Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Minnesota Tree Care Services | Tree Trimming | Tree Pruning

Introduction to Tree Trimming ,and pruning
A tree may need pruning for a variety of reasons:
To remove diseased or destroyed branches, thin branches, to thin the crown to permit new growth and better air circulation. Also to reduce height of a tree or remove lower branches. In case of a large tree where you want to remove big branches, you should leave to the professional!
To better know if a tree is sick and dying, there are some major signs and symptoms to watch out for. You should start by checking for any cracks in the major limbs and trunk. Look also for dead branches, discolored or wilted leaves, sawdust in the root zone or trunk base, fungi growth at the base of the tree, hollow and decayed areas, and insect damage. There are a number of things that can cause damage to a tree, some of which are not easily visible if they are root funguses below the ground. Generally, by looking carefully at a tree for signs of ill health, you can get a good idea of whether the tree may be in need of aid.
If you suspect that your tree is dying, the best way to respond to it is to call a tree doctor or arborist. These are experts who specialize in diagnosing tree diseases and who will help you to determine both if the tree is dying and, if so, if the sick tree can still get better or not. Unfortunately, a dying tree cannot often be saved and it may not be worth the expense to do so unless the tree is very old or rare or special to you. Cutting the tree down is often your best and safest option.
If you need to cut down a tree, there are companies that will help you with this job. Cutting a tree is never a  job for inexperienced homeowners for safety reasons. Local tree companies will help you with your tree-cutting needs, and can assist in cutting down and discarding both the tree and stump for you safely.
If you have a tree in your yard, you may be reluctant to take it down if you don’t have to. Trees beautify landscape, give you shade, and bear fruit for you to enjoy. The last thing you want to do is to cut a tree that really does not have to come down. A sick and dying tree, however, can be very dangerous to your home and loved ones.
Among the more common and visible characteristics are the following:
Dead limbs.
Hollow trunks
When a trunk becomes hollow in the center due to rot or insects it is difficult to save the tree.
Defoliation. Sometimes a tree, no matter what precautions and care are taken, is just not suited to its location. It does not grow, its leaves are small and misshapen, and it just does not look right. It may be the wrong variety, it may be over- or under-watered, or get too much or not enough sun. The best thing to do is remove it and replace it with a variety more suited to the location.
When to prune?
The dormant season, late fall or winter, is the best time to prune although dead branches can and should be removed at any time. Pruning during the dormant period minimizes sap loss and subsequent stress to the tree. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation as both fungi and insects are likely to be in dormancy at the same time as the tree. Finally, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning when the leaves are off will give you a better idea of how your pruning will affect the shape of the tree.
How much to prune or trim?
When deciding how much to prune a tree, as little as possible is often the best rule of thumb. All prunes place stress on a tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insects. On no account, prune more than 25% of the crown and ensure that living branches compose at least 2/3 of the height of the tree. Pruning more risks fatally damaging your tree. In some cases, storm damage, height reduction to avoid crowding utility lines or even raising the crown to meet municipal bylaws, your pruning choices are made for you. But even in these instances, prune as little as you can get away with. Our Licensed Arborist know what to trim and how to trim it without overly wounding or damaging your trees.  In addition, some branches that require trimming can weigh hundreds of pounds, while others might be high in the tree, creating significant safety issues and demanding special skill and equipment.
Pruning of Spring flowering shrubs begins and con nues from APRIL through JUNE.  Bring some flowering branches indoors to enjoy their color and scent. Some Spring flowering shrubs (botanical name included) are Cotoneaster spp,Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles spp) Forsythia spp, Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp),Lilac (Syringa spp), Oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), WeigelaFlorida, Rhododendrum spp (azalea and only prune spent flowers),  Spring flowering Spirea spp.April 1 is recommended for pruning late blooming shrubs.  If your almanac arriveslater than early April, hold off on them. You don’t want to be deflowering them with your pruner.   Evergreens should be pruned before July 4.  In May you can s ll
prune those trees or shrubs that are too tall or too heavy.  Important recommenda on is to be sure that at least 1/3 of the shrub remains.  In June you will be pruning out dead plant materials and keeping plants well watered. Mulch for your trees over winter can be replaced with fresh mulch to preve
Pruning of Spring flowering shrubs begins and con nues from APRIL through   JUNE.  Bring some flowering branches indoors to enjoy their color and scent.  Some Spring flowering shrubs (botanical name included) are Cotoneaster spp, Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles spp) Forsythia spp, Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp), Lilac (Syringa spp), Oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), Weigela Florida, Rhododendrum spp (azalea and only prune spent flowers),  Spring flowering Spirea spp.  April 1 is recommended for pruning late blooming shrubs.  If your almanac arrives later than early April, hold off on them. You don’t want to be deflowering them with your pruner.   Evergreens should be pruned before July 4.  In May you can s ll prune those trees or shrubs that are too tall or too heavy.  Important recommenda on is to be sure that at least 1/3 of the shrub remains.  In June you will be pruning out dead plant materials and keeping plants well watered.  Mulch for your trees over winter can be replaced with fresh mulch to prevent weeds.  Avoid placing mulch up on the bark of trees.  Check your trees or shrubs for insect damage. There may be tent caterpillars in crotches of trees; these can be removed with a strong hose spray.  Pine sawfly can be a problem with the larvae worms in the pine needles.  Birch leaf miner can be feeding on birch leaves.

