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What to Do About a Broken Tree Limb During the Winter

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:02:39 GMT

Amherst, NH Homeowner Looks for Advice

The deep freeze, winds and snow of winter can easily cause a tree’s limb to break or split. If the broken branch is not a main limb, this can often be left until spring when the tree is out of dormancy. However, if the limb large and attached to the trunk of the tree, or if it is creating a hazard to people and property, this should be removed.

A homeowner in Amherst was concerned about a large branch of his oak tree that had been damaged by a recent storm. Unsure whether the branch should be removed or if he should wait until spring, he contacted the experts at Souhegan Valley Tree Service.

Winter Dormancy Reduces the Damage Done to the Tree

Trees lie dormant during the winter months, making it difficult to assess the extent of damage from a broken branch. The ideal time to prune a damaged tree is in the early spring when the tree comes out of dormancy. You will then be able to assess the extent of the damage and the level of pruning that is necessary to ensure the health of the tree.

Hanging Limbs May Need to Be Addressed Immediately

Any tree branch or limb that is hanging over your home, parking area or where people may be walking should be removed immediately to prevent damage or injury. In this scenario where pruning during the winter becomes necessary, sharp tools should be used to avoid any further injury to the tree. The cuts should be made at an angle to keep moisture away from the cut which could lead to mold or fungus growth.

Hiring a professional to address large limbs that have broken during the winter will ensure that this is removed safely and that the tree will have the best chance of coming back healthy in the spring.

The homeowner in Amherst did need to have the branch removed to prevent damage to his home. Souhegan Valley Tree Service was happy to assist, and the tree shows all signs of making a healthy recovery in the spring.

Contact Souhegan Valley Tree Service in Brookline, New Hampshire at (603) 305-5223, to request an estimate to help keep your trees healthy and beautiful.

What to Do When Ice and Snow are Weighing Down a Tree

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Milford, NH Homeowner Looks for Answers

Heavy ice and snow covering a tree’s branches can weigh it down. If the tree is bent, but not broken, by ice and snow it should recover in the spring. Resist the urge to shake the snow and ice off of the tree’s branches. This can cause the frozen branches to snap and break. Shaking the branch may also cause it to snap back and damage the tree’s circulatory system. If the limbs are not broken, leave the snow and ice to melt in the sun and the tree will most likely regain its shape in the spring.

A homeowner in Milford, NH had a pine tree that was covered in snow and ice from a recent New England storm. The tree was bending under the weight and the homeowner was concerned about the best way to care for the tree.

Do Not Shake Branches Covered in Snow and Ice

It can be tempting after a storm to shake the ice and snow off of your trees, particularly if they are bending under the weight. The best course of action is actually to do nothing, as this will give the tree a chance of bouncing back during the spring thaw.

Some Trees are More Prone to Bending Under Winter Snow and Ice

Certain trees seem to fare better during the winter months. Those that are well pruned, with any dead or dying branches removed, will have the best chance of making it through the winter without any lasting damage. Young trees can be susceptible to snow and ice, some even bending to the point where their tops are touching the ground. Occasionally, these young trees will break near the roots, making a springtime recovery unlikely. In other cases, when left alone the tree will regain its previous shape when it returns from dormancy in the spring.

The homeowner in Milford is heeding our advice and is leaving his snow-covered pine tree untouched. This should prevent any further damage to the tree, giving it the best chance of a healthy recovery when the weather warms.

Contact Souhegan Valley Tree Service in Brookline, New Hampshire at (603) 305-5223, to request an estimate to help keep your trees healthy and beautiful.

What Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Tree Service?

Fri, 31 May 2024 13:00:03 GMT

Nashua Homeowner Looks for Help

One of the most important things to ask before hiring a tree service is if they can show you an up-to-date certificate of insurance. Taking the time to make certain that the company is properly insured prior to beginning the work can prevent problems down the road. You should also ask for a list of references and take the time to contact these.

A Nashua homeowner was looking to have a large tree removed from his front yard. Overwhelmed by the businesses advertising, he wondered what were the best questions to ask before hiring a tree service.

Make Certain that the Company is Properly Insured

Tree removal can be dangerous business. It is critical that any company that you hire to come on your property and do the work has the proper insurance. This will cover any liability for accidental damage to property and injury or accidents. Before making the final decision, you shouldn’t hesitate to insist on seeing the company’s certificate of insurance, making sure that it is up-to-date and provides full coverage.

