Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Insect and Disease and Problems
Improve your knowledge about insects and diseases that may affect tree health and learn proper steps for diagnosis. Insects and diseases can threaten tree health. As soon as you notice any abnormality in your tree’s appearance, you should begin a careful examination of the problem. By identifying the specific symptoms of damage and understanding their causes, you may be able to diagnose the problem and select an appropriate treatment.

Stress
Plant health requires sufficient water and light and a proper balance of nutrients. Too much or too little of any of these environmental elements may cause plant stress. Trees deal with environmental stresses, such as shading and competition for water and nutrients, by adjusting their growth and development patterns to reflect the availability of the resources. Although trees are adapted to living in stressful conditions in nature, many times the stresses they experience in the landscape are more severe than they can handle and may make them more susceptible to certain insects and diseases.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.

Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Problems Associated with Improper Mulching

• On wet soils, deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
• Piling mulch against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to the development of insect and disease problems or stem girdling roots.
• Some mulches, especially those containing fresh grass clippings, can affect soil pH and may eventually lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxic buildups.
• Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.
• Thick blankets of fine mulch can become matted and may reduce the penetration of water and air.
• Anaerobic “sour” mulch may give off pungent odors, and the alcohols and organic acids that build up may be toxic to young plants.

Proper Mulching Techniques
The choice of mulch and the method of application can be important to the health of landscape plants. The following are some guidelines to use when applying mulch:

• Determine whether soil drainage is adequate and if there are plants that may be affected by the choice of mulch. Most commonly available mulches work well in most landscapes. Some plants may benefit from the use of slightly acidifying mulch, such as pine bark.
• For well drained sites, apply a one to three inch layer of mulch. Coarse mulches can be applied slightly deeper without harm. Place mulch out to the edge of a tree’s crown or beyond.
• If mulch is already present, check the depth. If sufficient mulch is present, break up any matted layers and refresh the appearance with a rake. Some landscape maintenance companies spray mulch with a water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to add color to faded material.
• If mulch is piled against the stems or tree trunks, pull it back several inches/centimeters so that the base of the trunk is exposed. Composted wood chips can make good mulch, especially when they include some bark and leaves. Fresh wood chips also may be used around established trees and shrubs. Avoid using fine, non-composted wood chips, as soil nitrogen may be taken up by the roots as the wood chips decompose.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.

Here at Top Tree LLC, we offer our guidance, experience, and knowledge to all of our clients and potential clients with a high level of passion. We look forward to talking shop with you and no matter what, we welcome any questions you have regarding your trees and plants on your property.

Types of Mulch
Mulches are available in many forms. The two major types of mulch are inorganic and organic. Inorganic mulches include different types of rock, lava rock, rubber, fabrics, etc. Inorganic mulches do not decompose and do not need to be replenished often. On the other hand, they do not improve soil structure, add organic materials, or provide nutrients. For these reasons, most horticulturists and arborists prefer organic mulches.

Organic mulches include wood chips, pine tree needles, bark, cocoa hulls, leaves, compost mixes, and other products usually made from plants. Organic mulches decompose in the landscape at different rates depending on the material, climate, and soil microorganisms present. Those that decompose faster must be replenished more often. Because the decomposition process improves soil quality and fertility, many arborists and other landscape professionals consider that characteristic a positive one, despite the added maintenance.

Not Too Much Mulch!
As beneficial as mulch is, too much can be harmful. The generally recommended mulching depth is one to three inches. Sadly, many landscapes are falling victim to a plague of over mulching.  While organic mulches must be replenished over time, buildup can occur if reapplication outpaces decomposition or if new material is added simply to refresh color. Deep mulch can be effective in suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance, but it often causes additional problems.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Pasco tree removal specialists.