How Tree Experts Care for Snow-Covered Branches

11/12/2019

What do tree experts do when branches are bending under the heavy weight of snow?

If you encounter this issue, your first thought may be to relieve the burden. But if you act on this inclination too quickly, you may actually make the issue worse.

First, consider whether the snow-covered branch poses a hazard. If so, contact a reputable local arborist – like the team at Rivendell Tree Experts. If the limb isn’t likely to cause damage to your northern Utah property, follow these recommendations.

Refrain from Shaking the Tree

To remove snow from tree branches, why not give the tree a good shake?

While shaking could accomplish your goal, it could also lead to further problems. Heavy snow accumulation makes limbs weaker -- and a shake might just make branches that are bent from a blanket of snow snap. Breakage would not only hurt the tree, but could also cause you to suffer a serious injury.

Gently Brush the Snow Away

Grabbing a soft-bristled broom might be an effective way to solve your problem.

If the branches are covered in soft, fluffy snow, tree experts recommend using a broom to remove it. Sweeping upwards – not from the top down – is best, as that helps ensure you don’t put additional pressure on the weakened limbs.

Leave Icy Tree Limbs Alone

Experienced arborists caution that ice on branches should be left to melt on its own.

Any efforts you make to break up the ice could easily cause damage, and deicing products are not safe for use on trees. Ignore the icy layers, or you might end up facing even bigger issues.

Look at the Limbs in the Spring

Bent, snow-covered branches can compromise the health of a tree.

Once the season for snow and ice has passed, check the limbs to see if they have any noticeable damage. This can be difficult to detect, however, so to play it safe, you may want to have a local arborist take on the task. If your home is in Utah County or the greater Salt Lake City area, contact the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts.

Whether you need immediate assistance dealing with a hazardous snow-covered branch or a professional assessment of your tree’s health, we can meet your needs. And with us, you can count on exceptional customer service and affordable pricing.

Our experienced arborists offer free professional consultations and estimates to northern Utah homeowners and businesses. To schedule yours, or to get answers to your questions taking care of snow-covered branches, contact Rivendell Tree Experts in Lehi today.

0 Comments

Think You Need Tree Removal? Here’s What to Do

10/8/2019

0 Comments

Sometimes, tree removal is unavoidable. If one of the specimens on your northern Utah property is dead, dying or has a significant lean, removing it is often the only course of action.

That said, tree removal is typically a last resort. And in many cases, experienced arborists can save problem specimens and stave off the need to take them down. In light of that, here’s what you should do if you think you may need to remove a tree.

Consult with a Reputable Local Arborist

Before you go ahead with tree removal, doesn’t it make sense to find out whether or not the task is really necessary? A certified arborist has the training, knowledge and expertise to determine whether specimens can be saved – and many provide free consultations, so you can get an answer at no cost.

To choose a local arborist, look for a licensed and insured professional with certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and years of experience. As that describes the entire team here at Rivendell Tree Experts, you can simply give us a call for a free professional assessment.

Consider Tree Preservation Techniques

Remarkable advances in tree preservation allow arborists to save many diseased specimens. Injecting a fungicide, pesticide or antibiotic solution directly into the sap stream can effectively manage the disease, with no risk of exposure or adverse effect on the beneficial insect population.

As for leaning trunks and partially uprooted specimens, cabling and bracing can provide support and encourage healthy long-term growth. Cables and braces can also work to save trees with multiple trunks and vertical trunk cracks.

When you consult with a local arborist, ask if tree preservation is an option. Not every specimen can be saved, of course, but you may be able to take steps to avoid tree removal.

Let a Professional Handle the Tree Removal

If you have no other choice but to remove a tree, leave the job to a professional.

Sure, removal might seem straightforward, and you can find videos and guides online that walk you through the process. But the truth is, taking down a tree can be quite a challenge. Without proper care, you may end up damaging your property – or, worse, you could suffer a disabling injury.

Taking the chance simply isn’t worth it. You’ll be far better off hiring a professional, as that way you can count on a safe, trouble-free tree removal.

If you live in in Utah County or the greater Salt Lake City area, turn to Rivendell Tree Experts. Our professional team has extensive experience removing dead, dying and damaged specimens, and we can also employ a range of preservation techniques to keep removal from being necessary.

For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss tree removal with one of our certified arborists, contact our Lehi, Utah, office today.

0 Comments

Advantages of Tree Stump Grinding

9/10/2019

17 Comments

If you want to get rid of a tree stump, grinding can be an efficient and affordable solution.

