Author Archives: Tree Spark

What are common tree diseases?

There are tree diseases everywhere, but each region of the country can have tree diseases particular to that region that other regions and states do not experience. In Texas, the four of the most common tree diseases are: 

• Leaf Blight: This is one of the tree diseases that are virtually exclusive to a tree’s leaves, and more common among fruit-producing trees. The conditions of North Texas are prone to leaf blight because of the humid and rainy condition help it to spread with the high winds carrying it out and about. It is more frequent in the spring when the weather is particularly rainy and will grow quickly. 

Leaf blight isn’t easy to distinguish, especially on younger plants and trees and can be mistaken as burn marks with the brown patches. This is a type of fungus that prevents the leaves from maximizing photosynthesis, leaving them in a feeble, frail, and weak status. Eventually, the leaves will turn brown, curl up, and die, but when the disease has spread too far, it can kill the entire tree. 

• Oak Wilt: With all the tree diseases possible, this one has reached an epidemic in The Lone Star State. Exclusive to oak trees, a common tree in North Texas that is caused by an invasion of a parasitic fungus that disables the water-conducting system of the tree Essentially, the tree dies from lack of water. Al types of oak trees are susceptible to this tree disease, but it is higher among the red oak trees. 

Oak wilt will appear in the leaves typically, causing the leaves to turn half brown and fall. If the oak tree has healthy green limbs but the leaves appear crunchy and appear to be dehydrated, it is likely a case of oak wilt tree disease. This is common during the fall and winter months. 

• Powdery Mildew: A white mildew that resembles baby powder that is tiny fungal spores, millions of them, that are infecting the tree leaves. The tree’s vigor declines when affected by this powder disease, resulting in brown and yellow leaves, leaf distortion, and premature leaf dropping. This is one of the key indicators of oak tree disease as well. 

• This mildew fungus will keep producing itself and is difficult to rid of once the initial outbreak and the wind carries the spores from tree to tree. Once the spores have been established, they will go dormant within the soil and return with renewed energy. 

• Anthracnose:  This is one of the tree diseases that target deciduous trees like ash, oak, and sycamore trees in North Texas. The brown patches have a similar appearance of leaf blight. However, Anthracnose creates holes along the leaf veins, creating what looks like Swiss cheese with the leaves. at times.

Like some of the other tree diseases listed here, it is a fungal disease that is especially a nasty disease for trees, often attacking the young twigs that are generally the most vulnerable. The tree can’t foliate because the buds and leaves that have developed will die too. 

How do you identify a diseased tree?

Five of the most common ways to identify tree disease are: 

1. Noncontinuous bark with abnormalities like cracks and holes
2. Decay from the inside out
3. Branches that are dry and break easily
4. Leaf discolored in season
5. Poor architecture creating a leaning tree

What are the symptoms of tree disease?

There are several indications of tree disease, keeping in mind that insect infestation is a tree disease. The most common are the following ten listed here: 

• Chewed Foliage 
• If you notice tree leaves appear to be chewed on, like irregular and jagged edges or small holes, you have an insect issue.  
• Distorted Foliage
• Aphids, a small, soft-bodied insect that multiplies fast and feeds on the tree sap with a piercing/sucking motion. The saliva these insects leave is deadly to a tree. 
• Dull Stippled Foliage

Mites will cause foliage to become dry, stippled, and yellowed by sucking the juice from trees and plants. 

• White Spots 

An abundance of white spots on the branches, leaves, and twigs indicates an infestation of scale insects that are feeding off the fluid in the tree. These white spots are tiny white bugs that multiply quickly and spread. 

• White Mass

White masses in trees are likely an insect colony, looking like mold, but they are sucking the fluid from your tree and often leave egg sacks that look like cotton. 

• Bark Holes 

Bark holes will usually have sawdust in and around them, a telltale sign that the tree is feeding wood-boring insects. As the insects’ hatch larvae, they drill their way into the tree, disrupting the vascular system of the tree, and stopping it from getting nutrients and water. 

• Sticky Substances

A black, sooty, sticky substance coming from a tree is a type of mold. This is from various insets like aphids and whiteflies feeding on the sugary substance of the tree.  

• Spotty Leaves 

Tan and white spots are typical of an insect problem, but black, brown, orange, or yellow spots indicate fungal tree diseases that weaken the photosynthesis process of the tree, causing leaf loss. Some tree diseases are cosmetic issues, but some can cause major health issues.

• Yellow Foliage

A massive overall yellowing or a lack of vibrant color can be for any number of tree diseases. 

• Leaf Growth Stunted

Again, any number of tree diseases can be indicated by common culprits indicated by sickly or small leaves. 

How do you treat a sick tree?

