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Tag: tree removal

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25 Jun 2017
Why Do You Need to Let Some of Your Trees Go (When Their Time Comes)
June 25, 2017 By admin Tree Removal , , , ,

Why Do You Need to Let Some of Your Trees Go (When Their Time Comes)

While trees are undoubtedly the heart and soul of every garden, there comes a time when any tree must leave. Some tree species do not have the privilege of living 5000 years, so strong and so tall as Bristlecone Pine. Sadly, the common tree types we have in our yards get old in less than 50 years and when they do, removal is due.

For someone who lived for 17,000 – 25,000 years, reading this paragraph would surely give them the strongest headache an Ent has ever had. The wisest and eldest of the Ents, Treebeard, is very likely to have witnessed as many battles and events as Eru Ilúvatar; the creator of the world of J. R. R. Tolkien. Finding out there’s a tree (or Ent if you will) that is about to be removed from an area (or killed, if seen from his perspective) would’ve caused Treebeard to start a war against Men.

But worry not. The ancient Forest of Fangorn is far from our Earth and the trees we have are not capable of walking, talking and fighting our battles for us like Ents did. Ranging in all sizes and shapes, trees do a lot more for our gardens than providing oxygen for our flowers, plants and, of course, for us. Unfortunately, that applies for healthy trees only. The unhealthy ones, though, are undesirable. Not only can they be an eyesore, but they also represent a hazard for you, your family and your pet.

There are a number of reasons to remove trees from a yard. However, to decide whether you need to let go of a tree, you only need to answer yourself these questions:

  • Is it in the way of a planned activity? Many times the reason to remove a tree is simply because the homeowners have planned an activity that includes the space that a tree takes (such as renovation or building a kid’s playfield).
  • Is the tree healthy? If the tree is damaged over 50% and cannot be saved, removal is probably the most appropriate solution. An unhealthy tree may continue surviving in your yard, but it will be forever charmless.
  • Does it pose a hazard for you and your family? Old and sick trees usually have weak roots and branches, which represents a constant threat for you and your family. If trimming and pruning doesn’t help, tree removal is essential, because they could snap over you at any time.
  • Is it leaning? If the tree is leaning, it could mean a number of things. For example, weakening or breakage of the roots or suffering from a disease. In this case, tree removal is a must, because it represents a hazard.
  • What is the environment of the tree? If the tree is growing on rock ledges or near a body of water, it is very likely their root systems to be shallow and weak. These trees must be removed before they fall; it’s only a matter of time.

If you find the old adage “Better safe than sorry” to be true, there are few more considerations you need to take into account. For example, if there are dead branches on one side only, there’s hope for the tree if expert handles it on time, as it is only a symptom of trunk or root damage. Also, examine if the tree has a historical or sentimental value. If you’re not attached to it, a member of your family might. Once you answer all of these questions and conclude your tree no longer belongs to your garden, it’s time to take care of the matter and do what needs to be done.

“Do not be hasty – that is my motto”

Treebeard’s motto is as he had this particular thought in mind, encouraging us to think long and think hard. Growing tired of a tree or realizing you could use the space of the tree’s location differently are not good reasons that can get you Treebeard’s approval. Before removing a tree from your yard, you need to be totally sure that the tree is beyond saving and it does more harm than good. The best way to ensure if a tree cannot be saved is to hire a professional tree removal service provider. We at Sunset Landscaping speak Entish, which is our secret why we know exactly whether a tree needs to go or not.

12 May 2017
tree-trimming
May 12, 2017 By admin Tree Removal , , , ,

Importance of Trimming for Growing Beautiful, Safe and Healthy Trees

Trees provide a soft, serene beauty to the landscape yet it’s easy to take them for granted. Especially since they ask for so little and give so much. And even though they can do well without much help from us, intense weather, diseases and pests can take their toll. To ensure healthy and resilient trees, it takes more than just watering effectively and protecting their roots. It’s important to properly prune and trim them as well.

