Lincolnshire Advanced Tree Care Types

October 15, 2018 by admin

Two Types of Advanced Tree Care in Lincolnshire

Just like humans, trees require comprehensive care because they’re complex beings. Because of this, we look at trees through two lenses when it comes to providing services for our customers. Doing so lets us truly cement our reputation as Advanced Tree Care.

Physical Health

When we talk about a tree’s physical health, we’re really talking about how everything about the tree is working well together. When physically healthy, a tree should have an overall healthy appearance from roots to canopy. Its leaves should be thick and green (except, of course, in fall, or if the tree is a variety that has a non-green leaf). Those leaves shouldn’t display bumpy scales, powdery substances, or any other signs of widespread infestation or damage. Unless it’s late in the fall, its leaves should not be showing signs of stress, discoloration, or dieback.

Lincolnshire Advanced Tree Care Types — Trees have complex systems like the human body, so it’s important to recognize and treat troubling symptoms.

The tree’s canopy should be thriving. While some trees will have dead branches, a physically healthy tree will have no more than 17% dead branches compared with its entirety. The branches and limbs should be free of any disturbances, insect holes, bleeding, peeling bark, mushrooms, or other problems.

The trunk should also be similarly healthy—no loose or deteriorating bark, obvious insect holes, or other signs of stress or decline. At the base of the tree, the root flares should be free of any soils, mulches, and debris. Root flares, especially of mature trees, should be pronounced—meaning you’re able to see them and they crest over the top of the soil.

These details are all the things our experienced staff and certified arborists consult when assessing the physical health of any tree we care for.

Structural Health

A tree’s structural health has to do with the strength and soundness of its overall structure. In a structurally healthy tree, the limbs and branches are free of inclusions, bifurcations, embeds, rubbing, and competing limbs. Though these are terms specific to tree care, the concept is simpler than the words suggest: if your tree’s branches look complete, distinct from another, and are growing healthy and separately, your tree is likely to be structurally healthy. If its branches don’t fit this description, it may be time to consult a certified arborist.

The tree’s limbs and trunk should also have good taper—meaning the limb and each branch start wider and gradually thin out. Branch distribution should be relatively even around the trunk and throughout the canopy, and the tree should be free of bark disturbances.

An array of factors can affect a tree’s structural health: age, infestation, disease, weather, and accidents all factor in. So do particularly hot summers and particularly cold and icy winters.

Now that you know the difference between physical health and structural health when it comes to trees, we hope you’ll be looking at the trees in your yard with new eyes. And if you notice anything that raises an alarm, be sure to call on a certified arborist to assess the health of your tree.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Professional Tree Care

October 1, 2018 by admin

When Do I Need a Professional to Handle My Tree Care?

Trees make up about 15% of your overall yard landscape. While 15% doesn’t seem like a lot on the surface, think about how important your trees are. They provide shade, they provide visual variety, and they’re a long-lived member of your ecosystem.

Trees can also be costly to replace or remove. Caring for them properly is not only the right thing to do for the environment, it’s the right thing to do to protect your investment. Any signs of stress, deterioration, or disease should be a clear indication that a tree health diagnosis—provided by an ISA Certified Arborist—is in your best interest.

Reasons to Consult a Professional on Tree Care

As a homeowner, when do you know you need to consult a professional? The following list of conditions or symptoms is a goodplace to start, although it’s not an exhaustive list. You should consult a certified arborist if you notice any of the following:

Thin, dwarfed, or damaged leaves
Tree care can be tricky and costly, which is why hiring a certified arborist is the best way to protect your property.
Leaf colors other than dark green (except for certain trees—such as Japanese or Norway maples—or during early spring and fall, of course)
Leaves that are slow to bud in spring
Leaves that drop early, before true fall has begun
Dieback at the tips of your trees
Dead or dying limbs
Dead or dying leaves
Bumpy scales or powdery substances on the bark, root flares, branches, or leaves
Loose, deteriorating, or heavily flaking bark
Growths such as mushrooms on the trunk, limbs, roots, or beneath your tree
Insect holes and/or bleeding on the tree’s trunk or branches
External damage from an impact to the tree—from a car collision or an accident with a winter snowplow (sometimes common along parkways)
Weather damage, from intense summer storms, ice storms, heavy winter snowfall, or ice
Damage from drought or spells of intense hot weather

