Why Do We Use Green Pine Trees for Christmas?

Ready to celebrate Christmas?

The Christmas holidays are always great bonding moments for your family. One of the most important symbols of Christmas is the green pine trees used as Christmas trees. But how did they come to be?

Don’t let go of that question yet.

With this guide, you’ll learn how the green pine tree became the Christmas tree symbol. You’ll also learn about some types of Christmas trees you can use for your home. Read on and find out more:

Who Brought Christmas Trees to America?

Most Americans in the 19th century found Christmas trees odd. The first record of a Christmas tree on display was in the 1830s. These are trees used by the German settlers that made Pennsylvania their home, but German homes already had this tradition earlier.

After all, the German settlements within this region had Christmas trees as early as the late 1740s. But most Americans as late as the 1840s saw Christmas trees as paganistic. That’s why most of them didn’t accept these as symbols of Christmas.

How Did Americans Receive Christmas Trees and Other Customs?

Since Americans at that time saw Christmas trees as pagan symbols, it’s unsurprising why the country took so long before they adopted it. For example, some influential religious figures preached that Christmas trees and other traditions like Christmas carols as “heathen traditions” that defile the sanctity of Christmas. It got to the point that even the General Court of Massachusetts made a law that made anything other than church services on December 25 a penal offense.

That means people got fined for simple activities like hanging decorations. This type of stern solemnity persisted until well into the 19th century. The constant influx of both German and Irish immigrants served to undermine the legacy of the Puritans.

When Did Christmas Trees Become Popular?

Queen Victoria’s popularity with her subjects made the Christmas tree fashionable. This extended beyond Britain since the East Coast American Society adopted it with open arms.

By the 1890s, Christmas trees are rising in popularity in the United States, with ornaments from Germany arriving in the country. While Europeans used four-foot-tall trees, Americans preferred cutting pine trees that reach their ceiling.

In the early 20th century, Americans decorated their trees using homemade ornaments. Those with German heritage continued using apples, marzipan cookies, and nuts. Later on, they added popcorn since they can dye it with bright colors.

When electricity got discovered, it introduced Christmas lights somewhere down the line. This made it possible for the trees to glow for days. With that, having a Christmas tree at home became a full-fledged American tradition.

What is the Best Green Pine Tree Species for Christmas?

There are many species of pine trees reside within the United States. They’re evergreen conifers, and they’re the most common coniferous trees across the globe. Here are some great options for Christmas trees:

1. White Pine

This tree grows bundles of needles. It has this bluish-green hue with pointed tips, with flexible branches that give little to no aroma. If you’re planning to use this as a Christmas tree, avoid using heavy or large ornaments since its branches aren’t that strong.

If you plan to make an outdoor Christmas tree that can last for generations, the white pine is a great choice.

It’s because it’s the largest pine in the countries, with mature trees growing to heights of up to 230 feet tall. It can also live up to 400 years, meaning your succeeding generations can enjoy this tree, especially when they employ proper cutting and trimming techniques.

2. Scotch Pine

Also known as the Scots pine, this pine tree is another great option as a Christmas tree. It has dark green foliage and sturdier branches compared to white pine. This makes it a perfect tree if you want to go all-out with your Christmas lights and ornaments.

Scotch pine trees aren’t as tall as white pines since they can only grow up to 115 feet tall. Their needles change colors, from blue-green to darker green during the winter months. It also grows in fascicles of two.

If you want a pine tree with long-term needle retention, the scotch pine is your best bet. This means you need not clean as much when Christmas concludes. Depending on your preferences, this tree also has this medium aroma.

3. Virginia Pine

This pine tree is easy to identify because it has short, twisted needles that grow in pairs. This pine tree has short branches but it has denser foliage. This makes it responsive to trimming.

Among the trees on this list, the Virginia pine is the smallest. It’s because it’s a small to medium-sized tree that can only grow up to 70 feet tall. If you have limited spaces in your home, this tree can brighten it up.

