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Tag: Sunol Tree Pruning

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Non-Invasive Tree Roots

non-invasive tree roots

Non-invasive tree roots are a beautiful addition to your yard, providing beauty, structure, and shelter for birds and animals. Many homeowners avoid growing trees in their gardens because the roots can cause home foundations or plumbing pipes to break, resulting in costly repairs. An expert arborist can help you pick out the finest trees for your garden’s layout and those that won’t intrude on your plumbing.

Why Do Most Homeowners Prefer Trees with Non-Invasive Tree Roots?

The roots of a tree are its respiratory system. They absorb water and nutrients from the soil to transport them to the rest of the tree. The roots also anchor the tree in the ground and help it withstand strong winds. A tree’s root system can extend well beyond its branch spread. Some trees, like maples, have very shallow root systems that can easily damage underground pipes and foundations. Other trees, such as oaks, have deep taproots that are less likely to cause problems.

There are several reasons why you might want to choose trees with non-invasive tree roots for your garden:

  1. Avoid damage to your home’s foundation or plumbing: Most people choose trees with roots that are non-invasive to prevent damage to their home’s foundation or plumbing.
  2. Prevent soil erosion: Trees with deep roots help anchor the soil, preventing erosion.
  3. Provide shade and wind protection: Trees can provide shade for your home, reducing your cooling costs in the summer. They can also block out strong winds, providing protection for your home and garden.
  4. Attract wildlife: Many birds and animals rely on trees for food and shelter. By planting trees with less intrusive root systems, you can create a habitat for these creatures in your own backyard.
  5. Improve air quality: Trees produce oxygen and filter pollutants from the air, improving air quality in urban areas.

Which Tree Types Have Non-Invasive Systems?

There are many types of trees with non-invasive tree roots, including:

  1. Oaks: Oaks have deep taproots that anchor the tree in the ground. They are less likely to damage foundations or pipes than other tree types.
  2. Pines: Pines have shallow root systems that spread out wide, making them ideal for preventing soil erosion.
  3. Maples: Maples have shallow root systems that can easily damage underground pipes and foundations.
  4. Ashes: Ashes have deep taproots that make them resistant to high winds. They are also good at preventing soil erosion. 
  5. Elms: Elms have shallow root systems that can cause damage to foundations and pipes if they are not maintained.
  6. Fruit trees: Fruit trees have shallow root systems that can damage foundations and pipes if they are not maintained.

It’s important to consult with an arborist before planting any tree in your yard, as some tree roots can be very invasive. An arborist can help you choose the best tree for your garden’s layout and those that won’t intrude on your plumbing.

4 Types of Trees with Non-Invasive Roots that are Best for Your Yard

Ornamental Trees

Ornamental Trees non-invasive

Ornamental trees are a great solution for yards where you want the decorativeness of a beautiful tree without the risk of invasive roots. Ornamental trees grow to a manageable height and are designed to fit into smaller spaces and be easy to maintain. Many ornamental trees can even be grown in planters so that their roots have no chance of getting out of hand.

Popular ornamental tree varieties in California include – 

  • Japanese Maple
  • Crape Myrtle
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Cornus Mas
  • Serviceberry
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • Japanese Tree Lilac
  • Dwarf Korean Lilac
  • Star Magnolia
  • Crabapples: Red Jewel, Royal Raindrops, Prairiefire

Fruit Trees

Fruit Trees non-invasive tree roots

Fruit trees not only look beautiful, but they can also provide a source of fruit for your family to enjoy when the right season comes around. Some fruit trees, like figs, can have voracious root systems that can quickly grow out of control. A greater variety of fruit trees can be made suitable for smaller gardens when pruned regularly and given routine tree care from a skilled arborist. If the tree is not allowed to grow too large the root system will not extend as far either. If in doubt, choose a beautiful decorative fruit tree variety that is known not to have invasive root systems.

The following fruit trees can be both ornamental for your garden and productive when it comes to providing fruit. 

  • Citrus
  • Adams crabapple
  • Cornelian cherry dogwood
  • Pawpaw
  • Dwarf Apple Tree
  • Dwarf Cherry Tree
  • Dwarf Pear Tree
  • Dwarf Apricot Tree
  • Dwarf Orange Tree
  • Dwarf Plum Tree

Shade Trees

shade trees non-invasive tree roots

Want the protection and coolness of shade from your tree without the extensive and invasive root system? There are varieties of trees that can provide you with thick foliage and fuller shade while still having smaller root systems. These trees can be a stunning focal point of your landscape without taking up too much space or overwhelming your garden with their root systems. Some with colored leaves and some with flowers, these shade trees can liven up small gardens while maintaining small root systems.

