Tips

Here is the comprehensive guide to cutting down a palm tree without a chainsaw

While a chainsaw may seem like necessary equipment for cutting down a palm tree, purchasing or renting a chainsaw is costly, in addition, a chainsaw is unnecessary as a manual saw can easily cut the slim-trunked palm trees. This article highlights the techniques to cut a palm tree without a chainsaw.

Determine The Need Of A Permit Application

• Before attempting a DIY tree removal project, the first step is determining if a permit is necessary. While a permit to remove a tree that poses a hazard to individuals or properties is unnecessary, consulting with a professional arborist is essential to rule out the risks.

The arborist will thoroughly assess your property to determine if the palm tree is a safety hazard. If so, its removal can be accomplished without obtaining a permit.

Gather The Necessary Equipment

Ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for tree removal before proceeding. Here’s what you need:

• A saw
• Protective eyewear
• Gloves and a safety harness or belt
• A sturdy step ladder

Select The Appropriate Strategy

• Selecting the appropriate strategy is essential for palm tree removal. Cutting at the base is suitable if your palm tree is still young and unobstructed. Remove a wedge from the side where you need the palm tree to fall. Keep the size of the wedge between one-third and one-quarter of the trunk’s diameter.

Once the blade gets close to the wedge cutout, proceed cautiously, as the trunk may start to fall naturally at this stage. Allow the tree to fall smoothly by avoiding further cutting. If the palm tree is large and cannot be cut in one piece, top it off before removing the trunk portions.

Trim The Branches

• Frond removal is the first step when dealing with a large palm tree. This is essential if you want to gradually cut the tree down to the ground while controlling the rate at which its leaves fall. The pruning of palm trees is a relatively simple process.

However, prioritizing safety by securing the ladder to the trunk’s underside is essential. Then, using a hand-held saw, the fronds can be removed individually. In addition, remember to switch the position of your ladder when necessary to avoid being hit by falling fronds.

Section The Tree for Removal

• Once you have removed the fronds, chop away the trunk. Cut off a part no longer than an arm’s length at a time to minimize the risk of injury. This is a crucial step, so proceed with extreme caution. If the falling tree trunk pieces hit the ladder, there is a risk of falling. Ensure your ladder is secure to prevent any accidents or mishaps.

Remove the Lower Trunk Section

• After the tree has been cut down, removing the tree’s base comes next. Some individuals leave the base to be used as a plant stand or stool. However, renting a stump grinder is advisable to remove the base completely. While it is possible to let the stump decay naturally over time, stump grinding is a more efficient solution.

Dispose of the Debris

• Disposing of debris is the final step after cutting down a palm tree. You can either allow the debris to degrade naturally on your property or have it hauled away by a waste removal service. This will enable you to enjoy a clean and clear space immediately. However, hiring a chipping service to reduce the size of the biomass is also an option depending on the trunk’s thickness.

For the most professional, safe, and affordable tree removal services, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are one of the best tree pruning and removal services in Montclair, New Jersey. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and book your consultation with our qualified arborists and specialists.

Who can help you prepare your trees for summer season? Expert suggestions and resources

Hot and dry weather can adversely affect your trees, particularly when they are young and growing. However, as humans need protection from hot weather, trees require adequate care during all seasons to grow healthy. This article highlights expert tips to prepare your trees for the summer season.

Practice Proper Mulching

• One of the best things to preserve your trees from the effects of hot weather is mulching. Applying mulch around the root area helps safeguard the roots from extreme heat and allows moisture retention. This is crucial for supporting the growth of a strong root system. In addition, proper mulching aids water absorption for young trees.

However, using an appropriate amount of mulch is the key to effective mulching. Typically, one layer of 5 to 10-cm thick mulch is sufficient. Furthermore, leaving some space between the tree’s base and the mulch is essential. Finally, add mulch around the tree in a circular shape to discourage pests and diseases.

Observe The Signs Of Heat Stress

• Proper temperature and shade maintenance is critical for optimal tree care in summer. This is particularly important for young trees as plenty of shade protects them from excessive heat and prevents heat stress. During extremely hot days, watch for the signs of heat stress.

