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4 fundamental tree pruning methods that are easy to do yourself and provide the greatest results

Pruning is an important technique used for tree and plant maintenance. A regularly pruned tree not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also produces more fruit and flowers. Pruning prevents the tree from decay, insects, and disease. It also helps protect the community from damages caused by breaking tree branches. Let us look at four important tree pruning methods.

Raising Prune

• Sometimes, the trees planted in the city may have a large number of low branches. These branches obstruct vision, as well as hinder the smooth flow of traffic. These branches might break off and cause damage to public infrastructure. To solve these issues, a raising prune method is used.

In this method, the lower branches are cut to limit their growth. This limit thus helps maintain the diameter of the tree cover, while the tree focuses growth on the upper branches. The tree thus gets taller quickly. The lower branches are pruned in steps, instead of removing them altogether. This gradual pruning helps protect the tree from decay and disease as well. Trees that are young and medium-aged can be pruned by this method.

Cleaning Prune

• This pruning method helps get rid of dead, diseased, and broken branches. The dead and broken branches are at risk of falling and causing not only damage to property but also injuring people. In the event of a severe thunderstorm, these branches can fly into houses and cause financial losses.

If some branches of the tree are suspected to be infected with a disease or are decaying, then a clean prune method will help to effectively stop its spread to the rest of the tree. Sometimes a tree branch may be pruned to discourage insects from causing damage to it. Clean pruning is considered to be the best method for mature trees as it does not cut or damage the live branches.

Thinning Prune

• Sometimes when a tree isn’t pruned regularly, it may grow to become denser around its edges. This prevents sunlight and air from reaching its inner branches. As a result, the branches near the trunk of the tree become leafless and may appear dead. This does not look aesthetically pleasing.

Thinning prune method is used to fix this problem. The branches, even if they are living, are cut around the edges of the tree cover. This is a preferred pruning method for trees having a high degree of foliage, stems, and leaves. For best results, consider hiring the services of a professional tree pruning company.

Raising Prune

• Sometimes a tree may be present close to a building or infrastructure. Its presence may cause potential harm, especially if the tree experiences a strong thunderstorm. To minimize the risk of damage and losses, a raising prune method is used. This method limits the tree’s height and spread.

A raising prune results in the cutting off of all live lower branches below the 45-degree angle. However, not all trees can withstand a raising prune. If the plant is not particularly healthy, a raising prune might cause injury or death to the tree.

• DIY pruning is not advisable since you have to climb trees up to a certain height to do it successfully. This increases the risk of injury. If you are looking for getting the best care and services for your trees, then get in touch with American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-744-6091 with your pruning and other queries and we will give you an amazing quote for free.

Learn how to grow the right flowering tree in your garden

Flowers add beauty and charm to a garden. However, flowers on trees have an appeal of their own as they seem to paint the sky with colors. Most people assume flowering trees are limited to delicate climates with an extensive spring season. However, we are here to bring you species that you can grow in your own region to enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers in your garden.

What are Flowering Trees?

• Flowering trees are any species of trees that produce flowers for reproduction. Their flowering season can last a few weeks to months even depending on the variety you choose to grow. They often are perfect as garden varieties and do not cause much issue when it comes to the pollen season either.

Top 4 Flowering Trees To Grow In Your Area

Some of the best varieties for your garden include blossoming trees. In our following guide, we mention the different soil conditions and requirements for each species so that you can pick one that best suits your climate. This will help you in nurturing your tree and making sure it has a good flowering season.

Cherry

• Cherry trees are renowned for their beautiful flowers throughout their short-lived blossoming season. The most common variety to have are the Kwanzan and Yoshino cherry trees. They require USDA growing zones 5-9 with medium moist and well-drained soil.

These trees are medium to large in height and make perfect street trees as well if you want to plant them outside your garden. The flowers range from white to light pink. Although the plants can thrive in the sun, they need to be protected from strong winds.

Magnolia

• Magnolias are perfect for their strong flowers that offer contrast to the thick dark-green leaves. They grow from USDA 4a-9a zones and require acidic, moist, and well-draining loam to grow in. The flowers range from purple and pink to creamy white.

They often grow up to be 33 feet tall and have lots of flowers during their flowering season. The plant should not be planted in southern exposures as they may blossom too early.

