Tag Archives: chappaqua tree

Why Hire an Arborist?

Why hire an arborist?  Westchester County, New York’s tree care professionals at Westchester Tree Life are professionally trained to properly care for your trees.  Our team of arborists are properly trained to safely remove trees, provide an excellent plant health care plan and more!  Have a question about the safety and care about your trees in Westchester, New York?  Call Westchester Tree Life today:  (914) 238-0069.

Westchester Tree Life

Westchester tree photo submitted by Lauren Brois‎

Many people take the trees on their property for granted.  You may not really think about your trees on a day to day basis, or really pay much attention to them from one season to the next.  While you probably enjoy their shade in the summer or the privacy your evergreens provide, having your trees cared for or inspected by an arborist may not be at the top of your list of priorities.

Like most other aspects of home ownership, trees really benefit from a proactive approach.  Caring for trees properly helps avoid catastrophe down the road.  An arborist can advise you of trees that are in danger from rot, pests, or disease before these problems result in major damage.  That beautiful tree next to the driveway will certainly get your attention if it falls on your car during a storm or drops a large limb across the power lines.  An arborist will assess the health and stability of your trees and provide you with options for keeping your trees in good shape so they are less likely to succumb to violent weather or simply give way under their own weight and the effects of disease or invading insects.

Westchester Tree Life

Westchester tree photo submitted by Justin Cole Frawley‎

In addition to checking the health of your trees, an arborist can safely and expertly prune your trees.  Pruning helps contain the growth of trees, keeping them looking their best while ridding the tree of weak or dead branches.  Large trees can be risky to prune without the proper equipment or experience.  Rather than put yourself and your property at risk by taking on this kind of task yourself, trust the job to a certified, reputable arborist.

An arborist can also be an invaluable asset in planning your landscaping.  For the general homeowner, knowing which species of tree to plant and where to plan them can be a daunting task.  If your goal is to cut your heating or cooling costs, to have flowering trees throughout the season, to maintain privacy, or to enjoy fall colors, an arborist will be able to look at your property and help you choose the best trees to suit your needs.  In addition, an arborist will oversee the correct planting and placement of trees while also instructing you on their care and maintenance.

Westchester Tree Life

Westchester tree photo submitted by Alexander Fink

Sometimes, a tree on your property can interfere with structures or foundations.  This is another reason why an arborist is a good resource for planning what and where to plant.  If you find yourself with a tree whose roots are damaging your driveway or some other such issue, you may need to have the tree removed.  An arborist is ideal to consult for this task!  In addition to removing the tree, an arborist can assist you in choosing a more suitable replacement.

The trees on your property do much more than simply look pretty.  They provide shade and privacy for you and shelter for local wildlife.  Trees increase your property value and make your yard a more welcoming place to spend time.  Protecting and caring for the trees in your yard prevents larger, more expensive problems down the road and helps to maintain the value of your property.

July-Tree-Contest-Westchest

Submit your favorite Westchester tree photo to us here.

 

 

How To Spot A Dangerous Tree

Knowing how to spot a dangerous tree may help prevent property damage or injury.  A healthy, mature tree can account for a minimum of 10% of your property value.  Westchester Tree Life is here to assist you in keeping your trees healthy and vibrant.  Call Westchester Tree Life as soon as you spot a dangerous tree.

Here is our guide to explain how to spot a dangerous tree:

Tree-Fall-Westchester-Tree-

Spotting a dangerous tree can prevent injury and property damage.

1.  Crown Symptoms:  Dead Wood & Broken Branches

First, inspect your tree for dead wood.  Dead wood, or dead branches, tend to be barren; if there are leaves on the dead branches, the leaves will be brown.  If the branch has been dead for a long time, it will be stripped of it’s bark.  Checking the “V” where your tree’s branches connect to the trunk for signs of weakness is also important when searching for dead wood.

2.  Decay

Tree Decay Westchester Tree Life

Places on you tree’s trunk where there is no bark can indicate a dead section of the tree or a fungus attack.  Once you have noticed that your tree has been affected by decay, call Westchester Tree Life to assess your tree’s health.

Tree Stump Fungus Westchester Tree Life

Mushroom-like fungal growth sitting on or near your tree’s trunk is an indication of decay.  To determine if your tree is in danger of falling, or infected with decay, reach out to Westchester Tree Life’s Team of professional arborists!

3.  Cracks & Divisions

Broken Tree Branch Westchester Tree LifeSearching for cracks and divisions is a key when assessing your tree’s health.  The entire tree is susceptible to breaking if there is a damaging enough crack in the trunk.  A professional arborist is able to determine how extensive the damage is, and create a plan of action for your tree.

4.  Root Problems

Tree Roots Westchester Tree Life

Your tree’s health begins in the foundation of the tree’s roots.  A tree is held up and supported by anchoring roots, which are thick and large, while the smaller roots of the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil.  Ensuring your tree has a healthy root system is key in maintaining a healthy tree.

5.  Leaning

Leaning Tree Westchester Tree Life

Photo Credit: xylemtree.com

If your tree is leaning to one side, it may be a result of a root problem.  If the anchoring roots are rotted, they may be lifting from the soil due to weakness.

Do you think you may have a dangerous tree around the vicinity of your home or business?  Westchester Tree Life, located in Chappaqua, New York is here to help!

Call us today:  (914) 238-0069