What is Allelopathy?

Allelopathy is when plants secrete a biochemical which keeps other plants from growing near them. These biochemical materials are called allelochemicals. These allelochemicals inhibit the germination of other plants around them. They affect the physiological processes of the plants such as respiration, cell division, and water and nutrient uptake. Symptoms include leaf yellowing and wilting or part of the plant will die. The allelochemicals can be found in leaves, roots, flowers, fruits or stems and in the surrounding soil.

Allelopathy is the plants way to compete with other plants for the available resources just like animals do in claiming their territory. Plants are competing for sunlight, water and nutrients with other plants and by secreting the allelochemicals into the soil the plant gets rid of its competition and controls its environment.

There are a lot of allelopathic plants. Salt cedars, sugar maple, hackberry, eucalyptus, black walnut, juniper, sycamore, oaks and balsam poplar are all allelopathic. There are a variety of chemicals these plants use, some use phenols, coumarins, juglone and terpenoides to name a few. An unusual aspect is that some alleopathic plants discriminate and release more chemicals on specific plants. Most of the chemicals are released through the soil and the amounts of chemicals that accumulate are dependent on how well the soil drains. Clay soils don’t drain well so the chemicals really build up in clay soil.

Most things in life have a positive and a negative side and there are some positives to allelopathic plants. Scientists are studying the chemicals in these plants for their potential use as natural pesticides and weed killers. Studies on the possibilities of using allelopathic chemicals to slow the growth or contain the growth of trees are being conducted which would be especially helpful for trees near power lines which require regular pruning by tree care specialists. Allelopathic plants can also be used for weed control for agriculture.

There really isn’t a way to stop the effects of the allelopathic plants on the plants they affect. The best strategy is to not plant anything near them that will be hurt by the chemicals. Salt cedars, for example, will affect any plant near them. Other allelopathic plants will affect only certain plants near them. One of the best known allelopathic plants is the black walnut tree which can be a tall, majestic tree. You won’t see any vegetation growing under black walnuts because they release a powerful allelopathic chemical called juglone. However, there are some trees that can be successfully grown near black walnuts like serviceberry or arborvitae.

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.

Understanding When to Plant Baby Trees

Fall or winter time is a great time to think about planting baby trees. Most trees survive better if they are planted or transplanted while they are dormant. If you have baby trees, they may even look dead during this time. A small scratch on the bark of the tree should epose a green layer, reassuring you that the tree is, in fact, alive, but in a dormant state.
Trees enter a dormant state when the days shorten and sunlight is in short supply. They need to stop growing and producing during the fall in order to store energy and prepare themselves for winter. When you are taking care of your baby tree, keep this in mind. Heavy watering or fertilizing during the fall can force a tree to stay in its flourishing state and it will fail to prepare itself for winter. This can cause the tree to be intolerant of harsh conditions and die.
Once a tree is in its dormant state, it is fine to water it again to help it through the winter months. This is the best time to plant new trees or move existing trees. If you are growing a tree from a seed, then you will not see any growth in the winter. This is because germination only occurs during the sping. That gives the new seedling the best chance to survive the weather.
Seeds can stay dormant for a very long time if the conditions are not right for germination. There are two types of dormancy in seeds; External dormancy and internal dormancy. External refers to the seed coat or outer shell of the seed. This type of dormancy is common in fruit seeds. The hard external shell keeps the embryo inside secluded from oxygen and water. Internal dormancy is also referred to as embryo dormancy. The embryo of the seed will stay dormant until it gets enough water, light, warmth and/or oxygen.
If your baby tree is dormant and you are ready to plant it, follow these simple guidelines to give it the best chance at survival.

1. Dig a hole about twice as big as the tree roots.

2. Stir up the soil around the sides of the hole so that the dirt is not packed tight. This will allow the roots to spread more easily.

