Blog

Outdoor Lighting Ideas

When it comes to lighting outside your home, there are so many options to choose from. Deciding on what you want will come down to what you can afford and what your home can accommodate.

• String Lights: The string lights you’ll use outside aren’t the same you’d use to decorate a Christmas tree. For adequate lighting and use, you’ll want lights that are specifically designed for outdoor use, or have a UL damp rating.
• LED Strips: A popular trend for outdoor lighting is actually utilizing LED lights. LED lighting is perfectly safe for outdoor use and helps add a soft-focus effect. The lights can be added just about anywhere. Call Tree Spark to learn more.
• Uplighting: When you want to add the feeling of luxury to your outdoor scaping, uplighting is the way to go. This would be when electricians place lights point up trees or plants, or the side of your home to light the area that way.
• Pendant Lights: If outdoor entertaining is something you are interested in, pendant and drop lights are a necessity. You’ll still need lights rated for outdoor use in order to be sure they will work properly and not create a hazard.
• Step and Path Lighting: Light the way back to your house with properly placed lights. Nowadays there are all kinds of options including lanterns, solar powered lights, and even lighted plants and potters.

When picking out your outdoor lighting system, make sure you are working with a reputable company like, Tree Spark. We can easily install just about any lighting system you choose, including controllers to turn lights on and off when you choose, for those concerned with light pollution. It’s like choosing eco-friendly painting in Fort Worth, TX when you are concerned about harming the environment with other paint choices.

Outdoor Lighting LED vs Incandescent

While looking into outdoor lighting options, you may be wondering what is the difference between LED and incandescent lighting. The answer is, quite a bit actually! LED, light emitting diodes, are basically mini-conductor boards that produce and focus light. There are no chemicals or gases in them that could cause harm to anyone if one broke. Incandescent lights, as many know, have a filament that glows when electricity runs through it. It is what produces the light source, along with an excess of heat.

As far as longevity is concerned, incandescent bulbs have only a few months worth of life to them. You may know this if your home is filled with them. It can sometimes feel like the moment you replace one bulb another one is out. LED bulbs on the other hand can last 25x longer. So instead of a few months, you’ve got a few years worth of time with an LED light. However, the biggest drawback is the cost. LED bulbs are often much more expensive initially, but that can be justified by the fact that you may not have to purchase another bulb for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best outdoor lighting?
  • It will depend on what your needs and wants are regarding outdoor lighting. Brands like Yunlight, John Lewis, Nordlux, and more manufacture quality lighting for outdoor use.
• Can track lighting be used outdoors?
  • No, track lighting strips should not be used for outdoor use. Generally, nothing is sealed to protect against moisture or any other damage possibility. Outdoor lighting bulbs are specifically designed to protect the bulb and connection from water damage.
• Are LED lights good for outdoor use?
  • Yes, LED lights are a great option for outdoor use. They will provide adequate lighting without overwhelming your electrical system, so long as it is installed correctly.
• What happens if you use indoor lights outdoors?
  • You run the risk of serious electrical problems. Most, if not all, indoor lighting is not sealed to protect against rain or moisture, which means they will fail and become a potential hazard.
• How many lumens do I need for outdoor lighting?
  • That will depend on what kind of lighting you are using. Path lighting will require 100-200 lumens, step lights will need 12-100 lumens, and flood lights will need anywhere between 700 and 1300 lumens.

Do trees need food?

Trees create their own food through the process of photosynthesis yet they can get a little boost in growth through natural fertilizers which increase the nutrient count that they would naturally produce in lower numbers.

Tree Food Options

• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Potassium (K)

What is the best fertilizer for trees and shrubs?

The best tree fertilizer has a nitrogen content between 12%-30% with potassium and phosphorus at 3%-12%. How you apply the tree fertilizer will depend on the area of root occupation, roots that are spread beyond the branches will need to have the area of application one and a half times the diameter of the branches spread. Be sure to have the tree fertilizer spread evenly across the soil’s surface with the amount of nitrogen applied 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

How do you deep fertilize a tree?

Deep tree fertilization is done through a pipe that’s placed under the soil about 8-12 inches under the ground. It’s believed that since tree roots lie deep into the ground than fertilizer would need to comply with this and be released deeper in the ground. However, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) counts this as a simple gardening myth as you don’t need deep root fertilization since most of a tree’s fibrous and absorbing roots are in the top 2-8 inches of the soil where water and oxygen are most present. Studies show that there is little difference in fertilizer application methods and that any fertilizer placed below this range can actually cause environmental damages. If you’re having storm damage with your home consider help with qualified roofing contractors so your trees and landscape won’t be compromised.

