Do you have a hazardous tree on your property? Thinking of tearing it out? Not so fast.
In Portland (and in many cities throughout Oregon), there are statutes requiring approval and special permits to remove trees. Beyond city approvals, removing a mature tree is a technical task best done by a professional.
The story of Jerry and the Ponderosa Pine removal disaster
We recently received a frantic call from a man named Jerry. He lives here in Portland in the Rocky Butte area and had grown frustrated by a Ponderosa Pine in his yard. It attracted too many pests, dripped sap on his car, and was brushing up against his roof, he explained.
Jerry considers himself a handyman. He often completed tasks around the house instead of calling a professional. So when the Ponderosa became too much to handle, he set out to tear the tree out himself.
Now, Ponderosa Pines are large trees. Thankfully, this one was fairly young, but it still towered about 20 feet high. As you can imagine, his removal efforts of this tree were doomed from the start. Thankfully, he didn’t get too far into the project (or hurt himself) before a neighbor let him know that his actions might be illegal.
So there, standing in the midst of cut down branches, pine needles and sap everywhere, Jerry called us for help. Here’s what we told him.
You (probably) need a permit to remove trees — even on private property
With some exceptions, you almost always need a permit to remove a tree on your own property.
Portland Trees has a very useful chart to help you understand whether or not you need a permit. But we always recommend calling Urban Forestry at 503-823-TREE (8733) to know for sure what your requirements are.
Some of the questions you need to consider to determine if you need a permit include:
When is a tree considered an immediate hazard? If the tree is suddenly uprooting or experienced sudden splitting, it may be unstable and pose a threat to your home and the neighborhood.
Fallen branches and dead trees are not generally considered a tree removal emergency.
The dangers of removing a tree on your own
Though the thought of channeling your inner lumberjack may sound exciting, the risks to yourself and your property are not worth it. This sort of thinking can get you injured or even killed.
There are many hazards to consider:
Power line problems — Even touching a tree that’s touching a power line can be dangerous
Risk of falling — Your safety precautions are not enough. Take the man who accidentally cut through his safety line and fell 50 feet to his death
Chainsaw injuries — Chainsaw kickback is a big threat and 36,000 people are injured from chainsaws every year.
Falling trees — Cutting down trees causes unpredictability. Plus there’s the “barber chair” phenomenon, when a tree splits and violently kicks back before it’s completely cut.
Foundation instability — Do you know how deep the roots of the tree dive? They might be snuggled up under the foundation of your driveway or even your house!
Disposing of a tree after removal
Once you’ve chopped the tree down, you still have to deal with its removal and the clearing of your property. This can be a lot of work, take a lot of time, and require a lot of heavy lifting and careful planning. Your options are a combination of:
Taking the tree to a green landfill
Mulching the tree
Using it as firewood
Why work with a Certified Arborist to remove a tree
A Certified Arborist is a Tree Care Professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (The ISA). These professionals have to pass a comprehensive examination and be constantly participating in continuing education.
Staying up-to-date with the most recent tree care methods is a huge part of being a Certified Arborist — not to mention this person has to renew their certification every 3 years.
Having this type of professional orchestrate a tree removal on your property is a huge benefit to you, your home, and your property. It limits the chances of a worker being injured on your property and keeps you and your home safe, too.
A Certified Arborist will also understand whether or not a tree can legally be removed and will ensure you don’t get yourself into a tricky situation with the city.
What to expect when hiring a Certified Arborist for a tree removal
A trustworthy Certified Arborist will value your home, property, and personal safety above all else. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
Prior to tree removal, the arborist will thoroughly inspect your tree to identify damage, rot, and decay and ensure the landscape is safe for removal.
After evaluation, a safe removal process of your tree will begin.
In most cases, to eliminate the possibility of property damage, the arborist will use the method known as “hoist and pulley” system. This process works by lowering each section of the tree down to a safe point where the ground crew can dispose of the tree.
Branches are mulched and reduced to a chip debris.
Larger chunks of wood are cut into standard fireplace logs and piled for you to use. They can also be removed and disposed of or donated.
A stump grinding is performed, allowing the area to be used for other landscaping needs.
Want to cut down a tree in Portland? Give us a call
Tree removal is a big project, but we’ll make it easy, safe, and legal to accomplish. As an accredited Portland tree removal service, we can help with the labor-intensive work of safely removing your tree and performing stump removal.
