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Lichen on Trees: Hurtful or Harmless?

lichen on trees

Lichen, comprised of green algae and fungus, can be found in even the most inhospitable corners of the Earth. But should you be concerned if you notice lichen on trees in your yard? In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about this weird and wonderful organism.

What is Lichen?

Most people think of lichen as a plant when in reality it’s the result of algae and fungus working together in a symbiotic relationship. The fungus provides the body in which the algae can live, protecting it from damaging conditions such as UV radiation and drought, while the algae provide food for the fungus through carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

Despite its unassuming appearance, lichen plays an important role in the ecosystem. The slow-growing organism is an important food source for animals like slugs, reindeer, and caribou. Lichen also provides shelter for small animals and helps to prevent soil erosion.

With over 13,000 species, lichen can be found in a variety of colors and shapes, from neon green to crusty black to deep orange. The organism is commonly seen on surfaces like rocks, trees, soil, and shrubs.

Lichen on Trees: Should I Be Concerned?

Contrary to popular belief, lichen is not harmful to trees. Lichen tends to be found on trees already in a state of decline and is rarely found on young, healthy trees. Furthermore, because this organism isn’t a plant, it doesn’t make roots that can penetrate the tree bark. It will simply sit on the surface of the tree.

The good news is that lichen isn’t causing the decline of your tree, but is merely a symptom of an underlying issue.

What Causes Lichen to Grow on Trees?

Lichen prefers sunlight and moisture, so you’re likely to find it in sunny spots that have been exposed to rain. If your tree has recently lost leaves or a branch, this creates favorable conditions for lichen growth.

Should I Remove Lichen From Trees?

Lichen isn’t harmful to trees, so there is no reason to get rid of it.

Removing lichen can actually damage the tree’s bark, opening the perfect entry point for pests and disease.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of lichen on your tree, simply prune away the most densely-covered branches.

The Benefits of Lichen

Lichen actually offers several benefits to homeowners and the ecosystem.

As we mentioned before, lichen is an important food source for animals. The slow-growing organism can also help to prevent soil erosion.

Some types of lichen can be used to make a natural dye, while others are used in traditional medicine.

Furthermore, since lichen consumes carbon dioxide as a primary food source, it plays a role in lowering air pollution.

Warning Signs of a Declining Tree

While lichen isn’t harmful to trees, it can be a warning sign of a declining tree. If you notice lichen on your tree, pay close attention to the overall health of the tree.

Some common signs of a declining tree include:

  • Sudden loss of leaves
  • Branches falling off
  • More discolored leaves than healthy leaves
  • Deep cracks in the tree’s bark or trunk
  • An abundance of critters (they prefer weakened, dead, or dying hosts)
  • Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of the tree
  • Leaning or odd growth patterns

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a certified arborist for an assessment.

Preventing Lichen Growth on Trees

The best way to prevent lichen on trees is to ensure that your trees are healthy and strong.

Here are a few tips:

  • Water your trees regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  • Prune away dead or dying branches.
  • Add mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
  • Avoid wounding the tree bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.
  • Inspect your trees regularly for signs of stress or decline.

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent lichen growth on your trees.

Contact a Certified Arborist

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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Birch Tree Roots Removal: When and How to Cut Them

Birch Tree Roots Removal

Do you have a birch tree on your property? These striking trees with white, papery bark and leaves that turn yellow in the fall are popular choices for ornamental landscaping. But before you plant a birch tree, it’s essential to be aware of its watering needs. Birch trees require high amounts of moisture, and their roots will search far and wide to find water sources. This extensive root system can cause problems for homeowners, including buckling sidewalks and driveways, making it difficult to mow the lawn, and causing other damage. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering about birch tree roots removal. This article will outline how to remove birch tree roots with minimal impact on the tree’s health.

Take Caution Before Deciding to Cut

Birch trees are beautiful and provide many benefits, so cutting birch tree roots should only be a last resort after exhausting all other options. Cutting roots weakens the tree and makes it more susceptible to damage. If you’re considering birch tree roots removal, consult with a certified arborist first. An arborist will be able to assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.

