Trees have a reputation for being strong, resilient, and stately. And for the most part, they really are all those things!

But sometimes diseases can creep into a healthy tree and ruin it. These problems start to eat away at the tree from the inside, breaking down all the things that make it so great. Eventually, they become a safety hazard and have to be brought down.

Getting a tree health assessment done will help you know exactly how your tree is doing on the inside. This will give you all the information you need to take care of your trees. Check out this guide for everything you need to know!

Signs to Get an Inspection

Getting a tree risk assessment is a good idea for every tree, no matter how big or small it is. But there are certainly times when it’s more crucial than others.

If you start to notice that your tree is shedding its bark out of its normal patterns, it’s time to call in an expert. The same goes if you see many empty branches, extra mushroom growth, or a large number of bugs. If anything looks abnormal it’s a good idea to get the whole tree checked out.

Bringing in the experts for an inspection every year will make sure no problems go unnoticed.

Steps of a Tree Risk Assessment

When you bring in an arborist for a tree health assessment, they’ll thoroughly check each part of the tree.

First, they’ll start with a visual check on the entire tree. This is where they’ll look for abnormalities on the trunk, branches, leaves, or any exposed roots.

Next, the experts will do a couple of more internal tests to make sure nothing is hiding beneath the surface. This could include a soil analysis or a check for chlorophyll fluorescence. Both of these tests can indicate hidden problems that haven’t manifested yet.

Actions After a Tree Evaluation

Once they have all the information, the tree expert will give you a list of recommendations. This plan will help you resolve any issues that were found. Or offer some preventative tips if none were found. It’s completely customized to your specific tree.

In general, these tips will include pruning, adding products, or changing the watering schedule. Simple changes are usually all that you need to rehabilitate your trees.

Unfortunately, sometimes it’s clear after the test that a tree is unsafe and needs to come down. This should be done as quickly as possible to avoid any accidents.

Schedule a Tree Health Assessment Soon

Taking care of your trees is a major part of being a property owner. Adding a tree health assessment to your yearly routine can ensure that they stay healthy.

Not only will these experts be able to detect a problem in its early stages. But they’ll also help you develop a plan moving forward. Their expert knowledge will be applied to your specific trees and their issues. Giving you the best chance of recovery and healthy trees!

If you have trees on your property, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. Contact us today to get started!

Did you know that curb appeal and landscaping will boost the value of your home by 10%-20%? If you have overgrown trees or broken tree branches, you may have noticed that there’s work to be done. So can you trim trees in the summer?

This guide will help answer that question and more. From when to cut tree limbs to summer pruning, this round-up has everything you need to know about summer tree trimming with professionals, so read on.

The Pros and Cons of Summer Pruning

While it’s more common to cut tree branches in the dormant phase of tree growth, there are many reasons why people do it in the summer. With any landscaping project, there are always benefits and drawbacks to certain projects during different seasons.

If you have an established tree, summer pruning will help keep it healthy by encouraging new growth. This new growth helps strengthen the tree and makes it less likely to break in storms or high winds later on. If you have trees over power lines or trees that have been damaged in storms, it’s always best to get those taken care of right away even if it’s summer.

Calling a professional will help you decide whether trimming a tree now or waiting is best. The experts will also know how much to cut. You never want to over-prune a tree in the summer.

Summer Tree Trimming Reduces Injury Risks

If you have trees that are broken, unhealthy, or diseased, it is sometimes best to trim them in the summer. There are many examples of trees that can’t wait until fall or winter to be trimmed.

If you have low-hanging branches over your power lines or yard, it’s important to get those looked at by professionals. You don’t want to wait too long and have a branch fall on a child or family member.

Falling trees, broken limbs, and cracked branches are dangerous. Let the professionals take care of these to reduce the risk of injury to yourself or your loved ones.

Summer Storms Cause Fallen Tree Branches

Storms are more prevalent in the spring and summer months. Because of this, there are more chances of broken tree limbs and branches in the summer. If you have an overgrown tree or low-hanging branches, give the professionals a call.

If a bad storm comes through, these limbs become dangerous. In addition to harming your family and guests, trees can also damage your home. With trees that need trimming, summer storms force them onto your roof, decks, or yards.

