Spring Time Checklist Part 3: Fertilizer Is Your Friend – January 2016

Spring time is around the corner. If your property has one tree or many trees, you will need to think about maintaining them. Top Tree LLC is where you will find some of the only qualified arborists in Richland. Let us take care of your trees.

Trees in city and suburban areas are under high stress conditions due to low water availability, compact soil, physical damage, construction, and competition from grass and nearby trees and shrubs. Applying fertilizer may reduce, but will not eliminate, environmental stresses such as these. It is important to keep newly planted trees watered and pruned and to keep weeds away from their bases to avoid excess stress.

The best indication of whether your tree neds to be fertilized is a soil test. In best practice, a soil sample should be taken before trees are planted. Additional samples can be taken every three to five years to determine if any nutrients are lacking. A soil test kit may be obtained from any local stores that sell gardening and farming supplies.

Tree leaf color is another great indication of the need for fertilization. Yellow or “off-color” leaves may show the need for fertilizer as these symptoms generally occur on trees which are not taking up enough of one or more required nutrient. Always remember that “off-color” leaves are normal for certain plants.

We’re Here To Help!
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree removal needs in Richland. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

Spring Time Checklist Part 3: Fertilizer Is Your Friend – January 2016 Read More »

Spring Time Checklist Part 2: You’re Using Too Mulch – January 2016

Spring time is around the corner. If your property has one tree or many trees, you will need to think about maintaining them. Top Tree LLC is where you will find some of the only qualified arborists in Kennewick. Let us take care of your trees.

Keep An Eye On Your Layers

Mulch does so many good things. With that said, it is easy to assume more mulch is better. In reality, thicker layers of mulch cause plants harm. When mulch builds up over four inches it often starts repelling water. When this happens water simply sheds off the top of the mulch rather than soaking into the soil below, leaving plants thirsty.

Thick layers of mulch can also suffocate plant roots, or cut off access to oxygen and carbon dioxide. We don’t often think about the role of air in the soil, but roots need air to survive. Burying root systems under excessive layers of mulch reduces the amount of air in the soil, causing plants to decline. A tree or plant’s health decline is usually slow, often taking years for plants to die from over mulching.

No Need For Mountains Around Trees

The practice of volcano mulching is extremely damaging to trees. This practice is where deep layers of mulch are piled up against the trunks of trees. In addition to suffocating roots, this type of mulching encourages pests to take up residence. If your tree looks like it is erupting out of a mountain of mulch, you have too much.

To prevent the death of your trees, remove excess mulch away from tree trunks. Really, there should be a two to four inch layer of mulch extending out to the drip line, or edge of the tree canopy. Taper the mulch level down near the trunk so no mulch actually touches a tree’s trunk. Also avoid piling mulch into the center of shrubs or dumping thick layers of mulch on top of perennials.

We’re Here To Help!
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree removal needs in Kennewick. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

Spring Time Checklist Part 2: You’re Using Too Mulch – January 2016 Read More »

Spring Time Checklist Part 1: Improper Pruning – January 2016

Spring time is around the corner. If your property has one tree or many trees, you will need to think about maintaining them. Top Tree LLC is where you will find some of the only qualified arborists in the Tri-Cities. Let us take care of your trees.

Proper Pruning Is a Must
Taking care of your trees is a must. With the right care, your trees could potentially last decades and increase the value of your property. However, if you are concerned over what to look for in improper pruning here is what to keep in mind:

  • Jagged pruning cuts
  • Tree is outgrowing its space
  • Tree is overshadowing other trees
  • Is top heavy
  • Leaning to one side

Here are some myths to also avoid when pruning your trees:

  • Cut out one-third of the top growth when transplanting to offset root loss
  • Prune more than usual to offset injury or soil compaction
  • Prune heavily to help the grass or lawn grow

If you have questions about pruning your tree, don’t hesitate to call or contact us. We are always happy to help or lend a hand.

We’re Here To Help!
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree removal needs in the Tri-Cities. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

Spring Time Checklist Part 1: Improper Pruning – January 2016 Read More »

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