The process involves the use of powerful machinery that cuts through and shreds the stump at a very high speed, leaving wood chips and fine sawdust behind. Stumps are typically ground down six to eight inches below the soil level, which erases them from view and allows for planting of grass or flowers in the same location.

Tree stump grinding has several advantages over stump removal, in which the root ball is dug out of the ground with an excavator or backhoe. Here, we explain why grinding is the way to go.

Stump Grinding is Faster and Easier

Compared to digging out a stump and its roots, grinding is a much faster process. A trained professional can usually complete the task within just an hour or two. And removal not only takes longer, it’s also quite a bit more labor-intensive.

Stump Grinding Doesn’t Leave a Gaping Hole

When you remove the entire root ball of an old tree, you’re left with a giant hole in the yard and, in many cases, damage to the surrounding landscape from the heavy equipment required. After grinding, the area is nearly ready for reuse – all you need to do is add some topsoil and smooth the surface.

Stump Grinding Creates No Waste

Some of the wood chips and sawdust produced by the grinding process fill the space where the stump used to be, and the rest can be used as ground cover or mulch elsewhere on your property. As the method results in zero waste, it’s an eco-friendly solution.

Stump Grinding is Less Expensive

Grinding a stump down is easy on your wallet, much more so than digging it out. According to HomeAdvisor.com, a trusted online information marketplace, removal can be as much as $350, and it comes with average labor costs of $38 per hour. In contrast, the national average price for grinding a stump is just $299, and most projects fall between $163 and $471 in total.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Tree Care Service

Though you can rent a stump grinder and tackle the project yourself, doing so can be dangerous. The equipment requires training to operate, and contact with any nearby underground utility or plumbing lines can compromise your safety and cause significant damage.

What’s more, renting a grinder can cost you as much as hiring a professional tree care service. And if taking the do-it-yourself approach doesn’t save you money, what’s the point?

Rivendell Tree Experts offer free, no-obligation professional consultations and estimates to homeowners and businesses throughout Salt Lake City and the greater northern Utah area. Contact our Lehi office and schedule an appointment to discuss tree stump grinding today.

17 Comments

How Professional Tree Trimming Protects Your Rooftop

8/13/2019

1 Comment

Is it time for tree trimming?

As a general rule, experts say to trim trees once a year during the dormant season, which varies by species. However, certain circumstances call for immediate trimming.

If you have branches hanging over your roof, tree trimming is a task that cannot wait.

Overhanging branches are a hazard, and ignoring the issue could result in costly damage.

How Overhanging Branches Can Cost You

When branches grow to hang over your rooftop, they become threats to your property. Without prompt trimming, you may experience a few different problems:

High winds can cause overhanging branches to scrape against the shingles, stripping the asphalt away and leaving the rooftop vulnerable to leaks.
As leaves from the offending limbs fall, they slide into your gutters. And when your gutters are clogged, your rooftop is at risk of deteriorating due to leaks, mold growth and ice dams.
During a heavy storm, overhanging branches can crash down onto your rooftop. If that happens, minor damage is the best you could hope for, as you could end up facing major rooftop repairs.

If you have overhanging branches and want to protect your rooftop – and your wallet – schedule professional tree trimming as soon as possible.

Why DIY Tree Trimming is a Bad Idea

Unless you have experience in trimming trees, attempting the project yourself is not advisable.

Taking the DIY approach to trimming puts your personal safety at risk. You could easily fall off the ladder or rooftop as you try to reach the branches, suffering injuries that send you to the hospital.

DIY trimming can also result in damage. If you don’t make the right cuts, the limbs you are trying to remove could fall onto your rooftop. So, instead of solving the problem, you might actually make it worse.

What to Do When a Neighbor’s Tree is the Problem

If the branches hanging over your rooftop aren’t from one of your trees, talk to your neighbor before having them trimmed.

You may have the right to remove overhanging branches, but discussing the matter first is best. No one wants to see a neighbor cutting one of their trees, and notifying your neighbor before you take action ensures you don’t face an unpleasant reaction.

In addition, you may be responsible for any damage that occurs during the trimming process. For that reason, hiring a certified arborist – who has training, skills and experience in proper tree trimming practices – is in your best interest.

If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area, turn to Rivendell Tree Experts for professional assistance dealing with overhanging branches.

Based in Lehi, Rivendell Tree Experts is a trusted northern Utah industry leader. Our highly-experienced certified arborists understand how to safely trim trees without affecting their future health and growth. For a complimentary consultation and estimate for professional tree trimming, contact us today.

