Tag Archives: tree care ny

Girdled Roots

Did you know just one girdling root can kill or stunt the growth of a tree?  A girdling root grows around the tree’s trunk, strangling the tree.  Girdling roots act as an ever-tightening tourniquet, restricting the tree’s flow of nutrients and water.  The dangers of girdled roots can be prevented with routine tree check ups from a professional arborist.  Once identified, girdled roots can be properly treated.

missouri-botanical-garden-girdling-roots

Girdling root on a cherry (Prunus) caused by mulch being piled against the trunk.
via Missouri Botanical Garden

Preventing Girdled Roots

Inspection is a key step in preventing girdled roots.  When you are planting a new tree, be sure to give the root ball a thorough review to check for any roots which are not radiating out from the tree.

The Dangers of Girdled Roots

When roots girdle a tree, pressure is placed on the water and nutrient pipeline located under the bark.  This pressure increases as the tree grows and it’s diameter becomes larger, making it impossible for water and nutrients to move up toward the tree’s canopy.  If a tree’s girdled roots are left untreated, the side of the tree with girdling roots will suffer and can result in death.

Removing Girdling Roots

Girdled Root Westchester Tree Life

Before the girdling root was removed by Westchester Tree Life

Girdled Root Westchester Tree Life

After the girdling root was removed by Westchester Tree Life

When removing girdled roots, consult a professional arborist!  Request a consultation from Westchester Tree Life using our online form here.

Signs Your Tree is Suffering from Girdled Roots

If you’ve spotted a girdling root around your tree, check for some of these symptons that your tree is already feeling the ramifications of girdled roots:

  • Declining branches or uneven growth in the canopy of large trees
  • Branches with reduced growth on one side of the tree
  • Your tree’s trunk goes straight into the ground versus flaring outward at the base

Tree species that often have problems with girdling roots include pines, maples (excluding silver maple), lindens and magnolias.  This is a tree care matter that should be handled by a professional arborist; schedule a consultation with an ISA-certified Westchester Tree Life arborist today.

Effects of Drought on Trees

Westchester county has now had two dry summers in a row, resulting in a lot of stress in our urban forest.  What are the effects of drought on trees?  How can you help?  Westchester county’s tree care experts, Westchester Tree Life are here to answer your questions!

tree care westchester

The Impact of Drought

Like most life forms, plants are reliant on water.  Water instigates the chemical reactions inside a plant cell, urging growth and health.  The impact of drought is the slowing of the metabolic processes which keep the plant healthy, including the vital process of photosynthesis.

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When there is a drought, water in the soil shrinks away.  As the plant continues to lose water through the process of transpiration, the integrity of the plant’s cell membrane may be destroyed.

Symptoms of Drought

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A California forest’s visible drought damage

The effects of drought on trees varies case to case.  Factors including the zone the tree is rooted in, as well as other environmental issues play a major part in the resilience of the tree’s health.  Immediate symptoms of drought include wilting, scorch, and defoliation due to a loss of turgor in plant cells as well as the irreversible shrinking of cell membranes.

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Long term symptoms of drought include a dieback of tree branches as well as death, as the plant’s capacity to absorb water is permanently damaged.

Westchester Tree Life

If you are unsure whether your plants, trees and shrubs are healthy, call Westchester Tree Life to assess your trees at (914) 238-0069 or e-mail us directly for a consultation here.

View all of our services here.

The Best Trees for Fall Foliage: Part Two

Introduce vivid, eye-catching color to your autumn landscape with trees!  In our last blog, The Best Trees for Fall Foliage, we shared some of our favorite trees to brighten up your Westchester lawn and garden.  Today we are continuing the list with part two; which of these trees do you plan on planting this upcoming year?

The Red Maple

red-maple-tree-westchester-tree-life

red-maple-westchester-tree-life

The Red Maple produces a leaf so red it’s almost surreal!  There are many variations of the maple tree, all which are lovely in varying ways but the red maple will always be a standard New England fall classic.

The Sugar Maple

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Right behind the classic red maple is the ever-so-sweet sugar maple!  Known for producing a deliciously sweet sap, this tree’s burst of bright color will have you smiling as you rake your leaves.

The Sweetgum Tree

the-sweetgum-tree-westchester-tree-life

Star shaped leaves and unusual fruit and trees are the key identifiers of a sweetgum tree.  During fall time, the glossy once-green leaves of the sweetgum turn magnificent shades of red, orange and yellow!

 

Seasonal Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance is a great way to keep up with the health of your plants, trees and shrubs!  Westchester Tree Life offers tree care in New York, and has a full service menu.

Tree Care

Westchester Tree Life has been offering quality, affordable tree care in New York since 1985!  Keep your trees healthy with our tree care services, including pruning, cabling, plant health care management and more!  View services here.

Tree Care New York Stump Grinding

Tree Stump Grinding New York Westchester Tree Life

Remove that unsightly tree stump from your property properly, with professional assistance from Westchester Tree Life!  We also offer wood chipping services, if need be.

Tree & Shrub PlantingArborist New York Westchester Tree Life

Considering planting a tree or shrub, but need help?  Let us help select the perfect area for your new tree or shrub, properly plant it, and explain the ideal plant health care management plan so your new plant can thrive!

Request a Consultation

Westchester-Tree-Life-Servi

Select the most convenient date for your Westchester Tree Life consultation and our staff would be happy to get back to you!  Our ISA-certified team of professional arborists are trained in safety and precautionary tree care.

Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is a great way to add to your healthy lifestyle.  Growing your own organic fruits, vegetables and herbs is easy with help from Westchester Tree Life!  We offer organic fertilization to keep your garden happy and healthy.

Organic Fertilizer Westchester Tree Life

About Organic Fertilization 

Non-organic fertilizers contain chemicals such as ammonia or is extracted from minerals.  Introducing manmade chemicals into your soil not only effects your plants, it effects your soil! Organic fertilizers contain only the most natural of ingredients so you can feel at ease about what you’re introducing to your garden.  For organic fertilization in Bedford, White Plains or other areas in Westchester County, New York, call Westchester Tree Life at (914) 238-0069!

Organic Vegetable Gardening

Organic Fertilization Westchester Tree Life

We offer organic fertilization in Westchester County!

Starting your own vegetable garden is a great way to monitor what goes into the veggies you’re eating!  Organic vegetable gardening takes patience, maintenance and care, but the end-result is very gratifying.  Before you start your organic vegetable garden, it’s important that you understand what kind of soil you have and how much sun your garden can provide.  Read Better Homes and Gardens’ Tips for Growing an Organic Vegetable Garden for more tips and tricks here.

Organic-Gardening-Westchest

Call Westchester Tree Life today for organic fertilization!

All About Conifers

Conifers are a common plant which can be found across the globe.  Characterized by their unusual needle-like “leaves” and cones, conifers are easy to identify.  If you were to take a quick glance into a wooded area, you would most likely see various conifers, which have also survived the Jurassic period.

Leaf Structure

Conifer Leaf Shapes Westchester Tree Life

via ext.colostate.edu

Conifers can be identified by one of their three different leaf structures.  The Pinaceae family which includes pine, spruce and fir trees grow needle-like leaves, while conifers of the Cupressaceae family (such as junipers and arborvitaes) grow scale-like leaves.  Lastly the Taxaceae family has a flat, feather-like leaf structure.

Conifer Westchester Tree Life

via slideshare.net

A Conifer’s Cones

Conifer Cones Westchester Tree Life

via stillblog.net

The word “conifer” means cone bearing.  Within a conifer’s cones lies the secret for conifer reproduction.

Conifer Life Cycle Westchester Tree Life

via boundless.com

While other plants produce flowers, conifers produce cones.  A single conifer produces both the male and female cones necessary for reproduction.  Male cones produce pollen while female cones contain seeds necessary for reproduction hidden between the female cone’s scales.

Tree Care Westchester

A row of young conifers stand in front of a more mature conifer forest; via edbookphoto.photoshelter.com

 

 

 

Hardiness Zones

At Westchester Tree Life, our goal is for your plants, trees and shrubs to maintain a constant peak of health!  To give your plants, shrubs and trees a healthy start, it is vital to select an area they would best thrive.  If you’ve ever browsed online for seeds or bulbs, you’ve probably seen a reference to hardiness zones.  Knowing all about hardiness zones is a great way to maximize the success of your plantings and to know which plants may be vulnerable during the harsher times of year.  If you have any questions or concerns about your plant’s health, ask a Westchester Tree Life professional!  Call Westchester Tree Life here:  (914) 238-0069

hardiness zones

Westchester Tree Life Explains Hardiness Zones:

So what does hardiness zone refer to?  To put it simply, the United States is divided into hardiness zones based on each region’s weather patterns.  There are 13 hardiness zones in the US.  The lower the number, the colder the winter.  For example, Louisiana is in Zone 9 while North Dakota is mainly in Zone 3.  If you’re considering planting a shrub best suited to hardiness zone 5-7, you want to make sure your location falls within that range.  Otherwise, your plants may not survive until spring.

It’s also important to know that some plants actually need a certain level of cold in order to survive.  A plant that is hardy enough to grow in northern Maine may not grow in Florida.  The hardiness zones in one state can vary widely.  Here in New York, you could be in zone 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7!  Our own local Westchester County area, as well as New York City, northern New Jersey, Rockland county, southern Connecticut, and parts of Long Island are in hardiness zone 6.  

New York State Hardiness Zone MapWhile hardiness zones can be a useful guide in knowing which plants can thrive in your yard, there are other factors to take into consideration.  Wind, rainfall, humidity, soil composition, and sunlight can all effect the health and growth of your plants.  When considering adding a new tree, shrub, or perennial to your existing greenery, it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of an expert.

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:

 

Trees and Your Health

New York’s tree care professionals, Westchester Tree Life believe in maintaining tree health, but did you know that trees also affect your health?  The International Society of Arboriculture has provided evidence from global research supporting the fact that forests and green spaces have a positive effect on people’s health!  Here are three ways trees and your health correlate:

Trees Benefit Your Environmental Health:

Westchester New York Tree Care

Trees remove carbon dioxide and pollutants from the environment.  A study from the USDA shows that 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants from the environment annually!

Trees Benefit Your Emotional Health:

Westchester Tree Life Tree Health

The next time you are searching for a new neighborhood, consider one with lots of trees and vegetation!  The United Kingdom’s conducted a national study which proved people exposed to the greenest environments have lowest levels of health inequality related to income deprivation.  The bottom line?  Lush deciduous areas of plant life and trees positively affect moods!

Trees Benefit Your Community’s Health:

Westchester Tree Life NY Tree CareTrees do a great job of keeping our community cool during the summertime.  Westchester Tree Life knows that New England heatwaves are uncomfortable; planting trees will provide shade and cut cooling costs.  A worldwide review of scientific literature showed that an urban park was an average 094 degrees Celsius cooler in the day than the surrounding metropolitan area, making warm days more tolerable.