Category: tree care

When we were designing our backyard patio, we took a lot of inspiration from first of all pinterest, and then from our experiences dining al fresco at some of our favorite restaurants.  One of the things we noticed that made an outdoor dining patio absolutely beautiful was when they built the stones and pavers around trees.  When using trees as accent pieces almost, it provides a sort of “in-nature” feel, with the trees acting as small umbrellas of scattered shade.   The types of trees we observed to be the most appealing in this type of setting were usually the ones that were not tiny but maybe 6-8 inch thick trunk that did not grow too tall but could be trimmed to create a sort of wide and low reach, mimicking an umbrella.  When taking into account how were were to design our patio, we definitely wanted to include one or 2 beautiful low trees that would create a lovely natural and curated ambiance to our backyard.  We are still in the planning and saving stage, but at least we have this one part decided! Tree selection is going to be a challenge, and we have to take into account that any tree will probably grow a bit, so stones must not be placed too close to the base of the tree, possibly even build a small wall around to protect the tree as well. A good tree service near me will probably help give good input.

We took a trip out to wine country in California a few years back, and there were many beautiful courtyards and patios there with amazing landscape and hardscape ideas that were almost reminiscent of Tuscany with the use of vines, small trees, stonework, and shrubs to create lovely and inviting spaces outdoors that would make you want to sit and sip wine and enjoy the view for hours on end.   What better way to spend a weekend than in your own slice of heaven.

When is tree removal necessary?

Trees provide many wonderful benefits such as supplying oxygen, counteracting pollution, and conserving energy. Homeowners with trees can enjoy their beauty while also benefiting from higher property values. But there are some instances when removing a tree is vital, especially for safety reasons. Being aware of the following signs can help determine whether you should contact a tree removal professional.

From the ground up

When examining trees, professional arborists often say it’s best to start at the roots. Is the bark chipped or peeling? Are there hollow areas in the trunk or dead branches? A hollow tree with a damaged trunk is also a telltale sign. Then, work your way up and inspect the tree for other symptoms such as loss of leaves and browning, brittle branches.Try to size up the entire tree by viewing it from a distance. A canopy inspection, in which the high, remote areas of the tree’s leaves and branches are examined, can be performed by a certified arborist.

If more than half of a tree is damaged, it is probably best to cut it down. There are some cases where you may be able to keep a dead tree in the yard, if it is judged to not be a hazard. But in most cases, a dead tree should be removed immediately after you notice it. Prolonging removal will only lead to more decay, and it can make the tree specialist’s job more dangerous. If you really wish to avoid removing a tree, try to contain decay by pruning damaged areas. Monitor the tree carefully, and watch for signs like bark falling off, dead branches, and areas of the crown that are dead or leafing out much more than the rest.

Proximity of trees

When considering tree removal, another important consideration is how close together trees are growing. Too much clustering can be detrimental for trees’ overall health, stunting or impeding growth. In some cases, you may find two trees joined together at the base, potentially weakening one of the trees. In these cases, you should prioritize the tree that is the healthiest and most likely to survive.

Trees can at times be invasive, blocking sunlight, damaging driveways with their roots, or leaning into a house. A far-leaning tree can be dangerous, or one that is growing too close to power lines. The aftermath of a storm can also be a reason for tree removal, especially if the tree was irreparably damaged.

It is also important to evaluate how tall your tree can grow. Some trees can grow extremely tall so they may need to be transplanted if they are too close to your house. As a rule of thumb, large trees should be about 20 feet from your house, while smaller trees can be as close as 6 feet from the house. In these cases, you may be able to transplant the tree somewhere else.

 

Some types of trees are considered to be less desirable than others. Species such as willows, poplars, and Siberian elms are susceptible to breakage, shallow roots, or infestation by disease or insects. Thus it is important to plant wisely and strategically. If you inherited this type of tree on a new property, you should inspect it closely.

When it comes to the actual procedure, tree specialists are trained to tackle the gnarliest situations. While some people want to take a hands-on, DIY approach, arborists have the expertise and equipment to safely remove a tree. They know that cutting the tree too close to the top can eliminate more than half of a tree’s crown, which is how a tree nourishes itself.

Rather than getting rid of the debris of the tree, you can be creative and repurpose it. Specialists like tree removal in Framingham can chop the tree into firewood or wood chips. You can also make beautiful tabletops with certain kinds of trees such as sycamores. The remaining trunk of the tree can either be removed, or converted into a unique planter for flowers, a bench, or a stand.

Removing a tree can be a difficult decision, especially if it has sentimental value for you and your family. If you are unsure, you can always contact a certified arborist to help you address your questions.