Tag Archives: professional arborist new york

Ecological Benefits of Trees

The ecological benefits of trees are all around us . . .literally! They affect the air we breathe, the soil we stand on and grow our food in, the wood we build our homes with, the water we drink, the sun that shines on us, and even our minds on a psychological level.

Tree

Can you imagine living in a world without any trees? Well luckily you won’t have to, because without them we actually wouldn’t survive. Trees absorb the CO2 that we breathe out, and release the oxygen that we breathe in.

Trees also help the soil too. Trees use soil to grow their roots into, which in turn holds the soil in place. Without roots holding the soil, rain or hills would cause the soil to erode.

Ever sit under a tree for some shade on a hot summer day? Trees are great for providing shade, whether its for one person, or a whole house! Having tall, leafy trees around your house can block out a lot of the sun, and thus keeping your house cool without the use of an expensive air conditioner!

So many of the fruits we eat come from trees. Apples, pears, peaches, lemons, oranges, you name it! And it’s not just food that we humans eat, many animals and birds get their food from trees as well.

Sometimes trees just make us feel good. Whether we realize it or not, our brains just like to see trees. Studies show that trees can make us feel more calm and focused, as well as less violent.

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We at Westchester Tree would love to help you take care of your trees so they can continue to provide you with these benefits, so give us a call at (914)238-0069 or visit our website to learn more.

Dutch Elm Disease

Elm trees are a great, beautiful variety of tree, but they’re vulnerable to something called Dutch Elm Disease which can cause unsightly patches on the tree, or even tree death.

Elm Tree Westchester Tree Life

Dutch Elm Disease is due to a fungus spread by the elm bark beetle, and is not limited to just any one kind of elm tree. Once a tree catches Dutch Elm Disease, the tree tries to block the affected area from spreading the fungus, but this process also cuts off parts of the tree from receiving water and nutrients, which slowly kills the tree. The disease originated in Asia, but has since spread to North America, Europe, as well as New Zealand due to the spread of the beetles that carry it.

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So what are some symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease, and how can you prevent your elms from the disease altogether? The first sign that a tree may have become affected might be a barren branch or a branch with yellowing leaves towards the top of the tree during the summer or other times when leaves would not normally be turning their fall colors. This will spread throughout the rest of the branches and eventually reach the roots, which kills the entire tree.

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If you can get diseased branches pruned from the rest of the tree before the fungus spreads, you may be able to save the rest of the tree. Don’t forget to burn any affected branches after they are removed so they don’t accidentally infect anything else.

Dutch Elm Disease Cycle

If you think you have an elm tree that is being affected by Dutch Elm Disease and would like help containing the damage or removing the tree if too much damage is already done, contact us at here on our website, or call us at (914)238-0069

Never Move Firewood

As winter approaches, so does the season for bonfires and warming up with indoor fireplaces.  This time of year, it is important for us to stress that you never move firewood.  What are the effects of moving firewood?  How can this be damaging to your surrounding trees and wildlife?  We will answer all of those questions and more in this concise mini-article.

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Image Courtesy of www.lenexa.com

The “Never Move Firewood” rule began as a result of the damaging effects brought on by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, or the EAB.  The EAB is an invasive bug, small enough to fit on the head of a penny, and difficult to track and detect in nature.  When you move firewood, you are transporting the EAB beetle, therefore spreading it in new regions, ultimately endangering more trees.

Stop The Beetle Westchester Tree Life

The larvae of the EAB beetle tunnels under the bark of the tree, disrupting the tree’s system of transporting food and water; this starves and eventually kills the tree.  Tens of millions of trees have died due to the effects of the EAB beetle, which can now be found in various states, such as New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and many more.

Dont Move Firewood Westchester Tree Life Ny

To prevent the transfer of the EAB beetle and further damage to our trees, we ask that you burn local firewood, versus purchasing wood which has been transported from another area.  Another great way to prevent the transfer of this invasive insect, is to purchase kiln-dried firewood!

Stay tuned for more seasonal tips regarding the health of your trees!

Why Hire an Arborist?

Why hire an arborist?  An arborist, or arboriculturist, is a professional trained in the practice of planting, caring for, and maintaining trees!  Westchester Tree Life’s staff of professional arborists, located in Chappaqua, New York, are fully trained in the science and care of trees!

Tree Planting Westchester Tree Life

Why Caring for Your Trees is Important

Tall Green Tree

On average, trees add a minimum of 20% to your property value!  Caring for your trees properly ensures the longevity of your tree’s life, while also keeping your property’s value.  Trees are susceptible to damage from insects, diseases, pollution and a variety of factors which can attribute to root damage.  Westchester Tree Life is committed in improving,  maintaining, and protecting the aesthetics and health of your trees.

Services We Provide

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Westchester Tree Life specializes in a variety of services including:

  • Tree removal
  • Pruning
  • Shaping
  • Cabling
  • Stump grinding
  • Insect and disease control
  • Plant health care
  • Tick sprays
  • Deer control
  • Deer sprays
  • Tree fertilization
  • Organic tree care

Request a Consultation

Consultation Westchester Tree Life

Are you interested in hiring an arborist?  Westchester Tree Life proudly services New York and Connecticut!  Request a consultation without leaving your home, with our easy-to-use form here.