Six Signs Your Tree May Be in Immediate Danger of Falling

 Many people love and appreciate their trees, yet they fail to recognise the potential dangers some trees represent. This is a shame, as many accidents and tragedies could be avoided if people simply knew the signs and symptoms that indicate a tree is at risk of failing.

Although this isn’t a comprehensive list, we’ve compiled six of the most ominous signs of impending tree failure below. Be sure to keep an eye out for any of the following:

1. Your Tree Starts Leaning or Shifts Suddenly

Leaning trees are not always in danger of falling. Healthy trees with healthy roots have a lot of different ways they can cope with this type of diagonal growth habit.

But trees that suddenly lurch to one side are among the most dangerous trees in the world. Most trees that abruptly lean in one direction or the other will eventually fall – it’s just a question of when. Always have such trees inspected immediately and keep pets and people away from the area until it’s been judged sound by an arborist or the tree removed entirely.

2. Your Tree Has Multiple Trunks

Trees that have multiple trunks are often at risk of splitting at their point of attachment. Unlike proper branches, which connect securely to the tree’s trunk, multiple trunks (or co-dominant leaders, as arborists call them) are usually only weakly attached to each other. Given the immense weight of a full trunk and this weak point of attachment, these types of trees can be very dangerous.

It is important to have an arborist inspect such trees for two important reasons:

1.       The arborist can assess the stability of the tree and determine if mitigating steps are needed.
2.       It is often possible to support such trees with cables or braces, but you’ll want to take such steps sooner than later.

3. Your Tree Has a Large Hollow

Tree hollows form due to a number of reasons, but most start as a small wound that becomes overtaken by fungi. As the fungus “eats” the wood, a cavity eventually develops. In some cases, the tree is able to seal off the diseased area (a phenomenon known as compartmentalization) relatively quickly, thereby limiting the size of the hole. In other cases, the fungus wins, and spreads itself through the tree.

But only a skilled arborist can tell if the tree has compartmentalized the wound and assess the extent of the damage and evaluate its structural integrity.

4. Your Tree Drops Branches for No Apparent Reason

There’s usually little need for concern if a strong storm or some other force causes a tree to shed a few branches – particularly if the branches were already dead. However, trees occasionally drop limbs suddenly, when there is no obvious reason for this to occur.

Once such trees are examined, decay is often found near the site of the break. This same type of decay can be lurking in other parts of the tree, predisposing it to premature failure. Accordingly, you’ll want to have any tree suffering from sudden limb drop assessed by an arborist at once.

5. Mushrooms Begin Growing on or Underneath Your Tree

Mushrooms don’t look particularly menacing, but to the trained eye of an arborist, they can represent serious danger. A mushroom is the fruiting bodies of fungi, and wherever they grow, you can bet there is a network of fungal filaments (called hyphae) penetrating through the surrounding soil or wood.

Some mushrooms are essentially harmless and they do not cause any serious damage to the tree. However, others are extremely pathogenic. They send their filaments through ever-increasing portions of the wood, greedily digesting the wood and weakening the tree in the process.

To be safe, be sure to have an arborist inspect any tree from which a mushroom grows. Also, because some fungi feed on tree roots, rather than the trunk, it is also important to be mindful of mushrooms growing in the tree’s root zone.

6. Other Nearby Trees Have Recently Fallen

Often, you’ll see one tree along the edge of a forest die, followed by another a few days or months later. Trees that remain standing after a neighboring tree falls are concerning for two different reasons:

1.       There may be extensive fungal networks, pathogens or pests lurking in the area’s soil. These put all of the other trees in the immediate area at extreme risk (especially those of the same species).
2.       Trees often help shield each other from the wind, and those growing inside a clump of trees have grown up without needing to cope with strong winds. However, once one of the outer trees fails, the interior trees become exposed and at high risk of failure themselves.

Because of the way fallen trees can affect other trees in the area, it is wise to solicit the services of an arborist whenever a tree fails on your property.

