After Tree Removal: How Do You Repair Your Yard?

Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, share how to fix up a lawn after tree removal has made its mark.

Removing a Tree Doesn’t Mean the End of a Beautiful Lawn

Homes and lawns often take collateral damage when a tree comes down, especially if it is due to some sort of natural disaster or emergency. Even in a planned tree removal, the heavy equipment used by the tree service company can leave a footprint of its own. It does not mean that the lawn is ruined forever. It will simply take some time to repair.

This article will cover a three stage plan for revitalizing your lawn after removing a tree.

Stage 1: Immediate Steps

When the tree and its stump have been removed, there is obviously a large gouge in the lawn. There may also be compacted soil from the tree health care equipment, leaving the yard with an uneven appearance. There may also be some remnants of the tree left in the form of branches and leaves. Here are the first steps that every homeowner should take to begin lawn repair.

  • Clean Up: Remove all dead tree limbs and leaves from the yard. These can attract bugs and tree disease that can cause damage to the remaining trees in the area. Leaving the organic detritus behind is also unsightly and can increase the chance that the homeowner will not finish the task.
  • Aerate Soil:  Soil compaction is a hazard of the equipment used in tree care. Loosening the soil helps get water and nutrients to the roots of the plants that are still there. This will also help even out the ground that has been damaged.
  • Replenish Soil: Filling holes with fresh potting soil or nutrient-rich topsoil is important for keeping the surrounding plants healthy and for the successful growth of new plants. 
  • Use Fertilizer: Soil can be depleted of nutrition by trees and plants. Ask an arborist if your soil would benefit from a deep root fertilizer.
  • Use Limestone: Placing limestone is another natural way to replenish soil minerals and bring up the pH. Soil that is too acidic can be mitigated with limestone. Again, this would be best after a thorough soil analysis by a tree health professional.

Stage 2: Plant Health Care

Once the ground has been prepared, the next steps can be taken. The ground can be covered almost immediately with sod, which will improve the look of the yard immediately, thus solving the aesthetic problem that results from tree removal. There are other options that can be equally viable, such as planting another tree or turning the spot into a flower garden. Some of the things that may help this along include:

  • Watering(but not overwatering)
  • Mulch(for flower beds and trees)
  • Reseeding for fuller grass growth
  • Patience and attention to the plants 

Stage 3: Maintenance

Once the plants are growing well, checking in regularly with a certified arborist is highly recommended for a thriving garden area. They can perform soil analysis to make sure your plants are getting enough nutrients and a tree risk assessment to make sure your trees are growing well. Lastly, they can perform tree pruning and tree trimming to ensure the best growth.

About VI Tree Service

Since 1990, VI Tree Service has striven to be the best in environmentally friendly arboriculture. Call today for free estimates, 24-hour storm response, and affordable pricing in the Vancouver, BC, area, including Vancouver Island and beyond.

Replacing and Replanting: A Guide To What To Plant After Tree Removal

Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, share tips for planting after having a tree removed.

What Should You Plant Where Your Tree Once Stood

Trees are the longest-lived things on the planet, but even they do eventually die and need to be removed. Obviously, in the wild, trees rot and fall, returning to the soil, but within the confines of an organized community, a dead or dying tree can cause a host of other problems for homeowners and their neighbors. A tree that has been taken down leaves a gaping hole, quite literally, in the landscape, and aesthetics can be ruined. What can be done about this problem? 

Let a tree service company do the leg work and find the right tree to replace the one that has been lost. This article will share advice on what to plant and what steps to take to care for the tree.

What To Plant and When To Plant It

It can be nearly a year before the soil has fully recovered from the tree removal and stump grinding that takes place to completely clear out a tree. Adding soil and mulch can help the soil become nutrient-rich and vital again, but it does take time, and homeowners need to be prepared to wait. Planting too soon can lead to the slow death of the new plants and will not provide optimal or expected results.

So, the time must be right for planting. This is usually done right before the rapid growing season that the spring and summer bring. It is good to get whatever sapling you are planting well-established before the weather starts to cool.

