Tree Trimming Safety: Austin, TX

Trimming your trees in Texas may sound like something you think you can do yourself just by doing a little online research. This is not necessarily true. If you cut limbs incorrectly you could kill the tree, damage or weaken its structure, or even get seriously injured or killed during the process. Professional tree trimmers study and follow safety guidelines that you may not be aware of. They know where precious life veins are in the tree and know how to avoid them. This can be especially true in Austin, TX where trees do not recover well from injury due to the climate and soil.
Many people have been killed when trimming their own trees in Texas. One common mistake is to misjudge branch distance from power lines. If you cut a limb and it swings or bounces over toward a power line, then you could be in extreme danger. If any part of the limb is still touching the tree, then you can be electrocuted. Even if it is far from the tree when it strikes the power line, the line could break and swing over to where you are. Never ever cut limbs from a tree that are anywhere near a power line. This is something best left up to the professionals.
Another common injury suffered by inexperienced tree trimmers in Austin is a severe or fatal head injury. It can take years of school for an Arborist to learn how to avoid head injuries when tree trimming. Do not assume that you can figure it out on your first try. Even professionals with all of their knowledge still wear hard hats when tree trimming. It is a common occurrence for a cut tree limb to spring up instead of falling down like you may imagine. This has caused many fatalities for novice and experienced tree trimmers in Texas. Even branches from surrounding trees could be affected by the limb you cut and those limbs could come down on you.
The next issue is climbing. Do not assume that your tree climbing skills are good enough to get you by. Professionals wear double straps to make sure that they do not fall. Even so, accidents happen and a fall from a tree can be fatal in many instances. Most people that try to trim their own trees do not even wear a harness. If they do, they may not use it properly. An arborist can tell by looking at branches if they are safe to step up on, regardless of their size. You could use a perfectly normal looking limb to step on and it is infested with insects, infected with disease, or simply too weak making it a very unstable limb to use.
Be extremely careful around trees. Keep in mind that if you did spend the money on safety equipment to trim your own trees, you still would not be trained in how trees and cut limbs behave. You could cut life supporting limbs and damage your tree. You will spend more money on equipment than you would hiring a professional for your tree trimming Austin, TX services.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Is Tree Removal Necessary?

Trees are a precious commodity for residence of Austin, TX. Due to the climate and sometimes shallow soil, it can take a lot of years to successfully grow a tree to adulthood. Sadly, many do not make it. This is why mature trees are such a treasure for property owners and the city and the surrounding Hill Country. Tree removal is sadly sometimes unavoidable. If you have hired a tree trimmer in Austin, TX that suggests tree removal, double check to make sure that it is completely necessary before you follow through and get rid of what many Austinites consider a state treasure.
The first thing you should find out is if your tree trimmer is actually a certified Arborist or just some guys with chainsaws and a truck. A certified Arborist must have at least three years experience and successfully passed many rigorous tests from the International Society of Arboriculture. A certified Arborist should also have a degree in Forestry from an accredited school. If you live in Austin or another Texas city, look for an Arborist that practices urban Forestry.
Arborists should have an intense desire and passion for saving trees. Many people refer to Arborists as tree doctors or tree surgeons. They are extensively trained in the care, maintenance and safety of trees. If you hire an Arborist for tree services in Austin, be sure that they are intimately familiar with native Texas trees. It is usually possible to save a tree as opposed to removing it.
If a certified Arborist tells you that you need to remove a tree, it is okay to ask for a second opinion before letting them remove it. Be sure that removal is your only option when you are talking about getting rid of what many consider to be a life-long investment and treasure.
Many times you may be able to treat your trees for infestation, disease or even move a tree that is in an unfavorable location. Arborists can determine if tree trimming could lessen the weight and save a weak tree. Keeping a tree strong sometimes means thinning it out so that the main branches can receive all of the trees nutrients for a while. Because tree maintenance can be an ongoing process, you want to hire a reputable Arborist to be sure you are consistently getting the proper care for and management of your trees.
Remember, when hiring someone for tree trimming Austin, make sure that you get an Arborist that cares about the preservation of trees and will treat your tree as if it were their own.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Time to Trim Cedar Trees: Austin, TX