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If you notice any of your trees exhibiting these signs, or you simply want the peace of mind that comes along with a thorough inspection performed by a certified arborist, contact your friends at Trav’s Tree Service! One of our experienced and educated arborists will come take a look at your trees and point out any potential problems.

This will help you protect your family and avoid the hassles that come along with removing a tree that has crashed into your kitchen or on top of your car.

Stop worrying and call today!

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The Importance of Root Health

Because they spend their lives covered in dirt, roots rarely receive the attention they deserve. This is unfortunate, as roots provide a number of key biological and structural functions for the trees they support.

Given their importance, it shouldn’t be surprising that many trees go into decline or die outright after their root systems suffer from some type of damage or contract a disease. Accordingly, you’ll want to do everything you can to help support proper soil conditions and protect your tree’s roots.

Root Responsibilities

To fully appreciate the importance of tree roots, you must understand some of the services they provide.

•         Roots absorb moisture from the ground. Once inside the roots, the water is drawn up the tree and delivered to the various living tissues. Water plays a number of roles in tree biology, including helping the tree cool itself and supplying some of the raw ingredients necessary for photosynthesis.
•         Tree roots can serve as storage sites for starches and water. This typically occurs in the large roots near the base of the tree, where they can be rapidly mobilized and sent upward if necessary.
•         Roots absorb some of the important minerals trees need. They do so during the process of absorbing moisture – in addition to the water they suck up, they collect any minerals dissolved in it.
•         Roots anchor the tree to the ground and keep it upright. Interestingly, most people have a slightly mistaken perception of a tree’s root system: Rather than looking like a mirror-image of the canopy, root systems are usually wide and relatively shallow. This means that trees don’t pull “up” on their roots as much as they pull too the opposite side. Because tree roots are more-or-less circular, the trees pull more-or-less equally in all directions.

Tree roots occasionally perform other services, such as producing new shoots from the ground (vegetative reproduction), but this is not terribly important for the purposes of this discussion.

Protecting and Supporting Your Tree’s Roots

For the most part, supporting your tree’s root system requires that you just protect them from harm. Trees have been growing for much longer than we’ve been here, and they know what they’re doing. We just need to make sure we don’t get in their way.

Shielding the Structural Root Zones

Simply put, some roots are more important than others. Trees are often able to survive some damage to their root system, but it is important to prevent damage to the most important part: The appropriately named Structural root zone.

The critical root zone is basically an imaginary circle that contains the bulk of the most crucial roots. You can determine the critical root zone for any tree pretty simply. Just measure the diameter of the tree about 1.5 meters above the ground. For every 10 centimeters of tree diameter, the critical root zone extends 1.2 meters further from the trunk. For example, a tree with a 50-centimeter trunk has a structural root zone that extends for 60 meters in all directions.    

It’s always a good idea to identify the critical root zone for any tree on your property, and do your best to protect this area from compaction, invasive plants and toxic substances.
More information about structural root zones can be downloaded here.

The Protective Power of Mulch

Mulch is one of the simplest and most effective support tools in the tree-lover’s arsenal, and it is a great way to protect your tree’s critical root zone. Mulch helps to moderate the temperature of the soil, prevent compaction, suppress weed growth and produce nutritious organic material that will slowly filter down to the soil.

Usually a 5- to 10-centimeter layer of mulch is appropriate. Don’t pack it down and be sure that you leave a small “donut hole” around the tree. Piling the mulch up around the trunk traps moisture and encourages the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. We recycle cut down trees and provide mulch in by the tailor load throughout Melbourne. If your interested, you can learn more about our mulch services.

Proper Watering Practices

Even drought-tolerant trees often benefit from regular irrigation. But you have to water the tree correctly, or you may actually make trees more susceptible to failure.

Many people provide their trees with a little bit of water on a frequent basis. They’ll go turn the hose on full blast and point it at the bottom of the tree’s trunk for 10 minutes before moving on to another one. This encourages the development of shallow root systems, and it can produce a lot of runoff water in the process.

