 Well Kept Healthy Trees
Tree Trimming Keeping trees trimmed is vital to property safety as well as tree health. Occasionally some tree trimming is for cosmetic purposes but is still essential to tree health. You may choose to trim your smaller trees. We recommend your local tree service professionals for larger, more mature trees. Why Trimming is Important Unkept trees risk growing in a non-self-sustaining direction. Trunks and branches can split, growing in two separate directions causing a weak point in the tree. These weak points are prone to splitting or breaking. When a tree's limbs break away, they can cause damage the surrounding buildings, landscape, and themselves. When it comes to young trees, keeping them trimmed is essential for their health, proper growth, and preventing weak spots. When a tree limb breaks, it exposes the tree's inner wood, leaving it susceptible to parasites and fungus, leading to further tree death and putting other trees at risk of infestation. If a large limb falls, it poses a risk to other limbs on the way down. If multiple limbs give way, the results may be a dangerously lopsided tree, putting the tree at risk of falling. In some cases, tree cabling may save the tree, but the entire tree may need to be cut down in severe cases. Another reason for keeping trees trimmed is to keep branches from reaching over structures. Branches that grow over structures are not only at risk of falling, but they can cause damage scraping against surfaces. Tree limbs that rest on or near structures can damage fences, siding, shingled, or metal roofs. They can damage or break away gutter systems. If the tree branch drops a lot of leaves or debris, it can easily clog gutters. In some residential communities, tree trimming is the neighborly thing to do. If a tree on your property grows over your neighbor's property line, you are still responsible for the tree. If your tree begins to reach their fences or structures, you are responsible for trimming it. Tools Required for Tree Trimming Depending on the size of the branch you are trimming will determine the tool you will need. You can often trim small, young trees with hand-held pruning shears. Branches with a bit more circumference may require long-handled shears. You may also consider using a pole saw or chain saw. Before attempting to trim your trees, it is essential to thoroughly research techniques along with safety practices. It's recommended that you wear gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe footwear. When using a chainsaw, there are pants or chaps to protect your legs. Without proper experience, tree trimming can quickly become dangerous. For mature or tall trees, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Limbs cut from lofty heights are likely to fall unpredictably without proper knowledge. Ladder placement is essential. It is best practice not to lean a ladder against a limb that you are going to cut. Tree service professionals have the knowledge, equipment, and special vehicles to get the job done safely. Finding a Tree Trimming Company Once you've decided to hire a tree trimming company, you can start the process of finding one. Your neighbors are a great resource to start! If you're new to town or find that no one had experiences to offer, you can turn to the internet. Reading online reviews for a company you are considering will help you determine if they may be right for you. Once you have a list of professionals, you can begin calling companies. Most tree service professionals will come out to your location and assess the task before providing a quote. After speaking with each company, you will be able to make your decision. Choosing Peoria Tree Service At Peoria Tree Services, we have the experience and equipment to trim your trees professionally and safely. Contact us today for your free quote! 309-273-1100  Spring Clean Up and Stump Removal
Not all trees survive winter storms in Peoria, IL. Removing damaged trees and their stump is necessary, and there are various ways to perform stump removal in Peoria, IL. Stump Removal Methods and Timing We recommend having your stumps removed once the ground thaws in early spring. Early removal will allow you to reseed the area and allow grass or vegetation to grow through spring and summer. A stump grinder is the most common form of stump removal. You may rent one to use at your home or hire a tree service professional to do the job. Most professionals only offer stump grinding or manual removal. You may also choose to remove stumps chemically or manually. Using A Grinder for Stump Removal After a tree has is cut down, the most popular and typically the quickest way to remove a stump is to use a grinder, especially on larger, mature trees. Stump removal of trees with complex root systems is often too difficult to do manually. Manual removal can leave a large hole in the ground from the removal of the root system. A grinder will mulch the stump to ground level without creating a large hole. The first step to stump removal is to clear debris, sticks, dirt, etc., away from the stump, allowing room to work with the grinder. The next step with a grinder is to cut the stump as low as possible with a chain saw, leaving the grinder less wood to work through and saving time in the removal process. Once that is complete, the actual grinding can begin. Most tree service companies grind the stump down a couple of inches below ground level. You may choose to use the mulch or dirt and leaves to fill in space, making it flush with the surrounding landscape. Stumps grind down to ground level are acceptable, but take care to ensure it is flush and is not a tripping hazard. Stump Removal Alternatives To remove a stump manually, you dig it out. A manual removal is a popular option if you're looking to save money and don't mind a little hard work. Manual stump removal can be time-consuming and is typically best for stumps that are small in size. Materials