Tag Archives: tree safety

3 Signs a Tree Is Dying

Knowing how to properly care for the trees on your property is key when maintaining a safe environment. A dying tree is a danger to the surrounding buildings, power lines, pedestrians and more; knowing how to spot a dying tree easily can save you from damages. Here are 3 signs a tree is dying.

Trunk Damage

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When assessing the health of your tree, start at the trunk! If the damage to a tree’s trunk is sufficient enough, it compromises the future of the tree. Look for any cracks in the trunk and check the bark; a lack of bark may be a tell-tale sign that your tree is not so healthy. Though it is normal for a tree’s bark to fall off as it ages, it’s not a good sign if the bark won’t grow back.

Damaged Roots

Tree roots can cause thousands of dollars in damage to sewer lines. Prevent plumbing problems by following these tree-planting tips.
via Popular Mechanics

A healthy root system is essential for tree healthy. The roots are where water and nutrients are absorbed and distributed throughout the tree. If your tree’s roots aren’t visible, call Westchester Tree Life to assist in your tree care evaluation; we can help spot damage properly.

A leaning tree; via CBS New York

Is your tree leaning? A noticeable lean can be a sign of serious root damage. Leaning trees are a damage to their surroundings, especially during the stress of winter storms. As ice bears down and wind pushes, the tree can give way and land on a nearby home, business, car or person.

Bare Branches

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If you are concerned a tree on your property is dying, check it’s branches come springtime. A tree which is not producing leaves is a warning sign. If you notice that only one side of your tree has dead or dying branches, you may want to have a professional arborist come to check for serious trunk and root damage.

If you are concerned a tree on your property is dead or dying, call a professional arborist from Westchester Tree Life today at (914) 238-0069. You can also request a consultation using our online form here.

Branch Breakage

Branch Breakage: Understanding the Problem

Westchester’s winter storms can be abrasive. Minimize property damage and ensure your property is safe by taking the time to check your tree branches on a clear day. If you need help identifying branches which are susceptible to breaking, our professional arborists are more than happy to help.

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If you have deciduous trees planted on your property, take note that their wood hardens during the winter, making branches more apt to snap. Once ice and snow accumulate, the branches are further weighed down, causing potential branch breakage risks. Evergreen trees are also prone to branch breakage due to snow and ice accumulation.

Minimizing Branch Breakage

Routine tree maintenance is the best way to minimize tree branch breakage. Our tree care professionals offer concise plant health care plans tailored to the specific needs of your trees, plants and shrubs. Year-round tree maintenance is essential in protecting and preserving your trees, plants and shrubs.

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Prepare for next year by scheduling your tree maintenance, especially for fall 2017. Good fall tree maintenance is key; this is when we prune weak and vulnerable branches. Do you have a question or concern? Request a consultation with one of Westchester Tree Life’s arborists with our easy-to-use online form here.

Tree Maintenance and Storm Safety

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Summertime brings sunny days and warm nights, but it can also bring dramatic thunderstorms and, depending on where you live, hurricanes or tornadoes. Once the season passes and fall turns to winter, weather threats include gusts of wind heavy snow and thick layers of ice. All of these things can have an impact on the trees on your property.

Summer is the easiest time of year to inspect your trees and have them pruned or otherwise maintained. Keeping your trees healthy and strong is the best way to prevent damage during severe weather. A weak tree is subject to dropping heavy limbs or falling onto your home, power lines, car, or even a person. You can minimize the risk to your property by taking a proactive approach to tree care. The key is knowing what to look for and when to consult a professional.

If you have a lot of large trees on your property, investing in an inspection from a professional arborist is the most effective way to head off problems before they lead to expensive and potentially dangerous problems. An inspection will reveal signs of decay or insect damage you may not know to look for on your own. Professional inspection will reveal where your trees need to pruned, how their growth may affect other structures on your property in the coming years, and whether or not you may need to consider removing any trees or large limbs.

Once you’ve had an inspection and taken care of any issues with your trees, you can help to maintain the health of the trees by careful observation. Knowing the warning signs and what to look for will allow you to stay on top of future risks. If you see any of these symptoms in your trees, you definitely need to consult a professional to minimize the risk posed by these issues.

1. Significant leaning of the tree to one side.

2. Cracks in the truck of the tree or major limbs.

3. Mushrooms or other fungus growing from the bark of the tree.

4. Tree branches hanging over the roof of your home.

5. Limbs or branches that are very close to or hanging over power lines.

6. Any signs of decay or hollowing of the tree.

It’s also a good idea to recheck your trees after each major storm to check for any beginning signs of damage that could escalate during the next big weather event. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection, give us a call!

Why Hire an Arborist?

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Why hire an arborist? Westchester County, New York’s tree care professionals at Westchester Tree Life are professionally trained to properly care for your trees. Our team of arborists are properly trained to safely remove trees, provide an excellent plant health care plan and more! Have a question about the safety and care about your trees in Westchester, New York? Call Westchester Tree Life today: (914) 238-0069.

Westchester tree photo submitted by Lauren Brois‎

Many people take the trees on their property for granted. You may not really think about your trees on a day to day basis, or really pay much attention to them from one season to the next. While you probably enjoy their shade in the summer or the privacy your evergreens provide, having your trees cared for or inspected by an arborist may not be at the top of your list of priorities.

Like most other aspects of home ownership, trees really benefit from a proactive approach. Caring for trees properly helps avoid catastrophe down the road. An arborist can advise you of trees that are in danger from rot, pests, or disease before these problems result in major damage. That beautiful tree next to the driveway will certainly get your attention if it falls on your car during a storm or drops a large limb across the power lines. An arborist will assess the health and stability of your trees and provide you with options for keeping your trees in good shape so they are less likely to succumb to violent weather or simply give way under their own weight and the effects of disease or invading insects.

Westchester tree photo submitted by Justin Cole Frawley‎

In addition to checking the health of your trees, an arborist can safely and expertly prune your trees. Pruning helps contain the growth of trees, keeping them looking their best while ridding the tree of weak or dead branches. Large trees can be risky to prune without the proper equipment or experience. Rather than put yourself and your property at risk by taking on this kind of task yourself, trust the job to a certified, reputable arborist.

An arborist can also be an invaluable asset in planning your landscaping. For the general homeowner, knowing which species of tree to plant and where to plan them can be a daunting task. If your goal is to cut your heating or cooling costs, to have flowering trees throughout the season, to maintain privacy, or to enjoy fall colors, an arborist will be able to look at your property and help you choose the best trees to suit your needs. In addition, an arborist will oversee the correct planting and placement of trees while also instructing you on their care and maintenance.

Westchester tree photo submitted by Alexander Fink

Sometimes, a tree on your property can interfere with structures or foundations. This is another reason why an arborist is a good resource for planning what and where to plant. If you find yourself with a tree whose roots are damaging your driveway or some other such issue, you may need to have the tree removed. An arborist is ideal to consult for this task! In addition to removing the tree, an arborist can assist you in choosing a more suitable replacement.

The trees on your property do much more than simply look pretty. They provide shade and privacy for you and shelter for local wildlife. Trees increase your property value and make your yard a more welcoming place to spend time. Protecting and caring for the trees in your yard prevents larger, more expensive problems down the road and helps to maintain the value of your property.

Submit your favorite Westchester tree photo to us here.