Pruning 101

Pruning involves the selective removal of plant parts including branches, buds, leaves and blooms. It is a critical practice that plays a vital role in maintaining the health, appearance and functionality of plants from gardens to landscapes.

Whether you are trying to encourage new growth, promote fruit production or simply clean up the look of your landscape, pruning is an essential skill for all gardeners. The trick is to know when and how to prune. With the proper knowledge and techniques, this often misunderstood gardening activity can be done safely, with minimal stress to your plants and with maximum benefits for your outdoor environment.

The most common and beneficial reason for pruning is to reduce the overall size of a tree or shrub. This typically improves the structure and visual appeal of a landscape while also improving air flow and light penetration. It also minimizes the potential risk of damage to people, property and structures caused by overgrown trees or those that have become diseased or damaged.

In addition, thinning thick tree canopies allows sunlight to reach plants and grass underneath, promoting healthy growth and helping them receive adequate photosynthesis. This is particularly important in the case of fruit trees to help improve their productivity.

When pruning, it is important to make clean cuts using sharp tools. This prevents unnecessary stress to the plant and helps to ensure that wounds heal properly. It is also important to avoid the temptation to remove too much at once. Overly drastic cuts may leave the plant susceptible to disease, insect infestation and other problems.

Lastly, pruning is an excellent way to get rid of dead or diseased branches and limbs. This eliminates the spread of the disease and allows the remaining limbs to resume their normal function. It is especially important for trees and shrubs that are prone to diseases such as Dutch Elm, Ash Dieback or Oak Wilt.

Steve is a well known and respected gardening expert in his native UK and has several best selling books to his name. He teaches and lectures extensively on both general horticulture and specific planting techniques. He is a master of a wide range of pruning techniques for both soft-tissue and woody plant species and is a specialist in hedges, espaliers and topiaries. He has a great passion for gardens and loves sharing his wealth of knowledge with others.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/03/09/pruning-101/

How to Properly Remove a Stump

When a tree is cut down or felled, the stump that remains can be an eyesore to your yard and a tripping hazard. It can also be a source of pests, diseases, and other problems for your landscape and garden. In addition, a stump takes up valuable space that could be used for new plantings or a seating area.

While there are a number of ways to remove a tree stump, hiring a professional is often the best option. Not only does this save you time and effort, but it can also be safer and more cost effective than trying to do it yourself.

Stumps that are left to naturally decay can take years before they are completely rotted away, which can be an eyesore in your yard until then. They can also attract pests and fungus that may spread to nearby plants. The natural decomposition process can also be time-consuming and is difficult to speed up.

To speed up the natural decaying process, you can drill holes into the stump with a power drill and fill each hole with potassium nitrate or other chemical stump removal products. The nitrate provides extra oxygen for the microorganisms that break down wood fibers. You can purchase these chemicals in a variety of stores or online. It is important to use caution when using chemical stump removal products and follow the instructions on the label.

Another option for removing a tree stump is to burn it with open flame. You will need to wear protective equipment and follow your local fire department’s regulations regarding open-flame burning. This method requires patience and multiple attempts to successfully blunderbust the stump. You will need to use a kerosene or fuel oil and pour the liquid directly onto the stump and surrounding soil. You will need to repeat the process every few days for several weeks.

A third method is to use a stump grinder to chip up the remaining stump and root system and then cover it with dirt or mulch. This is the fastest and most reliable way to remove a tree stump. The only drawback to this method is that it can be expensive and labor-intensive if you do not have a stump grinding machine.

It is always a good idea to contact a local company that offers Stump Removal Services. These professionals have the proper equipment and expertise to safely and quickly remove a tree stump and its roots. They can also provide additional services, such as backfilling the hole and seeding the area with grass or topsoil. In addition, they can offer recommendations for the best shrubs to plant in place of your old stump. Your location plays a role in the price of Stump Removal as some companies charge more for rural areas due to higher transportation costs. This is why it is recommended that you get a quote before booking a service. This will help you avoid a surprise when it comes to the bill.

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Choosing Tree Loppers

Tree Loppers are a type of pruning tool used to cut stems and branches of trees and shrubs. These are a popular garden tool for trimming overgrowth and maintaining the shape of trees, as well as for removing diseased or crossing branches or to address immediate safety concerns such as those that might threaten buildings or power lines. Some loppers are designed with a telescopic handle which allows you to adjust the length of the handles for greater leverage and extended reach. These are particularly helpful when working on larger trees or in difficult to reach spaces.

However, it is important to note that loppers should be used responsibly and not to simply cut overgrown branches to stubs, or remove leaves which help the plant to feed itself. In fact, indiscriminate ‘lopping’ can actually starve a tree by limiting access to much needed nutrients and can open the plant up to diseases and pests. While it may be tempting to choose a cheap tree lopper, if you’re serious about caring for your trees and their long-term health it is worth investing in a qualified arborist.