required for manual stump removal include a shovel, digging bar, various sized saws. Stump removal begins by digging out the actual stump and the primary roots. If the root system is intricate manual removal can take a long time. If you tackle your stump removal, you may hear of burning stumps is another inexpensive option, but we urge caution. You should adhere to your city ordinances before burning in an area, and it is essential not to be near other flammable structures. Chemical stump removal speeds up the natural process of decay. This method is the least labor-intensive but not the quickest. Stump removal by chemicals requires several pieces of equipment, along with the chemicals. You will need a drill and tarp. Garden mulch and high nitrogen fertilizer are necessary. First, drill holes into the stump with the widest drill bit available and pour the fertilizer in the holes and around the stump. Then cover the stump with a tarp and garden mulch. Covering helps to keep moisture in and speed up decay. Every few weeks, you should remove the tarp and add more fertilizer. It can take several months to a year for the stump to decay. Costs of chemical removal can vary, depending on the place of purchase, the fertilizer used, and the stump's size. Your Stump Removal Professionals Stump removal can be a time-consuming process. It can require tools and machinery that homeowners do not regularly encounter, adding risk to any stump removal process. At Tree Services Peoria, our professionals have the tools and experience to get the job done efficiently and safely. For your next stump removal, call us! 309-273-1100  Just like indoor plants, having a tree in your yard means you have one more thing on your property to look after. Homeowners often assume that because a tree grows by itself, it does not require care or attention. Even though trees do not require daily maintenance, like indoor plants, they still need to be looked after.
Trees in your home's landscaping add aesthetic appeal, and as Real Property Group points out, they improve the value of your property. But if those plants are neglected, you could lose the benefits they provide, and they may harm your property's value or pose a danger to your home. One of the ways to look after trees is by trimming and pruning them regularly. Unfortunately, many homeowners tend to view the money spent on tree trimming and pruning as a waste. They try to avoid that expense by neglecting the trees on their property. But failing to look after the trees on your lot could cost you more money than you hoped to save. If like most homeowners, you view tree maintenance as an unnecessary cost, this post will explain why it is an investment and not an expense. It will show you that looking after your trees benefits you, the homeowner, more than it helps the trees. What is the difference between trimming and pruning a tree? When you trim a tree, you cut back overgrown portions of the plant. But when you prune it, you remove dead, diseased, and loose stems and branches—in other words, trimming deals with controlling healthy growth, while pruning is about removing unhealthy growth. Both trimming and pruning are necessary for tree health and are usually carried out simultaneously. Here are the reasons to do them regularly. To improve the tree's appearance If they are not regularly trimmed, trees may grow in a manner that is unbalanced and distorted. The tree's branches can project in directions that give the plant an odd shape. Trimming the tree will remove twisted branches and uneven growth; it will enhance the plant's shape. Regular trimming ensures that a tree has a healthy structure and is not unwieldy or overbalanced in any direction. It ensures that there will be no need for future corrective pruning, and it boosts the tree's impact on the property's curb appeal. To boost the aesthetics of your landscape The way trees are allowed to grow can affect the property's landscape and interfere with the vitality of other plants in the yard. If tree branches are too densely packed, they can prevent grass and flowers growing beneath the canopy from getting enough sunlight. Additionally, if the tree's branches are too tight, they will stile air circulation and create unhealthy conditions within the interlocking branches. Trimming away excessive growth allows more sunlight and moisture to reach those branches that are left. It makes the tree stronger and results in better overall tree health. For better management of insects and pests Plants will naturally attract insects. While most insects are not harmful to a tree, some insects can and do carry diseases. And some insects are pests. Trees that are left untrimmed, and become unhealthy as a result, often have conditions conducive to the proliferation of harmful insects. Such trees are also less resilient to disease, and parts of them can become infected and die. If the tree is close enough to your home, insects could spread to the house, putting its inhabitants at risk. This is in addition to the fact that too many insects can damage a tree's foliage. Certain insects can also colonize the plant and kill it off, denying you of the tree's benefit to your home's curb appeal. For people's safety Dead and diseased tree branches are prone to fall. They pose a serious injury threat to people, as well as animals. Such branches are liable to fall on the home and damage it. But even if a tree does not have dead or diseased branches, it may still present a danger to people. If its branches are not trimmed but are allowed to grow chaotically, the tree can become unbalanced. In heavy winds or a severe storm, those branches can get torn away and fall on the home, or the tree itself could come crashing down. Securing lives and property is the number one reason for managing the way a tree grows. A well-trimmed tree is more resilient and able to resist wind and storm better. It poses less danger. For a better view Keeping a tree's branches under control will let you have a better view of your yard or any natural feature visible from your home. This increases your enjoyment of the house, its security, and the value of the property. Regular tree trimming and pruning give homeowners control of their yard and peace of mind. By maintaining the trees on their premises, they reserve all the benefits that a tree offers. At the same time, they protect themselves from the adverse consequences of having a tree in the yard. If you're looking for someone to come out and give your trees a trim, give Peoria Trees a call at (309)-273-1100.  When to Consider Tree Cabling in Peoria