Ask for References

There are many people that decide seemingly overnight to go into the tree service to make a few quick bucks. These are not the folks that you want on your property, removing a large tree. By asking for the company to provide references, and following up with these references, you can ensure that the company has been in business for some time and is well-established.

Check the Estimate

The tree company should provide you with a written estimate for the work to be done. This should include details on the equipment that will be used and any damage that may be expected. Damage may be in the way of the lawn, flower beds, sprinkler heads, etc. The estimate should also give you a good idea of how long the project will take.

The Nashua homeowner contacted Souhegan Valley Tree Service to provide an estimate. The company fit the bill, checking off all of the safety concerns and providing the necessary paperwork that the homeowner requested. The company has safely removed the tree for the Nashua resident and he couldn’t be happier.

Why Should You Prune Trees During the Winter?

Fri, 24 May 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Amherst Resident Seeks Help

During the winter months trees lie dormant. Pruning during this dormant period can encourage growth in the spring. The leaves have fallen off, which can make it easier to trim without damaging the structure of the tree. If the tree is diseased or infested, trimming during the winter can help to contain the spores that have infected the tree.

An Amherst resident was concerned about a dead branch overhanging her home and the winter weather. She contacted Souhegan Valley Tree Service for suggestions.

Reasons to Prune in the Winter

When many people think of the winter months, they don’t necessarily think about pruning their trees. However, there are actually some very good reasons to do just that during the winter. Any dead branches that are threatening your home or property should be addressed, before a winter storm can bring these down. If a storm has already damaged the branch, in some cases it should be removed to maintain the health of the tree.

Pruning in the Winter Can Actually Be Good for the Tree

Staying on top of pruning during the winter months can actually be good for the tree. Trees lie dormant during the winter months, making this a good time to prune without concern about damaging the tree. Many trees that are pruned during this dormancy, come back in the spring growing healthier than ever before.

If the tree is diseased or has a bug infestation, pruning during dormancy can prevent this from spreading to other parts of the tree or other trees entirely. By pruning during the winter, when the branches are bare, you can be sure to maintain the structure and shape of the tree as it suits you.

The Amherst resident was convinced and promptly hired Souhegan Valley Tree Service to remove the dead limb . She can now go through the rest of the winter without concern that a branch will damage her home.

What are the Signs of an Unhealthy Tree?

Fri, 17 May 2024 17:45:54 GMT

Hollis, NH Homeowner Looks for Advice

While a dead tree may be obvious to any onlooker, a sick or unhealthy tree may be more difficult to spot. One of the most obvious signs to look for in an unhealthy tree is dead or dying branches or limbs. These branches are often hanging low or are without leaves. The presence of fungus on the tree, splitting or peeling bark or increased insect activity are also a good sign that the tree is unhealthy.

A homeowner in Hollis was concerned about a large maple tree close to his home. The tree, while not dead, had many dying branches. With the approaching winter, he was concerned about these branches and sought the advice of Souhegan Valley Tree Service.

Look to the Base of the Tree to Evaluate its Health

The tree’s roots can tell a lot about its health. If you see severed roots or signs of decay, the tree may be injured. Mushrooms and other fungi growing around the base and roots of the tree is also a good indicator that the tree is unhealthy and may need attention.

The area of the trunk that is just above the soil can also offer some insight into the tree’s health. Peeling or loose bark are good indicators that the tree is unhealthy. Any cracks or deep splits in the tree trunk are also indicative of an unhealthy or injured tree.

Treating an Unhealthy Tree

The signs you are seeing to indicate that the tree is unhealthy could point you in the direction of the problem. If the leaves have dark spots or a distorted shape, this may indicate a leaf disease. If the insect activity has increased, the tree may be suffering from an infestation. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the tree’s unhealthy state without the help of a professional.

The homeowner in Hollis took the suggestions offered by Souhegan Valley Tree Service. While the tree was not too far gone we did remove some of the dead branches to prevent any risk of damage to his property over the winter months.

What to Do with Your Leaves this Fall?

Fri, 10 May 2024 17:16:46 GMT

Milford, NH Homeowner Asks for Help

A big part of fall clean-up is finding ways to dispose of the fallen leaves that have accumulated in the yard. If you have a lawn mower with a bag attachment, you can simply mow them and then dispose of the ground-up leaves that were collected in the bag. A leaf blower or old-fashioned rake will allow you to pile the leaves. They can then be bagged to be composted or recycled by your local community.

A homeowner in Milford was overwhelmed with the quick accumulation of leaves in her yard. Looking for suggestions, she contacted Souhegan Valley Tree Service .

Don’t Just Let the Leaves Rot Until Spring

It can be tempting to just let the leaves stay where they fall and deal with them in the spring. However, this thick layer of leaves can cause the grass to die by blocking sunlight and air from getting through. Fallen, decaying leaves can also attract pests and lead to fungal diseases. This can affect your grass, as well as the surrounding plants and trees.

The Best Ways to Recycle Leaves

Some communities offer recycling days when leaves and other yard debris will be picked up curbside. Other towns have an area where this can be dropped off with open hours once or twice each month. Your fall leaves can also be composted. Designate an area of the yard, or a bin, for composting. You can add leaves, sticks, pine needles, grass and other debris. This will break down, leaving you left with nutrient rich soil that is perfect for gardening. This compost also makes a great mulch for plants, trees and other areas of the yard.

The homeowner in Milford opted to collect the leaves with a rake, placing them in a compost bed. This can then be used to fertilize her plants and garden in the spring.

The Best Trees for Withstanding Snow Storms

Fri, 03 May 2024 17:01:09 GMT

Nashua Homeowner Seeks Suggestions

During the winters in New England, snow and ice can present a big problem for trees. Many homeowners experience lost limbs, or the tree entirely. Some trees are better suited for the winter weather. These include the Eastern Hemlock, Douglas fir and oak trees. While there is no guarantee that these won’t sustain damage due to snow and ice, they do have strong and supportive branches.

A homeowner in Nashua, NH lost a large tree on her property last winter. Looking to replace the tree, she wanted one that would have the best chance of surviving New England weather year after year.

Slower Growing Trees with Strong Branches Can Often Withstand Winter Storms

When looking for a tree that can hold up through even the toughest winter, trees that grow slower are often a good fit. These trees tend to have thicker, more supportive branches. While the winter wind and ice may cause the branches of the tree to bend, stronger branches will not break. Trees that are a good fit for a New England winter include the Eastern Hemlock, Douglas fir and oak to name a few. Often seen with icicles dangling from their branches, these trees can withstand winter after winter with little or no damage.

Regardless of the Tree Species, Roots Matter

One of the biggest causes of toppling trees during a winter storm is root damage. If the roots underground are decaying, the tree is less stable and more susceptible to a winter storm. Young trees of any species can be vulnerable to snow and ice, as their roots have not yet grown enough. You can help a young tree through a winter by covering any exposed roots. This will protect them from drying out and freezing during the winter months.

The homeowner in Nashua chose to plant an oak tree. While the tree will be more vulnerable this year because of its age, the homeowner will be vigilantly covering the roots to protect it from damage this winter.

Tips for Landscaping Around Trees

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:34:51 GMT

Milford Homeowner Looks for Help

A large tree’s roots taking much of the moisture from the soil and the lack of sunshine to the area can present a challenge when landscaping around a tree. Choosing plants that are well adapted for minimal light conditions and properly mulching the area beneath the tree can go a long way tor transforming this barren landscape. Bricks and rocks as an attractive arrangement beneath the tree are also an option.

A homeowner in Milford, NH was looking to improve on his home’s landscape . His sights turned to the area beneath a large pine tree in the yard. Not wanting to do anything to damage the health of the tree, he asked Souhegan Valley Tree Service for suggestions.

Add Plants, But Not Soil, to the Area

Some plants are better suited for the shady area beneath a tree. These include deep-shade plants such as ferns and hostas. It can be tempting to create a raised bed beneath the tree for these plants. However, doing so can actually harm the tree as the additional soil can cause the tree’s bark to rot. If you want to create a raised bed around the tree, be sure to construct an inside border one to two feet from the tree trunk. This will ensure that you are not smothering the tree’s roots.

An Alternative to Plants Beneath a Tree

When planting beneath a tree, it can be easy to dig too deep and cut into the roots. This is particularly true with trees that have more shallow roots. You may instead choose to add an eye-catching design to the landscape with bricks or rocks arranged beneath the tree. This border can add appeal without the added work that goes along with more plants. Be sure to leave eight to ten inches between the rocks and the tree trunk to prevent these from damaging the roots.

The homeowner in Milford chose to add some rocks to the area beneath the tree, creating the eye-catching display that he was seeking.

Is Tree Stump Removal Necessary?