As far as what to plant, the list is long but can be narrowed significantly by discussing categories. The biggest category to be aware of is native growth. Using native plants is becoming an increasingly common refrain among arborists and plant nurseries as we become more aware of the dangers that invasive species cause.

Some of the trees and plants that would do well replacing a tree are:

  • Firs
  • Cedars
  • Western Dogwoods
  • Flowering bushes
  • Fruit trees
  • Grasses
  • Ground cover like ivy

Tree Care for Optimal Growth

Once the tree is planted, the real tree health care begins. Sometimes, young trees do not adapt well to a new environment. This may be due to the plant going into shock and not being able to recover. When a tree is establishing its growth (usually the first two years), it needs extra care. There are some examples in the list below.

  • Provide Water: Watering a tree regularly is vital for the first part of its growth cycle. After the first couple of years, it will not need as much direct watering.
  • Mulch: Organic mulch provides a barrier against temperature extremes while also nourishing the soil as it decomposes. It also inhibits moisture evaporation.
  • Tree Trimming:  This is cutting of branches done primarily for aesthetic and practical reasons, such as trimming branches back from electrical and telephone lines. Too much trimming can do damage and should always be done by a trained professional.
  • Tree Pruning: This cutting is done for a tree’s health and to encourage it to grow well. This is often done with fruit trees to produce more and better fruit.
  • Fertilizer: This is often a later step as some fertilizers can damage the root system, but it can be used at the appropriate time for the best growth and healthiest plants and trees.

Consult With An Arborist

The best way to ensure that your trees’ needs are met is to call in a certified arborist. They are all about tree risk assessment and preventing and treating tree disease. Plant health care is more important to them than tree removal, so they will provide the best services to keep your trees healthy and whole.

About VI Tree Service

With over 50 years of combined experience in tree care, the people of VI Tree Service provide a full range of arboricultural services in and around Vancouver, BC. Call today for a 24-hour emergency response.

Ecologically Sound Reasons for Tree Removal

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Vancouver, British Columbia-based tree service professionals share when tree removal can be environmentally beneficial.

Five Situations Where Tree Removal Is Good For The Environment

Trees are incredibly important to the whole earth. The Amazon rainforest affects weather patterns all over the planet, and trees provide a good portion of the oxygen we breathe while reducing atmospheric carbon. These reasons, among others, are why ecologists have often focused on saving trees and preventing extreme deforestation.

However, there are cases in which removing trees is actually more helpful to the surrounding ecology. There are at least five primary scenarios where this is true, and each will be discussed in detail below.

Situation #1: Tree Damage

Many different disasters can damage trees and cause them to become less viable.

Some of the problems that can result in tree damage include:

  • Lightning strikes
  • Storm damage
  • Wind damage
  • Soil changes
  • Root damage

A tree damaged in these ways may recover, but if the damage is too extensive, it is likely to die and be susceptible to other problems, such as pests and disease. Damage can make the tree dangerous for people and property, so it is perhaps best for a tree service company to remove it.

Situation #2: Tree Disease

Like animals, plants can carry viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections that can damage them and spread to other trees. Fungal diseases can run particularly rampant in moist places where dead wood is available for nutrient grabbing.

Armillaria root rot, for example, can affect over 200 different species of trees, both deciduous and evergreen, such as oaks, elms, and maples. Trees that are overrun by disease should be removed for the health of the trees around them.

Situation #3: Tree Pest Infestation

While animals, trees, and insects often have a direct symbiotic relationship, there are also those bugs that cause damage to plants and trees. Sometimes, proper tree care, such as tree trimming or tree pruning, can help prevent pests from overtaking a tree, but it often cannot be helped.

If the infestation is caught early, an arborist may be able to save the tree, but if the infestation has grown to damage the tree irreparably, it will need to be removed. The surrounding trees must also be treated to avoid a similar infestation.