Do you have a property that hosts a beautiful, aged tree that splits in several spots? Trees that grow without pruning can have several trunks. Each time a tree trunk splits, it creates a weak point in the tree. Weak points can be damaged when excessive force is exerted on the limbs from wind, ice, or snow. If you have an older tree with multiple trunks, contact your arborist for a tree cabling consultation today! Tree Cabling - How It Works Tree cabling works by tethering two or more tree limbs together, reducing the force exerted on the split in the tree. Placing tethers near weak points in the tree improves the tree's integrity. Supporting the load-bearing limbs helps to inhibit excessive movement during extreme conditions. Ice and snow can add excess weight to limbs, weighing them down exerting force on the split. Wind adds excessive movement near the split. A combination of these factors can result in the split cracking and trunks breaking away. Why Tree Cabling is Important When a trunk breaks away, it exposes the tree's inner wood. Once the wood is exposed, the tree is at risk of disease or infestation, leaving its overall health at stake. Use tree cabling as a preventative measure to protect your tree from damage. Not only is tree cabling is a preventative measure but also a preservative measure. If a tree loses a limb, it may not cause catastrophic damage. A single trunk loss can cause the tree to become lopsided or unbalanced. Tree cabling may support the remaining limbs, provide a more aesthetic appearance, and preserve the tree. In some cases, your tree specialist may use a bracing system, tethering the tree to another tree or the ground. Your arborist can discuss all of these options with you once they evaluate the situation. Tree cabling can not bind broken or damaged trees back together. If a tree is deemed unsafe, it must be removed by your tree specialist. Protecting Communities and Assets When large trees are close to homes, buildings, or pathways, tree cabling can protect people and their assets. Properly supporting tree splits can help prevent trees from breaking and falling on houses or walkways. It is highly recommended to secure trees on your property that may hang over walking or bike paths with cabling for safety. Choose an Arborist for Tree Cabling in Peoria Proper installation of tree cables is essential to the health of the tree. Improperly performed tree cabling can cause more harm than good. There are two types of cabling systems, static and dynamic. Static techniques use steel cables and anchors. Arborists drill anchors into the tree's limbs and attaching the wires to the hardware. Dynamic processes are non-invasive and use rope style materials to anchor each limb to one another. Static cabling has been used since the 1900s. It is invasive; however, considered sustainable. When improperly installed, dynamic tree cables can grow into the tree's bark, sometimes, even deeper into the tree's life-giving layers. When the ropes grow into the tree, it is called girdling. Girdling can lead to tree death as the life-giving layers become damaged. Choosing A Specialist Arborists can also help you decide which type of tree cabling is right for your tree. How the tree reacts in its environment will determine what system is best for the tree. Tree cabling is not a permanent no maintenance solution. Tree cabling needs to be regularly inspected by your arborist to ensure its performing correctly and does not inhibit the tree's growth. Your cabling may need to be adjusted from time to time to provide sustainable support for your tree. Your arborist will define the most appropriate time frame. For more information about tree cabling in Peoria and the surrounding areas, contact us today! 309-273-1100  Tree Services Through the Seasons
It is fall! As you drive around your neighborhood, you see one neighbor planting trees while another is trimming trees. Now, you ask yourself, 'Is it safe to plant or safe to cut?' Tree services happen all year round. Some services have more specific seasons than others, and we are here to help with the details! Fall Tree Services Fall is a time most of us use to prepare for winter. We clean up our summer gardens, move potted plants inside, rake leaves, and pick up twigs or branches. But can we prune back our flowers, shrubs and trim our trees? For flowers and shrubs, it is best to wait. So often in our fall clean up, we get carried away, cutting them back. The ideal time is late winter, once the harshest temperatures move through your region. Pruning in the fall puts plants at risk of sprouting new growth if warm temperatures move into the area. Late winter pruning allows plants to go dormant for the winter and begin new growth in the spring. Trees, on the other hand, may need to be trimmed in the fall. When to Trim Your Trees Dead or weak branches should come down before further damage occurs. Dead branches may have disease or infestations that can spread to the rest of the tree or other trees on the property. Weak limbs are at risk of breaking away during storms or windy days. Limbs forcefully breaking can lead to severe damage to an otherwise healthy, mature tree. Inexperienced limb removal can also lead to permanent damage. Hiring a professional tree service is the best way to ensure proper limb