Can I Use a Pressure Washer to Clean or Spray Trees?

 
Pressure washers can be very effective when put into good use. In a matter of minutes, the task that you were working on can easily be solved. The question that many people may ask, can pressure washers have the same effect on trees?
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Pressure Washer on TreesPressure washers are called power washers for a reason. They are 10 to 50 times stronger than your garden hose. As you can imagine, that much power can actually hurt trees!
What happens if I pressure wash my trees to get it clean?Pressure washers are essentially super-powered hoses. Their motor or engine intensifies the flow of water, which then sprays 1,000-to-4,000 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). To put that in perspective, your faucet or hose flows at about 50 PSI.
That extra force quickly wipes away grime, residue and mildew from your car, patio or outdoor furniture.
But when you use a pressure washer to clean a tree, the force removes the tree's outermost layer. Depending on the PSI and type of tree, your tree can lose chunks of its bark. And if you continue to spray, you can damage the tree cells under the bark.
Pressure washers, even when set to their lowest setting, are just too strong for trees! A garden hose and a bit of elbow grease are all you need to clean up your tree trunk. Or if you want to get rid of lichen or moss, simply pull it off. No water (or pressure) needed!
How can I do damage if I use a pressure washer to spray trees with insecticide?This may seem like a good idea at first. But again, a pressure washer is too much for trees. If sprayed in your trees' canopy, it will likely remove or shred the leaves.
Plus, insecticides are serious business! If you spray an insecticide high up in your tree top, it’s going to rain down on you and the nearby area, which can be harmful. Professional pesticide applicators, like those atOrange County Best Tree Care, first have training and then pass a rigorous exam to become certified. That way, they know the potential risks of each pesticide and how to use it properly.
In short, pesticides usually aren’t something you want to dabble in. Though, if you’re set on it, use a hydraulic tree sprayer with a nozzle pressure of about 400 PSI, which retails for approximately $300.

This post was originally published at http://OrangeCountyBestTreeCare.com

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The Best Trees for Blocking Wind and Windbreak

 
Tree not only provide an aesthetic value on your property but also play other roles like acting as windbreakers.
Another of the many ways trees work hard to keep us happy is by warming our landscapes in winter. Rows of wind-blocking trees reduce wind and heat up your home. The best windbreaks take time and planning, but they pay us back in cozy comfort.
Planting Trees for Energy EfficiencyWindbreaks don’t just warm us up in winter. All year, they keep our yards at a steady temperature, lowering heating and cooling costs for our home. To maximize the benefits, plant the right tree in the right place.
What Side of the House to Plant Landscape WindbreaksBefore you start planting, it’s important to map out your yard. Plant windbreaks on the north and northwest sides of your home where it gets coolest in the winter.
Windbreak Tree SpacingIt might seem like planting trees close is the best way to keep the wind out. But tightly packed trees will become a problem once they mature. The more space you put between trees in the beginning, the longer your windbreaker does its job.

• If you’re planting rows of shorter trees, leave about 10 feet of space between each tree and 15-to-20 feet between each row.
• If you’re planting rows of taller trees, leave 15 feet between each tree and 25 feet of space between rows.
• Remember as these trees grow the space, they’ll fill in that space.

Best Wind-Blocking Trees: Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9 and Zone 10Set yourself up for success by picking trees in your planting zone.

• Eastern redcedar (zones 2-9): An evergreen that grows about 50 feet tall and loves direct sunlight
• Chinese juniper (zones 4-9): A durable evergreen that’s resistant to deer browsing
• Baldcypress (zones 4-10): A conifer that sheds needles in winter and is known as a signature swamp tree in the South
• Dawn redwood (zones 5-8): A fast-growing conifer that loses its needles in winter and is perfect for large yards
• Port Orford cedar (zones 6-10): A fast-growing evergreen that’s native to Oregon

Best Wind-Blocking Trees: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 and Zone 6Remember to pick trees suited for your planting zone.

• Norway spruce (zones 3-7): A strong, fast-growing evergreen that tolerates various soils
• Green giant arborvitae (zones 5-7): A fast-growing evergreen with a classic pyramid shape
• Eastern white pine (zone 3-6): A conifer that grows up to three feet per year
• Colorado blue spruce (zones 3-6): A low-maintenance evergreen with unique color
• White cedar (zones 3-7): A popular conifer with a long cone shape
• Douglas fir (zones 4-6): A sturdy tree that's perfect for snowy and icy climates
• White fir (zones 4-7): A short evergreen commonly used as a Christmas tree

When you pick your plants, remember to mix. If you plant rows of the same tree, you can risk losing your windbreak to a single pest or disease. Alternate between two or three tree types to keep your windbreak up and running.

