Soil Decomposition and Amendment for Urban Trees

We’ve all seen them: street trees planted with the best of intentions in compacted urban soil. Instead of shading the street with cooling canopies, they struggle to merely survive. What can we do to help? Can we improve the physical structure of urban soils without damaging tree roots? Here we report on the early results of a soil decomposition study conducted at four cities in the eastern United States. The results suggest that one technique isn’t enough. To achieve measurable improvements in tree condition, we need to use every tool in the arsenal.

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy hit the Eastern Seaboard hard… What post-storm steps should consumers take with the trees in their landscape?

“Storm cleanup is often when many property owners crank up their first chain saw,” notes Tchukki Andersen, Board Certified Master Arborist and staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “And oftentimes, they hurt themselves.” For homeowners thinking of handling post-storm work themselves, here’s a primer on safe tree and brush removal:

First, if a utility line is down:

• Do not approach. Assume any downed line is energized.
• Call the utility company immediately.
• Avoid touching anything near the downed line and make sure nobody goes near the line. Contact with energized lines can result in electrocution.
• Be aware that downed power lines can be hidden in brush and foliage. Play it safe; call a tree care professional.

Second, when deciding whether to try removing a tree or large branch yourself:

• Consider the size and location of the tree. If the work requires you to leave the ground or if the tree is more than 20 feet tall, call a tree care professional. Do not attempt any tree work from a ladder!
• Examine the shape and lean of the tree. Inspect the trunk for decay, weak spots, hanging limbs, and for any metal or concrete in or around the tree. If any of these features are present, the tree is unstable and extra precautions need to be taken before removing the tree.
• Carefully inspect the tree and the surrounding area for anything – utility lines, structures, vehicles, shrubs – that might interfere with the removal of tree pieces.
• Note other people in the area, particularly children. You don’t want anyone to wander near the drop zone.
• Even small trees bent under tension can be extremely hazardous. Do not cut wood that is under tension (one or both ends are trapped under something).
• Ask yourself, “What will happen when I cut this branch/tree?” Consider all the possibilities.
• Plan an escape route from the falling tree or tree part before cutting.
• Do not use a chain saw for tree removal unless you have years of experience. Even tree care pros face risk of injury using chain saws. Tree and branch removals are very unpredictable. Don’t take unnecessary chances!
• If you have any doubts, bring in your local tree care professional to handle the post-storm cleanup.

Third, consider hiring a tree care professional:
For safe and efficient post-storm work, hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise and equipment to safely take down or prune damaged trees. Additionally, tree care pros should carry liability insurance.
Also look for tree care professionals that are members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices.

Chinese Elm pruning

Our History

Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists, Inc. is a local, family owned, company providing comprehensive tree management services including tree planting, pruning, removal, and stump grinding. We diagnose and treat tree diseases, and provide inventories and management plans for large populations of trees. We provide tree care services for everyone, from individual homeowners to large commercial buildings, to shopping centers, and large private estates. References are available from each of these examples.

Doug Anderson, the owner/operator, started Anderson’s Tree Care in 1995. The company is located in down town San Jose and serves the area from Woodside and Fremont, down to Morgan Hill. The company is fully insured and insurance certificates are available upon request.

The crews have all been with Doug for several years and are always well liked by the customers. They provide excellent work and are courteous and friendly. We have many customers who call to compliment the crews not only for their work, but their clean-ups too.

We pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our work comes from previous customers and referrals.

We offer free estimates for tree pruning, removals, and other tree work.

Doug is a Certified Contractor with the State of California, license #705171. He has been a Certified Arborist for many years, #1061. Doug holds a Qualified Applicator License, #100328, which enables us to perform tree treatments and fertilizations. He is also a Certified Tree Risk Assessor, #980. Doug provides Arborist Reports when needed and has many years experience in obtaining tree removal permits from various Cities in the Bay Area. He provides plans and pruning schedules for several HOA communities in the area.

Doug has over 30 years of experience in tree care. He is active in the leadership of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, the primary trade organization of the science and business of Arboriculture. The ISA, and its 28 Chapters worldwide, provide training and educational opportunities for over 30,000 members engaged in tree care worldwide.

