3 Tips for Pruning Pine Trees

Did you know that the best time of year to prune trees is in the winter?

One of the great things about pine trees is that they stay green all year round. They also require much less maintenance than other kinds of trees.

This is why people mistakingly think that it is not necessary to prune them. But if you want to make sure your pine trees stay healthy and continue looking great, it is important to know the proper steps for pruning pine trees.

We’ve written a guide to help you understand the basics of pine tree pruning. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

1. Wash Your Tools Before Using Them

It is possible to spread diseases with your pruning tools if you don’t take the time to clean them before using them. This is why you’ll first need to disinfect your sheers and lopers with rubbing alcohol before you start to use them.

To do this, you will need to find a rag and cover one of its edges in rubbing alcohol before rubbing it across the cutting services of your pruning tools.

This will eliminate the majority of communicable diseases that often spread between plants.

Keep in mind that there is no cleaning method that will kill all diseases. There is always a small chance that you might spread diseases between plants.

You should make sure to wear thick gloves when you are pruning your pine tree in order to prevent yourself from getting cut.

2. Prune Branches That Are Close to the Trunk

When you are pruning a branch, make sure that you leave around half of an inch sticking from the tree trunk. And remember to leave the collar, which is the area where the branch connects to the pine tree.

It is important not to cut the collar because you would create a much larger wound on the tree if you did this, which would make it more difficult for the tree to recover.

You should also try to make clean cuts in order to decrease the likelihood that a disease will infect the tree.

3. Trim Away Lower Branches on Older Trees

It is common for older pine trees to self-prune by dropping their older branches while they continue to grow.

If you notice that your pine tree has many older branches that are dead or dying, you should get rid of them. This is an important thing to do in order to prevent diseases from taking hold of your pine tree.

Make Use of the Top Tips for Pruning Pine Trees

If you have been wondering about how to get started with pruning pine trees, it is important to know the top tips and tricks. Make sure that you disinfect your pruning tools before you use them.

For professional tree pruning, don’t hesitate to contact Green Pine Tree Service today, and let us care for your trees.

Winter Bug Treatments: How They Help Your Trees

Winter bug treatments are essential for maintaining healthy trees. Tree pests are experts at hiding during the winter, leading many people to believe they’ve gone. The truth is, most bugs will hide within the tree until spring when it’s often too late to save the tree from damage.

During fall and winter is the best time to act to make sure your trees are pest free for spring when your trees will start to flourish again. Take a look at this guide on common tree pests and how to treat them.

Red Spider Mites

Red spider mites can be tricky to catch. They look like small red dots on leaves so they can easily be mistaken for something other than a pest. They leave webbing behind like normal spiders would so if you believe you have red spider mites in your trees, look for the webbing on the leaves.

These pests are not easy to get rid of during the warmer months and they can quickly build in number which means many trees have an infestation before owners realize it. However, red spider mites tend to group near the tree trunks in colder weather to keep warm. That’s why it’s much easier to treat your tree during the winter and quickly get rid of these pests.

Scales

Scales are particularly frustrating tree pests and much like mites, they can amount to an infestation quickly. Many tree owners don’t recognize the infestation until the tree starts to show signs of damage. There are over 8000 species of scales that can be divided into two categories.

There are scales that stay immobile and can secrete a protective covering over themselves as they feast on the host tree. These are called armored scales. Then there are scales that secrete a wax-like covering that can move short distances along the tree which are called soft scales.

Scales often look like small bumps on the tree and they breed under the cover of their protective bumps. When an infestation occurs, a professional tree service in Dallas can help you treat it.

Aphids

Aphids are commonly known as plant lice. They can be very difficult to see, being only an eighth of an inch long. They also vary in color so they can be mistaken for something unharmful regularly.

Colors vary from orange, green, yellow, red, and more. Ladybugs love to feast on aphids but an infestation of aphids is often too much for ladybugs alone. Aphids will suck on the sap from trees which can stunt the growth of the tree.

Aphid eggs will lay dormant during the winter so many owners notice a huge increase in aphids when spring arrives. To avoid this, it’s best to treat the trees before the eggs hatch.

How to Treat Tree Pests

Winter is the perfect time to make sure your tree is clear of pests and ready for spring. A professional arborist can examine your trees and look for any signs of pests or damage that needs to be repaired. There are a few things you can do to make sure you avoid insect infestations and keep your trees as healthy as possible.

The first thing you can do is prune and trim your trees regularly. This is especially important during the winter because trimming your trees could reveal pest-hiding spots. As a pest preventative, you could try using a glue band.

Glue bands are like a type of grease you can lay around the bottom of the tree that will stop insects from climbing the trunk. Lastly, you could use a winter oil or spray on your tree. Dormant oil will suffocate any insects or eggs which will prevent them from making a home in your tree.

The oil needs to cover the whole tree, including the trunk and the branches. It’s best to spray the oil and cover the tree when temperatures are high.