Austin is adorned with plenty of cedar trees, much to the dismay of many allergy sufferers in the winter! But make no mistake, Austin is lucky to have so many trees. Many cities are severely lacking in trees and it affects everything from appearance, to pollution to climate. Cedar trees are part of what makes Austin one of the most beautiful places to live in Texas. Many people with cedar trees on their property may be wondering how to care for their cedar trees.
The type of cedar trees that we see in Austin grow well in the rocky soil. They thrive despite harsh temperatures and low rainfall. They tend to grow in patches, or brakes, and choke out other vegetation. This makes for some nice hiking in the Hill Country. You can stroll through shady areas without having to navigate through all sorts of other plant life. Hiking trails tend to stay clear and Austin is greatly benefited by all of the hiking areas that we have.
If you have Texas cedars on your property, you may wish to control the area that they take over so that you can have other types of trees and landscaping survive. You want to preserve your cedars while keeping plants that need a lot of water far enough away that they are not affected. It is not only a matter of watering, cedar trees also emit chemicals that inhibit growth of many other plants and trees. This may sound like a downside of owning cedar trees, but the same substances actually help repel insects and other pests from entering your yard. This could actually help to save your other trees from infestations and make your yard a safer place for your pets. Heartworms are a big problem for pets in Austin and having a little extra mosquito control is definitely a good thing.
Ground maintenance and cedar tree control are something that you need to talk to an Arborist about. Fall is generally the best time of year for the tree trimming of your cedars, although cedars can be trimmed at just about any time of year. Climate, the age of the tree and the amount of maintenance that needs to be done can all be factors that an Arborist will consider before devising a plan to keep your cedars safe and healthy.
When the allergies flare up this winter, treat the symptoms and try to remember what a commodity our cedar trees really are. Call an Arborist for tree trimming Austin services and make sure that your cedars have a long and healthy life.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Do You Have Formosan Termites? Austin, TX

Formosan termites are a relatively new threat to Austin homes and trees. Unlike other termites, they feed on living trees and can destroy huge areas of forestry. It is believed that Formosan termites were introduced into Central Texas by non-Texas native timbers, mulch and logs.
Formosan termites look a lot like ants with wings. They fly and swarm for the first couple of weeks in June. You may see them swarming around street lights in your neighborhood. When the termites quit swarming, they shed their wings and go into the ground or wood structures to lay their eggs. A Formosan termite nest can span 300 square feet and they can eat through wood at an astounding rate. This has earned them the nickname of “super termite”.
If you suspect Formosan termites in your home, you can trap them with some sticky paper, such as in a roach bait box. Take them to an insect control company to have them identified. If you suspect that they have infested a tree, however, then you should call a tree doctor, or Arborist to take care of the problem.
Arborists are trained in taking care of infestations. They will be able to determine the extent of the nest. If only a few branches need to be removed and disposed of to prevent spreading, then they will be able to let you know and your tree could be saved. If the entire tree is affected and cannot be saved, then you need an Arborist to properly remove the tree and take it to a safe area for extermination. Do not make the mistake of cutting down the tree yourself or hiring a regular tree removal company to do the job. If you do, then you only risk spreading the Formosan termites to other areas of your property. You can not only infest other trees, but also your home and the homes and trees of your neighbors.
An Arborist will survey the entire area surrounding the spot where the Formosan termites were found. You need this service to ensure that there are no other colonies lurking nearby. Formosan termites are mostly subterranean creatures. You may see them coming up from the ground through cracks in concrete, around wet areas of your yard such as air conditioning units or gutter drainage, but you can also have them on your roof or pretty much any area that gets wet.
Large colonies will sometimes build above ground structures that look like they are made out of cardboard. If you see one of these, your trees and home need to be immediately protected. Remember not to call a regular tree trimmer or tree removal service. To find an Arborist, search tree trimming Austin and be sure that you are calling in the best.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Texas Tree Struck By Lightning? Tree Services Austin

The Texas Hill Country has a wide variety of trees. Unfortunately, the risk of your trees getting struck by lightning is especially high in this area. Dry conditions and flat terrain can spell disaster for a tree caught in a Texas storm. If you have a tree that has been struck by lightning, you will need to call about tree services in Austin. You may be wondering what lightning actually does to a tree. Will your tree need to be removed?
A lot of trees struck by lightning have only a little damage to some limbs. In these cases, you may only need a tree trimmer to come out and get rid of the damaged branches. This can help you to avoid large open wounds on the tree and restore it to the shape that you would like.
Some trees have the bark stripped off by lightning. Sometimes the stripping leaves a definite line straight down or wrapping around the trunk. In this case, you will need to consult professional tree services in Austin. You may choose to request an arborist to assess this type of damage. Stripped bark, large holes, wounds and large limb splits leave a tree defenseless against disease and fungi. A certified arborist will recommend every step possible to save the tree before suggesting removal.
In the case of split trunks or split crotches, cabling and bracing could save your tree. Cabling and bracing give the tree a strong central structure that can help it survive the Texas weather. Again, a certified arborist should consult you on your options.
Lightning can produce a lot of heat when it strikes a tree. Sometimes the heat can travel straight down the trunk causing massive water loss and severe structural damage. Even if the tree does not look extremely damaged, it is possible that the heat from the lightning destroyed some of the trees internal structure. Lightning heat can also do a lot of damage to the tree roots. You may not know that you have this type of damage until the tree starts to die. You should immediately seek the advice of an arborist to ensure that the tree does not pose a hazard to you or your property.
Insects can quickly invade a tree that has been struck by lightning, so do not waste any time. Get it looked at and treated right away. Fungi and other diseases can easily infest a lightning damaged tree as well. Call about Austin tree service for trees struck by lightning that may need the attention of a certified arborist.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Selecting Healthy Trees: Austin

When visiting the nursery, there are a few things to consider before you buy a tree. You may initially need to meet with a professional arborist to make a wise decision. An arborist will evaluate your soil to see if it is acidic or alkaline. They will also evaluate the area and recommend trees that do well in your area. Considerations such as shade, sandy soil, wet or dry areas, proximity to structures and streets will be made. They will also narrow down your search for the type of tree that you like and give you some options that you may not have considered. Hiring an arborist to do this can help you to avoid wasted time and money spent on a tree that will not necessarily do well in the area that you are hoping to plant it in.
Once you have your tree picked out, you will need to visit a nursery and choose the right tree. The first thing to look for is evenly spaced branches. You will need a single trunk that preferably has alternating branches substantial enough to become large supporting structures in the future. V-shaped trunks or trunks that are split at the bottom are not acceptable. These trees usually have uneven amounts of limbs on each trunk and are extremely prone to later splitting. If this type of tree lives long enough to be large, then the tree can easily split in half and pose a hazard to life and property around it.
The next thing to check is the root system. If the roots are crowded then the tree will not root well and will most likely die within the first year. Roots that snake around the container should be avoided. Check and make sure that roots have not been broken off or severely damaged during transport. You want a tree that is planted in a container large enough to contain all of the roots while giving them room to branch out.
Look for wounds, disease and signs of insect infestation before you buy. Wounds caused by wire wraps can be deadly to a tree. Young trees should not be pruned until they have been planted in their permanent position for about a year. If you see a young tree pruned in a nursery, then you should avoid it. Early pruning can scar a tree’s water line inside the trunk. This early pruning can disrupt the flow of water and nutrients to the rest of the tree.
Once you have the correct tree chosen, take care to plant it correctly and water it regularly. After the first year, you will need to consult with an arborist again about tree trimming Austin. Texas trees need special care and proper trimming to survive, so you shouldn’t take any chances by attempting to trim or prune trees yourself.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Bark Beetle Damage? Tree Services Austin

Bark beetles are a destructive presence among Central Texas trees. There are quite a few different varieties of these pests that can attack many different types of trees. Bark beetles will usually seek out trees that are already sick or injured. They can cause a rapid decline of a tree’s health and even contribute to its death. The bark beetle rarely kills a healthy tree.
Most bark beetles bore into the bark of the tree and get underneath to the inner bark. They cause tree frass, a fine dusty material, to form on the tree. You can usually see it when bark falls off, but sometimes you will see it externally between bark pieces. Some species of bark beetles will make little tunnels of frass on the tree that will be pink, brown or white. Other species will bore holes in the tree and you may notice sap seeping from the holes. Some bark beetles go in through the tip ends of branches and you may notice dead leaves at the ends of the branches.
A lot of bark beetles will attack from the top of the tree. You may notice a tree not doing well up high in the canopy. Dead leaves and limbs will start to form. Bark beetle activity not only affects the tree’s health, but bark beetles can also carry fungus spores from one tree to another. Dutch Elm disease can be spread from tree to tree by bark beetles. This can be devastating for an area and is one good reason that bark beetle infestations should be immediately taken care of. You may see fungal growth near the bases of limbs, notice wilted leaves, or a green tree will turn yellow out of season.
You may need to consult an arborist for bark beetle control. Sometimes infected trees need to be totally removed. A good arborist will determine if the problem can be controlled by only removing infested limbs. Other trees in the area may need to be sprayed to prevent bark beetles from infesting them as well.
Austin has an abundance of different tree species that can be prone to bark beetle invasions, including the ever-abundant cedar. Recognizing the signs of bark beetles early can help save not only the affected tree, but other trees in your area. You will need to contact an arborist at tree services Austin to take care of the problem.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Tree Trimming Austin: When to Call a Professional

The windy season is on its way here in Austin. This has a lot of people preparing their trees for possible high winds or tornados. This involves cabling, bracing and tree trimming. Some homeowners may be tempted to do some of the work themselves, but there are some things that you should consider before you go forward.
Tree arborists are trained on how to maintain certain types of trees. There is a specific way to cut branches and it can vary from tree to tree. If you just go and start sawing off limbs, you could end up leaving your trees susceptible to disease, pests, or even death.
Certain trees may withstand tree trimming better at specific times of the year. An arborist is specifically trained in knowing when and how to trim certain trees. They will also give you tips for caring for your tree after it is trimmed, cabled or braced. The arborist will cut only certain parts of certain limbs to make your tree grow in the direction that you want it to grow. The shape of the tree can usually be controlled by an arborist’s design.
When you hire a professional arborist to trim your trees, you can be assured that they will take the utmost care in not damaging the tree. They will give your tree a complete check-up, looking for signs of infestation, fungus or disease as they go. Make sure that the arborist you hire has the right certification and insurance. You may ask for recommendations from past clients and ask to see examples of trees that the arborist has taken care of.
If cabling or bracing is needed, make sure that you do not try to take this on yourself. The results could be dangerous. If you incorrectly brace a tree, then it can become very heavy as it grows and the improper bracing or cabling can break causing property damage, personal injury and result in the death of the tree. This area of tree care is best left up to the professionals.
If you have a tree braced or cabled, you may want to have the arborist come back and make adjustments periodically. There may be some adjustments that you can make yourself, but be sure to have the arborist show you before you attempt it. An arborist’s job is to save as many trees as possible. Make sure that you do not just hire someone from a tree trimming service in Austin that is not a certified arborist. You will probably just get someone who bought a chainsaw and a trailer and then deemed themselves a tree trimmer. Certified arborists go through extensive school and training before they are allowed to be called an arborist. When you search for tree trimming Austin, make sure that you use a certified arborist. Your trees will thank you.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.