However, incorrect trimming can do more harm than good. Here’s a friendly advice: Don’t do it yourself. Having your trees trimmed by yourself could be just as bad as not having them trimmed at all. Improper cutting can seriously hurt the tree what can lead to decay. Only an experienced landscaper or an arborist can make sure the process runs smoothly. Plus, they know when it’s best to trim. Do you?

Of course, it should be done as soon as you see any damaged, diseased or dead branches, however it’s best to do it either after your trees have finished blooming or during colder months when they don’t produce any sap and bacteria and fungi are inactive. This minimizes the risks of infecting trimming cuts.

However, tree trimming goes beyond improving trees’ health. It can improve your view and keep your landscape aesthetically pleasing. Not having your trees trimmed and letting them grow wild could make your home look abandoned. So unless you’re going for a mystical, Maleficent-style scenery, give your trees a haircut.

Partnering with a tree trimming professional will do more than just maintain your property’s curb appeal. Since landscapers are well versed in all components that make up a functional and attractive outdoor space, hiring professionals for tree trimming will help to minimize the risk of harm to your family and damage to your home’s exterior and landscape.

Dried out and loose branches can often be dangerous – they could fall and hurt passers-by what can result in a costly lawsuit. Or even worse, you or your closest ones could become the victims of a fallen branch. Another important thing concerning safety is the direction your trees grow in as sometimes they could interfere with power lines on or near your property. By trying to show off your DIY skills you run the risk of getting electrocuted, therefore don’t tempt your fate, have an expert assess the situation and trim the menaces off. They have the experience and tools to safely cut large limbs without damaging power lines.

However, trimming is not performed only for the purpose of removing branches that are dead or dying. Regularly thinning a dense canopy will reduce the weight on the tree’s trunk, making it less likely to fall from overburdening or a heavy snow fall. Besides keeping trees from developing broad or weak branches, trimming can also increase air circulation and sun exposure preventing excessive soil moisture. Moist environment is a recipe for many fungal diseases, insect infestation and tree decline.

And for those of you who’ve decided to test your green thumbs by planting one or more fruit trees, here’s a tip: Regular removal of diseased, broken or already dead branches increases sun exposure resulting in improved quantity of the crop and richer and juicier fruit production.

Remember, a landscape without a tree just isn’t the same. Trees that are well taken care of invoke a certain forest charm, keep the air clean and animate the garden with soothing bird songs. So, if you want to ensure the living sculptures that tower over your landscape keep creating alluring outside scene, give them some TLC. Remember that a little love goes a long way.

03 Apr 2017
When Beauty Becomes a Burden: Removing a Tree from Your Garden
April 3, 2017 By admin Tree Removal , , ,

When Beauty Becomes a Burden: Removing a Tree from Your Garden

Trees are important natural resources for the city of Chicago and its suburbs (Aurora, Naperville and Oswego, to name a few) but they do much more than absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shade. These living sculptures are key to designing memorable landscapes as they can add beauty and interest to your yard, and value to your home. In a way, trees are much like wedding bouquets – they dictate the style of bride’s attire and are the perfect accessory to make a bold statement.

Sadly, even though tough as the Terminator, trees too are prone to disease. Predisposing factors, such as Chicago’s harsh winters, can make them even more susceptible to pests and disease. Hence even if you’ve done everything right to protect your tree’s vigor – from watering to protecting bark, trunk and roots – it could succumb to disease.

Moreover, because ecosystems have no solid-wall boundaries, meaning air and organisms can move in and out of them, the tree in your yard could easily become infected if nearby park or street trees are diseased. Take ash trees for example. Chicago suburbs Aurora, Naperville and Oswego have been waging a war against the emerald ash borer in the recent years. If your tree has been infested with EAB, caring for it is a bad bet. Even if it could stand for years.

Infested and dying or already dead tree is a safety hazard. Because it’s brittle, limbs can break and cause serious damage to your property or neighbor’s car and even endanger passers-by. Hence, it must not be left standing. The decision to remove a tree is a difficult one, but should not be given a second thought. Since infested tree is dangerous, it’s wise to hire professional tree removal services to do the job.  Beside being well-versed in the process, an experienced company has the equipment and tools needed to get the job done safely.

