trees.
 Healthy trees do not suffer from root collar, weak limbs, or breakage. The US Forest Service estimates that simply having trees on your property can increase its value by up to 15%!  That’s a pretty nice ROI, considering the cost of trees from a nursery. Many quality nurseries will have saplings in the $50-$75 price range.

2. Property owners can see savings when the trees’ planting and care is well-planned and maintained. This prevents future damage. Future tree maintenance or associated landscape management will only grow more expensive as inflation increases. That's a good reason to catch and solve tree problems early.

3. If you start by planting trees that are hardy and naturally disease resistant to your region, the tree will have a better chance of longer life without constant preventive care. (We're located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Here's how to find a qualified arborist in your part of Virginia.) Native trees and plants usually cost less to water and other care costs.

4. Similarly, by planting young trees at the proper depth and spacing, you’ll help the young trees take root easier without crowding others out and, ultimately, dying off too early. This reduces tree maintenance costs. Also, adding a natural mulch around the base of your trees will help them retain moisture during the hotter summer months. This will help lower your water bill.

Other ways tree care can pay for itself:

5. Reduce summer electrical and other cooling costs by planting a shade tree. Plant one or more on your home's southern exposure. Also plant one or more shade tree over your air conditioning unit to use electricity more efficiently.

6. Trees are natural noise baffles and can save you from installing expensive noise-reduction devices. Choose evergreens combined with other mass plantings to reduce noise.

7. With proper planting, you reduce the need for frequent watering during your tree's earliest years. Watch your water bill shrink.

8. Trees provide natural shelter to wildlife, including insect and pest eating animals, such as birds.

9. Maintaining trees on your property will help reduce rainwater run-off pollution. They also naturally filter pollutants. Polluted rainwater and local sewage treatment costs are passed on to every taxpayer. Do your part to reduce these costs.

10. Trees are beautiful and enjoyed by all ages. That's priceless!  By combining thoughtful landscape planning with established tree care practices, you soon realize a savings in your property maintenance budget, as well as enjoy a tangible increase in property value

Common Virginia Tree Killers

Hemlock Wolly AdelgidTrees are living organisms and, like us, they are susceptible to disease and harm. While death is a natural part of life, you can extend the life of your trees by properly identifying their afflictions and taking correct remedies with your tree care professional.

Diseases
Disease affects trees in different ways. Some of the afflictions attacking common Virginia trees include:

Dogwood: powdery mildew is often weather related and form white or grey discoloration on the leaves. It will usually remedy itself and isn’t fatal.

Elms: vascular conditions can affect Virginia trees by weakening their branch structure and can be fatal; Dutch Elm Disease is commonly seen in the news. Anti-fungal medication can help, but elms are genetically susceptible to this affliction.

Maples: Verticillium Wilt is a common disease among maples and many woody plantings. Effects include sparse leafing, weakened branches. It can be fatal, although nitrogen treatments can lessen its effects.

Insects
Insects can be equally opportunity pests and are can also carry tree diseases with them as they root into trees. Common destructive insects in Virginia include:

Emerald ash bores are an invasive Asian species first detected in North American in 2002. Since then, they have infested nearly 15 states, including Virginia. Borers nest in trees and the larvae eat the wood, killing the tree. So far, eradication efforts have been elusive. Other boring beetles afflict other Virginia tree species too.

Tent caterpillars and web worms weave dense, sinewy webs within tree branches to hatch their larvae. The result can be defoliation, sometimes complete. Removing web nests is recommended.

Don't forget bagworms, either!

Humans
Finally, human beings are damaging to trees, too. We are the biggest threat to forests here and around the world. Virginia loses approximately 20,000 acres of forests to commercial and residential development each year. At a time when our nation is reconsidering the wisdom of strip malls and broad retail zones, the preservation of trees is a resource investment that will always pay for itself.

We can help you care for your trees and lawn. Just call us and make an appointment to keep your trees healthy: 540-337-4588

Find a Qualified Arborist in Virginia

Todd Ryburn, FlickrYou wouldn't trust your home's roof or plumbing maintenance to an unqualified contractor, so why would you approach tree care any differently?

Trees are an investment that enhance your property's value. You'll also benefit from years of enjoyment if you pay a relatively small amount now to maintain tree health. Trees deserve proper care during their long lives. That is why a majority of the team at Big "O" Tree & Lawn Care are certified arborists. 

Good tree care begins with qualified tree care professionals. The Virginia Department of Forestry has some simple, straight-forward tips to help you select a qualified arborist. Here are some tips.

To start, professional arborist have been certified. They have been trained to identify and treat a wide number of trees, diseases, and other issues. (Learn more about our certifications here.)

Look for companies or individuals who are certified by organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and/or by the Tree Care Institute of America (TCIA). If you live in the Mid-Atlantic, check to see if your prospective company is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. These arborist certifications ensure you are dealing with a service professional who has been rigorously examined in the science and practical methods of tree care. This increases the probability that the trees on your property will look their best and provide pleasure for years to come.

A certified arborist can assist you with a number of tree health services, including:

• branch and limb pruning 
• tree removal, if necessary 
• emergency tree care, such as storm damage
• new tree planting and landscape planning
• insect and disease abatement

As with any professional service, a certified arborist will furnish their professional accreditation and references, as well as follow accepted best practices in tree care and business conduct. Your local business directory is a good starting point to locate an arborist, but word-of-mouth from neighbors and simple internet research is also an excellent resource.