Instead, you want to water your mature trees infrequently (perhaps 2 or 3 times per month), but when you do so, you want to saturate the soil down to depths of at least 200 centimeters and preferably twice that deep. Do so with the hose turned on no more than half way, and let the water soak in over the course of several hours. Just be sure to monitor the situation before leaving it unattended and check up on it frequently.

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If you are concerned that one of your trees is suffering from poor root health, contact your friends at Trav’s Tree Service. One of our professional arborists will inspect the tree and its roots, and provide a game plan for restoring their health, if need be.  

We do offer a number of services that can help restore root health, but it is important to act quickly and give your tree the best chance of survival. Don’t wait – call today!

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4 Red Lights That Call For A Tree Service Professionals

We all love tress and the aesthetic beauty they bring to our yards or homes. And just as they enhance the beauty of our outdoor landscape, they also need to be cared for so that they remain strong and healthy.

The simplest way to take care of your trees is to have them properly pruned and trimmed every so often within the year. However, caring for trees does not only involve pruning and trimming. In some cases, you may have your trees well pruned and trimmed as regularly as needed but still require a tree service professional.

At Travs Tree Service, we have identified a few red lights that you should hints to you it’s time to hire a tree service professional. In our line of service, we realized that most people ignore these indications and end up not spending a lot on controlling the damage arising thereof.

#1. Tree Branches Are Too Long

When the tree branches grow too long, it destroys their beauty, and a few other issues prop up. With too long branches, it becomes difficult to walk under the trees as some of the branches hang too low and even reduce the visibility of the surrounding landscape.

Some of the branches that have overgrown may reach rooftops of the garage, house or even electric wires which pose a greater risk, especially during very windy seasons. You need to get hold of your phone and call for help from a reliable and efficient tree service provider like Travs Tree Service Australia.

#2. You notice the tree looks a little weird, wrong or off the normal shape

You need to call the tree professionals immediately you notice your tree has an odd shape from the normal one. It may have lopsided, assumed a leaning position, or have more branches concentrated on one side with very few left on other sides.

If left in any of these positions, it may be difficult to correct or treat when left in a cracked or broken state for long.

#3. You notice dead branches

Dead branches are a sign of a disease or mostly an insect infestation. If left unattended, the disease can spread and infect other areas and ultimately the entire tree. Furthermore, this can spread to other surrounding trees. If this is the case with your trees, you need tree service from trusted professionals. They’ll help either treat the tree, cut off the dead branches or perfume tree removal service if the tree(s) are severely damaged.

#4. There’s hardly any sign of sunshine when you look up through the canopies, standing under your tree.

If hardly any sunshine reaches you, then your tree needs to be thinned out. There should include some amount of sunlight reaching the ground under the tree. There needs to be enough air and sunlight under the tree, in the middle sections of the tree and through the canopies formed by the branches.

Here’s the rub pallet people…

It’s vital that you get help from a professional tree service provider when you notice any of the above indications in your tree. If you need help taking care of your tree or notice something you don’t understand, reach out to Travs Tree Services Australia to get assistance. We are professional tree service providers offering efficient and reliable tree removal and tree maintenance in Melbourne Victoria. Our services are certified, and we are insured to a tune of up to $20,000,000.

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Melbourne Tree Care – Why Choose Trav’s Tree Services

Who We Are

We are staffed with qualified arborists with extensive knowledge and know-how to get the job done properly and efficiently. Trav’s Tree Services is one of the best removal providers in Melbourne. Whether the job is large or small, nothing is off limits, as customer satisfaction comes first.

Our arborists are individually trained in the planting, care, and maintenance of trees as arboriculturists. We are knowledgeable about trees and properly trained with the necessary equipment to effectively complete the work. Pruning, removing trees, and removing stumps should only be attempted by a professionally qualified arborist that knows how to safely maintain trees.

Why Choose Us?

Carrying a professional work ethic, we ensure all work is completed with the utmost integrity and excellence. Our arborists are individuals who have achieved the qualified credentials through experience in the art and science of tree care and have passed extensive examinations on tree maintenance.

