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?

have-black-spots-on-tree-leaves

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

healthy-mature-trees-boost-property-value

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.

Essentials of Fall Tree Care

autumn-fall-tree-care-essentials

Tree health care professionals of British Columbia share tips for healthy trees for fall and winter.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Trees Now For the Colder Months

Though the primary growing season for plants and trees has come to an end, that does not mean there is less work to be done outdoors. A garden needs plenty of preparation for the long Canadian winters. Trees need a clean place to grow, watering, fertilizer, mulching, and pruning. This article will discuss these five tasks in greater detail.

Autumn Cleaning

Everyone knows that raking leaves and picking up fallen branches is good for an aesthetically pleasing lawn. What people may not know is that it can be beneficial for the health of your landscaping trees. Decaying leaves and dead wood are highly attractive to pests such as wood borers and termites. Fungal spores, bacteria, and other microbes also find perfect breeding grounds in moist decomposing organic matter. Cleaning all this up helps prevent pest infestation and tree disease.  Trimming trees away from roofs and power lines can be great prep for possible winter storms as well.

Watering

All plants need watering, even trees that can draw moisture from very deep in the soil. Trees certainly don’t need as much water as they may have needed in the summer, but one good watering right at the root bulb and along with fertilizer as the tree goes dormant can be a good prep from late fall and winter. 

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is like plant vitamins. It contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium among other things, which help maintain soil pH levels and provide nutrients for the soil. Fertilizer in fall gives the tree a good reserve of nutrition during the fall and winter months. When using fertilizer, an amateur gardener should always follow instructions and should not fertilize newly planted trees because this can actually damage the roots. Consulting an arborist can be a good way to make sure you are using the right fertilizer for your trees.

Mulch

Mulch is a form of ground covering that can be organic(i.e. manure, wood chips, newspaper, hay) or inorganic(i.e. stones, recycled tire shreds). Mulching is important insulation that helps protect a tree’s roots. It minimizes the evaporation of water and keeps the temperature of the soil a bit more regulated. At the very least, it helps insulate against extreme cold and extreme heat. Inorganic materials such as pebbles and sand can also be used as a weed barrier. When placing mulch there are a couple of things to remember:

  1. The depth of mulch should be between 2 and 4 inches. 
  2. Mulch should not be heaped onto the trunk of the tree but should be placed on the roots with space around the trunk like a doughnut.

Too much mulch can smother a plant’s roots and heaping up mulch (especially the organic kind) can draw pests.

Pruning

Pruning is a different kind of cutting than trimming. Pruning is done for tree health and to promote healthy growth in the tree. This is a task that takes training, equipment, and experience. It is always best to hire a tree service company for this sort of task because:

  • Safety: You and your household will be safer by allowing a professional to do the work.
  • Equipment: Arborists have the proper tools for dealing with tree pruning.
  • Training: Arborists and other tree care professionals have been trained to keep themselves and the trees from harm.

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service has 24/7 emergency response and provides extraordinary client care for all their services. We promote sustainability and affordable pricing to all the inhabitants of Vancouver, BC and the surrounding regions. Call us today for a free estimate.

Call the Tree Surgeon: 7 Issues That Must Be Addressed By An Arborist

Ways Your Tree Is Telling You To Call The Doctor

British Columbia-based tree service experts give a breakdown of signs your tree needs to be assessed.

When to Call a Certified Arborist

Trees are such an important part of life in this part of the world. The area is home to at least 40 different native species of tree, several of which have been used for both practical and ceremonial purposes by the First Nations. Though citizens of British Columbia value their trees, they don’t always know the best way to take care of them. Trees can easily be damaged by do-it-yourselfers trying to care for their trees. The issues listed below need the assistance of a trained professional.

Issue #1: Dead or Dying Branches

Not only is it important to prune dead branches correctly, but it is also important to examine the tree for a possible underlying cause. Removing the dead branches may prevent the spread of rot and pests, but it also may be a symptom of a bigger problem with the tree such as tree disease or pest infestation. 

Issue #2: Damage to Roots

Roots can be damaged without the homeowner’s knowledge through pests or possible changes in the soil. A tree that is cut off from its nourishment will certainly not thrive and it takes only around 30 percent root destruction to kill a tree. An arborist may be able to save the tree with proper care. 

Issue #3: Leaning or Toppled Tree

If a tree has been blown over by a storm or has suffered erosion or oversaturation, it may be leaning at an unhealthy angle. All is not lost, but an arborist must be called fairly quickly in order to salvage the tree. Large trees that have been toppled may need to be completely removed due to root damage.

