What is a Tree Risk Assessment?

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Certified arborists in Vancouver, BC share insights about one of their most valuable services. 

How Do Tree Risk Assessments Protect Home and Property Owners?

It’s no secret that trees add huge value to a lot. However, along with the value comes some liability. Too often, strong summer winds or frigid winter temperatures can damage trees that are near homes and businesses. When this occurs, it is the owner’s responsibility to take charge and determine what the risks to people and property may be. To accomplish this, a savvy owner will call in the help of their certified arborist. 

When an arborist is called to determine the health and safety of the trees on a lot, they will perform a service called a tree risk assessment. A tree risk assessment is an industry-standard procedure that allows certified arborists to quantify the risks that a tree may pose to its surroundings. The process is quick and easy and can help a tree owner take action to prevent damage to the trees and structures. Here is a quick guide to help owners understand the process. 

Stop Damage to the Trees

One of the main concerns of tree owners is the continued health of their trees. A healthy tree can defend itself against invaders like fungus and bacteria as well as mend itself when limbs are lost to severe weather. However, when environmental stressors pile up like repeated droughts and cold temperatures, the tree can have a hard time recovering.

Some of the signs of damage that experts look for during a tree risk assessment are: 

  • Mushroom or fungal growth
  • Hollow spots in the trunk
  • Rotting wood
  • Foliar problems 
  • Soil degradation
  • Leaning trees
  • Root damage

Once a tree risk assessment is done, the owner and arborist can work together to come up with a plan. The plan will include certain aspects of tree health care that will increase the chances of the tree’s survival, thus preventing future damage to the property.   

Prevent Damage to Structures

When trees are damaged they often cause collateral damage to nearby homes, businesses and roadways. A tree risk assessment not only determines the future health of the tree but it also measures the distance from things that the tree might damage. These documents are invaluable when it comes to helping the owner calculate risks to the tree’s surroundings. By scheduling a tree risk assessment the owner can have a detailed account of the trees on their property and the problems they may cause. This helps the owner and arborist develop a plan to lessen the damage that trees may do. 

Keep the Property Safe and Healthy

As every owner knows, the landscaping and trees around a property are a huge asset. With the harsh changes in weather, trees can start to suffer. Additionally, allowing trees to grow with no human intervention can allow them to get out of hand. Overgrowth and encroachment can start to occur over time and these can endanger the health of the trees and the safety of the property. 

When the owner buys a property or seeks to change insurance companies, it is common practice to require an expert’s opinion on the trees. Insurance companies will request that a certified arborist perform a tree risk assessment on trees that overhang rooflines or sidewalks and streets. Working with the best local arborists can allow owners to get the best insurance rates while not paying for coverage they don’t need. In addition to determining the safety of the trees, arborists can also amend any potential problems that may raise rates or require claims in the future. 

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service is a tree service company run by certified arborists. For expert tree risk assessments in Vancouver, BC call (844) 884-8733 today. 

Low Maintenance Trees for Vancouver Homeowners

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Vancouver, BC tree service offers advice about picking out the perfect trees for homes and businesses. 

Keeping Tree Care Easy

In every home or business there is always plenty to do. For most owners, one of the main goals is to find sustainable ways to set up their properties so they need less attention but still look good and perform reliably. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to trees and landscaping. 

For many owners, they have simply resigned themselves to seasonal work to keep trees growing healthily but that doesn’t have to be the default expectation. Planning ahead and planting the right tree for the right site can save owners many hours over the years. Here are some tips from local experts to keep tree maintenance easy as well as some recommendations for trees that fit great in the local climate. 

How to Keep Tree Care Simple

The first step to lessening the responsibility for tree maintenance is to plan ahead. In landscapes that are well-designed the need for maintenance on trees should be minimal. When trees are given adequate moisture and sunlight they tend to need less maintenance. Apart from seasonal trimming, trees that are placed in the perfect habitat should be strong and healthy. 

