Tips & Tricks

Sizing Up The Job
Some stumps are easier to remove than others. Therefore different techniques for removing the stump can be used. Being prepared ahead of time and knowing which ways and techniques to use for which type of job will make things much easier for you in the long run. For example, pine tree stumps tend to be easier to remove than stumps from deciduous trees. The roots of pine trees tend to be wide, flat and relatively shallow while deciduous tree stumps’ roots tend to be long and deep.

What makes a stump easier to remove? Typically, the size and age of a stump are the best ways to determine the stump removal difficulty. Simply put, the older a stump is, the easier it is to remove. Likewise, small stumps are also easier to remove than large ones. Another good thing to keep in mind before choosing a stump removal method is to consider the total number of stumps that need to be removed. Do you really want to remove one hundred stumps by hand? Or even three? This guide will help you decide which stump removal techniques and methods are appropriate for you.

If you aren’t sure about how big or small a job is for removing one or many tree stumps, let us come out to your property and give you a proper estimate. It’s what we do and we’re good at it.

Using Top Tree LLC
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree stump removal needs in Burbank. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

Winters in Richland can be hit or miss. This year along, we’ve seen temperatures in December ranging from the low 50 degrees to the high teens. In the seasons we have the bitter cold temps couple with snow, you’ll want to understand how these temperatures can affect trees and potential damage from ice.

Call Us In
Depending on your circumstances and expertise, you may have to bring in us in to assist you in making decisions or in carrying out the physical work. There are a number of experts available to help you, including arborists, foresters, forestry technicians, biologists, ecologists, loggers and land clearing contractors. Each has their own unique skills and experience and should be used accordingly. Arborists care for individual trees and shrubs.

Future Care
Help your tree in the upcoming year by making its life as easy as possible. Water shade trees during dry spells. Avoid unnecessary wounding like lawn mower injury, at the tree’s base. In the forest, practice good timber management by cutting out less desirable and poorly formed trees to benefit your more valuable trees. At the same time, give thought to retaining some of the damaged trees as potential cavity trees for wildlife.

A well thought out management plan can help your trees stay “fit” for many years. A number of publications are available to help develop a management plan for your woodlot including A Woodlot Management Plan, Making Your Woodland Pay, and A Business Approach to Owning Rural Property. Contact the LandOwner Resource Centre for details. Don’t be tempted to “clean-up” the forest too much. Remember, woody debris on the forest floor provides nutrients for the remaining trees as well as key habitat for forest wildlife.

When you’re looking for tree maintenance and tree care in Richland, we should be your first choice. We are some of the only certified arborists in town and we are very good at what we do. Let us explain to you why we’re your best bet to take care of your trees.

Winters in Benton City can be hit or miss. This year along, we’ve seen temperatures in December ranging from the low 50 degrees to the high teens. In the seasons we have the bitter cold temps couple with snow, you’ll want to understand how these temperatures can affect trees and potential damage from ice.

Repairing Damaged Bark
During ice storms, broken limbs often tear and strip bark. It is important to repair torn bark to avoid the spread of disease and the invasion of insects; it will also improve the tree’s appearance. Use a chisel or sharp knife to smooth ragged edges of the dead bark.

Remove all loose bark to the point where it is firmly attached to the tree. Shape the wound into an ellipse. The rounded ends prevent dieback of the cambium.  Keep the wound as narrow and small as possible to help the tree heal as quickly as possible.

The tops of young conifers are often bent or broken off during ice storms. Corrective pruning can be used for individual trees and in conifer plantations. Corrective pruning in plantations will reduce the negative impact of the broken tops on future timber value. Cut the broken or bent tops just above the first live whorl. This will encourage a branch in the top whorl to become the new leader. Find the best branch and gently bend it upwards. Using a biodegradable rag (i.e., cotton, linen) attach the branch to a pole that is tied to the tree’s trunk. This should straighten the branch and encourage it to become the new leader. In plantations, prune approximately 500 trees per hectare and try to space the pruned trees throughout the plantation.

Severely damaged conifer plantations that are over 15 years old may require cleanup. If the plantation has trees more than 15 centimeters in diameter, you may want to salvage any wood that can be sold. A professional should be called for advice as soon as possible to avoid a decrease in the quality of wood.

When you’re looking for tree maintenance and tree care in Benton City, we should be your first choice. We are some of the only certified arborists in town and we are very good at what we do. Let us explain to you why we’re your best bet to take care of your trees.