How to Choose the Best Christmas Tree for Your Home

Now you know some types of pine trees, you now have a better idea of how they can affect your choices. Here are some tips to get the most out of your investment this Christmas:

1. Check Your Home Location

To get the right indoor Christmas tree, you must ensure that there’s a six-inch gap between the tree top and your ceiling. If you want a tree topper, double this gap. This means getting a 7-foot tree if you have standard 8-foot ceilings.

2. Consider the Angles

Look at the tree from a few vantage points, preferably 5-8 feet away. Ensure that the trunk is as straight as possible. At the same time, it must not stand out from the foliage.

Get Your Christmas Tree Today!

These are some of the things you must know about green pine Christmas trees. Use these to ensure you get the best trees around.

Do you need help with your Christmas tree? If so, contact us today and let’s talk.

Helping Humans and Nature: 6 Reasons Why Tree Pruning Is Important

As President Trump signs the one trillion tree executive order, we’re all reminded of the importance of promoting conservation and the need to regenerate the country’s forests. Apart from planting trees, the next best thing you can do for both humans and nature is tree pruning.

You see, the trees in our forests have the freedom to grow, stretch their branches, and spread out their limbs as much as possible. When the time comes, they shed old branches and weak limbs, which fall to the forest floor without much impact. However, when it comes to the trees in your backyard, so much freedom is not possible.

You want them to remain healthy and look as natural as possible, while at the same time, you want to prevent them from becoming a safety risk. This is where tree pruning comes in. Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing tree branches to improve the tree’s structure and redirect new and healthy growth.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why tree pruning is important.

1. Improved Plant Health

The most significant benefit of tree pruning is improved plant health. You see, pruning gets rid of damaged and unwanted tree branches that may have been dead or diseased. What makes this so important is that dead or dying branches or stubs can become an entry point for pests and diseases.

Diseases can then spread to the rest of the tree, which would lead to more dead branches and damage to the entire tree. This means that it’s imperative for you always to catch the dead branches on time to keep them healthy and prevent pests and diseases.

2. Reduced Pests and Insects

The next best thing about pruning the trees on your property is that it helps prevent or manage pests and insects much better. There’s a wide range of insects, worms, and pests that build nests on trees and other shrubs around your home. Most of these organisms tend to eat the foliage and suck the plant’s sap, weakening and that tree in the process.

They can also spread diseases, and if left unchecked, they could kill the tree entirely.

In addition to that, some of these pests and insects can also become annoying uninvited guests into your home, which will give you something extra to worry about. Tree pruning can help you avoid all these problems and manage insects and pests on your property.

3. Enhance Plant Growth

You may not know this, and it may seem counter-intuitive, but tree pruning actually encourages growth.

When the shoot tips are trimmed, they influence the growth of other shoot tips. This essentially means that once you prune some of the main shoots on your trees, they will encourage the growth of other shoots as well, leaving you with an incredibly healthy tree that remains beautiful throughout.

4. Enhance the Beauty of Your Trees

Talking about beautiful trees, tree pruning enhances the beauty of your trees. When you reduce the amount of wood by cutting the tree branches, you create more energy for the tree. This energy promotes growth and health for the rest of the tree, and it develops healthier leaves and flowers.

Of course, for this to happen, tree pruning has to be done correctly. If you’re unsure of your tree pruning skills but want to increase the number of shoots that grow flowers on your trees, consider hiring a professional tree pruning services.

5. Enhance the Aesthetics of Your Home

Tree pruning is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal and maintain your landscaping.

When you trim wayward branches, you keep them evergreen, dense and proportioned in a way that looks good. You can prune your trees to a desired size or shape that fits according to your landscape, then go the extra mile and prune your shrubs as well to support your landscape layout and keep your home looking great.

6. Protect Your Family and Property

One of the best things about regulatory pruning trees on your property is that you keep your family and property safe when you remove the dead branches. These damaged tree branches can always fall unexpectedly, and it could be anywhere depending on the location of your tree.

The last thing you want is for a tree limb to fall and damage your roof, or worse, fall on someone on walkways, driveways, or children’s play areas. Pruning is especially important when approaching fall or rainy seasons because a storm can break the branches and drag them to your property.

Top Tree Pruning Methods

The pruning process is not a straight forward as just trimming any branches you come across. If you have no idea what’s involved and the different pruning methods, the best course of action may be to contact professional tree pruning services.