3. Gently place the roots in the hole and carefully fill dirt around the delicate roots.

4. Water the first layer of dirt so that it settles securely around the roots.

5. Add another layer of dirt, water to help it settle, then repeat.

6. Keep adding and watering until the dirt level reaches one to two inches above the top root.

7. Form the soil into a well so that water drains toward the tree.

8. Mix mulch in the top layer of soil to help water retention.

9. Top off the area with mulch that expands one to two feet away from the trunk.

10.If snow is available, pack snow on top of the mulch to insulate the tree from the elements.

If you are in a warmer climate, such as Texas, where trees may not be in a dormant state, you may want to contact an Arborist at Austin tree service for information on planting trees in your area.

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 Service in Austin Texas

Austin trees need special attention. They are in limited supply and Austinites are especially interested in preserving what they have. Getting your trees regularly serviced by a certified Arborist can help ensure a long healthy life. Here we will go over the benefits of each type of basic tree service available in Austin.
Pruning your trees from an early age if possible can help to avoid weak branches becoming load-bearing ones. Branches that grow very close together, or ones that branch off at a tight angle, can start to grow together. This makes for a weak branch. Eventually branches like these will sprout their own branches that are actually too heavy. High winds can easily break branches like these and pose a hazard to you, your property and your tree.
Pruning can stimulate proper tree growth. You can control the direction that your tree grows with proper shaping. You can either have a tree grow out, creating a full round shape, or upwards for a tall slender appearance. This can be important for avoiding power lines or your home. Having your trees professionally pruned can help them to become more wind resistant and also help them to more efficiently combat disease.
Cabling or Bracing can save weak trees from breakage. It can also help to train a tree to grow in a desired direction. The most common reason for cabling or bracing a tree is if there is a major weak point in the tree trunk. Most people can identify a weak point as a “Y” shape in the trunk. This is where two trunks have grown together. They can be easily split apart, but cabling them together can save the tree. Many people choose cabling over removal because saving trees in Austin is often a priority.
Tree Removal may be necessary if a tree is badly injured or diseased. Tree removal is not always necessary, so you should consult a tree expert, or Arborist, before you ever have a tree removed. Trees are usually removed if they pose a hazard to people or property.
Taking care of your trees is relatively inexpensive and can be considerably less expensive than paying for repairing the damage that they may cause. Hiring a certified Arborist can help ensure that the job is done right, with conservation in mind. Searching for quality Austin tree trimming is especially important because we need to save all of the trees that we can. Have your trees inspected and cared for by the best that tree care has to offer.

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.

You are Liable if you Hire Uninsured or Unlicensed Tree Trimmers

You may save a few dollars by hiring an uninsured or even unlicensed tree trimmer. But did you know that when you do so, you are liable for that person’s safety? It’s true. You are considered that person’s employer, even if they work for a tree trimming company. You can even be prosecuted for wrongful death if an accident occurs, and you will probably lose the case.
There have been many lawsuits like this in the past, the most recent being Ramirez vs. Nelson. In this case, a California couple hired a tree trimming company to come out and trim their tree. When Ramirez was trimming, he somehow touched a power line with his trimming pole and was electrocuted and killed. The Nelsons, the homeowners, were in the house when the accident occurred. They didn’t see it happen and they were unaware that the tree trimmer was uninsured and not licensed to do the work that he was doing.
Unfortunately, many people think that they can learn how to trim trees and make some money. They do not go through the proper channels of becoming licensed, insured and they do not get themselves extensively trained in tree trimming safety. The Nelson’s argued that they had nothing to do with the accident. The attorney said that they were the employee’s agent. They were liable because they hired someone unlicensed to trim a tree over 15 feet tall. They had only assumed that he was licensed.
The Nelson’s tried to have the lawsuit covered by Workman’s Compensation. But, because this employee worked for them for less than 52 hours, Workman’s Compensation did not apply. So, the Nelson’s were charged with wrongful death.
When look for tree trimming Austin, make sure that you thoroughly check out the one that you hire. Make sure that they have had the proper training and carry their own insurance. The most highly trained and experienced tree trimmer you can hire is a Certified Arborist. If you hire and Arborist with the right certification, then you can be sure that they have the proper training to do the job with safety in mind.
Ask to see credentials before you allow work to begin. Do not put yourself in a situation where your liability comes into question. Be safe and hire an Austin tree trimming company that is familiar with your type of trees and has had extensive training and experience with them. Be safe, not sorry.

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 in Austin

There is a myriad of tree trimmers to choose from when you are looking for tree trimming services in Austin. You are probably wondering who you can trust to treat your trees as if they were their own. Many people have this problem. You may be looking for a good price, but you also want to make sure that you are not just hiring someone who bought a chainsaw and called themselves a tree trimmer!
The first thing you should do is exactly what you are doing now. Do a little research before you start going down the list and calling people for estimates. Trees can suffer irreparable damage if they are not trimmed correctly. For this reason, you should consider a certified arborist when looking for the right tree trimmer. In Austin, we hold our trees dear, because we know what a precious resource they are. You need to hire someone interested in the conservation of your trees.
An arborist is an extensively trained professional. You may be more familiar with an arborist being called a “tree doctor” or a “tree surgeon”. Certified arborists have been through rigorous written tests to receive their certification. They also have to have at least three years of experience before they can take the test. A degree in Forestry is a bonus. Arborists can assess your trees health and know exactly which limbs can safely be removed.
Hiring an arborist is not necessarily expensive. Most arborists charge about the same or just slightly more than their unqualified counterparts. This is mostly because unqualified self-starters in the industry charge what people expect to pay, not because their knowledge and experience make their work worth the price. In fact, many or uninsured and do not guarantee the health of your trees when they are done. Some damage done will not even be noticeable until months down the road, so you want to be sure you are hiring dependable, qualified people.
Check on customer satisfaction. Arborists will usually be willing to show you their work. Ask for addresses near you of trees that they have treated. Find out if they have a list of references that you can call. Find out if their customers were satisfied not only with the work that was done, but with the level of service and professionalism that they received.
Caring for your trees is not something that can be taken lightly. Trees in Austin are becoming scarcer and we need to protect all that we can. Make sure that when you are searching for tree trimming Austin that you find a company that you are confident will make informed, conservative decisions about your trees.

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.

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.

Should I Hire an Arborist: Austin Tree Service

Hiring an arborist is a very good idea if you want to try to save a tree. An arborist will have the knowledge to help save a tree or tell you honestly if it must be removed. A regular tree trimming service or tree removal company may only be interested in the fee that they will receive for removing the tree. In today’s day and age, it is more important than ever to try to save the trees that we have. Hiring an arborist is the best way to ensure that you have done everything possible to save a tree.
An arborist is sometimes called a tree doctor or tree surgeon. Arborists are extensively trained in tree diseases, growth problems, insect control, and tree fungi. Arborists are equipped to manage and advise in the most complicated tree situations. Arborists are scientists with specific expertise in tree management.
There are many tree trimming and tree removal companies out there that do not hire a certified arborist to consult in their business. Certified arborists have a certification accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture. These people are dedicated to saving trees and doing everything possible to ensure that trees are not removed unless they absolutely need to be.
An arborist is also trained in the maintenance and care of other woody plants that may be a part of your landscaping. An arborist will have the knowledge to work on large areas of trees and give advice regarding the entire ecosystem of trees and wooded plants in a specific area. They are also extensively trained in transplanting trees safely. They will assist in the proper location and technique for planting new trees on your property, as well as what types of trees will do best in your area.
Arborists know how to treat different kinds of diseases, pests and parasites. An arborist is the best person you can hire for tree trimming or removal as well. Trimming involves a lot more than just sawing off unwanted limbs. The exact location of the cut and knowing exactly what limbs to cut to ensure the tree grows in the shape and direction that you desire, is something that an arborist can offer. This knowledge is specifically valuable in Austin, Texas where mature trees can be scarce and every effort to maintain and save them must be made. If you are looking for an Austin tree service to maintain and save your trees, be sure that they employ a certified arborist to do the job.

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 Bracing Techniques: Austin Texas Tree Service

If you have a tree that is leaning or showing deformity, you may be able to correct the problem through cabling or tree bracing. Hiring a professional arborist will help ensure that you achieve the desired results.
Most trees are staked to the ground when they are very young to help them grow in a specific direction. If the tree is leaning, you can tighten the string or wire that is holding your tree to the stake. The stakes and lines need to be adjusted regularly to ensure that the tree grows straight up. Once the tree is too large for stakes, you may need to consider bracing or cabling to correct bends or leans in the tree trunk.
Bracing does not usually rely on the ground to provide a force strong enough to influence the way that the tree grows. The brace usually uses a strong part of the tree to pull against. Braces usually involve regular adjustments built into the apparatus to help keep the desired forces pulling on the tree. Some trees may involve using multiple tree braces to achieve results. One reason to brace a tree is if it is growing toward your home. Trees that grow too close to the house can damage your home during storms or times of high wind.
Cabling is mainly used for reinforcing weak spots in a tree. An arborist will determine the correct places on the tree to secure cables. This can help a split trunk from being torn apart during storms. It can help train large branches to grow upwards instead of downwards. Holes are drilled in the trunks or limbs and a cable is installed. Tension in the cable will help hold the two closer together and give them some extra support during wind or rain storms. This can also give strength to trees that may not be able to withstand the weight of ice during the winter. Sometimes rods can be placed inside of the limbs for added support. Regular adjustments are made to the cables and rods to help extend the life of the tree.
If you suspect that your tree needs to be braced or cabled, call a professional arborist to do the job. Call Austin Texas tree service providers that have actual certified professional arborists for this type of work. This is not something you should try to do yourself. You also should not trust someone that isn’t specifically trained in this area to do the job right.


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 Bracing Techniques: Austin Texas Tree Service

If you have a tree that is leaning or showing deformity, you may be able to correct the problem through cabling or tree bracing. Hiring a professional arborist will help ensure that you achieve the desired results.
Most trees are staked to the ground when they are very young to help them grow in a specific direction. If the tree is leaning, you can tighten the string or wire that is holding your tree to the stake. The stakes and lines need to be adjusted regularly to ensure that the tree grows straight up. Once the tree is too large for stakes, you may need to consider bracing or cabling to correct bends or leans in the tree trunk.
Bracing does not usually rely on the ground to provide a force strong enough to influence the way that the tree grows. The brace usually uses a strong part of the tree to pull against. Braces usually involve regular adjustments built into the apparatus to help keep the desired forces pulling on the tree. Some trees may involve using multiple tree braces to achieve results. One reason to brace a tree is if it is growing toward your home. Trees that grow too close to the house can damage your home during storms or times of high wind.
Cabling is mainly used for reinforcing weak spots in a tree. An arborist will determine the correct places on the tree to secure cables. This can help a split trunk from being torn apart during storms. It can help train large branches to grow upwards instead of downwards. Holes are drilled in the trunks or limbs and a cable is installed. Tension in the cable will help hold the two closer together and give them some extra support during wind or rain storms. This can also give strength to trees that may not be able to withstand the weight of ice during the winter. Sometimes rods can be placed inside of the limbs for added support. Regular adjustments are made to the cables and rods to help extend the life of the tree.
If you suspect that your tree needs to be braced or cabled, call a professional arborist to do the job. Call Austin Texas tree service providers that have actual certified professional arborists for this type of work. This is not something you should try to do yourself. You also should not trust someone that isn’t specifically trained in this area to do the job right.

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.