A power chainsaw for example, is useful for cutting up branches or felling small trees, but if not handled properly it could cut not only tree limbs but yours as well. Professionals know how to safely start and operate a chainsaw. Do you? Few YouTube tutorial videos are not enough to develop skills and safe working practice. Hands-on training is required. Hence, by trying to remove a tree yourself without previous experience, you run the risk of being seriously injured. Professionals are trained for such job, plus they wear protective wear and follow tree removal regulations to ensure safety.

Then there’s the issue of the tree itself. Is the tree stable in the ground? Is it leaning heavily to one side? Are there any large branches broken or hanging? Assessing these and similar factors will minimize the risk of the likelihood of someone being harmed. Experience landscapers know how to carry out a risk assessment to identify how removal work will be carried out and to ensure no one is injured.

Postponing tree removal for whichever reason is not a wise idea. You not only risk your safety and the safety of your family, but falling branches may injure and even kill passers-by. This can lead to a lawsuit being filed against you due to negligent property maintenance. Also, the delay could cost you additional thousands of dollars. Certain boroughs have the exclusive right to remove a tree from private property in case it poses a threat to public safety, and bill you for the cost. If you fail to pay, the city can place a lien against your property to recover payment on a debt.

Therefore don’t delay nor DIY – hire qualified professionals.

16 Mar 2017
When Tree Removal is the Best Option
March 16, 2017 By admin Tree Removal , , , , ,

When Tree Removal is the Best Option

Cicero once said “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need”, and I think rarely would one disagree with this. While books are food for the mind, a beautiful yard is definitely the most wonderful food for the senses. Not to mention how a beautiful landscape can add to the value of your home. But tending a lawn that excites with rich scents and fresh colors is a demanding task many have failed at. That’s where landscapers come into play. They use their extensive knowledge in plants and soil to make the lawn a functional space, and their refined design talents to transform it into a living piece of art.

But not always a landscaper will have the role of a creator. Sometimes he will need to step in and do some destruction. When a certain pesky and stubborn tree starts hindering the trimmed, immaculate look of your front lawn, a landscaper can save the day by removing it promptly.

Trees do add a certain forest charm while also creating shade in hot summer days, but sometimes they can be the greatest disturbance factor in a yard’s balance. You can trim them and keep them neat on the outside, but below ground their roots can grow uncontrollably. And roots that run wild can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. This is where tree removal can prove to be inevitable.

Another dangerous trait of trees is that sometimes their branches can dieback and fall on passers-by or on top of an object in your lawn you hold dearly. This is a sign that the tree is unhealthy and it’s best you ask a landscape professional to make a risk assessment of whether a tree removal is needed.

Having in mind Chicago’s unpredictable weather, there’s always a high chance of a severe storm to occur affecting the likelihood of a tree being struck by lightning. Depending on its age and species, a tree may survive or succumb the damage caused by lightning. The latter is more likely to happen however. Especially if the trunk is split or the bark is torn off. In such case, it would be very difficult for the tree to compartmentalize wounds, heal and eventually recover. Moreover, hanging broken and unsupported branches pose a serious threat to your safety. In such case, tree removal is the best option.

However, not always does a tree have to be a risk factor or damaged beyond repair in order to be considered undesirable in your lawn. If your tree is quite large, it can block the view from your house and take up a considerable amount of space and ruin the functionality of your front yard. Sometimes it can get in the way of the nice little flower bed by destroying the plants’ order with its growing root. Additionally, depending on the species, certain trees naturally “bleed” a large amount of sap damaging grass below. Excessive sap dripping can also lead to the withering away of surrounding plants. Hence it’s best to have the tree removed.

Whatever reason you may have, do not by any means undertake tree removal on your own. It’s risky for anyone without the proper equipment or knowledge. The advantage of hiring professional tree removal services is getting the job done right, and in the most safest and efficient way. Plus, removing an unwanted tree can create a big mess in your yard. Tree care professionals know how and which tools to use to prevent property damage. With their help, the front of your house will soon be the dreamy refuge of flowers and greenery it was before the tree problem.

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