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WEED CONTROL

WEED CONTROL

Jan 15, 2020

Pre or Post? Know the Difference for Weeds in Your Yard

Did you know you can prevent weeds from emerging in your lawn and rockscapes? Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a protective seal around the seeds to prevent germination of weeds and eliminates any chance of growth.

Do you already have unsightly weeds as pictured above? An application of a post-emergent herbicide will do the trick. Post-emergent weed killers travel down the stalk of the plant and into the root system, killing weeds after they’ve already started growth above the ground.

First Choice Tree Service offers a variety of plant health care services, including pre and post-emergent applications to keep your lawn and rockscapes free of unattractive weeds. Call us today to schedule your service.

STUMP GRIND VS. STUMP REMOVAL

STUMP GRIND VS. STUMP REMOVAL

Dec 18, 2019

​Do you know what the difference is between stump grinding and stump removal? You need to know the difference when making a decision to remove a tree stump, especially if you intend to grow another tree in the same space.

Stump Removal – is the removal of the entire stump, including the root ball of the tree. The size of the root ball is several times larger than the tree itself. Removing the root ball can be challenging. This method is more labor intensive and tends to be more costly. However, because removing the root ball leaves such a large hole, it may be your best option for planting a new tree in the same location.

Stump Grinding – is the removal of the stump with a grinding tool. A stump grinder is a high powered tool that grinds the stump into smaller pieces. The stump grinder has the ability to grind the stump to several inches below ground, so the stump is not visible or can be covered. The small pieces can then be used as a ground cover or mulch. In time, the stump will decay along with the roots. This method is a more economical option compared to the cost of a full stump removal.

When deciding which option is best for your needs, consult a professional certified arborist. First Choice Tree Service has 5 certified arborists on staff and can help you with this and any of your tree care needs.

TRANSPLANTING TREES

TRANSPLANTING TREES

Dec 10, 2019

Transplanting a tree, or moving a tree from one location to another may seem a risky proposition but sometimes is worth it. Maybe you have a beautiful healthy tree that’s causing damage to nearby structures or hardscape. Or maybe the tree was planted in an area too small for its mature growth. Or maybe you’re attached to a tree and you want it to move with you. There are many motivations for transplanting a tree but there is one serious consideration if you should decide to relocate your tree; make sure to consult an arborist.

An arborist can perform an assessment to determine if the tree is a good candidate for relocation. He/she can also identify if the new location is suitable for transplanting. Survival rates of transplanted trees depends on many factors, including the type of tree, how mature it is, when it was planted, etc. An arborist will not recommend relocation of a tree if the tree is stressed and/or in decline, and would not survive transplantation.

Fertilization, pest control and general post-transplant care will increase the success rate of a newly transplanted tree. Your arborist will recommend an after-transplant care program to ensure your tree embraces its new location and will stay healthy for years to come. Contact us for more information on tree transplantation.

STRUCTURAL PRUNING

STRUCTURAL PRUNING

Dec 4, 2019

Structural pruning is a must for landscape trees, particularly trees growing near buildings, parking areas, streets and walkways. The conditions in which a landscape tree grows is innately different from those in forests. Trees growing in forests develop a strong central stem with more proportionate branches. Outside of its natural environment, the crown of a landscape tree can flourish with lower, larger branches and many more limbs than their forest counterparts because they receive an abundance of sunlight, leaving landscape trees more prone to develop structural defects.

This can ultimately lead to breakage of branches and limbs, and even overall tree failure.  It’s especially important to give special attention to trees that expose a safety hazard to people or property. Larger trees with weak structures are most vulnerable and are the first to fall in even mild weather events.

Weak tree structure can be prevented. It starts by making proper cuts to younger trees to help guide your tree to grow stronger and increase the tree’s prospects for a long and healthy life. More established trees also benefit from proper pruning. Proper structural pruning is an easy way to avoid future, larger issues with your landscape trees. For more information, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our certified arborists.

DORMANT OIL

DORMANT OIL

Nov 27, 2019

Breeding season for certain tree and shrub damaging insects is in the fall, particularly mites and borers. An application of dormant oil helps manage pest population by coating the insect’s spiracle, effectively smothering and preventing insect larvae from hatching in the spring to infest your trees and shrubs. Dormant oil is a cost effective option for pest management.

The optimal time for dormant oil applications is in the cooler months when trees are dormant before new growth occurs. Application timing is very important. For best results, we recommend treatments from winter to early spring, or December to February. It can be applied to trees, shrubs and other plant material. Dormant oil can also be used to treat for shot hole disease and mildew. Call us today for more information.