Dropping, wilting, and yellowing of leaves are surefire signs of heat stress. Watering sufficiently will help your trees recover from heat stress if you spot signs of heat stress. Stay mindful of the signs of heat stress to monitor and care for your trees during extreme weather proactively.

Keep Roots And Trunk Safe

• Healthy roots are integral for maintaining the overall health of a tree. More foot traffic surrounds the trees as homeowners walk around them to get some air during hot summer days. This can expose the roots to damage and insects.

While mulching is one way to create a protective barrier, investing in a substantial barrier is essential if the trees are near a frequently used path. The barrier will additionally help protect the trees from animals. In addition, planting shrubs close to trees provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring a safe distance between people and the tree.

Consider Tree Cabling For Enhanced Safety

• Along with hot weather, summer can also bring unexpected storms that risk your trees’ safety. Severe storms can cause the branches to break loose or damage them, creating hazards around the trees. It is advisable to consult a seasoned arborist for appropriate measures to provide additional protection to your trees. Professionals suggest an appropriate course of action for your trees, such as removing dead branches or cabling techniques to secure vulnerable parts of the tree.

Tree cabling and bracing enhance your yard’s safety and reduce twigs and leaves falling during the summer. Tree species such as maples, willows, birches, and cedars are particularly prone to leaf drop. Therefore, cabling effectively allows such species to minimize yard debris. In addition, if you prefer an all-natural Christmas tree, cabling can be an excellent technique to ensure the tree remains secure until the holiday season.

Take action now to prepare your trees for the summer season. Contact American Tree Experts for cabling and bracing services. We offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our experts will thoroughly survey the trees and propose suitable methodologies for bracing plants. Call us at 973-744-6091 to get a free estimate of the services. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Learn about the different types of tree injections and their benefits

Injection treatment is like an IV for trees that helps bring a diseased or dying tree back to life. These injections deliver antibiotics, growth regulators, and nutrients directly into a tree’s vascular system. Keep reading to learn how tree injections work, how they are applied, and how your trees can benefit.

Techniques Of Tree Injections

• The practice of injecting chemicals directly into the sap stream of trees is not new and has been used for over three decades. However, there are different techniques for doing so.

Macro-infusion

• This technique involves infusing a relatively large volume of chemicals containing active ingredients into a larger part of the tree or the whole tree. The chemicals are usually diluted with water.

Microinfusion typically requires as much as 50 gallons of fluid in large trees. Furthermore, macro-infusions require drilling and injecting into the tree trunk, but this is not advisable due to the potential harm to the tree.

Microinjections

• Microinjection is a different approach to microinjections and involves punching tiny holes through the bark. Approximately 1 to 10 milliliters of concentrated active ingredients are injected under the bark at each injection point. This method is far more beneficial as it requires fewer chemicals and causes less damage to the tree.

Administering microinjections higher up the tree allows the chemicals to spread downwards through the root system gradually. This approach allows the tree to absorb and distribute the chemicals immediately. This technique is fast, easy, and has been proven effective while being tree-friendly. Additionally, reputable tree companies use specialized injection methods that do not require drilling into the trunk.

Downsides To Tree Injections

• It is essential to remember that trunk injection formulations take several hours or even weeks to distribute throughout the tree. While they can effectively control certain pests, there is a risk of unintentionally harming non-target organisms such as beneficial insects.

Moreover, injection wounds can cause problems. A penetrated trunk becomes vulnerable to insect pests and decay fungi. Additionally, it can spread decay within the tree or from the inside out through injection wounds.

Why Does A Tree Need Injection?

There are several reasons why your tree may require an injection. Some of them are listed below:

• To effectively control insect and pest infestations
• To curb fungal and bacterial diseases
• To provide necessary nutritional supplementation for your tree

If you are considering treating ash trees, it is best to do so between May and October. During this period, the trees are most active, and water and nutrients flow throughout the tree. Additionally, it ensures that the injected treatment is distributed efficiently and effectively throughout the tree.

Benefits of Tree Injections

There are several other advantages to using tree injections, including:

Reduced Environmental Impact

• Unlike other treatments that involve spraying chemicals on the soil, tree injections limit the use of harmful chemicals and their exposure to the natural environment.

