How to Keep Your Tree Healthy
Keeping your trees in perfect health is not always easy, however. Trees can become sick or infested and it takes special knowledge to be able to take care of these tree related problems. Trees can become sick for several reasons, but most commonly it is due to environmental conditions. Here are a few tips to keep your trees healthy.
FAQs
Tree Removal in Murray
(270) 753-2020
Trees breathe and so do their roots. That is why when you over-water a tree it can drown. The roots close to the surface absorb the most air, which means practices that restrict air from reaching the roots can cause the tree harm. Excess mulching has this problem. Mulch is a good idea for many trees, but if there is too much then the roots will not be able to get the air they need. Still another issue is soil compaction, where the dirt has been too densely packed and the roots cannot get the air they need. To prevent this you may wish to till the soil around a tree if you think the soil has been compacted.If your tree isn’t looking its best and the problem is not one mentioned above, then LAMB TREE SERVICE, LLC can help you solve your tree problems, often with only one visit.
Besides tree health, Lamb Tree Service, LLC can also help the tree owners with:
Tree Pruning
Trimming / Removal
Emergency Tree Removal
Planting
Stump Removal/Grinding
Land Clearing
Tree Cabling & Bracing
Lightning Protection
Why should I remove a tree?
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s necessary to remove a tree from your property. The tree may be dead or dying, or in the case of an emergency, it may have suffered a serious wound that it cannot recover from. You should have a professional arborist assess the tree to determine whether it can survive the damage that has been done to it.
Why do I need an arborist to remove my tree?
If a storm has damaged your tree, but it’s still standing you need to get an arborist to look at it right away if you hope to save it. Losing a branch exposes a tree to infection and parasites that can further damage or even kill it. It is important for an arborist to assess and treat the tree if you want to save it, and arborists have the equipment and expertise to safely remove the tree if it cannot be saved.
Stump Removal / Grinding in Murray
Do you have an unsightly stump on your property that you would like to get rid of?Lamb Tree Service, LLC is a complete stump removal service, here to help the people of Murray clear the stumps from their yards as efficiently as possible.
Why remove a stump?
Here are some of the main reasons why people remove stumps from their property:
Important for cities and municipalities- stumps near roads and sidewalks are removed to prevent future damage. The root structure of trees can continue to grow even after the trunk and branches have been removed and this can lead to cracked and broken sidewalks and paved surfaces. The driveway of your home is a likely candidate for this problem unless the stump is removed.
Many insects and tree diseases love tree stumps. By having a tree stump you are heightening the risk of the infestations or tree diseases spreading throughout your property.
If you have children, tree stumps can be a hazard. Tree stumps are quite hard and if a child falls onto it instead of grass they could be severely injured. Furthermore, tree stumps are very prone to growing moss and becoming slippery which creates another potential hazard.
If left alone, it is quite possible that the tree will grow back. Felled trees often sprout saplings on the stump and though it will take quite a while for the tree to grow back completely, it is still counterproductive.
Why wouldn't you pull out tree stumps?
Many people believe that they can remove the tree stump by connecting it to their truck and then just yanking it out. This can work but there are hazards which make it not recommended. First, most trees have extensive root systems so the only thing you will manage to do with your vehicle is break the chain or harm the truck. Let’s say you do get quite a bit of leverage and it starts to work. Do you know how far the roots go? Are the roots intertwined with other root systems? Or worse, are you sure that the roots are nowhere near any utility lines?
For these reasons Lamb Tree Service, LLC recommends that you hire a professional stump removal service. It is the safe and easy way to remove the remains of a tree.
Tree Cabling & Bracing in Murray
Lamb Tree Service, LLC is fully trained and has many years of experience in the proper bracing and cabling of trees.
Why brace / cable a tree?
First, bracing and cabling are two different methods which have the same goal; to strengthen a weakened tree. The main difference is that bracing uses steel rods where cabling instead uses steel cable. Choosing between bracing and cabling depends on the specific situation and the skill level of the professional you have hired.
The reason for the development of this practice is because older trees or weakened trees need our help to continue to survive and look their best. When trees grow, certain branches may grow larger and faster than others. Without bracing or cabling these branches, they will break off in a heavy wind. If a large branch breaks off from the tree it could cause extensive property damage, create an open wound in the tree for insects and disease to enter, and/or cause severe damage to the trees structure, leading to the end of the tree.
There are also species of trees which are very prone to breaking, such as the box elder or silver maple. These trees will almost always require bracing or cabling as high winds will break these massive but frail trees.
