When you’re ready to plant a tree, taking the right approach is crucial. Here’s what experienced Utah arborists say you’ll need to do in order to start your sapling off on the right foot:

• Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the sapling’s root base, making it as deep as necessary to accommodate the length of the roots.
• Remove the container or basket containing the sapling, then use your hands to gently pull the roots apart.
• After placing the sapling, add the soil, lightly tamping or hand-packing it in to collapse any air pockets.
• Spread a layer of organic mulch on top, taking care to leave a few inches of space around the sapling’s trunk.
• If necessary, temporarily support the new tree with stakes, pounding them through the root ball and tying them loosely to the trunk.

 
Are you in need of professional stump removal? Is tree planting your next project? The certified arborists at Rivendell Tree Experts, based in Lehi, are here to meet all of your tree care needs. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and estimates – and we’re committed to both superb customer service and affordable tree services.

For more information, or to discuss Utah tree planting or stump removal with an experienced Utah arborist, contact us today.

When’s the last time you thought about tree preservation?
 
As a homeowner, you want the trees that enhance your northern Utah property to remain healthy and stable for decades to come. However, our part of the country is vulnerable to severe storms in the spring and summer, and harsh weather events have the potential to result in damaged and uprooted specimens. Fortunately, using the right tree preservation techniques can lessen the impact and help ensure that your plantings are well-protected from storm damage.

Planted any saplings recently? If the sapling begins to shift, consider using stakes to make sure they stand strong during heavy storms. Leave the supports in place for no longer than 6 to 12 months, though, as doing otherwise can stunt growth.

Pruning isn’t just about making trees look more attractive. Proactive trimming of the canopies -- along with any dead, diseased or deteriorated branches, of course – dramatically reduces the risk of storm damage.

Tree stability begins with the root system, and while year-round watering goes a long way to ensuring healthy growth, deep root fertilization goes further. By suppling the roots with greater quantities of air and nutrients, you can help your trees grow stronger.

Knowing what you can do to prevent storm damage is one thing, but understanding how to get the job done correctly is quite another. Identifying at-risk specimens and taking the right steps to ensure healthy growth are no simple tasks, and without expert knowledge, you could inadvertently cause more damage.

Certified arborists have the training and skills to limit damage caused by spring and summer storms, while also giving your trees the best chance at long-term structural integrity. If you believe maintaining the beauty of your northern Utah property is important, you’ll want to hire a certified arborist with extensive experience in tree preservation – like the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts.

​We offer practical, cost-effective services to homeowners throughout the Salt Lake City area, and we’re known for both exceptional customer care and affordable pricing. To schedule a free, no-obligation tree risk assessment with an experienced certified arborist, contact our office in Lehi, Utah, today.

If you're planning for tree removal, you'd be wise to consider professional stump grinding as well.

Sure, you could opt to leave the stump in place and save some money. However, going that route can take away from the appeal of your landscape. Plus, getting rid of a stump means you won't have to worry about tree sprout growth, insect infestation or having a potential hazard in your yard.

Grinding isn't the only method of removing a tree stump, but it is the smartest approach. Here's why. 

A skilled professional can typically grind up a stump within just a couple of hours. Digging out a stump with an excavator or backhoe takes quite a bit longer, and the technique requires much more work.

​After professional stump grinding, the yard area is ready for replanting – you simply need to put down some topsoil and smooth it out. Dig up the stump instead, and you'll have a massive hole to deal and, potentially, damage to the surrounding landscape.

​The tree stump grinding process produces no waste, as the wood chips created can be used to fill the spot where the stump was and as mulch elsewhere on your property. Compared to the other options, grinding is far less damaging to the environment.

You won't pay an arm and a leg for stump grinding – the average cost is just $200, though professionals do charge more for extra-large stumps and those that are hard to access. Digging can cost as much as $350, and you'll pay about $38 an hour for labor.

You could rent a grinder and take on the work yourself, but why would you want to? Rental costs can range anywhere from $150 to $365 per day, and operating the equipment may not be as easy as you think. Also, if you're not careful, you could run into underground utility or plumbing lines – and doing so could threaten your safety and cause major property damage.

At Rivendell Tree Experts, based in northern Utah, we offer free, no-obligation professional consultations and project estimates to homeowners and businesses in Salt Lake City and the greater Utah County area. Our highly skilled arborists have years of experience, and we're known for providing top-notch tree care services and stellar customer care at an affordable price.

For more information on Rivendell Tree Experts and the services we offer – or to schedule an appointment to discuss professional stump grinding with one of our certified arborists – contact us online or give our office in Lehi, Utah, a call today.