Situation #4: Invasive Species

This is a particularly hot topic in arboriculture. Invasive species are often brought in innocently enough to decorate a garden, but once they take hold, they begin propagating and overtaking the territory of native plants, strangling them. Removing invasive species from your garden will benefit the whole area.

Below is a list of invasive trees in the BC area and what they can be replaced with.

  • English Holly: It can be replaced with Oregon grape, Meserve holly, and red elderberry.
  • Tree of Heaven: This ornamental tree can be replaced with a golden rain tree, an elderberry, or a tulip tree.
  • Tamarisk Tree: This can be replaced by the Preston lilac or the Pacific ninebark among others.

Situation #5: Overcrowding

One important part of tree risk assessment and tree health care that arborists do is judge whether trees can thrive in their current space.  If there are too many trees, it can affect the growth of all the trees and the other plants that grow in the area.

Over-propagation ends up being self-defeating, and no plants or trees do well. This can affect the soil composition as well. Overcrowding of trees can rob the soil of nutrients or one or two particular nutrients that certain trees need. 

About VI Tree Service

Offering a 24-hour emergency response, VI Tree Service serves Vancouver, BC, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding areas. Call today for the company with over 50 years of experience and clear safety guidelines

Tree Crown Restoration: What Is It For?

Tree service company professionals from Vancouver, British Columbia, detail the advantages of tree crown restoration and how it differs from other types of trimming.

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Extensive Tree Damage Can Be Dealt With Through Tree Crown Restoration

When trees are damaged, a decision often has to be made. Is tree removal the answer, or is there a possibility of saving the tree through crown restoration or other types of tree health care? If a certified arborist is willing to use the precise pruning method known as tree crown restoration, it may keep the tree vital and growing for a long time. Let’s explore what exactly tree crown restoration is and isn’t and what benefits it offers to homeowners and their trees.

What Tree Crown Restoration Is and Is Not

There are many reasons to remove branches from trees, but not all of these fall under the category of crown restoration. Tree trimming and tree pruning are two different things as are tree topping and tree crown restoration. Let’s expand on these terms.

  • Tree Trimming: This is cutting back of a tree that is generally done for convenience or to keep the tree from spreading over the roof of a home or into power lines. It can also be for shaping the tree more aesthetically.
  • Tree Pruning: This is the type of cutting that is done generally for the health of the tree. Often pruning is done to clear overcrowded branches and help fruit trees produce a more abundant crop.
  • Tree Topping: This is an extreme form of tree cutting that removes a large portion of the upper branches of a tree in an imprecise or haphazard fashion. This is usually a very last resort for tree service pros as this can cause a shock to the tree’s system that it may not survive.
  • Tree Crown Restoration: This pruning method uses precision cutting to allow the tree to grow in the most stable and productive way possible.

What problems can be dealt with through this method? Continue reading to find out.

Problems That Call For Tree Crown Restoration

Tree care is a complex business that requires a great deal of training. So, how does an arborist know when to attempt tree crown restoration? Here are some of the issues that this method is intended to correct.

  • Poor plant posture
  • Storm damage
  • Dead branch removal
  • Decaying branches removal
  • Treating pest infestations
  • Treating tree disease

The Outcomes of Tree Crown Restoration

The advantages of having a tree treated by certified arborists are abundant. The tree will look better, making curb appeal higher for your home. The trees will be safer for both property and people because the most dangerous branches, those that are dead or dying, have been removed. 

The tree will live longer because it is not wasting resources or being exposed to pests and diseases. The tree will also be stronger because of the careful attention of a professional trained in tree health. Don’t wait, have a pro come make a tree risk assessment on the trees in your yard today. 

About VI Tree Service

Since 1990, VI Tree Service has provided guaranteed work throughout Vancouver, BC, and the surrounding areas. Homeowners can expect honest, personalized advice for their homes. Call for a free estimate and affordable pricing.

The Many Benefits of Shade Trees

Vancouver, British Columbia-based tree service professionals explain why shade trees are beneficial and what homeowners can do to ensure the best tree health care.