This post was originally published at http://OrangeCountyBestTreeCare.com

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Five Common Tree Care Mistakes on Commercial Properties

 
The perfect environment for trees to grow in is in their natural or semi-natural state. Trees are meant to grow in a natural environment where they thrive without any intervention. They are not adapted to live in commercial landscapes where the growing conditions are vastly different.
Routine maintenance is the best way to acclimate trees to the less than ideal conditions of an urban or suburban landscape. However, the wrong kind of maintenance can result in permanent damage. Learn more about the most common tree care mistakes seen on commercial properties.
Briefly explained are common mistakes practiced during tree care.
Improper pruningAn effective way of altering the form and growth pattern of a plant is through pruning. However, pruning results into less foliage that is quite essential for their growth and development. Therefore, pruning requires expert precision. One wrong move might take out a huge limb, crippling its development for good. Improper pruning can also result in dead branches or wood.
This mostly arises from poor topping. Knowing why we do it is not enough until we master how to do it properly. The right amount minimizes the wound inflicted. The less loss of live branches the better. Experts recommend that the amount pruned should not exceed 25 percent of its crown. When pruning the trees’ age and current condition are what should determine the extent of the cut.
Planting too deepTrees planted too deep in the soil tend to develop complications. Tree roots thrive when close to the surface. Here they can extract oxygen, water, and the surface warmth. When buried too deep in the soil, the roots get deprived of such necessities. There are cases where the roots begin growing upwards towards the trunk creating girdles which might encircle the tree.
When planting the root flare should be at the soil surface. The root flare is the part where the tree widens below. If the tree was already planted and the flare cannot be seen, excavate the surrounding soil till you reach it. If there are any girdled roots, carefully remove them, so you do not end up injuring the tree.
Availability of mulchThere is an ignorant perception that over-mulching is necessary. It is a common sight to find mulch piled up against the trunk.Over-mulching results in a moist tree bark which leaves it vulnerable to fungi attack, insects or decay. The remedy is to apply a 3-4 inch mulch to the trees outer drip line. Organic mulch such as wood chips is highly recommended. The mulch regulates soil temperatures and retains soil moisture without causing any harm to the tree.
Destruction from equipmentBy equipment, we are talking about machines such as string trimmers, lawnmowers, and others. Such equipment scrapes the underlying cambium layer on the tree bark resulting in irreparable damage. Any injury to the trees cambium layer interferes with the flow and water and nutrients within. Such an interruption is a threat to all crucial tree processes. The injured area becomes the perfect entry point for organisms that cause it to rot such as fungi.
The best way to prevent such negligence from people is any setting up a mulch around it. In addition to creating a healthy growing environment, it’s also a visual reminder to keep harmful machinery away.

This post was originally published at http://OrangeCountyBestTreeCare.com

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November 06th, 2017

Trees have a relatively long lifespan, with some species living for 50 years and others living for centuries. When a tree dies, it will begin to lose its structural stability while dropping its branches.
This can create a dangerous scenario for homeowners and their property, which is why it’s important to monitor dying trees.
Symptoms of a Dying Tree 
Is my tree dead or alive?It’s important to know the difference between a dead and declining tree. Usually, sick trees can be saved, but a dead tree is a huge risk to you and your home.
The good news is you can help reduce that risk in just under a minute!
Try this quick test: Using your fingertip or a pocket knife, scratch one of the tree’s twigs. If it’s moist and green underneath, your tree’s alive.
If it’s brown and brittle, take a few more steps to inspect the tree:
 
•           Scratch a couple more twigs to see if any are fresh green underneath.
•           See if there are mushrooms or other fungi growing at the tree’s base.
•           Check the trunk for peeling bark, cracks or splits.
•           Look up into the canopy for hanging branches, deformed leaves or missing leaves.
•           Taken together, these signs point to a dead tree. If your tree failed the scratch test and you see one or more of these signs, call your arborist as soon as possible look and remove it if necessary.
How to Save a Dying TreeIf your tree passed the scratch test, that’s great! Now the next step is to find out if and how you can save your sick tree. The most reliable way to do this is to have a certified arborist inspect the tree in person and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you want to learn a bit more about what’s going on before calling, look for these symptoms of tree stress and see what the most common solution is.
Is your tree in trouble? Does it need to be removed? Call us for a free consultation.
Remember that when a tree is dead, it should be removed to protect your property and the property of those around you. However, do not attempt to take down a large, structurally compromised tree on your own! If you need a tree removed or if you are in need any other landscape design services, please email us or call us.