Approach and Expertise

Arborists are trained in arboriculture, typically hold qualifications and certifications in the field and have a deeper understanding of the biology, health and care of trees. They also have the knowledge and expertise to assess a tree, diagnose issues and recommend appropriate pruning techniques for each individual tree. Tree-loppers on the other hand, may specialise in tree removal or large scale pruning for clearance or aesthetic purposes without considering the long term impact of this work on the trees themselves.

When choosing a pair of loppers look closely at the maximum cutting capacity and examine the design and build quality. Avoid loppers that are overly noisy or which feel flimsy in the hand. If you need to tackle a lot of thick stemmed or hard mature wood, opt for a pair of anvil loppers which have a sharp blade that closes onto a cutting block and is ideally suited to heavier pruning work. These are a little noisier than bypass loppers but can be easier on the hands and will often come with a longer warranty to back up their performance. Our current Best Buy loppers are simple and unfussy, with Japanese SK5 carbon steel blades that make light work of even tough old wood and a cam assisted mechanism that makes them easy to use for people who lack strength. They are also incredibly competitively priced and come with a generous five year warranty. They have been awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use. For more details please click here.

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Tree Felling Hazards and Precautions

Tree Felling is a necessary practice that is used for various reasons such as clearing land for development, harvesting timber, or removing trees that pose a risk to public safety. Although it may seem like an easy task, it requires a lot of skill and expertise in order to ensure that the task is completed safely. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common hazards associated with tree felling as well as some precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid them.

One of the most serious hazards is a tree or limb that falls on or around a faller. This can be caused by a number of factors including loose or dead branches, intertwined vines that connect the crowns of two trees, and poor structure. In many cases, these issues can be avoided by examining the area where a tree is to be felled before beginning work and making sure that no power lines or other structures are in close proximity to the location of the fallen tree. In addition, it is important to make sure that the tree faller has an adequate escape route in case the tree should become unstable or fail during the felling process.

Another major hazard that can cause injury is wind-thrown or pushed trees. These types of trees can rebound and strike the faller, causing severe injury or even death. Whenever possible, directional felling should be used to reduce the likelihood of these hazards occurring. When this is not feasible, it is important to identify the likely direction of a tree’s fall and mark any areas of potential wind-throw or steep terrain on the felling site map before starting work.

In addition, if the direction of a felling relates to existing canopy gaps, it is important to consider the effect that a falling tree might have on these gaps. If a gap is too narrow to allow for safe extraction of the fallen tree, then it may be necessary to use a back cut or scarf to widen the opening.

An additional hazard is when a tree that has been successfully felled hits an obstacle, such as a rock or other terrain feature. This can occur when the directional felling techniques mentioned above are not employed or when the timber is too large for harvesting machinery. In these situations, the faller should assess the risks and determine a different plan of action such as utilizing a tree drive or cutting the stump below ground level.

In some cases, a fallen tree can also rebound and strike a worker standing nearby. This can be a major safety hazard if the tree strikes the feller in the head or neck, or if the tree is too close to the escape route. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all aspects of a forestry operation are properly assessed and managed. This includes identifying hazards, developing a training record system and hazard register, and ensuring that the tree feller is fully aware of these processes.

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What Does an Arborist Consulting Do?

Arborists are experts in the care, maintenance and protection of trees. They work in both residential and commercial settings and provide a variety of services to a wide range of clients, including homeowners, local governments, developers, contractors and insurance professionals. They are licensed and insured, ensuring their clients receive safe, accurate and professional service.

Consulting arborists offer a variety of expert services, such as hazard tree assessments, tree appraisals and management plans. They are also available for expert witness testimony and can assist with legal cases involving trees.

One of the most important things an arborist can do is prepare a tree preservation plan for a development site. These comprehensive reports include a detailed tree inventory and analysis of the proposed project area. They will also recommend mitigation measures to avoid damage to existing trees during construction. Arborists often work with other technical teams, such as air quality and biological resources to ensure the plan addresses any impacts on adjacent trees and communities.

During the planning phase of a project, an arborist will work with a lead agency to make sure that the necessary permits are in place and that any existing tree preservation requirements are addressed. This includes identifying any tree protection zones and clarifying city or county policies that may impact the project. It is also a time to consider any tree removal requirements, such as maximum height and diameter at breast height. Arborists will also determine the viability of existing trees to be planted in a new location.

Pruning is a complex task that requires specialized equipment and a deep understanding of a tree’s health, structure and vigor. Improper pruning can result in a lopsided appearance and invite pests and diseases to the wounds left behind. An experienced arborist can prune a tree safely while leaving it looking attractive and improving the overall health of the plant.

An arborist can complete a tree appraisal, which is helpful for homeowners and local government agencies to know the value of their trees. This can be useful for a number of reasons, such as determining compensation in case of a severe storm damage or an upcoming tree sale.

