Tag Archives: tree inspection

Girdled Roots

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

Before the girdling root was removed by 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.

Preparing Trees for Winter

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Many homeowners tend to think yard work comes to a stop in the fall, but it’s important for the health of your trees to prepare them for harsh winter conditions. By taking a few simple steps, you can help your trees weather the worst winter New England can throw at them.

Fall is the time to prepare trees for winter!

First, spread a layer of mulch under each tree. This will act as an extra layer of insulation to protect the tree’s roots from cold and frost. We suggest using organic composted mulch which will will not only protect the tree, but feed it as the organic matter decomposes.

You’ll also want to continue to adequately water your trees throughout the fall. They need water as much now as they did during the spring and summer, especially after the unusually dry conditions we’ve had over the past couple of years. Just be sure not to water when the soil and trees are frozen.

Trees that are stressed form drought are vulnerable to winter extremes.

Consider protecting trees from damage due to snow plows, shoveling, and hungry animals. Young trees in particular are more susceptible to these forms of damage. Wrapping the trunks of these trees in burlap or plastic cloth will ward off damage as well as provide additional protection against the cold.

Fall is an ideal time to prune trees. Once the leaves have fallen, it’s easier to see the tree’s shape and structure as well as any damaged or diseased branches. Pruning correctly is vital to the tree’s health, so for this task it is best to consult a professional. Large trees must be pruned by a trained arborist for safety reasons as well as for the health of the tree.

Winter storms can cause major damage to weak trees.

You may be surprised to learn this, but fall is the ideal time of year to plant new trees! The cooler weather stimulates root growth. Later, the warmth and rain of spring encourages new top growth, resulting in a well established tree. Some species of trees are best planted early in fall, while others do better when planted after becoming dormant. Consult your garden store for the best time to plant the tree you wish to add to your yard.

At Westchester Tree Life, we strongly encourage our clients to schedule a tree inspection before winter snow and wind take their toll. We will carefully inspect your trees for any weakness and help prepare them for the coming season. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn how we can help prepare your trees for winter!

Mature Tree Care

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Mature trees bring more than just beauty to your property. They provide shade that can reduce cooling costs and increase your overall property value. Mature trees are a sign of longevity and endurance. It takes decades for a tree to grow to its mature, stately height. Caring for mature trees takes knowledge and experience. Mature trees face problems we don’t typically see in smaller trees. With their lofty height, larger limbs, and often sprawling root systems, your most majestic trees are often most at risk.

The first step to ensuring the health of your mature trees is to have them inspected. At Westchester Tree Life, we take a proactive approach and complete a careful inspection of each tree from crown to root. We look for signs of pests, damage, and disease, as well as any indications of weakness or rot. The inspection will tell us the extent of any necessary pruning or if the tree is at risk of falling or dropping large limbs.

Mature trees can benefit from mulching. Mulching protects your trees roots from temperature and moisture extremes as well as damage from lawn mowers. Plant based mulch decomposes over time, providing nutrients to the tree. Before you pile on the mulch, it’s important to know what you’re doing. Mulch should cover as much of the root system as possible with a depth of 2 to 4 inches. You don’t want the mulch to pile up against the base of the tree where it can decay the bark. Instead, leave a mulch-free area a couple of inches wide around the trunk.

Other, more complex, issues are important to the health of your mature trees. Soil composition and density affect the nutrients your tree has access to and its stability. Drainage is another crucial element to consider. If you aren’t sure how to determine the pH of your soil or whether or not it is too loose to securely anchor your tree in place, Westchester Tree Life can assess the soil and advise you on any needed changes.

With their larger, higher branches, mature trees pose a challenge when they need to be pruned. Attempting to prune a large tree yourself can be dangerous for both you and any nearby structures. Pruning mature trees requires knowledge of how trees heal; branches and limbs should be removed only when necessary. Because of the danger involved, this type of pruning job requires special equipment and training. You should always leave the pruning of mature trees to an expert arborist.

Sometimes, the removal of a mature tree is necessary. Mature trees, in spite of their size, aren’t immune to disease, pests, rot, and other types of damage that can lead to falling. A downed tree can cause extensive damage and injury. Westchester Tree Life can not only safely remove mature trees, but can advise you on suitable replacements.

With proper care and maintenance, mature trees can add great value to your property. Trust experts like Westchester Tree Life to keep your trees in their best condition!