How Shade Trees Help Homeowners and How They Can Help Their Trees

Everyone with any knowledge of trees understands their importance as living things and how they help keep the planet cooler and oxygenated. This is, however, a very broad umbrella of benefits. It is sometimes something that people understand as a concept but don’t see the direct impact it has on their lives.

This article will discuss the direct value that shade trees add to both a piece of property and that they have to human health.

How Trees Benefit Property

Mature trees are attractive to home buyers, and this is why they are often listed in real estate advertising. Curb appeal is just one of the most often discussed benefits of trees on a piece of property. Beauty certainly counts for something, but there are many other reasons to have trees.

Let’s detail a few of them:

  • Trees provide extra insulation for the house, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by shielding the home against direct sun and wind.
  • The insulation aspect discussed above keeps energy costs down. Having trees on the east or west side of the house can increase energy efficiency by up to 35%.
  • Having shade trees on the property can increase home value as curb appeal is often a leading driver for increasing a home’s price.

These are perhaps the most direct benefits for a home, but how can having shade trees improve individuals’ lives? The next section will explore that.

How Trees Benefit People

Shade trees are more than something that people merely have to clean up after in the fall. They can actually have health advantages for people. Trees provide an area that promotes physical, emotional, and social wellness. Let’s examine how this plays out.

  • Physical Health: Shade trees can lower the temperature by 4 degrees Fahrenheit, making it more comfortable in a shaded yard. Due to thermodynamics, the temperature underneath a tree can actually be 25 degrees lower than it would be in the sun. This keeps people cooler and allows them to do more outside activity, which promotes a healthy body. The shade also protects skin from harmful sun exposure, preventing burning.
  • Emotional Health: Being outside has been shown to boost not only physical health but also emotional health. Relaxing or having a picnic under the shade of a tree can be a great mood lifter. 
  • Social Health: It is easier to get together with people if they have a comfortable place to hang out. Trees can provide space for seating and decor, creating a celebratory atmosphere. 

Trees are directly beneficial to people, and people can also have a direct impact on trees. Let’s look at the best plant health care to make trees thrive.

How People Can Implement Successful Tree Care

Though trees are the longest-lived plants and typically outlive humans in many cases, that does not mean that they don’t need care. Careful tree pruning and tree trimming are important to keep the tree growing correctly. Calling a tree service company and setting up an annual tree risk assessment with a certified arborist to check for tree disease will help the tree thrive as long as possible.

About VI Tree Service

With over 50 years of combined experience, VI Tree Service provides excellent customer care and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call today for free estimates and affordable pricing in Vancouver, BC, and the surrounding areas.

The Basics of Tree Lichens

Tree health care professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, share a bit about this lovely and beneficial organism.

Lichens: What Are They?

If an older tree in your yard seems to be covered with moss-like growths, does this mean it’s infested with pests or has contracted a tree disease?

In most cases, it’s likely not a problem that needs to be solved. Tree lichen, which does not attack the tree, shows that the air around it is of high quality and that moisture and sunlight are available to sustain it.

Lichens are prevalent throughout the world, even in the places that are most inhospitable to life. This article will cover exactly what lichens are and what they do for the environment.

The Symbiotic Partnership that Creates Lichens

Lichens are actually a construct built through the symbiosis of two or more organisms from completely different biological kingdoms.

Unlike a parasite and its host, organisms that have a symbiotic relationship are actually each beneficial to the other. They look like plants, but they are not.

The three organisms that can compose a lichen are listed below.

  • Algae: There are multiple types of algae from the kingdom Protista that bloom in various bodies of water, both saltwater and freshwater. Lichens can be formed from brown, red, green, and gold.
  • Bacteria: It is a fairly recent discovery that what was known as blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria. It is the only bacteria(kingdom Monera) that form lichens.
  • Fungus: From the kingdom of the same name, fungi are plant-like growths that reproduce via spores and do not have chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Mushrooms and toadstools are the primary examples of this.

