Need A Big Tree Removed? 3 Questions To Ask Any Tree Service...

Large Tree Removal Seems Simple, Yet is Complex

Facing the reality of large tree removal is not an investment that a property owner looks forward to (yes, tree maintenance is an investment--in equity, as well as risk and liability reduction). Well, can you blame them? Large tree removal can be complex, starting with the confusion of obtaining multiple quotes of which some include certain things but don't include others, forcing you to compare apples to oranges for, what seemed to be, a simple job of felling a tree. 

When it comes to large tree removal, there are three questions you should always ask any tree service:

Properly insured tree workers reduces owner liability.

1.  Are all your on-site workers on your payroll, insured to do the job at hand and CAN YOU PROVE IT? Knowing this can arm you with competitive information when comparing bids. If there are workers on your property who are not properly insured by their employer, guess who is liable if they are injured? Yep! You. 

It's more of a crucial question to ask when removing a big tree, as opposed to a shrub that any local landscaper could remove.

Immaculate landscaping intact! 120' Eucalyptus in Napa.

2.  Can you protect my landscaping from damage? The answer to this question will tell you whether you are working with a professional tree service or a company without proper training and equipment to do a stellar job without touching your beautiful landscape. 

Any quality professional tree service should be able to show you video or photos of their felling techniques and know-how.

The more professional the tree company (not always the chain brand!), the wiser your investment will be into your trees, especially the big ones.

Every great tree service should be able to split logs into firewood.

3.  Can you chop the tree into firewood afterward? Your tree is your property and should be yours to do with what you wish. The reason you are asking this question is to learn if the tree service has the equipment to satisfy your needs. 

It may cost a little more, but should not be a problem for a tree service to bring a log splitter along and accommodate that request.

Truth be told, we could have listed 25 questions for you to ask (an idea for another post) but we hope this arms you with enough information to know that when you call a tree service company for a quote on removing a large tree (or several, as the case may be), you have some helpful guidelines as a starting point.

If you'd like a quote from Signature Tree Service for large tree removal or anything El Nino related, give us a call at 707-449-8653, or visit us at SignatureTreeService.com for more about us. 

For free tips, videos and educational info about trees, follow Signature Tree Service on your favorite social media platform! 

Preparing Your Trees For El Niño

We've blogged you to death about how to best protect your trees in California's worst drought in history. Now California homeowners are faced with another big challenge in protecting their trees and property from El Niño damage in what looks to be a serious weather disruption this year. Of course, we're talking in "what-ifs" here but as a property owner, reducing what-ifs minimizes liability. So, we thought we'd write this blog in the spirit of what-ifs...

What happens to trees if...

...El Niño brings the rain we've needed for years in one season?

If a tree falls from your property, you are liable.

Although Californians are hoping to regain some of the lost moisture in lakes and rivers, the damage of getting too much at once in combination with super dry drought soil is a scary thought. Why? First, the ground has a hard time accepting all that water at once. And since it can't be absorbed as quickly as it falls, it puddles and floods in places where it can. Secondly, eventually all that water and dry soil will create mud. And mud wreaks havoc. 

A Root Collar Exam by a Certified Arborist will determine if the roots of your trees are strong and healthy enough to withstand the weight of inches and inches of rain. A Root Collar Exam exposes smaller roots that grow tangled and overlapping, eventually creating a "stranglehold" on larger, main roots, which can severely damage or even kill a tree. (Curtis shows how this happens in this video: https://youtu.be/nw5iGW7MXSM)

 ...El Niño fosters unusually strong winds?

This is a pretty safe bet. If you've lived in California long enough to have been through an El Niño winter, you know that winds come with the territory. Think Santa Ana times three. The bigger question you may have is--how do I protect my trees against high winds?

The easiest way to protect your trees are to ensure they are well-rooted and healthy. When branches are in dormancy, they are still alive & pliable. When branches are dead, they are crisp & easily snap. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your trees for El Niño is to have any dead trees and branches removed. Since tree service, roof service and the like get VERY busy during the high season of El Niño, the sooner you have this done, the better. Otherwise, you may end up on a waiting list of several weeks!

...we're hit with both at once--high winds and torrential rain?

Be sure to have emergency numbers at the ready. In this scenario, being prepared makes all the difference. Your list should include neighbors, electrician, plumber, insurance companies (auto & home) and, of course, a 24-7 emergency tree service with Certified Arborists on staff (ours is 707-449-8653). A "Certified Arborist on staff" is as important as an electrician or plumber being certified. We are tree doctors. You wouldn't hire a doctor that isn't certified, would you? In the end, it may save you A LOT of hassle and money in the long run.

This can happen in 2 seconds!

