We're no strangers to flooding here in the Concord, NC area. Maybe you've watched as rain waters rushed down the street. Maybe you've despaired as downpours turned your lawn into a muddy disaster.
Did you know trees are excellent at reducing the stormwater runoff that can lead to flooding and erosion? It's just another reason why we should plant more trees and keep the trees we already have in good shape.
Trees provide beauty and shade to any property in Concord, Charlotte, and beyond, They can also add more privacy to your property and help you save energy. Who wouldn't want trees in their yard?
You don't have to wait until spring to plant new tree saplings. In fact, fall is sometimes a better time of year to plant trees. We'll tell you why, but first, let's talk about why spring may not be the best time for your new trees to take root.
You did it. You finally closed on your new home! It may not be perfect, but you're ready to make it that way. One possible imperfection: the tree stumps in your yard. Should you get rid of them or just leave them be? Here are a few reasons why tree stump grinding could be better in the long run.
One of the top reasons to cut down a tree is because it's either dead or dying. No one wants a tree to fall and damage their property, and sometimes the risk just isn't worth it.
Wood decay fungi cause wood rot that weakens trees and can lead to tree failure, and many times they produce fruiting bodies in the form of mushrooms or conks to let you know they're present. But does seeing any type of mushroom or conk on or near your tree mean it has to come down? Maybe not.
There are few things worse than having a towering tree come crashing down on your property. Not only would you lose a treasured tree, but you'd also have to deal with cleanup and repairs.
The bad news: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season (they predicted the same thing in 2020, and it ended up being the most active and fifth costliest hurricane season to date). And with the high winds and heavy rains those storms may bring, some trees could reach their breaking point.
The good news: There are steps you can take to make your trees more hurricane resistant.
Did you know Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Guilford, Orange, and Durham counties are all experiencing abnormally dry conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor?
During dry conditions like these, it's important to make sure your trees are still getting the moisture they need. But if you're making these seven tree watering mistakes, you may be doing more harm than good.
This week, the groundhog saw its shadow. That means six more weeks of winter. Even though it will be a little longer until warm spring days (sigh), there is now a little extra time to complete those tree projects that are best to tackle during winter. These projects include protecting trees and plants with horticultural oil, winter tree pruning, and tree cabling. Below is helpful information on tree cabling. (See here info on horticultural oil and winter tree pruning.) In these next six weeks, take a look at how well trees on your property are doing structurally. Seeing the full structure of a tree is more difficult once leaves emerge. So, take advantage of this opportunity in the next six weeks!
Updated January 7, 2022
For the “do-it-yourself” homeowner, outsourcing tree work may seem like an unnecessary expense. But in reality, the costs of tackling tree care on your own can run high – damaged property, hospital bills, and a ruined landscape aren’t cheap.
Trees and shrubs need water + sunlight + nutrient-rich soil to thrive in their environments. When trees and shrubs fail to thrive, a common issue we see is soil heavily compacted and lacking the necessary nutrients. We want your trees and shrubs to prosper! That is why we highly recommend having your properties soil tested. Soil testing is the first step to take in combatting heavy soil compaction.
What is soil compaction anyway? Soil compaction is when soil particles, pressed heavily together, reduces the possibility of water absorption and drainage. Heavily compacted soil is a problem for your yard because trees and shrubs can't grow roots and absorb water or oxygen as easily. Different stressors to the environment can create compacted soil. These stressors can include; new construction, heavy machinery, heavy foot/vehicle traffic.
Soil testing is needed to learn if the soil is heavily compacted and lacking nutrients essential to support proper growth. Through soil testing, we can tell how good or poor the soil is and then make concrete recommendations to match a new tree and/or improve the soil for an existing tree.
Here's how the soil testing process works :
Step 1: The Arborist will first assess tree placement and determine the proper soil testing site. The actual soil test will occur after the initial consultation has taken place.
Step 2: A soil sample is excavated from the property, preferably within the drip line of a tree. The Arborist removes any grass or rock from the testing sample to ensure accurate results.
Step 3: The Arborist will take about 4-5 soil samples for one reading. The results from the reading will come back within 7 - 10 days. You will receive the results along with a free, 15-minute consultation.
Although tree and shrub management can occur in every season, the fall is a great time to have your properties soil tested. If you'd like to speak with a Certified Arborist to learn more, click the link below.