How Nutrients Reach Roots

Consider for example the way that a tree’s key nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, move through the soil. Nitrogen is perhaps the nutrient that’s most needed with trees and coincidently flows down very quickly by simply spreading it on the ground. It also dissolves in water which can easily flow down to the roots. Potassium, in turn, can reach roots almost as quickly and can be found naturally in clay soils. With phosphorous, you may see a slower progression yet most North American plants have a high amount in them. Unless a soil test indicates a deficiency you’ll likely not need as much in tree fertilizer.

If you’re interested in a tree fertilizer in Fort Worth, TX call  (817) 717-7737 with Tree Spark!

Trees are a glorious beauty to behold, they provide oxygen and add a great aesthetic to any property. However, it may be that a certain tree was becoming hazardous to your roof or grew too close to the siding and was causing more harm than could be afforded. Trees require proper maintenance and oftentimes placement of trees aren’t taken into consideration and the tree’s branches and roots may be damaging to pipes and the foundation. Such cases can instigate chopping down a tree in order to remedy these concerns, yet oftentimes the tree stump remains. Some may choose to ignore the trouble and let it remain, for others tree stump removal is the next step in the process to reach their ultimate end goal. Consider why tree stump removal may be a good idea or option for your property. (Flat roofing)

What is tree stump removal?

Basically, after a tree has been cut down or fallen the stump or base of the tree still remains. This small portion of the trunk is stuck to the ground as there is still a network of roots that are anchoring it to the ground. Stump removal can involve the techniques of tree stump removal or tree stump grinding.

Can a tree stump still grow?

A tree stump can occasionally continue growing. However, you must weigh the pros and cons. Roots will eventually run out of nutrients and decompose which can cause damages to the area surrounding them. If not properly controlled root growth can damage pipes, sidewalks or other parts of your property.

Why do tree stumps grow back?

Although a tree’s roots eventually stop growing after a tree has been chopped down they can have enough fuel to produce a few sprouts. If the sprouts develop enough leaves than they can grow into a tree.

How much does it cost to remove a tree stump?

The average cost of tree stump removal ranges from $60-$350 per stump or with an average cost of $2-$3 per diameter of the stump. Prices will usually depend on factors such as size, age or other info. If you’re interested in a DIY than it may cost you from $75-$150.

Should I leave the tree stump?

It’s up to you whether you’d like to save on the time, cost and effort it takes to remove a tree stump. However, there are other concerns of decomposition or regrowth that should be taken into consideration that may have you spending the time, cost and effort anyhow. It’s only in some cases that trees can regenerate out of the stumps, however, if you want to clear the space in order to grow another tree than stump removal is recommended for space purposes. It’s best to consider each scenario as a case by case basis before jumping to a conclusion. Be sure to consider the conditions of your particular case. There are also professional tree stump removal services that will be able to take a look at the area and do the job in your stead if that is a concern. (Fort Worth, TX tree excavation)

Is it better to grind a stump or remove it?

Tree stump removal or grinding are different techniques in the tree stump removal process. The tree stump removal technique involves removing the whole stump along with the root ball of the tree. Normally when a tree grows there is a root ball that grows along with the tree, it can expand considerable depending on the size of the tree. In general, a tree root ball can be anywhere from four to ten times the size of the tree! That’s why it’s considered a challenging job to remove it and is usually reserved for professionals. Once the root ball is removed along with the stump than a hole will remain in the ground in its place.

The stump grinding technique involves using a grinder to ground the stump into smaller pieces. These small pieces can be used later on as a ground cover or even mulch. Once the stump has been grounded until it’s a few inches below the earth then it’s covered by dirt and dust. After a period of time has passed, this portion will decay along with the surrounding roots. Since this method is easier and saves time it is considered the more economical option in tree stump removal. An added bonus is that there won’t be a hole in the ground with this technique. However, if you have soil, plants or a replacement tree than the tree stump removal technique can still be a viable option to consider.

If you need tree stump removal in Fort Worth, TX call (817) 717-7737 with Tree Spark!

Beneath the surface of your home is a powerful network of intertwining roots. Unfortunately, tree roots and damage go hand in hand when it comes to your property. It takes careful planning and continued maintenance to keep this elemental force in check. Today, we’ll talk about the basics of property damage caused by encroaching roots, with additional tips for protecting your home. When we’re finished, you will fully appreciate the trauma that roots can inflict, and you’ll have the groundwork for planning your tree root removal.

