Trees that Bloom in Winter

Planting trees that bloom in winter is a great way to continue loving your garden and yard through the holiday season. But a big rule of thumb applies: Research and choose trees and plants that are native to your region for the best results. Utah winters can be particularly fierce, and a tree that blossoms in the so-called winter of Southern California won’t last a day in heavy snow, sleet and ice. But you can find plenty of hearty, gorgeous trees here — choose options that bloom a stunning white to make the most of the winter wonderland in your back yard. The U.S. Forestry Center has defined hardiness zones that you can check to see which trees and plants will thrive in different parts of the country. Utah, being a diverse region, has hardiness zones ranging from 2 to 8. You

What Does an Arborist Do?

Is an arborist the same as a tree specialist? Sometimes. Arborists are certified experts trained in the science and art of planting and maintaining trees. They’re knowledgeable about all tree species, but many specialize in the native trees that grow where they do business. For example, a few Utah native trees include Douglas firs, junipers, willows and spruces. Hiring an arborist is an important decision, and making the right choice is paramount — after all, tree care impacts the value of your home and the safety of your family. Tree care is an investment, and just like any investment, you want a favorable ROI. A tree that’s healthy and cared for is much more attractive than one that isn’t. A poorly cared-for tree isn’t just unattractive, but potentially dangerous a

Holiday Lighting: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Is it too soon for holiday lighting? Of course not—after the Halloween swag has been counted, it’s time for winter holiday decorations. Whether you’re planning a feast for Thanksgiving, want to make the most of your December holiday celebrations or simply want to show off that new deck you slaved over last summer, a little mood lighting can go a long way. Unfortunately, you must consider some risks. The two hot times of the year for home fires are summer and December. Both of these seasons can become exacerbated fire risks if holiday lights aren’t properly strung and cared for. In the winter months, you have an increased fire risk, thanks to the candles, lights that are worse for wear and roaring fireplaces. Make sure your family follows home fire prevention best practice

Do You Need Tree Disease Control?

If you have a diseased tree, the problem may be controlled with treatment. The best way to diagnose your tree’s condition is by having a qualified tree expert do an inspection. Just like with your own body, the earlier you catch a disease, the easier, faster and more affordable it is to treat it. It’s a good idea to schedule a yard/tree inspection once a year (combine it with tree-trimming services, fertilization, or other necessities to get the healthiest yard possible). However, you may be able to spot some tell-tale signs of tree disease yourself. Brown spot needle blight strikes pines, and the symptoms include yellow needles with brown trim, or needles with brown spots and yellow bands. This disease, which even can withstand winter temperatures, strikes younger trees more

Why Does Tree Removal Cost So Much?

That’s one of the first questions about tree removal that many arborists hear, and it’s a good one. Compared to other services, such as trimming, pruning, fertilizing and stringing holiday lights, removing a tree seems to be in an entirely different price bracket. You get what you pay for, and getting a tree removed is a dangerous and challenging job. Homeowners might be able to do some deadheading, shaping, and even pest control themselves — but you can’t safely remove a mature tree yourself. It’s not dangerous only for homeowners, but for seasoned arborists, too! A basic removal package often includes roping down branches, climbing and cutting the tree into more manageable pieces. The risks surrounding this process depend on the type of tree, its size and weather cond