As a homeowner, caring for the trees around your home is essential. When your trees are affected by any of the tree diseases, that care is even more essential. The following are six tips for that tree care: 

1. Never put weed fertilizer near the tree’s root zone. 
2. Quit any pesticide use.
3. Be careful not to over-mulch around the tree. 
4. Hand trim any exposed tree roots instead of mowing them.
5. If it hasn’t rained recently, be sure to water the trees. 
6. Use proper technique when pruning the trees.

What does tree blight look like?

Tree blight can have a different appearance based on which of the tree diseases has caused the blight. It is a detriment to a tree’s health. When unchecked and treated, it can lead to a need for the tree to be removed. Common tree diseases or tree blight are:

• Fire Blight: Appears as if the tree has been on fire with the blossoms, branches, leaves, and twigs turning a dark brown to black. 
• Diplodia Blight: The tree suffers from stunted growth of new shoots and leaves the tree with brown needles.
• Dothistroma Blight: This is a foliar tree disease that affects trees of a pine variety, leaving brown needles. 
• Anthracnose and Leaf Spot Diseases: These tree diseases have symptoms of dead areas or spots on the leaves.
• Maple Wilt: This tree disease includes brown-looking leaves and/or large dead branches.
• Chestnut Blight: 
• Chestnut blight is caused by a fungus and is notorious for causing the American chestnut tree to become nearly extinct since it was discovered in the early 1900s. Arborists continue to work to restore chestnut tree populations, especially in Massachusetts.
• Dutch Elm Tree Disease: Indicated by the leaves in the tree’s outer crown turning yellow then wilt, turning brown afterward and leaves are strewn over the entire lawn.
• Sycamore Anthracnose: Another of the many tree diseases that are noted by extensive defoliation, new shoots die back, and twig death. Anthracnose is also a common maple tree disease as is verticillium wilt, maple tree tar spot, and others. 

Safety

As we mentioned, safety is one of the biggest reasons that tree removal is important. Whether it is a 100% dead tree, a partially dead tree, or a tree that is in a compromising situation. Dead trees and partially dead trees are weak, making them more likely to snap or become uprooted in a storm. A tall tree that is completely or partially dead can cause severe damage in high winds. They are a danger to your home, your neighbors, vehicles, and people. 

Costs

Yes, tree removal can be expensive, but not as expensive as the damage a toppled tree can cause. Can tree removal be covered by insurance? In most cases, yes, homeowner’s insurance policies have coverage for damage caused by trees, unless the tree damage is from the homeowner’s negligence. So if you have a partially dead tree and after a few years the other part falls over on your home, or worse, your neighbor’s home, your homeowner’s insurance will not pay any claim.  Can your neighbor file a claim on their homeowner’s insurance for tree removal? Certainly, but that insurance company is going to come after your insurance and in the long run, you’ll likely be facing a lawsuit. 

Pests

Dead or partially dead trees attract insects and critters. From beetles and fly larvae to mosquitoes and wasps, dead trees are home for them. As they make a dead tree home, it makes the tree less stable, and they will begin to infest your home. Tree removal will keep those pests out of your home.

Infection

A tree that has died from disease isn’t through yet – the disease will spread to healthy trees and begin to kill them. Some common indications of tree infection include yellowish-looking trees with spotty leaves, leaves being wilted or wilting, and the branches and trunk growing cankers and swelling. Tree removal is the best way to ensure the safety of the surrounding trees and keep them infection-free. 

Aesthetics

A beautiful tree that dies is more of a safety hazard than any of the other things we’ve listed here. A dead tree just looks ugly and brings the entire appearance of your home down as well as the surrounding neighborhood. For a property’s appearance, property value, and overall good-looking neighborhood, having a dead tree removal is necessary. 

How much should I expect to pay for tree removal?

Professional tree removal can start around $100 and cost up to $1,800 to $2,000.  The size and location of the tree will determine this price. If the tree has grown up in the highwires or is over a roof, there are extra precautions the tree removal team will need to adhere to. How many ladders or boomers are needed for the team to get to the tree and how close can they get their boomers and other large equipment to the tree?

If you have an understanding of how tree removal works, it will justify the cost you’re paying. For an average tree removal, the contractor will cut the tree down to a stump, usually in sections. Depending on the size of the sections cut, the contractor may need to use safety ropes to lower them to the ground with another crew member guiding the piece. As they prepare to cut sections, they will cut any branches that are in the way. Once the pieces are cut and down on the ground, any remaining branches are cut off and stacked up. 

 As the homeowner, it is important for you to ask questions prior to the tree removal about how to prepare for tree removal on your part. While the following may seem apparent and obvious, any professional tree removal service should go over these things with you prior to the day: 

• Move Your Vehicles: Have your vehicles away from the area where the tree removal will be taking place. The contractor needs room for their equipment and to work, as well you don’t want your car where it could be damaged. 

