Top Tree LLC can help you manage any tree hazards you have on your property. We are some of the best arborists in the Tri-Cities and can either give you advice on how to manage your trees or perform any preventative maintenance you need.

Injuries
Be sure to remove trunk wraps and check for injuries before purchasing trees. Incorrect pruning cuts are major problems that can lead to disease and defects.

Form
• Branch spacing: Branches should be evenly spaced and firmly attached to the trunk. Squeezed branches and weak branch unions will be problems as the tree grows larger.
• Trunks: If the tree has multiple trunks, make sure the trunks are well separated at the ground line. Trunks expand as the tree grows, so two trunks that are only slightly separated will squeeze together later.
• Cracks: Look for signs of vertical trunk cracks, especially at branch unions.

There are great differences in the environmental requirements for each tree species.

Consult with an arborist or landscaper if necessary.

Best Season to Transplant
The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season in the fall after the leaf drop, or early spring before bud break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth.

Storing and Transporting
Trees and shrubs that have been dug for transplanting should be planted as soon as
possible. Cover a root ball with damp material which will retain moisture (burlap, peat
moss, canvas, plastic, etc.) until planting.

We will continue this series over the next few months covering a wide array of topics. Don’t forget, when you’re looking for the best tree care company in Richland, we’d love the chance to earn your business.

Top Tree LLC can help you manage any tree hazards you have on your property. We are some of the best arborists in the Tri-Cities and can either give you advice on how to manage your trees or perform any preventative maintenance you need.

Tree pruning
Trees to remain that are affected by temporary and permanent construction shall be pruned as indicated.

Damage Mitigation and Replacement
Promptly repair trees damaged by construction operations within 24 hours. Treat damaged trunks, limbs, and roots according to arborist’s written instructions. Remove and replace trees indicated to remain that die or are damaged during construction operations that the arborist determines are incapable of restoring to normal growth pattern.

Provide new trees of caliper size and species selected by the owner when damaged trees are
required to be replaced. Plant and maintain new trees as specified. Aerate surface soil, compacted during construction, 10 feet beyond the drip line and no closer than 36 inches to the tree trunk using vertical mulching techniques or radial aeration techniques as instructed by whichever city you live in.

Selecting Trees: Common Problems
Root problems, injuries, and form are common problems when buying trees. Keep this in mind, buy high-quality trees, and plant them properly. Poor tree quality will lead to maintenance problems even if the tree is properly cared for.

Root problems
Trees for sale have one of two root treatments:
• Root-balled stock: roots in the soil are held in place by fabric or in a wire basket. The basal trunk flare should be visible and the root ball should be flat on top. The tree should not have many crushed or torn roots. The root ball diameter should be at least 10-12 times the trunk diameter measured 6 inches above the trunk flare.
• Container-grown stock. Roots should not circle in the container, and the trunk flare should be obvious, not buried.

We will continue this series over the next few months covering a wide array of topics. Don’t forget, when you’re looking for the best tree care company in Pasco, we’d love the chance to earn your business.

Top Tree LLC can help you manage any tree hazards you have on your property. We are some of the best arborists in the Tri-Cities and can either give you advice on how to manage your trees or perform any preventative maintenance you need.

Root Pruning: where required and approved, shall be done mechanically with a root pruning machine, vibratory plow, or with a narrow trencher with sharp blades. Once a trench is opened up, all exposed roots will be hand pruned to provide clean-cut ends. Do not cut main lateral roots or buttress roots; cut only smaller roots that interfere with the installation of utilities. Cut roots with sharp pruning instruments; do not break or pull with a backhoe or similar equipment.

Grading Limitations within the Tree Protection Zone:
Lowering the grade around trees can have an immediate and long-term effect on trees. Typically, most roots are within the top 3 feet of soil, and most of the fine roots active in water and nutrient absorption are in the top 12 inches.

• Grade changes within the Tree Protection Zone are not permitted.
• Grade changes outside the Tree Protection Zone shall not significantly alter drainage.
• Grade changes under specifically approved circumstances shall not allow more than 6 inches of fill soil or allow more than 4 inches of existing soil to be removed from natural grade, unless mitigated.
• Grade fills over 6 inches or impervious overlay shall incorporate an approved permanent aeration system, permeable material, or other approved mitigation.
• Grade cuts exceeding 4 inches shall incorporate retaining walls or an appropriate transition equivalent.

We will continue this series over the next few months covering a wide array of topics. Don’t forget, when you’re looking for the best tree care company in Kennewick, we’d love the chance to earn your business.