When to Cut Birch Tree Roots

The time of year is essential when deciding to cut birch tree roots. The best time is in autumn when the tree can direct all its energy to the roots instead of sending it upwards to support the leaves on the branches.

Birch Tree Roots Removal

Determine Which Roots are Safe to Cut

There are two types of birch tree roots: feeder roots and structural roots. Feeder roots are the thin, delicate roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil – these are the roots you want to cut. Structural roots are the thick, sturdy roots that hold up the tree. Cutting these roots puts the tree at risk of falling.

Use a Saw or Axe to Cut the Roots

Make sure that you are using the correct tool for the job. A saw is suitable for cutting small roots, while you can use a sharpened ax to cut larger roots. Be careful when using these tools, as they can be dangerous. Do your best to cut the root in clean, even strokes – jagged edges will be more susceptible to infection or fungal growth.

Cut the Roots Away from the Trunk

When cutting birch tree roots, it is crucial to cut them as far away from the tree’s trunk as possible. Cutting away from the trunk will minimize the stress on the birch tree.

Proactively Prevent Root Damage

If you have a birch tree on your property, take steps to prevent root damage by ensuring the tree has enough water. Water birch trees deeply and regularly during the growing season, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to avoid wetting the foliage. Mulching around the tree’s base will also help retain moisture and keep roots cool. With proper care, you can enjoy your birch tree for many years to come.

Get in Touch With a Local Arborist 

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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How to Properly Dispose of a Fallen Tree

properly dispose of a fallen tree

A fallen tree is a big safety hazard. It can damage anything beneath it and block your access to the driveway. Learn how to properly dispose of a fallen tree with this handy guide.

When a tree falls, the first order of business is to properly dispose of it. Leaving a fallen tree on your property can be dangerous and inconvenient, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to safely and properly dispose of a fallen tree.

What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

First, you need to assess the situation carefully and determine responsibility. Is the tree yours, or is it a tree maintained by the city? Often in the city or suburbs, city or county programs maintain trees in the right of way near the street or sidewalk. These trees may fall due to age, poor maintenance, severe weather, or other reasons, and it’s important to know who is responsible for removal before you begin taking action.

Once you’ve determined who is responsible for removal, take these steps:

  • If there is a danger of electric lines being damaged, call 911 and your power company right away.
  • If the tree is blocking a road or sidewalk, call your city’s non-emergency number to have it removed as soon as possible.
  • If the tree is on your property and poses no immediate danger, start planning for its removal. You will need to decide whether you want to remove it yourself or hire a professional tree removal company. (We highly recommend the latter.)

Properly Dispose of a Fallen Tree

Once the tree has been removed, you will need to properly dispose of the debris. This can be a time-consuming and difficult task, so we recommend hiring professional tree services with experience in removing fallen trees. First, the tree services will chop the tree into smaller pieces that can be easily hauled away.

Tip: Reuse parts of the tree! If the tree is in good condition, you can use the wood for firewood, lumber, or other projects. For example, if you have a fireplace or woodburning stove, properly cure the wood and use it for firewood. You can also use the trunk and larger limbs for natural landscaping, like creating a tree stump table.

Stump Removal

After the tree has been chopped up and removed, you will need to deal with the stump. People often don’t realize just how deep a tree’s roots can go, and removing the stump and roots can be a difficult and dangerous task. Professional tree services have the equipment and experience to properly grind down the stump and remove the root system.

Tip: If you’re planning to replant a tree in the same spot, save some of the wood chips for a natural mulch that will help the new tree get established.

Sexy Trees Has Your Back

If you need to properly dispose of a fallen tree ASAP, contact us at Sexy Trees. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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What Does Tree Removal Cost?

what does tree removal cost

Trees are such a prominent and long-lasting part of any landscape, so much so that they can start to feel like family. Sadly, there may come a time when you must say goodbye to a tree – for good – due to fallen branches or an unstable structure that makes the tree unsafe – and the cost of tree removal can be high. When you remove a tree from your landscape, here’s what to expect:

The Cost of Tree Removal Generally Varies By Region

Depending on where you live in the country, you should expect differing costs for tree removal. In the Bay Area, the price of tree removal could range from $400 to over $3,000 depending on a huge variety of factors that we will lay out in this article. 