Dogwood

• Dogwood is a flowering tree that not many people know can be planted in their gardens. Not only does the tree have beautiful flowers and berries but it has interesting branching that comes out during winter shedding.

This makes it a decorative tree all year round. It grows in USDA soils 5a-9a in medium wet but well-drained soil. The plant requires full to partial exposure to the sun. It’s a great plant to have in your garden.

Golden Chain

• If you’re looking for a flowering tree that has more than blossoms in the traditional pink or white colors, Golden Chain is perfect for you. Its hanging yellow flowers pair perfectly with the green leaves, giving a sunny atmosphere to your garden.

The color combination livens up any area and the flower petals often scatter to decorate the grass as well. These trees grow in USDA zones 5-7 with rich moist soil that is often well-drained.

• To grow the perfect flowering tree in your garden, it is important to maintain favorable soil conditions. At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your trees out of harm’s way. Our nutrient management services make sure your trees have the kind of soil they need to thrive. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

To ensure the health and vitality of your trees, here is a summer tree care plan to follow

With the temperature rising in the summer, it is important to prepare a summer tree care plan so trees can handle the heat. Below are a few do and don’ts for maintaining trees in summer.

Water your Trees Regularly

• For effective summer tree care, it is important to water trees regularly. Watering should be done while focusing on the root zone. Watering in the morning is recommended to avoid evaporation. It will also help trees to deal with the heat during the course of the day. Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering until root systems establish.

Don’t Overwater:

• Excessive watering could be detrimental to trees. Excessive water in the soil leads to clogging and poor soil aeration. Check the soil for dampness before watering because if it rained recently then you don’t need to water that day. Make a schedule for watering.

Mulch:

• Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture and stabilize temperature. The proper method of mulching is to spread it throughout the radius of the root zone. The material of choice for mulching is shredded hardwood. Mulch should be 3-4 inches thick. Mulch should be kept fresh by raking the top layer or replacing old mulch with new mulch.

Practice Fertilization:

• Fertilizers help trees to stay healthy. Fertilization gives strength and resistance to disease and insects. Fertilization also provides important nutrients, supports tree growth, and contributes to the overall health and vitality of trees.

Carry Out Frequent Pest Inspections:

• Warm summer weather is optimal for pest growth. Pests such as lace bugs, root rot, magnolia scale, sawflies, bagworms, Japanese beetles, wilt, and spider mites are common in summer. It is important that you find tree experts to help identify pests and kill them.

Prune Your Trees When Needed

• Tree pruning in the summer is usually done because of the fast growth in summer. Summer’s warm weather helps in identifying defective parts of a tree. When pruning, only dead or infected branches should be removed. Pruning of broken limbs prevents the spread of disease to other parts. Summer pruning can also be done to reduce the growth of branches or trees.

Don’t Over Prune:

• Properly pruned trees will encourage further growth of the trees. However, excessive pruning could also expose a tree to sun scalding and stress since trees rely on leaves for food. Seek the services of professionals who can discern what can be pruned or not.

Cable The Unstable Parts of The Tree

• Summer storms are hazardous for trees and neighboring properties. Consult the services of an arborist to determine whether trees on your property pose any danger to vehicles and structures in your compound. Cabling can also help in curbing excessive shedding of twigs and leaves during summer.

Watch out for Signs of Heat Stress:

• Landscaping materials such as water surfaces, structures, glass, block walls, and closed air-tight containers can intensify heat stress on trees. It is therefore important that you carefully evaluate the choice of materials used in landscaping. Some materials used for mulching like decomposed granite are heat absorbent and cause heat stress.

Summer tree care is a routine that’s valuable to adopt. Along with being refreshing and environmentally friendly, trees are a good addition to any yard as they help in raising the value of your home and property. Providing good tree care also ensures that trees have a long lifespan for you and others to enjoy in the coming years.

• Feel free to reach out to us for a tree maintenance-related service at American Tree Expert Inc. We work tirelessly to conserve, protect and preserve your trees. Book your appointment at 973-744-6091. We are located at 47-Walnut St. Montclair New Jersey.

Read below the proper ways of tree cabling and bracing and what are their benefits

When it comes to trees, there are many reasons you may need reinforcements. Trees are beautiful to look at but they are also capable of causing damage under certain conditions. Proper tree cabling and bracing make trees safer for everyone around them and can even help you avoid going against state regulations.