This post was originally published at http://OrangeCountyBestTreeCare.com

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Tree Root Removal Tips

Tree Care in Lake Forest, CA

For every one of the beauty a well-pruned tree can easily include to a landscape, this effect is just feasible due to exactly what is going on underground. This is since a tree is just as healthy and balanced as its root system. since roots job to give the nutrients a tree has to be healthy, their care is critical. It is vital to already know the physiology of roots to fully appreciate the scope of their importance and identify exactly how ideal to care for them.
It is frequently erroneously believed that roots grow to significant depths right here ground. However, this is inaccurate. The naked truth of the matter is that roots often grown just within two feet right here the ground’s surface. This location is answerable for securing the tree in place. Consequently, this is likewise the section of ground from which the roots are able to extract water and nutrients. Upon the personal arms of each root grow smaller sized roots, called feeder roots. Essentially, it is the feeder roots that are answerable for the absorption of the tree’s sustenance and, therefore, its overall vitality.
As much as location, it is important to already know that roots extend well beyond the circumference of the canopy by up to sixty feet. Why is this important? Not understanding the extent to which roots could grow can easily cause unintentional damage. For instance, breaking ground for a yard or building project can easily disturb the roots of a nearby tree for which one may have actually been unaware extended to the site.
Alternatively, unknowingly planting a yard or others trees near the roots of a proximal tree can easily eventually cause competition in between the plants for the water, nutrients, and oxygen vital for survival. In such a case, the youngest of the plants generally pay the greater price; however, every one of plants competing for these points ultimately suffer setbacks, no matter exactly how nominal they could seem.
Other circumstances to think of that could negatively impact tree roots and the overall vitality of a tree contain soil compaction and the opposing extremes of underwatering and overwatering.
Soil compaction frequently outcomes from heavy foot traffic, whether from people or wildlife, the usage of heavy machinery on the area, extraneous weight on the soil, as from dirt or sand piles on construction sites or places of mulch about landscaping trees, pavement, such as sidewalks or parking lots, and hefty, fallen limbs that stay in put for an extensive period of time. Contact an Austin tree trimming professional to aid along with limbs, minimizing the risk of those that could fall and adjustment the makeup of the soil below. These are every one of examples of scenarios that create soil to come to be compacted, thereby restricting the levels of water, minerals, and oxygen a tree has to survive.
Of course, underwatering is detrimental for obvious reasons. As water is vital for the tree to survive, insufficient quantities of it restrict growth and could ultimately cause its demise. Overwatering, on the others hand, could be just as as detrimental, yet generally since it deprives the tree of oxygen.
It is likewise vital to note that simply since roots lie underground does not mean that they cannot be the create of a tree’s demise. There are diseases that are personal to a tree’s roots which could kill the tree if left untreated or, in some cases, if merely contracted. In Lake Forest, CA, oak wilt is one such disease. It can easily easily be transmitted through the intertwined roots of diseased and healthy and balanced trees. A Lake Forest tree care service can easily treat any type of questions concerning exactly how roots are damaged by oak wilt.

View tree removal and sprinkler system blogs at http://www.orangecountybesttreecare.com/sprinklers.html