Minimal Disturbance

• Although there is a slight risk of wounding a tree during injections, when performed correctly, the benefits of treatment are worth the potential risks.

Quick Treatment

• Unlike other treatment methods, tree injections are a fast and efficient way to treat a tree.

Nutrient Supply

• Tree injection services treat diseases and give your tree essential nutrients for its growth and overall health.

Overall, tree injections are a safe, effective, and environmentally-friendly way to maintain the health and vitality of your trees.

Give your trees the care they deserve. Contact us at American Tree Experts to schedule a tree injection service and enjoy the benefits of essential nutrient supplementation for your trees. We offer Nutrient Management Services in New Jersey. Let us revitalize your trees by injecting them with organic and liquid fertilizers.

Who else wants healthy trees? A guide to deep root fertilization

Deep root fertilization is a popular technique arborists use to promote tree growth in areas where trees may not have access to adequate nutrients. It is a great way to give your struggling trees a boost. Keep reading to learn about deep tree root fertilization, its benefits, and signs of deficiencies.

Deep Root Fertilization: An Overview

• Deep root fertilization is a tree care technique that involves the application of fertilizer to the roots of trees and shrubs. This procedure can be done by injecting fertilizer into the soil or applying it directly to the root system. The main purpose of deep-root fertilization is to enhance the nutrient uptake of trees and shrubs, leading to improved growth, health, and productivity.

How Deep Root Fertilization Works?

• Deep root fertilization involves the delivery of fertilizer directly to the root system of trees using specialized equipment such as soil probes. The nutrients applied by this method are precisely absorbed where they are needed and are immediately available to the tree. Once the fertilizer is injected into the soil, it gradually spreads and becomes available to the entire root system.

Trees typically have extensive root systems that can spread out two to three times the width of their canopy, making it challenging for surface fertilization methods to provide adequate nutrition. However, deep root fertilization promotes the development of a robust and healthy root system by distributing nutrients to the entire root system.

The Benefits of Deep Root Fertilization

• Deep root fertilization offers several benefits for trees by delivering essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron to the roots. In addition, this method provides trees with an immediate boost of nutrition, promoting their growth and overall health. Unlike surface fertilization methods, deep root fertilization goes straight into the soil without runoffs, making it an environmentally safe option.

Moreover, injecting fertilizer under pressure also helps to aerate the soil, allowing for better water and air circulation around the roots. Furthermore, deep root fertilization helps trees to better defend against pests and diseases by strengthening the root system. A healthy root system enables trees to absorb more water and nutrients and withstand better stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, and insect infestations.

The Right Time For Deep Root Fertilization

• The right time for deep root fertilization is usually in the spring and fall. In the spring, it supports the growth of new leaves and branches, while in the fall, deep root fertilization can help promote root development, allowing trees to withstand winter conditions better. However, deep root fertilization can be done at any time of the year if the soil is not saturated or frozen.

Signs Your Tree Needs Deep Root Fertilization

Deep root fertilization can be a beneficial treatment for trees that show signs of nutrient deficiencies or stress. Opt for root fertilization if your tree shows the following signs:

• The tree is not growing well
• It has smaller or fewer leaves than usual
• It shows signs of branch dieback
• It has discolored or chlorotic leaves

However, various factors, such as soil compaction, lack of nutrients, root damage, or pests, can cause these symptoms. It is essential to consult with a tree care professional to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms and whether deep root fertilization is an appropriate solution. A certified arborist can evaluate your tree’s health, conduct soil tests, and recommend the best action to improve its overall health.

To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized tree healthcare program and look after your trees as best as possible. Call us at 973-774-6091 today for a free quote for all your tree-related needs.

Master the art of pruning fruit trees: your guide to a beautiful and productive orchard

Fruit trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing aesthetic appeal and delicious produce. However, fruit trees require proper care and maintenance to thrive like ornamental trees. Pruning is an essential aspect of fruit tree care that promotes fruit production and prevents diseases if done correctly. We have compiled a guide to help you prune your trees like a pro.