Difference Between Tree Cabling and Bracing

• Although tree cabling and bracing may seem similar, there is quite a difference between them. Tree cabling is mostly done for the upper part of the tree or the canopy. It deals with ensuring the branches are secured and the weight of the crown is well distributed. Bracing is often applied to the trunk or lower part of the tree to prevent damage to its structure. It can be used hand in hand with cabling for better reinforcement.

Signs Your Tree Needs Bracing or Cabling

There are a few signs that confirm that your tree needs cabling and bracing. Routine inspections by a professional can also help you identify when to have your tree’s structure reinforced. Some signs are:

• Your tree is starting to lean.
• You notice cracks or splits in the bark.
• The tree is developing a V-shaped branch growth.
• Your tree’s crown is growing too heavy.

Benefits of Tree Cabling and Bracing

Some of the most important benefits of tree cabling and bracing are as follows:

Helps Make Hazardous Trees Safe

• Tree cabling and bracing make your tree less hazardous and generally safer to be around. This is especially true for trees that are leaning as cabling and bracing may prevent them from falling. It also ensures that certain branches that are heavy do not fall off out of the blue.

Lengthens The Lifespan of Your Tree

• Trees that are under the pressure of a heavy crown or have issues with their structure do not live long. Important parts of the tree either fall off or are disfigured under their weight. This can cause your tree to develop issues and not live as long. Proper assistance in maintaining structure can help prevent this.

Keeps Trees Safe During Extreme Weather

• Weak trees can be a serious threat during extreme weather. Strong winds or tornadoes may break the tree from its roots and cause destruction to nearby property. With proper bracing, the tree can stay in place even in extreme weather conditions.

Protects Your House From Damage

• Cabling and bracing your trees also protect your home from damage. In some cases, trees may grow inclined towards the house, or the place where you park your car might be under a particularly heavy branch. Proper reinforcements help prevent your property from unnecessary damage.

Ensures Tree Structure Remain Intact

• Sometimes the important structures of the tree like the trunk can begin to crack and bend due to issues in the growth of main branches and the weight of the crown. With popper cabling and bracing you can ensure that your tree’s structure remains intact.

Since cabling and bracing are expensive solutions, you should always have a professional assess whether your tree needs reinforcement or not. This will help you in the long run and will also give you an idea of which type of procedure you should opt for.

• At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our cabling and bracing services make sure that your garden has trees that are strong and protected. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here is the list of trees to avoid planting in your vicinity if you have a pollen allergy

Having a pollen allergy can be very difficult for most people, especially during spring. Although pollen is mostly associated with flowers, there are many pollen-producing trees. These trees can cause sneezing and other symptoms depending on the level of exposure. Since you cannot avoid the trees that grow in your neighborhood or region, you can at least avoid planting them in your garden.

What is a Pollen Allergy?

• Pollen allergy is a condition that is characterized by having an allergic reaction to the pollen released by flowers and trees to fertilize other members of the species. It is also commonly referred to as hay fever. It mostly occurs during the spring, but based on the region and type of trees growing in an area it can be common in any season.

Although there are certain trees you shouldn’t plant in your home in general, the list is specifically for those who suffer from bad hay fever.

Top Pollen Producing Trees That Cause Allergies

Some of the most pollen-producing trees are as follows:

Pine Trees

• Pine trees are evergreen trees that produce a lot of pollen. They are often found in the outdoors and in residential gardens as well. Those who suffer from hayfever often react a lot to the pollen of these trees and do not prefer to be in close vicinity of them.

Mulberry Trees

• Mulberry trees are known to be problematic for gardens due to their staining fruit and high levels of pollen. The male trees produce so much pollen that many cities have banned planting new ones. They are very hard to maintain and can be dangerous for someone with an allergy.

Oak Trees

• Like most coniferous trees, oak trees also produce a lot of pollen. However, their pollen production is usually highest in the mornings. If you have an oak tree in your garden, you may want to wear a mask or restrict going outside in the morning.

Juniper Trees

• There are about seventy species of juniper trees, almost all of them have high pollen output. Unlike other trees, their pollen producing season is usually in the winters. They can be harmful and irritating to residents who have an allergy, especially if these trees are present in large numbers.