• Clear Access: Depending on the size of the tree, the crew may need to go back and forth on foot or in a vehicle. Make sure the route they’ll use is clear of anything that can be moved. If there is more than one way to reach the tree, make sure the crew is aware and any gates are unlocked. 

• Remove Breakables: This includes deck or patio furniture, plants, toys, dog houses, etc. You should also have your pets kenneled or kept in the house the day of the tree removal service. 

What is the average cost to have a tree stump removal?

Okay, so maybe you, some friends and neighbors did your own tree cutting. What are you going to do about the stump? A professional tree stump removal can cost as little as $100 and up to $1,000 or more. There are different levels of tree stump removal which can affect the total cost. Where the tree stump is located, and the size of the tree stump can affect the costs too.

Is tree stump removal necessary?

Yes, if the tree itself was diseased, then the stump will still have the disease and can spread it. Tree stumps invite unwanted species, giving them a place to nest and make a home. When getting tree removal done, request the tree stump be removed as well. 

What are electrical services?

One of the most common causes of structural fires in our country is electrical issues.  Making that the third highest-ranking cause is in part because of the DIY mindset many of us have gained. 

If you’re changing out a lightbulb, that doesn’t require professional electrical repair service. However, if you’re needing any of the following electrical work done, it is best if the job is handed over to pros that offer electrical repair service for a living. These are the people that have been through training to become certified and licensed. They will have the electrical repair equipment to do the job right. A licensed and trained electrician can service commercial and/or residential properties with any of the following: 

• Electrical set up and rewiring
• Electrical panel installation, upgrading, and replacement
• Surge protection for the whole house
• Outlet installation and repair
• Ceiling fan installation and repair
• Light fixture installation, replacement, and repair
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation
• Exhaust fan installation
• Hot tub and pool electrical wiring
• Safety inspections
• All electrical maintenance and repairs

What is residential electrical service?

Yes, electricity is electricity, but there are different needs for commercial property and residential property. Electricity is a continuously flowing current that is always there.  Your electrical panel controls how that electricity flows so that nothing is overloaded or underpowered. 

Every building will have different needs for its electrical loads, with major differences between commercial and residential structures. The differences between these two properties are the wiring type and the power.  For residential property, the wiring is narrow with a plastic sheathing vs commercial wiring, which is typically in a plastic conduit. The power for a residential structure is delivered at 120 volts, while a commercial property has three phases of delivery. 

When it comes to professional electrical repair service, a trained electrician will have the basics for anything electrical, but there is a different set of skills needed between commercial and residential properties.  A residential electrician that works in residential structures will install and maintain, inspect, and repair all electrical components, systems, and wiring. They are trained at diagnosing problems in residential electrical systems and wiring, and 120-volt power. 

What do I need an electrician for?

Electrical changes, connections, and upgrades aren’t straightforward DIY projects like painting, hanging wallpaper, or installing new hardwood floors. The wiring, the circuits, the outlets … Oh My!  Sometimes, hiring a professional electrical repair service may cost a little bit but what a relief to know it was done right! You can typically get electrical repair quotes so you know what to expect before starting a project. 

Electrical items are part of a complex network of wires that can present hazardous charges. Diagnosing problems with electricity isn’t always easy, or safe. A few things that you may want to get a few electrical repair quotes before you attempt the job yourself include: 

Installing a New Electrical Outlet/Switch

This task may seem like a DIY project, and maybe your dad replaced a pre-existing outlet/switch with no problems. But when it comes to installing a new outlet or switch, there are wires to be run through the walls, and if you aren’t experienced in circuits and wiring, then you’re risking yourself and your home for possible hazards. 

Replace Wiring

Again, this job is a little risky to attempt as a DIY project. Hiring a professional electrical repair service is the best way to make sure the wiring is done correctly on the proper circuit and without worries about an electrical fire starting.

Recessed Lights Installation 

Recessed lights involve a lot of wiring to be moved around, and if you don’t know —a job a pro will have a much easier time handling. If your home is equipped with pre-existing recessed lights, feel free to replace them on your own. This is easy for any homeowner to do because there’s no need to sort through or add extra wiring. 

Broken Circuit Breaker

A broken circuit breaker is important – this is the heart of your home’s electrical system and before you try repairing it, think whether you want a DIY project working on your heart. Let the pros do this and call a  professional electrical repair service. 

Outdoor Lighting Installation

Taking the electrical project outdoors, you definitely need to hire a qualified professional electrical repair service to do the job! Not only is it electrical, but it is outdoors where rain and water sprinklers can get to it. If you don’t know how to wire an outdoor set-up so that it isn’t overloading the circuit and still be waterproof, this is not the DIY project for you.     