Although all these things are excellent preventatives for pests, there will be times when you’ll need advice from a tree specialist. Taking care of trees can be complicated but they’re valuable to the environment and your property.

Professional Care for Your Trees

At Green Pine Tree Service in Dallas, we can help you take care of your trees. If you want to make sure your trees are pest free, our specialist arborist can visit your property and carry out an evaluation. If pests are found, we can treat your trees to ensure they’re healthy for spring.

Along with evaluations, we also provide pruning, trimming, tree and stump removal, cable installation, and more. We provide the DFW area with the highest levels of professionalism and our services are second to none. Take a look at some of the projects we’ve been involved in and the testimonials from our past clients.

Winter Bug Treatments With Green Pine

Winter bug treatments can save you a lot of hassle. If you can treat your trees before pests become a problem, it will save you time and money and keep your trees looking healthy. At Green Pine Tree Service, we’re as passionate as you about keeping your trees in good health.

If you need your trees to be maintained or restored, we’re at your service. After our evaluation, we’ll give you a customized plan and specific health goals for your tree. If you think your trees may have pests, why not book an evaluation with us today?

 

The Benefits of Winter Tree Trimming

Did you know that 40% of homeowners that have a lawn or yard hire professionals to help them keep it nice?

If you’re a homeowner, you probably know how difficult it can be to maintain your yard. It can be easy to forget about the health of your trees and bushes. However, investing in pruning tree services is crucial.

You can save yourself a lot of money, time, and stress by planning ahead. You may be wondering when is the best time to trim your trees. Pruning pine trees and the rest of your trees will make a huge difference to your yard come spring and summer time.

We are going to tell you about the benefits of winter tree trimming. Read on to learn how to care for your yard.

Better Efficiency

It might surprise you, but pruning in the winter is more efficient and can save you money. If you have large trees, a professional may need to bring in some heavy equipment.

When the ground is frozen, it’s much easier to bring supplies and materials in and out. You won’t have to worry about the heavy material ruining your ground or other landscaping. A professional will have easy access to the trees in the winter.

Less Risk of Spreading Diseases

If your tree has a disease that you don’t know about, pruning them in the spring will make the rest of your trees vulnerable. During the winter, most organisms and pests are dormant, meaning they won’t carry the disease around. You’ll have a much easier time containing the disease if you prune in the wintertime.

Easier To Evaluate in The Winter

When your tree is in full bloom, it can be hard to tell if it needs to be pruned. The leaves and flowers may be covering a portion of the tree that needs to be removed or isn’t healthy.

Hiring a tree service in Dallas in the winter will make it easier to see what areas need attending. There may not be any branches or limbs that need pruning, but you won’t know that unless you have someone come take a look in the winter when the trees are bare.

Reduces Risk of Winter Damage

In the winter, once it starts to snow, damaged and dying trees become dangerous. The snow can get heavy on their weak branches and cause them to snap off.

This could do damage to your home, your neighbors, or someone outside nearby. In order to avoid dangerous situations, it’s best to have them removed. The last thing you want is for a tree, that you thought was healthy to fall onto your house.

Pruning a tree can also influence the way it grows. It can help ensure the tree’s weight is disturbed correctly and doesn’t become a danger.

Better Looking Trees in The Spring

Your trees will be much healthier in the spring if you prune them in the winter. The branches will have time to recover and promote new growth when the warmer temperature comes.

Pruning in the late winter will also reduce the amount of time you have to look at bare trees and sticks. Your trees will be stronger and healthier after pruning them.

Less Stress On The Trees

Pruning can be stressful on trees. They need time to heal, and doing it in the winter allows that. When you prune in the winter, the trees won’t bleed sap or form new buds right away.

If you don’t wait for the cold snap and have your trees pruned in the fall, new buds may start to grow, and then they’ll freeze in the winter, and have a harder time coming back in the spring. The trees will be able to heal before pests, and other creatures come out.

Hiring A Professional

It’s crucial that you hire a professional to prune your trees. You likely don’t know what you’re looking for and may miss the signs of a diseased or dead tree. Pruning too much can also be harmful.

An experienced professional will know exactly how much to prune and where. It is also a dangerous task.

Someone who has worked in the industry for a while will know how to do it in the safest way possible. If you have concerns it’s about a tree, it’s best not to wait until the spring or summer to address them.

Common Questions

Besides knowing the benefits of winter tree trimming, you may have a few other questions. We are going to address a few common questions that our customers have.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost will vary depending on the size of your tree. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $800.

Is Pruning Necessary Every Year?

How often your trees need to be trimmed depends on the type and their age. Older trees need to be pruned about every three to five years. Younger trees should be pruned more often, between two and three years.

Fruit trees, however, should be pruned yearly to ensure the fruit returns are sweet and abundant. It doesn’t hurt to have a professional check your trees once a year to ensure they are all still healthy.

