View Reliable Tree Care’s blog!

Planting a sapling is one of the many tree services your local arborist offers. Just like with real estate, it’s location, location, location.

Plant saplings at least 20 feet from any other trees and make sure they’re not near utilities (you can call your municipality to check for utility line locations). Depending on the tree’s root spread and how big it will grow, you might need more than 20 feet.

Also keep in mind that you don’t want to have to call Roto-Rooter a few years down the road, so try to keep the sapling as far from underground plumbing as possible.

The average sapling doesn’t need a very big hole to take to the soil. Aim for six inches wide and the same depth as the root ball. The very top of the root ball should be above ground — and stay there.

To achieve this, plant your tree in firm soil that won’t sink. The root collar should be kept free of soil to stop any rot or disease.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The original soil should be used to backfill. If your soil and tree need extra nutrients, composting on the ground and then mulch should be more than enough. Pat the soil with your hands so it’s nice and firm, and use any leftovers to create a ring 1 foot away from the sapling.

If you plan to mulch (which is almost always recommended), create a 4-inch mulch ring around the sapling, making sure to keep it 2 inches from the trunk. Mulch has a solid structure, helps keep the soil moist and adds necessary nutrients.

Know how much water your region gets, and adjust so that the sapling gets about half a gallon of water three times each week. The water should be added slowly, perhaps with a trickle from a garden hose for a minute at a time.

Saplings need this kind of attention for about two years, but in some wet regions you may not need to water them at all.

Unnecessary Items

Some people use stakes to help straighten saplings, but this isn’t necessary. Like people, trees get tougher with a little exercise. Swaying in the wind will help them grow strong, and they will certainly be straight enough.

Except in rare instances, don’t fertilize the area near a sapling. If you’re concerned about nutrients, test the soil first and talk with an arborist.

If you live in a region that’s facing a drought, that doesn’t mean you can’t plant. If you choose a native sapling, it’ll be able to withstand temperature swings and droughts. You also can collect and use shower water to keep your plants green.

For more tips, or to schedule tree services or a pro to plant a sapling for you, call Reliable Tree Care.

Trees need fertilizer, just like you need food and water.

Fertilization equates to nutrients, and trees are living beings. If the natural soil where your trees or shrubs are planted is lacking these nutrients, your trees may fail to thrive — or even die. Malnutrition in trees prevents them from growing to their full height and makes them more vulnerable to insects and diseases.

Trees need two major types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Macronutrients include nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorous and calcium. Nitrogen is especially important because it’s needed for growth and it is easily depleted from soil. Micronutrients include iron, copper, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, chlorine and boron.

You usually can tell if your trees have iron deficiency (the most common), because their leaves turn yellow. Most micronutrients are needed only in traces for most trees, and in many cases the soil already has enough.

Shopping Around

When shopping for fertilizers, you’ll see that all labels are clearly marked, indicating the amount of nutrients provided per 100 pounds. You can choose organic or inorganic fertilizer options. Usually, inorganic options are soluble and get the nutrients to your tree faster; organic options take a while to be released.

Blend organic and inorganic fertilizers to get the best of both worlds. Keep in mind that some inorganic fertilizers have a coating to slow nutrient release, making them act more like organic fertilizers.

If you have trees in an urban/suburban area, they can get stressed just like you, but these environmental stressors can be reduced with fertilizers. If you have a new tree, pull any weeds that grow around it and keep it pruned and watered.

If you really want to know for certain if a fertilizer is necessary, a soil test can tell you. Take a sample if you can before planting, and repeat the test every four years. Or look at shoot growth — if your tree sprouts new shoots of at least 6 inches per year, no fertilization is necessary.

Playing it Safe

You (or a professional) can tell a lot by leaf color, too. Yellow leaves usually are asking for attention, but that can be tough to gauge in the autumn!

Also consider the history of the property. If trees are in a place that has been regularly fertilized, you may not need to continue. Soil can and does change over time, and what was necessary a few years ago might not be required now. However, nothing trumps the expertise that only an arborist can offer.

To find out if your trees need fertilizer, or for a complete inspection of your property’s trees and shrubs, call Reliable Tree Care. We’re available for tree and shrub fertilization, inspections, trimming and pruning year-round, and boast a crew of professionals with years of experience.

Are you already dreaming about fruit trees, cherry blossoms and a veritable smorgasbord in your yard? Some fruit trees aren’t just OK with being planted in the winter — they actually prefer it!

There’s no need to wait until the spring thaw to give your green thumb a workout. Plan early and you’ll have a bountiful harvest before anyone else. Plant these options bare-root and it won’t be long before you’ll have a real yard-to-table dining experience.