Palm Trees

• If you are sensitive to grass pollen, chances are you would be sensitive to palm tree pollen as well. This is because genetically, palm trees are closely related to grasses. However, different palm trees have different pollen risks. You can easily plant royal palm trees in your garden but would have to refrain from date palm trees altogether.

What To Do If Your Garden Has A Pollen Producing Tree?

• There are many situations in which your garden can have a pollen-producing tree without you knowing. You could move into a house where a pollen-producing tree is planted or it comes with the property etc. One of the best things you can do is opt for professional removal.

This will make sure your garden and house structure are not harmed when removing the tree. These removals ensure that you won’t have to worry about pollen allergies in your garden again.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our tree removal services make sure that your garden has the trees that best suit your lifestyle. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Learn how to keep your plants healthy and prevent diseases in them

Diseases can weaken plants, impact their growth, limit reproduction and even prove to be fatal in some cases. Although no one wants their plants to suffer, it takes due diligence to keep them disease-free. Some species are more susceptible to diseases than others, hence the variety of plants you chose also makes an impact. Today we look at the 9 top ways to prevent diseases in plants.

What are Plant Diseases?

• Plant diseases are basically defined as living or non-living entities interfering with a plant’s health and body functioning. Some diseases are caused by pests whilst others are by bacteria, fungi, or even a lack of nutrients.

Top Ways To Prevent Diseases in Plants

• One of the best ways to keep your plants safe from diseases is by preventing them from getting infected in the first place. The most helpful ways to prevent plant diseases are:

Know What Kind Of Disease You’re Dealing With

Your first line of defense is to know what kind of disease you’re most likely going to be dealing with. There are three important factors that must be present to promote plant disease:

• A vulnerable host plant
• A pathogen to cause the disease
• An environment encouraging disease

This knowledge helps reduce the chances of plant infection if you remove the enabling factors for disease. For example, if you know scab disease is common where you live, consider planting a tree that does not catch that disease. Similarly, if there are pests that tend to lay their eggs in tree barks or affect smaller plants, use proper pesticides to remove them from the equation. This will help in maintaining a healthy garden in the long run.

Keep Your Garden In Top Shape

• Making sure that your garden is in top condition is one of the best ways to prevent diseases in plants. To do this, you need to know the general conditions of the soil where you live and what are the requirements of the plants that you are growing.

If you notice diseased plants in your garden you can remove them entirely or remove the infected areas before the next season. Ideally, you should rotate your plants every growing season for the maximum prevention against diseases. The most important tip that we can give you is, when pruning or trimming, cut healthy parts off before you tend to diseased ones to avoid contamination.

Grow Disease-Resistant Varieties

• Smart gardening goes a long way to make sure your garden is beautiful and free of diseased plants. There are many disease-resistant varieties that you can grow. This not only makes your job easier but reduces the threat of infection almost entirely.

However, when you consult disease-resistance in plants online, you need to understand the context varies for where you are located. It would be beneficial to talk to a local horticulture expert or someone at your local nursery. A little research goes a long way.

Use Pesticides and Fungicides Properly

• Pesticides and fungicides do not guarantee the protection of plants against diseases. There are only a few formulas that are used as preventive measures against diseases.

In many cases, the solutions or products are applied once a plant has become diseased. You can easily consult your local supplier with how to use each product and make sure you do not use too much. Some pesticides can be harmful to health so avoid being in direct contact with them.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services make sure that your plants are protected against pests and diseases. Our most sought after services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here are 5 amazing environmental and social benefits of tree plantation

Tree plantation has become an important part of our personal and social lives. Planting a tree can benefit you and those around you. Most people feel that trees are hard to maintain and want to stay away from that trouble, but many species are easy to keep. Learn about the different benefits trees offer so you can start your plantation journey today.

Where Should You Plant Trees?

• You can plant trees in any place as long as it’s allowed by the state or city you’re in. The safest and most beneficial place to plant a tree is in your garden since that’s your property. Tree plantations can be encouraged in schools and on community grounds as social work.

Some of the best tree varieties to plant are:

• Evergreen trees
• Coniferous trees
• Decorative trees
• Fruit trees

In some cases, you should avoid planting trees that have a lot of pollen emissions, drop fruit or shed a lot.

