Tag Archives: plant health care plan

Don’t Move Firewood

Westchester county offers so many beautiful outdoor activities and attractions, especially during the fall time! Whether you are hitting the trails and camping, or enjoying a late-summer fire in the backyard, it’s important that you use firewood from the area. Moving firewood is more dangerous to your local eco-system than you think; here’s why you shouldn’t move firewood.

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Don’t Move Firewood! Here’s Why:

Did you know that tree-threatening pests and diseases can lurk in firewood? Though these insects and diseases are limited to how far they can travel on their own, the moving of firewood can transmit them to other forests and properties. By using firewood from the immediate area, you are limiting what pests and diseases are being spread. View the list of pests that could be spread from the moving of firewood.

If You Are Camping . . .

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A safe camping trip extends beyond bringing mosquito repellent and hiking gear! Refrain from bringing firewood with you on your camping trip, hunting trip or RV adventure this fall. This works both ways, as bringing firewood home from your campsite can be just as harmful. Instead of bringing firewood with you, buy it where you will burn it! Learn more from Don’t Move Firewood here.

Don't Move Firewood

How Far Is Too Far to Move Firewood

Firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles maximum; ideally finding firewood to burn within ten miles of where you plan to burn it is the key. If you are unsure as to whether you are transporting your firewood too far, stop; don’t risk the spreading of possible pests and diseases! Instead, try to purchase your firewood in from a local source. Here are more tips as to what you can do to stop the transportation of firewood.

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Sudden Oak Death

Crown to Root Inspection

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We often talk about the importance of having trees inspected by a qualified arborist in order to maintain their health and safety. But what does this inspection involved, and what does the arborist look for? A comprehensive tree inspection means carefully examining the state of the tree from the crown all the way down to the roots. Today, we’ll discuss what an arborist looks for and evaluates during this crucial inspection.

Let’s start with the crown, or canopy, of the tree. First, the arborist will assess the overall vigor of the tree. Does the tree look like it is growing well, healthy, and free of stress factors? Or, does the tree appear weak and seem to be growing more slowly than expected? Additionally, the size and color of the foliage are indicators of the tree’s health. Areas of the tree with dead or discolored foliage may be cause for concern. The arborist will also assess the crown of the tree for pests, damage, and common problems associated with that particular species of tree. A close assessment of the crown will also evaluate the health and condition of the branches, looking for dead, cracked, or broken limbs.

After a close inspection of the crown, the arborist will move on to an inspection of the trunk of the tree. The trunk can tell us a lot about the overall health of the specimen. The appearance of the bark will be examined for color and texture and any areas of dead or missing bark will be noted. The arborist will also look for cracks, damage, decay, mushroom and other fungal growth, oozing sap, galls, and cavities. Any lean to the the trunk is an important characteristic as it could indicate a risk of falling during extreme weather.

Finally, the arborist will inspect the root crown and roots of the tree. This may require a small amount of digging or removal of debris from around the base of the tree. Again, signs of pests, fungal growth, and damage will be noted. Additionally, the arborist will assess the condition of the soil around the roots to make sure it isn’t too weak to securely anchor the tree. Any cracking or lifting of the soil, which indicate shifting of the tree in high wind, will also be taken into account.

Once the arborist has a complete picture of the overall health and status of the tree, he or she can give you an accurate idea of any risk factors associated with the tree. How likely is it to fall or drop large limbs? Is it at risk from disease or pests and does it need to be pruned or otherwise serviced? Should it be removed? A root to crown inspection will answer all of these questions and help guide you on the needs of your trees, including what you can expect down the road!

Plant Health Care: The Solution

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Creating a plant health care plan with one of Westchester Tree Life’s certified arborists will alleviate any stress you have regarding the care of your plants and trees! In the past, have you had questions concerning discolored leaves, dead branches or early leaf drop? Westchester Tree Life’s arborists are here to provide you with peace of mind and a solution: plant health care management.

What is a Plant Health Care plan and how can it help me?

Professional tree care provided from a certified arborist is valuable when searching to identify a plant’s anomoly in appearance or health. While sometimes the cause of concern may be a minor problem which may easily be explained and corrected, occasionally problems are more complex. When the problem is not easily fixable, Westchester Tree Life can assist you in mapping out a treatment remedy, or plant health care management plan!

Why contact an arborist for a Plant Health Care management plan?

Westchester Tree Life’s team of professional arborists are certified in the proper safety training needed to take on difficult and potentially-dangerous tasks! Our team has the experience and training necessary to detect potential tree and shrub issues before they become life-threatening or hazardous.

You should consult with an arborist because . . .

Consulting with an arborist when mapping out your landscape can prevent a lot of stress. Plant health care management is the key to cultivating a healthy and beautiful landscape. Westchester Tree Life’s arborists know that great plant health care management includes multiple variables such as soil, tree roots, shrubs and bedding plants; all of these factors intermingle and compete for water and nutrients. This is why lawn treatments, such as fertilizers and herbicides, can impact the appearance and health of your tree!

2015 is the perfect time to start your plant health care management plan with our team of certified arborists. Remember, the difference between a team of landscapers and professional arborists is the knowledge and safety training!