Let’s look at the different pruning methods below.

Thinning

Thinning is a radical type of tree pruning because you have to cut the entire shoot, limb, or branch from the point of origin.

This process is most suitable for old parts that are weak, problematic, over-mature, or unwanted. It revitalizes the tree and encourages the formation of fresh growth.

Topping

Topping involves obliterating the branches of a tree and leaving the trunk behind.

This process is most suitable for very young trees if you are looking to create trellis, espalier, or during pollarding. However, this is not a highly recommended tree pruning method and is usually best left to the specialists.

Raising

Raising involves turning the lower branches of the tree, which is mostly done to clear a path. If a tree happens to be on your driveway or walkway outside your gate, you can use this tree pruning method to clear a path for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.

Reduction

Reduction is another tree pruning method that involves reducing the tree’s height, size, or spread. The process consists of cutting the branch leaders or terminals to maintain the structural integrity of the tree.

The Importance of Tree Pruning

Now that you understand tree pruning’s importance, you should get to it and take good care of your trees. For professional trimming, you can always hire the best tree pruning services in your area and let them bring your trees back to life.

For professionals tree pruning, please contact Green Pine Tree Service today and let us take good care of your trees.

This Is How to Identify What Type of Tree You Have

Do you admire a beautiful tree in your garden every day but can’t put a name to it? Or maybe there’s a tree that’s looking a bit frail, but you don’t know how to go about reviving it.

Understanding the type of tree, or trees, that you have in your garden is important for your own pleasure and to properly care for your garden. There are over 60,000 species of trees in the world. But don’t let that overwhelm you.

There are some easy steps to identifying trees and soon it will become like second nature. Keep reading to learn how to identify trees.

1. Start With the Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of trees can be broken down into three broad categories: needles, scales, and broadleaf. Once you’ve identified which category the leaf falls into, you should recognize the shape, appearance, texture, and color.

By observing the leaves you can determine whether the tree is coniferous or deciduous. Coniferous trees will have pine cones, needles, or scaly leaves that are present the entire year. Deciduous leaves usually have broadleaves that fall off the tree in Fall.

This is the first step to identification, but there are some exceptions. Such as trees that have evergreen leaves that are not needles.

Leaves will also give you information about whether your tree is alive, or unhealthy.

The Shape of the Leaf

Some trees have a specific and recognizable leaf shape, such as the oak tree or the ginkgo tree. Look at some tree identification pictures as a comparison guide to help you.

Flowers

Are there any flowers on the tree? If flowers are present, this can be a really distinctive way to identify trees. For example, magnolia trees are easily recognizable by their blossoms.

Observe the Bark

Sometimes there are no leaves for you to identify, but that’s no problem. There are stories held in the bark of trees — including their names!

Bark all looks the same unless you take a closer look. Closely examine the appearance, texture, markings, and color. Things to look out for are patterns. You may see deep ridges on the surface of the bark or peeling flakes. Other trees such as sycamores have smooth or shiny bark.

Now take a close look at the color — is it the color of cinnamon such as is found on a mulberry tree? You’ll easily spot the multicolored bark of a rainbow eucalyptus tree.

Some trees, such as the European buckthorn, have characteristic bark that makes them easily recognizable. Look out for defining features such as an unusual pattern or markings.

Take in the Entire Appearance

Take a couple of steps back, you’re probably getting tunnel vision at this point inspecting the leaves and bark. Look at the overall appearance of the tree, it’s size and shape. Weeping willows have drooping branches, while silver birches are narrow in shape. Are there layered branches of a mature cedar?

What Type of Tree Do You Have?

Are you feeling equipped with the knowledge you need to identify the type of tree in your garden? Once you become familiar with certain characteristics of common trees, you’ll be identifying them wherever you go!

If you need any help pruning, removing, or evaluating the trees in your yard, contact Green Pine Tree Service. Our expert team is here to help you with all your tree needs.

Cutting and Trimming Pine Trees: A Basic Guide

One of the most beautiful evergreens, the pine tree is a treasured part of any garden. The majestic pine is popular for its immense height and beauty and brings a shady canopy and the fresh scent of pine needles to your outdoor space.

