How do you select a healthy tree? How do you know what to look for?

Inspecting your tree upon delivery or at the nursery will help your tree provide a lifetime of benefits. Here is what you should be looking for:

• Bare root tree: Abundant root growth, fibrous and numerous small roots, good color; moist
• Balled and burlapped tree (B&B): Firm soil ball, with trunk securely tied. Do not accept a plant with a broken “ball”. Do not accept a tree with circling roots at the base of the trunk. Always carry B&B plants by the soil ball, not the trunk, stems or branches.
• Container-grown tree (containerized and potted): Avoid trees that are “root-bound” in the can. Roots can circle around the edge of the container may become circling roots. (Cut any circling roots when planting.) Because of this, B&B trees are generally preferred for large trees. Always remove can, basket or pot when planting.

Bare Root Seedlings

• Roots should be moist & fibrous.
• Deciduous seedlings should have roots about equal to stem length.

Balled & Burlapped

• Root ball should be firm to the touch, especially near the trunk.
• Root ball should be adequate for the tree’s size.

Potted

• Pot should not contain large, circling roots.
• Pruned roots cut cleanly, none wider than a finger.
• Soil & roots joined tightly.

Keep in mind that proper tree care begins when you pick a tree and what you do to your tree in its first couple years of life will affect its shape, strength, and its life span. By following these steps, you will make sure tree gets on the correct foot and keep it healthy throughout its life. We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance needs. No matter where you live in the Tri-Cities, your tree maintenance needs are our priority.

Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Trees are for a lifetime, so it pays to spend time now making sure that your tree will thrive where you want to plant it.

Potential Tree Issues

Planting large trees under utility lines can eventually mean mutilated trees as they grow to maturity. Large evergreens close to the house on the south block warming winter sunlight. No trees on the north side of the house can leave it vulnerable to icy winter winds.

Better Tree Choices

Short, flowering trees don’t clash with overhead utility lines. Large deciduous trees on the southeast, southwest, and west provide cooling shade in the summer, but don’t obstruct the low winter sun. An evergreen windbreak on the north blocks cold winds in winter.

What Purpose Will Your Tree Serve

The Tree’s Purpose: Start by defining the purpose for your new tree. Common purposes include aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or street tree. Your end goal will impact the suitability of different trees. Next consider your planting site limitations. The information in our Tree Guide lists important things to consider for each tree, including:

• Hardiness Zone: your location and weather have a tremendous impact on what trees will grow.
• Height and Spread of Mature Trees: Example overhead wires will limit the height of mature tree and you will want to select a shorter tree. The chart below is a great representation of the range of heights of tree species.
• Sun Exposure: The sun exposure in your planting area will greatly affect how your tree grows.
• Soil Conditions: Some trees can grow in only specific types of soil, while others can grow in almost any condition the type of soil. Determining what type of soil you have in your yard will help you find the right tree.

Now that you have found the right tree, lets learn how to select a healthy tree.

Keep in mind that proper tree care begins when you pick a tree and what you do to your tree in its first couple years of life will affect its shape, strength, and its life span. By following these steps, you will make sure tree gets on the correct foot and keep it healthy throughout its life. We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance needs. No matter where you live in the Tri-Cities, your tree maintenance needs are our priority.

Top Tree LLC has been pruning trees in the Tri-Cities for many years. Sometimes, your trees need just a little maintenance. However, there are times when they need more than that. Here is part 1 of our series on pruning your trees.

Shaping Your Trees
Probably the most basic reason for pruning your trees is to give them a pleasant and appealing shape. There is nothing better, as a homeowner, than having a well manicured yard. This keeps your property value higher, neighbors happy, and when you pull into your driveway, you can feel good about how your home looks.

Finding someone who can keep your trees looking good can be challenging. Not everyone has the knack for skillfully shaping trees. We have specially trained arborists that can make your trees look awesome. It’s really that simple.

While you are shaping your trees, you will want to resist the urge to just cut straight across the top. This is called “topping” and will cause more damage than you realize. If you top your tree, you will cause an undue amount of stress, cause the tree to decay on top, as well as be susceptible to sunburn. Yes, trees actually sunburn.

Topping is Expensive
The cost of topping your tree will not end with you paying whoever you do to do it. Your tree will need to be pruned within a few years to clean up the appearance after the tree grows out. Another reason topping is expensive is because it can actually lower your property values. Having healthy, well-maintained trees can add anywhere between 10% and 20% to your home’s value.

Conclusion
Here at Top Tree, we strive to be your preferred tree maintenance provider. We have specially trained arborists in the Tri-Cities that will show your trees the utmost care. Whether you need trees removed, trees trimmed, or just regular care, we will be here for you.