Tree Root Damage to Property

Don’t worry! Your tree isn’t going to spring up overnight and tear down your home’s walls. That being said, tree roots will inflict a great deal of damage if they aren’t properly managed. We’ve all seen roots bursting through the sidewalk, defying our community engineering. Given their unseen nature, it can be difficult to study root growth effectively. This is why most people rely on trained professionals to handle their root problems.

Will Tree Roots Damage My House?

Think of roots as a product of cause and effect. If a tree is well watered, the roots won’t expand as far. If the tree lacks a consistent source of moisture and it’s located next to a man-made water source, it will move to access the lucrative resource. If you keep this in mind, you can avoid the vast majority of root trauma.

How far do tree roots go?

On average, tree roots will extend outward around one and a half times the height of the tree. In other words, if a tree grows to be 20 feet, it’s roots will likely grow up to 30 feet away from the base. This is a just rule of thumb, not a natural law. Some types of trees may have longer roots, and others shorter. If you need to know additional details for a specific type of tree (say, as part of your property planning), ask a tree care expert.

Schedule Your Tree Root Removal Today!

Need assistance managing the trees around your home? Talk to one of our tree care experts at (817) 717-7737! We specialize in maintenance and removal, helping local homeowners safeguard their plants and man-made belongings. Learn more about our Tree Spark tree root removal services in Fort Worth, TX by calling us today! If you’re thinking about installing a pool, but are concerned about damaging your beautiful trees, our knowledgeable specialists would be happy to examine your landscaping and provide you with cost-effective options.

You might never think about the trees in your yard or all the work that it takes to make sure that they stay strong and growing the way they should. Trees get killed all of the time on accident for things that we don’t even think twice about. Just like any other living thing, they can be hurt or killed from things like not having enough water. When pipes burst and flood your yard, they will damage your plants and if you don’t have a PVC pipe repair, your trees can even die as well. With so many different factors, it is important to pay attention to your plants or to have a professional look at it for you.

4 Things That Can Kill Your Trees

Too Much Water – If a tree gets too much water it can actually drown. You should know how much to water your tree before you go overboard on accident.

Not Enough Water – Just like anything else, if there is not enough water getting to the roots of your tree, it will die. This is easily noticed because leaves will not grow and the tree will appear bear and lifeless.

Tree Disease – Trees can get diseases that will begin to kill them and other things surrounding it. They have treatments that can be used if this happens to your tree.

Pipe Burst – If a pipe bursts and floods your yard, it can send all kinds of unknown things to the roots of your trees and end up killing it.

If you need help with a problem like a tree disease in Fort Worth, TX, call Tree Spark at (817) 717-7737 for help

Common sense can serve to address many in-home dangers. For example, everyone knows that certain cleaning chemicals are dangerous, and that you should never leave a candle unattended. If you own guns, keep them locked in a safe, and cover your electrical outlets if you need a childproof house. Aside from the obvious, however, homes contain a host of more insidious dangers. These are actually even more capable of harm, since most people will overlook them. For improved home safety in Fort Worth, TX, or anywhere, make sure you attend to a selection of common hazards.

Impediments to Home Safety

In order to protect both yourself and your household, you should attend to certain dangers that fly under the radar. If any of these threats exist in your home, do not delay correction. If you need help, make sure to hire a relevant professional.

• Extension Cords: Extension cords are not a permanent solution. Most people do not realize that they wear out through extended use, and can cause home fires.
• Clothes Dryer: Another hazard for home fires exists with your clothes dryer. If you do not keep the lint trap clean, you put your home and family at risk.
• Pressed Wood and Carpet: Pressed wood contains formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer in animals. Carpet contains glue and dyes that can emit harmful substances.
• Lead Paint: If your home was built before 1978, it can still contain lead paint.
• Space Heaters: Space heaters cause more than 25,000 house fires a year.
• Furnace: Furnaces, and especially gas furnaces, that suffer from neglect become major hazards for both fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

A homeowner can correct some of these problems on their own. Others, however, will require professional help. If you suspect the presence of lead paint, for example, you will want a professional to test your home and pursue remediation. Electrical issues are also best handled by professionals, and Tree Spark provides a convenient local source for this service. Instead of running extension cords everywhere, let our Fort Worth, TX electricians install additional outlets around your home. Furnaces present a final safety hazard that only a pro should address. To ensure that yours can operate safely, contact a trusted Fort Worth, TX heating company for annual inspections.