The combination of strong winds and heavy rain is multiplied after a drought. Trees and landscape are weaker after weathering several years without regular water. As a result, trees are susceptible to infestation and disease when they are weak (their immune systems suffer, just like ours). And those diseased trees are the first to cause damage during a storm.

Just like you may have your roof checked before El Niño, it's important to care for the canopy above the canopy, too. Don't let procrastination cost you money! 

Wishing you a winter of rain...in the perfect amount.

 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for expert tree information, exclusive offers and cool tree pics and video! 

The 5 Best Ways To Minimize Tree Fire Hazard On Your Property

The Wragg Fire from Lake Berryessa, California, recently caused our home office to have to

The Wragg Fire forced our office to evacuate (twice!).

evacuate and harbor at one of our other offices. As of today, that fire is nearly completely contained after burning 8,000 acres of hillside in between Napa and Vacaville and threatening hundreds of homes.

Before the Wragg Fire could be extinguished, the Rocky Fire started in Lake County, and at the time this blog is being written, is still only 20% contained and threatening over 6,000 homes in Clearlake.

So, aside from "500 feet of defensible space", what can you do to reduce the chances of the trees on your property becoming fire fuel? Here is a short list--easy for any homeowner--to guide you through best practices for tree care when it comes to fire hazard:

1. DO NOT WATER YOUR TREES WITH A SPRINKLER. In an effort to save water, many people are watering their yards (including trees) with a sprinkler. Since sprinklers are designed for watering shallow root plants, like lawns or gardens, they are not sufficient to deliver water to the deeper roots of a mature tree. 

A better bet for your trees is to have a special irrigation system designed. This will save water and be the best investment for your property to keep your trees alive and healthy.

How water distribution varies with irrigation

2. HONOR THE DEAD. Branches, trees, roots...any dead limbs or trunks should be removed regularly. They usually make great firewood! A Certified Arborist will be able to tell you if a tree is savable, or worth trying to save. And removal of big trees should not be a problem, even in the most delicate landscape scenario, for a seasoned tree removal specialist like Signature Tree Service in Northern California. We use a rope & pully system to protect landscaping, decks or fences around the removed tree. Check out videos of this on our You Tube page!

3.  ASSESS LIKE CLOCKWORK. To take care of your car, you get the oil changed every several thousand miles. You make a note and know that it's important to do so. The same "maintenance" goes for trees on your property. Instead of getting the oil changed, you make a note on your calendar to get your trees assessed annually by a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Regular assessments can help PREVENT disease and death, which not only saves your trees but also saves your tree equity!

4. KEEP BRANCHES AWAY FROM YOUR BBQ & CHIMINEA. This seems like an obvious one but sometimes even fancy, well-planned outdoor kitchens can pose a fire hazard. Why? Trees are like kids--they grow up pretty fast! Many homeowners postpone pruning until the trees are out of control. In a drought, however, out of control is easier than you think when it comes to fire hazard. It only takes one spark.

5. SELF-ASSESS EVERY FEW MONTHS. In the drought conditions that California is seeing now, things can change quickly! 

Check your trees for signs of weakness: bug infestation, dead branches, lack of growth, etc. Catching problems you can treat early on can help minimize fire hazard around your home and maximize your property's return on investment.  

If you have an emergency situation, Signature Tree Service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ALWAYS with a Certified Arborist on staff. Give us a call to reach us directly at (707) 449-8653.

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Tips To Help Your Trees Survive The Drought

Signature Tree Service is always trying to educate those who are interested. In that spirit, we thought we'd share more information about how to help your trees and landscaping survive this California drought. 

This particular infographic was created and published on CalFire's website, brought to you here by your friendly local North Bay Arborist and tree service. What we're seeing in the forests is that the trees' immune system cannot fight bug infestation in those areas hit particularly hard by the drought. If you travel to the forests East or North of the Bay Area, you will notice and undertone of brown on the mountainsides. The undeniable color of tree death. 

Don't let your trees be taken by the drought! If you need an assessment, give us a call. We'll work with you on a detailed survival plan. Otherwise, we hope these tips will help you: 












































Thanks for reading our blog! If you're in the San Francisco North Bay Area and have further questions, call us anytime at 707-449-8653. We're here to help 24-hours a day, 7 days a week!

3 Easy Ways To Successful Drought Resistant Landscaping

It's important in a severe drought to keep a close eye on what you have planted right now. How is it fairing with less water? Is it fighting for life or holding its own? If it's fighting for life, that may be an uphill battle best put to rest now.

We can help you with sick, dying and dead trees but for the general "How To" info, we thought we'd give you 3 easy ways to consider adopting in case this drought lasts another few years in California.