Issue #4: Pipe Invasion

It is common knowledge that trees get most of their moisture through their roots. Roots can grow very deep in the soil searching for water. If there is a weak spot or a leak in a drainage pipe, a large tree root is likely to find its way in and cause further damage to that disconnected pipe. While the tree has found a water source, the home’s infrastructure is at risk.  While a plumber can replace the pipe, an arborist may be needed to keep the tree alive and prevent the same problem from happening again.

Issue #5: Overcrowded Branches

Branches often grow too close together, either within one tree or among several trees. When the wind blows, these branches can rub against each other and cause damage. Much like a cut on a person’s skin can be infected, these injuries on the tree branches make it easier for insects and fungal infections to get a foothold on the tree. Proper tree pruning will allow the tree to continue growing but in healthier directions.

Issue #6: Missing or Discolored Leaves

Missing leaves in the winter is normal for a deciduous tree, but if leaves are not growing out as they should, this can mean a problem with the tree. Likewise, some tree diseases are identified by the malformation and discoloration of a tree’s leaves. An arborist can identify the problem and devise a plan of treatment.

Issue #7: Overgrown Crown

Sometimes trees just outgrow their urban space. Trees with wide-reaching and tall crowns can be a hazard in a populated area. An arborist may decide that it can be trimmed, or it may need to be removed entirely, although this would be a last resort if the tree is healthy.

About VI Tree Service

Named Best of Vancouver, BC, VI Tree Service has been in business for more than 50 years. We are SAFE certified and satisfaction with our work is 100% guaranteed. Call us today for a free quote.

Choosing Trees for a Wildlife-Friendly Yard in Vancouver, BC

wildlife-freindly-trees-san-carlos-ca

Tree service experts of British Columbia discuss how native flora attracts native fauna.

These Trees Will Bring Wild Visitors To Your Yard

While many plants may grow in a Vancouver garden, not all plants are beneficial to local wildlife. In order to provide sanctuary for local bees, butterflies, and birds, it is best to use native plants. The local plants and animals have evolved together and have an interdependent relationship that humans can help facilitate. This article will outline a few of the native trees that not only complement a yard but also give wildlife a place to rest and nourish themselves. 

The Bitter Cherry

The bitter cherry is a smaller deciduous tree that tends to grow in a rounded shape and rarely grows above 25 feet tall. Though its very small greenish white flowery are unobtrusive, they have a pleasant almond smell and attract large numbers of butterflies. It is known to be a frequent nursery tree for both butterfly and moth larvae. Its bright red fruit, while unappetizing to humans, is loved by birds, particularly the cedar waxwing.

  • Sun Preferences: The bitter cherry prefers full sun to partial sun
  • Soil Preferences:  It is drought tolerant and does well in dry to moist soil. 
  • Similarly-Sized Native Trees: These native small trees and bushes provide similar nourishment and habitats for wildlife: Cascara, dogwood, red elderberry, evergreen huckleberry, Indian plum (osoberry), salmonberry, and vine maple.

The Douglas-fir

Though the Douglas-fir is not actually a fir tree, it is an evergreen conifer and adds a great deal of beauty to any yard. They are often harvested for wood and can grow quite tall. They grow in an attractive pyramidal shape and are favored as Christmas trees. Their branches provide great shelter and nesting for many birds and the seeds from their cones are a year-round food source for birds and small mammals like squirrels.

  • Sun Preferences: The Douglas-fir needs full sun to thrive, which is expected of a tall overstory tree.
  • Soil Preferences:  This tree doesn’t mind slightly dry soil, though it does well with moist, well-drained soils.
  • Similarly-Sized Native Trees:  Though rarely bested in height, the Douglas-fir serves similar animal populations as the western hemlock and the grand fir.

Western Red Cedar

The western red cedar is the provincial tree of British Columbia. This evergreen conifer can reach a massive 60 m in height. Long-lived and prized for its decay-resistant wood, the western red cedar also provides year-round nourishment for various birds (like the pine siskin) and mammals(including rodents and larger animals like deer and elk). Spotted owls and Vaux swifts often use these trees for nesting. It is often used for hedges due to its dense foliage and long life.

  • Sun Preferences: This native tree is highly adaptable and can function well from full sun to shade.
  • Soil Preferences:  The western redcedar prefers wet or moist soil.
  • Similarly-Sized Native Trees: Though very few things grow as tall as the western redcedar, there are trees that provide similar habitats for wildlife, such as the shore pine, bigleaf maple, and the grand fir.