Some of the things to consider before choosing a tree to plant in a space are: 

  • Size of the space
  • Size of the full grown tree
  • Sunlight requirements
  • Soil preferences of the tree
  • Soil quality in the space
  • Overhead clearance
  • Distance to nearby trees and structures

When all of these things are taken into consideration owners can make smart choices. Failure to take these things into account will lead to trees that don’t thrive and need constant support to keep them healthy. 

Maples

There are a lot of things that owners take into consideration when they decide to plant trees. One of the main factors that most people consider is how the tree will look in the fall before they go dormant for the winter. If this is a major factor for an owner then a maple cultivar will be an excellent choice. 

Most species of maples love the local conditions and they generally thrive in all soil types. When temperatures cool off maples sport bright yellow and red foliage depending on the cultivar. Some cultivars particularly suited to the area are Bigleaf, State Street and Red Sunset maples. 

Cedars and Firs

For owners that are more interested in a year round appeal instead of just enjoying trees in the fall, cedars and firs make excellent options. These choices are prized because they are evergreen and blend well into the landscape because they are native. Western Red Cedars and Incense Cedars grow upwards of 60 feet and prefer well-drained soils. Douglas Firs are long-lived and prefer moist soils but they do tolerate mild drought better than cedars. 

Magnolia Trees 

For those that love evergreens but still want a show during the warmer months, magnolias are the perfect choice. With large waxy leaves and gnarled bark, these trees offer something completely different in the landscape. During the warmer months they bloom large, white flowers that can be seen and smelled from a distance. Moonglow and Merrill Magnolias are drought tolerant and they are small enough to fit in smaller spaces and yards. 

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service has over 20 years of experience in tree and plant health care. Their certified arborists are ready to safely remove trees from any property or trim and prune trees for the coming seasons. Call today for superior tree service in Vancouver, BC.  

Vancouver is Home to Some of Canada’s Oldest Trees

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Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia share the history of some of the old growth trees that are within easy access of the city.

Get to Know Some of the Oldest Trees in Vancouver

The city of Vancouver prides itself on being a green city. There are lots of trees and plants along the busy byways. We strive for a natural balance, but that was not always the case. The history of logging in the area is a complicated one. Many ancient growth trees were cut down. Fortunately, a small portion has been preserved just in time and now can be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit Vancouver every year. This article will discuss a few of the most noteworthy trees and their locations.

The Hollow Tree

This is the only tree on the list that is not alive, but it is still a major tourist attraction. The hollowed out trunk of this ancient Western Red Cedar tree stands in Stanley Park, and is perfect for photo ops. It was estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old when it died and the hollow trunk that remains is 60 feet in circumference. There are pictures of cars, groups of people, and even an elephant standing within the hollow trunk.

Grandpa Capilano

Capilano River Regional Park has a treasure trove on aged trees.   These Douglas firs are tall and create a rain resistant canopy, making it a great place for a drizzly day hike. The tallest among them is Grandpa Capilano, a tree with an 8-foot diameter. Though its top was lost in a storm, it is still a sight to behold. The nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park allows guests to walk high off the ground among the 250-year-old Douglas firs.

The Hollyburn Fir

Though a bit off the beaten path, the Hollyburn Fir is well worth a short trip into Vancouver’s western forests. The tree is over 1,000 years old and has an amazing circumference of 33 feet and a height of 44 feet. It stands sentinel near the Millstream and Brewis Trails. Be sure to take a map if you decide to venture in!

The Big Cedar

At the end of a strenuous hike down old logging trails, stands the Big Cedar. Unlike some other specimens, this cedar has several upper trunks and has a gnarled appearance. This is likely what saved it from logging many years ago.It is over 600 years old and has a diameter of about 13 feet.

The Cheewhat Cedar and the Carmanah Giant

Purported to be Canada’s largest tree, the Cheewhat Cedar resides in another area that was once for logging and is now a protected area called Cathedral Grove. The Cheewhat Cedar is over 2,000 years old and has an almost unbelievable height of 182 feet. The circumference is more than 60 feet. Nearby is the Carmanah Giant, the tallest Sitka spruce in existence, whose height is an enormous 312 feet tall.

