When Should You Spray Trees for Insects and Infection?

7/5/2018

Should you spray trees right away when you notice a problem? Whether it’s fungus, blight or insects, you want to ward off any harmful conditions that could take down an otherwise healthy tree on your property. But it’s critical to treat these problems correctly.

You might do more damage if you spray trees unnecessarily or if you spray trees too long after the infection has taken hold. What guidelines should you follow?

Prevention Is Key to Saving Your Trees

Many tree diseases are prevented through thorough watering and proper fertilization. You should also take care not to damage tree roots when mowing near their bases. Keep a close eye on all trees on your property and inspect them regularly. When you know what a healthy tree looks like, it’s easier to spot a problem.

Know the Signs

The signs of disease and infestation vary depending on the condition and the type of tree, but here are problematic symptoms to watch for:

Leaves that fall much earlier than normal
Leaves with gray, brown or green spots
Leaves that turn pale
Leaves that are contorted
Insect exit holes in tree branches or trunk
Sawdust around base of the tree

The moment you notice your tree is sick, given its symptoms, it’s time to explore the right treatment.

Get Advice from Your Arborist

A range of fungicides and insecticides could help your tree defeat the outside threat. It’s best to start by getting a proper diagnosis from an arborist. You should know what disease is affecting the tree before you unleash a chemical spray. General pesticide sprays may not eradicate the problem, and can expose your landscape to harsh chemicals for no reason.

Second, make sure you time the treatment correctly. A professional arborist helps by identifying the stage of the disease. Many tree diseases or infestations must be treated within a certain window of time, or else the chemical intervention will not work.

On the other hand, your tree might need a series of sprays in order to fully treat the problem. Your arborist will be able to help you select the right product.

Don’t Make Amateur Mistakes

Trees that are neglected can develop diseases and infestations. But trees that are attended to the wrong way are also at risk.

For example, incorrect pruning is one of the top reasons trees become vulnerable to disease. When you lop off a branch in the wrong direction, at the wrong angle or in the wrong spot, you can do more harm than good. It’s good to want your trees to flourish, but without the proper guidance, you could unwittingly expose them to unforeseen danger.

When you’re trying to prune or spray trees on your property, do so in a productive way, with the help of our team: Rivendell Tree Experts. With years of experience, certified training and a love for healthy trees, we’re the right people to call when yours need help.

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4 Signs It's Time to Call an Arborist

5/31/2018

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You need to call an arborist anytime there is a clear emergency involving tree damage, especially if it may involve your home or car. But an emergency isn't the only scenario that warrants a professional's attention. Many seemingly mundane situations can quickly turn precarious if they aren't managed by an arborist.

Below are four instances where it’s helpful to call an arborist at Rivendell Tree Experts.

When There’s Storm Damage

After a big storm, maybe feel thankful that no trees fell on your home. But then, the cleanup begins. Before you get out the chainsaw, think about your trees: Do you know the best way to prune and trim them following significant damage?

If storm damage pruning isn’t handled by a pro, you could wind up with a sick tree. Tree damage that isn’t resolved correctly through pruning and treatment can lead to decay and future weakness. It’s not worth it to try to DIY — you could put your tree at risk. Call us instead.

When Branches Look Like They Might Fall

Maybe there hasn’t been a storm, but you’re still feeling nervous about the leaning branches that get lower by the day. If a branch is thicker than 2 inches, it can cause serious damage if it falls. Look at the trees on your property, especially the trees close to your home, shed, car or pool. If you suspect a problem, get peace of mind by calling an arborist.

When Roots Are Exposed

According to experts, 80 percent of tree problems typically begin in the root system. Suddenly exposed or broken tree roots, or mounding near the trunk are signs of trouble. It’s key to catch stability issues early, as this can jeopardize the tree’s health and the safety of nearby people and structures. Schedule a consultation with an arborist as soon as you can.

When You Want to Plant New Trees

Proper planning is the key to healthy trees. Don’t just choose a tree you like the looks of and plant it. Come up with a plan that takes into account the type of soil on your property, the amount of sun your tree will get and the how far away the surrounding trees and structures are.

Not only will you bypass a lot of confusion, you’ll get professional recommendations from an expert that has your property value in mind.

Rivendell Tree Experts is a local arborist team that fully understands the challenges of Utah’s climate. We are here to help you correct tree problems and manage new plantings to deliver the highest value and the most enjoyment for the property owner. Call us today to set up a consultation!

