Tag Archives: tree care in westchester county new york

Westchester Tree Life: Tree Care in Westchester County

Westchester Tree Life, Inc., has been providing quality affordable tree care in Westchester County since 1985 and boasts an extremely satisfied clientele. We feel that it is our knowledgeable, experienced staff that sets us above the competition. Licensed and certified arborists, as well as members of the Tree Care Industry of America, International Society of Arboriculture, and New York State Arborists, are what make our staff one in which you can place your utmost trust and confidence in.

Voted the Best Tree Care in Westcheter County, NY by Westchester Magazine!

Voted the Best Tree Care in Westcheter County, NY by Westchester Magazine!

We support our employees to continue to learn, grow and excel in their work through workshops and seminars which allows us to stay on the cutting edge of the tree care industry. It is because of our dedication to the tree care industry, hard work and natural love of trees that our business continues to flourish.

Westchester Tree Life are also proud members of the International Society of Arboriculture!

Westchester Tree Life are also proud members of the International Society of Arboriculture!

We are committed to…

  • Providing our customers with the highest quality tree care possible, using the most efficient environmentally friendly methods available, all the while adhering to strict safety standards.
  • Completing each job on time, for the quoted price, while exceeding our clients’ expectations.
  • Staying on the forefront of our industry, and always striving for excellence in Professional tree care.
  • Ensuring the safety of our staff with an ongoing comprehensive safety program.

Westchester Tree Life is proud to participate in assisting and volunteering in the community and charities. The following are Westchester Tree Life’s most recent volunteer projects:

 

Summer Pruning

Summer pruning is a great task to add to your to-do list!  Pruning trees and shrubs is often necessary to keep these plants healthy and looking their best.  There are a few times during the year when pruning is effective, but for now we will focus on summer pruning.

summer pruningSummer pruning is the ideal way to slow and direct the growth of your trees and shrubs.  During summer, these types of plants rely on leaves to absorb sunlight and make nutrients; pruning reduces the overal number of leaves and therefore causes an overall slow down in growth.  This is a particularly effective way to keep decorative shrubs in good shape and looking their best.  Shaggy, overgrown hedges and bushes that receive a summer pruning make all of your landscaping look tidy and well manicured.

summer pruning 3There are also good reasons to prune trees in summer.  The weight of the leaves helps identify weak branches.  Branches with dead leaves stand out and are easy to identify for pruning.  This is also a good time to look for defective branches to prune as well.

summer pruning 2Keep in mind that pruning can be a dangerous task.  Branches that are higher in the tree or too thick to easily cut should be left to the care of a professional.

 

Tree Removal

Sometimes, it becomes necessary to remove a tree from your property.  The tree may be damaged or diseased to the point where it can’t be treated and won’t recover.  A tree in this condition poses a risk to your property and can even be dangerous.  The last thing you want is for someone to be hurt by a falling tree.

Removing a tree can be a dangerous undertaking.  You should always turn to a professional when the tree in question is damaged by insects or disease, is near power lines, or is more than 20 feet tall.

Tree RemovalAdditionally, some communities have tree removal legislation in place.  This legislation is designed to protect healthy heritage trees or maintain the number of trees in an urban area.  For example, when a tree is removed, some areas require that another tree be planted to make up for the loss.  Navigating these regulations can be tricky, but a professional arborist will be familiar with area policies and can advise you best on how to proceed.

Westchester Tree Life 2Once you schedule the removal of a tree, a professional crew will typically remove large limbs first, feeding them through a chipper to create mulch.  Next, the trunk of the tree is cut into sections which are hauled away.  The stump is typically left as close to the ground as possible and can be ground for complete removal.

Tree StumpAt Westchester Tree Life, we take great care to plan for the safety of our crew and your property.  Our expert tree removal specialists carefully assess each situation in order to remove a tree with minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation and without risk to nearby structures and power lines.  If you have a tree on your property that you suspect is in need of removal, give us a call!

Proper Tree Planting

Spring is one of the best times of the year to plant, but do you know the steps of proper tree planting?  This seemingly easy project is actually a quite complicated procedure!  The improper planting of a tree can lead to an unhealthy and high maintenance tree, which could become a costly venture.

Plant Health Care Westchester Tree Life

The Planting Site

Before you shop for your tree, select the planting site for your new tree.  It is vital to keep in mind that your tree will need space to grow.  Consider any power lines which may interfere with your growing tree’s branches; it is ideal to maintain at least a 15-foot distance from a utility line, after allowing for 20 years of growth.

  • Soil Check – Check the soil in the area of the planting site which you have selected.  Most trees thrive in a moderate to well-drained site.
  • Climate Conditions – Selecting a tree which can thrive in your climate conditions will set you up for success!

Selecting the Proper Tree

Once you have identified the planting site, spacial restrictions and soil and climate type of your area, you are ready to begin tree shopping.  We advise that you select a healthy tree from a reputable tree nursery.  The staff will be able to assist you in selecting exactly the type of tree for your area, while also explaining how to best care for your new tree!

Proper Tree Planting

More complicated that simply digging a hole and sticking a tree in it, proper tree planting has specific steps and guidelines which should be followed for success.  Before you begin, remove any dead or broken branches.

  1. Digging the Hole – The width of the hole should be at least twice the width of your tree’s root ball.  The hole should not be deeper than the root ball.  Avoid compacting the soil around your tree’s root ball.
  2. Backfill Soil – Mix one part peat moss or composted organic material with four parts soil for your backfill soil.
  3. Mulching is Key – Apply 3-4 inches of mulch over your tree’s root ball, while staying slightly away from the trunk.  This helps to keep soil moist while reducing weed growth.  Do not apply more than 4 inches of mulch, and keep away from the trunk of the tree.  Only brace your tree if it is absolutely necessary.
  4. Watering Procedure – Water your tree extensively after planting and at least once a week during dry periods.  Avoid wetting the leaves of the tree, when watering.

If you come across any issues while planting your tree, feel free to call a professional arborist at Westchester Tree Life; we are happy to assist and answer any questions you may have.

Maintaining your new tree’s health is just as important as proper tree planting procedure.  A competent and professional arborist (arborists are specifically trained in tree health and the care and maintenance of trees; this is not true of lawn care professionals) can offer diagnosis and preventative maintenance to keep your trees (new and old) in peak condition!

Call Westchester Tree Life today:  (914) 238-0069

(All information cited from the National Arborist Association, now known as the Tree Care Industry Association)