But did you know that your pine needs a bit of love and attention to keep both you and your tree safe?

Keep reading for our basic guide on trimming pine trees.

Why Should I Trim My Pine Tree? 

Although pine trees don’t need much attention, you should still take care of your pine with an occasional trim. Pruning your tree of the dead, damaged, or diseased branches will ensure that it grows dense, lush foliage throughout its lifespan. You’ll also avoid any potential accidents caused by falling tree debris!

Pine trees are also known to grow to great heights and sometimes get a bit too big for the area they’re growing. So you’ll also need to prune to keep your pine tree’s form looking neat and tidy and avoid your tree obstructing the growth of other foliage.

When Should I Trim My Pine Tree? 

It’s best to trim your tree in the late winter to early spring. However, if your tree is damaged or diseased and there’s a risk of falling branches, you’ll need to start trimming as soon as possible. If you can, avoid trimming in late summer or fall.

It’s also best practice to prune a pine tree when it’s just been planted. If you start pruning when your tree is young, it will need less maintenance later.

A Basic Guide to Trimming Pine Trees

Experts best trim larger pines, but if you have a young pine that needs attention, trimming it yourself is easy. You’ll just need some gardening equipment and to follow a few basic steps.

Preparing to Prune

If you’re trimming a small pine tree, make sure you have everything you need on hand. The best tool for the job is a small, sharp hand saw. Gardening shears should do the trick for thinner branches. If possible, prune with gardening gloves to avoid any pokes and scratches.

Larger trees will require a chainsaw, but this depends on the thickness of their branches. It’s important that you don’t handle any heavy machinery if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Always read the operating instructions before use, and make sure you know exactly what you’re doing to avoid injury.

Let’s Get Trimming!

To get your young pine to grow in a healthy, traditional cone shape, trim back its branches by about one-third. The branches should be kept about 6 inches shorter than the center trunk.

The top part of your pine tree is called the crown. When your tree is young, you should cut away about a third of the crown every year. This makes for thicker growth and greener foliage.

Keeping a Healthy Pine

Remove any dead branches. These will be easy to spot as they’ll no longer have any green foliage. Make sure you cut away any diseased branches about 6 inches from the diseased part of the branch.

When Should I Call an Expert?

If you don’t have much experience, or you have a larger tree that needs attention, it’s recommended that you call in the experts. A professional service will have the right equipment and experience in trimming pine trees. Plus, you can trust that your tree is in safe and experienced hands.

To enquire about pruning or other garden services, get in touch today!

Pine Tree Stump Removal: These Are the Key Things to Know

Yellow or brown needles, dead branches, leaning off-balance…all the tell-tale signs are there. Your pine tree’s dying and needs to get removed.

However, pine trees grow differently from other trees in that their roots spread out more on a horizontal plane. Normal tree roots tend to go down and deep instead. So what steps can you take to ensure this pine tree stump gets taken out of the ground and stays out?

Well, you’re in luck. We’re here to give you this guide to the key things to know about pine tree stump removal! So without further ado, let’s get started!

Grind the Pine Tree Stump Out

One of the fastest ways to reduce a pine tree stump to nothing is through stump grinding. First, make sure to clear all the dirt and rocks away from the stump until the bottom is exposed. Afterward, you can use a stump grinder to slice away at the stump until it’s in pieces.

Leaving the roots intact is fine, as without the leaves the roots have no energy to reconstitute a tree from.

Chip Away

If a stump grinder seems too heavy-duty for you, you can also try to chip away at the stump using a shovel and ax. Dig around the stump and use the ax to sever any roots you find along the way. Once enough roots are severed, you should be able to lift the stump out of the ground using the shovel or a metal rod (if you use it as a lever).

Light Em Up

Conversely, if a stump grinder seems too tame for you, you can also use fire to help reduce a stump down to size. First, you’ll want to make sizable criss-cross incisions along the top of the stump using a chainsaw or other bladed tool.

After this, pour kerosene into the cracks and light the stump on fire. The incisions help keep oxygen flowing in the fire, so it will burn longer. You can also place a barrel around the stump and fill the gap with firewood if you want to contain the fire better.