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6 Important Reasons to Remove Dead Trees Right Away

5/4/2018

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Removing dead trees isn’t a task to put off until next spring — it needs to be done now! It’s OK if you procrastinate on landscaping tasks like weeding your flower beds, but when it comes to large, dead trees, don’t leave anything to chance.

Why should you take action today? Six reasons.

1. Pests Love Dead Trees

Termites and other bugs aren’t the type of wildlife you want in your yard, but it’s exactly what your dead tree will attract. Even though it’s already past rescuing, a dead tree that becomes infested will soon become unstable. There’s also a risk these insects could start feeding on your home next.

2. They’re a Hazard

You don’t want to worry about a tree falling on your home when the wind picks up. Dead trees can’t be trusted, and if one falls on your house, garage or car, it’s not just property damage you have to worry about — there’s the potential it could harm you or a loved one.

3. They’re a Fire Risk

Dry, dead wood can easily catch fire. If you live in an area where wildfires rage, you need to remove dead trees right away. A tree that catches fire near your home could cause property damage and pose a risk to you and your family.

4. It’s Less Expensive to Remove Now

It’s easier to remove a tree that has died but is still standing, and it’s also cheaper. Once it falls on a home, electrical wires or any other property, the process gets harder because workers must minimize further damage to these objects. Save money and just remove it now!

5. Your Other Trees Could Get Sick

Why did it die? This is a question an arborist can answer for you while they are removing it. It’s important to know the reason so you can prevent other trees on your property from experiencing the same fate. Also, the sooner you remove a dead tree, the lower the risk surrounding trees will catch the disease.

6. They Don’t Look Good

Finally, think about how it looks to those passing by. Dead trees detract from your home’s curb appeal. Remove dead trees when you want to spruce up your home’s appearance or if you’re getting ready to sell.

Removing dead trees won’t take up your whole weekend if you depend on Rivendell Tree Experts. We handle the job safely — for your landscape, your home and your family. Get in touch with us when you have a dead tree that needs to be attended to — we’re at your service.

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When Is it Time for Tree Removal?

4/19/2018

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Tree removal isn’t always what homeowners want, but sometimes it’s what they need. How can you tell?

Schedule a consultation with an arborist and get an expert opinion on the health of your property’s trees. Below are some signs you should get an arborist on site soon.

Trees Teetering Dangerously

When trees begin to lean, they are at serious risk of falling. What you don’t want is the tree falling on your family members, house, shed, garage, car, etc. So any significantly leaning tree is cause for concern because you don’t know what to expect. Will it fall away from your house? Should you get it removed proactively?

Teetering trees mean it’s time to get an expert opinion on the best route to take.

When Power Lines Are at Risk

If you see a dead or dying branch or tree near a power line, don’t wait until the next big storm. Preserve power to your home and address the issue right away. In many cases, full tree removal isn’t required if a simple pruning will effectively reduce the risk posed to nearby power lines.

It’s Clear the Tree Is Dead or Dying

Even if the tree is standing up straight and doesn’t pose a threat to power lines, other signs can indicate its health is not up to par. Does the tree have a significant amount of peeling bark? Are there cracks in the trunk? Does it have dead branches high up in the crown?

When a tree is dead or dying, there are ways to successfully execute tree removal in a way that is safe and nonthreatening to the surrounding landscape, and your arborist knows these methods.

Drastic Root Damage

Even if what’s high above the ground looks vibrant and healthy, tree longevity is dictated by more than the color of its leaves and the number of buds. It also is predicted by the health of its root system.

If you know your tree recently sustained serious root damage, give us a call. Whether you were digging up your sewer tank or installing a new swimming pool, damaging your trees’ roots can have serious implications. While signs of root damage might not show up right away after an accident, trees that have gradually lost root health over the years may show fungi growing at the base of the trunk or heaving soil underneath the leaf canopy.

Why You Should Trust a Pro

Trees are a central part of life, but it’s not always easy to understand how or when you might need tree removal. This is where an experienced, licensed arborist can provide you with facts and data, and use their skills to effectively make your property safer, both for you and the surrounding landscape. Trust Rivendell Tree Experts when you need tree removal services for the hands-on, highly professional care your trees deserve.

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5 Comprehensive Tree Care Services Your Arborist Provides

3/29/2018

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Tree care services offered by professional arborists help one of the earth’s most essential components survive and thrive. Trees prevent soil erosion. They provide a home for animals. For humans, they make our air cleaner, providing the oxygen we need to live.

When you need guidance and advice on supporting your trees’ health, you can depend on Rivendell Tree Experts, a local arborist team, for the five essential tree care services listed below.