What is the most common cause of electrical problems?

The electricity to your home isn’t just a convenience today, it is a necessity. Three of the most frequent problems that homeowners have with electricity are: 

Circuit Breaker Problems

The circuit breaker in your home is essential in your home having electrical power. Overload the circuit or short circuit and you could find yourself sitting in the dark. When a circuit breaker trips and shuts off the electricity, it’s doing its job by not letting the electrical system overheat. This keeps it from catching on fire too.  So, if your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, call a professional electrical repair service and don’t try to figure it out yourself. 

Dips, Surges, or Sags  

Electrical surges are the same but different from electrical dips and sags, but in any case, they all represent a problem, just different problems. It could be just a brownout instigated by the power company, or you could have something more serious if it is repeatedly happening. Again, call an electrical repair service to inspect the situation. 

Scarce or Dead Outlets 

A common problem in older homes is not enough electrical outlets for today’s family lifestyle. However, just installing new outlets isn’t the right way to fix this situation. You need to make sure the circuit system doesn’t get overloaded, meaning, a new circuit breaker may need to be installed.  This isn’t something for the non-experienced DIY homeowner to attempt. The same is to be said about replacing a dead outlet. 

Why Tree Removal is Important

While trees are a beautiful part of nature, sometimes, tree removal is needed immediately, like a tree that has been uprooted from a tornado that is on a roof. Then there are circumstances that aren’t as urgent. 

As a property owner, you are responsible for keeping them healthy, which may require tree removal of one tree to provide preventative and remedial care of other trees. The following reasons that makes tree removal necessary are: 

• A Dead Tree Removal

Nobody wants to see a dead tree, but when one does, the only thing to do is a proper tree removal. When a dead tree is left standing, slowly, it gets weaker and will eventually become victim to the elements and weather. This makes anyone, a structure, or a vehicle susceptible to danger. 

• A Diseased Tree Removal

Disease is a number one cause of trees dying and unfortunately, we don’t always realize a tree is diseased until it is beyond saving. In those cases, tree removal is necessary to keep the disease from spreading and killing other trees. Tree removal is necessary to keep the tree or any of its limbs from falling on anyone, structure, or vehicle. 

• A Damaged Tree Removal

Unfortunately, something unplanned can happen sometimes, leaving a healthy tree as the victim. This can be from severe weather with high winds, heavy ice, snow, or a lightning strike. Lightning is usually the end of life for a tree, and the best thing all the way around is tree removal. 

• Encroaching Tree Removal

Even trees that are healthy and growing need to be removed. At the time the tree was planted, the idea of how it would grow and affect the surroundings didn’t turn out that way. Or new construction comes, the tree is in the way, and the roots grow under a house, disturbing the foundation. Branches become a nuisance or in danger of falling on power lines, disrupting utilities.  Tree removal can eliminate these problems.

Who pays for tree removal on a property line?

This is an age old problem for property owners. A beautiful tree is providing shade and enjoyment for both owners, until it becomes diseased or dies and tree removal is necessary. The standard protocol to this situation is when the trunk on one property, they are responsible for the pruning and tree removal. If the tree trunk is straddled the two property lines, it is dual ownership and both have equal responsibility for maintenance, pruning, and tree removal. 

Is tree removal landscaping?

Tree removal and landscaping are often considered to be one and the same. While part of a landscaping service is to trim bushes and small trees, tree removal is not within their realm of service. Landscapers lay turf and sod, install fencing, paving walkways, and retaining walls. They do the work needed to create and enhance hardscaping. 

Tree removal is done by arboriculture services as is pruning branches and cutting away dead sections of trees. This type of service also provides fertilizing, transplanting, tree felling, and stump grinding.   

How is tree removal with roots done? 

Once a tree removal is completed, there is still the matter of the tree roots. So, how to do tree removal is one reason why you should hire a professional tree service. If you are determined to do this yourself, the following are tips that can guide you through the process. The root system can extend up to 20 feet underground, be prepared this will be a labor-intensive process. 

• Physically Removing Tree Roots: This will require digging down into the ground around the roots. The size and type of the tree will determine how deep you’ll have to dig. Make sure you verify utility lines before you start digging.

Start by digging down until you expose the roots, pulling any loose roots out. Then dig dirt out around the other roots and cut them with loppers as far from the root ball as possible.

Next, with a hoe, lift the cut roots out and pull any more loose ones you find. Rock the stump back and forth, this will loosen the roots and keep cutting and pulling roots until the root ball can come out. 