Many municipalities require a consultant arborist to be present during all work done in designated Tree Protection Zones, and for any demolition or construction that may affect existing trees. These specialists can help to expedite the permit process and ensure that the right conditions are in place for tree preservation. They can also serve as a resource to the contractor to ensure that any approved conditions are adhered to during the course of the work, and that any violations are immediately corrected. For the best results, the arborist should be in contact with the contractor and the lead agency throughout the entire project to guarantee compliance. FCS’s team of highly experienced consultants are well suited to this role. We have worked on projects all across the country and have a great reputation for our ability to provide accurate evaluations, collaborate with lead agencies, and successfully get projects through the permitting process.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/02/10/what-does-an-arborist-consulting-do/

The Risks of Stump Grinding

Stump Grinding is a process that removes unwanted tree stumps from a yard, enhancing the aesthetics of a garden or lawn. This is a relatively inexpensive process compared to removing an entire tree and can be done without damaging surrounding trees or structures. However, there are some potential risks associated with Stump Grinding and it’s important to understand these before starting the process.

Stumped up roots can cause damage to surrounding plants, including the growth of invasive species. They also create a tripping hazard for both children and adults. Removing a stump and its roots reduces these hazards and allows for the area to be used for landscaping or construction projects.

While it may be possible to use a small grinder that can be rented at a hardware store, Burke recommends hiring professional service providers who can provide the proper equipment for the job. Most importantly, the right equipment is essential to minimizing potential safety and property damage risks.

First, Burke says it’s important to determine the diameter of a stump and its surrounding roots. To get the most accurate measurement, it’s important to measure “dirt-to-dirt,” which means measuring from one edge of the stump or root to the other. It’s also helpful to take measurements from several directions.

Next, a safe work site needs to be established. This is particularly important if the stump is near buildings or other structures, as it’s possible that the grinding equipment could damage foundations or footings. In addition, the stump grinder can damage underground pipes or utility lines if it isn’t properly positioned and adjusted. Burke says that this is why he and his team take the time to do a site assessment, locate utilities and call the Diggers Hotline before beginning any project.

The next step is to clear the area and prepare for the grinding equipment. This can include clearing debris and shrubs from around the stump, as well as preparing the ground for removal. Finally, the stump grinding machine is positioned over the stump and slowly lowers it down to grind it away. The resulting wood chips can be removed or left on-site as a mulch, depending on the preference of the homeowner.

When the stump is completely removed, the hole can be filled with soil or mulch to level the ground. This can be done to finish the project and make it ready for landscaping or replanting, which helps enhance the appearance of the area. It’s important to note that the underlying root system can still grow, so it is recommended that stumps be ground to a depth of 6 to 12 inches below ground level. This ensures that all roots are removed, reducing the chances of future growth and protecting structures, underground utilities and other nearby plantings. It’s also recommended to have a professional perform this work, as they will know how to adjust the equipment and can help to minimize risks to surrounding properties.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/02/03/the-risks-of-stump-grinding/

Protect Your Trees With Proper Tree Maintenance

Trees add beauty and value to your property and provide numerous environmental benefits. However, they can also become a safety hazard if they are not properly inspected and maintained.

Regular inspections by a certified arborist and timely tree care services can help prevent problems that can lead to costly, even dangerous situations such as limb failure or damage to structures or vehicles. By investing in professional tree maintenance, including cleaning, pruning, disease management, cabling and bracing, you can protect your home, family, property and the environment for years to come.

While you can do some basic tree maintenance on your own, it’s best to work with a professional who knows trees and how they grow. Look for a company with an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist on staff and ask about their experience. A reputable tree service will have a track record and references that show their commitment to customer satisfaction and providing the highest quality of work.

Maintenance pruning involves removing dead branches, unhealthy limbs, crossing or rubbing limbs, suckers at the base of a plant, and other select removals to improve health, structure, and aesthetics. It also includes thinning out foliage to redirect energy away from overgrowth areas, and can include crown reduction to reduce the overall height or spread of a tree.

A common mistake that homeowners and landscapers make is filling in the area around a tree with mulch or peat moss and planting annuals. While this can make the yard look nice, it robs the tree of the oxygen and water it needs to thrive. We highly recommend avoiding this, especially if you have young trees.

When trees do not get what they need to thrive, the result is often illness or death. Whether it’s an insect infestation, root rot, or a deadly tree disease like Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, or canker fungi, early detection and treatment is essential to saving the tree.

Performing frequent, professional inspections with an ISA-certified arborist is the most effective way to manage diseases in your landscape. Depending on the type of disease, treatment can vary from pruning out infected or dead wood to applying specific fungicides or insecticides.

A well-designed, comprehensive tree maintenance program that includes pruning, fertilizing, cabling or bracing and inspections should be an integral part of every homeowner’s landscape management plan. The modest cost of professional tree care is far less than the cost of removing or repairing damaged trees and can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/01/26/protect-your-trees-with-proper-tree-maintenance/