TreeCo Tree Service
(770) 682-TREE (8733)
□Tree Pruning □Tree Cabling □Tree Topping □ Woody Plant Pruning
□ Tree Removal □ Stump Grinding □ Tree & Shrub Planting
□ Insect & Disease Control □ Soil Aeration
□ Soil Testing □ Firewood
· Tree Pruning for Tree Health
Trees in the urban landscape often require pruning to ensure their health and your safety. When we prune a tree we remove dead limbs, damaged limbs, limbs that are crossed and rubbing each other, and limbs that are too close to houses, out buildings or utility lines. When we prune limbs we follow International Society of Arboriculture standards and recommended practices. The point where each branch is attached to the tree is called the branch collar. It is important that the branch collar remains on the tree and not be damaged. Wood that is left on the tree beyond the branch collar can become a home for insects and wood decaying fungi. It is important for the tree’s health that the pruning cut be made at the right place for the long term health of the tree. We use climbing ropes and saddles when tree pruning. Climbing spikes cause severe damage to trees and should only be used on trees that are being removed.
We do not top trees. Tree topping is tree abuse. For at least the last 30 years it has been known that tree topping causes major damage to trees that cannot be repaired. If a company advertises tree topping it is a good indicator that the people at that company know little to nothing about tree care. It is amazing to us that some companies still advertise tree topping. When a tree is topped there is no branch collar left and decay can rapidly spread into the trunk of the tree. The branches that grow from topping cuts are weakly attached to the tree and will break easily. Most species of trees will never recover from being topped and will be a hazard for the rest of their life. There are pruning techniques that can prolong the life of some topped trees but each tree needs to be evaluated individually.
Why cable a tree?
 | There are three major uses of cabling and bracing:
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Cabling can support limbs to reduce the strain and help support your tree. Cabling and bracing are sometimes used to strengthen high-value trees. We use dynamic cabling that allows the tree to move and continue to form reaction wood.
Pruning cuts made on woody plants follow some of the same rules as tree pruning but there are notable exceptions. When pruning woody plants that flower consideration must be given to the time that next seasons flowers are formed. . It is normally recommended to prune flowering woody plants right after they bloom. This prevents you from cutting off next year’s bloom buds. However, if necessary for safety or health of the woody plant, pruning can take place at other times of the year. It is just necessary to understand that this pruning will probably affect the following year’s bloom display.
It is also not recommended to prune woody plants too late in the season, as this may spur the plant to send up new growth. This tender new growth is then susceptible to freezing which may cause harm to your plants.
Sometimes trees need to be removed. We use ropes, pulleys and lowering devices when necessary to safely remove trees. We follow the safe working load ratings on all of the equipment we use. When trees need to be lowered a piece at a time it usually does cost more than if the tree can just be dropped, which is not always possible. The only time we climb a tree with climbing spikes is during a removal. It is less expensive for our clients if we can cut the wood to firewood length and leave the wood at the job site.
We use machines called stump grinders to remove stumps. Stump grinding is the most economical way to remove stumps, causes the least amount of yard damage, and keeps wood waste out of our landfills. The wood chips left over can be used as mulch and recycled right into the home landscape. We can grind up to 2 feet deep but going this deep usually is not necessary unless a building will cover where the stump was growing. To grow lawn quickly where the stump was growing it is necessary to remove the wood chips and backfill the hole with topsoil.
As a general rule, trees should be planted the same depth as they were grown at the nursery. Planting too deeply can cause problems later in the tree’s life. It is best to remove wire baskets and burlap especially synthetic burlap. Synthetic burlap does not decay and will lead to serious root problems later. The planting hole should be several times wider than the root ball and be exactly the same depth at the root ball. If the planting hole is dug deeper the soil will settle and the tree or shrub will end up being planted deeper than recommended. The soil that was removed when the hole was dug should be used to refill the hole. It is a good idea to build a small dike around the plant to hold water during the first season. This dike should be knocked down during the winter so water does not puddle around the plant. Watering is most crucial during the plant’s first growing season in the ground. Tree staking should only be used when necessary and removed as early as possible. Staking causes a response in the tree and the tree will grow taller and have a smaller diameter trunk. The flexing of the trunk causes the trunk to grow larger in diameter and shorter in height which is better for the long term health of the tree.
It is important to match the planting location to the right plant material for that location.
Tree and Shrub Planting Location Considerations:
· The mature size of the tree or shrub.
· The moisture requirements of the plant
· The light (Sun) requirements of the plant
· The soil type at your planting location.
· Tree fruit nuisance and insect attraction potential (i.e. bee problems, sap, etc.).
· Tolerance to temperature extremes at the planting location.
· Hazards tree or shrub may present to people and property.
· Insect and disease resistance is preferred.
· Potential for invasiveness of tree or shrub.
· Affect of tree introduction to existing landscape
· Root competition
The best insect and disease control is achieved by the selection of plant material and varieties known to be insect and disease resistant. Growing conditions that are optimal for the plant usually result in less insect and disease problems in the future.
1) Scouting of the property is important so problems can be detected before they cause serious visual and health damage.
2) Knowing which insect or disease is causing the problem is an important step in good control measures. This allows for timing the application for the most effective results.
3) Using the safest and most effective biological or chemical pesticide available.
4) Proper application methods ensuring good coverage and minimal drift into non targeted areas is important.
Soil compaction is one of the main reasons that plants decline or die. When soil gets compacted there is less air exchange available in the root zone. Air exchange is important for most plants health. Aeration can be achieved through the boring of holes in the soil and filling them with materials that allow for air movement. Using water under high pressure is one the best way to aerate the soil and causes less damage to the plants roots.
Soil testing is important to determine what fertilizers or pH adjustment is needed for growing healthy plants. Soil that is either too high or too low in pH causes nutrients to be unavailable to the plant. Low or high amounts of available fertilizers also need to be controlled for good plant health. Sometimes soil testing will show high or low and adjustments need to be made.
· Firewood
Firewood is available for pickup at our location in Auburn, GA, or can be delivered. All quantities are available however delivery is for one cord or more. Firewood consists of all hardwoods, mostly oak and hickory. Seasoned and unseasoned are available. Contact us for more information, 770-682-8733 or email.
Dan & Lu Nelson
Owners and operators of Pixie Forest Tree Care & Nursery
We provide Professional Tree Care services for the
Northeast Atlanta Georgia Area including
Barrow County, Athens-Clarke County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County and Walton County
(770) 682-TREE (8733)
Providing GA quality tree service care, tree pruning, stump grinding, tree removal, firewood for sale and tree planting services by a Certified Arborist in Buford, GA, Dacula, GA, Flowery Branch, GA, Duluth, GA, Lawrenceville, GA, Snellville, GA, Auburn, GA, Monroe, GA, Winder, GA, Gainesville, GA, Braselton, GA, Jefferson, GA, Chateau Elan, GA, Hoschton, GA, Suwanee, GA, Sugar Hill, GA, Social Circle, GA, Bethlehem, GA, Carl, GA, Hamilton Mill, GA, Lake Lanier, GA, Grayson, GA, Johns Creek, GA