Tag: tree assessing

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.

Every once in a while Martin finds something fascinating when he is climbing a tree. This day, he saw a tiny, tiny hummingbird nest with a teeny tiny egg. Sweet!

One of our blog readers asked us, "I have a crepe myrtle tree that has limbs that are dead, can my tree be saved?"

Without examing the tree in question, there are some signs you can look for in your own trees and steps you can take.

First of all, dead limbs should be removed, and removed properly. Look at our blog post on how to prune to see how (or check out the website www.TreesAreGood.com).

Second, look for signs of your tree's overall health. 

1. Look at the base of the tree and the ground around it. Are there signs of upheaval? Has the ground been disturbed lately or soil added on? Is there grass that is fighting for the same nutrients? Keep the soil undisturbed around established trees, being sure to keep the root flare intact. The only acceptable addition is mulch, and that must be kept 2 - 3 inches away from the root flare.
2. Look at the trunk. Is there splitting? Are there signs of damage (such as something hitting it)? Is there a lot of sap running down? These are more serious signs of damage that could cause the death of a tree. If a tree can't heal itself, it will die. In that case, it's best to remove the tree and plant a new one.
3. Look at the canopy. Is there a lot of deadwood? Are there signs of a fungus or insect infestation? Are the leaves healthy or are they showing signs of stress? Depending on what you see, you could either treat the problem (such as an insect infestation) or acknowledge that your tree is in its death spiral.

Finally, when in doubt, consult a professional. In that case, you want to call in an ISA certified arborist because he or she has the training and knowledge to properly assess your tree (don't fall for the "I'm a tree surgeon" line or "I'm an arborist" sales line--those mean nothing). Someone with a degree in horticulture might also be able to offer professional advice, although it's surprising how little some horticulturists know about trees specifically. They are often experts in shrubs, flowers, and ground cover, but unschooled in trees.

We hope this information helps!

Our man, Andrew Cheney, just passed his rigorous ISA Certification test--on his very first try! This is quite an accomplishment since only 6% pass it the first time.

Drew has been with Blooma Tree Experts LLC since February 2008, learning the ropes, literally! Drew had years of experience as a landscaper, so tree and shrub identification was a breeze, but he had not worked in the tree care industry before. Blooma owner Martin Macauley saw potential in Drew immediately,  and he began to encourage Drew to prepare himself for the ISA exam.

ISA Certification means that Drew is now a highly trained professional in all areas of tree care. He knows the biology of trees, he knows which diseases and pests attack trees, and he knows proper pruning techniques, among many other areas of essential tree care knowledge.

ISA Certification is valid for three years; Certified Arborists must continue their education by earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the end of each three-year period.

We are proud of Drew and his great accomplishment.

"I have a stand of Douglas Firs in my backyard," our client said. "I'm afraid some limbs, or even whole trees, will fall on our house this winter. Can you help?"

The Seattle area is blessed with beautiful, tall trees, isn't it? Stands of Douglas Firs, Cypresses, Redwoods, Spruces, and Cedars dot our landscape, reminding us why this is the Evergreen State. But what do you do when that lovely stand of trees is perched above your home and property? Here's some of what we do (this list is not exhaustive):

1. Assess the trees' health.
   The first step is to look at each tree and see just how healthy—or unhealthy—it is. Some of the questions we ask ourselves are:
   Are there signs of decay, such as loose bark, insect frass, or a sap stream flowing down the bark?
2. Assess the state of the limbs.
   Is there a lot of deadwood? Limbs die naturally but don't always fall right away. Often they hang on for quite awhile, just waiting for a strong wind to blow them to the ground.
   
   Are there broken limbs hanging onto other limbs? Broken branches can get caught by other branches, hanging there until they decide to come crashing down.
3. Assess the degree and direction of lean.
   What is the lean of the tree? Does it lean toward or away from structures? If it does fail, what will it hit?
4. Assess the ground around the tree.
   Has the ground been disturbed in the recent past? Construction and landscaping can cause destruction of a tree's root system and/or add material on top of the ground. This is dangerous because most of a tree's nutrients come from arteries near the surface of the ground. The surface roots also anchor the tree. Disturb them, and the tree might fall.

Once the trees have been properly assessed, we can help the homeowner make the best decision to create a safe environment. This might involve pruning, windsailing, or removing a tree. It makes sense to be proactive and address the issue BEFORE our next storm.

If you live in the Seattle area, call Martin Macauley, ISA Certified Arborist, for a free assessment: (206) 714-9835.