1. Pruning
Strategic pruning involves the removal of specific branches to benefit the health of the tree. It can mean removing dead areas to avoid further decay. Pruning could also involve removing healthy branches to thin out heavy leaf coverage and increase sunlight infiltration.

Pruning is done for the tree’s health, but also for the safety of its surroundings. It takes special tools and knowledge about tree growth and development to prune safely and correctly.

2. Removal
If decay has taken over a tree, removal may be necessary. Certified arborists do everything they can to treat disease and save trees from demise. But when removal is unavoidable, it’s important that it is done safely and completely. This is when an arborist team can help.

3. Planting
Besides supporting the growth of healthy and strong trees, arborists plant young saplings. Planting trees is rewarding, especially when best practices are observed and the tree is set up for a successful, long life.

Tree planting is not as straightforward as you might think. Many factors must be considered, starting with soil health.

If your property is not prepared to support a young tree, your arborist can help you reach this goal. Working together, you’ll consider local climate, landscape aesthetics and both short- and long-term property goals to determine both the right species and placement.

4. Risk Assessment
When something just doesn’t look right — a storm produced a crack in the tree’s trunk or down the center of a branch, or decay has eaten away at the roots — it’s essential to have a tree risk assessment performed. Your arborist team can assess whether the damage poses a risk to your home or other areas of your property and make professional recommendations on how to rectify the problem.

5. Emergency Tree Care Services
When a tree downs a telephone wire or falls on a car -- or worse, a house -- call your arborist. They can quickly execute an emergency response plan that minimizes danger to you and your family and removes the problematic tree immediately.

Trust Rivendell Tree Experts in Lehi, Utah, for conscientious tree care services for your home, business or community area. We care about trees and we care about you.

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Hiring an Arborist vs. Hiring a Landscaper: What’s the Difference?

2/13/2018

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Is hiring an arborist the same thing as hiring a landscaper? It’s a common question with a simple answer: no, it isn’t the same! There are essential differences between a landscaper and a licensed arborist who has all the training and tools to care for trees. It’s important to make the right choice when you’re addressing needs on your property.

The Landscaping Profession
Landscapers are well-versed in planting, growing, fertilizing and maintaining lawns, shrubs, plants and flowers. With the goal of creating an appealing outdoor environment, landscapers are helpful partners in enhancing curb appeal and keeping your plants healthy. Whether you hire them for design or cleanup, landscapers can help you mow, plant, mulch and trim shrubs. Some firms also design and build hardscapes. What don’t they do? They don’t specialize in tree care.

A Certified Arborist
A certified arborist has in-depth training in all aspects of tree care. They apply this knowledge to tree trimming, removal, planting, stump grinding and more. They have a range of equipment they can use to accomplish these tasks, and they are certified and insured to do so. When you depend on an arborist for tree care, you can rest assured you are ensuring the safety of not just your trees, but also your home and your family. They practice good pruning, and they can handle chippers and chainsaws without a problem.

Which Do You Need?
When you’re deciding between hiring an arborist or hiring a landscaper, the choice is simple. If your grass is dead and your yard needs revitalizing, call the landscaping company. If your trees look like they’re dead or dying (or their branches are), call an arborist. When in doubt about tree health, it doesn’t hurt to request a free quote for arborist services to see if they can help.

Trust Rivendell Tree Experts
When you are looking into hiring an arborist for a tree health or maintenance issue, don’t look any further than Rivendell Tree Experts. We are the conscientious, tree-loving team you want on your side. We quickly identify the problem (if there is one) and treat tree disease, or we carefully manage the removal of a stump or dead tree. With a wide range of equipment on hand and a team of certified arborists on call, we come to your aid whenever you need help. Call today for regular tree maintenance or for emergency service.

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Protecting Trees from Frost Damage

1/15/2018

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Frost damage can severely affect the health of your trees. Though it might not cause long-term problems, frost damage can show throughout the subsequent spring and summer seasons.

Is it possible, even in a cold Utah winter, to protect your trees from the frost damage that’s threatening them?

Which Types Are Susceptible?

Certain types of trees are more susceptible to frost damage than others. Those that do not bloom as quickly can be highly affected by a late spring frost. While most stay dormant all winter, once the temperature starts to turn, they sprout new buds and blossoms begin to open. The trees that go through this process quickly develop a hardiness that protects them from unexpected frosts, but the types that take longer to develop are at risk of frost damage.

Some of the tree types that you can worry less about include crab apple trees, silver maples, lilacs and linden trees. These are sturdy types that don’t typically struggle with frost damage.

On the other hand, tree types that commonly have issues with frost include apple, magnolia, dogwood and cherry trees.

