With the weather heating up, we are reminded how amazing shade trees are for giving us a much-needed break from heat and sun. Not only does a large shade tree, such as maple or birch, add beauty to a yard, but it can offer health and economic benefits to us as well. Shade trees can cool your home When trees are planted in an optimal spot to add shade to a home, it is able to remain cooler than when it has nothing to block the st...
Learn MoreHaving trees in your front yard can make your home feel much more welcoming, increase your home value and curb appeal, and add natural beauty to your entire property. For a tree to properly grow, maintain its health, and be safe on the property, it requires the correct amount of space and optimal growing conditions. While a tree may not take up much space above ground, its roo...
Learn MoreThe spring is a great time to invest in your trees to repair any damage from the winter and prepare them for the hot summer months. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons, which means our trees do as well. It’s important that we be aware of the different risks our trees face that come with each season so that we can give them the proper care to prepare them and mitigate damage, whether that be from snow and ice damage in the winter or scorching hea...
Learn MorePruning is beneficial throughout the entire year. However, the technique and objective of pruning differ from season to season. When having your trees pruned, whether you are safely tackling this project on your own or hiring a professional tree care company, it’s important that these differences be considered in order to create the best outcome for your trees’ long-term health and growth. Pruning during the dormant season After their leaves d...
Learn MoreAfter the long winter months, we are usually all ready for the new season by the time spring comes around. In the last few weeks of winter, we might daydream about what’s to come in the spring, when our flowers and trees begin to bloom, the grass gets greener, and we can finally enjoy time outside. As you get excited about this new season, you should also begin to prepare your trees for the change so that they can have optimal health and growth this spring season, and you can enjo...
Learn MoreWith the abundance of trees here in the Pacific Northwest, we may take for granted the many benefits that they offer. We are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful trees, because not only do they improve the aesthetics of our region and homes, but they can also be economically and health beneficial. 1. Add Beauty One of the most obvious benefits of trees is that when they are healthy, they bring so much beauty to a property, neighborhood, or greater communi...
Learn MoreWhere you choose to plant your tree or shrub has a big effect on the plant’s success and the overall functionality and health of your landscape in the future. Whether you have plenty of space to choose from or are deciding between one corner of the yard versus another, we have a few tips to help you with this decision. 1. Research the tree’s mature size We want our shrubs and trees to have space to fully develop without ...
Learn MoreBrush mulching is an eco and cost-friendly way to clear your land of invasive species and overgrown brush and bushes, or to create more usable space on your property. Brush mulching is beneficial at any time of the year, but the winter season is an especially good time to have this done for a few reasons.Get rid of invasive species before spring Invasive species can threaten the natural biodiversity and health of our forests, as well as the beauty of your property. Not only c...
Learn MoreWood decay is caused by fungi, and when it is present in trees, it weakens the wood and makes the tree more susceptible to failure. To maintain your trees’ health, it’s a good idea to be aware of the different types and indicators of decay. Getting your tree assessed and treated regularly can help you prevent advanced decay. Types of wood decay There are three types of wood decay: white rot, brown rot, and soft rot. Each affects the tree differently...
Learn MoreBark beetles and other tree pests are not only a nuisance to humans, but they can cause significant damage to our trees. When pests nest and take over a tree, they can cause damage, spread disease, and put the tree under stress. This weakens the tree and can cause it to become hazardous on your property because when trees are weak, they are dangerous, especially during windstorms. When do beetles begin to nest in trees? When spring comes around in Western ...
Learn MoreDepending on the scope of work being done, tree service can be one of the biggest projects done on your property with very high stakes involved. It can be tempting to take what may seem like a “better deal” when hiring a company to do your tree service, but the repercussions of doing so can be significant. Hiring a quality company to do your complex tree work that values safety, and the long-term health of your tree can save you from significant damage and hazards in the future....
Learn MoreHere in the Pacific Northwest, we experience some heavy winters with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice storms. The cold months can bring challenges to trees as they try to brave the elements. We are lucky enough to experience the beauty of four seasons and the different weather and conditions that come with each. However, our trees are also experiencing this, so it’s important to know the different care and protection that they may require in each season. ...
Learn MoreConstruction projects can cause damage to your beautiful trees, so it’s essential that trees be considered throughout the entire process. Planning a construction project is an extensive process, so trees may not be high on your priorities list. However, neglecting to consider the surrounding trees on a construction site can cause issues down the line and could permanently damage the trees and cause problems to your newly constructed project. After building a new home or makin...