removal and preserve the tree's health. Other Fall Tree Services Trees that lean far to one side or grow at an abnormal angle require attention. Sometimes they start leaning over our homes, garages, driveways, or sidewalks. We recommend making an appointment with a professional regarding tree bracing or cabling. With winter coming, snowfall or ice storms can increase the stress put on unbalanced trees. Unbalanced trees are dangerous trees, and the added weight from heavy precipitation can cause trees to give way. Tree Cabling Systems can help support the weight of a tree, reducing the risk of falling. These systems can be applied throughout the year to help young trees grow in a sustainable position. Another tree service to consider for your winter preparation, stump grinding services. Stumps by nature can be a hazard in anyone's yard. Cover them with leaves or snow, and they become a hidden hazard. Fall is a great time to get these taken care of. In addition to grinding up stumps, fall is an optimal time to seed the area after removal. If you plant seeds in late fall, close to a hard frost, cover the seeds with a thin layer of dirt or mulch. Covering protects dormant seeds allowing them to thrive in spring. Planting in Fall Planting in the fall allows young trees to take root but comes with risk. Young trees require ample water to take root. If your area remains dry in the fall, you will need to supplement the water supply. It is best practice to work with an arborist for advice and guidance. Putting trees in the ground too late may expose young trees to frost damage. The timing, species of tree, hardiness, and planting zone all play a role in the success of fall planting.Maple, Sycamore, and Pine trees are quite hardy and planted in the fall. Tree Service Professionals Our arborists provide high-quality tree services to the Peoria, Illinois area. We proudly offer all of the services discussed in this blog, as well as emergency tree removal. For all of your tree service needs, contact Peoria Trees at 309-273-1100  Fall is here, and winter is just around the corner. Did you notice a few trees not doing well this summer, or did summer storms cause damage? Fall is the best time to schedule tree removals before winter storms damage them further. Removing trees may be necessary to the conservation of tree species, poor tree location, nuisance debris, or new build construction can call for tree removal.
Conserving Tree Species with Tree Removal In Illinois and other Midwestern states, the Emerald Ash Tree Borer is an invasive species found in 2006. The ash borer is a small green insect about the size of a penny. Their larvae live in the inner bark, the life-giving layer of the tree. The extensive damage they cause to this layer weakens the tree. Woodpeckers feed on the larvae, and extensive woodpecker damage is an indicator of an infestation. Infested trees must be removed to conserve ash trees and prevent the emerald ash tree borers' spread. Conservation efforts also include removing trees to promote the growth of others. In heavily wooded areas, trees and plants compete for sunlight. Large trees shade smaller vegetation. In managed ecosystems, trees reaching the end of their life cycle or decaying from a disease will be removed. Tree removal prevents any further disease spread and protects young growth from being damaged from trees splitting and falling into the habitat. Signs of Decay Indicating a Need for Tree Removal Signs of tree damage or decay include large cracks or splits, leaning to one side, discolored leaves in peak season, branches that lack foliage, or easily break. Seeing any form of decay is can be dangerous. Trees typically decay from the inside out. Seeing decay on the outside of the tree can indicate little integrity remains inside. They can give way at a moment's notice, crushing anything in their path. Trees Growing to be a Nuisance As trees grow, their roots spread, the branches grow longer, and the tree grows taller. Roots may grow into structures such as foundations or septic tanks. They can rise above the ground and upheave sidewalks, causing a tripping hazard. Growing branches reach over buildings and into utility lines. Buildings with gutter systems can experience clogs from leaves or debris of overreaching branches. Some trees drop more than just their leaves. Black Walnut trees are native to Illinois. The trees drop fruits large enough to dent a vehicle. When the fruit decays, it causes quite the mess and can be toxic to some species, such as horses. Tree removal from fields or pastures is necessary for the safety of the animals. Safe Tree Removal Trees are a beauty of nature and, like nature, can be unpredictable when cut without proper caution. Hiring Peoria Tree Removal will ensure the safety of yourself, your property, and the surrounding landscapes. Protective gear, the right tools, and apparatus complete our jobs. Attempting tree removal with limited experience can result in injuries from falls, tools, or falling branches. Our professionals have extensive knowledge of tree biology and physics. A ladder resting against the base of a branch being cut could have catastrophic results. Removing large sections of a branch reduces its weight. The area of the branch closest to the tree will rise as weight is cut away. The base could rise higher than the ladder, causing the ladder to fall. Our tree removal professionals understand these physics. They use a system of specific cuts to prevent limbs from breaking away in large sections; we know how to get the job done safely. If you are located in Central Illinois, contact the professionals at Tree Services Peoria at 309-273-1100.  Trees can be great to have in your property, but trees can also be a significant nuisance. Trees provide shade, but they can also prevent sunlight from getting to your garden plants. They make your home more welcoming, but they can be threatening if they grow too close to the house.