Step 1: Removing The Dead, Damaged, And Diseases Wood

• The first step in tree pruning is removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood, commonly known as the three D’s. Deadwood is easy to spot as it is dry, brittle, and lacks leaves or buds. Damaged wood may have broken or split branches, while diseased wood may show signs of discoloration, fungus growth, or cankers. Removing the three D’s will improve the tree’s appearance and prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

In addition to the three D’s, you should also look for sprouts growing from the base of the trunk, which are called suckers. Remove suckers as close to the trunk as possible to prevent regrowth. Also, look for water sprouts and erect, perfectly vertical branches that grow from the tree’s main branches. Water sprouts may look healthy but divert the tree’s energy from producing fruit and should be removed. Finally, when making clean-up cuts, it’s essential to prune the branches back to the larger limb they’re growing from rather than leaving little stubs, which can lead to disease and insect infestation.

Step 2: Thinning Out The Tree

• After the clean-up cuts, the next step in pruning your fruit tree is thinning the interior. This involves removing limbs growing towards the tree’s interior or growing downward. These types of branches tend to shade the tree’s interior, limiting air circulation and sunlight, which can lead to disease and reduced fruit production. Additionally, remove limbs that have an angle greater than 45 degrees to the limb they are attached to. Limbs with steep angles are more prone to limb failure under the weight of fruit, especially in windy conditions.

A good rule of thumb is to look at the branch attachment point and imagine a clock face. Anything between 10 and 2 is an ideal angle for a limb to be attached to the trunk. When making cuts to thin out the tree’s interior, it’s essential to avoid removing too much foliage at once. Removing too many branches can affect a tree’s growth and fruit production in the future. A good approach is to remove no more than a third of the interior growth each year, gradually thinning out the tree over time.

Step 3: Reducing The Height Of The Tree Canopy

• The final step involves reducing the height of the tree’s canopy. It’s important to remember that fruit trees are not shade trees, and a tall and wide canopy is undesirable. A lower canopy height allows for easier and safer harvesting of the fruit. If your tree is mature and requires a ladder for pruning, be sure to take extra caution to avoid falls and injuries.

To reduce the height of the crown, you should head off 20-35% of last year’s growth, pruning back to an established limb or a bud that faces the direction you want a new limb to develop. This will encourage new growth and the development of strong and productive limbs.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Don’t let these 4 summer tree issues damage your property: learn how to protect your trees

Summer is a great time to relish the outdoors and enjoy your yard’s beauty and landscaping. However, this season can also bring intricate challenges for your trees. To ensure that your trees are healthy enough to provide shade during the summer, it’s crucial to understand common issues that trees encounter during summer.

Iron Chlorosis

• Iron chlorosis is a condition that occurs when trees are deprived of sufficient iron to produce chlorophyll, resulting in pale green or yellowish leaves with visible veins. It may affect the entire tree or just a section of it. If left unaddressed, chlorosis will eventually lead to the tree’s death. Many species of trees, including pines, cottonwoods, elms, and maples, can be affected by iron chlorosis.

However, it’s an easily noticeable condition. So if you observe a lightening of the leaves as your tree grows this summer, reaching out to a tree service is essential. Arborists will inject a healthy dose of iron supplement into the tree and its roots to ensure it receives an adequate mineral supply, restoring the leaves’ healthy green coloration.

Dead Branches and Limbs

• Dead limbs or branches on your trees are easily recognizable during the summer. However, some branches may remain bare as trees sprout leaves in summer. This condition can have several underlying causes, but one particular culprit is fire blight, primarily affecting common fruit trees like crabapples and pear trees.

If you suspect your trees have dead limbs or branches, hire a tree service to conduct a thorough inspection and determine the exact cause. The professionals may scrape away the bark to examine the branch’s interior. A green or white color indicates that the branch is still alive, despite its outward appearance, while brown may indicate fire blight. Fire blight treatment is complex and is best left to professionals.

Damage Caused By Storms

• Severe thunderstorms during the summer can cause significant damage to your trees. High winds, heavy rain, and hail can destroy leaf growth, remove branches, and even upend trees. However, some of this damage can be treated, as many trees are resilient and can recover from even the most severe damage.

But the loss of larger limbs could be fatal to the tree. A tree service can help you determine which trees need removal and which can be saved. Additionally, many tree professionals offer removal services, which can help clean up the aftermath of a storm.