Learn MoreFreezing rain that creates a thick layer of ice surfaces can lead to all kinds of problems. From leading to power outages and creating hazardous driving conditions all the way to causing damage to trees. The ice storms that we have seen sweeping through Western Washington this year can be very damaging to trees. When ice forms on a tree, it can become very heavy and weigh down the tree branches. This can cause the tree branch to break off. After an ice storm, taking the steps to ca...
Learn MoreTrees play a much bigger role in the appearance, functionality, and safety of a property than most realize. A beautiful tree can add significant value to a property, just as a dead or unmaintained tree can instantly stand out as an eyesore. In order to reap all the benefits that beautiful and healthy trees can bring, it’s essential to prune and properly care for your trees. If a tree is not cared for, not only will the owners miss out on the benefits, but they may be left with an unsafe tre...
Learn MoreTree topping is a poor tree trimming practice that involves cutting off the top of a tree. Despite this seeming like a simple solution, topping is very harmful to trees and can cause all kinds of problems and headaches down the line. Even though tree topping is widely considered a bad tree care practice, it is done all too often. There are many situations where topping might seem like the easiest fix for a homeowner, although it never actually is. If there is a tree that is gett...
Learn MoreThere are many variables that affect how much water a tree needs to thrive, such as the tree species and soil it’s planted in, temperature, level of exposure to light, and wind, to name a few. It’s important that trees are getting enough water to avoid tree stress, which can lead to insect infestation, disease, and death. Although circumstances can differ between trees, there are a few general watering rules that can lead to healthier and safer trees on your property. ...
Learn MoreSpring is the season that has become most associated with planting and gardening because we see the leaves growing back, flowers blooming, and temperatures rising. Due to this, most people think that the best time of the year to plant trees and bushes is in the spring. However, despite how it may seem with temperatures dropping and leaves falling, planting in the fall has many benefits that can lead to a healthier tree and a better growth process. We have laid out a few of the reaso...
Learn MoreIn 2022, Western Washington state experienced the hottest dry spell on record. Without enough water, and excessive heat, trees are put under stress which can lead to further damage from beetles and/or other environmental conditions. Beetles are able to sense trees under stress, which is where they choose to nest. Once they do this, it makes a tree under stress very vulnerable to beetle kill, especially Douglas Fir's, as they are particularly susceptible to beetle infestation after experiencin...
Learn MoreFeeling like you don’t have privacy in your own backyard is not a good feeling. Luckily, even if you live in a tight neighborhood with neighbors on all sides, there are ways to add privacy to your backyard and look natural. Privacy Hedges Hedges can be very effective in creating privacy and blocking your neighbors' view into your backyard so that you can enjoy your yard without feeling looked in on. Hedges are a great solution because they create a natural barrier th...
Learn MoreDamage that comes from weak or diseased trees can be very expensive and hazardous. When tree maintenance is not done to keep them healthy, during windy conditions, they can be uprooted or branches can break and fall causing damage to your home, car, or anything else on your property that holds value to you. What makes a tree more susceptible to storm damage? There are many factors that make a tree weaker and therefore more hazardous and susceptible to damage, espec...
Learn MoreNo one likes tree pests, but unfortunately, they thrive in certain environments here in the Pacific Northwest. With the thick forestry and abundance of trees and shrubs, there is no shortage of places for pests to set up camp. Shrub, branch, and brush overgrowth create the perfect homes for pests and rodents, giving them plenty of coverage to nest and multiply across your landscape if left unmaintained. What Damage Do Pests Cause? Not only a...
Learn MoreHere in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed by all of the natural beauty that surrounds us. From lakes, mountains, and stunning forestry to the enchanting city skylines. Enhancing the view of these majesties from your property can significantly improve the value of your home if you plan on selling it, or can open up your property so that you love your backyard and can enjoy the beauty surrounding it. Ironically, one of these natural beauties can also be a cause of an obstructed vi...
Learn MoreBrush mulching is a forest clearing method that turns your unwanted brush, rotten trees, and invasive overgrowth into mulch - an organic material that nourishes and protects your land. There are many benefits to this type of clearing. Here are five of the top reasons you should consider brush mulching on your...