1 Comment

10 Telltale Signs It’s Time for Tree Pruning

7/9/2019

1 Comment

Tree pruning is important for a number of reasons. The practice keeps your trees healthy, strong and beautiful, which boosts your curb appeal. Plus, pruning prevents costly property damage by eliminating hazardous branches.

The question is, how do you know it’s time to prune? Here are ten signs you should hire a certified arborist for tree pruning soon.

No. 1: Damaged Branches

Broken or weakened limbs pose a threat to both your property and anyone who passes underneath. To stave off damage and injuries, these branches must be pruned.

No. 2: Wandering Branches

Long, untamed limbs growing over the rooftop or close to the power lines are safety hazards and have the potential to cause a great deal of damage. For wandering branches, immediate tree pruning is essential.

No. 3: Dead Branches

Dead branches have a detrimental impact on growth, as they are often the result of insect infestation or disease. Prompt tree pruning prevents the problem from spreading.

No. 4: Crossed Branches

If braches grow to cross each other, the bark can suffer damage. If the interior is exposed, decay can set in and spread to the entire tree. Pruning crossed branches keeps this from happening.

No. 5: Multiple Leader Branches

When several main branches are growing from the trunk, they compete for dominance. Pruning down the number of leader branches is necessary to avoid issues with health and growth.

No. 6: Tree Cankers

Cankers, or spots of bark that are sunken or missing, are often signs of disease or decay. Tree pruning addresses canker problems and eliminates rotting concerns.

No. 7: Cracked Bark

Cracks in the bark indicate rot, disease or insect infestation, which, if left unchecked can lead to the need for tree removal. By pruning the affected branches, this can be avoided.

No. 8: Dense Greenery

When branches and leaves are too dense to see through, they can easily catch the wind and cause damage. To prevent this from occurring, the greenery needs to be pruned back.

No. 9: Outward Growth

Trees that grow outward instead of upward often have heavy branches at risk of collapse. Pruning them avoids this issue and encourages healthier growth.

No. 10: Irregular Growth

Misshapen trees are not only unsightly -- their off-balance weight distribution can also create a hazard. After pruning, trees look beautiful, and the risk of falling branches is removed.

Is it time to prune your trees? Hiring a certified arborist is in your best interests, as pruning can be dangerous work. Arborists understand how to prune safely and know the proper techniques to preserve tree health, strength and beauty.

Rivendell Tree Experts, a northern Utah industry leader serving the greater Salt Lake City area, offers professional arborist services for an affordable price. Contact our Lehi office to schedule a free tree pruning consultation and estimate with one of our certified arborists today.

1 Comment

Tree Watering Tips from a Utah Arborist

6/11/2019

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

The Basics on Tree Fertilization

5/15/2019

1 Comment

With proper tree fertilization, your trees stand a stronger chance of remaining healthy, stable and beautiful for years to come. Fertilizer isn’t a magic cure-all, and not all trees need it, but it works to help plants fight off pests, repel disease, improve growth and survive environmental stresses.

So, what’s the right approach to tree fertilization? Read on to learn when and how to fertilize, what type of fertilizer to apply and why you may want to leave the care of your trees to a certified arborist.

When to Fertilize Your Trees

Some species need fertilizer in the spring, while others fare best with summer or fall tree fertilization – or even with applications in multiple seasons. However, sticking to a consistent schedule is the key to encouraging healthy growth.

Age plays a major role in determining how often to fertilize. Newly-planted trees and young specimens typically need more frequent application than those that are mature, healthy and stable.

How to Fertilize Your Trees

To be effective, fertilizer needs to reach the roots. Fortunately, accomplishing this doesn’t mean removing the mulch – simply spread or scatter the pellets or granules evenly under the entire drip zone, avoiding the trunk area.

After applying the fertilizer, water thoroughly to help it soak deep into the soil and down to the root system. Skip this step after tree fertilization, and the product will never get where it needs to go.

What Type of Fertilizer to Use

Organic fertilizers are more expensive than inorganic varieties, but according to certified arborists, they’re well worth the added cost.

Delivering the right ratio of nutrients to the roots is the goal, and this is possible to achieve with an inorganic fertilizer. But, the chemicals they contain have no beneficial effect on the soil structure. Organic products, on the other hand, can improve the soil conditions while providing the necessary nutrients.

Should You Hire a Tree Fertilization Service?

You can handle your own fertilizing, but hiring a local tree service company is the best way to ensure the vitality and longevity of the specimens on your property. A certified arborist can determine whether fertilizer is needed, and choose the right nutrients for each of your trees – which is no easy task, as every species has unique needs.

Certified arborists also know when to apply fertilizer and how much to use. In addition, arborists have specialized equipment for deep root fertilization – and they understand how to apply soil amendments to maximize the effect of fertilizing.