However, it’s worth noting that fire will take time to remove the stump and some manual removal will likely be needed after.

Methods to Avoid

However, some stump removal methods are too dangerous to try at home. While scientists have been able to remove stumps in controlled settings with herbicides, they present a danger to the other plants and animals in your yard. On top of that, rainwater will spread the herbicides across the ground to affect neighboring areas.

It’s also important to abstain from any stump removal methods without the proper safety equipment. Goggles and gloves are a must, as is ear protection if you’re operating something like a chainsaw.

Tree Stump No More

With these top-tier steps to ripping out any pine tree stump that stands in your way, you’re ready to get out there and clear some trees today! If you want to get even more efficient, however, reach out to us and let us know how we can help kick your pine tree stump out for good.

 

How Long Does It Take for a Tree to Grow?

Are you planting a new tree in your yard and you’re wondering how long it’ll be before it’s full-height?

Maybe you’ve already got a tree and you want to know how much bigger it’s going to get. Many people ask us, “how long does it take for a tree to grow?”, but the answer is never as simple as people want it to be. There are 60,000 tree species in the world and they all grow in different ways.

However, for practical purposes, you can look at a couple of factors to determine how the tree in your yard will grow. In this post, we’ll discuss those and tell you some signs to look out for that’ll help you indicate how big your tree is going to get.

How Long Does It Take For a Tree to Grow?

Growing a tree from seed is one of the most satisfying things to do over a long period of time. If all goes well, your tree might live for hundreds of years, but when does it actually stop growing?

That depends on two important things: the type of tree and the location it’s growing in.

Location

Let’s start with the tree’s location. If it’s growing in a warmer climate, it’s going to grow faster than in colder climates. Tree species near the equator might grow several meters per year, while those in the northern parts of Canada and Europe might only grow a meter or two per year.

So, depending on the tree, it might take 10-20 years for one growing in a sunny area to reach maturity or 30-40 years in the cold. For us in Dallas, most of our big tree species grow to between 35-80 feet in height and our sub-tropical climate means that they’ll grow on the faster end of the spectrum.

Species

If you’re planting a new tree and want it to grow quickly, make sure it’s a native species that is meant to grow in the north Texas climate. Our native species include maple, ash, willow, sycamore, cypress, oak, and laurel, among others. Each one grows at a different rate, but none are more than 80 feet tall when mature.

When you factor the maximum height in with the likely growth rate of a few meters per year, you’ll be looking at somewhere between 15-30 years for your tree to grow.

Taking Care of Your Tree

So, how long does it take for a tree to grow? It’s tough to say exactly, but it’s going to be a long, long time before a young tree reaches maturity.

If left alone, trees don’t need our help to grow, they’ve been doing it successfully since long before we were around. That being said, a city isn’t exactly a natural place for a tree to grow, so you might need to guide it along throughout its life.

At Green Pine Tree Service, our staff of highly trained arborists will help ensure the health and safety of your tree(s). Contact us for a consultation, in which we can assess the condition of your tree, show you signs of a dead tree, help you treat pests and disease, and create a plan for removing a dead tree or keeping a sick tree alive.

What to Do If Your Tree Has Frost Cracks

Every year, winter happens. That means many areas around America get covered in frost.

But what happens when you have frost cracks etched into the trunk? What are you supposed to do? Should you call an arborist for an evaluation? Or should you treat the tree yourself?

Follow this guide, and we’ll show you what to do if your tree cracks from frost.

Frost Cracks

Winter temperatures dropping below zero sometimes causes cracks in trees. Frost cracks cause a lot of damage to trees, and, sometimes, the damage is permanent.

What Causes a Frosted Tree to Crack?

Trees with frost cracks in them are often found in open areas. Found on winter days, the inner bark becomes warm by the sunlight. As the temperature drops, the bark begins shrinking.

The wood inside the tree’s trunk slowly contracts as the bark shrinks. This process causes the bark of the tree trunk to split in half — this is a frost crack.

According to the University of Michigan, scientists believe frost cracks are caused by the water moving out cells and freezing within the tree. The wood closest to the tree’s surface shrinks as it loses water.