1. Plant What Grows Native To The Area

By taking a queue from nature, you will be one step ahead to a successful drought-resistant landscape. There are several ways to find out what grows naturally in your area, the list differs slightly from county to county. First, just start observing what seems to be prominent when you go for a nature walk. You can also visit your local nursery for advice. Any nursery in California will be well-versed on drought-resistant flowers, trees and shrubs at this point. If you would like an online reference, we've listed trees native North Bay counties on our website at SignatureTreeService.com. Simply click on your county on the right-hand side and scroll to the bottom of the page!

2. Use Ornaments & Art To Add Interest In Lieu of Thirsty Flowers & Lawns

You will get more compliments on your
garden art than you ever did on your lawn!

A landscaper may want to plant lots and lots of flowers to add interest to your garden. They do this
because until a severe drought, flowers were a viable option. But in being hyper water conscious, consider investing in some outdoor art or bonsai-designed shrubs. You'd be surprised by the amount ambiance that the wildlife, invited by a simple birdbath, can add to your backyard!

Two talented artists in Sebastopol, California, Patrick Amiot & Brigitte Laurent, specialize in light-hearted, pop-culture style garden art. Here is a link to their website.

3. Drip-Watering

Installing a drip system is probably one of the most useful, wise investments you can make to do your part during a severe drought. Newly planted trees, even if they are native to the area, should be watered regularly for at least the first year. The best way to do that without wasting a drop (or "drip") of water is drip irrigation. Here is a handy reference we found on This Old House's website.


Thanks for reading our blog! If you're in the San Francisco North Bay Area and have further questions, call us anytime at 707-449-8653. We're here to help 24-hours a day, 7 days a week!

Arborist or Landscaper? 3 Ways To Know When You Need Each & Why

Why Pay An Arborist When A Landscaper Said He Can Handle The Job?

Let's face it, climbing and falling trees is dangerous work. When accidents happen, they're usually not splinters. Just like owning a pool or raised deck, mature trees increase your homeowner's liability while also increasing your home's value. Arborists, tree removers and climbers are professionally trained, using professional equipment specifically designed for their trade, much like landscapers when it comes to lawns, gardening and landscaping.

When you need an electrician, you hire one. You wouldn't call a plumber instead hoping he can do just as well. Both know the innards of a house, but handle completely different jobs. The same goes for landscapers and tree service companies. Similar, yet completely different jobs.

1. Workman's Comp is a small homeowner safety net when a worker is injured on their property. If Workman's Comp insurance on every employee isn't paid to date, or the worker is performing duties not covered under his job description, your safety net is gone. 

2. Any worker on your property NOT listed on the hired company's official payroll, will NOT be covered by Workman's Comp. A certified arborist is accustomed to having proof of payroll for every worker on the job site.  

3. MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT MAKES BOTH 1 & 2 MOOT: Arborists pay more for business insurance, which is based on risk assessment and potential liability. If a landscaper is injured on your property while performing the job of an arborist, their insurance will not cover them and liability falls to you, the homeowner. 

Hire a professional tree service for tree jobs to reduce homeowner liability.

You Need A Landscaper When:

1. You want regular maintenance of your yard. This may include anything from cleaning to mowing to pruning of small trees and shrubs.

2.  You need landscaping specifics, like yard design. A landscaper can tell you which plants and ground coverings will work best for your particular location, preference and lifestyle.

3. Garden layout and advice. Most landscapers have a good understanding of garden design, soil and which flowers will work best to complement your veggie garden.

You Need An Arborist When:

 1. Trees are threatening your fence, overhang, deck, house, or other space/property.

 2. You want advice on design, placement and species of trees within your landscape and location layout.

 3. You need to determine the overall health of trees on your property. An ounce of prevention! This should only be done by a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. 

Every job has a professional in that field. Signature Tree Service regularly recommends landscapers to our clients to handle jobs we don't cover. We love landscapers! This informational blog, as are many of our blogs, was written solely to educate homeowners on liability, risk and risk reduction.

We hope this blog article has been interesting and/or useful for you. Signature Tree Service strives hard to provide the best professional tree service in Northern California. Curtis Fosnaugh, CEO, is a reputable Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Signature Tree Service has proudly served Northern California for over 10 years with offices in St. Helena, Benicia, Vacaville and Santa Rosa.

Call us if your trees need work! We are here to help, 24/7.

SignatureTreeService.com

707-449-8653   

 

Power Lines & Your Trees: 5 Ways To Protect Your Property Value!

NAPA, CA: Sidewalk tree shows a butchering by PG&E

We know that power companies have a job to do, not only in supplying power but also in protecting the public from dangerous wires. Why is it, though, that these power companies, despite years of regular practice, seems to continuously get more careless with the lives of the trees they prune? 

Forget for a minute that some of these trees are older than our grandmothers. As the picture to the right shows, power companies like PG&E here in Northern California appear to be concerned with only one thing: Keep those pesky trees out of the way of our important power lines!