For all of these reasons, leaving the task of tree fertilization to a local certified arborist – like the professional team at Rivendell Tree Experts -- makes good sense.

Based in Lehi, Utah, Rivendell Tree Experts offers a range of affordable arborist services to homeowners and businesses in the greater Salt Lake City area. To schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss tree fertilization, contact us today.

1 Comment

Why Hire a Professional Tree Planting Service?

4/15/2019

0 Comments

If you’re planning to update your northern Utah property with some new trees this spring, you should hire a professional tree planting service.

Sure, the process of planting a tree seems simple – just dig a hole, pop the sapling inside and cover the roots with dirt. Anyone can handle that, right? Perhaps, but a specimen planted without an arborist’s advice has a much greater chance of developing problems as time goes on.

For your new trees to be a long-term asset for your home or business, it’s best to leave the planting to an expert arborist. Here are three solid reasons to skip the do-it-yourself approach and hire a professional tree planting service instead.

Selecting the Right Species for the Planting Site

You probably already have a good idea of where you’d like to place your new trees. Depending on the soil and sun conditions at each location, there will be species that can thrive and others that will always struggle to survive.

A certified arborist can analyze your planned planting sites and offer suggestions on which species stand the best chance of enjoying a long and healthy life. With their advice, you can make smart choices for your landscape update.

Proper Planting Techniques for Optimal Growth

Planting new trees to ensure their long-term survival takes a great deal of care. Certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and training to complete the task correctly, addressing the specific needs of each particular specimen.

For proper tree planting, arborists consider many different factors. The many decisions to make include:

How deep and large to dig the hole
How to amend the soil
How to ensure adequate drainage
How the trunk should be braced
How to prevent pest infestation
How much and what type of mulch to use

Avoid Common Tree Planting Problems

Let’s say you decide to take on the tree planting yourself. If you aren’t careful, a healthy, strong specimen could become a problem.

For instance, you can easily plant the sapling too deep – and that could cause it to die. Or, your placement of the tree could block vital sunlight from reaching your grass, shrubs or perennial plants. Conversely, you might position the specimen in a way that results in lackluster growth or unwanted fungi and insects. Hire a certified arborist, and you won’t have any of these concerns.

Do you live in the greater Salt Lake or Utah County area? For professional tree planting service at an affordable price, turn to Rivendell Tree Experts.

Our highly experienced certified arborists can help you select the ideal new trees for your northern Utah location, and you can count on our team to take the utmost in professional care when planting. We also offer a range of arborist services to ensure that every specimen grows to be healthy, strong and beautiful.

Rivendell Tree Experts provides free, no-obligation arborist consultations and estimates to homeowners and businesses throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah communities. For more information on our professional tree planting service, contact our Lehi office today.

0 Comments

How Much Does Tree Stump Grinding Cost?

3/12/2019

8 Comments

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.

8 Comments

Tree Preservation During Home Construction Projects

3/12/2019

5 Comments

Protecting your trees during home construction projects

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.

5 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

Refrain from Shaking the Tree

Gently Brush the Snow Away

Leave Icy Tree Limbs Alone

Look at the Limbs in the Spring

Consult with a Reputable Local Arborist

Consider Tree Preservation Techniques

Let a Professional Handle the Tree Removal

Stump Grinding is Faster and Easier

Stump Grinding Doesn’t Leave a Gaping Hole

Stump Grinding Creates No Waste

Stump Grinding is Less Expensive

Why You Should Hire a Professional Tree Care Service

How Overhanging Branches Can Cost You

Why DIY Tree Trimming is a Bad Idea

What to Do When a Neighbor’s Tree is the Problem

No. 1: Damaged Branches

No. 2: Wandering Branches

No. 3: Dead Branches

No. 4: Crossed Branches

No. 5: Multiple Leader Branches

No. 6: Tree Cankers

No. 7: Cracked Bark

No. 8: Dense Greenery

No. 9: Outward Growth

No. 10: Irregular Growth

Water in the Early Morning Hours

Water Newly-Planted Trees Frequently

Deep Water During the First Growing Seasons

Check Soil Before Watering Established Trees

Apply Mulch to Preserve Soil Moisture

Know Your Watering Requirements

Average Tree Stump Removal Rates

Costs for Professional Tree Stump Grinding

Estimating Tree Stump Grinding Costs

Schedule a Professional Risk Assessment

Prepare for the Home Construction Project

Use Barriers for Tree Preservation During Construction

Schedule an After-Construction Assessment

Archives

Categories