What To Do About Browning Evergreens

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Tree health care experts of Vancouver, British Columbia share reasons a newly transplanted evergreen might have brown needles or leaves.

Reasons an Evergreen Tree Might Turn Brown

Whether or not you are an arborist, you will likely understand the words “evergreen tree” to indicate a tree that is always covered in green needles or leaves. These types of trees do not lose their foliage in the yearly cyclical pattern that deciduous trees do.

That is part of their appeal. Though they do have definite periods of fast versus slow growth, they really take the spotlight when late fall and winter come around. But if you are here, you may have been unsettled to notice brown patches on your evergreen.

This article will explain why this might be happening, and what homeowners can do about it.

Why Is This Evergreen Turning Brown?

There are several reasons that an evergreen can begin to have brown spots. The first reason is normal growth patterns. If the browning is toward the bottom of the tree and toward the trunk, then this is likely part of the natural tree growth and is nothing to be concerned about.

If even the tips of the branches are brown it can be the result of these other, more sinister, things:

  • Pest infestation
  • Root damage
  • Transplant shock
  • Tree Disease
  • Trunk damage
  • Too little water
  • Winter burn

Can I Help the Tree Get Its Green Back?

Sometimes the best remedy for browning evergreens is simply time. A homeowner should observe the tree and see if it shows any other signs of problems.

If half or more of the tree has gone brown, you are likely looking at tree removal, because it is unlikely that it can be saved, but if it is only a small portion of the tree there may be hope.

Ways to prevent the tree from experiencing shock in transplanting and also to care for it are detailed below.

  • Planting: Follow instructions when planting a tree. Dig the hole the right depth and width for the root system and make sure the soil is good for that type of tree. Trees should be planted in spring to allow them time to become established.
  • Watering: Young trees need about an inch of water a week. If your area doesn’t get regular rain, you need to be sure that your tree is getting sufficient hydration.
  • Mulching: Mulch helps lock moisture in and provides a slowly decaying source of soil nutrition. It also helps prevent root damage from extreme temperature changes. It should be 2 inches thick and 5 inches from the trunk.
  • Pruning: Trimming off dead or browning branches can be helpful in allowing a tree to recover.
  • Wrapping: Using burlap to help insulate a tree’s trunk can prevent winter burn.
  • Call an Arborist: A certified professional can hlep you determine the best course of action for your tree.

Evergreens That Grow Well in Vancouver, BC

Some of the common evergreens that grow well in this area of the world include Eastern Red Cedar and American Arborvitae. The Leyland cypress is a great choice for a drought resistant and fast-growing tree.

About VI Tree Service

As an environmentally responsible tree service company in Vancouver, BC, Vi Tree Service strives to serve all their customers and their trees with great service and affordable pricing.

We offer free estimates and have over 50 years total experience. Call today for an estimate in Vancouver, BC or the surrounding areas.

Support Cables for Trees: Why Do Arborists Use Them?

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Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia explain the rationale behind tree cabling and bracing.

Strengthening Healthy Trees Though Support Cabling

Throughout the ages, trees have been symbols of strength and longevity. Trees such as red cedars, oaks, and giant redwoods are all types of trees that have stood both in the minds of people and in the physical world as examples of endurance and the power of nature. As humanity spreads across the world, building structures and creating their own form of order, sometimes trees become hazards that struggle to carry the heavy weight of their own branches. This is why arborists have developed a support system for trees known as cabling or bracing which keeps the tree heavy and sturdy while protecting the people and properties that surround it. This article will discuss the whys and wherefores of this unique arboricultural tree training method. 

What is Tree Cabling and Bracing?

Trees grow in such a way that they get the most benefit from the sun. This is sometimes inconvenient for the human constructed structures around them. Tree service companies often use tree trimming or tree pruning to accomplish the task of protecting both tree and property, but sometimes that is either unnecessary or not recommended.

Cabling is the use of either rope or steel cable to create a support for certain branches on a tree. Bracing, using rods, is also done to the trunk or large branches.

There are two types of support systems: static and dynamic. Static systems are those made of cable or rods and are drilled directly into the tree. These provide stronger, longer-lasting support, while dynamic support with rope allows a bit more for the natural movement of the tree.

Reasons for Cable Support Systems

If a tree is in a dangerous position in relation to a home or other building, even a mild storm or moderate winds can cause damage. Cabling is often used as a preventative measure for vulnerable branches.

This method can only be done on healthy trees, because trees that are full of pests or tree disease will merely continue to decline and the support system may not work at all.

Reasons for a tree to have a cable support system installed are:

  • Healing: Cabling can help a tree heal cracks from storm damage or other harmful scenarios.
  • Prevention: It can keep damage from happening to heavy branches and keep them from falling and damaging property or injuring people.
  • Co-Dominant Branches: This is a spot on the tree where two large branches meet. It is also called a V-crotch because it shapes what looks like the letter V. It can be a vulnerable point for a tree, especially an older and larger one.
  • Leaning Trunk: If the root system of a tree has been affected or the soil around the tree  has changed, a tree can begin to lean. Bracing or cabling can provide a stable foundation for the tree to grow again.

A Guide to Tree Cabling

A certified arborist should be the one performing a cable installation after a thorough tree risk assessment.

The steps they will likely follow in installing a static support system are listed below.

  • Decide the location of the cables and support branches.
  • Drill holes for the cable.
  • Thread the cable through the holes.
  • Cap the cable and tighten it.
  • Adjust as needed.
  • Remove excess cable.
  • Inspect annually.