Signs to look for to see if your tree may require bracing / cabling
There are many factors which a trained arborist looks for when inspecting the safety of a tree. Here are a few things for you to look for to see if you need to contact an arborist:
V-Crotch connection: A v-crotch connection is when a branch is connected to the trunk by a narrow-angle. The connection forms a V shape and is structurally a very poor way for a branch to grow.
Proximity to your home: if there are big branches that are looming near your home then it may be good to have those braced or cabled as a preventative measure.
Recently lost a lead branch: if a tree has lost one of its main branches in a storm then you may need to cable some of the remaining branches. Without the protection of the lead branch, other branches may be in jeopardy come the next storm.
Tree Health / Pest and Disease Management in Murray and Paducah
Is my tree healthy?
There are obvious signs when a tree is having serious health problems – dead branches, wilting or faded leaves, bleeding sap. However, sometimes the only sign of a tree’s health problems is that it is not growing as well as it should. If you suspect that your tree is unhealthy, you should contact a trained arborist. At Lamb Tree Service, LLC, we can evaluate your tree’s health, and provide solutions to any problems it might have.
What are the signs of a sick tree?
Arborists are trained to discover the less obvious symptoms of poor health. Poor weather, fungi, insects, and disease can all affect your tree’s health in a variety of ways. Leaves may change color or fade, or the tree may lose leaves. The leaves or bark may develop spots or lesions. The sap may bleed, or there may be visible insects or fungal growths. Finally, the tree’s growth may just not be as vigorous as would be expected. At Lamb Tree Service, LLC we have the experience to evaluate the symptoms and identify the cause.
How can I protect my tree from insects?
There are many different types of insects that can infest trees. Some devour the leaves, which have a negative impact on your tree’s growth. Others burrow into the tree or feed on the sap. Regardless of how they feed, they are all more than capable of doing severe damage to a tree. Once they are established, they can be very difficult to remove and may require chemical sprays, so the most effective way to deal with an infestation is prevention. Since insects are attracted to sick or damaged trees, the best way to prevent an infestation is to keep the trees healthy to begin with, and that’s where Lamb Tree Service, LLC comes in.
Tree Planting in Murray and Paducah
There is no simpler way to enhance the beauty and elegance of a piece of property than to plant trees. Purchasing trees for your property is an investment in the future, as they only become more beautiful and impressive over time as they grow and age, and you will be enjoying them for years to come. However, the first step is to make sure that they are planted well so that they will be healthy and have the chance to grow. That’s where LAMB TREE SERVICE, LLC comes in.
When is the best time to plant trees?
The best time to plant trees is during the dormant season, particularly either in the autumn just after the leaves have dropped, or in the spring before trees bud. The key is to make sure the tree has the chance to establish a healthy root system before it tries to develop new growth. Transplanting is very stressful for trees, and having a well-established root system makes things much easier when it starts trying to deal with the summer heat.
It is possible to plant trees during the growing season, but they need proper care and handling if they are going to flourish. As experienced arborists, we can help prepare the ground and make sure your tree has the best possible start in life.
How do I care for a new tree?
Newly planted trees need care because their root systems are not fully developed yet. The most important thing is to keep the area around the root ball moist, and you can do this by keeping the tree watered. Applying mulch will help prevent evaporation, moderate the soil temperature, and prevent damage to the roots. If the soil is poor, some light fertilization may be beneficial, but as long as you are keeping the soil around your tree’s roots moist, it should be able to grow well enough to be self-sufficient within two to three years.
Tree Trimming & Removal in Murray and Paducah
When we have trees around our homes, it is sometimes necessary to trim them back or even remove a tree in order to prevent property damage. However, for large trees, this kind of maintenance can be very dangerous as falling branches are heavy and sometimes unpredictable. If there is a tree on your property that needs trimming or removal, contact Lamb Tree Service, LLC today and let the professionals handle it.
Our highly experienced arborists have years of experience in safely trimming and removing branches and trees. Difficult removals may require cranes and a bucket truck to avoid damage to your home, power lines, or other surroundings.
Why do I need to remove my tree?
There can be any number of things that will make it necessary to remove a tree from your property. From disease, to storm damage, to simply growing too close to your house or to power lines, trees that are damaged or growing in the wrong place pose an extreme danger to both you and your property. If you suspect that a tree on your property is dangerous, contact Lamb Tree Service, LLC and we will evaluate whether it needs to be trimmed or removed, and determine the safest way to remove it.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my property?