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:17:36 GMT

Milford Homeowner Finds Out

Tree stumps left behind can become an eyesore in the yard, not to mention a nuisance as a tripping hazard and when it comes time to mow the lawn. Shortly after it is removed, the stump will begin to decay. This can attract invasive pests such as carpenter ants and termites. It is best to remove the stump, through stump grinding, at the same time as the tree to head off these problems.

A homeowner in Milford, NH was having a large tree removed from his backyard. Looking to save on the cost, he asked about the repercussions of leaving the stump intact.

Decaying Tree Stumps Can Be More than a Nuisance

A tree stump left to decay in a lawn can quickly become a blight on an otherwise picturesque yard. From children running and playing to the hassle that this can add to lawn care, this decaying stump can be a problem. As the wood begins to rot, it can attract bugs and animals. These can include the most invasive species, home termites and rodents to wasps and beetles.

Stump Grinding to Remove the Entire Tree

When removing a large tree, a better alternative is to include stump grinding in the tree removal . This will ensure that the stump is also removed safely and thoroughly. The ground can then be filled in with soil and covered with grass seed to create a smooth, even surface.

Grinding is also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to remove a stump . As opposed to using harmful chemicals, the stump is ground into small pieces or chips that does not disturb the surrounding landscape.

After hearing all of the problems that leaving a decaying stump behind can cause, the homeowner in Milford opted to proceed with Souhegan Valley Tree Service’s stump grinding, in addition to the removal of the tree. He couldn’t be happier with the final outcome and how is yard looks today.

What Can You Tell from a Tree's Rings?

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:56:51 GMT

Hollis Homeowner Wonders

Tree rings, which can be seen when a tree has been cut, can tell the age of the tree. Light-colored rings show the wood that grew in the spring and dark-colored rings represent summer and fall growth. One dark and one light-colored ring indicate a year in the life of the tree.

A homeowner in Hollis, NH had recently hired Souhegan Valley Tree Service to remove a large oak from her property. After the tree was felled, she was curious about what the rings inside the tree represent.

Tree Rings Can Show What the Climate was Like

A tree’s rings can give you a good idea of how old the tree was, by counting the pairs. Trees are very susceptible to their climate and their growth is deeply affected by this. These rings can also offer a glimpse into the weather in the area throughout the tree’s lifetime. During years when the tree ring is wider, the weather was warm and wet. While thinner rings indicate a cold, dry year. These conditions impact the tree’s growth, which can be seen in diameter of the rings.

Other factors that can affect tree growth include years when the tree is plagued by insects, fungi or disease. The rings for these years will also show less growth.

Growth Can Vary Greatly from Year to Year

A tree’s growth is affected by a variety of factors, not the least of which is the species of trees. Other factors that can affect this growth include the moisture levels of the soil, air temperature and sunlight. When you see a very broad ring, this is indicative of a good growing year. You will also notice that a tree grows more rapidly in the early years. This growth slows to narrow rings as the tree gets older.

By looking at the rings of her tree, this Hollis homeowner was able to get a good understanding of the history of not only her tree, but the climate of her local area over the years.

What to Do if Your Tree is Struck by Lightning

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:51:21 GMT

Milford Homeowner Wonders

When lightning strikes a tree the damage is instant, turning the liquids inside the tree to gas that causes the tree bark to explode. Half of trees struck by lightning will die immediately. The other half may be able to recover but will need plenty of water, with additional irrigation, to begin the healing process. It is also advisable to give the tree fertilizer to ensure that it gets additional nutrients to begin the regrowth process.

After watching a nearby storm, a homeowner in Milford, NH was wondering what he should do if lightning were to strike one of the large pine trees in his yard.

When It Comes to Lightning Strikes, Some Trees Are More Vulnerable

Due to their size, trees are often the target of local lightning strikes. Trees that reach a larger height such as oak, pine, and maple are more susceptible to this type of damage. Other factors that can affect a tree’s vulnerability to a lightning strike include the level of moisture in the tree and its overall health. A lightning strike can tear the bark of the tree, splitting the wood.

Treating a Tree After a Lightning Strike

Time is of the essence for a tree struck by lightning . After a strike, you should remove the injured or cracked branches. This will promote healing of the tree’s wound. Fertilizer and supplemental water can also encourage the healing process during a time when the tree is more vulnerable to disease. Continue to check the tree for pests, spraying the trunk with pesticide to prevent an infestation as it heals.

By offering the tree some additional TLC after a lightning strike, you can ensure that it will begin the healing process giving the tree the best chance of survival.

