Diagnosis | Feeding/Fertilizing | Dormant Spraying
Cabling/Bracing | Foliar Spraying | Lightning Protection
Tree Removal | Stump Removal

Henry Ward Beecher once said, "Of all man's works of art, a Cathedral is the greatest. A vast majestic tree is greater than that."

But the beauty of living trees is perishable. They develop from seed, grow, mature and reproduce – but eventually die as must all living things. With intelligent care, however, their allotted span may be prolonged and their beauty enhanced – objectives worthy of sincere effort.

Diagnosis: As living organisms, trees, turf and all landscape vegetation need appropriate supplies of nutrients, air and water for maximum health and beauty. Any abnormality must be diagnosed quickly, identified positively, and corrected without delay if serious consequences are to be avoided.

Correct diagnosis of tree and landscape problems requires years of study and practical experience. Successful treatment of various tree ailments can be anticipated only when the arborist is able to clearly distinguish between the normal and abnormal and to combine in a practical manner the scientific knowledge of the physiologist, the entomologist and the pathologist. Accurate diagnosis of turf diseases requires experience and knowledge of landscape insects and fungus diseases.

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Feeding/Fertilizing: Although trees produce their own food, technically speaking, they require an abundant supply of raw materials from which to manufacture the carbohydrates needed for life and growth. Some of these are obtained from the atmosphere, others from the earth. In the forest, normal processes of decomposition renew the available supply of organic elements in the soil, but the shade trees – growing in an artificial environment – gradually exhaust these nutrients and must be aided by periodic fertilization. Shade trees receive greater benefit from systematic feeding than from almost any other single help we can give them. This feeding typically is comprised of macro- and micronutrients beneficial for your trees, shrubs and turf.

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Dormant Spraying: Several hundred of the 624,000 insect species that scientists are able to identify may be classed as enemies of shade trees, ornamentals and turf. Fortunately, however, less than 100 different kinds are locally abundant enough to be serious. But make no mistake, insect attacks can be, and often are, fatal to your trees, shrubs and turf.

Among the most pernicious pests are the scale insects, which, though tiny and inconspicuous, weaken and sometimes kill trees, shrubs and landscape plantings. One of the most effective control methods of these scale insects is best conducted during the dormant season when specified chemicals may be applied without injury to the host plants.

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Pruning: Dead branches are unsightly, dangerous, and potential sources of decay, a symptom not to be regarded lightly. Their removal at periodic intervals is necessary to protect the health, vitality and beauty of trees. Still more essential is a careful study to detect the underlying reason for the death of branches.

Pruning is an art that should be entrusted only to trained arborists who are able to remove limbs in such a manner as to encourage rapid healing and prevent decay; and who understand the symptomatic significance of the dead wood. Fruit trees and many landscape ornamentals are best pruned or shaped during the dormant season to prevent spread of various diseases.

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Cabling/Bracing: To resist the stresses caused by wind and storm, trees need strong, well-spaced branch systems. Certain species – of which the elm and maple are characteristic examples – tend to develop weak, V-shaped crotches which break easily.

If trees are correctly trained and pruned when small they are seldom permitted to develop structurally weak crotches, but older trees that have not been given this attention are subject to splitting. Modern rod bracing and cabling methods are economical, inconspicuous and effective in preventing such injuries to priceless shade trees. Newly planted trees and ornamentals should have guy wire supports installed until the root system is established.

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Foliar Spraying: Pressure spraying with chemicals is recognized by authorities as one of the most effective ways to combat leaf diseased and the many defoliating and sucking insects that mutilate and destroy foliage on trees, ornamentals and turf.

To be effective, the proper insecticide or fungicide must be applied in a specific manner, according to an exact formula, at the time a particular insect or disease is most vulnerable. This demands specialized equipment and trained operators who understand the use of many chemicals and who possess detailed knowledge of the life cycles and feeding habits of landscape pests and diseases.

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Lightning Protection: Although lightning strikes have been responsible for the mutilation and death of countless trees, it is entirely unnecessary to expose your shade trees to such “Acts of Nature”. Because oak, elm tulip, poplar, pine, ash, maple and sycamore are the trees most frequently struck, the protection of valuable specimens of such species deserves earnest consideration. Injury may be prevented by correctly installing a lightning protection system.

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Tree Removal: Regrettably, it sometimes becomes necessary to remove trees from our lawns or streets. Shade trees cannot be felled like trees in the forest but must be taken down section by section if damage to gardens, shrubs, buildings, and nearby trees is to be avoided.

Knowledge of tree structure, ability to judge the relative strength of sound and unsound wood, agility, and skill in rigging are so important in the tree removal process that it is all but natural to call your arborist.

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Stump Removal: Stumps are typically left 2-4 inches above grade, and stump removal will usually take place 2-3 days after the tree has been removed. All stumps will be routed at least 12 inches below grade, unless otherwise specified by the client. The stump hole will be filled with the stump mulch, and the remaining mulch will be hauled off the site unless otherwise specified by the client.

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