To have all three of these will bring your outdoor living together, making your front yard a showplace and the backyard a place of entertainment and relaxation. See what lighting do experienced professional outdoor lighting services recommend: 

• Security Lighting: This should be the brightest lighting all around, illuminating large areas that scares off the unwanted visitors and destructive critters. Typically outdoor lighting service will install this lighting along the eaves and  above the garage, casting wide light beams onto main walkways or at the entrances of the backyard.
• Path Lighting: This can be a series of soft lights or bright lighting, the best that will assist you and your visitors to navigate down the paths and walkways. Professional outdoor lighting services typically install these along the ground on each side of a path or walkways from the driveway or gate to the back or front doors, along steppingstones, and around flower beds with the contours emphasized.
• String Lighting: A low-voltage soft accent of string lighting along the deck or patio in the back will evoke an intimate and warm ambiance, ideal for entertaining. 
• Outdoor Wall Lighting: For accent purpose or safety, low-voltage that is moderately bright can improve the navigation of small, recessed areas, bring light to areas where shadows often lurk. Typically mounted on  vertical surfaces like the interior of a pergola and above stairways, or along sunken seating areas and around swimming pools and hot tubs.
• Lanterns: Create soft accent lighting with low-voltage lanterns to create the perfect architectural décor and details. They are ideal along the back and front doors with semi-flush mount of a glass-and-metal exterior coming off an affixed arm from a wall plate. A professional outdoor lighting service can show you battery-powered lanterns for tabletop placement that will give a visual interest in a soft illumination. 
• Deck Lighting: With moderate to high intense lighting, an outdoor lighting service will use standard-voltage that provides safety in getting across, up, and down decks and patios at night. 
• Spot Lighting: In outdoor lighting service industry, this is often referred to as “up-lighting”, which provides landscape lighting glows upward into trees. Typically installed at or above ground level, perfect for showcasing an ornamental tree or other tall objects in the yard. 

What is the best outdoor lighting brand?

For aesthetics and durability, outdoor lighting services recommend on of the following 3 brands as being the best in landscape lighting:

• Unique Lighting Systems
• Kichler Landscape Lighting
• FX Luminaire

Each of these offer aluminum, brass, and stainless steel fixtures. A professional outdoor lighting service will often use a combination of these three brands. 

Why are outdoor lights so expensive and are expensive lights worth it?

Yes, the more expensive the lighting, the better the quality will be well worth the cost. Outdoor lighting must endure the climate and weather as well as lawn equipment. To have that increased personal security and the perfect lighting to showcase your home and landscaping, you need lighting that will withstand all of this and more. 

When it comes to the outdoors, you want the best in lighting so that it lasts for a long time and your choose outdoor lighting service team is well worth the extra expense to make sure you have the proper lighting and it is properly installed.

Can you leave outdoor lights outside?

Using a professional outdoor lighting service is one of the best ways to make sure you have proper and safe outdoor lighting installed.  The majority of outdoor lighting use C7 and C9 bulbs for outdoor applications, they are made for outdoor use and are safe to leave outside. Incandescent light bulbs are safe for outdoor use if they aren’t exposed to water and should be taken inside when not in use.

It may be dying. Other ways to know if the tree is dead is to check the bark. If there is missing bark or the bark is brittle, that in combination of no leaves is usually a sure indication of a dead tree. Does the tree have sizeable limbs that are falling off or appear to be dead? When the tree trunk becomes brittle or has a sponge-type substance, it usually an indication of a dead tree.

It is springtime here in Texas right now and if you have a tree that hasn’t produced any buds or leaves by now, it has likely reached its end of life. Are there limbs or twigs cracking and breaking off, an no green on the inside of them? A brown or tan like pulp is an indication the tree is dead and can’t be revived.

However, if only a portion of a tree appears dead and there are buds and leaves on other parts, prune the dead stuff off and wait before you call time of death. By pruning away the dead portions, it eases stress on the good part and lets all the nutrients go to work stronger on the good part. Pruning off the dead will also minimize insect infestation risks too.

Does all this mean you’re experience tree disease though? Not necessarily, it could still be from the snowstorm or simply the tree has reached its maximum age potential. Keep reading and see what else you can learn.

What are common tree diseases?