The Pacific Northwest, including the Portland area, is home to some of the biggest and most beautiful trees around! But unfortunately, the area is also prone to severe weather, including heavy winds, ice storms, and months and months of drizzly rain. The combination of extreme weather and large trees can lead to big problems.
In today’s post, we’ll explain what you should do if a tree falls on your Portland home.
Let’s get started.
1. Be Safe & Contact Emergency Services
If a tree falls on your home, your first priority is to protect yourself and your family. Remember that your house can be repaired and your property can be replaced. But the safety and health of your loved ones is priceless.
So if a tree falls on your house, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone needs medical attention, don’t hesitate to call 911. If the tree brought down power lines as it fell, if you see fire or smell smoke, call the fire department right away! You’ll be glad you did.
2. Turn Off The Power & Gas In Your Home
If there’s no immediate danger and you know how to; turn off the power and gas in your home. It’s a precautionary measure that could stop a fire from starting if the tree damaged a gas line as it fell.
3. Call The Electric Company
Many times, when a large tree falls, it damages power lines which can cause an outage in your area. You should call the power company to alert them of any damage to power lines or power outages caused by the downed tree.
For reference here are contact numbers for Portland area utility companies:
You can call and report downed power lines, power outages, and unsafe conditions.
4. Contact Your Home Insurance Agent
Once everyone is safe and the authorities have been notified, call your home insurance agent. They can help you decide what steps to take next and can help you understand what might or might not be covered by your homeowner’s policy.
An insurance assessor will likely come out to your home to inspect the damage before processing your claim. In some cases, you may be able to email pictures of the damage to your insurance agent to speed up the process.
5. Get The Tree Removed & Other Trees Inspected
Next, you’ll need to have the tree removed by a trusted and experienced large tree removal company, like the team here at Northwest Arbor Culture. We’re happy to come out to your home and offer you a free, no-obligation estimate. We can remove large trees and can even grind up and haul away the stump that’s still in the ground.
In most cases, you’ll also want to have other trees on your property inspected as well. The saying “lightning doesn’t strike twice” doesn’t apply to falling trees! Changing soil conditions, tree diseases, and other factors can cause multiple trees to be more likely to fall in your yard. You’ll also want to pay close attention to any trees that might be near your property line and that might fall on your neighbor’s home or yard.
Do not try to remove the tree yourself. Fallen trees are dangerous– especially if they are leaning on your house. Trees can weigh THOUSANDS of pounds and the root ball can act as a counterweight, causing the trunk of the tree to spring back if it is cut free.
For your safety, leave this job to an experienced, certified, licensed, and insured professional.
6. Roof Inspection & Repair
After the tree has been removed, you’ll need to find a trusted local roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial roof replacement might be required– and might even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Even if there isn’t visible roof damage, your roof should still be inspected. There may be damage under the shingles that could lead to roof leaks later on down the road.
7. Home & Foundation Inspection
Finally, you’ll want to have your home and foundation inspected– especially if you see cracks or splits in the foundation. When a tree falls, the extremely large root ball moves as well. This movement can cause damage to the foundation that you might not notice right away. But over time, this can damage the structure of your house or allow moisture and leaks.
A thorough home inspection can identify problems like these and can help you rest a little easier.
Answers To Your Questions
“What If My Neighbor’s Tree Falls On My House?”
Generally speaking, when it comes to insurance, your policy pays for damage to your property, no matter whose tree it was. In other words, if a tree falls on your house, contact your insurance company.
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
It’s likely that you will only be liable if you were negligent about the condition of the tree. You can protect yourself by having the trees on your property inspected, trimmed, and if necessary, removed.
“What If a Tree Falls On A Shared Fence or Property Line?”
The best case scenario is that you get along well with your neighbors and can split the cost of removing the tree and repairing the fence! Both parties involved can contact their insurance companies and let them decide how to handle things.
“How Can I Tell If A Tree Might Fall?”
Dead trees are most at risk for falling. Disease, severe weather, and other factors can also increase the likelihood that a tree will fall. But only the assistance and trained eye of an experienced tree care professional can help you understand whether a tree is likely to come crashing down.
“I’m About To Buy A House. Are The Current Owners Liable For The Trees?”
If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Portland area, please take the time to have the trees inspected before you make the biggest purchase of your life! A pre-purchase tree inspection can save you thousands down the road– not to mention a lot of headaches.