Hopefully the homeowner in Milford will never need this information for his own trees, but he is happy to have it just in case.

How to Choose a Healthy Root Ball

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:00:03 GMT

Milford Homeowner Asks for Guidance

When you purchase a live tree for planting, most come with a root ball, which is often enclosed with burlap or wire. This root ball is the mass of roots of the tree. It varies in size, depending on the size and age of the tree. When choosing a healthy root ball, it should be firm and not falling apart, but not rock hard which could indicate it has not been watered properly.

A Milford, NH homeowner was looking to purchase a sapling. He quickly learned that the trees come with a root ball. Not sure what to look for in a healthy root ball , he turned Souhegan Valley Tree Service for advice.

A Healthy Root Ball Means a Healthy Tree

The root ball contains the different types of roots, including feeder roots, that will be critical to the tree’s survival. At a glance, the root balls may appear the same despite varying in size. However, the root ball can tell you a lot about whether the tree has received proper care. The dirt in the root ball should be firmly compacted, but still flexible to the touch. If the root ball is too rigid, the tree has not been receiving proper water.

When moving the tree, be sure to pick it up by the root ball instead of the trunk and always set it down gently. Keep in mind that after watering the root ball, the tree will be significantly heavier so it is best to move the tree right before watering.

Planting the Root Ball

The root ball makes planting the tree an easier process. When digging a hole, be sure the depth reaches the top of the root ball. The hole should be two or three times as wide as the root ball. Once in position, cut away the burlap or wire. This will allow the roots to spread out over time.

With these tips, the homeowner in Milford was able to spot a healthy young sapling that is now thriving in his yard.

Things to Look For When Hiring a Tree Trimmer

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:18:22 GMT

Amherst Homeowner Seeks a Reputable Company

When hiring a tree trimmer, it is important that you find someone with not only experience but also insurance to protect the homeowner if anything goes wrong. Ask to see an up-to-date certificate of insurance to verify this, as well as references that you can contact. You can also learn a lot about the company by level of detail that is provided in the estimate.

A homeowner in Amherst, NH was looking for a professional to trim some trees outside her home. She wanted a reputable company, but wasn’t sure what questions to ask.

Proof of Proper Insurance is a Must

Working at heights with many variables such as electric wires, wildlife and nearby fences and homes are what makes tree trimming work best left to the professionals. With so many factors, it is critical that the tree trimming company that you choose have proper insurance. This ensures that if something goes wrong, whether damage or an accident, the homeowner will not be held liable.

Request References and Follow-up

For the health of your tree and to ensure that the work is done properly, you want a company with experience and a proven track record. Beyond doing your research online, ask the tree trimming company for references. A company with a clean record will be happy to share with you the names and contact information for their happy customers. But don’t take them at their word. Instead, follow-up with a quick call or email to these contacts to get their feedback.

Doing your due diligence when choosing a tree trimmer can go a long way to ensure that the process goes seamlessly. Ultimately, the homeowner in Amherst opted to go with the professionals at Souhegan Valley Tree Service . The job went flawlessly, and the homeowner couldn’t be happier.

Call us if you'd like a quote on your next tree trimming or removal job (603) 305-5223.

How Long Do Trees Typically Live?

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:10:20 GMT

Milford, NH Homeowner Wonders

The lifespan of a tree will depend on its species and how well it has been able to find resources to survive. Readily available water and sunshine throughout the life of a tree can extend its life. Despite this, some trees simply have shorter lives. Trees with shorter lifespans typically live up to fifty years, where those like the sequoia tree can live thousands of years.

A homeowner in Milford was assessing the trees in his yard. While they were all in good shape now, he couldn’t help wondering how long his trees would live.

Lifetime is Dependent on the Species of Tree

Just like anything else, trees will progress through the life cycles ultimately dying of old age. However, some species of trees make this journey slower than others. Fruit trees can average anywhere from 10 to 15 years for the peach tree to 40 years for a standard apple tree. Other trees such as the Giant Redwood and sequoia can live up to 3,000 years. The genetics of the tree will greatly affect the life span, even with the best care and conditions possible.

Proper Care Can Maximize a Tree’s Life

While a tree’s genes are determined by its species, a tree’s life span can be maximized by providing it with adequate water, sun and heading off any problems. Diseases can shorten a tree’s life, with infections causing the wood to rot if not addressed. Insects can also shorten the life span of a tree. This type of infestation can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to damage and disease.