Trees fall down, get knocked over, or die all of the time, but when should you have them fully removed? This question isn’t something you often have to think about, but when a tree poses a danger, you have to take action. This is where you would instill a tree removing professional. It is dangerous to try to do the job yourself if you are not an expert. Things happen and unexpected weights of limbs can cause injury if you are not careful. Below, we have listed a few times that you will need cleanup services.

Times You Need Tree Cleanup Services

Tree Dies – Once a tree dies, it can become a danger to those around. The limbs can start to fall off at any time or the tree could just fall down altogether. On occasion, a tree can be saved, but more than likely it will need to be pulled out by a professional.

Growing Out Of Cement – Sometimes new cement is poured right over a spot that a tree was growing and the tree continues to grow. This can be dangerous for people walking across this and if a tree ends up growing through cement, you will find yourself in need of an asphalt crack repair.

Overcrowding – Sometimes too many trees will be in one area and they can’t even grow properly because of it.

Storm Damage -In the event of a major storm, trees may fall down and will need to be cleaned up to prevent further danger or damage.

If you need to have cleanup services in Fort Worth, TX, call Tree Spark at (817) 717-7737, right away.

Just like any living thing, trees are also susceptible to diseases. There are many types of tree diseases, which can cause growth in one part of a tree or in the entire tree. Because trees so much for us in terms of shade, clean air, and adding value to our homes, it’s important to know what your tree has a disease and how to prevent it from getting worse. Below are some of the 5 most common diseases you will see in trees.

Anthracnose

Fruits, flowers, leaves, and twigs can produce the fungi Anthracnose. Depending on what type of tree/plant you have, but the most common symptom of Anthracnose is having nonuniform areas that are dead or patches on the leaves.

Oak Wilt

This type of disease affects oak trees in two types of ways. The first way is when two different trees branches connect underground in the soil and the other way is through beetles that feed on sap. There are different kinds of oak trees but the one symptom they will all have in common if they have oak wilt is leak drop.

Thousand Cankers Disease

Thousand cankers disease is a tree disease that affects walnut trees. They are infected with this type of disease when a walnut twig beetle carries the fungus to the tree, which will then grow very rapidly.

Apple Scab

This is a type of leaf disease that attacks crabapple trees. The crabapple trees that are affected with this disease will get scab like trauma on the leaves which will cause premature defoliation.

If you need help diagnosing a tree disease in Fort Worth, TX, please call Tree Spark at (817) 717-7737!

If you have a large yard with a lot of trees and plant life, it can often get overwhelming to try to take care of it all. There are so many things to do during the day and sometimes the weather is not ideal to be standing outside trying to trim your trees, that being said it can also become very dangerous. As time goes on you may not even have the energy or strength to be able to take care of your trees, so why don’t you consider having someone else do it for you?

Clean Up

If you have large trees if your yard, they will need to be trimmed on occasion. When this time comes, there are a few things that you can do: trim them yourself or hire someone to do it for you. When you choose to have someone do this job for you, you are saving yourself a whole lot of time. With so many different things to do during the day, this will eliminate some of the stress that you have in your life. Climbing up on a ladder to cut parts of your trees down and then cleaning it all up can be dangerous as well. Sometimes the heat is sweltering or the cold is unbearable and being out in that weather trimming your trees can be exhausting. Having someone who is a professional do it for you is quick and easy.

If you are considering having someone else take care fo all your tree issues, call Tree Spark by dialing (817) 717-7737 and let them do the work for you.

 

In the winter, we often find ourselves forgetting about our trees and plants. There isn’t much that we can do during this time besides covering them up and waiting for warmer days. When spring comes, the flowers are blooming and it is the best time of year for plants to flourish. The problem lies when summer rolls in and the heat starts to take a toll. People sometimes don’t realize that they need to give their trees a little extra attention in the summer to make sure that they are growing and becoming as healthy as can be. There are so many things that we can do to make sure that your plants are thriving the way we want them to. Here are some things you can do to make sure that your trees make it through the summer.

 

Call a Professional – When in doubt, call a professional to get the job done for you. They will be able to tell you how to properly maintain your tree and make sure that they are given the proper amount of water and care.

Pruning – Taking the time to prune your trees not only looks nice, but it actually improves the health of the tree. Just like you go and get a haircut to keep your dead hair from weighing down the healthy hair, the same goes for your trees. You can hire someone to do this for you and make the whole process easier as well.

If you need any help with your trees and want to hire a professional service, consider Tree Spark. Give us a call at (817) 717-7737 and let us make your yard beautiful.