Name: Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
Address: 6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE, 68122, US
Telephone: 402-408-5600

Don't leave your tree care to chance...

3/15/2015

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Happy St. Patrick's day from Arbor Aesthetics! We'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you, amongst discussion of lucky charms, pots of gold and the "luck of the Irish," to hire a Certified Arborist to take care of your tree care needs. Your trees are an investment - protect them, take care of them, and enjoy them for years to come.

Why hire a Certified Arborist?

"Arborists specialize in the care of individual trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees."

Learn more about why you should hire a Certified Arborist from the International Society of Aboriculture.

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5 Ways to Love Your Trees

2/14/2015

17 Comments

1. Water works!

Trees are good to us. They provide shade and shelter from the sun, filter the air we breathe, add beauty and value to our homes, provide habitat, and much more. But come on, what have you done for your tree lately? Here are 5 ways to return the love:

Trees use water year-round, so they need water year-round. The amount of water a tree utilizes changes throughout its annual growth cycle, but to make it simple - they always need water - particularly trees that are younger than two years. Here is a short article on tree watering basics. Also check out our blog post about winter watering! Yes - you can (and should) water in the winter during dry spells.

NO MULCH VOLCANOES!

2. Mulch, but not much.

There are conflicting theories out there about whether mulch is harmful or helpful to trees. Mulch can help younger trees retain moisture and regulate soil temperature in the heat of the summer. It can also be used in areas where roots are exposed so you don't have to mow over and harm the roots. So if you like the way mulch looks in your landscape, use these tips to avoid harming your tree:

Avoid the mulch "volcano" and keep it away from the trunk. Mulch piled against the trunk holds moisture and heat, which helps give diseases, such as canker, an easy point of access.
Keep the mulch layer 2" deep or less.
Watch this short video on proper mulching technique.

3. Do-it-yourself? Do-it-right!

If you are tackling a DIY pruning job on your trees, avoid flush cuts. While your first instinct may be to remove as much evidence of that tree branch as you can, it is important to leave the branch collar intact to prevent decay from entering the tree. The diagram to the right shows where the branch collar is, and also a three-step cut guide for removing the branch while minimizing harm to the rest of the tree. Read more here.

4. Mind the roots.

Soil compaction is a problem that many are unaware of. Roots need to be able to access oxygen in the soil in order to carry nutrients up toward the canopy. Compaction can take place during landscaping projects where soil is covered or heavy machinery is driven over the soil. Even heavy foot traffic or installing a small patio can cause harm, and sometimes the symptoms don't present themselves for years.
Don't mow over exposed roots! Consider replacing turf with a thin, coarse layer of mulch that doesn't require mowing.

5. Find yourself a tree guy.

Find a trusted expert to help you maintain the trees on your property. Trees are an important asset and deserve professional attention and care. Don't leave your tree care to chance. Finding a certified arborist, like Arbor Aesthetics, is the first step in ensuring that you'll be able to love your trees for many years to come!

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Tree Topping Hurts

1/7/2015

14 Comments

"Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice."

We recently took a trip to North Carolina to pick up a shiny new bucket truck. On our long road trip back to Omaha, we noticed that tree topping is a common practice elsewhere, and that, thankfully, the city of Omaha takes pretty good care of its trees. We don't see a lot of tree topping in Omaha, but when we do - it makes us cringe

According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA),

Photo courtesy of University of Florida.

What is tree topping?

Tree topping is defined by the ISA as the indiscriminate cutting of large branches back to long stubs.
See photo. Enough said.

Why are trees topped?

An inexperienced tree service may recommend topping in order to clean up a storm-damaged tree. It takes less time and skill to top a tree than to properly prune the damaged limbs and plan for the tree's future growth and health.
Occasionally, our customers request tree topping to stunt the growth of a tree that has become too large for their landscape. Arbor Aesthetics does not top trees and will offer alternative solutions to this problem that will not harm the tree. Sometimes, the customer's best solution is to remove the tree and replace it.
Utility companies will sometimes top trees that are growing directly underneath power lines. This is an unfortunate solution and could be prevented with better planning. Ironically, because of rapid re-growth after topping, this practice can actually make pruning around power lines even more costly in the long run!

Why is tree topping harmful?

Reduced Food Source - Trees need leaves to produce food. Topping usually removes a large portion, if not all, of a tree's leaves. The health of the tree will certainly decline and is unlikely to bounce back.
Decay, Insects & Disease - When so many of the branches are cut back to large stumps, the tree is not equipped to be able to properly "seal" the wounds like it normally would with proper pruning back to the branch collar. The stubs are now open wounds vulnerable to insects and disease. This leads to...
Dangerous Decay - Decaying branches are dangerous and can cause injury or property damage if they break.
Sun Scald - With the canopy removed, the bark is now suddenly exposed to excessive light and heat. This causes damage to the tissues beneath the bark which can lead to cankers, bark splitting and death of some of some branches.