Cost Varies by Situation

Fallen Trees

If the tree has already fallen, the cost will drop significantly compared to if you needed to hire a professional to cut down a standing tree because it requires less effort and equipment. In the past few years, fallen tree service has been booming due to severe weather events that have left thousands of people with fallen trees after a storm or natural disaster struck.

Although fallen trees may be easier and cheaper to remove, you should still expect the price from a fallen tree removal service to start at about $100 for small trees.

Trees Close to Property

For instance, if your average-sized pine tree is located near an outdoor patio or other expensive fixtures that need protection from fallen limbs, you can expect costs to rise because of additional labor needed to protect property/assets. If it’s a close call – whether the tree poses a direct threat to buildings or any power lines/piping in the area – then professional companies just might charge you extra for their time spent assessing the situation.

The Cost Depends On How Large The Tree Is And What Type It Is

Trees vary widely when it comes to size, weight, and general health. The cost of cutting and removing a fallen tree can vary depending on several factors. A fallen tree with a trunk diameter of more than 40 inches will usually cost more than $200. Larger, healthier trees are also likely to be more expensive because they require additional labor and equipment.

Type and Age of the Fallen Tree

If you have an old redwood or sequoia that has fallen, then it’s obviously going to be more expensive than fallen pine limbs, since there might be actual wood value in the fallen giant after all its years above ground! According to one price list we saw while researching this estimate, some services charge up to $1,000 for fallen trees over 100 years old. This price is often negotiable.

Contact a Professional Fallen Tree Removal Service Near Me 

If you are looking for the Bay Area’s favorite tree cutting service, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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Essential Winter Tree Care Checklist

professional tree care service

Beautiful trees are a homeowner’s most prized possessions, and in winter, they need extra care to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant year-round. This essential winter tree care checklist by our professional tree service providers will explain which treatments you need to do on an annual or biannual basis for the best results. 

1. Prune out deadwood

When trees go dormant in winter, it is the perfect time to prune away any dead or broken branches, as well as those that rub up against one another. Damaged, dead or dying trees can be dangerous in winter, particularly when we get harsh winds that blow trees over. Dormant pruning makes them safer and can also rejuvenate weaker trees by removing dead and diseased wood. Winter pruning also helps promote healthy growth for the next season because overcrowded branches can cut off sunlight to the rest of the tree. For safe pruning, you may be interested in hiring professional tree trimmers. 

2. Remove weeds around your tree

Trees do not like competition for nutrients, so try to keep their roots free of weeds and grasses through regular weeding all year long. If you see tiny seedlings growing near your tree’s trunk, prune them out immediately before they become established. This will help prevent competition for nutrients in the soil, allowing your tree to thrive. 

3. Spread mulch around the root zone

Mulching is a year-round practice that can improve soil quality, conserve water and suppress weed growth, but few people know this essential winter tree care tip. During winter when trees are dormant, spreading mulch around their root zone will reflect sunlight back into the canopy. This warmth encourages healthy root development during the cold months when it is often difficult for roots to grow in search of nutrients in the cold ground. It also discourages weed growth by blocking out sunlight needed for seed germination. 

4. Cover young deciduous trees

Younger trees often grow very tall before they develop full size leaves that offer natural wind protection, making them more susceptible to winter breakage due to heavy snow or ice accumulation on their thin branches. Young deciduous trees need some winter protection for at least two years until they become stronger. Use tree wraps to offer wind protection, which you can purchase online or from your local garden center.

5. Hire professional tree care experts

Winter is the best season to have professional tree care service providers inspect your trees for signs of damage, disease or infestation. It is much easier to deal with problems while they are still small and easy to manage before they become large, expensive issues. If you hire professional arborists in the Bay Area, they will be able to suggest ways to prevent diseases that can limit a tree’s growth.

Contact Your Trusted Bay Area Tree Service

If you are looking for the top professional tree care services, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions! 