Pest Attacks

• Pest problems can occur year-round, but each season brings different pests. For example, during the summer, you might notice an increased presence of small animals in your trees, such as squirrels or bird nests. Also, hornet nests can be problematic, especially in early to mid-summer. The summer months can also bring out other pests like the poplar borer, which can cause significant damage to your trees.

Poplar borers are a pest that bore through trees during their life cycle, affecting trees such as poplars, aspens, and willows. While this damage may not immediately kill the trees, it can weaken branches, increasing the risk of breakage that could be fatal. To combat this issue, a tree service company examines your trees for poplar borers and suggests a treatment plan to mitigate their effects.

Sometimes a pest infestation can be controlled and eliminated by pruning the affected branches of the tree. However, if you are unsure whether your tree has been infested with a pest, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. Call us at 973-774-6091 today, and let us help you with all your tree and plant pest management needs.

Get the lowdown on safe tree removal: 5 tips you can’t afford to miss

Although tree removal is considered the last resort, sometimes it becomes inevitable to maintain the trees’ well-being. Therefore, hiring trained professionals to conduct tree removal services is crucial. However, there are a few safety considerations that must be addressed. Keep reading to learn about essential tips for safe tree removal.

Thorough Tree Inspection

• Before deciding to cut down a tree, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive inspection. A tree should only be removed when it is necessary. During the inspection, considering the purpose of tree removal is essential.

For example, trees are usually removed to create more space, prevent a disease from spreading or eliminate dead parts. By remembering the purpose of tree removal, one can prevent the accidental removal of a healthy tree.

Check Power Lines

• When dealing with a tree near power lines, it is essential to be cautious. Assume that the power lines are energized, which can make them very hazardous. Before planning to remove the tree, contact the local utility company to determine the best course of action for safely removing the tree near the power lines.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, any tree within a 10-foot range of power lines must be removed by a trained line-clearance tree remover, accompanied by a second trained remover within voice range to ensure effective communication. This will help ensure the safety of all involved and prevent any potential accidents.

Plan Ahead

• Planning is essential to ensure a safe tree removal, even if the tree is not located near power lines. Before initiating the removal process, the tree removal service should thoroughly examine the site for potential hazards, such as weak limbs or broken branches, especially if workers need to climb the tree.

If the tree is large, determine the best approach for dismantling it into smaller pieces for easier removal. In addition, weather conditions should also be considered, as carrying out the removal process on a windy, rainy, or snowy day could increase the risk of danger.

Prioritize Safety

• While removing a tree, prioritize safety using appropriate safety gear and equipment. Workers in tree removal should wear heavy-duty work gloves to protect their hands from cuts, splinters, and other potential injuries. Safety goggles or glasses should also be worn to prevent debris from flying into the eyes, and a hard hat should be used to protect the head from falling branches or debris.

When workers climb the tree to dismantle it, using a safety harness with lines attached is crucial to prevent falls. Additionally, all other equipment and tools, such as chainsaws, should be adequately maintained and tested before removal to ensure their safety and reliability.

Stay Vigilant Throughout the Process

• Staying vigilant throughout the tree removal process is crucial to ensure safety. Having multiple people present during the process can provide multiple sets of eyes and ears to identify potential dangers. In addition, maintaining communication among them is necessary to ensure the safe removal of the tree.

Workers should remain cautious and never turn their back on it, even after the tree has been cut down. There is always a risk of branches, twigs, and other debris falling from the tree during the process. Moreover, workers should be prepared to move out of the way quickly in case of unexpected occurrences. One can ensure a safe and successful tree removal by remaining alert and prepared.

For the most professional, safe, and affordable tree removal services, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are one of the best tree pruning and removal services in Montclair, New Jersey. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and book your consultation with our qualified arborists and specialists.

How to keep your tree safe and secure – Determining if your tree needs cabling

Deep-rooted and fully-grown trees have significant strength and resilience and do not budge easily. Nevertheless, certain trees may experience structural weakness due to diseases or extended exposure to severe weather conditions. Additional support in the form of cabling and bracing is necessary to ensure trees maintain their structural integrity and do not pose risks to surrounding properties or individuals.