Peaches adore cold weather planting, but they don’t care for too much dampness. Plant them next to a south-facing wall if you can, for extra warmth.

Homeowners with an abundance of rails, fences and gazebos have grapes as an option. The American strains are toughest against mildew, easier to grow and generally sturdier than their European counterparts.

For an extra pop of color, consider strawberries as your ground cover — and remember that although strawberries are technically perennials, it’s best to replace them every two to three years.

A Berry Merry Christmas

But strawberries aren’t the only berry option for winter planting. Blueberries do very well in almost every region. They also offer gorgeous color and double as a garden plant as well as a food source. However, if fruit flies trouble you, keep in mind that blueberries may attract them, but row covers (garden fabric) can help keep your fruit safe.

You can also go with cherries, but it’s best to choose a yellow variety (birds can’t resist the red). Another alternative is to net the tree. Surprisingly, cherries don’t like a too-mild winter, so states with four seasons are great for this fruit.

Apples come in all shapes and colors, but the early ripening types do best if planted in winter. Unfortunately, they also spoil fast. This makes them excellent for making applesauce or to store for later. Moths are attracted to them, but a simple sticky strip is usually enough to keep these fruits secure.

Talk About an Early Gift!

’Tis the season of giving, and your local nursery has a treat for you! Winter is notoriously the slow season for nurseries, which means you’ll have prime picking and maybe score some great deals. Overall, bare-root plants are more affordable, since they haven’t been potted. They’re also lighter, simpler to transport and get settled faster than plants in a container.

You’ll also have plenty of time to get your organic gardening habits down before spring rolls around, since you’re only pampering a few, favored fruit trees and shrubs.

Need a little extra help with your tree TLC this time of year? From pruning to fertilizing and everything in between, count on the local experts at Reliable Tree Care. We’re your fruit tree service specialists, available throughout the holidays for all your maintenance needs.

’Tis the season for holiday lighting, and if you want to tap your inner Griswold, that means decking the outdoors as well as the halls.

Exterior holiday lighting looks stunning, but it’s not quite as much fun to DIY. That’s why so many homeowners rely on holiday lighting experts who can stand the snow and cold (and have arborist training, too). If you want to try to tackle this job yourself, your first step is to ensure the lights and other decorations you choose are made for the outdoors.

Inspecting light strands is (still) a holiday tradition, especially the outdoor variety. A frayed cord or any otherwise faulty material can be a serious fire hazard.

You’ll also need to plot how to hide cords the best you can. You can use garlands or match the cords to trees, patios or house trim.

Before the actual stringing begins, you’ll also need a quality ladder and tools for hanging. That alone can cost you a pretty penny (and be dangerous!), which is when savvy holiday revelers call for professional help.

Deck the Yard!

Light clips can hold even heavier lights and attach to your home and trees without damage. Avoid hanging your light strings with nails, which cause permanent marks and can also be tough to remove once the season is over. Clips can be re-used each year, are affordable and can be selected to match the color of the backdrop, whether it’s a porch or your favorite birch tree.

Where you have your lights is equally important—and remember that not all trees and shrubs are sturdy enough to support lights.

Only string lights from branches that are strong, solid and unlikely to break. Hanging strings a little closer to the trunk helps, as does keeping an eye out for nesting animals, pre-existing damage, rot or infestations. These aren’t always easy to spot, and an expert can inspect your trees and shrubs while also decorating your landscape.

All About Aesthetics

This is one time of year you don’t have to have just one focal point. You can use various points around the yard, especially if you’re going all out. Homeowners lucky enough to have a pine tree or other seasonal-looking tree can decorate it just like the one in the living room.

Outdoor ornaments that are durable (but you won’t miss if they go missing themselves) are key. You can also go with a variety of tree toppers, so if you’ve never been able to choose between a star and an angel, now you can have both.

Decorating is a thrill, but just like indoors, it’s the lights that can be the biggest pain. You don’t want to damage your home or trees in the process, nor do you want a fire hazard. Call Reliable Tree Care for fast, professional and gorgeous holiday lighting.

How difficult can tree removal be, especially if the tree is far from any homes or structures?

It’s much more treacherous than you think, which is why only a professional tree removal specialist should handle this task!

For starters, homes and structures are just one part of the equation — don’t forget about power lines. There’s a good chance that the tree you’re removing is near a power line (otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be bothering to remove it at all). You should always assume wires are live.

If any part of the process, from you to the tree or the tools, touches the power line, you could take out power in your entire neighborhood — and that’s the best-case scenario.

Electrocution is a very real risk that tree removal workers face every day. Some homeowners have heard the old wives’ tale that power lines with a black coating are insulated and won’t electrocute you. This is false. That black coating is actually just weatherproofing so the power lines keep working in snow, rain and sleet.