Do You Need Help With A Tree On Your Property?
If you’re worried that a tree on your property might fall and damage your home, contact Northwest Arbor Culture today. We can inspect your trees and offer our expert advice based on decades of experience as Certified Arborists.
Did you know that there are some trees that can live to be over 5,000 years old? While the trees in your yard won’t live that long, if they’re well maintained, they can live for 50 years or even longer! Unfortunately, many trees become diseased, rotted, or damaged before they can reach their full potential.
Today we’ll talk about some of the most common causes of tree problems and diseases as well as signs that your tree might be unhealthy and in need of help.
Weather & Storms
Our Portland climate is generally pretty mild, but our weather can still cause serious damage to trees. During the rainy months, too much precipitation can cause the ground to become waterlogged, loosening a tree’s roots. This can cause trees to lean or even topple over! During the winter, ice and snow accumulation can put stress on branches and cause them to break off
Root Damage & Loss
Tree roots are like an anchor, holding the tree steady and straight. They also absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Without a healthy root system a tree simply can’t be healthy. Since they’re underground root problems are often difficult to spot until damage has already been done. Roots can be:
Cut or crushed by heavy construction equipment
Infected by invasive fungus
Damaged by lack of available nutrients or changes in the environment
Disease & Infection
Diseases and infections from fungi, bacteria and other sources can be deadly. In the Portland area, for example, elm trees are especially susceptible to Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm disease is caused by a fungus that’s carried by certain types of beetles. The disease can spread quickly and kill many trees if it’s not caught early. Other common tree diseases include:
Anthracnose – A fungal infection that attacks leaves, flowers, and fruits. You’ll often see this on dogwood trees.
Dothistroma – Another fungal infection that can kill younger pine trees. This infection causes a pine tree’s needles to fall off, preventing the tree from creating the energy it needs to grow.
Leaf Blight – Actually a variety of related ailments, leaf blight can damage a tree’s canopy, over time weakening and killing the entire tree.
Age
In a way, trees are just like people. As they age, they become more susceptible to some diseases and ailments. The branches of older trees may weaken due to an accumulation of small cracks and breaks. Depending on the weather, older trees may dry out and become brittle and unhealthy.
Construction
Heavy construction machinery can compress soil and damage a tree’s root system. It’s important to remember that a tree’s roots extend far from its base (in some cases 30 feet or more), making it important to stay well away from trees during construction. In addition, careless use of construction equipment can rip off a tree’s leaves and branches or cause damage to the trunk itself.
So be careful when you’re doing any work in your yard!
Poor Maintenance
Trees need our help to stay healthy! If you don’t take good care of your trees, they’re more likely to suffer from disease, damage, and other common tree problems. Luckily, most trees don’t require much maintenance. They only require regular trimmings and inspections to make sure the bark, roots, branches, and trunk are healthy and stable.
What To Look Out For
While some tree problems are tough to spot, there are some telltale signs you can be on the lookout for.
Sudden Changes to Leaf Color & Density
If a tree’s leaves suddenly change from green to yellow, or if leaves become splotchy or have a “banded” appearance, that could be a sign of fungal infection or disease. Or if a tree’s leaves or needles begin to fall off out of season, that’s another warning sign.
Unusual Growths & Knots
Bulbous growths or swollen areas in a tree’s trunk can be caused by bacteria growth. Fungus growing from a tree’s trunk or branches can also be signs of an unhealthy tree. These growths are often signs that your tree isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to grow normally.
Insect Damage
Insects can do real damage to the trees growing in your yard. Most of the time, it’s easy to spot insect damage because you can see insects crawling, flying, and buzzing around your tree, and most of the damage done will be to the tree’s exterior. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
Leaves that look “chewed” or bitten – Beetles and some caterpillars feed on tree leaves. Too much damage to too many leaves can prevent your trees from getting the sunlight and nutrients they need.
Leaves with unusual colors – Aphids, leaf hoppers, and other insects can damage leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop a “speckled” appearance.
Moldy bark – Aphids, lacebugs, and other insects excrete substances that can cause mold to grow on your trees, potentially causing long term damage.
You should think of your trees as an investment that needs your attention to keep paying off. With just a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your trees for decades to come!
Ask a Professional
If you’re seeing evidence of these common tree problems and diseases, don’t worry. And if you’re at all worried about the health of your trees, don’t worry.