The relationship formed provides food for the fungus which benefits from the photosynthesis of the algae (or bacteria) and provides protection and moisture for the algae which normally cannot live outside water.

Where Can Lichens Live?

As previously mentioned in the introduction, lichens can live practically anywhere. Most, however, do thrive in moist and temperate climates. They can be found from one pole to the other and can be very hardy.

They have been discovered growing:

  • In the Arctic
  • In the desert
  • On rocks
  • On soil
  • On tree bark and inner branches
  • On rusty metal and
  • On plastic.

They produce oxygen like plants, trees, and algae do, helping maintain the beauty and habitability of our world. They also act as air quality indicators because they tend to start vanishing as pollution increases. They are not bad for trees because they do not penetrate through the bark.

What Do Lichens Look Like?

Lichens’ physical growth depends on the type of fungus they are formed from.

There are three types of lichen: crustose, foliose, and fruticose.

Crustose (crust-like) lichen forms a thin layer of bright growth that is nearly flush with the surface on which it grows.

Foliose, or leaf-like, lichen looks more raised, and the growths are leaf-shaped.

Fruticose lichen is hairlike or tube-like and is the type that most resemble moss.

About VI Tree Service

Serving Vancouver, BC, and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service has more than 50 years of combined experience and employs internally certified arborists to better serve its customers. Call today for a free estimate.

Blackened Tree Trunks: What Is the Cause?

Tree health professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, describe the different forms of tree disease and infestation that can cause black bark and leaves.

The Three Major Causes of Blackened Bark and Their Solutions

Spring is a time of growth for more than just the plants and animals people desire to see in their yards. Harmful things can grow in spring as well, and if a homeowner notices that a tree that should be green and thriving is looking black in the bark and sickly in the leaf, there is definitely cause for concern. The tree may have fallen prey to a pest infestation, a fungal or bacterial infection, or simply stress. 

This does not mean that tree removal is inevitable, however. The tree may still be healthy enough to save with professional tree health care. Let’s look at these three big problems for trees.

Culprit #1: Tree Stress

We don’t often think about plants being under stress, which is certainly not the same emotional situation humans experience. It is more that plants, as living things, have to deal with adverse conditions. Trees thrive in certain soil types, with a certain pH and nutrients. If any of these are dramatically changed, it can cause stress on the tree. Damage from a storm or extreme tree pruning can leave the tree vulnerable to disease. These adverse situations can cause a tree to go into shock and die. They can recover if given good nutrition and proper amounts of water. 

Culprit #2: Tree Disease

There are many different fungal and bacterial infections that can cause blackening in the trunk of trees and leaf malformation. These infections tend to affect the tree’s nutrition and moisture uptake, resulting in wilting or tiny leaves. Scorched-looking leaves or trunks can be the result of physical damage or a tree disease known as fire blight. A few other common diseases are in the list below.

  • Anthracnose
  • Bacterial Cankers
  • Bacterial Wetwood
  • Black Knot
  • Gloomy Scale
  • Sooty Mold
  • Verticillium Wilt

A certified arborist can identify these diseases and offer a treatment plan for the tree, whether that means precision tree pruning or doses of fungicide. A tree service company has the equipment and know-how to keep your trees green and thriving for as long as possible.

Culprit #3: Tree Pest Invasion

Insects are another serious threat to some trees. Sucking insects and borers can find weak spots in the bark and are soon infesting the tree. These invasions often steal nutrients from the tree and keep it from sustaining itself. A few examples of pests in this area of the country include:

  • Looper Moth Caterpillars: These have been overrunning trees in our area, causing huge numbers of trees to be cut down.
  • Emerald Ash Borer: Though these nasty bugs typically only attack ash trees, they are regularly seen in this area.

About VI Tree Service

Serving Vancouver, BC, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service is proud to be an environmentally responsible tree service company with over 50 years of experience. Call today for a free quote and fully guaranteed work.