About VI Tree Service

With over 50 years combined experience in Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service is here to help with all your arboricultural needs from general tree health care to tree pruning and tree removal. Call today for an affordable quote.

Growing Fruit Trees: The Benefits of Edible Landscaping in Residential Gardening

Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia offer reasons homeowners should consider planting edible fruit trees. 

Beneficial for People and Animals, Fruit Trees Can Make An Impact In Your Yard

We all know how important trees are to the environment. They filter air and reduce carbon dioxide by absorbing it and producing oxygen. Trees have many other qualities that make them valuable in both the wild and in populated areas. Fruit trees have a dual role that can be useful for even a part time residential gardener. Let’s discuss how a fruit tree or two can benefit a yard and what types of trees work best in our area.

Why Edible Fruit Trees are a Good Idea

Trees provide a natural insulation for a home that can reduce energy bills in both summer and winter. The shade and wind protection they provide are beneficial for a whole area and not just the property they are on. A row of trees near a road or walking path can offer sun protection and can lower the overall temperature of the area.  Fruit trees do these things and more. They are fairly fast growing but usually don’t exceed 30 feet in height and can be much smaller.

Some of the most obvious benefits of planting edible fruit trees are:

  • Beneficial Bugs and Birds: Fruit trees tend to attract fauna that are helpful to an area.
  • Promotes Pollinators: Pollinating insects like bees and butterflies thrive with fruit trees around that are organically grown.
  • Sustainable Systems: Having your own fruit tree promotes sustainable practices and with proper care can bring in a bit of income as well.
  • Healthy Household: Fresh fruit being available means eating better for the whole household and avoiding the pesticides and other chemicals that store bought food may contact.
  • Fresher Fruit: Fruit that comes from your own backyard will be much fresher than what can be bought at the local grocery store. It is likely to be more flavorful as well.

What Types of Fruit Trees Grow Well in BC

There are actually quite a variety of fruit trees that grow well in Vancouver. Many parks and public areas have such trees that provide healthy sustenance. A few of the trees that thrive in this area include apples, pears, cherries, and plums. These can all be prepared in a variety of ways and provide a ready made snack.

How to Maintain and Care for Fruit Trees

Before deciding what type of tree to plant, it would be a good idea to consult with a tree service company and get your soil tested. This will help you make the final decision on what to plant. Tree care is part of what a local arborist does, not just tree removal. Tree disease can be detrimental to fruit trees and their crop yields so getting advice and professional assistance from an expert in tree health is key.

A few of the jobs that need to be done for fruit trees as well as other trees include:

  • Tree trimming to prevent damage to property or people.
  • Tree pruning for the health of the tree and to increase yields.
  • Tree risk assessment for disease and fungal infection.
  • Fertilizer after the tree is established.

About VI Tree Service

Our staff have over 50 years of combined experience in the tree service industry. VI Tree Service offers a full range of tree services with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call today for service in Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas.

Tips for Caring for Landscaping Trees Sustainably

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Professionals in tree health care from Vancouver, British Columbia share ways to make sure your tree care is not causing damage to other plants and animals. 

What Does It Mean To Use Sustainable Tree Care?

Sustainability is a bit of a buzzword these days. Everyone seems to be talking about clean energy and making sure practices are sustainable, that is, able to be done and maintain balance in the natural world. It is easy to see that some practices humans have indulged in the past are not sustainable, but does that apply to our residential lawns and gardens? 

Actually, there are right and wrong ways to take care of your plants and trees, and that is what this article is going to discuss. 

Trees Are Good for the Environment, How Would Caring For Them Be Bad for It?

You may be wondering how it is possible to keep a tree healthy yet harm other parts of the landscape, but it is possible. There are also some things that are done to trees for the convenience of buildings and people that may do more harm than good. Practices like “topping” where a large part of a tree’s crown is removed can be damaging to the tree as well as to any birds or other animals that may make the tree their home. 

This may not seem like a practice that should fall under “tree care,” so let’s look at other examples.