But how to determine your tree needs cabling and bracing? Continue reading to find out the answer.

A V-Crotch Stem

• One surefire sign that your tree needs cabling and bracing is the presence of a v-crotch stem. When a tree has two large stems or leaders that emerge from the same trunk, it can create what is known as a v-crotch stem. Unfortunately, since insufficient tissue supports both stems, one or both stems are susceptible to failing, especially during harsh weather.

While removing one of the stems is possible without causing harm to a young tree, this is not possible for mature trees. Removing a large stem from a mature tree can lead to stem failure and affect the tree’s aesthetic appeal. However, stem failure can be prevented by using cabling and bracing to support the v-crotch stem, thereby reducing the risk of stem breaking in the future.

Presence Of A Lean Structure

• Over time, trees may naturally develop a lean structure as they adapt to their environment in search of optimal sunlight. However, if your tree has an extreme lean that poses a risk to your home or another structure, consider using cabling and bracing to support the lean structure.

Similarly, soil erosion or storms weaken the tree’s anchorage into the soil, causing the tree to lean on one side. This can become dangerous if the tree falls on a nearby structure with little force. Again, cabling and bracing can help secure the tree in the opposite direction and stabilize it.

Overextended Limbs

• Overextended limbs are branches that have grown longer and are more significant than the trunk of a tree can easily support. These limbs often extend horizontally and are weighed down by their foliage. When a tree is older, it struggles significantly if disease, pests, drought, or extreme weather conditions have weakened it.

To prevent these overextended branches from breaking off, cabling can be used to limit the amount of movement in the branch. Cabling involves use of strong cables and bolts to secure the branch to the tree trunk. In some cases, an arborist may also use bracing to provide additional support for large, overextended branches.

Presence of Weak Sections

• Mature trees may have weakened sections that could fail, causing harm or damage. For example, a large hollow in the trunk can significantly compromise the tree’s ability to withstand strong winds. Cracks or splits at the junction of branches or stems can also indicate potential failure.

A falling branch could pose a severe risk if the tree is located near a building or a public area. To address these issues, brace rods can be used to repair splits or prevent weakened sections from splitting in the future.

If you spot these warning signs in your trees and plants, contact American Tree Experts for cabling and bracing services. We offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our experts will thoroughly survey the trees and propose suitable methodologies for bracing plants. Call us at 973-744-6091 to get a free estimate of the services. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

A step-by-step guide to tree planting – learn how to transform your backyard into a lush paradise

Planting a tree is more complex than digging a hole and placing the sapling in the ground. It requires careful consideration of several factors, such as site evaluation, plant selection, site preparation, and setting the plant. This article is a step-by-step guide to successful tree planting.

Step 1: Thoroughly Evaluate The Site

It is essential to evaluate the site to ensure successful tree growth. The following factors must be taken into account during the assessment:

• The slope of the land
• Soil Type
• Exposure to sunlight
• Level of soil compaction
• Drainage conditions
• Available space or size
• Soil pH and nutrient availability

Step 2: Selection of the Plant

• Once the site has been evaluated, choosing plant materials that can thrive in that specific location is crucial. It is essential to consider the plant’s nutrient requirements, growth habits, maintenance needs, pest resistance, and potential invasiveness. The most suitable plant for a given location should be chosen regardless of its origin. In some cases, non-native plants may perform better than native ones, particularly in urban or suburban landscapes where the microclimate has been altered due to various factors, such as building placement, pavement, soil compaction, and traffic.

It is essential not to choose plant material solely based on their native status. Instead, select plants that are not invasive, have no significant pest problems, are drought-tolerant, have extended seasonal appeal, and can thrive in the chosen site. It is essential to match the plant’s needs to the site and choose the right plant for the right location while considering existing plant communities.

Step 3: Preparation of the Site

• One of the most common mistakes in tree planting is incorrect planting depth, which can be either too deep or too high, and both can cause significant problems. Planting holes that are dug too deep can result in the trunk flare and structural roots being buried too deeply, causing the plant to settle and decline over time. To ensure that trees and shrubs are planted at the correct depth, the depth of the root ball should be no more profound than the root ball’s height as measured from the trunk flare to the bottom of the root ball. To determine the correct planting depth, locate where the trunk flare begins.