Helping The Environment One Tree At A Time

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Tree service professionals of Vancouver, BC, share why taking care of your trees is eco-friendly.

How Proper Tree Trimming and Maintenance Is Beneficial for the Whole Ecosy2stem

As the longest-lived things on the planet, trees don’t really seem like living things that would need much help and attention from humans, and it’s true to say most trees don’t grow under the supervision of human beings. However, many trees in populated areas have been cultivated and need to be maintained by people. Neglecting tree maintenance can be bad for the whole property, including a residence or business. Let’s look at why we shouldn’t just allow trees to “grow on their own” and what environmental benefits proper tree health care can provide.

The Consequences of Neglecting Landscaping Trees

Trees may seem to grow well without the attention of homeowners, but there are consequences to not managing a yard’s trees. Some of the most significant problems are listed below.

  • Trees that are not managed can have overgrowth.
  • Overgrowth makes trees more susceptible to tree disease and pest infestation.
  • They can pull too many nutrients out of the soil.
  • The dead and dying limbs can be a hazard to people and property.
  • This unhealthy growth and lack of nutrition can shorten the longevity of the tree. 
  • Overgrown trees have poor curb appeal.

While a tree may look like it is doing well, it might be healthier and be better for the yard if they are trimmed and maintained by a trained individual.

How Tree Pruning and Trimming Helps the Environment

Healthy trees typically mean a healthier ecosystem. They also mitigate some of the problems that we have created as a society simply by existing. Let’s explore the environmental impact of well-maintained trees in the urban forest setting.

  • Carbon Storage: There has been a lot of talk lately about storing carbons below the ground, but trees absorb CO₂ as part of their photosynthetic process. 
  • Oxygen Production: Just as they absorb carbon dioxide, trees produce oxygen. 
  • Water Filtration: Tree roots can actually filter pollutants out of the water supply when they absorb water for hydration and nutrition.
  • Energy Use Reduction: This is particularly true for trees near homes. They provide a windbreak and shade that help regulate temperature, meaning the HVAC system has to run less.
  • Promotes Growth and Diversity: Biodiversity is important to any ecosystem. Trees help provide a pillar for that, keeping the soil moist and nutrient-rich. 

What Does Proper Tree Care Look Like?

When it comes to taking care of our trees, we may have the desire, but does the average homeowner know where to start? Since the answer is likely “no,” where should people start? They should start by consulting the pros, of course! A certified arborist has the training and the tools to keep trees green and growing for many years to come. Tree health care is as much a part of their business as tree risk assessment and tree removal. Let the professionals get your trees into the best possible condition.

About VI Tree Service 

VI Tree Service is proud of our reputation as an environmentally responsible tree service company. We have over 50 years of combined experience and serve Vancouver, BC, and the surrounding areas. Call today for an estimate.

5 High Maintenance Trees That Are Still Worth Planting In Vancouver, BC

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 Tree health care professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia share what makes trees high maintenance and how they can still be a good investment.

Some Trees Are Worth Some Extra Work

Like most of the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is fortunate enough to have mild winters with lots of rain and sunny, warm and dry summers. These temperate conditions are great for a wide variety of plant life and the spring and summer are truly spectacular in this part of the country bringing with the warmth a riot of color. Cultivating a home’s landscaping space can make for a small garden paradise or can end up being a burden. Choosing the right tree and tree service company are crucial for achieving the solace that every homeowner wants in their backyard. With the help of a certified arborist, even the trees discussed below can be worth it. 

Japanese Maple Tree

This highly ornamental member of the maple family goes by the Latin name Acer palmatum. Like the other members of this group of trees, they can be prone to pests and certain diseases that attack maples. Fast growing maple varieties also have a tendency toward weak branch systems and may need protection from strong winds. An arborist can help prevent tree disease and secure the tree to make sure the wind doesn’t cause damage.

Lombardy Poplar Tree

The Populus nigra “Italica” grows tall and gracefully narrow. They make an attractive windbreak, but are a short-lived species as trees go, not to mention they need regular pruning. This type of tree also is prone to diseases and pests.A tree service professional can help these trees thrive with regular soil testing, tree pruning, and tree risk assessment. 