Tree disease outbreaks are usually regional, seasonal, and species specific. Some common tree diseases that a homeowner or property owner could encounter are:

• Anthracnose: A leading shrub and tree diseases that stems from a fungus, attacking the flowers, fruits, leaves, and twigs of various tree species of  North American, especially flowering dogwood and sycamore trees.
• Apple Scab: A tree disease affecting the leaf early in the season, affecting the crabapples harvest. This condition can be identified by scab-like lesions on the leaves, causing premature defoliation.
• Cedar Rusts: A foliar tree disease that attacks rosaceous plants, including crabapple and hawthorn. Like apple scab, some species are more vulnerable to the condition, overall it causes an orange or rust-colored spotting on the leaves in the spring. Twig cankers sometimes form, causing dieback.
• Diplodia Tip Blight: A common tree disease that attacks different  types of pines, generally developing at the tree base and moves upward, causing dead shoots with half elongated needles.
• Dothistroma Needle Blight: A pine tree disease that is fungal and causes defoliation prematurely in grown trees and stunt young tree’s growth of more than 30 pine tree species in North America.  This tree disease is noticed by the tan or yellow bands on the needs along with needle dieback.
• Lethal Yellow: This tree disease is common in Florida and Texas, attacking the Canary Island date palm and the coconut palm. This bacteria-like organism, phytoplasma, is transported by a plant hopper insect and results in flower death, premature fruit drop, and foliage yellowing.
• Oak Wilt: This tree disease is a systemic fungal that typically results in death, affecting over 20 species in Minnesota, New York,  Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Noticed by leaf wilt, premature defoliation, and  rapid discoloration.
• Thousand Canker Disease: This tree disease condition that affects walnut trees in the Western United States and black walnuts in Tennessee. Twig beetles spread the infection that causes small cankers to form around the galleries.  Infestation can exist for several years before it appears, however the upper branch foliage will begin to decline, turn yellow, and wilt.
• Dutch Elm Disease: This fungal tree disease is common in elm trees, carried by bark beetles from an infected tree to a healthy trees, feeding on the twigs and upper branches Root grafts also cause tree-to-tree spread of this tree disease and is detected in the first part of summer.

What causes tree disease?

A drought or severe weather like a snowstorm can damage a tree, leaving it vulnerable for a fungal attack. Environmental factors like cold and hot temperature and pollution cause tree disease or aggravate a disease already in place, causing bacteria, fungus, or viral sources. This can often cause multiple tree diseases.

How do you fix a diseased tree?

A tree disease like canker, foliar, root rot, and wilt can be caused by fungi, losing its color and vigor, causing leaf wilt. If the fungi is extensive, it should be cut down before it weakens and falls down. An experienced arborist will know how to cure tree disease if it is possible, or whether the tree is beyond help.

A young tree with mulch around it in a circular fashion that starts out wide and gets closer to the tree as it goes upward. It eventually takes on a volcano shape with a tree coming out of the center. The concern is for younger trees when a volcano is created with either dirt or tree mulch because:  

• Water runs away from the tree base where it is needed and down the sides of the volcano.
• A volcano deeper than six inches holds the water, keeping it from a young tree’s roots. 
• Disproportionate tree mulching suffocate the tree roots.
• Deep mulch invites diseases and rodents.

Are you supposed to remove old mulch?

No, it isn’t necessary according to gardening and tree experts. Eventually, tree mulch breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil. Unless you just like the work, keep the old tree mulch in place and simply add enough new tree mulch to give you approximately a two inch depth. 

Tree mulch will mat together sometimes, which impede the rain and sunlight from getting to the roots under the soil. Simply fluff up the old tree mulch with a rake and add some new mulch on top. The only exception to this is when there is fungus or mold growing on the old mulch. In that case, remove the old and apply all new tree mulch. 

What should I do with old mulch?

You can still use old mulch, even if you determine that it hasn’t decomposed in an appreciable fashion. Simply rake the old tree mulch to the side for now and continue with your gardening and planting.  If you have excess amounts of old mulch, shovel it into a wheelbarrow and save it, it can be use soon for a flower or vegetable garden. 

Now,  apply your compost to your annual flower or vegetable garden, working it into the soil.  bed or annual flower bed, and till it under or work it into the soil with a spade. Now return the old tree mulch to the planting beds, spreading evenly and adding new mulch to get a 2 to 3 inch thickness.

If that old tree mulch has decomposed considerably, work it into the soil, tilling it, and let the organic nature of it become a soil amendment with the compost. Then add your new tree mulch accordingly. 

How often should you mulch your trees?

For slow draining soil, you don’t need any more than two inches of tree mulch. If using an organic tree mulch, like ground or shredded bark, compost, cottonseed hulls, pine straw, or wood chips, these break down and will need to be replenished twice a year. 

What should I put down before mulching?         

Some homeowners that add tree mulch in gardens will put down a geotextile or plastic before adding the tree mulch. Experts tend to argue this practice, some saying that it creates water runoff that takes away the clean and streamline look of a garden. If you’re using an organic tree mulch that breaks down, landscape fabric will keep the mulch from contacting the soil, taking away its ability to become healthier and improved. 