MN Tree Removal Services Coon Rapids MN


Upon examination, we determined our customers trees were indeed infected with DED.  So,  you might ask, “what do I do now?” Well, now would be the time to seek professional help, such as a Certified Arborist. In dealing with a tree that suffers from Dutch Elm Disease, the only thing left to do is have it removed.
The couple that we were removing the trees for, were a young newly wed couple.While getting to know them , we learned that they were just starting out and recently moved into the house. I was amazed at how much there wedding had cost! So, with that being said, we decided to help them out by lower the cost, plus giving them the option, to have the left over wood. By doing so that even lowered the cost more. Fortunately that allowed the couple to obtain there goal of getting there unsightly, DED infected tree removed. And there leftover stumps ground.
This photo is all too typical of the devastation caused by Dutch elm-disease. Once a tree in a row is infected, the disease can move through connected root systems to kill the entire row.
Dutch Elm Disease seems to be running wild all over the state of Minnesota. It’s a sad and devastating disease, not to mentions it spreads easily. I will give you a guide as to how one, might determine if any of there trees are suffering from DED ,and also help you identify DED. Some of the first symptoms you would see displayed are wilting leaves, that color turn yellowish and brownish. The infected branches, and stems are going to have discoloration and dark streaks on there branches. Normally, you will see these symptoms develop late spring or late during the growing season.
As I had mentioned earlier, our customer had trees that were infected with Dutch Elm Disease and couldn’t be saved..The only option that was left was to remove them. First and foremost, during a tree removal be sure to have qualified people with the right equipment. The last thing you need, is a catastrophe on your hands, due to someones lack of knowledge. Here at Tree-Mendous Tree Care we have every piece of equipment to master the task at hand. Whatever that task may be. Ranging from stump grinding, to irrigation systems, and Christmas and Holiday lighting. We also have Seasoned Firewood for sale with free delivery.

Coon Rapids MN Tree Services

Tree Care Services Coon Rapids MN
Here at Tree-Mendous Tree Care, we just don’t trim trees, or just remove trees. We also plant trees. This past weekend we had a opportunity to be a part of a special tribute. And really shine and show just how much we care about trees. One of our customers came to us with a dilemma.
They had a gas line, that needed to be re-done. Which would consist of a lot of digging, and a lot of his yard being torn up. Now here is where the problem lies. In his backyard, sat two beautiful, medium sized crab apple trees. However, they weren’t just any ordinary trees. These trees had meaning. You see, the owner had lost his son, and brother, so in memory of his dear family they were planted.
Luckily, we had all the right equipment to get the job done. Therefore, not only were the memorial trees saved, but precious memories were too. Proving that we aren’t a generic tree company, we are in fact a treemendous tree company! Willing to do what ever it takes to keep your trees alive and happy. Whether it be tree trimming , injections to save your beloved tree, stump grinding, or removal. We are proud to say we can do it all. Owning the equipment for whatever job may come our way.
That’s the difference between us and other companies. We maintain schooling and knowledge of trees. Keeping up to date with the tree industry, and being Certified Arborists.