To the average Utah homeowner, there’s little difference between arborists and landscapers. Both handle various types of yard work, so it doesn’t matter which professional you hire. Right?
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Wrong. Arboriculture and landscaping are unique professions – and specialists in one are not qualified in the other. To determine whether you need to hire an arborist or a landscaper, take a look at the following.

Landscapers complete a range of yard work tasks with the goal of ensuring plant health while creating an attractive outdoor environment. You can call on a local landscaping company for expert assistance in:

• Lawn care
• Lawn irrigation
• Garden bed preparation
• Planting flowers and shrubs
• Hardscape installation

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As you may have noticed, tree care isn’t on that list. For that, you’ll need to hire a local certified arborist.

Arborists are licensed professionals who have earned certification from the International Society of Arboriculture. As such, they’re experts in tree care. A local certified arborist has the training, knowledge and skill necessary to keep your trees healthy and beautiful.
 
If you’re in need of any of the following services, hiring an arborist is the right move:
 

• Emergency tree care
• Tree planting
• Pruning and trimming
• Cabling and bracing
• Tree removal
• Stump grinding

 
Local certified arborists have not only expertise in tree care, but also the equipment and tools to perform tasks safely and in the proper manner. When you hire an arborist for tree care services, you can feel confident that you’re preserving the health and beauty of your outdoor environment without risking the safety of your family or your property.

​When it comes to deciding between a landscaper and an arborist, consider the scope of work that needs to be done. If your lawn and gardens are in need of attention, call a landscaping company. And if you need an expert to care for your trees, hire an arborist.
 
Is your home located in northern Utah? For professional tree care at an affordable price, turn to Rivendell Tree Experts. Our ISA-certified arborists are licensed and fully insured, and we have what it takes to handle any tree care task.
 
The Rivendell team has served thousands of homeowners and businesses in northern Utah, and you can count on us to care for your trees as if they were our own. We always complete our work in a careful, professional manner, and our arborists are happy to answer questions and offer advice.
 
Would you like to learn more about our affordable tree care services? Or are you looking to hire an experienced local certified arborist? For information on Rivendell Tree Experts or to schedule a free, no-obligation Utah arborist consultation, contact our Lehi office today.

Tree removal, while typically a last resort, is sometimes necessary. And if one of your trees has to go, you’ll want to know how much to budget for the project.

We’d love to tell you the cost right here, but without seeing the specimen ourselves, that’s not possible. We can, however, give you an idea of what to expect in terms of price and share strategies for saving money on tree removal.

The cost of professional removal varies widely, and Utah homeowners may pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Height plays a large role in determining the price, with shorter specimens being less expensive to remove. But the overall cost is also based upon the following factors:

• Trunk diameter: The wider the trunk, the higher the price of removing the tree, as the process takes more time and effort.
• Condition: Trees that are leaning, dead or severely decayed are costlier to remove due to the additional safety equipment required.
• Location: The complications of removing a tree that’s near a building, close to utility lines or otherwise difficult to access drive up the project cost.

​
Extra work – such as log splitting, limb chipping and stump grinding – generally add to the total project costs. Most Utah arborists don’t include these services in estimates for the removal of a tree, so be sure to ask.

You can’t do anything about the size, condition or location of the tree you need to have removed. But, by taking any or all of these steps, you may be able to bring down your out-of-pocket costs:

• Get advice from a certified arborist. Instead of removal, you might only need strategic pruning or treatment for pests or disease, which are less expensive.
• Plan the project during the off-season, when Utah arborists are more likely to offer reduced rates. As a general rule, avoid spring, summer and early fall.

​
Handle part of the project yourself. If you’re willing to tackle the cleanup and woodcutting, your arborist may be willing to drop the price of removal.

Removing a tree isn’t a task you should attempt on your own. The work is hazardous – and watching a few videos isn’t enough to learn the proper techniques to ensure everyone’s safety and prevent property damage.
 
Instead, turn to a local certified arborist. In Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area, homeowners trust Rivendell Tree Experts. With us, you can count on cost-effective solutions, friendly service, quality workmanship and affordable pricing.
 
For more information on the qualifications of our Utah arborists, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for tree removal, reach out to our Lehi office today.

In the winter, tree pruning may not be on your mind at all. Many people plan landscape maintenance in the spring or summer – but giving your trees a prune during the cold weather months can be a smart decision.
​
Winter tree pruning is recommended for several reasons. Here’s a look at what you have to gain by getting pruning done at this time of year.

Once all of the leaves have fallen, the frame of a tree is easier to see. The branches are in clear view, which puts any weak, damaged, diseased or vulnerable areas in the spotlight. As such, accurate pruning cuts can be made to promote tree structure.

Winter is not only the dormant season for trees, but also for destructive insects and infectious diseases. Since those die off when it gets cold outside, certain species are less likely to get infested or infected during their dormant periods.