Contact NW Arbor Culture online or call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free consultation and estimation. We’re happy to come out, take a look at your trees, and let you know our expert opinion. We have over 30 years of experience caring for trees in the Portland area and know how to make sure your tree lives a long, healthy life.
Trees are a very fascinating and strong organisms in many respects. They can withstand hurricane force winds, freezing temperatures, and even prolonged drought.
Yet a tree can be greatly affected by even the slightest change. You can read our previous post, Why Is My Tree Dying?, to learn about how overwatering, improper transplanting, and even slight changes in the soil can injure and even kill a tree.
When a tree is affected by certain ailments and is in close proximity to cars, property, and people, it can become a serious hazard.
Keep reading to learn some of the most common tree hazards to look out for, as well as what you can do to help protect yourself and your property from tree damage.
First, let’s learn what defines a hazardous tree.
What Makes a Tree Hazardous
The USDA Forest Service defines a “hazard tree” as “a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure of all or part of the tree.” But a tree does not truly become a hazard until it threatens the safety of a person, property, roadway, or location where people gather like a park, pathway, or backyard.
If a tree is located in a forest or habitat preserve, it is natural for a tree to slowly degrade and eventually fall.
It is when a tree is posing an immediate threat to people, property, or public spaces that it should be considered a ‘hazard tree’ and dealt with appropriately.
Tree Hazards To Look For
There are several common warning signs for a hazard tree. While some are easier to spot than others, it is likely that a hazard tree will show one or more of the following signs.
Dead Wood
Dead branches and sections of a tree are hazards that should be dealt with promptly. Dead wood can be dislodged by wind, animals, or just fall unexpectedly and cause extensive harm to whatever it falls upon.
When a dead branch separates from the tree but is caught in the canopy, it is often called a “widowmaker.” These are at a very high risk to fall unexpectedly on something or someone.
Dead branches should be trimmed or removed as soon as possible to prevent any damage from falling.
Cracks
Some species of trees, like Douglas Fir, develop cracks naturally. But usually when you notice cracks or split wood on your tree, it may be a sign of failing tree health.
Depending upon how large the tree and how serious the crack, cabling may be an option, or you may be forced to remove the entire tree. Especially if the crack extends deep within or completely through the trunk.
Weak Branch Unions
A weak branch connection can occur naturally or due to improper pruning. You can identify a weak union when there is bark that is growing into and between to connected branches.
This is especially hazardous if the weak union is between two main branches or is leading to cracking between the two affected branches.
Decay
Sometimes trees can experience small amounts of rot and decay and still remain healthy and strong. However, when you notice that the tree is beginning to feel spongy, crumbly, or growing a cavity, you may need to remove the tree. Other signs of tree decay are mushrooms or brackets growing on the trunk, flare, or exposed roots of a tree.
Cankers
Cankers are open sores or dead tissues on the outside of a tree. While the presence of cankers may not spell the end for your tree, if a canker grows large enough that it affects “more than half of the tree’s circumference” or is connected with a crack or cavity, you should thoroughly inspect your tree.
Root Problems
While it may be difficult to detect root problems that are located underground, there are certain activities that can be closely related with root damages in a tree.
Severing roots when installing irrigation lines or sewers can greatly decrease a tree’s stability and even lead to tree death. Paving concrete over tree roots can cut off oxygen and nutrient supply and in turn affect the tree’s roots and overall stability. Parking vehicles or equipment on tree roots can compact soil and injure roots. Also, simply changing to the soil grade more that 2-3 inches can injure tree roots.
Generally when a tree becomes unstable, you can notice mounds or bulging in the soil at the base of tree indicating the displacement of soil caused by the leaning of a tree. This is an important indicator that your tree needs corrective help or removal soon.
So what corrective actions can you take to secure or save a tree that may be at risk of failing?
Corrective Measures
Tree pruningand removing any problem sections or branches can easily eliminate the problem, especially when the rest of the tree is sound.
Move the property at risk. If the vehicle, structure, or property can be easily moved from the area in danger, you can ensure its safety without removing the tree.
Cabling or bracing a tree won’t fix the tree’s health issues, but may extend the life of a tree. Cabling a tree involves adding a steel or synthetic cable that actually wraps around a tree and its branches, securing them together and providing a failsafe in case part of that tree fails. A brace is used when a tree is split or cracking. You brace a tree by actually drilling a hole through the entire width of the affected area, inserting a steel rod, and syncing up the tree on both ends of the rod to clamp the two separate pieces together. Cabling and bracing are very complicated and difficult techniques that should only be undertaken by a trained ISA-certified arborist.