Learn MoreWhen it comes to pruning your trees and bushes, timing is everything. Pruning during the wrong time of year can interfere with your trees’ health and ability to grow properly. While people might assume that you should prune trees during their growing season, there are many benefits to pruning in the off-season when they’re dormant. Here are a few reasons you should consider dormant pruning: 1. CONTROL DISEASE When you prune a branch during its...
Learn MoreWhen it comes to choosing trees for your property, the first step is to identify your goals. Whether you want to beautify your yard, increase shade for the summer or grow your own food, there’s a variety of options that grow well in the Pacific Northwest. TREES FOR SHADE Willow Oak With a classic shade-tree shape, the Willow Oak is an excellent option for providing some relief on hot summer days. They typically grow...
Learn MoreTree injections are a targeted way of treating trees for disease and invasive insects. Injected directly into your trees’ transportation tissue, this method of treatment is effective and precise. WHAT SETS TREE INJECTIONS APART FROM OTHER TREATMENT METHODS? ...
Learn MoreShrubs have a tendency to grow out of control if they’re not properly maintained. While one reason people trim their shrubs is to maintain a certain aesthetic, there are many reasons it’s an essential practice. FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD TRIM YOUR SHRUBS Increase Natural LightSunlight is essential for your shrubs’ health. If they become too large and overgrown, sunlight will only reach the outermost portion of the shrub and can...
Learn MoreFinding the right tree care company can seem like a tedious, complicated process. Knowing that a company is reputable and has your best interest in mind is essential to ensuring your trees’ health. If you’re on the hunt for an arborist, here are a few things you should consider before making the final decision. 1. LOOK FOR A PROFESSIONALLY-TRAINED ARBORIST It’s important to find an arborist who has the training and experience necessary to properly care...
Learn MoreAlthough trees can provide some protection from weather, they can also be risky during windstorms. The high amounts of rain in the Pacific Northwest leave trees more susceptible to root rot, and the overly saturated ground creates a less stable environment for root systems. Factors including root depth, branch density and...
Learn MoreWhen it comes to choosing businesses to work with right now, there’s more to consider than their job performance. You need to know that companies are committed to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and taking the necessary steps to ensure your family’s safety. Whether you already have a go-to tree care company or are cur...
Learn MorePruning your trees and shrubs is essential to their health but doing it at the wrong time of the year can cause plant stress, stunt growth and prevent blooming. When you should prune depends on the type of tree or bush you’re growing and your goals for the tree or shrub. Here are some common plants of the Northwest and the best times to prune them: FLOWERING TREES With flowering trees, you’ll want to time pruning to maximize flowering....
Learn MoreTrees play a much bigger role in how your property is viewed than many think. We get so used to looking at our homes each day that we don’t notice things over time such as how overgrown the tree in the front yard has gotten and all of the sunlight that it’s blocking. While others, like guests or potential...
Learn MoreConifer trees in the Puget Sound area face unique challenges when it comes to their roots. Poor soil quality can lead to shallow root systems, which means less stable trees. WHAT ARE CONIFER TREES? A conifer tree is defined as any tree that produces cones. As you probably know, these types of evergreen trees are very prevalent throughout the Pacific Northwest. Because the term conifer refers to a category of trees, they can vary greatly in shape and size,...
Learn MoreWhen it comes to taking care of your trees, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Having someone with a deep understanding of pruning, planting, removal and tree health on your side can make all the difference. One thing to look for when finding an arborist is certification from the International Society of Arboricultu...
Learn MoreGlacial till has long caused problems when it comes to growing plants in the Pacific Northwest. While native plants have adapted to it, imported trees and bushes often struggle to establish deep roots in this type of soil. WHAT IS GLACIAL TILL SOIL? Glacial till is an unsorted mix of silt, clay, gravel, sand and boulders created by erosion caused by the movement of glaciers. At least six times over the past two million years, the region was covered...
Learn MoreWhen it comes to working with a new company, understanding who will look out for your best interest can be challenging. While there are numerous ways to find information about businesses, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. One way to get a good grasp of a company’s reputation is to check its Better ...
Learn MoreManaging overgrowth on your property can be a real headache, but with the right equipment, it can be a much easier process. Here are four tools that can help you more effectively manage overgrowth: BRUSH CLEARING SICKLE If vines, weeds and wild grass are a problem on your property, ...
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