It Starts with Preparation

Once damage has occurred, there isn’t much you can do reverse it, but you can double up on your care of the tree in subsequent seasons, ensuring they get the necessary nourishment to bounce back. Some of the signs that low temperatures have taken a toll include dry, discolored or shriveled leaves, or cracking in the tree’s trunk.

Preventing damage in the first place is key. The better you take care of your trees, the hardier they will be. The first thing to do is ensure you’re watering your trees enough. If the temperatures are above freezing, trees should be watered every three to four weeks. When dry soil freezes, it blocks natural moisture from reaching the tree’s roots, damaging them through deprivation.

Another measure you can use to protect against frost damage is to wrap the trunks of young trees with burlap. You will need to unwrap and re-wrap trees each year, to keep them from developing a girdled trunk. You can also spread mulch around the base of the trunk to help retain moisture for the root system.

Depend on Us for Assistance

Are you concerned about the health of your trees? Whether your goal is to prevent or reduce damage or trim dead branches, your local arborist team is here to help. Rivendell Tree Experts is dedicated to providing responsive, professional service for all of your maintenance needs.

Call us today to schedule a time for us to come and assess the health of your trees close-up. We will give you a detailed quote on work before we begin and we’ll tell you how you can give your trees the hands-on attention they need, particularly if you’re trying to limit the effects of frost damage.

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Snow-Damaged Tree Limbs? Here’s What to Do.

12/21/2017

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Winter brings lights, cheer, good will and … snow-damaged tree limbs.

When you live in an area with heavy snowfall, your trees might become a victim the next time the forecast says snow. What should you do when the storm lets up and your trees’ branches are broken and bent? Should you stand pat or take action?

We can help clear up any misconceptions on how to respond to snow-damaged tree limbs.

Assess Trees for Weaknesses Before Winter

First things first: The best way to help your trees is to shore up their weaknesses before the snow starts. When trees have areas of decay, an imbalanced root system, dead branches or their branches have a large lateral surface area, they are more susceptible to snow and ice damage.

If you aren’t sure if your trees need care, contact a certified arborist for an in-depth tree inspection. They will help you determine if any pruning or fortification is in order for trees to make it through the winter unharmed.

Feed Trees Before Dormancy

If the area you live in is prone to specific nutrient deficiencies, it can be beneficial to apply fertilizer within the dripline before dormancy sets in. Also, water within the dripline, then cover the area with thick, insulating mulch. This will help the tree’s roots retain moisture and sustain warmth throughout the upcoming winter.

Make Safety Your First Priority

When you have a downed tree limb or a branch that looks like it’s about to collapse from the weight of snow, be extremely careful. Stay away from the tree if the trunk is cracked or damaged.

Call your utility company if there are any downed power lines nearby or touching the tree. As much as you care about your trees and want to help them thrive, your safety comes first.

Don’t Remove Snow — with One Exception

In general, you shouldn’t try to remove snow and ice from tree branches. This usually causes more harm than good. However, there is one exception: light, fluffy snow. If you can easily sweep it off with a broom, it’s OK to do so with care.

Ask an Arborist How to Prune Damaged Limbs

When branches are damaged and sections are broken, it’s vital to trim the ragged edges left behind. If you don’t, you’re leaving the tree open to disease and infestation. With sharp tools, make clean cuts to remove snow-damaged tree limbs, as long as they are small enough to handle with pruning shears.

In general, leave more complex cases to certified arborists who have the equipment and the know-how to resolve the issue in a way that is best for your tree. There is an art and a science to tree pruning, and you should never opt for DIY if you don’t have an in-depth knowledge of the right practices.

Care Should Continue into Spring

Trees that sustain a significant amount of damage in the winter may benefit from a specialized care program in the spring involving extra fertilizer and water. Again, your arborist will have the best advice based on the type of tree and the extent of the damage.

Dealing with snow-damaged tree limbs isn’t always straightforward or easy, but Rivendell Tree Experts is here to help. Call today or whenever you need service or have a question!

5 Reasons to Schedule Winter Pruning

10/31/2017

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Call an arborist today to schedule your winter pruning appointment! You may think summer is ideal for landscape maintenance, but certified arborists can prune your trees all year round. While others are waiting until the warmer months begin, your trees can get a head start on their fresh look for spring. And believe it or not, there are some unique benefits that can come from winter pruning.

Here are our top five reasons we love to prune in winter:

1. Arborists Make Accurate Cuts
Without heavy leaf coverage, it’s much easier for arborists to see the tree’s frame and the direction of each branch. This helps them make more accurate decisions on which branches to trim and which to preserve. Branches that are diseased or damaged are more easily seen.