  • Pesticides that are meant to protect the tree from harmful bugs can harm other animals, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pets can also be harmed by contact with these chemical compounds.
  • Herbicides and fungicides that may protect against tree disease and weeds may harm the other natural vegetation of the area.
  • Non-native plants can be very pretty but can spread rapidly and destroy an ecosystem if they are not kept in check. 

Tree and Plant Health Care That Benefits Everyone

Trees are an absolutely essential part of the ecosystem in British Columbia.  We should be working to help them thrive, not only for their ability to produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide but also because they create habitats and produce food for animals. The best way to take care of trees is to do it in the most natural way possible, imitating the conditions in which they would grow in the wild. 

  • Plant Native: Choose native plants that naturally thrive in the environment you live in. Not only will these grow well, but if they spread, they will not be competing with other native plants for space and choking them out.
  • Water Slowly: Use a soaker hose to water trees. This allows the water to penetrate deeply without oversaturating and causing a destabilization of the roots.
  • Use Mulch and Organic Fertilizer: Mulch serves at least three different purposes. It gives the landscaping a uniform look. It provides insulation against extreme heat and cold, and organic mulch provides nutrients as it decays. 

Consult with an Arborist

If you are looking to have your soil analyzed or need help in tree pruning, then call a reliable local tree service company. Certified arborists are there to help you take care of your trees, not just deal with tree risk assessment and tree removal. If you are unsure how to help your tree thrive, an arborist will be more than happy to assist.

About VI Tree Service

Offering affordable pricing and excellent client care in Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service is equipped to provide safe and speedy tree service. Call today for a free estimate.

A Spring Checklist For Tree Health Care

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Tree service experts of Vancouver, BC provide a spring chore list to help their customers take care of their trees. 

What To Do For Your Yard As Spring Approaches

As the warmth begins to melt the snow and ice and green starts to emerge from the tender muddy ground, people begin to feel the joy of the coming spring. They also look out the window and see a lot of work to be done in the yard. Spring is a time for refreshing and renewal and for getting your hands dirty.Trees can use a little extra attention at the end of winter or beginning of spring, and this article will tell you how to make their growing season the best it can be both for plant health care and for an aesthetically pleasing yard.

Step #1: Tidying the Yard

The first step in tackling any project around the house whether indoors or outdoors is to figure out what you need and what you don’t. Removing broken limbs and dead leaves from the yard is the best way to begin with spring tree care. This is good for the look of the yard, but also minimizes the places for pests and fungi to hide. Dead wood is a natural breeding ground for these flora and fauna that can harm healthy trees as well as breaking down decaying wood.

Step #2: Investigating Trees for Damage and Tree Disease

This is the point where most homeowners may need professional help. Though you may be able to identify that something is not right with the tree, or that there are dead branches, you may not be able to determine the root cause or how to fix it. That is where a reliable tree service company enters the picture. They can employ a certified arborist to determine if your trees have any problems that need to be dealt with right away.

Step #3: Tree Trimming and Pruning

Tree pruning is intended to help trees with healthy growth by removing dead branches and thinning out areas that are overcrowded. Trimming can keep the tree from obstructing power lines or scraping roofs. Here are a few words of caution concerning trimming and pruning.

  • Use sterilized tools when trimming to prevent disease spread.
  • Beware of over pruning which can actually kill a tree instead of helping it.
  • Consider hiring a professional inorder to avoid incorrect pruning or personal injury.

Step #4: Nutrition

There are several ways to help soil replenish its nutrients in order to help trees and plants thrive. The best way is to have an arborist test the soil and then make recommendations for the soil. There are three main ways to nourish your trees from the roots up.

  • Compost: This is an active way for a homeowner to participate in recycling their food waste and helping their garden. Decaying vegetable, fruit, and plant matter returning to soil mimics the natural process that occurs in the wild.
  • Fertilizer: Composed of different amounts of the three most needed nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These should not be used on young trees. They are a bit like a vitamin boost, and should be used sparingly.
  • Mulch: Organic mulch, like compost, imitates the natural cycle of decay that happens in forests every day. It also acts as an insulation to prevent moisture loss and to shield against extreme temperature changes.