Water Sprouts - Topping a tree will cause rapid re-growth - but not the good kind! Water sprouts will form just below the cut. These branches are weak, poorly attached, and will easily break off in storms.
It's UGLY! - The regrowth of a topped tree is unsightly and unnatural. Remember that healthy, beautiful trees add value to your home. Tree topping can take it away because the tree becomes an impeding expense.

What's the alternative?

Proper Pruning - Arbor Aesthetics can offer health alternatives to tree topping using proper pruning techniques.

Start 'Em Young - Proper structural pruning when a tree is young may prevent the need to top a tree later in life.
Proper Planning - It's always a good idea to consult a professional when planning your landscape. Thoroughly research the species of tree you're planting so it has plenty of room to grow.
Removal - Sometimes removing the tree and starting fresh is a solution our customers choose.

If a tree service recommends topping, it's time to keep shopping!

Sources:
Nebraska Forest Service, 'Don't Top Trees'. International Society of Arboriculture, 'Why Topping Hurts'

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Winter Watering Trees & Shrubs

11/19/2014

3 Comments

You may have noticed a lot of trees and shrubs didn't survive the dry winter last year (we especially lost a lot of pine trees and yews in Omaha). We call this Winter Disiccation Injury, which is a fancy way of saying the tree didn't have enough water throughout the winter. Be proactive this winter and protect your beloved and valuable landscape!

If we're experiencing a dry spell and the temperature rises above 40 degrees, have your hose at the ready: It's time to provide water for your trees and shrubs.

Why should I water in the fall and winter?

Ouch! Did this happen to "yew" this year?

Root growth still occurs in the fall. Key ingredient: Water!
Water in the soil acts as a heat sink that regulates soil temperature and keeps it from getting too cold in the winter.
Water softens and lubricates the soil in the fall and spring when roots are growing the most.
When it gets to be very cold, the water in the upper soil layer freezes and isolates the lower soil layers from the extreme temperature fluctuations we often see in Nebraska.
When the soil freezes, the water expands, moving and loosening the soil when it melts so the soil is less compacted.
(from Preservation Tree Care)

What trees are most susceptible to drought?

Evergreens continue to use a fair amount of water in the winter, but all trees and shrubs would benefit from winter watering. Trees that are most susceptible to drought damage are:

Evergreens: spruce, fir, arborvitae, yew, Oregon grape-holly, boxwood, and Manhattan euonymus
Birches (European white and paper birches)
Maples (Norway, silver, red, Rocky Mountain and hybrid maples)
Lindens, alders, hornbeams, dogwoods, willows, and mountain ashes
All young trees and shrubs

When do my trees & shrubs need water?

A good rule of thumb is to water every 20-30 days in the fall and winter when the temperature is above 40 degrees, and there has not been a recent rain or snowfall.

Before watering, check the moisture level of your soil using this simple test. Grab a screwdriver and insert it about two inches into the soil. The soil that you dig up should be damp or moist. If it's soggy, you'll want to let the soil dry out before watering. If it's dry, someone is thirsty! Proceed...

How should I provide water?

The easiest method of watering is to use a regular garden hose. You'll first want to identify where the drip line of your tree is. The drip line is located under the outer edge of the branches (see illustration). The largest concentration of roots is usually halfway between the drip line and the trunk, but it can vary. Lay your garden hose down at this midway point and run the water for a minute or two until the water puddles, then move it to several other locations around the tree. For even more benefit, also water directly under the drip line and slightly beyond as the diagram shows.

It's really that easy! (Just don't forget to disconnect the hose when you're done!)

As always, mulching around your trees will help the soil retain moisture and slow water run-off. Here is a helpful video about mulching.

Sources:
University of Arizona Extension Cooperative
Preservation Tree Care
Cheyenne Urban Forestry
Missouri Environment & Garden

3 Comments

The Benefits of Winter Tree Work

11/11/2014

123 Comments

Winter weather has arrived here in eastern Nebraska! The last of the leaves are hanging on and will soon be stripped away by the frigid northerly wind.

You may be feeling some relief as you're cleaning up your lawn and garden beds for the last time and putting your tools to rest. No more shrub pruning, no more weeding, no more cursing at the rabbits for munching on your prized veggies.

But there is an important part of your landscape that shouldn't be ignored in the winter - your TREES!

Winter is the IDEAL time to prune And Remove trees

Shorter days and colder temperatures means dormancy for your trees. Did you know that dormancy is the IDEAL time to prune your trees? You might think an arborist will have trouble determining which branches need to be removed when stripped of their leaves, but that isn't the case. A trained arborist can identify a live branch versus a dead branch in the winter based on which branches have buds. Buds form at the end of the summer and serve as an indicator for which branches are alive in the winter.