Birch Tree

Their distinctive bark and silvery leaves make these trees very attractive for landscaping. Unfortunately, these Betula trees have many pests that are specific to their tree type. An example is the bronze birch borer. They also need moist soil and take in a lot of water.

Cypress Tree

The Cupressus family of trees needs special attention when it comes to controlling their size and shape. Regular pruning is typically required to keep a cypress in check. They are also susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Again, some preventive maintenance by a certified arborist can keep them thriving.

Willow Tree

The lovely willow or Salix family of trees is fast growing, which makes it good for yard coverage, but they have strong widely spreading root systems that can be problematic for drainage systems and concrete. These beautiful trees can be well placed if the advice of a professional is taken into account and measures are put in place. 

Consult an Arborist

When thinking about what trees to use in landscaping, it is highly recommended that a homeowner or business owner consult with a tree service pro like a certified arborist. They can tell you the best trees for your area and advise you where to put them as well as doing the planting, fertilizing, and tree pruning. 

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service is proud to serve Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the surrounding communities with excellent and experienced tree service. We have more than 50 years combined experience, so call today for a free quote.

Play It Tree Smart: Hire A Certified Arborist For Tree Removal

Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia share why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional for tree health care.

3 Reasons A Certified Arborist Should Be Involved in Residential and Commercial Tree Removal

Does your yard have a dead or dying tree? It can be very tempting to decide to bring it down all on your own, but there may be unintended consequences of that decision. Instead of having a tree removed, a person could end up in the hospital or with a broken window or roof damage, not to mention damaged and dangerous electrical lines. While these may be the worst case scenarios, they do happen and a person who is not a certified arborist cannot be prepared for the unpredictability that comes with working with trees. People tend to think of trees as familiar and safe, but when it comes to taking one down, it takes training, equipment and strategy.

Arborists Have the Tree Know-How

To say a subject like trees is pretty broad is, well, a bit of an understatement. The field of arboricultural studies is extensive and varies depending on the part of the world a person is in. There are degrees in the field and certification requires passing a stiff assessment. And those who desire to work with trees should have experience working with trees. It is one thing to be able to identify a particular type of tree like an oak, a maple, or a cedar, it is another thing entirely to know the best way to treat tree diseases and pests.

Below are a few examples of what arborist know:

  • Tree Health Care: This means soil testing, fertilizer application, mulching, landscaping and treatment for pests and disease. This, rather than cutting down trees, is the main part of an arborist’s job.
  • Tree Risk Assessment: This gauges the general health of the tree, but also the risk to property if something were to cause the tree to fall. This is part of the strategy that a tree service company uses for planning tree removal.
  • Tree Trimming and Pruning: These are not just interchangeable words, they mean two different things. Pruning is for the good of the tree, trimming is for aesthetic or practical concerns.
  • Tree Removal: Finally, arborists are trained in how to remove trees with the proper equipment and minimal danger.  

Arborists Are Properly Equipped

It’s easy to borrow a ladder or a chainsaw from a neighbor or family member, but it may be harder to obtain some of the safety gear and larger machinery that a tree service professional has at their disposal. 

A few examples of tools in an arborist’s kit include:

  • Steel-toed boots
  • Chainsaw
  • Cherry Picker truck
  • Climbing Gear
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Gloves
  • Hand saw
  • Hard hat
  • Loppers
  • Rope
  • Winch

Arborists Have Insurance

What if a homeowner has access to a large number of tools and knows all about trees? Well, they still probably don’t have insurance that can cover damage or injury from cutting down a tree. This is another major reason to hire pros, because the homeowner has peace of mind and no extra money out of their pockets no matter what happens. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your free time.

About VI Tree Service

If you are looking for an environmentally responsible tree service company, look no further than VI Tree Service. Call for 50 years combined experience and excellent service throughout Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas.