Autumn Tree Services Checklist

September is busy for arborists, as shrub and tree services get prioritized in winter prepping. Depending on where you live, necessary tree services and garden prep will vary, but in Utah, you can count on watering shrubs and trees less so they can harden before the first big freeze. If you planted annuals, it’s time to remove them and turn them into compost. Unfortunately, the battle against slugs and weeds continues this month, so stay vigilant. Autumn is one of the most enjoyable seasons for gardeners because it’s the season of shopping for trees, shrubs and other plants! Getting larger plants into the ground in September ensures solid root development and lets them settle before spring arrives. If it’s a warm September, water newly planted trees and shrubs all the

Tree Removal Facts to “Stump” You

You can get tree removal without stump removal, though you may want both. Almost every arborist offers a separate fee for stump removal, because it’s often not legally required as part of the removal of a dead, dying or dangerous tree (plus, some people like the stump). However, if you skip stump removal just to save a few bucks, be aware that that choice can backfire. Most of the time, it’s in everyone’s best interest to remove the stump, too. You likely won’t save money by opting for tree and stump removal at the same time — you can always call for stump removal at a later date. If you have a stubborn stump in your yard, you might have already unfortunately figured out that it’s a hazard. Most are unattractive and can even lower property values, depending on wher

Strangest Tree and Shrub Fertilization Tricks

Which tree and shrub fertilization methods are best? Whichever ones work best! It depends on the soil, the types of trees and shrubs, your climate and what type of weather your region has been having. However, you can skip the trial and error by consulting a tree expert. These professionals know the best tree and shrub fertilization types for your plants. Still, it’s interesting to consider what some people tout as secret, “miracle” tree and shrub fertilization tricks. Tree and Shrub Fertilization Tips from Your Friend’s Grandma’s Cousin’s Nephew Just like urban legends, it’s impossible to tell how some tree and shrub fertilization hacks got started. For example, some people say the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag is great for plants and soil. Your vacuum s

Tree Services for Raccoon Removal

Do tree services include raccoon removal? Probably not (you’ll want to call animal control services for that!), but plenty of preventive tree services are available to keep your trees healthy while making them less attractive to these masked bandits. Male raccoons are particularly fond of using trees as sleeping posts, while females who are pregnant or with babies prefer more solitary places, like your attic. If you’ve spotted a raccoon in your tree, many tricks are available to you and your arborist to drive it away. For starters, recognize that it’s impossible to fully keep raccoons out of your yard since they’re smart, adaptable and have excellent memories. In other words, if you drop a slice of pizza in the back yard during a party, a raccoon can remember a “good pi

The Trouble with Tree Sap

When searching for a tree services provider, you might be surprised to find that sap removal is a rare offering. Sap isn’t harmful to the tree, bugs or even to humans if accidentally ingested (those with children may have figured this out already). However, it’s sticky, can be smelly and if it gets on your car or windows, it can be a real pain. Instead of trying to make your tree sap-free, which likely won’t happen, it’s better to know how to remove the sticky substance from metal, glass and clothing. Rubbing alcohol does a great job of dissolving sap, and nail polish remover gets it off skin. A de-greasing dish soap also works magic. Peanut butter is a go-to trick for getting it out of hair, thanks to the natural oils, as is mayonnaise. What Is Sap? Sap comes from a tr