It depends on the laws of the municipality, but generally, yes. Many towns and cities have bylaws requiring permission to remove trees of a certain size, because they enhance property values. However, most municipalities make exceptions for dead, dying, or imminently hazardous trees. If you are unsure about the status of the tree on your property, it is best to check your local laws.
Tree Pruning in Murray
Tree pruning is much more important than most people realize. Skillful pruning will improve the aesthetic appeal of your trees, but is also necessary for maintaining their health and structural integrity. It has been proven that trees that are properly pruned live longer. Pruning is important because it spaces out the tree’s branches, allowing more air to circulate and helping to prevent the wind from tearing branches off. This allows the tree to continue growing in a healthy manner.
What is the best time of year to prune a tree?
Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done at any time. However, for bigger pruning jobs, it is important that the work is timed for when it will do the least amount of harm to the tree’s health. For most trees, the best period is late winter or very early spring, before the tree starts to leaf out but after the worst of the cold has passed. Avoid pruning the trees once new leaves have started to grow and in the autumn when the leaves are dropping. Both of these times can be very harmful to your tree.
For fruit-bearing trees, the best time to prune depends on the type of the tree and the goals of the pruning. For fruit trees, it is best to give us a call and discuss what exactly you want to accomplish with your pruning.
How to prune a tree?
Many small pruning jobs can be accomplished on your own. The only tricky part is making sure that you are cutting in the right place. The key is to remove the unwanted branch while protecting the stem or trunk. Branches and stems are joined by a ring of tissue called a stem collar, and all cuts should be made on the branch side of the stem collar. For larger branches, it is important to be extremely careful when pruning, as the weight of the falling branch can often cause tearing or other damage to the tree. If you are uncertain that you can prune the tree safely, it is best to contact a trained professional.
Lightning Protection in Murray
Are you concerned about the safety of your trees when a storm hits? You are not alone. Millions of dollars in property damage happen each year from trees being hit by lightning. Broken branches can fall onto your home or car and possibly lead to fire damage. Lamb Tree Service, LLC has seen homes ruined and people severely injured from an incident which could have been prevented.
How does Lamb Tree Service, LLC protect my trees from lightning damage?
To prevent lightning from harming your trees and your property, Lamb Tree Service, LLC can install lightning rods into your trees. With the rod fit to the tree any lightning which strikes the tree will be dispersed through the rods and into the ground. Lightning moves through trees by traveling along the moisture in the wood. Lightning is like a river, it will always choose the path of least resistance. Lightning rods are far better conductors than the trees they protect so the lightning travels through the metal and into the ground.
Do I have to install lightning rods on all my trees?
Though it is best to protect as many of your trees from lightning damage as possible, this is just not reasonable for many of our Murray, customers who have numerous trees on their property. In these situations, the factors which we take into account are the type of tree, its height and how close it is to your home.
Different species of trees have different moisture levels and thus, some are more susceptible to lightning strikes than others. Oaks for example, have a higher chance of being hit by lightning than other trees. Height is also an important factor as lightning tends to hit the highest object in an area (though not necessarily). Lastly, one of the main reasons to protect your trees is to protect yourself from property damage, so any trees which are close to your house should have lightning rods installed.
If you want to protect your trees then give Lamb Tree Service, LLC a call.
Land Clearing in Murray
Whether you need someone to clear a path or an entire lot, Lamb Tree Service, LLC can get the work done efficiently and on budget.
Why choose a professional land clearing service?
You may think that clearing an area of land is a fairly straightforward, do-it-yourself job but clearing can get complicated very quickly. First, even if it is only removing shrubs and weeds you have to keep as much topsoil as you can (if you wish to grow plants in the new space) while being very thorough in the weed removal process. The reason you must be so thorough is that many weeds have rhizomes, or subterranean stems, which will re-grow the weed unless dug out.
The next biggest challenge is clearing trees. Clearing trees can be very dangerous if you are not sure what you are doing. Besides knowing how to cut a tree so that it falls where you want it to, you need to be very careful about how it falls as branches can explode under the pressure of the falling tree, possibly resulting in severe harm. You must also make a plan to remove the tree once it has fallen.
And these considerations don’t even take into account removing the stump which is one of the hardest parts of land clearing. Proper stump removal often requires heavy machinery that may require training. Trees have large networks of roots which are very time consuming to remove.
Don’t take a chance. Have your land cleared by Lamb Tree Service, LLC to get the best results.