The Napa Valley Register recently published an article about the controversy of this practice. And Northern California isn't unique in this way! The arborists here at Signature Tree Service have seen some pretty unappetizing pictures of power company tree slaughterings all over the U.S. and Europe. Perhaps this is happening in your town? Comment and let us know! 

In order to empower you (and the trees!) as best we can, Signature Tree Service has developed a short list of 5 ways to protect your property and its value from power company butcherings.

1.  Plant Wisely. This is probably the single-most important thing you can do if you are designing your own landscape. Even though many people are drawn to taller trees around the perimeter of their property, small to medium trees are much more appropriate under power lines. Don’t forget to look up, and to think ahead 10 years when you are planning!

2.  Proactive Care. Maybe you don’t have control over the design of your current landscape (many of us are in this boat), in which case you will want to beat the power company to the punch. Hire a certified aborist to help you maintain your trees. An arborist can also assess the overall health of your trees and advise you about where to plant or transplant different types of trees.

3.  Easy On The DIY. Since trees are living creatures, the importance of a professional hand is crucial to preserving the tree’s life and your property’s value. Chopping a tree at the top (called “topping”), for instance, can remove 50 to 100 percent of a tree’s leaf-bearing crown, which is how the tree generates “food” for itself. Improper tree care can open doors for disease, decay and death. Your trees are an investment and HOLD VALUE for your home. They can increase property value when properly maintained. (The other obvious factor here is safety of doing it yourself and/or liability in hiring a handyman to do this job.)

4.  Evaluate & Transplant, if needed. Consider your current landscape. How do you expect it to grow in the next 10 or 20 years? A Sycamore tree can reach 20 feet tall in 20 years! They provide great shade…until the power company gets a hold of them. If you have a situation where you think a healthy tree may pose a future problem, consider having it moved to a different area in order to preserve property value, shade and tree life.

5.  Research & Communicate. Contact your power company or check out their website (PG&E offers info here). They can advise you as to their regulations and protocol, which will give you a head start on any pruning action they are planning to take in your area.

We love trees! We hope this blog article has been interesting and/or useful for you. Signature Tree Service strives hard to provide the best professional tree service in Northern California. Curtis Fosnaugh, CEO, is a reputable Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Signature Tree Service has proudly served Northern California for over 10 years with offices in St. Helena, Benicia, Vacaville and Santa Rosa.

Call us if your trees need work! We are here to help, 24/7.

SignatureTreeService.com

707-449-8653  

ANATOMY OF A REDWOOD & OAK TREE (Exogenous Trees)

Redwood & Oak trees grow rings that hold valuable data

As a Redwood and Oak tree (or any exogenous tree) grows, it produces rings. Any changes in growth rate, along with temperature variation throughout the yearly cycle, will make the tree's growth rings more visible.

The science of Dendrochronology uses "data" from the tree through determining the Redwood or Oak tree’s age by counting and examining its rings. The data is then used to date cores or even wood taken from trees in the past.

Here Is The Anatomy of A Redwood & Oak Tree: (and all exogenous trees)

1. Pith: The inner most part of the tree. Varies in shape and size. The pith is the oldest part of exogenous tree and when the plant becomes old, the pith dies and becomes and dark and fibrous.

2. Heart Wood: The portion surrounding pith. Strong and dark in color. Heart wood is useful for several engineering purpose. The dead part of wood and consists of various annular rings.

 

2 layers of bark protect the Cambium layer

3. Sap Wood: Next to heart wood is sap wood. Sap wood is instrumental in the growth of trees through permitting sap to move upward. Annual rings in sap wood are less sharply divided and light in color. Sap wood may also be referred to as “alburnum”.

4. Cambium Layer: Thin layer of fresh sap between the sap wood and the inner bark. The Cambium layer has sap which is not still converted into sap wood. If the bark is removed and Cambium layer exposed to atmosphere, the cells cease to be active and the tree dies.

5. Inner Bark: An inner skin of tree defending the cambium layer. It provides protection for the delicate and very important cambium layer.

6. Outer Bark: The outer skin of the tree made up of wood fibers. Sometimes it contains cracks and gaps.

7. Vascular (Medullary) Rays: Thin radial fibers extending from pith to cambium layer. They work together to hold the annular rings. In some of trees they are broken and some others are simply not prominent.

We love trees! We hope this blog article has been interesting and/or useful for you. Signature Tree Service strives hard to provide the best professional tree service in Northern California. Curtis Fosnaugh, CEO, is a reputable Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Signature Tree Service has proudly served Northern California for over 10 years!

Call us if your trees need work! We are here to help, 24/7. 