Leaving branches that are fractured, diseased or dead in place over the winter can be dangerous. If your area gets a heavy snowstorm, the limbs could fall and cause significant property damage – and someone could even be seriously injured. At minimum, it is unsightly and can effect how the tree grows moving forward.

While you can take on the task of tree pruning yourself, hiring a certified arborist is in your best interests – and we aren’t just making the recommendation because we’re a tree service company. Experts advise on working with an arborist because:

• Pruning can be difficult, hazardous work 
• Arborists have the proper tools to make the job safe
• Poor pruning practices can seriously stunt growth
• Certified arborists carry liability insurance to protect you and your assets

​
Above all, arborists know which species should be pruned during the dormant season.

At Rivendell Tree Experts, we don’t cut corners. But we do have extensive experience in pruning for hazards, structure and clearance. And in northern Utah, we’re a trusted industry leader, the company homeowners and businesses call for efficient and affordable tree care services. 

Turn to us, and you can expect to have an outstanding customer experience. Our certified arborists are known for their honesty, integrity and dedication to professional service. For more information on winter tree pruning, or to schedule a free consultation with one of the best arborists in the greater Salt Lake City area, contact our Lehi, Utah, office today.

In all likelihood, you won't need to get a tree removal permit. In most cases, northern Utah homeowners can go ahead and take down a tree without getting anyone's permission.

But, we can't guarantee that the decision is completely yours to make. Utah state law protects certain species, and there's a chance that the location of your home or that of the tree could stop you from moving forward with removal.

In 1975, the Utah Heritage Tree Act was approved by the legislature of the state. Under the law, some specimens are protected - which means you'll need a permit if the one you want to remove: 

• Has local, state or national historic significance 
• Is exceptionally large or well-formed for the species 
• Is quite old for a specimen of that particular species 
• May be one of the last representatives of the species

Not sure if your tree fits any of those descriptions? A local certified arborist can determine whether or not you need to get a tree removal permit.

The last thing you want is to remove a tree that shouldn't be removed - and while your specimen may not be protected under Utah law, local codes and regulations could prohibit removal without a permit. For that reason, you'd be wise to check with local officials before you proceed.

​In addition, tree removal may require permission from your homeowners' association. Often, HOAs must be consulted when making landscaping decisions, and yours may only agree to removal if the specimen in question is a liability. 

Let's say you want to remove a tree that isn't a protected species, and you don't live in a HOA community. You can go ahead with the removal - if, that is, you're sure you don't need to get your neighbor's permission.

​If any portion of the trunk is on the property line, you and your neighbor share ownership. And if you don't get their consent before removing it, you could be held financially liable in court.

Damaged, unhealthy and at-risk specimens aren't always beyond saving. Removal might not be the only course of action - so before making any decisions, have a local certified arborist come out to perform an in-person inspection.

​The highly experienced arborists at Rivendell Tree Experts, a local industry leader serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area, offer free, no-obligation consultations. To discuss tree removal with a member of the Rivendell team, reach out to our Lehi office today.

Summer may be over in Utah, but that doesn’t mean the time for tree care has come to an end.
​
Seasonal attention is important for ensuring year-round plant health. Utah homeowners who prepare their trees for the colder months are rewarded with abundant growth in the spring. In the fall, tree care professionals recommend taking the following actions.

Placing a layer of mulch around the base of each tree provides the roots with insulation against temperature extremes and helps the soil retain more moisture. A depth of about 2 to 4 inches is sufficient, but the mulch shouldn’t be piled up around the trunk – volcanoes of much can lead to root rot.

Fall is the ideal time for fertilization, as doing so provides trees with the nutrients they need to get through the winter. However, some species should be fertilized in the spring or summer instead – so, homeowners should consider asking a Utah arborist about fall fertilization before proceeding.

When temperatures permit – meaning that the ground isn’t frozen – Utah tree care professionals advise homeowners to continue watering in order to avoid drought stress. For adequate hydration, it’s best to water the root zone deeply and thoroughly about once or twice per week.

The structure of a tree is much easier to see when no leaves are on the branches. Because of this, fall can be an ideal time for tree pruning – which helps encourage healthy growth. But because not all species should be pruned at this time of year, homeowners may want to get advice from a certified Utah arborist.

Raking up fallen leaves may not be necessary if they only cover about 10 to 20 percent of the landscape. Homeowners who have excess of might need to grab a rake, however, as too much leaf matter on the lawn can inhibit springtime plant growth. As an alternative, the leaves can be mulched with a mower and used to insulate tree roots.

Many Utah homeowners don’t think about planting trees in the fall, but doing so can be a great idea. The cooler temperature helps stimulate root growth in saplings, and putting them in the ground now provides plenty of time for the roots to become well-established before winter.