The Benefits of Winter Tree Work:

Less stressful for live trees. Pruning during dormancy causes less stress to a tree.
Disease management. Certain varieties of trees, like oaks and elms, are susceptible to disease if pruned while the tree is leafed out. Pruning in the winter reduces susceptibility and the spread of disease.
More precise pruning. It's easier to see the structure of a tree without the leaves in the way.
Improved recovery. Spring is the best time for cuts to seal after pruning. Trimming in the winter means your tree will recover better in the spring.
Reduced impact to your lawn. The ground is frozen and grass is dormant, making it an ideal time to remove large trees that might otherwise leave a footprint on your lawn despite our very best efforts to minimize turf damage.
Lower prices. We offer lower winter pricing in the winter to keep our crew moving through the winter months. Take advantage of our "slow season" with lower prices!

Call Arbor Aesthetics today and ask about our lower winter pricing: 402-408-5600

Request a free quote!

Sources:
Tree Owner's Manual for the Northeastern & Midwestern United States, US Forest Service
Why Does the Dormant Season Matter? Davey.com

123 Comments

Now is NOT the time to trim your elm tree! The low-down on Dutch Elm Disease.

8/26/2014

1 Comment

Dutch Elm Disease is one of the most destructive shade tree diseases in North America. It affects American elms and kills individual branches, then eventually the entire tree over the course of one to several years. It can also spread to nearby trees. At Arbor Aesthetics, we strongly recommend NOT trimming your elm tree between April and October when the trees are leafing.

How is it contracted?

The DED fungus was first introduced to the U.S. on diseased elm logs from Europe prior to 1930. A tree can contract this fungus by way of:

Photo by Brian Olson, Oklahoma State University.

Elm bark beetles. They are attracted to stressed, dying or dead elm wood to complete the breeding stage of their life cycle. Eggs are laid into the bark, then once hatched, the larvae feed on the inner bark and sapwood. If the DED fungus was present in that tree, the fungus produces sticky spores that stick to the adult beetles as they emerge from the tree. The adult beetles then visit healthy trees and transfer the spores.
Grafted roots. Roots of the same or closely related tree species growing nearby often cross each other in the soil and eventually fuse to each other. A tree that becomes infected by way of grafting can die rapidly, as the fungus is carried upward in the sapstream.

What are the symptoms?

DED is a vascular disease, meaning it affects the way a tree is able to conduct water. Because water cannot travel down to the roots, leaves will wilt, yellow and drop. The photo to the right shows the beginning symptoms of DED.

How is it treated and prevented?

The key to conquering DED is early detection and prompt treatment. If you suspect any of your elm trees are suffering from DED, call Arbor Aesthetics and our certified arborists can discuss possible treatment options.

Pruning. Careful pruning of infected branches can prevent the disease from spreading down the tree. One of our certified arborists will be able to tell whether or not pruning alone will be an adequate treatment or if injecting a fungicide is necessary.
Injecting fungicide. Certain fungicides are effective in protecting elms from infection via the elm beetle. It is expensive, however, and must be repeated every one to three seasons and may also pose a risk to the health of the tree.

Courtesy of Cheryl Kaiser, University of Kentucky.

Disrupting root grafts. Large trees within 25-50 feet of each other are likely to have root grafts. Breaking these grafts between injected trees and adjacent healthy trees is an important means of preventing movement of the fungus.

Planting resistance species. There are many hybrid elm crosses and species of elm that have a high tolerance or resistance to DED. Some examples are the Princeton Elm, the American Liberty Elm, the Valley Forge American Elm, and the New Harmony American Elm.
Diversifying. Incorporate a variety of tree species in your landscaping.
Considering the spacing. Planting multiple elms too close to each other makes them susceptible to the spread of DED. Alternating an elm with another species can prevent or slow down the infection.
Practicing sanitation. To be completely effective in interrupting the spread of the disease by elm bark beetles, stems and branches of DED infected trees must be de-barked, destroyed, or utilized before the bark beetles emerge. During the growing season, removal should be completed within 2 to 3 weeks of detection. During the dormant season, removal should be completed before April, when overwintering beetles may begin to emerge. Wood can be destroyed for chipping, burning or burying. Many communities have regulations on the removal of diseased elms and the storage of elm firewood.

Sources:
How to Identify & Manage Dutch Elm Disease, Linda Haugen, US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
Forest Health Protection: Dutch Elm Disease, US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

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Don't leave your tree care to chance...

Why hire a Certified Arborist?

5 Ways to Love Your Trees

1. Water works!

2. Mulch, but not much.

3. Do-it-yourself? Do-it-right!

4. Mind the roots.

5. Find yourself a tree guy.

Tree Topping Hurts

What is tree topping?

Why are trees topped?

Why is tree topping harmful?

What's the alternative?

If a tree service recommends topping, it's time to keep shopping!

Winter Watering Trees & Shrubs

Why should I water in the fall and winter?

What trees are most susceptible to drought?

When do my trees & shrubs need water?

How should I provide water?

The Benefits of Winter Tree Work

Winter is the IDEAL time to prune And Remove trees

The Benefits of Winter Tree Work:

Now is NOT the time to trim your elm tree! The low-down on Dutch Elm Disease.

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