If you’re noticing any of these signs, calling in a certified arborist can help you address a situation before it worsens. There are certainly conditions under which a tree cannot be saved, but there are plenty where an early intervention can save a beloved tree. Just imagine your yard without that grand oak in the corner or the beautiful maple shading your front porch. When in doubt, call us to come on out.

Hiring Certified Arborists

September 15, 2018 by admin

Why Would You Hire a Certified Arborist?

Simply put, an arborist is a true professional in the art and science of tree care. He or she has spent at least three years in full-time arboriculture work, has prepared for and taken a comprehensive examination, and has agreed to a code of ethics regarding professional conduct. But when rubber meets the road—or roots meet the soil, per se—what is the difference in service a certified arborist can provide?

ISA Certified Arborist

hiring certified arborists — There can be big risks to your property and family when tree care is not done to the highest standards of a Certified Arborist.

When we talk about a certified arborist, we’re referring to a professional who has qualified as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist. He or she has had hands-on experience for three years in pruning, cabling and bracing, tree climbing, tree installation and establishment, disease identification, removal, and more. Then, he or she has passed an exam that covers a range of topics on tree maintenance, emergencies, and care. Recertification happens every three years.

Why a certified arborist?

Tree care is complex, and mistakes can be costly. When a winter storm has rolled through and downed a huge old tree across your power line, or your garage is threatened by a weak branch, you want a certified arborist to handle the job. Other situations may be less immediately dangerous but no less important: warding off disease, enhancing your yard, or choosing the right species of tree that will thrive in your space.

The role of a certified arborist

A certified arborist can help you make sound decisions and avoid costly mistakes. For example, a certified arborist will know:

Which trees have invasive root systems and should never be planted near driveways, asphalt, sewer systems, or homes
Which trees should never be planted too close to a home or other structure
How to properly care for trees as they mature and age
When a tree has become infested or diseased, and how to safely remove it
How to coordinate the removal of a high-risk tree or one damaged by a passing storm—so that people and structures nearby are safe

It takes a great deal of knowledge and experience to understand all aspects of a situation—and what a tree (or its owner) may really need.

Choosing a tree service

Ensure you’re entrusting your trees to the best care—choose a tree service that’s led by a certified arborist. As with any other professional service, you’ll also want to consult customer reviews as well as reference the area of service, or the geographical range in which the tree service provides care.

Common Signs You Might Need Tree Removal

April 27, 2018 by admin

Intense Storms Necessitate Tree Removal Before an Emergency

This time of year, Mother Nature can throw almost anything at us. April hangs out at the border between Winter and the warmer months. For that reason, the weather can be volatile. It’s not unusual for the month to roar in with a snowstorm or ice storm, and for us to see temps warm enough for thunderstorms a few days or weeks later. From the month’s end, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump into summer’s intense thunderstorms.

All of this violent weather activity can wreak havoc on trees already damaged or weakened by drought, disease, insect infestation, or winter’s snow. Because storms can sweep in quickly, it’s crucial that you identify trees requiring removal before the weather creates an emergency.

What should you look for when checking your trees? We’ve provided a few of the most common signs you might need tree removal. If you’d like to know more, or if you identify a tree that you think might be removed, you should call on a professional tree removal service. At Advanced Tree Care, our staff includes certified arborists experienced in helping make that decision with you.

Common Signs You Might Need Tree Removal

Examine roots

Some trees grow stem girdling roots. These are roots at or below the soil surface, and they partially or completely encircle the tree’s trunk. Over time, the growth of these roots can affect the health of the tree and its root system and contribute to trunk weakness. This weakness can result in a toppled tree. Trees with a tendency to form stem girdling roots include Norway maples, silver maples, poplars (black & white), littleleaf lindens, and red maples.