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Tree Care for Sexy Trees in 2021

tree care

Trees provide many benefits, but only when properly taken care of. You need to regularly tend to your trees if you want to enjoy the beauty and shade they add to your property. Although you can always call a certified arborist for professional tree care, knowing the basics is helpful. Do you want sexy trees in 2021? Keep reading…

Proper Planting

Choose an appropriate place for your trees and consider possible future changes. Have you always wanted to build a room addition? That’s not a good place for your new tree. Also, keep in mind how large the tree will get, and whether or not it will have enough sunlight. Make sure there won’t be a structure that blocks the light. Your tree shouldn’t be close to power lines, sewer lines, or other underground systems. Some types of trees can even  disturb pipes with their roots if they’re planted too close to the house.

Protecting the Roots

When selecting which trees to plant, it’s important to consider the best weather conditions for a species to thrive. You also need to understand how seasonal changes could affect the tree, depending on where you live. A layer of mulch helps protect the tree’s roots by locking in moisture and evening out the soil temperature. This is easy tree care for both summer and winter fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning should always be done right to avoid damaging your trees. Bear in mind, too much pruning can be just as harmful as none at all. The goal is to help the tree grow strong and healthy. But incorrect practices can leave your tree vulnerable to insect infestations and other issues. Cuts should be clean, not jagged, so they heal properly.

Watering

Like other living things, trees need water to survive. Rain is usually not enough to keep your trees in good health. A little extra tree care is in order. Your watering routine will depend on the season, as well as the species of trees in your yard. For instance, you’ll likely need to increase the frequency during summer, and maybe even soak the roots once in a while. You probably won’t have to water your trees during the winter, especially if they’ve already matured.

Related Content: Your Tree Watering Guide

Mulching

Another great tree care method is mulching. Some of the benefits were already mentioned above. It can keep weeds and grass from growing around the base of the tree, too. Start mulching at least five inches from the base and go out as far as you like. Never cover the base of the tree with mulch. You can build up to four inches deep, using natural wood chips or bark. You’ll prevent the tree from drying out and may even avoid accidental snips when you’re mowing the lawn.

Related Content: The Magic of Mulch

Professional Tree Care

Rely on our experienced Berkeley tree service to help you maintain your tree care. At Sexy Trees, we do all the work so you won’t have to. Call our skilled arborists today at (925) 233-6877 for an estimate, or email by clicking here.

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Summer Tree Planting Keys to Success

Lafayette Tree Service

Early autumn and spring are generally considered the best times to plant new trees, but there are some reasons summer tree planting is preferable. Trees are typically in a dormant stage during the fall, which means their growth is significantly slowed, almost like they’re sleeping. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and plant, here are some tips to ensure your summer trees flourish.

Not so Fast

If you plant small trees in the summer, consider leaving them in containers for a while. Trees that are containerized develop a healthy root system, which means they have a better chance to thrive. By keeping very young trees in a pot, it’s less likely they’ll experience transplant shock, a condition that can kill trees in all seasons, not just summer.

Provide Enough Water

There’s less rainfall in summer months, so you’ll need to manually water any trees planted at this time of year. Scheduling sufficient watering ensures that your trees don’t dry out and wither. If you help your new trees through the dry months, you can probably let nature take its course from autumn onwards. It just depends on your local climate.

Heeling In

Before summer tree planting, dig a large trench filled with fresh soil. Ground that has already been cultivated is ideal, but if not, use fresh compost and ensure there’s plenty of moisture to help roots get established.

The trench should be dug with a sloping back, and deep enough for the roots of the tree to be entirely covered. Once you finish your summer tree planting, cover the roots then help the tree remain upright by treading on the fresh soil.

The Best Trees for Summer Tree Planting

While summer tree planting isn’t considered ideal if you live in a hot climate, following these simple steps can ensure that your new trees make it through the dry season. If you’d like more information on the best trees for summer planting, call us at (925) 233-6877. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

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Tree Planting Myths

Tree Care Blackhawk

Earlier this month, we discussed the benefits of adding new trees.  From improving breathability to increasing coolness and energy efficiency, trees have a big impact on your life.  However, how do you go about adding trees?  There are a lot of myths out there about planting trees.  Are they true?  We explore a few tree planting myths in this article.