Step #5: Watering

Watering should be done after the ground thaws and should be done only on the tree’s roots. Getting water on the trunk, branches and leaves does not increase absorption and does increase the chance of a fungal problem. Water only if the ground is dry and use a soaker hose to allow for slow absorption.

About VI Tree Service

Offering extraordinary client care and affordable pricing throughout Vancouver, BC and beyond, VI Tree Service boasts over 50 years combined experience in tree health care. Call them today for a free estimate. 

Arrested Development: Why Your Tree Isn’t Growing

Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia, explain the do’s and don’ts of tree health care.

What To Do About A Tree That Isn’t Growing As You Expected

Experts say that trees can improve the value of your home, add curb appeal, and provide natural insulation through shade and acting as a windbreak. All of these things are true, but what happens if you purchase a tree and it doesn’t seem to be living up to all those promises? It certainly leads to frustration and may leave you scratching your head in confusion. Many questions may come to mind such as, Is it just a bad tree? Or Am I doing something wrong? Well, worry no more, that is exactly what a tree service company and a certified arborist are there for. This article will discuss what can be done for your tree and why it is important to hire a pro.

Why Your Tree May Not Be Growing

There are several reasons that a tree may not be growing as quickly as you were expecting. Some of these are within the control of the homeowner, and some are not.

  • Tree Age: If a tree has already been in one place for several years, then its growth may be slowing due to age. Just as people and animals grow quickly in their youth and slow as they reach adulthood, trees also grow quickly early and then slow down. 
  • Tree Choice: If you chose a tree for aesthetics without thinking about whether or not it is a good fit for the climate in your area or its growth rate, you may have chosen a slower growing tree or one that will not do well in your yard.
  • Planting Too Deep: If you plant the tree too deeply, so that the root crown is covered, it will hinder growth.
  • Soil: While there are ways to make soil more hospitable for certain trees, it cannot be completely changed into something it is not.
  • Over-Watering: Too much water can drown roots and hinder growth.
  • Over-Pruning: Cutting back too much new growth can keep the tree from being able to create enough food for itself because too many leaves were removed. 
  • Overcrowded Branches(under-pruning): Branches that grow too close together can cause damage to each other and can  leave a tree open for tree disease or pest infestation.

What Can Be Done About It, or Proper Tree Care

With tree care, it is all about moderation and timing. With watering, tree pruning, and fertilizing, it is all about when and how much. These are all necessary things, but, as previously stated, when too much is given or too soon, it can cause problems. Some of the basics of proper tree care include the following list:

  • Water every two weeks with a soaker hose. Trees need a lot of water, but they need it slowly.
  • Pruning should be done by a professional, mostly in the late fall and early winter when the tree is dormant.
  • Mulching should be done in a donut around the base of the tree, but should not be heaped up on the root crown. It should only be 2-4 inches deep.

Consult a Certified Arborist

No matter what your tree needs, an arborist can help. They can perform a tree risk assessment and give advice on the next steps. If a tree is a hazard, they can perform tree removal, but their primary concern is to preserve the tree and give you the yard that you want..

About VI Tree Service

Serving Vancouver and the surrounding areas, VI Tree Service has provided excellent tree care for more than 30 years.They offer 24/7 storm and emergency response. Call today for top quality tools and affordable pricing.

From Maple Tar Spot To Anthracnose: What are Those Spots on Your Tree’s Leaves?

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Vancouver, BC based tree service professionals discuss the group of tree diseases called leaf spot.

What Can Homeowners Do About Leaf Spot

The deciduous trees in this area of the world are some of the hardiest and loveliest trees anywhere. Silver maples and sugar maples are not only hardy, but have beautiful autumn foliage. Though they are resistant to many different kinds of attacks, the moist, warmer air that is coming can bring with it the perfect breeding ground for a nasty-looking group of tree diseases called leaf spot or leaf blotch. Normally leaf spot is seasonal and is only cosmetic, but there are situations where it can cause significant damage to your trees.

Spots on Leaves: Is It All Disease?