Can You Trim Trees in the Summer? Call Now for Professional Tree Trimming Services

Can you trim trees in the summer? The answer is yes. Summer pruning helps keep your tree healthy and prevents injury risks, such as broken branches during storms.

If you have been considering trimming your trees now is the time. Fill out the contact form here to get in touch with a tree-trimming professional.

Texas is a state that tends to have more than enough trees in it compared to other parts of the country.

Just how many trees are there? The Lone Star state is estimated to have over 15.6 billion trees.

You may have one on your property that is taking up a lot of space. Then, you may ask yourself, “Can I cut down a tree on my property?”

Well, this guide is here to answer that question.

Know Your Property Line

One of the most important things when it comes to tree removal in Texas is being aware of your property line. In Texas, trees are defined for the most part as being the property owner’s responsibility if it is firmly on their property.

Some trees are protected by the Lone Star state but as long as your tree is not on that list, you can legally remove your tree if you go through the legal process.

Another thing to note here is that in Texas, you can conduct tree trimming if someone else’s tree infringes on your side of the property line.

Tree Size

The next thing you need to consider is how large your tree is. Depending on its size, there may be more paperwork involved for you to legally cut down on a tree on your own property.

Something you will need to check is how large your tree’s diameter is. If a small tree has a diameter larger than eight inches, Dallas requires you to apply for a permit to remove that tree.

The exception to this comes with the Tree Impact Activity clause. This states that a property owner has the right to cut down a tree on their property without a permit if the tree presents an immediate danger to them or those around them.

Protected Trees

Finally, you have to remember that Texas protects certain tree species. There are a variety of reasons for this including the species being endangered, the species providing a certain amount of natural benefits, and more.

As a result, you may need to find out what type of tree is on your property before cutting it down. If you cut down a protected tree that was not causing immediate danger to your neighborhood, you could face legal consequences.

Can I Cut Down a Tree on My Property?

You may be asking yourself, “Can I cut down a tree on my property?”

Well, the answer depends on a few factors. Is it a protected tree? Is it larger than the diameters discussed above?

If you answered yes to those questions, then you need to apply for a permit.

Then, ask yourself these questions. Is the tree causing immediate danger? Is it infringing your property line? Is it smaller than the diameter above?

If you answered yes to those questions, then you can cut down the tree. For help with this, message us here.

Research shows that homes with trees have as much as 3.5% to 15% more value. This is because many buyers prefer homes with trees for privacy and aesthetic appeal.

If you have a tree on your property, you may be worried about tree health. This is very important, especially when we are discussing something like a dead branch.

Tree maintenance is a critical part of keeping your trees healthy. This will minimize your costs in the future by preserving the tree as a whole.

Keep reading to find out how to spot a dead branch and why it is important.

Caring For Trees: Dead Branches 101

A lot of tree varieties require pruning, which involves cutting branches back. Doing this allows the tree to preserve its energy and continue growing.

Dead branches occur for a variety of reasons depending on the situation. Something may have happened to that branch, cutting off the support it needed.

Or it may not have been pruned and lacked the nutrients it needed. The problem with dead branches is that healthy trees still try to maintain them.

The tree will continue to lose vital nutrients by sending it to the dead branches. New growth can come from dead branches, but it is not worthwhile.

It is much more efficient to hire a company like Dallas Tree Service to help with this problem.

Signs a Tree Branch Is Dead

Tree health is something you have to consider as a homeowner with trees on your property. They can become very expensive if they aren’t maintained.

When a branch has died, there are certain things you can look for. Here are some examples of how you can examine your tree for any issues.

Fungal Growth

Depending on the situation, a tree branch may have things growing on it. This isn’t always a bad sign, but you should examine the growth.

Something like turkey tail fungus is an obvious problem. This is a type of fungus that grows on dead trees and stumps, indicating that the branch is dead.

Mushroom growth could also reveal that the branch has been dead for some time. You can peel back some of the bark to see if there is any sign of decay.

Pests

Your tree is home to a variety of small creatures that live and eat there. But there are certain insects that you want to keep an eye out for when it comes to a dead branch.

If a branch is dead, you may find a large number of insect feces around the tree. This may be around the trunk or underneath the dead branch.

You should keep an eye out for things like giant bark aphids and leaf-cutting bees. You may want to look into local pests to know exactly what to look for.

