Winter Tree CareWinter takes its toll on many trees and as a result they become weak and prone to a number of diseases. The leaves will thicken which makes it harder for them to absorb the moisture from the ground. This process is called leaf decay or winter defoliation. Also, the tree's root system has a difficult time maintaining up with the extra demands placed on it. As a result, the tree needles and leaves eventually turn yellow and die. ![]() Some other types of winter tree care issues include brown spots on the leaves that are a result of fungi or bacterial growth. Another problem is leaf discoloration or disintegration of the branches. The winter tree trimming should be done in order to prevent any of these issues from occurring. However, if any of these things are already happening, then it is best to address the problem before it gets out of control. The following are some winter tree care tips you can use to address the different issues on your trees. The first step is to prune the shrubs or plants for winter tree care purposes. For some, this means manually trimming off branches and cutting away any fronds. If you are an inexperienced gardener, then it is best to leave pruning to the experts. Trimming away excess leaves, branches, twigs, and petals allows the tree to breathe better. It also allows you to more effectively clean off debris that is collected during autumn and winter months. One of the most important winter tree care services that you can provide for your shrubs is deep root watering. This is a very crucial step that many people overlook. Most people mistakenly think that deep root watering only has to do with giving the tree water every few weeks. The truth is that deep root watering is something that should be done every day throughout the growing season. This is especially true for evergreens. As a matter of fact, it is highly recommended that you prune your trees at least once each month throughout the growing season. Many gardeners mistakenly think that winterizing their trees is all about wrapping them in mulch. This is not the case. The real issue that is involved is the fact that as trees dry out, their tree root systems become susceptible to freezing temperatures. It is during this time that severe weather can strike, and it is this process that you want to avoid. A great way to avoid the risk of freezing is to remove all leaves from the trees. When left on the branches in the fall and winter, leaves can retain moisture and can actually warm the soil up. This can in turn heat up the soil so much that when it is time to water the trees in the spring, they will not have enough water to do so. On the other hand, by removing all leaves from the branches in the winter, the roots will have access to as much moisture as possible. This will result in healthier root growth and better winter pruning. One of the most important aspects of winter tree trimming is the pruning of dormant branches. In order to prune dormant branches you should first identify where the branch meets the trunk. If it is on a tree trunk you should cut the branch back to its proper length. You should also check to see if the branch is properly aligned. If it is out of alignment you should cut away some of the branch to correct the problem. Another important part of winter tree care is keeping shrubs well nourished during the dormant period. Spring pruning will need to be done before the first frost. The best way to do this is to water the shrubs a few days before the frost. This will help them to become adequately nourished and ready for the new growing season.
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Fire Protection Tips - Preventing Wildfire Damage![]() Public awareness and increased vigilance are important parts of wildfire prevention. Fire extinguishers, which are very inexpensive and easily kept at hand, play a critical role in forest management by keeping forests from burning to the point of no return. Prevention education is especially important in high-risk fire prone areas. Managing wildfire requires comprehensive understanding of why fires occur and managing multiple competing priorities in a budget-constrained society requires comprehensive wildfire prevention planning and action. The key to preventing fires is understanding the cause of fires and how to recognize and prevent them. Fire is a very serious and destructive element that no society should overlook. Effective public education and effective fire safety management are essential to preventing and controlling damaging fires. Two types of preventable wildfire are arson and debris burning. Arson occurs when someone sets off an oil-fueled fire for whatever reason. It is one of the leading causes of property damage and fatalities. The main characteristics of arson are targeting an open structure or individual and leaving the building or individual "smokey." This type of "smokey bear" is usually uncontrollable and dangerous. Fire, which also occurs naturally, begins as a slow-burning, contained burning tree fire or grass fire. It may spread to forests and spread into inflagration if not contained or protected early. Controlling or preventing such fires requires both prevention and early intervention as well as effective wildfire prevention practices and strategies. In cases where "human-caused fires" are occurring, steps must be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of future wildfire. Prevention is more effective than trying to stop a wildfire in its tracks as it advances. Effective strategies involve comprehensive land management that takes into consideration multiple threats and uses multiple means to achieve one goal. Strategies that help reduce the threat of inflagration include making structures and activities off-site safe, controlling or eliminating access to fuels, providing early warning about extreme weather conditions, making sure that appropriate materials are on hand and properly disposed of, and taking all reasonable precautions. Prevention also includes avoiding opening doors and windows when it is not hot and ensuring that children and pets are away from the fire area. It is important for wildfire prevention to consider how "dirt" is deposited in fire prone areas. Dirt is commonly used by some firefighters as fuel. In some regions, grass and pine needles are also used to create fires. If a home is located in an area where grass and pine needles are used, especially around a campfire, it is very likely that any spark created by the fire will ignite dry leaves, debris and other flammables present in the nearby pile. Firefighters should remove any flammable objects from the immediate vicinity of the fire to avoid causing additional damage and risk to people and pets. Another aspect of prevention is knowing what to look for in case a wildfire does break out. It is imperative to know what to look for in a fire damage inspection report so that you can identify specific hazards and avoid making the same mistakes in the future. In the case of a structural fire, it is critical to document any damage that could result from falling debris, so you have a record of everything that could potentially be a problem in the future. Finally, a well-maintained forest provides the best protection from forest fires because of the natural firefolks that inhabit the area. However, a well-maintained forest also exposes the homeowner to added threats of infrastructures that facilitate wildfire occurrence. For example, trees that grow close to homes or are mature and full of sap are often used as fuel. In the event that a tree starts to drop sap and catch fire, it is imperative that the homeowner inspect the trees immediately to try to contain the spread of the flames. When It's Time For Tree Trimming![]() When it comes to tree trimming, spring is considered the best season because that is when most trees begin to grow new leaves. Spring is also the first full growing season, so it can also be the busiest time of the year. Trees that have not been trimmed in years may not have fully developed new growth or may not be growing fast enough to meet demand. Fall is a good time to prune trees because it has fully developed leaves and is now in its dormant stage. Annual trimming to reduce weight can be done in the fall or winter before the tree begins to produce new growth. Winter is typically the off-season time for tree trimming, so this is a peak season for tree trimming projects. Most trees don't have leaves on the tree during winter, which allows for easy pruning work. Dead branches left on the tree after winter can be removed easily with a pair of scissors. This can save you time and money by eliminating costly broken or crooked branches. Pruning to shape and structure can take place any time of the year, but the most popular time period is early autumn through the winter. The main objective of pruning is to remove excessive dead or weak branches so that more usable and strong branches can grow. For tree trimming purposes, branch angles or cuts are used to make the cuts around trees' extremities. Branches that are already injured can be repaired, but if not, branches should be removed entirely to prevent infection or other damage. In early autumn, most shrubs will have already grown a reasonable length and are ready for the first trimming of the year. However, trees should still be trimmed, especially in wetter seasons or after heavy storms. A healthy tree needs constant trimming to keep its form. Fall is also a good time to thin out dead branches so they won't block driveways or other natural circulation areas near entrances. In late winter or early spring, when temperatures are freezing and falling, trees need to be trimmed to help them retain and bloom their full beauty. The best time to prune your trees is to choose the best trimming plan for your type of trees. Consult with a local tree expert or grower to get the best advice about which plan is best for your trees. They may be able to help you find the best time based on the conditions of your climate, soil type and your local climate. When power lines are active, tree trimming techniques become especially important. The easiest way to trim trees without damaging the power line is to use a high voltage cable in conjunction with a power bladed attachment. These devices will allow you to safely trim trees without damaging power lines. If you are unsure whether or not your power lines and/or power lines are safe to trim, call your local power company before doing any tree pruning techniques. Fall is the best time to thin out dead and weak trees. You will also find the best tree trimming techniques for your trees during the spring and summer seasons. In the spring, trees begin to shed their leaves to make room for new growth. Trimming should be done in the summer when new growth is abundant. Trees that lose their leaves in autumn do so because of a lack of food due to winter frost. This condition will make it difficult to see the needles through the blanket of winter frost. If you want to trim your own trees, you have a couple of different options. Although many people like to hire tree trimming experts, you can trim your own trees using various methods. You can use an electric trimmer, chain saws, or a hand pruner. Hiring a tree trimming expert can be quite expensive, but it may be well worth it in the long run. Tree trimming experts are trained to trim your trees safely, efficiently, and professionally. The Safety Hazardousness of Fallen Trees![]() Tree removal is not something to be undertaken by amateurs. It is a skilled job that requires a lot of know-how and equipment. In addition, it can cause property damage to your property, personal injury, and costs that can really add up over time. Tree removal usually involves unscrewing, cutting, and cutting again until the tree has been completely removed. Here are some tips to protect yourself when you hire a tree removal company to get rid of a tree on your property. Do it yourself tree removal shouldn't be something that you try to do yourself. There are usually professionals involved in the process who have been trained and certified in tree removal. If you're not sure that you can do all of the necessary tree care aspects to help the tree removal along, you should definitely hire a tree care service. Not only will they be able to ensure that your property is properly removed in the most efficient way possible, but they will also ensure that it's done safely, as well. When tree removal is needed, it's wise to call in a tree removal service as soon as possible, so the job can be finished as quickly as possible without jeopardizing any property. Some jurisdictions require that trees be removed within certain times or even at specific intervals. For