This is common with younger trees that have thin bark.

Developed trees may suffer from frost cracks. The inside of trees reaches higher temperatures than the air around them.

A few species that are more likely to develop frost cracks include, but are not limited to:

  • Apple trees
  • Beech trees
  • Elm
  • London plane
  • Maple

Tree Scald

Some nights, the air becomes cooler, the temperature drops. As a result, the cambium layer and bark become damaged. This damage isn’t called frost cracks. It’s called tree scald.

How to Fix Frost Cracks

There’re many reasons your tree may have a crack in it. Learning how to help your cracked tree and preventing frost cracks is the first step.

If your tree already has damage within its trunk, don’t shake it. Shaking the tree will cause more damage, and there’s a chance of hurting yourself.

First, evaluate where your trees are in your yard, and identify what could damage them.

Prevention

Instead of applying fertilizer too early, wait until the leaves fall off the tree. Waiting to put fertilizer on your tree can help avoid frost cracks.

Avoid damaging the bark on the tree’s trunk while it’s still young and growing. You can damage your tree by hitting the base with your lawnmower or your car’s bumper.

Placing mulch around the young tree’s base can help your lawnmower from damaging the tree. The mulch acts as a barrier around the base.

When to Call an Expert

If your tree is too far gone, it’s time to call in an expert. A professional will assess the damaged tree and explain the next course of action.

Our Services

Frost cracks aren’t a laughing matter. Severe damage causes the infected tree to lean and fall over. If a cracked tree is left untreated, someone could get hurt.

That’s why it’s best to call an arborist to evaluate the damage if you notice a crack in one of your trees. A professional will help you learn what you need to do.

For more articles like this, visit our website and learn about our services, like tree pruning and removal.

Here’s Why You Need to Work With a Certified Arborist

When you’re dealing with trees around your home or workplace, you might be tempted to do a DIY job.

How hard is it to cut down trees anyway? You have a saw and a ladder, so what’s the problem?

Well, before you find yourself in a real mess of a situation, we want to offer some advice: hire a certified arborist to do the heavy lifting for you.

Not sure why you need an arborist? No worries, we’ll convince you. Keep reading to learn why you need to leave the trees to the professionals.

You Get Professional Advice

Arborists aren’t just there to do the job and go. They can make suggestions to give you insight into how you can take care of your tree situation in the future and what the best practices are to maintain the trees on your property.

It might be a certified arborist’s job to take care of your trees when you call them, but they also don’t want to be around for every small issue. They can advise you on what can (and should) be done at home and what should be left to the certified arborists to protect you and the trees.

You Have Options

How much do you really know about trees? When you have a tree that’s bothering you, you’re probably going to look at what limited options you know. You can cut the tree down, you can plant new trees haphazardly, or you can chop off branches with reckless abandon.

A certified arborist knows trees. They can remove unwanted trees with ease, but they can also prune the tree so that it no longer gets in your way. Do you want to get rid of the tree, or are you just trying to stop it from interfering with other things on your property?

An arborist can also give you options for preserving the life of the tree. They can reinforce trees that need extra help and clear away any debris that’s left behind.

You don’t need to limit your options to your tree knowledge.

You Feel Confident That Things Are Done Correctly

Even the most confident people among us feel nervous with a saw and a new situation. You might think that you know exactly what you’re doing, but are you confident enough to risk your property, building, or car? How do you know that branches or the entire tree won’t cause damage?

Arborists have seen it all. When you hire one, they’ll talk to you about your problem and advise solutions. They can do this because they’ve dealt with similar things before.

They’ll get the work done, and it will be done right and fast.

Certified Arborists Beat a DIY Job Every Time

Cutting down trees on your own might seem like a good idea, but you’ll end up regretting it. Certified arborists are available to help you make the right choices for the trees in your yard.

If you want the job done right, leave it to the professionals.

If you need an arborist in the Dallas or Fort Worth area, visit our site. We want to help you out!

Fitting the Local Foliage: How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Area

It’s no secret that planting the right trees in and around your home can work wonders when it comes to enhancing the appeal of your yard. Not only does it improve the appearance of your home, but it also brings a brightness to the area that was not there before.