A large number of pests indicates that the tree branch is dead and decaying. This attracts insect life as they feed on this decay.

Less Activity

There are a few very simple ways to find a dead branch on your tree. One way to do this is to look for a branch that is not showing any activity.

A dead branch will not have new buds or new leaves. In fact, it may have twigs and dead leaves that are falling off of it.

These kinds of branches may also have a more grayish color than the rest of the tree.

Dry Bark

A healthy branch is going to be quite flexible and green. On the other hand, a dead branch is going to become brittle and easy to break off.

The bark will be very dry and brittle, not green and moist. This is a clear indicator that the branch has died and needs to be removed.

Why Remove Dead Branches?

When you have a tree on your property, you may be worried about dead branches. If you notice any dead branches, this is something you need to address as soon as possible.

Here are some examples of why this is important.

Beauty

A dead branch takes away from the overall look of a healthy tree. Dead branches are bare and often have a different color and a dried-up appearance.

This can stick out, especially when your tree is in bloom.

Damage Risks

Dead branches no longer have support from the tree. This makes them a risk since they could fall on someone or on something on your property.

It is your responsibility as the homeowner to make sure the tree is not a risk.

Environmental Risks

As we discussed above, dead branches accumulate growth and pests. This is not only bad for the tree branch, but it is also bad for the entire tree.

If left alone for too long, this could result in the entire tree dying. You also risk that tree spreading disease to any other trees that are nearby.

Insects will also be attracted to the rest of your property if they are attracted to that tree. This could cause an infestation where many landscaping features are damaged.

Dead Branch: Understanding Tree Health Basics

As a homeowner, you may have a tree on your property you need to take care of. One part of tree maintenance is locating a dead branch on the tree.

A dead branch has died and no longer provides any use to the tree. That is why it is important that it is removed before it causes further damage.

Are you interested in tree trimming services in Dallas, Fort Worth? Contact us today at Green Pine Tree Service to book an appointment.

21% of Plano, Texas is covered in trees. That number has been growing since the city adopted an Urban Forest Management Plan in 2018.

Keeping these trees in check requires services such as pruning, trimming, cutting, and felling. It’s a necessity in every part of the city but becomes more personal when it reaches your backyard.

Read on for three ways to choose the best tree service in Plano.

1. Check Their Credibility

Check the service’s website for the proper credentials and licensure. They should be accredited by the Better Business Bureau. You can also check if they’re members of trade associations such as the Tree Care Industry Association or the International Society of Arboriculture.

Look at how long the tree service has been in business. Positive reviews and references confirm that they’ve developed a positive reputation over that time.

Going on word of mouth alone isn’t as effective as meeting with them in person. Schedule an appointment to meet in person.

They shouldn’t hesitate to answer any questions you have, especially when you request to see their certificates of insurance. At a minimum, they should have liability and worker’s compensation. It’s a necessary precaution because tree workers have 15 times the fatality rate and three times the nonfatal rate of all other industries.

2. Look Into Their Services and Staff

Check the tree service’s website for a full list of their staff. It should include at least one or more certified arborists with the proper credentials. Ask about what tools they have and whether they’re OSHA certified.

They can help you understand the full range of services they offer and which ones would be best for you. For instance, tree trimming and pruning sound the same but are used in different situations.

3. Get Quotes

If you want to get an idea of the average cost of tree service in Plano, get quotes from two or three companies and compare them. Step away from outrageously high figures. Low ones are a warning sign of inexperience and unprofessionalism.

Consider what’s included in each company’s quote. Felling is the quickest form of tree removal but can damage your yard. Cutting it into smaller sections takes more time and costs more but causes less damage. This may make it a better value for your money.

Never commit to paying for the service until you’re satisfied with the work. Avoid paying upfront unless you want them to complete a tree cutting but never return to get the stump removed.

Where to Get Tree Service in Plano

Plano is a city full of trees that need managing, and finding the right professionals to do it can prevent emergencies down the line.

Do research to find out if they’re certified and have a positive reputation. Look at their staff’s credentials and see if they can perform the services you need. Get quotes from a variety of sources and don’t pay until you know you’ve found reliable professionals.

Greenpine Tree Service has a staff of trained arborists that maintain and shape trees throughout the DFW area. Contact us for tree service in Plano today.