example, in New York City, tree removal should take place within three years of planting, or within five years of planting if you live in New York City. Tree removal in the past was often done by hand, but tree removal companies now use mechanized equipment that can do the job much more quickly and efficiently. So it's always best to call a tree care service to give your yard a face-lift in preparation for the new season. There are two main reasons why people choose to hire a tree removal company to get rid of dead trees on their property: removing the threat of property damage or preventing future tree removal. Property damage can be prevented by having the dead trees removed so no damage occurs. Once the dead trees are removed, there is nothing left for them to break into, which makes it safer for people walking by. And removing the dead trees can prevent future tree growth. In other words, removing them allows the property to have a healthier environment for growing new plants. The second reason why it's good to hire a tree removal company is the fact that tree removal is regulated by many state and local laws. Many cities and towns have by-laws requiring certain procedures to be followed when removing a tree brush. Therefore, it's important to make sure that your service provider has a license to remove trees and follow those by-laws. A professional remove knows how to deal with situations such as these. He has the right equipment, access to the right locations and knows how to remove trees safely and efficiently. If you hire a professional remove, you can be assured that he will not only use the proper equipment to remove your tree, he'll also use the right methods to help keep your surrounding landscape intact. For example, if removing a tree would mean digging a trench around the affected tree, the professional remove will actually dig the trench just feet away from the tree. This helps to minimize the risk of injury. In addition to safety hazards, removing a tree poses an environmental safety concern. Tree removals are typically done in an area where there are no utilities or power lines, which means that more natural resources are potentially damaged or destroyed. A tree removal company may be required to cut down the tree using specific tree removal techniques, which can cause property damage or injuries. This is especially true if the tree removal is done without the proper training and supervision. If you hire an emergency tree removal service, they will make sure that your property remains safe. They will place scaffolding around your affected property and erect cranes so that they can pick up your fallen tree and take it away in an efficient manner. Emergency tree removal companies are able to perform various tree removal tasks, including tree felling, stump removal, and tree removal using mechanical cranes and trucks. They may even offer to clean out any affected areas after they have removed the stump. ![]() The recently signed California Fire Prevention Executive Order sets forth a plan to prevent wildfires in California. The order directs the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Services to develop a wildfire plan within 90 days that identifying fire hazards and effective solutions to prevent fires. There are many solutions that can be implemented to prevent fires in California. However, it is likely that this will not be enough to stop the problem. Therefore, it is highly recommended that individuals contact a professional contractor to assist in creating a plan to prevent the future fires. The first solution that should be developed is to implement a complete evacuation. No one should be permitted to reside in their home if there is an emergency such as a fire. A complete evacuation can be accomplished on the weekend night or weekday evening as well. An evacuation should be completed in advance of a threat or occurrence of an emergency, such as a Saturday night, Wednesday night, or Thursday night. If an emergency occurs during the week, it is often unnecessary to take such extreme measures. However, it is important for each resident to know that he or she has the authority to evacuate their home in the case of an emergency. Another solution is to create a "shelter island" with tents and other structures to provide lodging to those who cannot evacuate due to emergency conditions. It is highly recommended that every residence have at least one structure available for sleeping, eating, or using as a place to rest. In the event of high winds or rain storms, most residents prefer to remain in their homes due to the perceived safety of the structure. However, remaining in a structure in the event of a catastrophe allows an individual to call attention to the possibility of evacuation. The most effective way to keep everyone safe is to make use of a public evacuation warning system. Most fire officials encourage residents to call the fire department if they hear any reports of flames in progress. In addition to sending help for the firefighting effort, the public announcement will notify the general public of the location of the fire shelters. Many people tend to forget that a fire shelter has the same effect as a mass emergency bus. Many people who have lived in the area for years to forget that a blackout is possible in the middle of the day. On the day of a fire, many are surprised to find that electricity is not available. For this reason, some California residents subscribe to a local power shut-off service. Public and private utility companies offer several options for those who are unable to perform the necessary maintenance to maintain an electric supply during a blackout. Some areas in Northern California have the ability to utilize satellite communications technology for emergency communication. This type of technology enables television reception in the event of a fire burning certain transmission lines. These lines are normally located along major highway thoroughfares. In addition to providing television reception during a fire, authorities can also use these towers to broadcast a message to motorists in the area that indicates the risk of a wildfire. In the case of a wildfire, authorities notify motorists to avoid a certain road or route and remain out of the area until the fire has cleared. The potential for a blackout in California is actually a possibility more often than