Benefits Of Tree Plantation

• Everyone knows the basic benefits of planting trees. However, we take our work seriously and consider the greater impact of the deed. Some of the benefits of tree plantation are:

Social Benefits

• Trees have many social benefits such as making life nicer. It improves the quality of life for everyone by having a ‘calming effect’ on their nerves. Societies with trees have lower rates of mental health issues and faster healing amongst the sick. Trees can also be planted as memorials or markers for specific events in a town’s history or achievements.

Environmental Benefits

• The environmental benefits of tree plantations are one of the most well-documented ones. Trees help improve the quality of air by producing more oxygen and filtering out carbon dioxide. They can grip onto the soil to prevent erosion during flooding. Trees play a big part in regulating the heat of any area and controlling moisture levels in the air.

Communal Benefits

• There are communal benefits to trees planted on your property as well. It can help make the neighborhood look more friendly or give your neighbors a good view. Trees planted alongside streets can reduce the speed of traffic and encourage drivers to drive more carefully. It creates shade for children to rest under when they plat outside and become the perfect place to built tree houses or swings.

Personal Benefits

• Trees can also have many personal benefits as well. You can plant a tree in your house to mark moving in or celebrate the birth of a child. They can be great hobbies and tending to plants and caring for them helps people live stress-free lives. It can help improve the quality of your life when you plant fruit trees and enjoy the fruit you grew. They give you a good view outside your window that adds to the beauty of your home.

Economic Benefits

• The economic benefits of trees are something that most people aren’t aware of. When they hear economic benefits they think it wouldn’t affect them directly but they’re wrong. Trees help reduce household costs on heating and cooling. They also increase the value of the property as it is seen as more attractive.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your trees out of harm’s way. Our nutrient management services ensure your trees have all the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here is a list of the top 5 spring tree care tips for healthy trees

Spring is a time when gardeners are always on edge to make the most out of their trees. The shift in temperature promotes the growth of new branches and leaves and the blooming of flowers. This is the perfect time to exercise care and help your tree grow healthier.

Why Is Spring So Important To Trees?

• Spring is important for trees because it gives them the chance to recover from the harsh winters. It is a time of accelerated growth and healing for many trees and is vital for their reproduction as well. You must tend to the needs of your trees during this period as it will influence how strong they grow till the next winter.

Three Phases Of Spring

• Many gardeners divide spring into three phases. This makes it easier to manage the needs of their tree whilst keeping track of optimum timing to exercise certain tree-care practices. These phases are:

Early Spring

• Early spring is when the temperatures are changing from cold to moderately warmer. Snow starts to melt and new leaves and stems start to sprout. This is also the time when many pests come out of hiding, and their eggs start to hatch.

Pre-Bloom Period

• The pre-bloom period is when your tree is consuming the most nutrients from the soil to create flowers to blossom. The prerequisite of this phase is that the dead branches and leaves of the tree should be removed, and the soil should be replenished so there are enough nutrients.

During Springtime

• This is when spring is in full swing and there is the growth of trees, flowers, and fruit everywhere. You can ideally plant new trees during this period and line existing ones with mulch to preserve moisture in the soil.

Spring Care Tips For Healthy Trees

• Some of the best things you can do to care for your trees during springtime are as follows:

Inspect Your Trees

• The first and most important thing that you need to do is inspect your trees. During the winter, many pests may lay their eggs on the bark of trees and inside cracks in the trunks. These eggs will hatch and infest the tree in spring if you do not identify them in time.

Consider Pruning

• Since spring is the time for growth and rejuvenation, pruning is perfect for this season. Try and cut off dead or dying branches so that new ones can grow in their place. Always consider a proper pruning pattern so that your tree’s structure is not harmed.

Get Rid of Weeds

• Weeds take up nutrients from the soil that trees need during spring for flowering and growth. Weeding the garden and the area around the trees helps remove extra plants exhausting the soil of its nutritional value. It is especially recommended to weed out your garden during spring.

Use Fertilizer

• Fertilizing the soil and trees is a must for any springtime gardening. The trees can use the extra nutrients in the soil and it will help them grow better as well. You can consider using mulch to lock in moisture in the soil after April showers to boost growth.

Water Your Trees

• Although spring may seem like the time when trees don’t need much attention, you need to water them regularly. This is because trees are using up a lot of the soil’s moisture to grow new leaves, branches, and flowers.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your trees out of harm’s way. Our pest management services make sure that your trees are protected against pests and diseases in the springtime. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.