Would you like expert assistance with fall tree care? If you live in northern Utah, call on the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts.

​We offer a range of practical, cost-effective tree care services to homeowners in and around Salt Lake City and throughout Utah County. A regional industry leader, our company is known for honesty, integrity and a strong commitment to customer service. For more information, or to arrange for a free tree care consultation, contact our Lehi, Utah, office today.

If you have diseased trees, reaching out to a certified arborist is the best course of action. Diagnosing the problem and providing the appropriate tree disease treatment can be a challenge for anyone without expertise – particularly with the dozens of bacterial, viral and fungal infections that are common here in northern Utah.

But how do you know if your trees are affected by disease? We suggest giving them a good look whenever you’re out in the yard, scanning the foliage, branches and bark for irregularities. If you spot any of the following warning signs, contact a Utah certified arborist and schedule a consultation to discuss tree disease treatment.

As you look at your trees, examine the foliage. Are there variations in the coloration of the leaves? Do any have holes or visible damage? Or are the leaves dropping at the wrong time of year? If you answered yes to any of these questions, calling a local Utah arborist is a good idea, as you may be looking at the results of tree disease.

Next, examine the limbs of each of your trees. If any are dead or look dry and lifeless, a bacterial, fungal or viral infection is probably to blame. Branches that are decaying also point to the need for an arborist’s assistance, but you’ll only spot those by searching for outward symptoms of decay, like crumbly wood and mushroom growth.

The effects of tree disease can frequently be seen in the bark. Discolorations appear in areas where the infection has weakened the bark, and deep cracks, splits and cankers, or dead areas of bark, can develop as time goes on. Check the bark carefully, and if you suspect a problem, call a Utah certified arborist for advice and expert treatment.

​Finally, consider the overall appearance of each tree. Do any have a serious lean? Are the limbs growing too close together? Does the growth pattern look abnormal? Tree disease is the most likely culprit, though other variables – including sunlight, weather patterns, pests and environmental disturbances – could be involved. In any case, you should contact a local arborist if you notice uneven tree growth.

​The professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts, based in Lehi, offers free, no-obligation tree disease treatment consultations to homeowners and businesses in Utah County and throughout the greater Salt Lake City area. Our ISA-certified arborists can meet all of your tree care needs, and we’re known for providing quality services at affordable prices.

For more information on tree disease treatment, or to make an appointment to meet with one of our friendly and knowledgeable arborists, contact us today.

You likely already know tree fertilization can be beneficial. Fertilizing can boost the health of the trees on your property and, therefore, give them an increased ability to fight off disease, pest infestation and environmental stresses.

Understanding why experts recommend fertilizing is one thing, but figuring out how to get the job done right is quite another. And if you’re not sure what approach to take, you’re certainly not alone – here at Rivendell Tree Experts, we get a lot of questions from northern Utah homeowners. Below, we provide answers to the most common questions people have about tree fertilization.

The answer to this question depends upon species you have planted. For some, spring is the best time for tree fertilization. For others, summer, fall or multi-season application is ideal. An online search can help you identify the species, or you can get expert assistance from a local tree service company.

Looking around the landscape, you may notice signs that it’s time for tree fertilization. Dead branches and branch tips are a clue, as are leaves with veins that are darker than their margins. Less twig growth and fewer undersized leaves than you normally see each year are other warning signs that your trees are lacking nutrients.

For tree fertilization to be effective, the nutrients need to reach the roots. But, making that happen doesn’t require the removal of your mulch – organic fertilizers come in the form of granules or pellets, which you simply spread evenly under the drip zone, steering clear of the trunk area. After the application, water thoroughly and the nutrients will soak down into the soil.

Fertilizing can stimulate robust, vigorous growth – if, that is, the product used corrects deficiencies in the soil. The wrong fertilizer can have the opposite effect, as can applying too much, fertilizing too often and fertilizing during the incorrect season.

Every species has unique needs, and certified arborists know how to plan effective fertilization programs. And if necessary, they can apply soil amendments and use specialized equipment for deep root fertilization.

Our soils in Utah have a pH of around 8 which make the Iron much less available to trees than it is in most other parts of the country. We actually have plenty of iron here for the most part, it’s just not as available to many species or varieties like red maples, red oaks, many fruit/ornamental fruit trees. At Rivendell Tree, we use a Chelated Iron (EDDHA) that provides iron in an available form.

For these reasons, many homeowners prefer to leave the work to a tree service company – and those in northern Utah rely on the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts.

A longtime local industry leader, we offer a range of affordably priced arborist services. For more information, or to schedule a consultation to discuss tree fertilization, contact our Lehi, Utah, office today.