Winter Tree Trimming

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional arborist come to check on your trees, now is the time to hire someone. Waiting could do a lot more damage and be much more costly.

We have a great team here at Green Pine Tree service, and we’ve helped many homeowners. We can help you too. If you have questions about winter tree trimming, don’t hesitate to contact us.

What Is the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning?

Do you have curb appeal?

If not one of the best ways to get it is to keep your yard looking its best. Taking care of the yard often involves trimming and pruning trees.

Trimming and pruning your trees will ensure that they look their best at all times and continue to be healthy. Healthy trees not only look great but they provide good shade.

If you have questions about the difference between trimming and pruning, here is a closer look at what you need to know.

Tree Trimming

Trimming is done to remove any bushes that have become overgrown. When bushes are overgrown they stop shrubs from getting moisture and light.

Trimming focuses on removing any green shoots that may be developing. Trimming is often done for aesthetic reasons since trimming a tree does improve the overall appearance of it.

Trimming is also done when branches hang over roofs or are about to get entangled in power lines. Trimming is something that is often done once per year.

Tree trimming is usually done using a hedge trimmer. It may be electrical or powered by gas.

Pruning Your Tree

Pruning your tree will protect it. It usually involves removing any branches that are unnecessary. Often roots are removed as well.

The branches and roots that are removed are usually dead or damaged and need to be removed from the tree. If you have branches that are growing in the wrong direction then pruning helps to keep unwanted growth from occurring.

Pruning is often done with lopping shears or hand shears. However, for thick branches, a saw is sometimes used.

Trimming and Pruning The Major Differences

The major difference between tree trimming and tree pruning is the tools that are used and the purpose for which each is done.

Pruning often requires the use of shears and it involves removing bud and leaves. It will also involve the removal of branches and roots.

Tree trimming on the other hand will often involve the removal of large limbs of the tree. Green shoots are removed and the tree is shaped in order to give it a more pleasant appearance.

Depending on the time of year and the maintenance you have done in the past you may find that at any given time it is better to do one instead of the other.

Take Care of Your Trees

Taking care of your trees is important for the overall health of the trees. Trimming and pruning serve different purposes and are generally done at different times of the year for different reasons.

Make sure that when you are performing each of these maintenance tasks you hire a professional service to do it for you so that you do not damage the tree.

If you would like professional help with trimming or pruning your trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.

These Are the Dangers of Overgrown Trees

Are your trees out of control and out of reach? We need big trees to live and breathe. What we don’t need is our overgrown trees becoming more of a hazard than they are helpful. We may have a long list of things on our minds other than the trees in our yard. Don’t worry, that is a thing of the past. There’s no better time than now to start.

No one expects you to trim or prune your trees, that is a Certified Arborist’s job. You should, however, know when your trees are overgrown, and what problems they can present.

Taking Control

Trees are always growing, and need regular maintenance. More or less, depending on the health of the tree and the environment that it is in.

Trim overgrown trees for reasons beyond esthetics, though looking good is also a top priority. On-site consultation with a Certified Arborist will be informative as you learn about the general health and wellbeing of your trees as well as a plan of action to treat existing conditions and future maintenance needs.

Pruning vs Trimming

What is the difference between pruning and trimming? Is there even a difference? Though the terms are often interchanged, there is actually a difference.

  • Pruning- Removal of dead branches, or branches the are growing into power lines or property. Pruning is done annually or whenever necessary.
  • Trimming- Trimming a tree is done to help the tree grow, and also to help it look more manicured. Typically performed twice a year trimming is done for the health of the tree, and the esthetics.

Security

Pruning and trimming your trees become a matter of security when unmaintained branches risk covering motion detection lights, cameras, or allow unwanted guests to lurk in the shadows.

Safety

Overgrown trees are not only unsightly, but they are also dangerous. Dangers of overgrown trees include branches that can fall at any time, which is even worse when a storm rolls in.

The people, pets, vehicles, and buildings, etc on your property could be in harm’s way. What about when your trees fall on someone else’s property? Who is responsible when tree branches fall on neighboring properties?

Overgrown tree roots are also a danger when they take over places they don’t belong to. They, too, can be maintained.

Pruning for Pest Control

Allowing dead branches to hang out is an open invitation to extra insects to inhabit your tree. They may even be the cause of branches dying. Woodboring insects can ruin a perfectly good tree in a small amount of time.

Best Time of Year for Pruning

Cut overgrown trees while they are dormant, it is best for their health. For most trees, the dormant season is the winter. Pruning in the colder months also allows for more sun to shine through making it harder for ice to form on sidewalks and walking paths in freezing temperatures.

If you live in an area that frequently experiences high winds, you may want to increase your maintenance appointments.

Overgrown Trees

After all of that, if you are still feeling unsure of how or when to schedule your next overgrown tree service, call on the pros at Green Pine Tree Service at (214)212-2832 or online at https://greenpinetreeservice.com/. Don’t delay, call today!

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.