There’s a vast difference between those who are able to trim trees and those who qualify to utilise the practices and techniques used by professional arborists. Some of the services advertised to only trim trees are not employed by highly skilled arborists and tend to practice unacceptable techniques not followed by modern arboricultural standards. These practices could possibly further damage, disfigurement, weaken, and even kill trees. Our team is employed by only those who have been professionally trained.

Safety comes first and foremost, and to guarantee it we make sure any work done is in accordance to OH&S procedures. We have full insurance with extensive public liability coverage, so you can rest easy knowing we are properly protected. Safety is a key component, for not only us but for your property, so we are as careful on your property as if it were our own.

We know trees hold an important role in the community, urban or rural, so caring for trees is crucial. Not only are they a provider of life for the wildlife in the vicinity, but they help reduce the effects of the heat produced by sunlight, that of the wind, pollen, humidity, and noise. But, when tree maintenance isn’t enough, removal is the next step, and we offer a range of removal services.

Some Of Our Services

We have many different service options, from tree removal to pruning, trimming, as well as stump grinding, mulching, site clearance, and tree stump removal. Sometimes removal is the only option when pruning and trimming cannot solve the issue. Trees can be dangerous as well, with possible branches and stumps near power lines that can encroach onto your home or property where it shouldn’t. We want to ensure you have a safe, habitable environment to enjoy without worrying of possible damages of a fallen, dead, or dying tree.

Tree Removal

Removal is typically necessary when a tree is dead or beginning to die, or a danger to those around. If a structure nearest a tree is in potential danger of the tree collapsing, or the tree is festering with disease and deteriorating from fungal decay, then it is advised to have your trees removed in Melbourne. Fungal decay can spread to neighbouring trees if not dealt with as quickly as possible.

We are able to begin removal with our highly skilled team safely and professionally with a security up to $20,000,000 in insurance coverage. Your property will be left in the same state it was in prior to removal, and we can help you decide what would best suit the area where the removal occurred.

Depending on the size and the difficulty in which the removal is, depends on how much the removal can typically cost. We also take into consideration the location of the tree, as well as the accessibility to it in the price. Be assured though that the removal process will be more professional and affordable than that of any competitor. Contact us for a quote, as we are a premier tree removal Melbourne service provider.

Stump Grinding

Once tree removal has been decided, consideration for the stump itself needs to be made. Then, after the removal of the tree has been completed, the remains of a large stump sit in place—an opportunity for danger. Stumps and tree roots can serve as a hazard for those walking around, as large or little roots are easy to trip on. Roots can impede on neighboring plant life, suffocating them out of the area, so stump grinding or root removal becomes a pertinent option. We advise to not wait too long, if there is a potential for overcrowding, or danger because of protruding stumps or roots, allow us to safely service your property. Contact us if there’s a need for an arborist Melbourne, or in any of the surrounding areas.

Stump Removal

Tree stumps can create hazards on a property, and with proper removal, a yard can be cleared up to become a safe environment once more. Fungal infection is a common cause for removal, as it affects the entire tree and can spread, but in some cases simply cutting part of the infected tree away may remedy the situation. When that isn’t quite enough, the next move is cutting down the tree so it doesn’t continue to spread its infection to the other plant life.

We are equipped with the right tools, technology, and services for the job and are able to efficiently remove any unsightly stumps without an issue. There is no need to stress of the location where the removal is, our service areas cover tree removal in Melbourne, Greensborough, Templestowe, Eltham, Doncaster, and surrounding areas.

OHS and Insurance

After hiring a tree removal service there is the risk that the workers on your property could be hurt with the surrounding foliage and branches. Using heavy machinery to cut down, dig up trees, and level stumps is a risky job, so there is a large window of opportunity for hazardous incidents to occur, even when proper technique and protocols have been followed.

There’s peace of mind knowing the workers coming to help are insured because accidents happen and having the right insurance can ensure everyone is protected.

We are an OHS compliant company with extensive insurance to cover all who arrive on site, providing a priceless peace of mind for everyone!

Contact us

Get in touch for the best tree services in Melbourne at even better rates. Send us some pictures or organise a quote for arborist services by contacting us here.