Minnesota Tree Trimming Service


From Minneapolis to Jordan MN, we travel all over Minnesota.
Here at Tree-Mendous Tree Care, we are company of many trades! Defying all odds, and accepting every challenge thrown our way. After a high intensity storm, your left with the impact of it. Literally, broken tree limbs everywhere. No job is too big or too small. Personally, keeping up on maintenance of every piece of our equipment. So, that in any event were ready to take on the challenge. Equipped with the rarity, of  a bob cat, to conquer that tough escavating job or tackle that irragation system, that you have always wanted done. Also were equipped with a stump grinder, and proper saws, and bucket truck. Nevertheless, were equipped with accessories and contraptions  to do snow plowing, snow removal, escavating, and recently began working doing holiday lighting.need help hanging these? Call us
If your not too familiar with tree work. Well, let me explain how owning a bucket truck, can provide you with proper tree care. Say you have some tree limbs that are very high up and close to power lines, or hanging on your roof of your house. Being able to maneuver through these tasks pose less of a risk of (A). injury to self or to workers (B). injury to any of your property(C). Allowing achievement of job completion sooner.
It’s not too late to get that last tree trimmed, or grind that unsightly old stump sticking out of your yard. We are professionally trained and ISA Certified Arborists.

Storm Damaged Tree Repair MN


MN Remove or Restore Storm Damaged Trees It’s that time of year again and if you live in Minnesota, winter and snow go hand-in-hand. With the blizzards we get here every season, we are no strangers to heavy snowfall. While snow might appear light and fluffy, heavy snow or ice can weigh down limbs, adding stress to the structure of trees and shrubs when it accumulates.  When tree branches can no longer sustain the added weight, they may crack or break.
Winter Tree Damage From Heavy Snow or Ice

Snow & Ice Damaged Trees

Hopefully, the tree’s branches, or the tree itself is not hanging over your car or house when it falls. Major storm damage during the winter from fallen trees costs homeowners millions of dollars each year. However, damage can be prevented with the proper tree care and trimming.

Time Is On Your Side!

In the aftermath of a severe snow, ice or wind storm, the first impulse may be to simply cut the tree down and be done with it. In such cases, it may be best to stand back for a while and think it over. Making a hasty decision can often result in removing trees that can be saved. Remember that time is on your side. After careful pruning of broken branches, give the tree some time to recover. A final decision can be made later.
If a tree is healthy overall and still possesses its leader (the main upward branch), most of its major limbs and 50 percent or more of its crown, the chance is good for a complete recovery.

Weathering The Storm

Trees and Ice Storms
Preventative measures taken long before a storm hits helps trees grow stronger and become more resistant to damage.
When dealing with snow-damaged trees, susceptible trees can be trimmed and/or pruned to minimize the incidence of damage from strong winds and snow loads when the next storm strikes. Tree removal can be avoided in some cases, particularly if it is determined that there is a safe and reasonable alternative available that will allow you to keep your beloved tree.
Snow & Ice Damaged Tree
A Licensed Arborist can also install cables and braces to increase a tree’s tolerance to ice accumulation in situations where individual trees must be stabilized to prevent their failure.
While it is impossible to prevent all storm related damage, contact a Tree Care Service that has a Certified Arborist on staff for more tips on how to make your trees as storm-proof as possible.