Signature Tree Service

707-449-8653  

Curtis, Oak collar exam

Neighbors and Trees and Legalese: Everything You Need To Know

Trim the overhang? Eat the fruit? What's legal & what's not?

Ever wanted to tame your neighbor’s overhanging tree or shrub but weren’t sure about your rights? Better safe than sorry. In the tree service business, there is a fine line between homeowner happiness and increased liability. Let's face it, a dispute with your neighbors can exhaust a significant amount of peace of mind. This is one reason why hiring the right professional tree service is crucial! In the meantime, Signature Tree Service is hoping this blog article may save you a little time and hassle. With a clear understanding of the law and your environment, you will know where to draw the line with neighbors without drawing in liability. One idea is to print/share this article with your neighbors anonymously so all connected property owners are educated on the facts to promote healthy coexisting, and community peace of mind.

Here Are The Most Frequently Asked Questions on Trees and Neighbors:

Q: In case my neighbor’s tree branches hang over my yard do I have the right to trim them?

A: According to the law you have the right to trim the limbs and branches that go beyond your property line, but understand that you cannot cross to the neighbor’s property and cut or destroy the tree. If this happen you will be liable for its destruction.

Q: Can I eat fruits from my neighbors tree which hangs over my property?

A: This is a definite no! The fruit belongs to your neighbor and you have no right to pick any of the fruits. There is some confusion when it comes to a fallen fruits as the courts seem divided on this issue. 

Q: My neighbor’s tree sheds leaves into my yard when the wind blows, can I file a nuisance claim?

A: Leaves are usually regarded as natural, therefore you do not have good nuisance claim over the matter. It may be disappointing to know that even if they cause damage in your yard you cannot make any legal claims against your neighbor. It is only when the tree is hanging over your property that you are entitled to trimming of the hanging branches.

Q: A large tree hangs its branches over my property but the trunk is located in my neighbor’s, land, can I claim ownership of the tree?

A: The tree is owned by your neighbor, as long as the trunk is in the neighbor’s property he or she has the all the rights .You can only claim co ownership if the tree trunk cut across the property border. In such a case each of you can claim shared responsibility for the tree.

Q: If my neighbor, in the process of digging up in his land, destroyed a tree which was on my side, can I claim compensation for the tree that was destroyed?

A: You have an absolute right to claim compensation for the damages. Your neighbor should have engaged you and received permission before digging near your landscaping.

Q: Where can I get more information on what the laws in Northern California say trees and my neighbor?

A: We found helpful information online at http://answers.uslegal.com/trees/15861/. You may also seek the guidance of a certified arborist to get advice about a specific tree situation and avoid conflicts with your neighbors. Signature Tree Service is happy to help you understand more about the species of tree, its risk and our local laws. Call us anytime to schedule an appointment with Curtis Fosnaugh, Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor at 707-449-8653.

Shopping Local: How Overthinking Can Remove Choice

On A Personal Note...

Signature Tree Service has always prided itself on being a local business. Owner, Curtis Fosnaugh, loves his home turf in the countryside of Northern California. Having grown up here, Curtis has a natural affinity for agriculture and horticulture. From there, came his love of trees.

We've developed over the years due to demand for quality by consumers that Curtis is driven to satisfy. Signature Tree was fortunate that customer satisfaction, referrals and repeat business saw us through The Great Recession. And we’ve added satellite offices and crews to cover areas where we were getting calls but could not service locally before.

Recently, we were not chosen for a job in Sonoma because we are a Vacaville based company, just 35 miles from Sonoma! And, although our marketing agency is based in Sonoma County and we have many local ties to the area (referral networks, friends/followers, Home & Garden Shows, satellite office), our neighbors in this particular scenario felt Signature Tree was too far to be local.

Northern California is our home and we wouldn’t trade it for the world! So let’s talk local…

Local vs. Regional vs. National

You would think that “local” in California is a larger footprint than in, say, tiny Rhode Island, but due to the awareness of buying local among highly conscious Northern Californians, it remains quite small in our area. When consumers here want “local”, they are talking within about 20 miles or less. This is micro-local. Anytime you can shop on a micro-local way, it’s the most effective place to start when shopping local.

The challenge is that micro-local can remove choice. Control over the quality of service/product is reduced when variety and competition are slim. The product or service within 20 miles may not be as high of quality as a “regionally-local” item from the next county over. 

Local job: Root collar exam, Napa. April, 2014

This is why regionally local is a completely acceptable form of shopping local. Regionally-local is the next best thing to micro-local. Some of the revenue and tax dollars will remain in your county, and all state taxes are recycled. Also, the company providing the product/service is likely hiring individuals from your county so local economic development (LED) is happening and strengthening local economy (i.e., our marketing agency being based in Sonoma County).

National companies are the antithesis of “local”. They often talk the talk about having local franchise owners and employees but when it comes down to it, most of the revenue from national companies goes back to their home state. 