Just because your tree has leaves with spots does not automatically mean that your tree is infected with leaf spot. Both bacteria and fungi can cause leaf spot, but other environmental factors may be contributing to the problems that you are seeing on your trees. Fertilizer burn and overwatering can cause yellowing of leaves. Likewise, storm damage and pest infestation can show up in the tree’s leaves. This is why having a certified arborist look at the tree can be helpful in determining if treatment is needed.

Leaf Spot’s Most Common Culprits

As previously stated, bacterial and fungal infections are the main cause of leaf spot. Bacteria can cause problems if they have infected more of the tree than just the leaves. Fungi are the most common culprits of leaf spot. A few of the widely spread types of leaf spot will be detailed below.

  • Anthracnose: This particular disease starts by browning the leaf veins and then growing into spots that spread and kill early spring leaves. It affects many deciduous trees and hardwoods.
  • Cercospora Leaf Spot: The spots associated with this fungal infection start off red or purple then fade to gray or brown as the leaf dies.
  • Maple Tar Spot: This fungus presents first as a dark spot that eventually turns black and shriveled.They are often somewhat raised with a brown ring surrounding the “tar spot.”
  • Powdery Mildew: This one looks just like it sounds. It is a white powder that seems to cover leaves.

Treating and Preventing Leaf Spot

Though the leaves that are already affected will be lost, leaf spot is a treatable condition and will likely do no serious damage to the tree. It can even be ignored for the most part as long as it is not bothering the homeowner or the tree too much. There are strategies for removal if there is concern for tree health.

  • Keep leaves dry by watering with a soaker hose.
  • Tree trimming can prevent overcrowding of branches which promotes spread.
  • Use sterilized tree pruning tools to remove branches with affected leaves.
  • Test soil and fertilize if it is needed.
  • Use an antifungal spray.

Call in the Pros: What a Tree Service Company Can Do

All of the strategies above can be put into the capable hands of a certified arborist who will know how to correctly treat the particular disease or problem that is afflicting your tree. They are not only experts in tree removal, they are also experts in tree health care. The tree will not be removed unless it is deemed necessary.

About VI Tree Service

Since 1990, VI Tree Service has been caring for trees in Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas. They have the right equipment and half a century of combined experience. Call today for a free quote.

Mature, Healthy Trees Can Help Boost Property Value

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Vancouver, BC arboricultural professionals share about the influence of trees on home values.

What Can Trees Do For Your Property

Trees are the longest-lived things on the planet. Most of them live much longer than a human is expected to. They are valuable for environmental purposes and for aesthetic purposes. A single tree will attract all sorts of other plants and animals and can create a mini habitat all by itself. This is part of the reason trees are so important to populated areas, even urban and suburban areas. This article discusses the monetary value of trees in residential properties as well as their priceless value in other realms.

What are the Best Trees to Grow in Vancouver?

When considering trees to increase property value, the biggest concern is the placement of the trees and tree health. If you have a magnificent tree, but it is so close to the house that it is a danger to the home, then it will actually be a detriment to the property value. Healthy trees that are well-trimmed and pruned back from the roof are the best trees to have. Giving your trees the proper tree health care is important, but a tree will only grow if it is suited to the environment. Below are a few trees that do well in the Vancouver area:

  • Douglas Fir: This native tree is both practical and beautiful. It grows tall and is attractive to many animals. 
  • Live Oak: This lovely oak is shaped a bit like an umbrella, being wider than it is tall, and it is quite a tall tree. The live oak needs plenty of room to grow but is a lovely addition to a large open space.
  • Crape Myrtle:  These lovely bush-like trees have gorgeous summer flowers that range in colour from red to purple. They are showy and grow quickly.
  • Hollywood Juniper Tree: These lovely trees are hardy and make great windbreaks. They grow in an attractive spiral and are drought-resistant.

What are the Advantages of Having Trees?

There are many advantages to having trees on your property even beyond the property value. Below are a few of the ways trees benefit homeowners.