Here are some non-invasive shade trees varieties – 

  • Amur maple
  • Chinese pistache
  • Southern sugar maple
  • Red tip photinia
  • American hornbeam
  • Trident maple

Shrubs

shrubs non-invasive tree roots

Shrubs can provide good coverage, privacy, and protection for your garden. While some shrubs may look small, their root systems can grow quickly, so it’s important to choose the right variety for your garden. Shrubs create the perfect addition for smaller gardens where low-lying yet full plants are preferred.

Some of the most popular shrubs with non-invasive tree roots include – 

  • Hollywood juniper
  • Fraser photinia
  • Glossy abellia
  • Hydrangeas
  • Viburnums
  • Boxwoods
  • Gardenia
  • Barberries
  • Camellias
  • Hollies 

To keep your plumbing and home foundations safe, choose trees and shrubs with non-invasive root systems, and receive the professional advice of your arborist before planting.

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How Often Should I Prune My Trees?

Tree Service Alamo

 

Most people in the East Bay should be pruning their trees between November and March. But how often should I prune my trees? Is it an annual tradition? What is best for my tree to ensure it grows and isn’t damaged? While it’s always best to speak to our certified arborist, the following are some basic guidelines that individuals should follow when determining pruning schedules:

Type of Tree

One of the key factors is the type of tree involved. Each tree type will react differently. For instance, fruit trees are generally pruned annually. On the other hand, oak trees should be trimmed every 2-3 years. Additionally, the tree type can also determine the ideal time to prune your tree. Thus, knowing your tree type is essential in determining the pruning schedule.

Age of the Tree

In addition to the tree type, the age of the tree also impacts how often you should prune it. Younger trees are usually pruned more often than older trees. If you had to find an average, most younger trees should be pruned every 2-3 years while older trees are trimmed every 3-5 years. This allows younger trees to flourish while helping to maintain established structures.

Tree Condition

The condition of a tree can dramatically affect the pruning timeframe as well. If a tree has a broken branch or loose/unstable areas, the tree may require trimming, even if it’s not “time”. Alternatively, if a younger tree is having trouble establishing its roots, it maybe recommended that the tree not be pruned as frequently for now.

Thus, if you are wanting to get your trees pruned or evaluated for trimming in the Bay Area, contact us. Sexy Trees has a certified arborist with years of experience.

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Professional Tree Trimming or DIY: Which Is Best?

Tree Service Danville

Pruning and trimming trees may seem like the ideal DIY gardening job for the weekend, but is tree pruning really that easy to do yourself? Many homeowners fail to realize that tree pruning can actually be a very dangerous and risky job. Professional arborists are not only expertly trained in safely trimming trees, removing trees and grinding tree stumps, but they are also able to recognize tree disease and pests as well as dead or dying trees and branches. Here we look at whether DIY tree trimming is safe and worthwhile, and when it’s time to call your local arborist.

The Size and Shape of Your Trees

Determining whether DIY tree trimming is feasible depends upon the size and shape of the trees you want to prune. Maneuvering power tools at a height when inexperienced or alone can quickly become a recipe for disaster. Trimming large trees is always difficult, and may require the removal of large and heavy branches. Furthermore, it can be difficult to determine which branches to remove from a large tree to accomplish the goals of pruning, while also protecting the health and strength of the tree. While DIY pruning might be suitable for small trees and shrubs, large tree pruning should be left to professional arborists for the sake of tree health and personal safety.

Tools

Sharp edges, power tools and high ladders are all part of trimming trees effectively and efficiently. However, these tools can be dangerous unless handled by a skilled and experienced professional. Hand saws, chainsaws and tall ladders can cause injuries and even death with careless or unskilled operation. Professional arborists are trained in effective and safe operation of power tools and specialist tools for tree trimming. While pruning your trees yourself might seem easy, the tools involved can be dangerous and should only be used by trained professionals.

Tree Knowledge

Professional arborists are not only trained in using tools and pruning techniques, they also know to best promote your trees healthy and safe growth. Arborists are skilled at knowing how to recognize tree pests and diseases as well as knowing how to carefully prune trees to promote their growth while guiding their size and shape. While it might be simple enough to cut your trees yourself, only years of professional arborist training and experience can promote the best health and wellbeing for your trees.

Safety

Ultimately, the question of whether you should prune your trees yourself or hire a professional arborist comes down to safety. Both your personal safety and the safety of your trees is at stake with DIY tree trimming. Professional arborists are trained to handle the heights, the tools, and the pruning techniques required to both safely and effectively prune your trees and maintain the health and beauty of your yard.

While DIY tree trimming can be useful for shrubs or small trees, taller or larger trees should be trimmed by a professional arborist. If ladders, power tools, tree removal or specialized pruning techniques are involved, call your local arborist for expert advice and professional service.

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Sunol Tree Pruning

Danville Tree Pruning

Sunol CA large sycamore tree reducing weight from target areas and pruning away from home.