Deciding on the best type of trees for your area can be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to look for. And that’s why we’re providing you with this tree planting guide. You’re going to find everything you need to know to ensure that you know what it takes to find the right tree.

Consider the Space

Before you plant any trees in your yard, you need to assess the space that you’ll have for the trees that will be planted. Depending on the type of tree you’ve selected, it will grow to varying heights, and you don’t want to choose a tree that will overshadow your home.

That is, unless, you’re looking for a tree that will provide you with shade from the sun you’re looking for. Considering the space will also help you decide how many trees you will need to plant to achieve the desired look.

Power Line Height

This is not something that you may have typically thought about, but the last thing you want to do is plant a tree, and later on, it affects the power lines located around your home. Not only is it going to mean that you’ve got to call the power company, but your neighbors aren’t going to be the happiest either.

Climate Temperature

There are specific types of trees that thrive better in colder climates, while some thrive in hotter climates. You need to take the time to research what kind of climate you live in before planting any trees.

Take the time to check out a plant hardiness map, which will tell you what temperature zone your state is in and the types of plants and trees that will thrive the best in your area. From there, select trees that will work the best with what you imagined while also growing and flourishing in its environment.

Soil

Depending on the type of tree you’re planting, it will have precise watering and soil specifications. Some trees will need to be watered frequently in the first year after planting and then not as much as they continue to grow.

Depending on the tree you’re going to plant, it may have specific soil requirements to ensure that it grows properly.

Tree Planting Guide: Trees Growing as High as Their Roots

We hope that this tree planting guide helped you when it comes to starting your tree planting journey. You’ve got to take the time to research the climate that you’re in and the amount of water and the type of soil that the trees you plant will need.

If you need help preserving trees currently in your yard or need someone to come and remove trees from your yard, contact Green Pine Tree Service. We’ve got the experience and client testimonials as evidence that we know what we’re doing.

Is My Tree Still Alive? Here’s How to Find Out

Trees can live up to thousands of years depending on the type. But, how do you know when your tree has given out? There are signs of a dying tree that can be saved or needs to come down right away.

If you are asking yourself, “Is my tree dead?”, read this guide on how to tell.

Leaf Growth

If you’re wondering, “Is my tree dead?”, the first thing you should look at is the growth of the leaves. Each tree will shed leaves at a certain point during the year. It is when the tree begins to shed leaves earlier than usual that you should worry.

Some trees, like evergreens, will keep their leaves the entire year. In this case, you should worry when they are losing a significant amount of leaves. This could be one of the signs your tree is dead.

Leaf Coloration

Another one of the signs your tree is dying is the difference in the color of leaves. During the year, the leaves may change colors. For example, a pine tree might begin to have brown or yellow needles.

This usually means your tree doesn’t have the ability to provide nutrients to the leaves anymore. The signs won’t be noticeable right away. It will take time to creep up, but once it has, you will know.

Unusual Surrounding Species

Trees are often homes to critters and bugs. However, as they age, they become more susceptible to destructive plants and pests. Some of these pests may not be destructive but are only attracted to the tree because it is dying.

If your tree is beginning to welcome life forms that it did not once welcome, it is probably dying. If you are wondering, “can my tree be saved?”, it would have to be moved to a new and healthier area.

Dead Branches

A dead branch is likely the easiest way to tell that your tree is dying or already dead. You can identify a dead branch by seeing if it doesn’t have leaves or if it has scattered bark.

If none of the other branches are dead, it will be easy to spot the dead one. In this case, you can save your tree by cutting off the dead branch. This will allow the tree to stop wasting nutrients.

Directional Leaning

A tree that is dying or already dead tends to lean in a certain direction. A healthy tree is easy to spot because it stays upright or in the direction of the light.

A dying tree cannot support it’s weight anymore, to they will begin to lean. It is best to cut a leaning tree down because it could fall at any moment, harming your home or people around it.

Is My Tree Dead? Explained

Questioning “is my tree dead?”, is the first step to getting something done about it. A dying tree can be saved if only some branches or leaves are changing. However, it is important to know when to let go of a tree so it does not cause any serious damage.

For tree removal services and more, contact us today.