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Five Reasons to Hire a Company for Stump Removal

After you’ve had a tree removed from your property, isn’t that enough? It might seem that the stump isn’t a major issue, but in fact, stump removal can provide many benefits and is certainly a step you should consider taking when you have trees removed from your property. Here are some of the key reasons to hire a company:

 

1. Proper equipment

A tree surgeon company will have all the equipment needed to remove a stump, including a device known as a Stump Grinder. The size of the machine can range from a lawn mower to a vehicle, but has the same function. On the other hand, without such equipment, the task will be much more challenging. It could even be dangerous, which is a situation you likely want to avoid.

 

2. It can result in new plants

When you don’t take care of a stump on your property, it can lead to small plants sprouting up around the base of the stump. It can be expensive to remove them because they often keep growing back. Removing a tree’s stump removes this possibility and helps give a more aesthetic look to your property.

 

3. Frees up space

Another key reason you should hire a professional company for grinding tree stumps is that it will free up space. You could add a wide variety of things where the stump is, including a table, swing, fountain, garden, etc. On the other hand, it will be tough to do that if the stump is in the way. It’s an especially important act to consider if space is limited on your property. By freeing up even a small area, it will be easier to design the area’s landscaping to suit your particular needs.

 

4. Health/Safety hazards

Another reason to consider hiring tree stump removal contractors is that tree stumps can be quite dangerous on a property. Ironically it’s when they’re small because they’re harder to see. That means people are more likely to trip over the stump, which could cause injuries. The reason is that people often don’t look down when they’re walking on grass. A stump can certainly catch them when they’re unaware. In fact, it could even become a legal issue if someone trips in your yard because of the timber’s stump. The investment you make in stump grinding is certainly worthwhile regarding keeping everyone on your property as safe as possible.

 

5. Improves property’s aesthetics

One of the main drawbacks of a tall tree’s stump is the effect on the aesthetics of the property. It’s why you should consider the option of tree stump removal. If you want your garden to look and function as well as possible, for example, you should consider removing any trees that are around it, so there won’t be a stump protruding from the dirt. It’s certainly an issue if you plan to sell your home, as the stumps can reduce the curbside appeal of your home.

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Thailand Begins Planting Millions of Trees by Dropping “Seed Bombs”

As a result of deforestation, only 6.2 million square kilometers remain of the original 16 million square kilometers of forest that formerly covered Earth. Apart from adversely impacting people’s livelihoods, rampant deforestation around the world is threatening a wide range of tree species, including the Brazil nut and the plants that produce cacao and açaí palm; animal species, including critically-endangered monkeys in the remote forests of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, and contributing to climate change instead of mitigating it (15% of all greenhouse gas emissions are the result of deforestation).
While the world’s forest cover is being unabashedly destroyed by industrial agriculture, cattle ranching, illegal logging and infrastructure projects, Thailand has found a unique way to repair its deforested land: by using a farming technique called seed bombing or aerial reforestation, where trees and other crops are planted by being thrown or dropped from an airplane or flying drone.

 

The idea of seed bombing first germinated in Japan with the ancient practice of “tsuchi dango” or “earth dumpling.” In the 20th century, Masanobu Fukuoka, an advocate of “Do Nothing Farming,” popularized the idea.  The earliest known record of seed bombing goes back to 1930, when planes were used to reforest certain areas in the mountains of Honolulu.
But the idea to adopt the seed farming on an industrial scale, to repopulate vast areas with trees, didn’t get the required attention until 1999, when the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aerospace planned to plant 900,000 young trees in a day. Their plan to use huge C-130 transport aircraft, normally used by the military for laying carpets of landmines across combat zones, was considered for Scotland – at half the cost of manual methods.
Planes are widely used to fight wildfires, drop relief material in times of calamities, fly, as  well as bomb people, but the idea of repairing what we destroyed – even with a 70% success rate – is our best weapon against deforestation. What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Read more at: http://theantimedia.org/thailand-trees-seed-bombs/

Related article: Japanese Larch Tree