Tag: dying tree

Do you have a dead or dying tree in your yard? You know you need to do SOMETHING, and you suspect you should have it removed, but you're waiting because you know it's going to cost money, right? Well, wait no more. Here's what you DON'T KNOW about dead and dying trees and why you should act NOW.

Top 3 Reasons to Remove that Tree NOW:

1) The limbs may fall! Whether the tree is fully dead or in its mortality spiral, its limbs fall whenever they feel like it, without warning. These limbs can kill a grown man, easily. Two weeks ago, Martin examined a Locust tree in a man's yard. He advised the homeowner to remove the tree. The night before we showed up to do the work, a HUGE tree limb crashed right across the homeowner's driveway. If the cars had been parked in the driveway, they would have been crushed.

2) The trunk may fall! A dead tree in a forest may pose a danger to a squirrel or deer, but a dead tree in your own yard poses a severe risk to you, your family, your house, and maybe even the neighbors' house, neighbors' kids, and perhaps, passers-by. Note which way the tree is leaning, and from which direction winds normally blow. This will tell you the most likely direction a tree will fall. What will it hit?

3) The cost increases the longer you wait! Here's what happens**:

a. A dying tree can usually be climbed and removed by a tree professional. The danger to the climber is low (in most cases), so the removal cost is reasonable.

b. A dead tree cannot be safely climbed. This means a climber will need to climb a nearby healthy tree and carefully use that as his homebase for the removal. This takes longer and is more dangerous. That costs you money.

c. If there is no nearby healthy tree, the dead tree must be removed by crane. The location of the tree can make this very difficult to accomplish. Obviously, this type of removal will cost the most to you, the homeowner.

If you see your tree is dying, or even THINK it may be dying, call in an ISA Certified Arborist for an assessment. Perhaps the tree can be saved. But if not, plan to have it removed NOW--before the fall and winter weather hits.

Free estimates in the Greater Seattle Area: Martin Macauley, ISA Certified Arborist and PNW-ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor (206) 714-9835

** This information applies to most trees, but there are many contingencies, of course, depending on the tree species, root health, angle of tree, level of decay, and so on. To be on the safe side, call in a professional to assess your particular tree(s). **

If your Hemlock tree in or near the Seattle area is looking a little bit stressed, faded, and, well, sick, then it probably has fallen victim to the dreaded Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.

Look for little white blobs (like mini-Qtips) on the underside of the needles and branches. If you want a scientific explanation of this insect, go here: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/woollyadelgid/index.aspx.

To Save Your Tree or Remove It?

If the infestation has gone untreated for awhile, your Hemlock may already be dead or dying. In that case, removal is your only option, and the sooner, the better (a dead tree is a real safety hazard in your landscape).

If your tree CAN be saved, the best method is to apply a special insecticide to the tree trunk or to the soil around the tree roots. This way the tree actually moves the chemicals up to the twigs and needles where the adelgids are feeding.

We recommend Bayer Advanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed, which we have found at Lowe's Hardward Store (although it's sure to be available elsewhere). You do have to read the instructions carefully and re-apply every year.

When Is the Best Time to Treat My Hemlock?

According to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (who care about this problem deeply since the Hemlock tree is the Pennsylvania State Tree), you should treat your trees in spring, early summer, or fall "when adults break dormancy."

They do have some important tips of what NOT to do, too, so check out their website and get Woolly Adelgid-savvy. Let's save our Hemlocks!

Do you live in Seattle? Or in a nearby city? Does your city require tree risk assessment before you can cut down a tree? Give us a call!

Martin Macauley, owner, qualified as an ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor on June 4, 2010 (cert# CTRA 822).

What does it mean to be a tree risk assessor? Martin can assess the risks posed to people or structures by a tree or trees. For many cities now, this assessment is required before you can remove a sizable tree on your property.

What are the requirements to become a tree risk assessor? Martin took an intensive two-day course in Spokane, WA, and passed a two-an-a-half-hour exam (with flying colors!). Here are some of the areas of knowledge Martin learned:

• types and rates of decay
• mechanics of tree failure
• risk mitigation actions
• ribs, bulges, and fissures in bark
• root and soil issues

By continuing his education in tree health and safety, Martin provides full tree care service to his customers.