Measuring the height from the trunk flare to the bottom of the root ball will provide the correct planting hole depth. If the trunk flare is not well-developed, the root ball can be probed for structural roots using a surveyor’s chaining pin or a similar tool. Research has shown that most woody ornamentals’ fibrous or absorbing roots are typically found within the top 6 to 12 inches of soil, and root development can extend beyond the canopy or dripline.

Step 4: Tree Plantation

• When placing the plant in the hole, keep the rootball intact and prevent the roots from drying out. Carefully place the rootball in the hole so that the trunk flare is above the existing grade by 1-2 inches. After placing the plant in the hole, remove all non-biodegradable materials, such as rope, twine, burlap, and plastic. Ensure that no protruding points of wire are left, as they could cause injury to people or pets.

If you need more information about tree planting or require professional services, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Call us at 973-774-6091 and get all the help you need to ensure the success of your tree planting project.

Unlocking the secrets of tree health: how to spot the signs of nutrient deficiencies in trees and learn why prevention is critical to ensuring their longevity

Nutrient deficiencies occur in landscapes where soil’s structure is altered by removing topsoil, compaction, irrigation, or grade changes. When the deficiencies are extreme, visible changes begin to appear. This article highlights the signs of nutrient deficiencies of the most commonly deficient nutrients, including iron, manganese, nitrogen, and phosphorous.

Small Fruits: Nitrogen Deficiency

• When trees and shrubs lack nitrogen, their leaves turn yellow and may fall prematurely. In addition, they produce small fruits. Fertilization is the most common treatment, which can be done through deep-root fertilization. This method supplies nitrogen to the roots and makes it available for uptake by the plant. To avoid nitrogen deficiencies, it is recommended to treat nitrogen-deficient soil periodically.

Chlorosis: Iron Deficiency

• Yellow leaves with green veins are a result of chlorosis. It is often caused by iron deficiency resulting from high soil pH. Soil tests can determine if the pH is too high. Foliar sprays of iron sulfate or chelated iron can also reduce chlorosis symptoms.

Other causes of chlorosis include poor root growth, root rot, root damage, poor drainage, and over-fertilization. Again, young leaves are affected first, with symptoms worsening during cool, wet spring weather.

Yellowing Of Leaves: Manganese Deficiency

• Manganese deficiency in trees presents similar symptoms to iron deficiency, with yellow leaves and green veins that may appear limp and smaller fruit. Treatments include foliar sprays and soil applications. It is essential to note that high soil pH can limit the availability of manganese, just like iron. Therefore, addressing soil pH is crucial in treating manganese deficiencies.

Slow Growth: Phosphorous Deficiency

• Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential nutrients for tree growth and development. Phosphorus is needed for various tree metabolic processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and energy transfer. It is also essential for the development of root systems. However, the deficiency can impact water and nutrient uptake. A tree deficient in phosphorus shows a range of symptoms.

Slow Growth

• One of the earliest symptoms of a phosphorus deficiency is slow growth. Dark green leaves and a decreased leaf size accompany it. Older leaves may turn reddish-purple or yellow, while the veins remain green. Leaves may also be thin and brittle and may fall prematurely. Sometimes, the tree may produce fewer or smaller flowers and fruit.

Phosphorus deficiencies are often caused by low soil pH or the presence of soil organisms that affect phosphorus uptake. In some cases, phosphorus may be present in the soil but in a form that is unavailable to the tree. Soil tests can determine the availability of phosphorus in the soil and identify other nutrients that may limit growth. On the other hand, an over-reliance on phosphorus fertilizers can lead to imbalances in other nutrients. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the tree receives adequate water and balanced nutrients.

What To Do?

• It’s essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as pests, diseases, or environmental stress. So, it’s recommended to have a professional, such as an arborist, evaluate the tree and conduct a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies and develop a proper treatment plan. Soil tests can identify the deficient nutrient and the number of nutrients needed to correct the issue. However, only a knowledgeable arborist should do an interpretation of soil test results.

To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized plant healthcare program and look after your trees in the best way possible. Call us at 973-774-6091 today and get a free quote for all your tree-related needs.