Tree removal should always be the last resort. Removing trees can be dangerous and even reduce the value of your property. Make sure that if you decide to remove your tree, you hire a certified arborist who can get the job done safely without affecting any trees or property surrounding the tree.
Have you ever had experiences of hazardous branches or trees falling on your property? Please tell us about your experience in the comments section.
Beautiful trees can add a lot to the value and look of your property. On the same token, trees that aren’t well cared for can detract from the value of your property and actually create a risk for property damage and personal injury.
When you choose an arborist you’re making an investment in the entire value and safety of you and your property.
There are many tree trimming services out there, with many different prices and business models. What’s the difference between all of them and what makes one better than the other?
This article will outline what it means to be a Certified Arborist and why you should always hire a Certified Arborist for all of your tree care needs.
What is a Certified Arborist:
A Certified Arborist is a Tree Care Professional who is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (The ISA).
Defined by the ISA, Certified Arborists are individuals “who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.”
What Does It Take To Become a Certified Arborist?
The ISA is an organization formed to ensure that arborists are adhering to the most recent and strict tree care and safety methods. This not only ensures the safety of you and your property, but for the worker as well.
Becoming a Certified Arborist doesn’t just mean that the professional has passed a test when beginning their career. To be a Certified Arborist one must constantly participate in continuing education. Always learning the most recent tree care methods. Renewing their certification every three years.
Being a Certified Arborist means that the professional is always keeping up on the latest safety standards and equipment maintenance protocols. Knowing how to properly use and repair their equipment. Ensuring that your trees are cared for properly and that the worker is properly insured and practices safety at all times.
Does Experience Replace ISA Certification?
Just because a professional has years of experience trimming trees, it doesn’t mean that they are actually practicing correct tree care methods.
Many common historical practices like wound dressing and tree topping are actually quite ineffective and even harmful to trees.
Staying up-to-date on tree infections, pests, equipment safety, roping and climbing practices, aerial rescue methods, tree care science, etc. are all crucial aspects of tree care that are constantly changing and being updated.
Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist means that you will receive the most current tree care methods available from a professional who knows.
High Quality Services:
When you hire a Certified Arborist you know you are employing someone who cares about their business. A professional who takes the time to stay certified and always learn more about their craft.
If you are looking for cut-rate bids on tree care services, chances are, you will get cut rate services. Possibly leading to damaged trees and more costs down the road in repairs and maintenance.
But when you find a Certified Arborists who takes the time to stay trained and up-to-date. Always maintaining their equipment and certifications. You can rest easy knowing that you are making an investment in the long-term health of your trees. In turn investing in the value and safety of your property.
It pays to hire a Certified Arborist.
Where Can I Find a Certified Arborist?
You can always look directly on the ISA website to find a Certified Arborist in your area, as well as, check on a specific Certified Arborist’s credentials.
Our professional Certified Arborists have over 30 years of experience caring for trees and provide the highest quality arborist services in the Northwest.
There are many factors that can compromise the health of your tree. Both man-made and natural forces can easily lead to the damage and even death of your landscape. Not only do dying trees create an eyesore in your yard and devalue your property, but they can also pose a threat to the safety of you and your home.
So, how do you know if your tree is dying and what should you do if it is already dead?
This article will describe the symptoms of dead and dying trees and the steps you can take when you know your tree is dead.
Signs that a tree is dead or dying
Several simple signs will generally tell you that your tree is dying or already dead. If you notice that a tree is losing leaves or needles at an incredible rate or that it now has no foliage whatsoever, your tree is most likely dying. Rapid discoloration of foliage is usually the first sign of stress and can ultimately lead to the end of a tree’s life.
Often times the texture and health of tree bark can also be an indicator of the overall health of the tree. The loss of bark or dryness and brittle bark can be a sign of declining tree health.
If a tree is dying and rotting, you can often feel the tree trunk turning spongy and weakening from the inside. Sudden limb failure, limb cracking and excess foliage loss can also indicate that your tree is near its’ end.
But how can you prevent a tree from dying?
Common causes of tree death
While the signs of tree death and disease are generally seen above ground, the root of the problem usually starts below ground with the roots and soil. Here are some of the common reasons why trees die and ways that you can avoid killing your tree.