There’s absolutely no electrocution-proofing with weather-proofed lines. You don’t want to learn this the hard way.

The Right Tools

No regular homeowner has the necessary equipment to remove a tree. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures that professionals have special gear to keep them safe.

Plus, these experts also have been well-trained in how to use the tools, from cranes and wood chippers to ropes and chain saws. Workers begin by apprenticing, learning firsthand from a seasoned removal expert how to fall a tree. It takes months and sometimes years of strategic exposure and practice to be able to do this safely.

Decayed trees are even more dangerous, partly because you can’t always tell if they are decayed, and if so, how severe it is.

A decayed tree can be incredibly unstable, which is why even the best pros may use a crane. If you suspect a tree is decaying, tell the tree removal expert when he or she comes for the initial inspection.

Decayed trees can collapse seemingly out of nowhere, so call a professional right away if you’re suspicious. Trees have intensive biological processes, including the decay process, and best practices need to be used for this type of removal.

You Can’t Fight Gravity

Even a tree that seems relatively small can wreak havoc if it’s felled improperly. Gravity takes over. When a tree starts to fall, it’s going to continue on that path no matter what. Non-pros might try to encourage a tree to fall in a certain direction with ropes and indents, but there’s always the chance that something can go awry.

A lack of judgment and skill or the use of inadequate tools can lead to a tree falling on a person, home or power line. It’s never worth the risk. Call Reliable Tree Care today for fast, safe and affordable tree removal services.

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 can check your specific city at the U.S. Forestry Center’s website to ensure the trees and plants you’re considering are suited for your area.

Options Galore

Get your holiday treat a little early by choosing the Eriobotrya japonica, which is suitable for zone 8. Since it’s an evergreen, you’ll enjoy it year-round. It can grow up to 35 feet tall and features a round canopy with stunning white blossoms from fall through December. It will need soil that’s moist, drains well and prefers being at least partially in the sun (although full sun exposure is best).

The Japanese apricot is an import, but it does well in zones 6, 7 and 8. Since it’s a late bloomer, you’ll start seeing white blossoms in January.

Or choose a Shiro-Kaga, which has single petals, or a Rosemary Clarke, which stuns with double petal rows. These trees also like full sun as well as loamy soil that drains well. They can grow up to 25 feet tall with a canopy shaped like an umbrella. The best part? It’s a fruit tree and the apricots are technically edible, but usually better for ornamentation.

Extend the Holiday Cheer Outdoors

Live in a chillier part of Utah? Go with a magnolia tree, which is well suited for zones 5 through 9. It can start blooming in early December and keep blossoming all the way through May. Magnolia trees have many species, so you can handpick the size and types of flowers you love best.

One of the biggest is the yulan, which can skyrocket to 40 feet tall, particularly in full sun. These trees have blossoms up to 6 inches in diameter. Another option is the Thompson, which is half the size and looks more like shrubbery.

Can’t decide? Trust the local, expert arborists with your blossoming winter planning. Call Reliable Tree care for advice on winter blossoms, fruit tree care or regular tree trimming maintenance.

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 as well. Big trees have limbs that can fall on your home, destroy roofs and even be life-threatening. They’re a liability.

However, removing trees and pruning them is a big and dangerous undertaking. It’s not like pruning your rose bushes, it’s an endeavor that should only be handled by a certified arborist.

The Papers to Prove It

Passing the arborist certification course is a big undertaking. The arborists-to-be needs to prove, via a comprehensive exam created by the country’s leaders on tree care, that they have the knowledge, skills and experience to care for trees.

There’s also a continuing education element and a code of ethics to follow. Ask for your arborist’s current certification that proves he or she has kept up with continuing education, which may include recent courses, exams or specialized training.

Getting International Society of Arborculture Certification is not required by all states and tree care companies, so make sure the arborist you choose has this credential.

ISA isn’t a government-sanctioned or -endorsed program. It’s an opportunity for tree pros to prove their passion for and knowledge of their craft. You don’t want an arborist who isn’t dedicated enough to want to attain this all-encompassing certification.

What ISA Really Means

Certification alone can’t prove that an arborist has the experience and background necessary to care for your trees. It’s solely evidence that the arborist has the knowledge. You should also consider their training, how long they’ve been an arborist, testimonials and who they trained under (if anyone).

Look for an arborist who’s established in your area and who has worked with your tree species before.

Get copies of their certification and insurance, including workers’ compensation. You can find lots of tree experts out there, but if you want to go right to the best, it’s easy. Contact Reliable Tree Care today, make an appointment with one of Utah’s premium arborists and rest easy knowing your trees are in good (certified) hands.

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 practices, including ensuring outdoor lights are really suitable for the outdoors (and have no frayed wires), and that any greenery they touch isn’t too dry.

