TREE + HEDGE Q&A
TREES
Trees are huge and glorious specimens of nature that contribute to the urban environment in an irreplaceable way. They are a natural habitat for wildlife, a cooling and shading factor for homes, and help purify the air we breathe. Mature and cared for trees will boost a property’s curb appeal and value! Just like most things in life, trees need care in order to thrive and periodical examination to mitigate risks, especially in the urban setting. To better understand your trees, here are some frequently asked questions
FAQ
Trimming needs are highly specific to each tree and situation, so it is impossible to prescribe a set interval for all trees. A general time frame depending on the situation and required treatment would be every 2-7 years.
In general, the best time is any time! There are a few exceptions. It is best to avoid trimming maple trees in early spring, as the sap will run and leave unsightly stains on the trees. Fruit trees that are struggling with disease are better off being trimmed in dormancy during late fall or early spring. With summers getting hotter, it’s best to avoid trimming oak trees until late fall as oak wilt could be a concern.
No, severely reducing the height of a large tree is pretty much the worst thing that can be done to it. Three problems quickly present themselves as a result. Firstly, the new growth that pushes up will grow extremely quickly, and with poor structure. Secondly, the attachment points of the new growth to the area just below the topping cut will be weak and prone to breakage. Thirdly, the locations of the topping cuts will rot and quickly allow decay and disease into the tree.
Major differences in price are often dependent on what will be done to the tree. There is a very big difference between removing the lower limbs of a tree and climbing throughout the entire canopy, removing end weight on limbs and cleaning the whole tree. Our best advice is to make sure the company quoting the work gives a detailed plan on what treatment the tree will receive. That way all parties involved know exactly what needs to happen. This will also allow you to evaluate different quotes for the work properly, from a position of knowledge.
It is always included in the quote as a separate line item if you request it.
YES! Just ask! If you wish to have wood chips delivered at another time, please place a request here!
Not without permission from your neighbor. Nothing is worse than starting trouble with your neighbors, and as the tree is their property it’s proper to obtain their permission and outline the proposed work on their tree.
HEDGES
Faq
Cedar hedges have two growth periods per year, first in June and then again in September. The new growth shows up as light green foliage at the tips of the twigs. On average, a hedge will grow 8″ on the tops and 6″ on each side per year.
Cedars thrive off of sun and water, so watering your hedges is a must. A soaker hose installed at the base of the hedge, combined with a timer, is an easy way to make sure your hedge gets water. Additionally, mulch and compost at the base of the hedge will help retain humidity. A fertilizer treatment in spring can also help to give an extra boost for the growth.
Hedges can be safely trimmed from the end of April until November. The time of year will depend on when your hedge was last trimmed, what condition it is in, and how much cutting is required. If a more severe cut is needed, a springtime trimming is recommended to ensure that the hedge repairs itself before winter.
Seen in this picture is the best possible shape for a hedge in our climate zone. Having a wider base will allow the sun to be cast across the whole hedge, resulting in even growth. During winter, instead of accumulating on the hedge, snow will fall off the rounded top. This ensures that the hedge won’t “open up” from the weight of the snow, and prevent branches from consequently being broken off.
The purpose of a perimeter hedge is to offer you privacy and to have something alive and aesthetically pleasing to look at. Yearly hedge maintenance will allow your cedar trees to maintain their shape & size and allow the foliage to become dense. If yearly trimming is ignored, the growth starts to branch out the following year and holes will eventually start to appear in the foliage, resulting in a reduction of hedge density, loss of opacity and privacy. After a few years of branching out, the hedge’s maximum cut back benchmark will have invaded further into your yard or, in many cases, towards your pool. Regular hedge maintenance will provide you with peace of mind that your hedge will not become a nuisance or add negative value to your property in the long run.
Yearly hedge maintenance is key for your cedar trees to maintain their shape, size and density. If hedge growth isn’t controlled, it will branch out. The primary concern when trimming overgrown cedar hedges is irreparable damage caused by snow load on twigs and branches. A hedge that branches out also opens the door for wasps to build nests on the inside. Vines can be suffocating for a hedge, as their leaves will block the sun resulting in “burning of the hedge”. It is best to remove these quickly if they appear!