Wood is one of those items that no synthetic will ever compare. Composite deck boards are great and last longer than wood but it's not as easy to install as lumber. They use metal studs in home building, but wood is still a much better product than metal. How about tooth pics, nothing finer than getting that nice mint toothpick in after a meal!
Maybe its nostalgia maybe it's cheaper, but at the end of the day nothing beats using wood where you can!!! This and many other reasons is why I think trees are great and need to be treated properly in the landscape!
cheers!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Tools of the trade
There are some tools most people have in their garage, these tools separate the doer's from the talkers! This is a nice list of tools that you should have and some that would be amazing to have, unless you're a landscaper or arborist, then you already have it!!!
Chainsaw and Pole saw
http://en.stihl.ca/STIHL-Products/0100/Chain-saws-and-pole-pruners.aspx
Safety equipment, ropes, harness, helmet, pants.
http://www.baileysonline.com/Arborist-Tree-Care/
Handsaw
http://www.silkysaws.com/
Chipper
http://www.vermeercanada.com/new-equipment/tree_care/brush_chippers
Stump Grinder
http://www.vermeercanada.com/new-equipment/landscaping/stump_cutters
With these toys and some know how and safety you can get through a lot of wood in a day!
But remember, the least dangerous tool here is a handsaw, so BE CAREFUL!!!!
Chainsaw and Pole saw
http://en.stihl.ca/STIHL-Products/0100/Chain-saws-and-pole-pruners.aspx
Safety equipment, ropes, harness, helmet, pants.
http://www.baileysonline.com/Arborist-Tree-Care/
Handsaw
http://www.silkysaws.com/
Chipper
http://www.vermeercanada.com/new-equipment/tree_care/brush_chippers
Stump Grinder
http://www.vermeercanada.com/new-equipment/landscaping/stump_cutters
With these toys and some know how and safety you can get through a lot of wood in a day!
But remember, the least dangerous tool here is a handsaw, so BE CAREFUL!!!!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Tree Rings
Todays topic is tree rings, not just nice to look at, they serve a greater purpose!
There are a few reasons why you would add a tree ring to a landscape tree. To prevent mechanical damage from mowers and trimmers, the look nice and the area they cover have much less compaction when compared with the turf around them.
Lets face it, nothing looks worse than sparse turf and weeds under a nice tree, why not add a tree ring to it. Its much easier done when the tree is a new planting and should be done every time. Girdling is one of the leading killers of landscape trees, and it's cause but line trimmers and mowers ripping the bark and killing the cambium in a circle around a tree.
As you can see in the image above the tree ring is tiny and full of weeds. You want to have the ring to be as large as possible and my feeling on its size should be to the drip line. Drip line is where the longest branches extend out to. where the moisture is.
There are a few reasons why you would add a tree ring to a landscape tree. To prevent mechanical damage from mowers and trimmers, the look nice and the area they cover have much less compaction when compared with the turf around them.
Lets face it, nothing looks worse than sparse turf and weeds under a nice tree, why not add a tree ring to it. Its much easier done when the tree is a new planting and should be done every time. Girdling is one of the leading killers of landscape trees, and it's cause but line trimmers and mowers ripping the bark and killing the cambium in a circle around a tree.
As you can see in the image above the tree ring is tiny and full of weeds. You want to have the ring to be as large as possible and my feeling on its size should be to the drip line. Drip line is where the longest branches extend out to. where the moisture is.
Tree rings can also make a great place for planting spring bulbs. As long as it's a deciduous tree. And if it's a conifer it will protect your lawn from the acidic needles that they drop as they age.
You can see with the tree on the right how far away from the trunk you will be also there will be much less compaction! which is always a good thing.
You don't want the mulch on the trunk of the tree. That will cause trunk to be moist too much and may cause rot and lead to the failure of the tree. A nice smooth flat much job also looks and works the best.
Saying goodbye to a tree.
It's never fun when a tree has to go. It can be for many reasons, dying, disease or it's just getting way to big for the area its in. For whatever the reason there is more than one way to get it down and out of you yard.
The easiest way is to call an arbourist and have them come cut it down, chip it and remove the stump. This is quite costly and normal prices usually start around $1500/tree. It's the safest way aswell and normally they're in and out within a day. I would recommend this for someone who doesn't have extensive experience with a saw and knows about felling.
So now lets say you have lots of experience and the time has come to remove it.
1. Make sure your tools are sharp and ready for work.
2. Clear the area of anything that you don't want broken, felling is a messy ordeal.
If you have a lot of room and the tree won't hit a house fence or anything else you can skip this next step.