2. Diseases and Insects Are Dormant Too
Winter is the dormant season, and the cold weather causes infectious diseases and destructive insects to die as well. Trimming branches at this time poses less of a risk. Diseases and insects are much less likely to find their way into the cut and create problems.

3. Prune Just in Time to Avoid Winter Hazards
For pruning purposes, winter is typically defined as anytime between October and March, but prioritizing the task before heavy snowfall has another benefit. That way, rotting or dead tree branches, they won’t pose a risk of breaking and damaging your home or car. Avoid winter hazards by pruning early.

4. Dormant Pruning Encourages Spring Growth
Winter pruning enhances the level of light and air exposure for the tree. This means in the spring, growth will flourish due to the tree’s expanded inner energy reserves. Winter pruning also gives the tree a chance to grow more efficiently around the wound, limiting its risk of developing diseases in the spring.

5. It Prevents Oak Wilt
Do you have oak trees on your property? Winter pruning is ideal. When their branches are trimmed, the tree emits an odor that attracts beetles that in turn cause oak wilt disease. It’s a fungal infection that can spell death to the tree, starting with leaves wilting and discoloring, and the eventual complete defoliation of the oak.

When you prune in winter, the beetles that are at the root of this disease are hibernating, making dormant pruning safest.

Should You Hire an Arborist?

You know your tree branches don’t look quite right, but are you sure about what type of cuts to make and where?

If you don’t have experience and training, consider hiring a professional to take care of the task. Rivendell Tree Experts will give your trees the best chance for superior growth next spring through practiced, detailed winter pruning.

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Why You Need a Professional for Stump Removal

10/3/2017

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It doesn’t sound difficult, but stump removal is one of those jobs you shouldn’t handle on your own. It takes experience, knowledge and skill to extract tree stumps smoothly.

Old tree stumps are an eyesore. They mar your landscaping and create a trip hazard. You may want yours gone, but it’s not a DIY project you should tackle without the necessary know-how.

Why?

It Requires Special Equipment

You may be able to rent a stump grinder, but do you know how to operate it? Not only is renting this machine expensive and a hassle to transport, but it takes special training to know how to use it effectively. If you have only one or two stumps to remove, it’s likely to be cheaper and easier to hire a reputable tree company than to rent a machine.

It’s Dangerous

You can jump right in and start on a stump removal job, but if you don’t do a risk analysis first, you could unknowingly put yourself or your property in harm’s way. Are there any utility or plumbing lines you should watch for? Are you following best practices while operating the machinery?

Have a professional conduct a hazard assessment first. This is how arborists go about their work, and it’s much safer for everyone involved. They remove the stump with care to reduce risk.

There’s More to it Than Meets the Eye — Literally

The network of roots beneath the actual stump is another obstacle. Roots can reach far and wide, sometimes into the path of electrical wires or plumbing lines. Stump removal professionals can successfully detangle all the roots underground without threatening your home systems … or your neighbor’s.

Professionals Expedite the Process

Finally, think about the time it takes to complete the stump removal project and how quickly an arborist can get the job done. Hint: probably a couple hours. Using a professional service is much more efficient — they can remove the stump fast, with minimal mess and complications.

It’s Time to Get Rid of That Tree Stump — Call Us

Rivendell Tree Experts offers stump removal services for homeowners in Lehi, Utah, and throughout the Salt Lake and Utah Valley region. We get rid of your old tree stump in a clean, safe and efficient manner, making us a top choice for tree care. Call today to learn more about what we do.

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When Should You Spray Trees for Insects and Infection?

Prevention Is Key to Saving Your Trees

Know the Signs

Get Advice from Your Arborist

Don’t Make Amateur Mistakes

4 Signs It's Time to Call an Arborist

6 Important Reasons to Remove Dead Trees Right Away

When Is it Time for Tree Removal?

5 Comprehensive Tree Care Services Your Arborist Provides

Hiring an Arborist vs. Hiring a Landscaper: What’s the Difference?

Protecting Trees from Frost Damage

Snow-Damaged Tree Limbs? Here’s What to Do.

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5 Reasons to Schedule Winter Pruning

Why You Need a Professional for Stump Removal

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​Prevention Is Key to Saving Your Trees

Know the Signs

Get Advice from Your Arborist ​

Don’t Make Amateur Mistakes ​

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Archives

Categories

Prevention Is Key to Saving Your Trees

Get Advice from Your Arborist

Don’t Make Amateur Mistakes