About VI Tree Service

For more than 30 years, VI Tree Service has proudly provided excellent tree care for the entire Vancouver, BC area. We offer 24 hour emergency response and affordable pricing. Call today for a quote. 

How Trees Help Solve the Problem of Noise Pollution

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Vancouver, British Columbia based tree service professionals encourage their customers to think green when considering sound barriers.

Can Trees Reduce Noise?

It is pretty widely recognized, though often not acknowledged, that loud sounds are a form of pollution that plagues cities in a similar way to the noxious greenhouse gasses that create smog.

Loud noises, no matter the pitch, can contribute to health problems in the people that are exposed to them. Though the industrial revolution left us with much innovation, there are still areas that need work, and pollution is one of them.

Trees are not only good for clean air, they are also a great help when it comes to unwanted sounds. 

Health Problems that are Associated with Noise Pollution

Everyone knows that it is very easy for sound to interrupt an individual person’s sleep. Sleep deprivation in and of itself can lead to serious health issues. Our bodies often express physical signs of stress when our ears are assaulted with loud and obnoxious sounds.

Some of the problems that can result directly or indirectly from noise pollution are included in the list below:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Distractedness
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Stroke
  • Hearing loss

The Physics of How Trees Mitigate Noise 

Trees, as the largest and longest lived things on the planet, have to endure a great deal of change over the course of their lives. They are resilient and adaptable in their native soils and habitats. Because of the density of their bark and trunks and the way their branches and roots grow, they are able to withstand sound waves and even help to dampen them.

There are four scientific principles at work in this case. Each of these will be fully described below.

  • Absorbing Noise: As energy waves move through different forms of matter, the energy is taken into those things the waves pass through. Even trees that are a short distance apart can shield against noise. The growth of the root system seems to prime the soil for sound absorption.
  • Reflecting Noise: Due to the hard surface of the tree’s trunk and branches, sound can bounce off the tree back toward its source. It is a physical barrier that not all sound can cross. Overlapping leaves also assist in this. 
  • Refracting Noise: This is similar to deflecting or reflecting, but it sends the sound waves off in a different direction than it was originally traveling, as when light goes through a prism or enters water or some other liquid. 
  • Interfering with Other Noise: Trees, like other living things, produce their own noise that can disrupt other sounds. This muffles the sounds that come from the other side of the trees.

Which Trees Work Best for Noise Suppression

Though, as one might expect, hardwoods such as oaks are the best for noise absorption, deciduous trees are not the best choice overall for tempering sound year round. The lack of foliage during the  late fall through the early spring gives around 6 months of less surface area and more trouble noise.

Evergreens have been shown to be the most consistent when it comes to noise suppression. There are many such trees that are native to this area and will grow quickly and thrive here. Consult with an arborist when making a choice for landscaping for privacy and sound reduction.

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service has been a reliable tree service company from Vancouver, BC, across Vancouver Island and beyond. We have more than 50 years of arboricultural experience. Call today for a free quote.

Alien Species: Plants and Trees That Have Invaded Vancouver, BC

Tree health care professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia discuss the detrimental effects of invasive plant species.

Invasive Plants And Trees And What To Do About Them

Vancouver and all of the province of British Columbia is known for the beauty of its landscaping and its natural forests. Even here, there are plants that have crept in that don’t belong. The question may arise, if a plant is thriving in an area, how can it be problematic?

Intuitively, it would seem that a plant that thrives would belong in the ecosystem in which it is growing, but that is not the case with plants that are known as invasive or alien species.

The following paragraphs will explain why these plants harm the local environment and what people can do to help.

Why Are Non-Native Species Problematic?

As previously stated, it might seem good for a plant to thrive in a new environment. This is not entirely wrong. Some species can become naturalized, or integrate themselves harmoniously into the local ecosystem.

Other plants, whether they are brought in accidentally with a shipment of other things or they are introduced on purpose for landscaping and decoration, can wreak havoc on local flora and fauna.

A few of the ways alien species cause problems for native environments are listed below:

  • Disrupts Food Web: Alien species can be harmful to the animals that normally feed on plants. Giant hogweed is a perfect example of this. Its sap can actually cause blistering and sun sensitivity.
  • Steals Nutrients and Sunlight: Fast growing plants like English ivy can cover up other plants, smothering them and keeping them from getting sunlight. They can also rob the soil of nutrients.
  • Harms Pollinators: Butterflies and moths often need specific plants for laying their eggs. Many plants may attract them for food, but the population will not continue without the plants they need for reproduction. Monarchs and milkweed are the best examples of this phenomenon.

What are the Worst Invasive Species in This Area?

Some of the most invasive plants in all of British Columbia are listed below. These plants can cause difficulties for other plantlife and animal life throughout the province.

  • Giant Hogweed
  • Common Tansy
  • Yellow and Orange Hawkweed
  • Japanese Knotweed
  • English Holly
  • English Ivy
  • Himalayan Blackberry

Sometimes it can be difficult to identify invasive species without proper training, so if you suspect there is a non-native plant in your yard, there are several things you can do.

What Can We Do About It?

One of the easiest ways to help promote native growth is to plant native. Native plants and trees will attract helpful insects and animals and will thrive. If a homeowner does suspect that they have an invasive species, they should consult an arborist.

A tree service company can assist in tree removal and plant removal. Some of these alien species are difficult to get rid of and need special attention.  A certified arborist can help you choose the right flora for your yard that will help the overall environment.

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service of Vancouver, BC provides excellent tree and plant health care for all of Vancouver island. We not only offer tree removal, tree trimming, and tree pruning, we also offer landscaping services and arboricultural consultation. Call today for an estimate. 

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.