The Western Chapter, www.wcisa.net, is the largest in the ISA, providing educational and Certification opportunities for approximately 2800 members. Doug served four years as a Director on the Board of Directors for the WCISA (2003-2006), and an additional four years as an Officer, serving as Vice President, President Elect, President, and Past President (2007-2010). During his tenure on the Board, he served as TREE Fund (Tree Research and Education Fund) Liaison to the WCISA Board from 2003 to 2008.

The TREE Fund provides funding for tree related research on an international level. Learn more about the TREE Fund at www.treefund.org. He has ridden in the Tour des Trees, the primary fund raising vehicle for the TREE Fund, six times (2003, 2005-2007, 2009, and 2010.

In 2006 with WCISA Executive Director Rose Epperson he was instrumental in creating the Britton Fund, Inc. Their actions incorporated the Chapter Research Committee into a California C-5 Corporation that is able to raise funds and provide tax receipts for its supporters. Doug currently serves as President of the Britton Fund, Inc. Visit the Britton web site at thebrittonfund.org

In addition, Doug currently serves as Chair of the Certification Committee for the Western Chapter. The Committee provides judges training, question review, creation, and translation, and testing opportunities for the Certified Tree Worker program. It is actively engaged in creating new certifications for tree care workers in tree planting and early care and Utility arboriculture for Chapter members.

Tree Preservation

Great Site!

HortScience, Inc. has been a leader in tree preservation since the early 1980’s.  We provide consulting services through all phases of development; from planning to maintenance.  Our tree reports and project submittals adhere to the requirements of regulatory agencies, and we consistently provide professional, clear presentations at public meetings.

 

Both trees that are preserved and those that are planted are key components of environmentally responsible, green developments.  We can help identify ways to create sustainable landscapes in keeping with LEED standards and the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

 

Pre-Project Evaluation

• Assess the quality of tree resource
• Identify protected trees subject to local tree preservation ordinances
• Identify opportunities and constraints to site development

Project Design

• Inventory on-site trees; size, species, health and structure
• Analyze potential design and grading impacts to trees
• Suggest methods to minimize impacts to trees

Submittals and Permits

• Prepare Arborist Report and Tree Preservation Plan
• Appraise tree value for bonding
• Address tree-related issues at public hearings and meetings

Construction

• Prepare specifications for tree protection and maintenance
• Monitor tree condition and activities near trees
• Perform final inspection for permit and bond release

Post-Construction

• Produce long-term tree maintenance plans
• Prepare homeowner guides for preserved trees
• Monitor tree health and structural condition

Happy New Year!!!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!

Our History!

Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists, Inc. is a local, family owned, company providing comprehensive tree management services including tree planting, pruning, removal, and stump grinding. We diagnose and treat tree diseases, and provide inventories and management plans for large populations of trees. We provide tree care services for everyone, from individual homeowners to large commercial buildings, to shopping centers, and large private estates. References are available from each of these examples.

Doug Anderson, the owner/operator, started Anderson’s Tree Care in 1995. The company is located in down town San Jose and serves the area from Woodside and Fremont, down to Morgan Hill. The company is fully insured and insurance certificates are available upon request.

The crews have all been with Doug for several years and are always well liked by the customers. They provide excellent work and are courteous and friendly. We have many customers who call to compliment the crews not only for their work, but their clean-ups too.

We pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our work comes from previous customers and referrals.

We offer free estimates for tree pruning, removals, and other tree work.

Doug is a Certified Contractor with the State of California, license #705171. He has been a Certified Arborist for many years, #1061. Doug holds a Qualified Applicator License, #100328, which enables us to perform tree treatments and fertilizations. He is also a Certified Tree Risk Assessor, #980. Doug provides Arborist Reports when needed and has many years experience in obtaining tree removal permits from various Cities in the Bay Area. He provides plans and pruning schedules for several HOA communities in the area.

Doug has over 30 years of experience in tree care. He is active in the leadership of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, the primary trade organization of the science and business of Arboriculture. The ISA, and its 28 Chapters worldwide, provide training and educational opportunities for over 30,000 members engaged in tree care worldwide.

The Western Chapter, www.wcisa.net, is the largest in the ISA, providing educational and Certification opportunities for approximately 2800 members. Doug served four years as a Director on the Board of Directors for the WCISA (2003-2006), and an additional four years as an Officer, serving as Vice President, President Elect, President, and Past President (2007-2010). During his tenure on the Board, he served as TREE Fund (Tree Research and Education Fund) Liaison to the WCISA Board from 2003 to 2008.

The TREE Fund provides funding for tree related research on an international level. Learn more about the TREE Fund at www.treefund.org. He has ridden in the Tour des Trees, the primary fund raising vehicle for the TREE Fund, six times (2003, 2005-2007, 2009, and 2010.

In 2006 with WCISA Executive Director Rose Epperson he was instrumental in creating the Britton Fund, Inc. Their actions incorporated the Chapter Research Committee into a California C-5 Corporation that is able to raise funds and provide tax receipts for its supporters. Doug currently serves as President of the Britton Fund, Inc. Visit the Britton web site at thebrittonfund.org

In addition, Doug currently serves as Chair of the Certification Committee for the Western Chapter. The Committee provides judges training, question review, creation, and translation, and testing opportunities for the Certified Tree Worker program. It is actively engaged in creating new certifications for tree care workers in tree planting and early care and Utility arboriculture for Chapter members.

Harvesting urban Redwood in West San Jose

Happy Holidays from Anderson’s Tree Care!!!

What Christmas Tree is Right for You? Part 3

Nordmann Fir – Abies nordmannia – dark green, flattened needles, shiny, silvery-blue below, ¾ to 11/2 inches long. Popular in the United Kingdom.

White Fir or Concolor Fir – Abies concolor – blue-green needles are ½ to ½ inches long; nice shape and good aroma, a citrus scent; good needle retention. In nature can live to 350 years.

Afghan Pine – Pinus oldarica – soft, short needles with sturdy branches; open appearance; mild fragrance; keeps well; grown in Texas; native to Afghanistan, Russia & Paskistan

Austrian Pine – Pinus nigra – dark green needles, 4 to 6 inches long; retains needles well; moderate fragrance.

Red Pine – Pinus resinosa – dark green needles 4”-6” long; big and bushy.

Ponderosa Pine – Pinus ponderosa – needles lighter colored than Austrian Pine; good needle retention; needles 5” – 10” long.

Scotch Pine – Pinus sylvestris – most common Christmas tree; stiff branches; stiff, dark green needles one inch long; holds needles for four weeks; needles will stay on even when dry; has open appearance and more room for ornaments; keeps aroma throughout the season; introduced into United States by European settlers.

Virginia Pine – Pinus virginiana – dark green needles are 1 ½” – 3” long in twisted pairs; strong branches enabling it to hold heavy ornaments; strong aromatic pine scent; a popular southern Christmas tree.

White Pine – Pinus strobus – soft, blue-green needles, 2 to 5 inches long in bundles of five; retains needles throughout the holiday season; very full appearance; little or no fragrance; less allergic reactions as compared to more fragrant trees. Largest pine in United States; state tree of Michigan & Maine; slender branches will support fewer and smaller decorations as compared to Scotch pine. It’s wood is used in cabinets, interior finish and carving. Native Americans used the inner bark as food. Early colonists used the inner bark to make cough medicine.

Carolina Sapphire – Cupressus arizonica var. glabra – ‘Carolina Sapphire’- steely, blue needles; dense, lacy foliage; yellow flowers and nice scent; smells like a cross between lemon and mint.

Black Hills Spruce – Pinus glauca var.densata – green to blue-green needles; 1/3” to ¼” long; stiff needles may be difficult to handle for small children.

Blue Spruce – Picea pungens – dark green to powdery blue; very stiff needles, ¾” to 1 ½” long; good form; will drop needles in a warm room; symmetrical; but is best among species for needle retention; branches are stiff and will support many heavy decorations. State tree of Utah & Colorado. Can live in nature 600-800 years.

Norway Spruce – Picea abies – needles ½” – 1” long and shiny, dark green. Needle retention is poor without proper care; strong fragrance; nice conical shape. Very popular in Europe.

White Spruce – Picea glauca – needles ½ to ¾ inch long; green to bluish-green, short, stiff needles; crushed needles have an unpleasant odor; good needle retention. State tree of South Dakota.