Lack of Water or Too Much Water – Often times we associate the death of tree with the lack of water. But as sensitive as trees are to too little water, too much water can pose just as large of a threat. Make sure to water your trees correctly based upon their species as well as your overall climate. Contact your local Certified Arborist if you have any questions about how much to water your trees.
Changing the Soil Grade – We’re not talking about flunking your tree out of class. When you add or take away soil from the area above your trees roots, you greatly impact the flow of water and nutrients to the tree. The primary feeding roots in trees are often found in the top six inches of the soil, so even changing the level of soil around your tree by four to six inches can cause severe stress in your trees and lead to death.
Compacting Soil – Driving cars and heavy machinery on the soil that covers tree roots can quickly kill a tree. Compacted soil doesn’t allow for water and oxygen to circulate through the dirt. Depriving the tree of oxygen and other nutrients in the soil.
Girdling Roots – Often times when tree is grown in a nursery the roots are trimmed to create a compact root ball that makes transplanting easy. Yet, this trimming can often lead to roots twisting around themselves and strangling the tree as the roots tighten and grow. Look for ‘pot bound’ or tightly packed roots before you purchase and plant a nursery tree.
Improper Transplanting – When you transplant a tree there are many things that can go wrong. One common mistake is digging too small or too deep of a hole. This impedes root growth and can choke the tree. A tree should be planted in a hole no deeper than and at least three times the diameter of the root ball.
Another mistake is packing the soil within the hole, as well as, on top of the newly planted tree. Make sure to loosen or scrape the soil on the edges and bottom of the hole. Don’t pack down ‘back-fill’ soil you use to plant the tree. Packed soil will deprive the lower roots from receiving water and oxygen and stunt or kill your tree.
Lastly, when you transplant your tree pay close attention to the root ball. Always remove and unwrap any burlap and twine that may be tied to the tree. Help the roots spread by gently loosening and separating the root ball before planting the tree.
What Do I Do If My Tree Is Dead?
Many times, when you see the signs of a dying tree it may be too late to salvage. If your trees are dead and dying you have several options left to help keep you and your home safe and beautiful.
Cabling – If a tree is old, sick, or just unstable, you can mount stabilizing metal cables and braces to the tree. This can stop a tree from splitting or falling over during the rest of its’ life.
Tree Removal – If a tree is dead it can quickly become a falling hazard. Removing a dead tree can keep you and your home safe before any heavy winds or natural forces like gravity send the tree toppling to the ground.
In an earlier blog post we discussed the dangers of DIY tree removal. Make sure to play it safe and call a professional Certified Arborist for all your tree removal needs.
Stump Grinding – Once you cut down a tree you can remove the stump to get rid of that ugly reminder of your fallen tree. Northwest Arbor Culture Inc. offers stump grinding services that safely and effectively remove your stump. Allowing you to have an open yard and reuse the chipped wood for garden and tree mulch.
The professionals at Northwest Arbor Culture Inc. offer tree bracing, cabling, large tree removal, and stump grinding services across the Pacific Northwest. We are known for providing quality services at a fair price and have over 30 years of landscaping and tree care experience.
Contact us or give us a call today at (503) 538-8733 for all of your tree care needs.
Have you had a dead or dying tree in your yard? Tell us how you dealt with your tree in the comments section below.
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
What Makes a Tree Hazardous
Cracks
Decay
Cankers
Cabling or bracing a tree won’t fix the tree’s health issues, but may extend the life of a tree. Cabling a tree involves adding a steel or synthetic cable that actually wraps around a tree and its branches, securing them together and providing a failsafe in case part of that tree fails. A brace is used when a tree is split or cracking. You brace a tree by actually drilling a hole through the entire width of the affected area, inserting a steel rod, and syncing up the tree on both ends of the rod to clamp the two separate pieces together. Cabling and bracing are very complicated and difficult techniques that should only be undertaken by a trained ISA-certified arborist.
You can always look directly on the 
dryness and brittle bark can be a sign of declining tree health.
on top of the newly planted tree. Make sure to loosen or scrape the soil on the edges and bottom of the hole. Don’t pack down ‘back-fill’ soil you use to plant the tree. Packed soil will deprive the lower roots from receiving water and oxygen and stunt or kill your tree.
an open yard and reuse the chipped wood for garden and tree mulch.