DIY or DOP (Depend on Professionals)?

Only you know if you’re up for stringing lights, but letting the professionals handle it definitely gives you more peace of mind (and fewer backaches). Tree care experts can instantly spot lights that aren’t safe. They know how to hang lights so they don’t damage trees and shrubs, and can recommend best care for plants so they stay nourished and strong even while displaying your holiday lights.

Stringing lights is also a great time to check for pest infestations and damage and disease in your trees, which can be tough to spot if you’re not a professional.

Tree experts can recommend the best lights in terms of manufacturer, materials and fire safety for your trees and region. Many people love winter holiday lighting — pick up some red and green combinations, or go with classic white or single-color lights that work for any occasion.

If you plan to spend your season roasting marshmallows outdoors, permanent outdoor lighting (often a soft white) is an excellent way to encourage your family and guests to make the most of the great outdoors.

Lighting the Way to the Holidays

Lights are not only festive, they provide some much-needed exterior illumination during the shortest days of the year. They can help ward off burglars, act as conversation starters between neighbors and help get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Right now is a great time to score a deal on holiday lighting. You’ll beat the rush, have more selection, and stores might be offering special deals for early birds. However, if you really want to save money, plan to head straight to the lighting aisle the day after Christmas and stock up for next year.

For more tips, contact your local Reliable Tree Care experts and schedule a time for us to come put up your holiday lighting, so you’re guaranteed to have the most festive house on the block.

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 often. Eventually, it leads to needle death and a bald tree, so it’s often best to remove trees with this disease, but in some cases an expert can apply a fungal spray to stop the damage in its early stages.

Is Your Tree Healthy?

Needle cast can happen to any type of pine, though most victims are younger trees, and it’s common in the south. Needle cast causes lesions and spots of any shape, size or color on needles dropping prematurely in the spring. When new needles do form, they’ll be in bunches too close together. The fungus is spread during windy and wet weather, so removing these infected trees is pointless, since needles release spores before they fall to the ground. Fortunately, this disease isn’t dangerous (just ugly), so tree trimming is the best treatment.

Anthracnose impacts hardwoods, but symptoms show up differently on every species. Leaf lesions are a common symptom, usually starting in the spring as pale spots that turn yellow throughout the summer. Fortunately, just like needle cast, this fungal infection isn’t dangerous. However, it can be unappealing, which makes pruning the trees the best form of treatment.

Diseases to Watch

Powdery mildew is an infection caused by many types of fungi. Almost any leafy tree can play host, and symptoms usually start in early spring with small, round, powdery spots. Wind spreads this disease, so it’s impossible to ward off. Regular pruning helps, as does planting mildew-resistant species nearby, such as Appalachian joy and Appalachian blush dogwoods.

Fusiform rust attacks pines and oaks, and symptoms include galls forming on the trunk or larger branches. Spread by the wind, this disease causes symptoms in the spring. It can’t be prevented, but avoid fertilizing susceptible species, because that can feed the disease. Otherwise, pruning and planting resistant trees nearby is a wise tactic.

For all your tree disease control needs and more, contact Reliable Tree Care, and let the experts handle the infections.

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 conditions. It can take hours to complete the job, and that’s not counting stump removal. Usually your bid price includes hauling away the debris, but make sure you ask about that beforehand, just to be on the safe side.

Removal with a Side of …

All tree removal experts will have their own version of a basic package. You may want to add on additional services, starting with stump removal.

Contrary to popular belief, stump and tree removal are two separate beasts — which means stump removal usually isn’t included in a bid price. The reason? Completely different equipment is required to remove a stump compared. The cost is based on the stump’s diameter. Plus, a rotten stump is easier (and more affordable) to remove than a healthy, solid one.

Some homeowners add on limb chipping, an alternative to hauling limbs away. A wood chipper is relatively affordable for you or an arborist to rent. Why pay more to get rid of limbs? Chips can come in handy, especially in landscaping.

The removal of a tree trunk might also be an added cost. While the trunk will be chopped into smaller pieces, making them easier to move, hauling them away might come with an added price. Make sure to ask your arborist when coming to an agreement.

Finishing Touches

Log splitting to get more wood for your fireplace is relatively affordable when felling a tree. All your arborist needs is a log splitting machine, and you might get enough firewood for the entire winter (depending on tree size, type and its health, of course). Finally, you have to consider travel expenses. For those who live in rural areas, requiring arborists to drive over a certain number of miles may mean tacking on travel expenses.

Removing a tree is a big decision, and you should make sure the arborist you’re trusting with the task is licensed, insured, and experienced. Call Reliable Tree Care for expert tree removal services, and for all your tree care needs.