not. On Saturday, the state's Department of Forestry released a report citing the possibility of one day when there is a twenty-five percent chance of a total blackout across the state. This would make Saturday a bad day to attempt any outdoor fire burning activities. In addition to relying on electrical power for all modes of human interaction, communications and heating, the entire structure of the modern society depends on electricity for its operation. The ramifications of a complete blackout could be enormous and would greatly affect all facets of life. It is also important to note that high winds are one of the leading causes of forest fires in California. Winds of more than fifty miles an hour are associated with the formation of large fires. It is for this reason that we have had an unprecedented six fires burning in the last week alone, all of which have been started by lightning. Even if lightning is not directly responsible, it is the weather service's job to ensure that lightning is prevented from initiating a fire by using strong aerial fire protection. If you live in or around the San Fernando Valley, a weather service station in the heart of the Valley should be within a mile of your home, in case a thunderstorm warning is issued. If you want to prevent fires from happening in your property, then you need to hire a contractor to prevent them. But, before you spend the money on a professional service that will clear brush and trees, there are some things that you can do on your own. You may not know how to prevent fires in your property but if you follow some of these tips, then you can greatly reduce the risk of having your home catch on fire. Below are some ways that you can try to prevent fires in your home. ![]() Brush and trees must be cut down. This is one of the most common ways that people prevent fires. When there are thick brush and trees in an area, it increases the amount of heat that is trapped in the air. This increased heat can condense and ignite the embers that are already there. There are several ways to reduce the risk of brush fires. If possible, you should consider trimming the trees and reducing the brush. You can also hire a contractor to clear brush and trees so that you won't have to. However, if you think that it is impossible to prevent the brush from growing, then you should hire a contractor to reduce wildfire hazard on your land. The best way to reduce fire risk is to prevent them in the first place. You should refrain from putting out garbage in your yard. Garbage is the biggest fuel that causes fires. If you want to prevent fires, you should dispose of trash as soon as possible. Fire extinguishers are very important if you want to reduce the risks of having a fire in your property. These are great for preventing fires. If you have one in your home, you should keep an extra supply of these around. However, if you think that you can't afford to buy fire extinguishers to prevent the chance of having a fire in your home, you should buy a carbon monoxide detector. Another way to prevent fires from happening on your property is to make sure that you keep your grass well trimmed. If you leave grass clippings on the ground, there is a big chance that they will be consumed by animal droppings. This may result to an infestation of bees and other insects. These insects can spread viruses to your family. If you want to prevent fires from happening on your property, you should also make sure that your lawns are properly maintained. You should also hire a contractor to remove decayed leaves from your landscape if you want to prevent fires. This is also one of the preventative measures that you should do. Dead leaves will provide food for the wildlife. However, it is important for you to know that not all contractors and companies can offer you the preventative measures that you need. If you want to make sure that your property is safe, it is also essential for you to learn how to install smoke detectors. This is a necessity in preventing fires. If you are not familiar with how to install these units, you can ask help from a professional installer. A good contractor would be able to install the detector in a discreet location on your property without drawing too much attention to it. It is also important to use natural means to prevent the occurrence of fire. For instance, you can build a firebreak at the top of your walls or you can paint the side of your house with fire retardant paint. There are also other things that you can do to prevent this from happening. Another effective preventative measure is to keep your grass short. If the grass is more than three feet long, it may not be possible to burn it. You should also take extra efforts to prevent weeds from growing around your landscape. You can plant aloe vera, crabgrass, and dandelion to make your property more weed-free. You can also put up fences to prevent unwanted animals from accessing your land. Some animals are attracted to deer and antelope farms. This is why you should make sure that you have a sufficient number of antlers in order to make your landscape less attractive to animals. Having a fire pit in your property will also help you prevent unwanted occurrences like fires. You should place the pit in an area where you can easily control the amount of wood that you are burning. Having a pit like this can also prevent you from having to spend money on a chimney in order to have smoke cleaned out. You should also consider buying a smoke detector which you can mount on the outside of your wall. ![]() Brush removal is important if you're thinking about reducing the risk of fires. That's why it's a good idea to hire an experienced contractor to remove brush and trees from your property. There are steps you can take to reduce the risks of having a brush fire. If you don't take those steps, you're likely setting yourself up for a devastatingly expensive brush fire disaster. So what can you do to prevent brush fires? The best step is prevention. You can reduce the risk of having a brush fire by taking some preventative action. Here are three things you can do to prevent brush fires: Doormats and fireplaces. When you have a large tree on your property or in your yard, it makes sense to have a donut or fireplace pit where the brush can be removed easily and safely. These structures allow plenty of air circulation and help keep