Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service - Professional Tree Trimming & Tree Removal - Omaha, NE
  • Residential Services
  • Free Proposal Request
  • Commercial Services
  • Our People
  • Careers
    • Employment Application
  • Customer Portal
  • Gift of Beautiful Trees
  • Blog

The Gift of Beautiful Trees

11/20/2015

6 Comments

 
Picture
It's that time of year when we all pause to count our blessings and express our gratitude. Unfortunately for many families, it's also a time when everyday financial burdens feel heavier than ever. For those struggling to make ends meet, putting food on the table and presents under the tree can be a real challenge. Further, as priorities shift during the holidays, necessary home maintenance projects fall by the wayside.

We all deserve beautiful, safe and healthy trees. Trees add value to our homes and to our lives. They can be a point of pride and a symbol of strength. But when they aren't properly maintained, they can become unsafe or just plain unsightly. For so many families, there just isn't room in the budget for the luxury of proper tree care. 

Do you know of a family in dire need of tree care? Is a dying tree hanging precariously over their home that ought to be removed? Are dead branches littering the yard? Are overgrown branches running into their house or roof? We want to help by giving a family in need the Gift of Beautiful Trees! 

Fill out the form below to nominate a family in need for the Gift of Beautiful Trees. On December 21st, we'll select a nominated family to receive up to $2,500 in free tree trimming or removal. It's our way of giving back to our community and the families that have supported our business over the years. 

In the spirit of Christmas and the holidays,
Jeff, Amy & the Arbor Aesthetics Crew

    Sorry, the deadline has passed!

    Nominate a family to receive the Gift of Beautiful Trees!

    Deadline: Friday, December 18, 2015

    ABOUT YOU
    -
    -

    THE NOMINEE
    [object Object]
    -
    -

    NOMINATION INFORMATION
    Max file size: 20MB
Submit
Official Rules: Nominee must reside in the Omaha metro or surrounding areas, including Elkhorn, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista and Millard. Property must be owned by the nominee and serve as the nominee's primary residence. Commercial or rental properties are not eligible. Winner will be selected based on the scope of work, level of need, and reason for nomination. Winner will be notified by telephone. Should the winner choose to refuse our services, an alternate winner will be chosen. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 18,, 2015. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 21, 2015 via e-mail to address you provided above, as well as on our Facebook page and website. 
6 Comments

Tree Owner's Manual

11/19/2015

3 Comments

 
Don't you wish more things in life came with instruction manuals (like your kids)? It's easy to assume that trees are invincible totems of lumber, but they're living things that require at least some basic knowledge to care for.

Luckily, your trees DO come with a manual: "The Tree Owner's Manual​" written by the U.S. Forest Service. We highly recommend bookmarking this PDF file for your reference!

What's in the manual?
  • Bringing your tree home from the nursery
  • Planting instructions
  • Watering information
  • Mulching
  • How to address issues early on
  • Tree health & safety
  • Protecting your tree from construction
  • How to hire an arborist
  • Tree types
  • Maintenance and pruning
  • Removal and disposal
  • Troubleshooting
  • Selecting a tree at the nursery
Picture
3 Comments

Thanks for 10 Years, Omaha!

11/10/2015

1 Comment

 
We celebrated 10 years in business this year with a party at Hanscom Park in Omaha. We grilled hot dogs, had a tree identification scavenger hunt, had fun crafts for the kids and gave away Tree Hugger shirts and a beautiful catalpa tree! What a great day, and a great decade it's been serving Omaha!
1 Comment

Will cutting into a tree's roots harm the tree?

11/3/2015

22 Comments

 
We received a call today from someone trying to install pavers under a silver maple tree. If you own a silver maple, you know these trees produce some mean surface roots! He asked if chopping up these roots to make room for the pavers would harm the tree. We're so glad he asked! The short answer is "YES!" Here's why:

Roots serve two purposes:

  1. Providing structure
    Trees are made stable by their root system. Its main structural roots, which are larger, begin close to the trunk then flare out. This is called the "root flare." The closer the roots are to the tree, the more important they are for keeping the tree upright. Cutting these roots can lead to instability.
  2. Feeding the tree
    These smaller, fibrous roots absorb water and minerals to be transported into the tree. Severing or removing these roots will harm the tree, as will compacting the root system by way of things like construction, heavy foot traffic, and - ahem - pavers. 
Picture
Most of a tree's roots travel horizontally and are found 6-12" below the surface.

Are pavers a good solution to my problem?

Picture
Tempted to cut them? Think again!
​​In this case, the homeowner wanted to pave an area where grass wouldn't grow around the tree roots. This is a common issue, but consider the fact that you are creating an unnatural environment for the tree by doing so. Root systems are more sensitive than one might think. Pavers (or even river rock) absorb heat, and holding heat close to the root system can harm the tree. These landscaping "solutions" also pose the risk of compacting the soil and depriving the roots of oxygen, a necessary component for transporting nutrients throughout the tree. For this same reason, trees that are planted in urban environments surrounded by concrete don't tend to thrive. 

What's the best alternative to pavers or river rock?

Mulch! Trying to maintain grass until a tree with heavy surface roots is a battle not worth fighting. Lightly mulch under the tree out to the drip line for a neater appearance that requires little to no maintenance. Mulch no more than 2" deep and keep it away from the trunk.

What if I have to sever a root?

If you MUST, cut a root cleanly with a sharp saw, and cut it straight across to leave as small and round of a wound as possible. Avoid chopping and tearing the roots, or cutting along the length of the root. 
Picture
Mulching is a low-maintenance method of covering an area where grass won't grow. Stop fighting the battle!

How do I know if I've caused damage?

It may take several years for a tree to show signs of damage. Look for:
  • Small, pale colored leaves
  • Leaves turning brown on the edges or shedding early
  • Tips of the limbs dying over time

We're grateful for opportunities like this to teach others about proper tree care! Another tree saved - we love what we do! ​​

Do you have a question about tree care? Email us - we're here to help!
​ 
Ask an Arborist
Picture
Tree tip die-back - a sign of decline!
22 Comments

    Author

    Amy Grewe, Certified Arborist & Co-Owner 

    Categories

    All
    Community Involvement
    Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
    Our Company
    Our Work
    Pests & Disease
    Tree Care
    Tree Planting

    Archives

    July 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    February 2022
    October 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    August 2014


    Follow this blog
Picture
Member TCIA
Picture
Picture
Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service

Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
402-408-5600
info@arboraesthetics.com
  • Residential Services
  • Free Proposal Request
  • Commercial Services
  • Our People
  • Careers
    • Employment Application
  • Customer Portal
  • Gift of Beautiful Trees
  • Blog