Tree Maintenance

Finding & Planting a Tree
Finding the right tree for the right place and environment can require a bit of research. You need ot make sure any tree you plant will have the space, nutrients, water, etc needed to thrive in its new environment.

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

Step 1 Your 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.

Step 2 Tree Size & Location: Next consider your planting site limitations. The important things to consider for each tree, including:

Hardiness Zone: Will your trees thrive in the Tri-Cities and Eastern Washington weather?

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 Eastern Washington 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.

In Conclusion
Top Tree strives to earn your business. In order to do that, we ensure the best practices that are consistent with optimal tree care, our arborists are properly trained, and our customer service is top notch. If you are searching for a tree maintenance that is superior in every way, we would like to earn your business.

What to Look for on Your New Tree
Inspecting your tree upon delivery or at the nursery will help your tree provide a lifetime of benefits. You will want to find the following components of any new tree you find or buy:

• 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 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.

There are some things you will want to consider when buying mature trees as well. When choosing trees for the Tri-Cities, plantings along streets and in parks, you will want to trees with fairly substantial trunk size.

• Bright, healthy bark.
• Trunk & limbs free of insect or mechanical injury.
• Branches well-distributed around trunk, considerably smaller caliper than trunk.
• Ideal spacing between branches, at least 8–12″ for most species.
• Good trunk taper.
• Wide-angle crotches for strength.
• Low branches—they are temporary, but help develop taper, promote trunk caliper growth, and prevent sun damage.

In Conclusion
Top Tree strives to earn your business. In order to do that, we ensure the best practices that are consistent with optimal tree care, our arborists are properly trained, and our customer service is top notch. If you are searching for a tree maintenance that is superior in every way, we would like to earn your business.

Here are tips and guidelines to ensure the tree you plant will be part of your landscape in the years to come.

Logically Located – Your tree will need room to develop its roots underground and branches above ground. Do not plant trees that will grow in areas that are too small. Also avoid planting under power or telephone lines.

A site’s suitability will dictate what kind of tree you plant. The designated site may be in the lawn, near a patio, along a street or sidewalk, in a garden, in sun or in a shaded spot. Soil may be, sandy, saline,, wet or dry, gravelly or even full of old building rubble. Whatever the situation, you will need to determine if the site is suitable for growing a healthy tree.

Consider planting for energy conservation. Deciduous trees will shade the west, south and east sides of the home in summer, and evergreen trees along the west and north edges of the lot will provide winter windbreaks.

Choose your next tree carefully. What is your need or reason for planting this tree? You may want privacy, increased property values, a windbreak, shade, fall color, flowers, fruit or a bird habitat. Perhaps you want to create a sound barrier. Combine this information with knowledge about the site.

This is a good time to call your local Top Tree arborist. We can give you the best advice we can and help point you in the best direction to plant your tree properly.

You’ll want to consider that fast-growing trees often are weak and subject to storm damage. Think about the mature size and shape of trees and learn whether their roots might invade sewer lines, lift and crack sidewalks or make bumpy lawns. Learn which trees are likely to harbor insects or diseases.

In Conclusion
Top Tree strives to earn your business. In order to do that, we ensure the best practices that are consistent with optimal tree care, our arborists are properly trained, and our customer service is top notch. If you are searching for a tree maintenance in the Tri-Cities that is superior in every way, we would like to earn your business.