Seasoned Firewood For Sale MN

It’s that time of year again! Leaves have turned, mornings are getting cold, and frost is in the forecast. If you heat your home or cabin with a wood stove, it is probably time to stock up on a cord or two of firewood.
Choose wood that has been thoroughly seasoned. In general, firewood is “seasoned” following a harvest anywhere from three months to a year pending the seasoning conditions. Wood that is “green” or unseasoned contains higher amounts of water and makes for a poor fuel, which should be avoided unless you do not plan to use it until it is properly seasoned. If wood is not properly seasoned it will be hard to light. It will keep going out, it will smolder, and it won’t put out heat.
Also, burning wet wood can lead to higher rates of creosote condensation in your chimney, which can lead to increased chances of chimney fires due to its highly flammable nature. Signs of seasoning include a relatively lighter weight and cracks or “checks” in the ends of logs.
Cord sizes are regulated and must comply with industry standards. In Minnesota, the legal definition is:
  • One cord is 128 cubic feet in four foot lengths
  • If the wood is sawed, a cord is 110 cubic feet when ranked, or 160 cubic feet when thrown loosely into a truck
  • If the wood is sawed and split, a cord is 120 cubic feet when ranked, and 175 cubic feet when thrown loosely into a truck (Minnesota Statutes, Section 239.33)
Keep firewood from spreading pests and disease: Use local firewood whenever possible.
Firewood can harbor many different kinds of invasive pests that are harmful to Minnesota trees. Firewood restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction or spread of damaging forest pests including emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and oak wilt.
Be sure to get your Firewood early because as the season progresses and the winter’s chill arrive, seasoned wood becomes hard to come by.
All deliveries are always free.  Please call for pricing at 763-772-4736. (Minimum of 1 cord)

Multiple Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Infestations Found in Minneapolis & St Paul MN

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is responsible for millions of dollars of damage to ash trees and nowmultiple infestations have been found in Minneapolis & St Paul Minnesota again. With the Emerald Ash Borer’s ability to infest and kill ash trees, its confirmed presence is something you need to take very seriously! Some researchers fear an even larger outbreak is coming soon. The question now: where else has the beetle migrated?
Continued from part 1 of Multiple Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Infestations Found in Minneapolis & St Paul MN

Why Should You Care About EAB?

EAB kills ash trees. All ash trees are susceptible to EAB and millions of ash trees have been killed in infested areas already. Minnesota has the highest volume of ash trees in the U.S. with almost a billion forestland and urban wood ash trees. The potential economic and environmental impact of losing these trees is substantial. The cost of removing and replacing a single tree can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars – how many ash trees are in your yard?
There is a value calculator for urban trees created by Purdue University, http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/treecomputer/. This can help determine what trees are worth to a city or neighborhood, and is useful in determining which trees should be removed /replaced, and which trees are worth saving.
Treatment is most appropriate after EAB infestation has been detected within 15 miles, and is most effective when applied before trees are infested. However, treatment can also save ash trees with a low level of EAB infestation. Spring is the ideal time for treatment, but soil application in fall can be effective in some situations. Different treatment regimens will be optimal under different situations — no one treatment plan or application method is best under all circumstances.
If a tree has lost more than 50 percent of its canopy, it is probably too late to save the tree. Studies have shown that it is best to begin using insecticides while ash trees are still relatively healthy.
A program of sustained treatment will be needed to conserve trees through peak EAB infestation. However, as the local EAB population declines due to death of untreated ash, it is possible that treatment frequency may be reduced. Research on this question and other aspects of EAB management is ongoing.

Ash Borer Risk Management and Education Workshop

To stay current Rainbow Tree Care is presenting Ash Borer Risk Management and Education Workshop – Feb 12, 2013
All towns and cities with significant ash populations will be eventually invaded by the Emerald ash borer. How a town or a city prepares for this arrival is important. Having no plan will mean trees will die quickly. Dead ash trees will be everywhere, faster than expected. Dealing with this scenario carries a very high cost. However, having a planned management strategy will cost far less, spreading these costs out significantly longer. In addition, important ash trees will be alive for many years – for less expense than removal and replacement.

Ash trees before EAB devastation
You have to be on top of it. You can’t afford to sit back and even let it go for a year because the consequences of that just multiply as you go forward in years. That’s been something that’s played out again and again other in other cities.

Untreated ash trees after EAB – The cost of doing nothing!
The bottom line is:  whether you notice these signs in your ash trees or not, call Tree-Mendous Tree Care immediately and our Licensed Arborist will provide you with a free inspection!
If our Licensed Arborist determines that EAB is not present in your trees, he will recommend preventative measures such as application of appropriate pesticides via our state-of-the-art stem injection technique that can be administered without ever exposing your tree to the trauma of drilling into it.  If EAB is not present these measures will help prevent its spread.