Contrary to popular belief, weeds will grow into that landscape fabric. For aesthetic purposes, laying a fabric or plastic down first, when the tree mulch sifts, or as it thins out, that fabric or plastic will show
through, taking away from the aesthetics of the garden. 

What is the difference between tree trimming and pruning?

Tree trimming or pruning are both vital to a tree’s beauty and health, and while the terms are used in the same context, they are different. Tree pruning  enhances the beauty and shape of a tree with a primary focus on the tree’s future health.

Tree pruning is a level of protection against diseases and pests while promoting strong growth of the tree. Tree pruning involves removing branches that are dead, appeared to be diseased, or have become loose over the winter. When these are left along, the tree is unable to flourish.        

Can I trim a tree myself?

Caring for the basic needs of a tree is easy. You water them, place mulch around them, and fertilize as needed. When it comes to tree trimming though, even the lightweight lower branches, it can be a hit or miss if you’re doing it right. To get that eye level  tree canopy, you need to proceed with caution and these tips: 

• Make sure your tree trimming equipment and tree pruning equipment is clean and sharp.
• Spot the area that you plan to cut, making that cut just beyond the branch collar so that you don’t leave a stub or cut the collar.  
• A skinny branch that is under one inch in diameter, cut at a 45-60 degree angle to the ridge.
• A thicker branch cut 10 to 15 inches up from the branch collar, and halfway into the branch bottom. Then moving a few inches up, cut the top of the branch and let it fall. 

You won’t necessarily kill the tree if you make a bad or wrong cut. Don’t take too much of the tree to create a canopy though, the recommended amount is twenty-five percent. Any more than that, the tree will become weaker and susceptible to stress. 

Is there a bad time to trim trees?

For tree trimming, no there isn’t a bad time to remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches. When it comes to tree pruning, you want to do this during dormancy which is mid-winter. This will encourage any new growth when the warm weather arrives, and it is easier because the leaves have fell. 

Will a tree die if you cut branches?

When a tree branch is cut, a callous tissues forms on the tree, akin to a scar. This provides a cover for the wounds that keeps decay and disease away. That scar will be there forever, but with proper pruning, the tree will live and keep growing. 

If you’re not careful, over pruning will reduce a tree’s foliage, minimizing where it gets its food and nutrition that helps the rest of the tree live and grow. It also allows disease and pest to invade the tree if the tree trimming or tree pruning is done incorrectly. 

1. Branches are Brittle and Brown 

Snap a twig from the tree in question and scratch the bark. If you see green and moist, you probably don’t have a dead tree, If it is brittle and brown, you have a dead tree. Snap and scratch a few more twigs to make sure it is consistent.  

2. Fungal or Mushroom Growing

Are there mushrooms growing off the base or trunk of your tree? It could be dying from the inside out, but it may not be dying. Do a scratch test as described above for confirmation. 

3. Cracking or Peeling Bark 

Now let’s check the bark’s condition. A tree’s bark protects the inner trunk from getting damaged. So, when there are cracks in the bark, the inner trunk is jeopardized, similar to your roof protecting you house.  

If the barked is stripped from the tree on its own accord or has it been removed by human will determine if it is a dying or dead tree. Is the inner trunk smooth? Then it is possible the tree is on its last stand. 

4. Foliage Thinning 

Like the hair on a man’s head, if the foliage is thinning, then the tree is aging and likely to be dying. If only one side of the tree has thinned foliage, it could be diseased. 

5. Trunk Leaning

A leaning tree trunk could indicate you’ll have a dead tree soon. It can also mean the roots have been damaged and the tree’s integrity is compromised. If the tree is near a sidewalk, street, or a house, you need to have it cut back before it falls on somebody or something. 

Can a dead tree be revived?

 Nope, absolutely not, a dead tree with roots or without root cannot be revived. However, a tree that appears to be sick and dying may be saved. First, you need to identify the problem and know what needs to be done to correct that so you’re not fighting against something that already has gotten a hold of the tree. Here are common problems and what you can do about them going forward to keep from having a dead tree. 

• Watering Issues: Too much moisture is a common issue in making trees sick. Make sure there is ample drainage around the tree if it appears to be water-logged. If it doesn’t seem to be getting enough water, schedule routine watering. 
• Too Much Mulch: Mulch can be helpful, but it can be harmful too. Too much mulch will choke a tree, so make sure to leave a space between the mulch and around the base so the roots can breathe. 
• Proper Fertilizing: Fertilizer can be helpful, and it can be harmful if not applied properly. Dot use the same fertilizer for your lawn on around your trees. Before you start fertilizing a tree, check the soil to see if what kind of nutrients is needs. 
• Proper Pruning: Research the proper way to prune your trees to keep them healthy and disease free. If the tree has a diseased area, research how to prune around that area so that you don’t spread the disease. Once you have finished pruning, clean the equipment and tools used thoroughly so you don’t spread the disease to other trees and plants. 