One of the ways national companies grab business from smaller local/regional mom & pops is through a strong online presence. National companies have a larger marketing budget, allowing them a strong reach to consumers. And it works! Often, consumers will see 72 reviews and pick up the phone without considering whether the company is local, regional or national.

NorCal Supporting NorCal

Signature Tree Service always appreciates doing business locally. No matter where the job, you will NOT find Curtis frequenting franchise restaurants—ONLY locally owned and operated.

We are proud to be Northern California’s local and regionally-local Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor. We proudly open the doors to quality and local competition that is healthy for our communities, economies, and of course, trees! 

If you have a question or need our help, feel free to call Signature Tree Service at 707-449-8653.

Tree Service: Japanese Maple Trees, Planting & Maintenance

Who doesn't love a beautiful, colorful Japanese Maple Tree? So many of our customers love them, we thought we'd pass along the very basics of planting and maintenance of these little gems.

Care of Japanese Maples can produce beautiful results!

LOCATION: Japanese Maple Trees are very susceptible to full sun. They prefer a nice shady spot, although early morning sun is also suitable.

SEASONALITY: Spring is a vulnerable time for Japanese Maples. New growth is always at the mercy of a late Spring frost. If your tree is small enough, cover it to protect the new growth from frost. Never transplant your Japanese Maple Tree in Spring. Fall is a peak season, displayed by beautiful crimson leaves. The perfect time to transplant the tree, if necessary. Remove dead leaves that cling to branches before heavy frost. To avoid snapped branches in Winter, do not let branches freeze to the ground. If there is a layer of ice on the tree, use extreme caution when brushing snow off the tree top (recommended). The ice means the branches themselves are frozen and vulnerable to breakage. Do not try to remove the ice from the branches!

PLANTING: Mulch about 3" of shredded bark (hard wood) will insulate the trees and prevent water from evaporating. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to allow for air circulation. Japanese Maples are best planted in fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the roots a chance to establish themselves. Sufficient water in this early stage is crucial! (see "WATERING" for guidance)

AVOID:  Planting Japanese Maple Trees near a hot springs area, as this can invite fungal damage, like Botrytis, Pseudomonas and Fusarium. Avoid using fertilizer on these trees, especially salt-based. And, of course, avoid over- and under-watering. As mentioned above, avoid afternoon full sun. 

WATERING: Water extremely well twice per week. Newly planted or container-grown Japanese Maples will need more water, so watering around 4 times per week is needed when the tree is in a more delicate state.

FERTILIZER: Generally, Japanese Maple Trees do not need fertilizer. If you think it may be sick, feed it kelp meal or something similarly rich in trace elements.

MAINTENANCE: Good air circulation, soil drainage and sanitation practices will help prevent many issues with your Japanese Maple Tree.

PRUNING: Late Summer, early Fall is a Japanese Maple's favorite time for pruning. Start at the base of the tree and work from the inside out, cleaning out small twigs growing along the trunk and major branches, dead wood, and crossed/rubbing branches. Stand back and take stock (or should we say "stalk"? :) of your tree's shape. Look at what you may do to improve its form, if anything. IMPORTANT: Before making each cut, study where the branch goes and visualize the tree without it. Cut just above a live bud or just in front of the collar (small ridge where one branch attaches to another).

LEAF TIP BURN: Don't panic! Usually burnt tips are caused from over- or under-watering, an under-developed root system (newly planted) or too much fertilizer (especially salt-based!). Shade and healthy watering practices help. Some results you may have to live with for the rest of the season.

DROPPED LEAVES: By dropping its leaves, the tree is protecting itself and telling you it is not getting enough water. Maples have a secondary set of leaves just for such occasion. So you get a second chance!

If you need our help with a Japanese Maple, or any other type of tree, feel free to call us at (707) 449-8653 or visit SignatureTreeService.com. 

Signature Tree Service is owned by Curtis Fosnaugh, one of Northern California's most reputable Certified Arborists & Certified Tree Risk Assessors. Curtis takes pride in his workmanship from customer care to highest safety standards to immaculate clean-up upon each completed job. Signature Tree Service is proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. As a member of the California Arborists Association, The Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture, Signature Tree Service is committed to the health of trees and their environment.  

TREE SERVICE: 5 QUESTIONS TO REDUCE HOMEOWNER LIABILITY

Signature Tree minimizes liability.

Hiring a quality contractor of any type is almost equal parts faith, luck and reputation. Signature Tree Service tries extremely hard to stand heads above our competitors. We are, above everything else, committed to customer satisfaction. Sound cliche? Maybe. But cliche or not, Curtis (and his fast growing team) doesn't really have time to care about cliches...he's too busy being concerned with more important things, like quality workmanship and employee safety.