Pruning in Advance

There is a belief that you should prune a tree before planting it, especially when an area appears dead.  The dilemma with this technique is that you maybe pruning too early.  Trees regain a dead areas nutrients.  Thus, it’s critical to allow the tree to go through its normal process before pruning.  If you do not, you maybe causing the tree to lose valuable nutrients.  Leave the tree alone and do not prune before you plant it.

Deep Planting

A common tree planting myth is that planting needs to be really deep to allow for the tree to take root but this is inaccurate.  In fact, if you plant a tree too deep then you run the risk of keeping nutrients and water away.  These vital vitamins tend to be nearer the surface so planting it deeply will restrict access to them.

Use Tight Bracing

Many individuals think that bracing new trees to make them sturdy is crucial.  This is partially true.  While bracing your new tree is important, you shouldn’t make it too tight.   The tree must be allowed to still sway. This movement allows trees to get much needed calcium so it can be healthy.

More Mulch

Mulch is good for keeping moisture and nutrients but there are limits.  More in not always better.  Keep the depth at no more than 3 inches of mulch to ensure that you aren’t suffocating the tree with mulch.

If you have questions or unsure of the tree planting myths or how to plant a tree, contact the certified arborist at Sexy Trees.

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Adding New Trees

Tree Care Pleasant Hill

Can you imagine a community without trees?  There is a reason why cities invest so much in parks.  The effect that trees have is unbelievable.  So what are the benefits of adding new trees even when your city has some?

Breathability

Trees provide the air we breath while filtering many of the toxins in the air.  A single tree can provide the air for at least a dozen individuals.  At the same time, the trees will get rid of carbon dioxide and pollution in the air.  This is all done through the tree’s process of photosynthesis.

Cool

In the heat of the day, don’t you always wish to be under the shade of a tree.  More trees mean greater shade and cool sections around town to thwart the summer heat.  Similarly, this helps keep your home cooler so you save on energy costs.  In addition, the shade also reduces the need for water in your yard.  As a result, you can save on the amount of water for your landscaping when you have more shaded areas.

Water Runoff

A great way to prevent flooding and erosion of your yard is to add trees to your landscaping.  They act as a barrier and canopy to rain water.  Thus, the water runoff is prevented and/or slowed down.  At the same time, the impact on the runoff also slows down the rate of pollution in our water supplies.

Tree Care and Maintenance

As you are growing them, it’s important to take proper care and maintenance of them.  You should understand the soil and water needs for each type of tree.  Also, identify the best location to plant them to maximize the impact they have around your home and neighborhood.  We strongly recommend that you contact the certified arborist at Sexy Trees if you have questions or need help with your tree planting needs.

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Identifying Tree Hazards

Tree Service Walnut Creek

Going to a park or a natural park brings serenity and peace.  The trees in these areas provide an area of comfort and relaxation.  However, these trees can also pose a danger.  A fallen branch or even an incubator for pests could pose problems for you or your surrounding area.  So how does one go about identifying tree hazards?  Here are some ways to recognize them:

Separation

When you are looking at trees, it’s important to identify points where there maybe cracks or splits.  If these cracks or splits go into the branch or seem to be covering the entire part of a limb, then this would be a method for identifying tree hazards.  Should the separation be going down the middle of a trunk, this is a critical scenario that needs your attention.  A certified arborist would be the right person to help you identifying the tree hazards.

Dying

Over time, parts of a tree may start dying.  To protect from hazards, knowing areas that maybe failing and removing them promptly will help protect you and your surroundings.  If you do not address them, then they could cause a limb to fall or break off.

Disease

Trees that get diseased can be a huge problem.  Some diseases cannot be cured but others are solvable.  A common sign of disease is the loss of bark without any bark growing in its place.  Another indication of disease is the existence of fungus.  If parts of a tree have a mushroom, this could be indications that the tree is sick.  Should you see these signals, contact a certified arborist.

Leaning

When a tree starts leaning in a dramatic fashion, this is another sign of problems.  It showcases that the tree maybe structurally failing  This is another situation where a certified arborist should be called in to evaluate the situation.

If you have questions or need to speak with a Certified arborist, contact Sexy Trees.