Tree work can be extremely hazardous, and requires in-depth knowledge of cutting, pruning, and trimming techniques, as well as rigging, tree growth patterns, diseases and pests. Caution is paramount when removing any tree, branch or tree portion, as well as in the use of ladders, chainsaws and other tree-related equipment.
Hazards that many do-it-yourselfers may not take into consideration include both overhead and underground power lines, which can cause electrocution if accidentally touched. Faulty, dull or defective chainsaws, unstable or broken ladders and not considering the weight and engineering of the tree itself are other pitfalls homeowners often face. Leave it to the tree service professionals if you have any uncertainties about completing the job on your own.
The time between January and early March is the sweet spot of tree pruning season in our climate and area, so it’s time to go out there and assess your trees! It’s a great time to have a professional inspect dead or rotted trees, to identify any defective structure or faulty branches and to determine the correct procedure for removal. A professional tree service expert knows where and how to safely remove trees without causing injury to you, the crew and the surrounding area, including controlling where the falling tree will land to avoid structures, property, landscaping and other nearby trees. A tree service expert provides a crew that is highly trained to operate potentially dangerous, fast moving equipment, bucket trucks, cranes and stump grinders, to ensure that your tree work gets done efficiently and without incident.
During winter pruning, is also the perfect time to look for and remove any mummified fruit still hanging on trees, as well as keeping an eye out for Spotted Lanternfly eggs. When there are breaks of warmer weather in the winter, it’s a good time to apply an ecologically low-impact dormant oil or winter wash to control of a variety of winter hibernating insects, such as aphids, red mites, spider mites, white flies and other soft bodied insects. Make sure the dormant oil covers the entire surface of the tree and its branches, and must be done when the temperature is above 40F.