How do you know that the tree service company you hire won't have an accident on the job? Since accidents are virtually unpredictable, the best you can do is reduce that chance as much as possible and, if the unfortunate does happen, minimize your liability. We hope these 5 questions will help you do just that.


5 Questions To Ask Any Tree Service Company Before Hiring Them

1. Will you be sending a certified, professional arborist?
A professional arborist has the highest level of training, experience and knowledge available. They tend to do it right the first time. 

2. Are you locally owned and operated?
National companies may be reputable but hiring a locally owned and operated business keeps more of your dollars in our local economies.

3. Are all your employees on payroll? 
The liability is ultimately that of the property owner. It is important that you know who is working on your property, especially in such a dangerous situation. 

4. Can you show proof of that payroll?
If they can't provide proof, enough said.

5. Will you provide proof of Workman's Comp. for every employee on my property?  One word = liability. Do NOT let anyone be climbing ladders, trees, or anything else on your property without seeing proof of Workman's Comp coverage. Any professional tree service company should be proud to show you this!  

 In our industry, "better safe than sorry" is a mantra. When you consider the consequences of an accident on your property...law suits, asset loss, time loss, etc., it's easy to see why. The more you have, the more you have to lose. 

Signature Tree Service can always provide a "yes" to the questions above, minimizing our client's liability and maximizing their satisfaction. If you need our help, feel free to call us at (707) 449-8653 or visit SignatureTreeService.com.

Signature Tree Service Commercial

Curtis and his team show how Signature Tree Service are the right choice when if comes to taking care of your trees. See more at www.signaturetreeservice.com

Signature Tree Service Home Show Demonstration - Vacaville

Signature Tree Service shows us their climbing skills at the Vacaville Total Home and Garden Show. See more at http://www.signaturetreeservice.com

Hire Tree Trimming Service for Effective Shrub Grooming

Shrub experts have unveiled a lot about shrubs and their behaviors in botany books. Grooming is an important activity for shrubs. It keeps them healthy and free from diseases. Due to inadequate nutrition, shrubs fail to resist germinal diseases. It mainly happens when they grow and become large and dense. The dense leaves abstain the interior from adequate sunlight and air. Thus the structures become weak and tend to fall finally. People should save them from these dangerous hazards. However, only experts are able to do the task. A Tree Trimming Service comes into play in this situation. The professionals of a Tree Trimming Service know how to deal with a shrub structure. They agents have profound knowledge on botany science. They know the technique to detect the flaccid branches of a shrub. They test different parts of a shrub on grounds of strength and endurance. As soon as they find any branch not enduring enough, they immediately carry out a removal process.

It is very important to remove the weak branches of a shrub. This is because any weak branch is susceptible to catching the perilous shrub germs. Some of these are bugs, infections and other microscopic parasites that haunt the roots and branches of shrubs. They lessen the growth rate of shrub structures. Shrub experts say that garden owners should check their shrubs from time to time. Regular checking helps one to find out the flaccid and dead branches in a shrub. If anyone finds any debilitated branch, it is advisable to call shrub care agencies for a removal or grooming process.

These agencies treat weak shrubs like patients. Like humans these shrubs also need medicines for their treatment. At times storms and other natural calamities cause holes or ruptures in these shrubs. These holes expose the interior of the shrubs to harmful germs and microbes. These organisms carry the potential to kill the structure in degrees. They gradually decompose the structure and cause it to die. Therefore it is essential to treat these shrubs with disinfectants and fertilizers. These disinfectants are strong chemicals that guard the plants from decomposition. These chemical fertilizers enhance the growth rate of plants. Stump Grinding agencies have highly qualified professional experts who have profound knowledge on shrub medicines. Stump Grinding agencies have certified professionals who boast an authorization to carry out shrub grooming and pruning activities.

People want to own beautiful gardens. However, it is not easy to keep up the beauty of a garden unless one has knowledge on shrub affairs. People who own gardens should contact the plant care agencies to gather adequate knowledge on how to keep gardens evergreen.

People have many wrong ideas about shrub behaviors and mistreat them due to ignorance. Shrub care experts have addressed these issues by writing many articles and blogs on shrub behaviors. In these writing pieces they have explained how one should treat a shrub. They have detailed a lot about the shrub medication and other things essential for maintaining the health of a plant. One can log on to the internet to read these articles in detail.

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Tips For Keeping Your Trees Healthy And Beautiful

Have you ever given up on your child's bad health at any time or even kept him away from the best possible treatment? The basis of the question was not to rage you in any way but just to make you realize that trees and plants are also living things just like ordinary humans and they not only need attention from time to time, but they also need the proper care and protection which enables them to live longer. If not for the sake of their health, be concerned about the benefits the foliage provides to the society and the overall environment.