3. Climb on up and start cutting the branches off from the top down, make sure you don't cut your safety equipment or the branch you're standing on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. Now that you're safely on the ground it's time to fell the bad boy. Its not very complicate and is safe if you are careful and know what you're doing.
5. It's laying on the ground safe and sound and everything is all good. Use a tractor to move it around or now cut it into manageable pieces to move and stack.
6. I would definitely say to get a professional in to grind or remove the stump. roots can be very deep and difficult to remove. A stump grinder takes skill to operate properly. You can rent them from the hardware/construction rental store, but I wouldn't.
Now that the tree mess is cleaned up and the stump and grindings are gone, add some top soil and sod and it's as good as new, or maybe you can plant another tree there so you can continue enjoying the beaty and shade they provide!
The easiest way is to call an arbourist and have them come cut it down, chip it and remove the stump. This is quite costly and normal prices usually start around $1500/tree. It's the safest way aswell and normally they're in and out within a day. I would recommend this for someone who doesn't have extensive experience with a saw and knows about felling.
So now lets say you have lots of experience and the time has come to remove it.
1. Make sure your tools are sharp and ready for work.
2. Clear the area of anything that you don't want broken, felling is a messy ordeal.
If you have a lot of room and the tree won't hit a house fence or anything else you can skip this next step.
3. Climb on up and start cutting the branches off from the top down, make sure you don't cut your safety equipment or the branch you're standing on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. Now that you're safely on the ground it's time to fell the bad boy. Its not very complicate and is safe if you are careful and know what you're doing.
6. I would definitely say to get a professional in to grind or remove the stump. roots can be very deep and difficult to remove. A stump grinder takes skill to operate properly. You can rent them from the hardware/construction rental store, but I wouldn't.
Now that the tree mess is cleaned up and the stump and grindings are gone, add some top soil and sod and it's as good as new, or maybe you can plant another tree there so you can continue enjoying the beaty and shade they provide!
Monday, September 30, 2013
How to prune a large branch
When it's time to prune it's time to prune. The day has come to get out the ladder and cut off some of those dead and dying branches or maybe you're cutting off a bigger branch to let some sun shine in.
Whether you're using a pole saw, hand saw or a big ol chain saw, how to cut the branch remains the same.
3 Steps to pruning a branch.
1. This is called the under cut. You do this so when you do the top cut and the branch starts to lean and probably breaks. This cut prevents the bark from peeling all the way down the trunk, which will hurt the tree. You want to do this cut about 12"-18" from the main stem or trunk. The undercut is important for cut 2 and ensures your saw won't bind.
2. Now this is the top cut. When you do this cut you want it to be about 1"-2" above the undercut. As you cut the branch will start to lean and will break off under its own weight.
3. Now to cut off the nub. You want to be sure to cut close to the trunk but not so close you get into the branch collar. This is where the tree heals it's self and if injured the area will not heal properly.
That is the way to cut a branch off of a tree!!!
Whether you're using a pole saw, hand saw or a big ol chain saw, how to cut the branch remains the same.
3 Steps to pruning a branch.
1. This is called the under cut. You do this so when you do the top cut and the branch starts to lean and probably breaks. This cut prevents the bark from peeling all the way down the trunk, which will hurt the tree. You want to do this cut about 12"-18" from the main stem or trunk. The undercut is important for cut 2 and ensures your saw won't bind.
2. Now this is the top cut. When you do this cut you want it to be about 1"-2" above the undercut. As you cut the branch will start to lean and will break off under its own weight.
3. Now to cut off the nub. You want to be sure to cut close to the trunk but not so close you get into the branch collar. This is where the tree heals it's self and if injured the area will not heal properly.
That is the way to cut a branch off of a tree!!!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Consider this when purchasing a new tree!
We've all done it. Gone to the nursery and started looking for a new tree for the yard. And if it's not already daunting enough I have a couple of more things that you should consider before getting your wallet out!
When we're thinking of getting a new tree the first thing people think of is the type of tree they want, this isn't always the first question you should ask. You should be asking is this the right tree for my yard. Meaning: soil, light, size. After you answer those questions then you have a more narrow idea of the type of tree that will fit well for you!!
If you've decided on a deciduous type of tree meaning the leaves fall off for the winter, the best time to buy and plant them is either in the spring or in the fall. Trees take up around 20L of water a day and even more when it's red hot out side, so you'll get best results when you plant them in the cooler temperature. Another reason for buying these trees in spring and fall is so you can see the branch structure.