Free Palm Tree Removal

Tree Care in Irvine, CA

Palm trees belong to Arecaceae family of plants. Palm trees are widely planted and well-known tree families. We get hold of numerous common products and meals from palm trees. They are additionally planted in gardens and parks, which don’t have actually massive frosts.
There are over 2500 various species of Florida palm trees and every tree has actually various leaf formations. They can easily additionally have actually pinnate or palmate leaves.  Palmate leaves have actually quality that they appear love human hand along with outstretched fingers. Pinnate Leaves looks just like a feather. Palm trees additionally have actually one more interesting characteristics that they can easily grow solitary or in clusters.
Florida palm trees are the very first choice of every one that prefers to plant palm trees in their garden. Palm leaves not just offers an attractive look to your garden however additionally offers you along with so numerous fruits depending upon the specie of the tree.  Couple of of the popular specie of palm trees are Areca, Banana, Bismarck, Coconut, Blue Latan, Christmas, Fishtail, Princess, Queen, Majesty and so on. Once you think of buying palm trees for growing in your garden there are numerous factors which you have to take in to consideration. Followings are some pointers for ordering palm trees.
You have to visit your nearest nursery.  Checking out nursery will certainly suggestions you in obtaining much more short article concerning the palm trees, their price, and the readily available palm trees for your area.
There are some species of Florida palm trees which can easily mature to 20-30 feet. So you have to decide exactly what height of palm tree you require to plant in your garden.
Climate is an vital factor to be considered, due to the fact that the growth of the palm trees depends upon the sorts of climate they get. So you have to go for the very best palm tree species which can easily grow in the climate of your area.
You additionally have to think about the landscape where you are heading to plant the palm trees. The landscape need to have actually sufficient area to ensure that the trees can easily get hold of appropriate sunlight and you need to have the ability to water plants.
 
In growing Florida palm trees you have to provide many efforts and time. Rather you can easily appoint any sort of farm or the horticulture business that can easily do all of the points love going with ideal palm tree, deciding right put and area called for for the trees. The advantage in appointing such business or farm is you get hold of quality work, due to the fact that they have actually endured staff to do all of this.

For more Tree Care Tips see http://www.orangecountybesttreecare.com/sprinkler-repair.html

Tips That You Must Follow When It Comes To Trimming Trees and Sprinkler Maintenance

Landscaping your yard may seem to be a huge task but it can quite simple as you have a plan and stick to a schedule. This article has lots of useful landscaping ambitions.

Use local plants in your yard. Native varieties require less maintenance as they are already in an environment that is naturally conducive to their growth. This means that taking care of them a lot of maintenance. Your local gardener probably has lots of great native plants.

When you landscape, you must know the difference between perennials and annuals, you also want to know what kind of shrubs, plant, and shrubs work best in certain geographical areas and under certain climates. You must also think about what season it is when you're doing any kind of landscaping. It is important to understand which plants do well during specific seasons to get good results from your landscaping experience.

A great landscaping tip that can help anyone is to comprise a list of any needed materials before even beginning your project. You don't want to get started on your landscape project to discover that you're missing something you have forgotten.

Consider a drip style watering system that drips instead of flows water to your plants. These systems are simple to install and help you to provide your garden with the correct amount of water. You also save money on water as it's all being used by the plants, helping you to avoid the dangers associated with over-watering.

Make your landscape by growing a garden suitable for many seasons. Choose plants that bloom during different times of the year, which are appropriate depending on the soil and region. You might also use trees or evergreens to keep your yard stand out.

Landscaping goes well beyond simply planting a lawn and some trees. To add distinctive beauty with texture, look for places to add wood, wood or iron structures. Pergolas, decks, archways and decks add beauty and make a yard look more interesting. These things can be found at prices for any budget.

Many people forget that much of their landscaping planning and shopping regarding landscaping. Not only is it more convenient to shop online, but you may have access to a wider variety of plants for your landscaping project that you could never find in a nearby retail store or nursery.

Purchase at different times of the year to save money.Purchase your lumber during the winter time and buy mulch, and purchase greenery later in the season.When newer plants arrive on market, wait several years before purchasing them so that the price is not so high.

Shop online to save money and get a wider variety of products. There are a lot of quality websites that offer popular products at very good prices. Make sure you check out customer reviews about products that are handled with care and come on time.

Try using curved borders around what you plant when landscaping the yard. These rounded borders are less formal and more pleasing to the eye. The curves help your yard look softer to people passing by on the street, despite the hard, soften your straight lines of the driveway and house.

Mulch is a smart addition if you are incorporating flower beds. Mulch is a great way for your plants to stay hydrated so that retains moisture and can survive in warmer weather. Mulch will allow your plants to have the water that they need.

Landscaping is not always easy if you don't know a lot about it. However, with a little effort, you can find out everything you need to know. To find true landscaping success, you have to find great ideas and implement them. Utilize the tips in this article so you can have success during your next landscape project.

Want more?  See http://www.orangecountybesttreecare.com/sprinkler-repair.html for additional tips!