How dangerous is a dead tree?

A dead tree can be at risk of many dangers that need to be taken into consideration when determining what should be one with the dead tree. Some of the dangers a dead tree is at risk of causing: 

• Injuries – a dead tree has lost its moisture and nutrients because the roots are dead. This means the branches are brittle and are likely to break off and injure anyone within area of the branch. 
• Power Lines – a dead tree is susceptible to limbs breaking and falling on power lines and utility lines. The outages this will cause aren’t just going to affect you, but it will affect the entire neighborhood. 
• Property Damage – the limbs breaking off a dead tree can fall on your house or vehicle, resulting in catastrophic and expensive damage. It could be worse if the limb falls on a neighbor’s house or vehicle.
• Insurance – Your homeowners’ insurance may not pay any claim if the adjuster finds that the tree should have been trimmed back sooner, citing homeowner neglect. 

With these facts stated, should a dead tree be cut down? Yes! It is a dead tree and cannot be revived. Have the tree cut down and hauled away. The cost of a professional cutting down the dead tree is much less than the other possible expenses you may be facing. 

What happens to a dead tree?

Once a tree has died, the leaves will fall, and herbaceous plants fall to the ground after producing seeds. The seeds create a layer on the surface of the soil. From that layer, fungi grows and spreads as it breaks down the dead plant structure.

What Type of Outdoor Lighting is Best?

Outdoor lighting can benefit homeowners in many ways. However, the question remains: which type of outdoor lighting is best? To review some of your options, please read over the following list to discover more.

• Flood lights. Flood lights can be quite useful for homeowners because they provide high brightness and a large coverage range. These lights are usually used for illuminating driveways and patios. 
• Uplights/Downlights. These lights have lots of uses, and architecturally speaking, are great for highlighting certain features of a house.
• Step lights. As you may have guessed from the name, these lights are positioned on steps and illuminate up and down outdoor staircases.
• Garden lights. Orbs of light, these electrical editions to your garden can illuminate your favorite tree or ferns.

Are LED Lights Good for Outdoor Use?

If you are wondering whether or not LED lights are good for outdoor use, you will be pleased to note that LED lights are remarkably effective outdoors. As a matter of fact, LEDs are a great choice for residential, commercial, and industrial lighting requirements. LEDs require little maintenance and low replacement costs.

What Color Temperature is Best for Outdoor Lighting?

One of the most important design decisions that you can make with regard to your outdoor lighting is the color temperature. The Kelvin range that is used in outdoor lighting is between 2500k-4000k. Warmer color temperatures are typically used on architectural elements. This means that “warm” lighting is between 2500-2700. Cooler temperature elements are used on plant material and gardens in an outdoor landscape. The color temperature for such installations is between 3000k to 4000k.

What is the Disadvantage of LED Light?

There are numerous advantages to LED lights. They require little maintenance, less energy, and are highly effective. However, it is important to consider any disadvantages if indeed there are any. According to a leading expert on lights in the manufacturing industry, LED lights only have a few inherent disadvantages. Perhaps the most well-known weakness of LED lighting is the fact that LEDs produce a byproduct. This byproduct is heat. LEDs are self-heating devices that generate heat inside the package versus radiating heat in the form of infrared energy. 

Which Outdoor Lighting

When it comes to making your ultimate outdoor lighting selection, it is important to review all of your options. One of the best resources for property-owners is going to a lighting store and figuring out which lighting schemes will be best for their outdoor landscape. Whether this is a large furniture retailer or a home-improvement warehouse, it’s important to review as many applicable options as necessary. Having a well-informed opinion is the first step toward achieving your desired outdoor lighting outcome.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting

It’s important to go in with a great mindset when it concerns choosing your outdoor lighting situation. The first thing that you need to do is deduce your outdoor lighting needs. Are you looking for more outdoor security? If so, you will want to review security light options. If you would like for your outdoor fixtures to be able to handle ice, snow, and intense rain, then it will be pertinent to select an outdoor fixture that has a wet rating. Outdoor fixtures with a wet rating can be installed on an exposed deck, on a veranda, on a gazebo, or on a pergola. 

A UL wet rating means that the light can handle ice, snow, and intense rain. This rating also dictates that the fixture can handle salty conditions from the nearby ocean, and can be placed in an area of high exposure. Conversely, UL dry ratings indicate that the light is optimized for indoor use only. These lights cannot be exposed to any moisture and should never be used outdoors or in damp/wet locales.

Our team are here to help with outdoor lighting in Fort Worth, TX. Please make an appointment at our company with a quick phone call to (817) 717-7737.