Trees have a knack for doing their own thing, and you can never control what direction they grow or what their roots will do. When homeowners are confronted with a tree that is endangering their property, there are three things they can do. They can try and live with the problem and manage it as best as they can. People usually do this because they are concerned about the environment. Secondly, they can get out a rarely used chainsaw, oil it, and set aside a whole Saturday for the job. This is assuming the person has a chainsaw and knows how to use one. The third option is to call a tree removal service and have a tree swiftly removed. This third alternative is the most desirable one because it guarantees the overall best result. As AlltradeProperties.com explains, it can save the property owner's home and the tree, if necessary. Why you should use a tree removal service If you are wondering why you would need a tree removal service, here are a few good reasons: Saves you money Usually, money is the chief reason why homeowners think they should not hire a tree removal service. They believe it is expensive, but this could not be further from the truth. First of all, the actual amount you pay to a tree removal service is minuscule. Secondly, the cost of fixing the damage that a tree can do to your property is insignificant compared to hiring a tree removal service. Trees routinely destroy walls, sewers, and the roofs of houses. And the cost of those repairs is something homeowners want to avoid. Tree removal services don't cost money; they save you money. Saves you time A tree removal service will help you make money by allowing you to make better use of your time. Cutting down a tree is not as simple as most people think it is. Tree removal is a highly precise, tedious, and hazardous task. Tree removal experts have to determine which parts of a tree can be safely removed and how best to do it. Homeowners who try to remove a tree by themselves could end up spending an excessive amount of time on it. And even then they may not do an excellent job of it. You can avoid injuries Injuries are common among homeowners who attempt to fell or prune a tree on their own. Accidents happen because these people are not trained for the job, or they use the wrong equipment. There is always a chance of homeowners cutting themselves, suffering a fall, or getting hurt by pointed parts of the tree, not to mention falling branches. Using a tree removal service eliminates the risk of an accident happening while guaranteeing the best results. They have the right technique When you trim a tree, you want it done right. You want to ensure that its weight does not lean excessively in one direction. If the tree is going to be cut down completely, you want to be sure that it comes down exactly where and how you want it. Tree removal is a skill, and tree removal experts are best equipped to do it. Using a tree removal service will save your home from avoidable damage. And if you want to save the tree, using a tree removal service is the best way to do it. A tree removal service protects your home The branches and roots of the tree can put your home at risk in many ways. They can damage walls, roofs, landscaping, fencing, driveways, sewers, and underground pipes. Leaving tree roots or branches that pose a risk to a home should not be an option. However, how a tree is removed or pruned is essential. Trees that are removed by anyone other than an expert can unintentionally damage the home. A tree branch can fall and ruin your property. Or tree roots can be removed in a way that causes more damage to your home's landscaping or driveway. Using a tree removal service ensures that this is not the case. Efficient landscape maintenance Regularly and efficient tree removal should be an integral part of maintaining your home's landscaping. Investing a little money in tree removal will vastly improve your house's curb appeal and boost its value. It will also reduce the cost of maintaining the landscape because there will be less debris to deal with. Furthermore, tree removal services include landscape cleanup as part of their services. This means you will spare yourself the trouble of cleaning up your yard for days after a tree has been removed. In conclusion, you don't have to live with a tree threatening to damage your home. And you don't have to endanger yourself trying to remove it either. Give Tree Services Peoria a call at 309-273-1100 and let our specialists handle the tough stuff! |