  • Having healthy mature trees on a property can raise the price by $1,000 to $10,000. The average is between $5,000 and $7,000.
  • Trees help battle global warming and purify the air.
  • Trees reduce a home’s energy usage by sheltering it from wind and sun.
  • Trees provide curb appeal.
  • Neighbourhoods with trees report a greater sense of community.
  • Communities with trees report a lower number of domestic violence incidents.

Working With The Pros For Healthy Trees and Landscaping

Any tree service company worth its salt will be concerned with keeping your trees healthy for as long as possible. An arborist promotes tree health and tree pruning, not just tree risk assessment and tree removal. Landscaping and maintenance are just other aspects of their job. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help with choosing trees and how to care for them. That is part of the job.

About VI Tree Service

The work of VI Tree Service is backed by 50+ years of combined experience and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are fully licensed and insured and offer free estimates. Call today for a consultation.

Should Trees Shed Their Bark?

Though bark shedding is a natural process for some trees, it can be a sign of tree health problems, say tree service experts of British Columbia.

Don’t Go Barking Up the Wrong Tree Over Bark Shed

Like the skin on animals, bark provides a protective layer for the more vulnerable inner parts of the tree. It is obviously an essential part of the tree’s structure. Sometimes shedding the outer layer of bark, just like shedding skin cells, is part of the process. Sometimes loss of bark is due to injury to the tree or some sort of infection or infestation. This article will discuss all three possibilities so you have a better understanding of when to call a tree service company for your tree care. 

Shedding Bark As Part of the Natural Growth Process

As previously stated, the outer layer of bark does occasionally come off naturally. This is especially true of older trees that have thicker, less flexible bark. They grow and some of the inflexible bark drops off. This usually happens with the seasons. Some trees tend to shed bark in a way that people find attractive and even charming.

These trees are almost constantly shedding very slowly and are listed below:

  • Birches
  • Silver maples
  • Redbuds
  • Hickory trees
  • Pines

On any of these trees, it is perfectly natural to see bark shedding. If a tree has lost some bark but there is still a solid layer of bark underneath, it is likely still healthy.

Shedding Bark Due to Pests, Fungus, and Tree Disease

Losing bark in an unhealthy way can be due to infestations of pests or from an attack by fungal infection. If bark loss is accompanied by dead and dying leaves and branches, the tree’s health may be in serious danger. These insects tend to fall into three categories: defoliating insects, burrowing insects, and sucking insects.

Here they are in a bit more detail:

  • Defoliating Bugs: These bugs consume the leaves from trees and some make webs that destroy them. These types of insects include cankerworms, gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, bag worms, and Japanese beetles.
  • Burrowing Bugs: These bugs bore into the tree bark and lay eggs or eat the sap-carrying layer that is just underneath the bark. These bugs include the Emerald Ash Borer, Dogwood Borer, and the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
  • Sap Sucking Bugs: These bugs chew holes in the bark and the leaves and suck the sap out. Insects that fall into this category include aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. 

Fungal infections can destroy a tree from the roots up. Some of the more common fungi to attack trees are:

  • Anthracnose: This appears as a powdery white substance on the surface of tree bark. Dogwoods and sycamores are very susceptible to this fungus.
  • Amarilla: This fungus takes several forms and can appear as mushrooms among tree roots or grow on the tree.
  • Hypoxylon canker:  This is a particularly virulent and incurable fungal infection. If a tree has hypoxylon canker, it will need to be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Shedding or Damaged Bark Due to Weather Worries 

Extreme temperatures can also cause problems with the bark. Whether that becomes suddenly cold or suddenly hot can put stress on the tree’s outer layer and cause cracking. This is called frost crack. If the tree is properly watered and nourished, it can recover from this injury. Sunscald is another form of weather damage. It takes place in late winter or early spring when the days are warming up. 

This usually appears as unsightly blotches on the bark on the southern or southwestern side of the tree.  Consult with a reputable arborist and they will be able to help you deal with any of these tree healthcare issues. 

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service has been providing both commercial and  residential arboricultural services to Vancouver, BC and the surrounding areas since 1990. Call us today for a free estimate.