Look at the trunk

Obvious signs of decay or damage on the trunk should always be a reason for concern. The trunk is the tree’s longest and strongest structure. A lack of support can spell disaster the next time a storm strikes, so don’t delay in calling in professional service when you notice signs of decay.

Check for weak branches

Certain trees are prone to forming inclusions of bark where tree limbs meet. In normal growth, there is a protruding ridge of bark line where the limbs meet. When there isn’t, you know you’ve spotted an inclusion of bark. These areas are weaker and may split off during a storm. Box elder trees, silver maples, littleleaf lindens, red maples, and willow trees are among those most prone to this condition.

Additionally, all trees may form weak, narrow, v-angled crotches where certain branches meet. It’s a good idea to check your trees regularly and have them pruned to protect against sudden storm damage at these weak spots.

Take precautions with certain species

Fast-growing, soft-wooded trees can be especially vulnerable to high winds and storm damage. These include weeping willows and silver maples, among others. A certified arborist can discuss options with you to protect trees in advance of storms, or help you decide when removal is the best option for your protection.

Identify signs of infestation

Certain diseases or insect infestations can structurally damage your tree, rendering it more vulnerable to storm damage. Leaf damage, trunk damage, and active bugs or beetles present on the bark and in the wood can all be clues that your tree is infested. One of our professional staff will be able to help you determine what is going on, and whether the tree can be treated or must be removed. Remember, infestation and disease can spread to other trees, so don’t delay if you do notice signs.

Of course, if a storm has already damaged your tree, or if it’s already downed, you’ll want to call for emergency tree removal service right away. We maintain a 24/7 emergency line with fast response time for just such situations. Keep children and pets a safe distance away from your tree and don’t attempt to remove it yourself.

Tree Removal NW Suburbs

April 26, 2018 by admin

Reasons for Removing That Tree in Your Yard

Most of us have a soft spot for trees, especially those that grow in our yard. They’re pleasing to the eye, they provide welcome shade, and they offer glorious contrast through the four seasons. They also serve as homes for wildlife. Yet, often there comes a time in the life of a tree when, because of disease or damage, it needs to be removed. When that’s the case, the decision to do so can be emotional. When do you know when it’s time to call a professional tree removal service?

The short, simple answer is: before it’s too late. But what are the top reasons for tree removal?

Obvious Reasons for Tree Removal

ATC Tree Removal Service — There are many reasons that make removing trees from your yard very important. Some are obvious, and other can be harder to spot.

The tree is dead. Dead trees pose a hazard, and they should be removed as soon as possible.
The tree is diseased. Look for signs that its branches are dying back, especially at the top. You can also look for signs of decay on its trunk.
The tree was damaged in a storm. While sometimes we can save a damaged tree, often it must be removed.
The tree is leaning and could fall, damaging your home, garage, patio, sidewalk, or other parts of your property.
The tree is growing too close to your home or garage, or too close to the utility lines. In this case, trees are often removed to prevent a fall that would snap the lines, disrupting power or service to many other customers in the area.

Less Obvious Reasons for Tree Removal

You’re planning construction or renovations that will damage your tree or its root system beyond repair.
Disease or insect infestation affects a tree on your property and could easily spread to—and threaten—your other trees. A familiar example in our area is the emerald ash borer, which preys on both ash and elms. If found in one tree, it can easily spread to others nearby.
Structural damage or decay has occurred, and your tree is no longer thriving.
The tree has formed a bad crotch in the upper trunk, or you notice cracks in the main trunk or large limbs.
You have too many trees on your property—and they can’t thrive or grow properly because of overcrowding. Trees’ root systems need to be able to spread to sustain each tree properly.

On a final note, you should hire a professional tree removal service to remove your tree when the time comes. Tree work can be complex and a mistake can be costly. Look for a tree service that serves your area and choose one led by a certified arborist. You should also ensure that the service is licensed, bonded, and insured, and that its staff will be responsive to your questions and concerns.