About VI Tree Service

Since 1990, VI Tree Service has been providing excellent tree health care and tree removal services to Vancouver and the surrounding areas. We offer excellent customer care along with 24-hour emergency response. Call us today for a free estimate.

How Do You Solve A Problem Like An Uprooted Tree?

Tree experts of British Columbia outline steps to salvage a tree after it has been uprooted.

What to Do With An Uprooted Tree

When a storm blows through and pulls a tree up by the roots, it may seem that the tree is a lost cause. If the tree has most of its roots intact and there is only minor damage to the branches, the tree may actually be able to be saved. Trees have an intrinsic value for their beauty and their ability to clean the air and produce the planet’s much-needed supply of oxygen, but they also have a historical and sentimental value to the people who live their lives around them. There are ways to preserve these lovely landscaping trees. 

What Increases the Risk of a Tree Being Uprooted?

Even though a storm or high winds are the main cause of a tree being pulled up, there are many other factors that increase a tree’s susceptibility to being knocked over by the wind. These are usually related to issues with either the soil or with general tree health. A few of the major reasons that contribute to a tree’s risk of falling are included in the following list:

  • Age of Tree: If the tree is nearing the end of its life and its roots are weakening, it may be at a higher risk of wind uprooting.
  • Tree Disease: If a tree has an infection of some sort, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal, this will affect the tree’s ability to withstand wind and storms.
  • Pest Infestation: If a pest such as a wood borer has taken up residence in the tree it will be weaker and more susceptible to being uprooted.
  • Erosion: Loss of soil around the roots can cause the tree to be uprooted.
  • Change in Soil Quality: The composition of the soil can change over time through natural occurrences or human machinations. This is a process that typically happens over years and affects the grip of the roots.
  • Soil Saturation: If there has been a lot of precipitation, the dirt around the tree may be so filled with water that it becomes loose around the roots and they can pull free with only a small amount of pressure.

Call An Arborist

The best way to handle a tree falling is to call in the experts. A tree service company isn’t just in the business of tree removal and tree trimming, they are also about tree health care. Arborists are experts on how trees grow and their proper care and feeding, so if you are needing to save a tree, an arborist should be the one you call. 

They can perform a tree risk assessment on any of your landscaping trees to see if they are susceptible to disease or to being uprooted. They can determine if a tree can be saved or if it should be removed. They can also advise and help you through the process of righting an uprooted tree.

The Procedure for Salvaging a Fallen Tree

If a younger tree has fallen, then there is a chance that it can be put back in the ground and survive as though its roots never saw the light of day. The process for fixing the tree goes something like this:

  • Cover the exposed roots with dirt to prevent drying out.
  • Prune broken or dead limbs.
  • Lift the tree up. Move it in as straight a line as possible to prevent further root damage.
  • Secure the tree in place by packing dirt and other support as necessary.
  • Make sure the tree gets plenty of water. 
  • Avoid fertilizer that can damage the injured root structure. 
  • Monitor the tree for transplant shock.

If this list seems intimidating, remember that an arborist is available to do this for you.

About VI Tree Service

Since 1990, Vi Tree Service has been providing Vancouver and the surrounding areas with spectacular tree service and great client care. With affordable prices and free estimates, VI Tree Service is the one to call for 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

These 5 Trees Love June in Vancouver, BC

These 5 Trees Love June in Vancouver, BC

Tree care professionals of British Columbia offer suggestions of a few trees that love Vancouver summers.

5 Trees that Contribute to a Vibrant Summer Garden

Trees are a valuable part of almost every ecosystem on the planet. They are no less valuable in the man-made habitats that are today’s urban and suburban areas. People often want trees for beautification, but they contribute so much more. If you are considering planting a tree in your yard, the following trees may be good choices for you.

Red Alder

This native tree is a host for nitrogen-fixing bacteria and is often a great choice for land restoration. They are fast-growing and have strong wood that has often been used by First Nations people.  The bark of the red alder is used to make a red dye; from this, the tree derives its name. It grows easily and tall with an elegant white bark.

  • Sun preference: Full sun
  • Soil preference: Moist
  • Notable Attributes:  Fast growth, easily propagated, good for woodworking, helps renew soil

Paper Birch

The paper birch is so named for its lovely white bark that comes off in thin papery strips. Its leaves turn yellow in the fall and it is often home to birds such as the woodpecker and the nuthatch. It is the favourite tree of the yellow-bellied sapsucker.

  • Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil preference: Various
  • Notable Attributes: Papery white bark, favoured by many birds for nesting

Red Maple

The red maple is a very common native tree that is spread across most of the North American continent. It grows quickly and does well in a wide variety of soils. Its leaves change from green to bright red, orange, and yellow during the autumn, providing some of the most beautiful colours of the season. 

  • Sun Preference: Full sun
  • Soil Preference: Adaptable
  • Notable Attributes: Fall foliage, helicopter seeds, provides food for wildlife 

Western Red Cedar

This tree has a long history among the First Nations people and is the provincial tree of British Columbia. The Western red cedar is a giant tree, reaching over 100 feet tall, and long-lived, often living in excess of 150 years. The wood is used for many types of building projects and is decay and pest resistant.

  • Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil preference: Adaptable 
  • Notable Attributes: Distinctive scent from bark and leaves, pest resistant, home for birds and other wildlife 

Lilac

These large bushes with heavily scented clusters of purple flowers are perfect for almost any size yard. They are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies in the spring and summer and they are hardy enough for the dry, cold temperatures British Columbia sometimes experiences. Lilacs take very little care to produce a beautiful plant and only require a bit of yearly pruning.

  • Sun preference: Full sun
  • Soil preference:  Slightly alkaline and moist
  • Notable Attributes: Light purple flowers that grow in large clusters on the ends of branches, resistant to cold, good for smaller spaces 

About VI Tree Service

With more than 50 years of experience in the business of trees, VI Tree Service is the one to call for any tree health care needs in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. We strive not only to satisfy our customers but to protect the wildlife that is intimately connected with the life of trees. Call us today for more information about our affordable prices and emergency service.

A Quick Guide to Tree Care with Tips for Fertilization

Tree health care experts in Vancouver, BC give tree owners tips to help them care for their trees. 

Every tree owner knows that there are certain things they have to do to ensure that their trees thrive. Some of the common tree care practices that come to mind when thinking of tree care are tree trimming and treating tree disease. A step that is often overlooked when it comes to caring for trees is seasonal fertilization. 

Spring is the right time to fertilize trees. Don’t know how? Local arborists are here to offer a few tips. 

Picking the Right Fertilizer

What is fertilizer? The short answer is that it is a health supplement that provides extra nutrients for trees and plants. The long answer is a little more complicated. 

Fertilizer is a synthetic supplement that can be used on any plant to help it grow. In many settings, trees are crowded and they have to compete for nutrients with other plants in the landscape. Fertilizer helps relieve the stress of the competition and ensures that the tree has what it needs to thrive. 

Fertilizers that are purchased at hardware stores and nurseries will have a three-digit code in the form of 00-00-00. These three numbers represent the nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium ratio that is present in the fertilizer, respectively. These three nutrients are what trees need to make all of the biological machinery to make food from sunlight. By adding a balanced fertilizer, trees are empowered to grow faster and more healthily. 

Why is Fertilizer Important for Plant Health?

The benefits of fertilization to tree health care cannot be understated. When trees are starved of the nutrients they need, they can show signs of suffering that leave them weak, even to the point that they could die. Instead of taking the risks, consider the benefits of fertilizing trees: 

  • Minimizes Tree Disease: Trees have defence systems similar to an immune system. When they don’t get the necessary nutrients, they can’t repel diseases and insects that prey upon them. Good nutrition allows them to stand their ground. 
  • Fuels Stronger Growth: With more nutrients available, the tree can grow faster and stronger. Stronger foliation leads to limbs that are more sturdy and ready to stand up to adverse weather conditions. 
  • Enhances the Aesthetic: Trees with less dieback and stronger limbs look better. The thicker canopy attracts more wildlife and casts better shade, making for a more appealing environment. 

When to Fertilize? 

Spring is a great time to apply fertilizer around the landscaping at the home or business. Spring growth in plants has to be powered by nutrients that are absorbed by roots. Over the years, soils become depleted and can’t provide what plants and trees need in adequate volume. When plants show signs of wavering, fertilization is just what the plant doctor ordered!

Fertilize plants in the spring with all-purpose fertilizer before vigorous growth is seen. In the case of flowering or fruiting plants, fertilizing too late in the spring season can interfere. Early season feedings provide necessary nutrients to get the plant through the summer. In the fall, more fertilizer can be added to help the plant prepare for winter. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application. 

About VI Tree Service

VI Tree Service is a local, highly-rated tree care company. Their reliable crews are ready to help with any tree care needs. Call (844) 884-8733 today to schedule tree fertilization or tree risk assessments.