How much do you know about tree watering? If you’re not an arborist, chances are you wing it when it comes to watering your trees – and that can have a detrimental effect on their health and longevity.

Fortunately, tree watering isn’t overly complex. Different species may have different needs, and factors like soil conditions and weather patterns can be concerns. But you don’t need to become an arborist to water properly – simply follow these guidelines.

Water in the Early Morning Hours

Arborists agree that the best time for tree watering is in the early morning, particularly on hot summer days. With a morning soak, the water has a good chance to sink into the roots before the sun’s heat arrives and causes the moisture to evaporate.

Water Newly-Planted Trees Frequently

For newly-planted specimens, arborists recommend sticking to a strict watering schedule. In the first two weeks after planting, water daily. For the next several weeks, give a good soak about two to three times per week.

Deep Water During the First Growing Seasons

For the first few years, young specimens have difficulty dealing with heat and drought. To allow for this and encourage healthy root development, arborists advise deep tree watering, fully saturating the soil and roots. Deep watering is most important during the first year, but is also helpful at any stage of a tree’s life.

Check Soil Before Watering Established Trees

Older specimens aren’t as needy or vulnerable, but they still require a decent soak now and then. As for a rule of thumb to follow, arborists say that if the soil isn’t moist to the touch, it’s time for tree watering.

Apply Mulch to Preserve Soil Moisture

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, providing a barrier against evaporation – which is beneficial for both newly-planted and well-established specimens. Arborists say to apply a layer about two to four inches deep around the base, avoiding the trunk and any root flares.

Know Your Watering Requirements

As we mentioned, different species have different water needs. Some are drought-tolerant and can go for longer periods of time without a drink, while others require more frequent watering. To learn about the specific watering requirements of the trees on your property, meet with a local certified arborist.

If you live in northern Utah and would like advice from a certified arborist, turn to the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts.

A local industry leader, Rivendell Tree Experts offers a range of affordable arborist services. We strive to provide exceptional customer care, and we enjoy helping homeowners and businesses keep their trees beautiful, strong and healthy. Contact our Lehi, Utah, office and schedule an arborist consultation for expert advice on tree watering today.

When you remove a tree, stump grinding is necessary to prevent regrowth and avoid insect infestation. Plus, old, rotting stumps are eyesores – definitely not the type of focal point you want on your northern Utah property.

Stump removal is best left to the professionals at Rivendell Tree Experts, as there could be underground utilities and other obstructions in the immediate area. But how much will it cost?

Every project has unique considerations, so prices are quoted on a case-by-case basis. That said, professional stump grinding usually comes in around $200 and, sometimes, the cost is even lower.

Average Tree Stump Removal Rates

Though the cost of professional tree stump removal varies, it may help to know what other homeowners typically pay for the work.

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the trusted online information marketplace, the national average cost to remove a tree stump is $298. Most projects fall between $162 and $473, but removal can run as high as $900.

Costs for Professional Tree Stump Grinding

Most tree service companies base their removal fees on the width of the stump, charging per inch in diameter. Generally speaking, the average total for professional stump grinding in northern Utah is about $200, but can be much more for substantial stumps.

Given that renting a stump grinder typically costs around $190, tackling the project yourself isn’t going to result in much, if any, savings. Besides, if you hire a professional, you won’t have to worry about working around utility lines or meeting the local code and permit requirements.

Estimating Tree Stump Grinding Costs

There’s no denying that some stump removal projects come in at a higher price than others. To determine the total cost, professionals consider several factors.

Stump Condition

Stumps that are covered in moss cost more to remove, as the overgrowth may need to be cleared away for the work to begin. The same is true for trunks that need to be cut down before grinding.

Root System

If a stump has a vast, sprawling root system – which is common with large, old specimens – removal is more complex. The additional work required increases the cost of the project.

Removal Difficulty

Certain types of trees – including hardwoods like elm, birch and oak – are more difficult to remove than others. Access may also play a part in the price. For stumps of stubborn species and those in hard-to-reach spots, costs are higher.

Are you ready to see how much you’ll need to budget for professional stump grinding? Rivendell Tree Experts, a leading northern Utah tree care services company, offers free consultations and estimates to homeowners throughout the greater Salt Lake and Utah County areas.

At Rivendell Tree Experts, we strive to provide quality tree care and unparalleled customer service, at an affordable price. Contact our Lehi, Utah, office and schedule a free consultation to find out the cost of professional tree stump grinding today.

Tree preservation is an essential step in preparing for a home construction project.

Building and remodeling activities can have a significant impact on the landscape and, without proper care, trees can suffer serious damage. In some cases, construction work can even kill strong and healthy specimens or lead to the need for tree removal.

Fortunately, with a bit of planning – and tree preservation assistance from an experienced local arborist – these outcomes are avoidable.

Schedule a Professional Risk Assessment

Before breaking ground on your building project, contact a local certified arborist for a professional tree risk assessment.

During this evaluation, the arborist will walk around your property and evaluate every tree in light of your upcoming construction work. Depending upon their placement and health, some specimens may need to be transplanted or removed.

Prepare for the Home Construction Project

Trees that will remain in place during home construction may need some attention before the work begins. Strong, healthy specimens are much more likely to get through the project without suffering any damage.

To that end, your certified arborist may recommend certain tree preservation steps -- including pruning, soil testing and fertilization -- to ensure optimal health.

Use Barriers for Tree Preservation During Construction

Protecting the ground area within the dripline of every specimen is essential during a home construction project. If the builders aren’t careful to avoid this critical root zone, damage is the likely result.

For that reason, your certified arborist may install temporary barriers around the root zones of trees that are near the building project site. In addition, your arborist may advise asking the builder to sign a landscape protection contract as extra assurance that these areas will remain completely off-limits during construction.

Schedule an After-Construction Assessment

Putting all of these safeguards in place greatly lessens the chance of landscape construction damage, but it could still occur. Accidents happen, and some species are more susceptible to suffering problems as a result of nearby building work.

Some issues are obvious, but experienced arborists can spot early signs of stress that the untrained eye is likely to miss. Left untreated, disease or pest infestation can easily take hold, and once-healthy specimens can suffer an early demise. Because of this, scheduling an after-construction evaluation with a certified arborist is absolutely crucial.

If you’re planning a home construction or renovation project and you live in the greater Salt Lake City area, the certified arborists at Rivendell Tree Experts can assist with your tree preservation needs. We can handle the initial risk assessment, the after-construction evaluation and everything in-between.

With Rivendell Tree Experts, home construction doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your northern Utah landscape. For more information on our comprehensive services, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss tree preservation, contact our Lehi office today.