As you can see in the image (http://www.urbanforest.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/pages.page/id/424 ) The tree on the left has one main stem going from the ground all the way up to the terminal bud. This type of grow is ideal because the branches are actual. Meaning the trees form and growth is pure and the way it was intended to be. Whereas the tree on the right may look nice and full once its leaved out but the stems coming from the trunk aren't nearly as strong as the tree on the left. What will happen down the road and I'm sure we've all seen it is one or more of the poorly attached branches will break and cause the tree to split. and this is where you run into costly repairs or removal. Before a tree splits the two options are Tree strapping and heavy pruning to improve structure. Both of which will involve professionals, unless you are very competent with a chainsaw.
Now that you've made a great choice with the structure of your tree, lets get this bad boy in the ground! Most nurseries have a sub contractor that you can pay to deliver and plant the tree as most trees are too large for a car!! But if you have a truck and some know how you can certainly do it yourself! You're going to need: Shovel, knife or scissors, small bail of peat moss and 1 bag of good quality soil. The bag of soil should have lots of organics in it and be basically manure. And lastly you will need 2-4 bags of mulch.
Be sure to get rid of the top 8" or so of soil and roots. You don't want that stuff getting into your new soil and making a mess of your nice mulch! When you're digging your hole make sure to toss away rocks and debris as well. Throw the soil into a wheel barrow or onto a tarp, when you're done amending the original soil with the peat moss and manure to your soil pile and stir it in. Be sure to smash up big clumps of dirt. The peat and manure will help your tree establish new and vigorous root growth. If you have left over or extra soil, sprinkle it around the tree and surrounding area. A little organics goes a long way for trees and lawns.
Follow the easy steps below to the perfectly planted tree!!!
When we're thinking of getting a new tree the first thing people think of is the type of tree they want, this isn't always the first question you should ask. You should be asking is this the right tree for my yard. Meaning: soil, light, size. After you answer those questions then you have a more narrow idea of the type of tree that will fit well for you!!
If you've decided on a deciduous type of tree meaning the leaves fall off for the winter, the best time to buy and plant them is either in the spring or in the fall. Trees take up around 20L of water a day and even more when it's red hot out side, so you'll get best results when you plant them in the cooler temperature. Another reason for buying these trees in spring and fall is so you can see the branch structure.
Now that you've made a great choice with the structure of your tree, lets get this bad boy in the ground! Most nurseries have a sub contractor that you can pay to deliver and plant the tree as most trees are too large for a car!! But if you have a truck and some know how you can certainly do it yourself! You're going to need: Shovel, knife or scissors, small bail of peat moss and 1 bag of good quality soil. The bag of soil should have lots of organics in it and be basically manure. And lastly you will need 2-4 bags of mulch.
Be sure to get rid of the top 8" or so of soil and roots. You don't want that stuff getting into your new soil and making a mess of your nice mulch! When you're digging your hole make sure to toss away rocks and debris as well. Throw the soil into a wheel barrow or onto a tarp, when you're done amending the original soil with the peat moss and manure to your soil pile and stir it in. Be sure to smash up big clumps of dirt. The peat and manure will help your tree establish new and vigorous root growth. If you have left over or extra soil, sprinkle it around the tree and surrounding area. A little organics goes a long way for trees and lawns.
Follow the easy steps below to the perfectly planted tree!!!
I hope this has cleared up how to select and plant a tree! So next time you're going to have some tree work done, get out there and get dirty!!! Its easy and fun once you get into it!!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Fall fun
Well ladies and gentlemen the time has come when most people begin their love hate relationship with trees. Why the love hate relationship you ask? Well most people love seeing the fall colours that the trees produce and now is the time for the best local apples!!! But the love doesn't seem to last too long. The window of the beautiful tree to that pesky tree that won't stop dropping leaves is short!!!
Trees turn these beautiful colour because they're beginning to shut down for the winter. The sun isn't hot enough for them to continue to photosynthesis during the winter months so they begin shutting down. The tree isn't dead at all!!! in fact there is a lot going on in a tree during the winter months. It's busy turning the left over food it has into new growth, leaf buds and flower buds. After the chlorophyll has broken down you're left with other pigments that are there during the summer but the green chlorophyll over powers those colours that remains in the leaves.
Now the hard work! The clean up of those beautiful fall colours. In some areas you can collect your leaves and put them at the curb and the city will come and pick them up. They compost the leaves and other yard waste and usually will have a give away come spring!!! Other places you're not so lucky and have to deal with it on your own. Raking is a great way of getting the leaves piled up and into the paper bags. I think the best way to deal with the leaves is a sucker shredder! I mulches and bags the leaves and you have to do is empty the bag into what ever package you use to get rid of those pesky leaves!!! If the leaves are very dry you can usually mulch them up quite fine and use them as an organic for your lawn!!!
Enjoy the beautiful colours in the next couple of weeks, it'll be raking before you know it. And we all know what comes after raking leaves, the dreaded S word. So get out there and enjoy the trees!
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