With a large number of manufacturing industries producing various wood products, the raw material forest timber or firewood is always in high demand. Tree owners and planters are often given inducements for their provision of chopped lumber and due to the cash or incentives being high; owners supply the wood to these giant companies, not thinking about the drawbacks of deforestation. Trees and landscapes face various problems such as pests, storms and seasonal endurance, and it is up to you as the tree-owners or society-helpers to make a difference. Just giving water to your tree every day for a minute does not equal tree care in any way.

No magical procedures are essential for a tree's healthy survival, just a little time and some simple steps can ensure plants' vitality and you get your compliment from the trees in return with better environmental shape and shelter. Dangerous pests, storms and EAB imperil the lives of trees in various ways. You have to recognize the pests and tree diseases in the landscape and also the damage they pose to the trees. Any threat should be dealt with through pesticides and insecticides; although it should be noted that some bugs are actually valuable to the trees and it is important that they are not mistakenly harmed. Storm-struck and EAB tree disease affected areas should be quarantined without delay as it is known that trees cause the most danger to lives and property during and after a storm. Landscapes need deep-root fertilization in intervals but it should be taken care of, that trees are not harmed in any way. Tree pruning and tree trimming is very necessary for ornamental trees for better scenery, health and shelter. Pruning also enhances the timber value and stimulates more fruit production in trees.

This and much more can be done to help trees regain their health and make a green world. For the best possible results and no damage to the vegetation, it is best that you employ a trustworthy and certified Arborist who can relieve you of all the pain and do all your work with professionalism. Many things have to be considered when tree care and certified Arborists make sure that they make no less or no more changes to the original structure and give no potential damage to the trees such as re-planting trees after expert tree removal, preventing tree chopping, pruning trees in their best season, helping landscapes survive all seasons, fixing any potential storm damage, using correct fertilization techniques, treating tee diseases and tree bugs, and root grinding and removing stumps. Tree on houses are also taken care of without extra charges, where their wrong plantation might cause damage to furniture and property. These teams consisting of professionals make the decisions and plan the tree-protection directions for you. You just have to worry about the sum of money paid to them and you save your trees from any likely harm.

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Signature Tree Is The Right Choice

Curtis and his team show how Signature Tree Service are the right choice when if comes to taking care of your trees. See more at www.signaturetreeservice.com

5 Benefits Of Pruning Your Trees Regularly

If you currently have trees in your yard, you undoubtedly already know how important they are to the outer area of your home. Trees are also the perfect addition to any yard or landscape that is too open or bare. Trees certainly provide immeasurable benefits to your outdoor space, but they also require special care to keep them looking their bests. One of the most important parts of maintaining your trees is to prune them regularly. Below is a list of the top five benefits you will receive from pruning your trees regularly.

1. Keep Your Trees Healthy

Regularly pruning will help to remove dead or broken branches, as well as, get rid of any branches that have disease or infestation growing on them. This allows you stop any problems on the plant before it spread to other areas, possibly damaging the entire tree. The pruning process also helps your tree start growing fuller, more stable branches.

2. Add to the Beauty of Your Trees

Trees often grow in odd, irregular shapes. Branches may too low in one area, yet too tall in another area. Pruning helps this problem by pruning or trimming the necessary areas to enhance the overall beauty of the tree. This process can help either stimulate or restrict growth in certain areas of the tree. Trimming your trees regularly helps them keep its shape, which actually makes it look fuller and healthier.

3. Detect Problem with Trees

One of the best benefits of regular pruning is that you can detect problems with your trees early. Whether the tree has been infected, contains an unwanted animal nest, is broken or dead, pruning will help detect these problems. If caught early, many of these problems can be addressed before they spread to other trees in the area. You may also be able to prevent further damage.

4. Prevent Damage

Depending on where in your yard your trees are located, it may be necessary to prune or trim your trees to prevent them from doing any damage to your property. Trees planted close to your home or garage are especially likely to grow large enough to cause damage to your home or car. Unfortunately, if you do not keep regular track of your trees, you may not notice how close the branches are to your property until they have already done the damage.

5. Cost Effective

Most of the companies, offer their services at very affordable rates. The small fee you may pay on a yearly, quarterly or monthly basis do not compare to the cost of replacing your trees. If a tree is left untreated, it means that you will have to pay to both remove the tree and plant another one in its place. It could also be very costly to replace a scratched car, broken windows, or other property damage.

If you have experience in pruning plants, than make sure you regularly check and prune your trees. However, if you have not done this type of work before, it is best to hire a professional to help you prune your trees. A tree pruning specialist can help you determine how to best take care of your trees and how often you should have them pruned. This is the best way to protect your trees and ensure that they look beautiful and stay healthy.

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