dead leaves and other debris from accumulating near your burning house. Don't cut down brush. While it may seem easier to get rid of brush by hand, cutting it down is one of the worst mistakes you can make when trying to control brush fires. Dead leaves and twigs can collect at your house, creating a perfect environment for a fire. Even if you don't have a tree on your property, you should think about trimming your brush so it doesn't touch trees and other plants that can be burned. The first time you trim any brush away from your home, you're likely going to have a brush fire. Use proper tools. As mentioned earlier, proper equipment is essential when doing brush removal. Each year, millions of dollars are spent by firefighters and homeowners alike for specialized tools and training to prevent brush fires. Whether you choose to chop down brush yourself or hire a company to do it for you, make sure you have the proper tools. Professionals recommend using an axe for large trees, while others suggest using chainsaws for tree trimming and clearing branches that are close to your house. Use water. Brush fires can often be reduced by using water, whether you use hoses or buckets of water. If you have a well-stocked toolbox in your garage, you could also purchase brush-killing liquid solutions at your local home improvement store. Put everything out of reach. If you have a large mess on your property or a pile of wood that you'd like to dispose of, consider putting it out of reach of potential flames. This might mean putting out the fire pit for the time being, as well as any firewood or dryer you may have stored in the area. It might also mean closing off access to the deck, patio, or decking so smoke can't get in. Fireproof containers are available which keep materials like lumber, rubber, and caulk from melting and spreading in case of a fire. Consider using gas inserts. These devices put brush control directly into the ground so you don't have to remove brush manually. They're very effective, even on small brush fires, and can save you time. Another option is to contact a brush removal specialist to give you professional advice about how best to remove brush fires on your own. The most important thing is that you prevent brush fires. Use water as soon as possible. Burning brush releases toxic gases into the air and can create dangerous black dust that cannot be filtered out of the air. It also can spread quickly throughout the forest, killing plants and igniting fuel cells that will cause more brush fires. In the long run, you'll be spending a lot of money preventing brush fires, as well as making matters much worse for yourself and those you care about. It's worth the effort to prevent brush fires in the first place, so don't neglect this task. Look at your local fire prevention and safety office. Some cities and towns have excellent fire watch programs, where volunteer firefighters man public watch stations to monitor brush fires and other potential hazards. If your city has this kind of program, it's a good idea to subscribe to it. You can usually find information about fire safety and brush removal in your local fire office or by calling the local fire department. As you can see, there are many ways to prevent brush fires, including proper clearing and removal of brush. If you want to take the best preventive action possible, brush removal and clearing aren't the only steps you should take. Proper tree and bush care can also help reduce risk, but if you want to get rid of those pesky brush fires completely, then you should consider using products that work by eliminating all threat from your brush. ![]() The first step for fire prevention is to remove any brush that is on your property and clear trees and brush from your property for fire prevention. It sounds simple enough, but you would be amazed at the amount of people who try to do this in their own yard, simply because they have no experience. You really need to hire an experienced contractor to do this for you, so you don't end up doing more damage than good. There are a few reasons why you need to hire an experienced contractor for this: It may seem simple, but brush removal can be dangerous. Not only is the danger greater with brush removal, but you will also be putting yourself and your family in danger if you don't do it correctly. Your brush needs to be removed quickly, so you need someone who knows how to get that brush off your property without damaging the grass or messing up the vegetation. In addition to this, if you mess up the brush and it starts to grow right back up again, you are going to need even more brush to clear it all away. This can get expensive very quickly. Next, you don't want to hire a person who is just getting started in brush removal. Take care of it and then they can take care of other prevention jobs. It is best to find a company that has been in business for a while and that specializes in brush removal and other wood cutting needs. They will also be able to offer you different options and recommend what is best for your area. You also don't want to hire some laid-back guy off the street to work, because you don't know how to operate the equipment or you don't know how to fix it. Experience is important when hiring professionals. They should know what to do and how to do it, so you don't end up with more problems on your hands than you had before you hired them. A lot of people think that hiring professionals to clear trees and brush from your property for fire prevention is a waste of money. However, there are so many different hazards around your home that sometimes money just isn't an option. Prevention is still better than a cure, as they say. If you want to spend less money, hire professionals to clear trees and brush from your property for fire prevention. It will help cut down on the number of fires that occur in your neighborhood. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to getting rid of brush and trees. If you want to hire professionals to do this for you, make sure you check out their service packages first. You need to get a clear understanding of what you can expect from them, as well as how much they will charge for trees and brush removal. This way, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not you need to hire one of these companies. |
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