By taking care of his trees and keeping an eye on their overall health, this homeowner in Milford can ensure that the trees in his yard are around for years to come.

How Do You Get Rid of Fungus on a Tree? – Brookline, NH Homeowner Asks

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:00:02 GMT

Once infected with a fungus, the tree can never be fully cured. You can treat the tree and keep it healthy through proper care including not overwatering and ensuring that the soil is draining properly.

A homeowner in Brookline noticed a large fungus growing on the trunk of one of his trees. His immediate concern was that the tree was dead or dying and would need to be taken down. It isn’t unusual during periods of high humidity for fungus to take over the outdoors, including live and healthy trees.

Tree Fungus Can Occur in Healthy Trees

Not all fungus is harmful to the tree. An arborist can help you to identify the fungus and determine the severity of the situation. In some cases a fungus growing on the tree is no more damaging than just aesthetics. If the fungus is accompanied by discolored or wilting leaves, chances are that the fungus is affecting the health of the tree.

Treating Tree Fungus

If the fungus is well-developed the concern becomes contamination to other trees and plants nearby. The spores can spread through the wind, rain, or even human movement, contaminating other plants. You can treat the infected tree and those in the immediate proximity with preventative fungicides.

It is also important to make sure the ground is well ventilated, and not retaining excess moisture. Take care not to overwater and use aeration techniques to ensure that the soil is draining like it should. You will also want to remove fallen leaves from the yard, which can quickly become a breeding ground for fungi.

The homeowner in Brookline has begun preventative fungicide treatments for the tree and others nearby. In the meantime, he will keep an eye on the affected tree, ensuring that it remains in good health despite the fungus.

How Can You Tell How Old a Living Tree Is?

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:00:23 GMT

Each species of trees grows at a different rate. The International Society of Arboriculture ( www.isa-arbor.com ) has developed a guideline for the most common trees species to indicate the growth factor. By measuring the diameter of the living tree and using the calculations for growth developed by the ISA, you can estimate the age of a living tree without doing any damage.

A homeowner in Nashua, NH had been in her home for over three decades. A large oak tree in her front yard had been there the entire time. Curious of how to best estimate the age of the tree, this homeowner was looking for information.

Best Estimates for Growth by Tree Species

There are organizations, including the ISA, that have put together a chart of growth factors by tree species. You only need to you to know the diameter of the tree to get a rough estimate of its age. Using a tape measure, 4.5 feet above stump level you can measure the circumference of the tree. Then using the equation Diameter = Circumference / 3.14, you can find the tree’s diameter.

The most accurate way to estimate the age of a tree is by counting the trunk’s rings. With a living tree, this can be done by boring a sample from the tree trunk. However, this can damage the tree beyond repair and is not recommended.

Other Factors Can Affect Tree Growth and Age Estimations

The calculations done by the ISA are only a best estimate of tree age. There are many factors that can affect the growth rate of a tree over the years. These factors include water availability, light, soil conditions and root stress. Disease and pests can also stunt a tree’s growth.

The homeowner in Nashua, NH was able to get an estimated age for her oak tree of 78 years, and looks forward to continuing to watch the tree grow for years to come.

How to Prevent Cold Stress in Trees

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:00:01 GMT

Cold stress, cracks in the outer bark and inner wood of a tree, can be caused by wide temperature variations in the winter time. In many cases the tree will repair itself, although the area may remain vulnerable for some time. For young trees, wrap the bark during the fall months using a cold weather tree blanket. Avoid pruning the tree in the late fall, which can encourage new growth making the tree more susceptible to damage from frost.

A homeowner in Amherst, NH was seeing cracks in the bark of his trees as the cold weather arrived. Concerned about the well-being of his trees , he contacted Souhegan Valley Tree Service.

Drastic Temperature Changes Take a Toll on Trees

Times of large temperature variations can lead to stress in trees, resulting in the outer bark and inner wood cracking. The crack typically occurs on the side receiving the most winter sunlight. The tree is often able to repair itself naturally, but may remain vulnerable in this area for a long time to come.

Early frosts on late growth on the tree can also cause this telltale cold stress. Late season growth has not yet had time to prepare for the winter months. Ice can penetrate the new branches, causing them to ultimately die.

Tips for Preventing Tree Cracking

For younger trees, wrapping the trunk in special cold weather tree blankets will help to keep the bitter cold air and ice out. This will also help to keep the sunlight off of the tree trunk, preventing the tree from warming up too much during the day only to then be subjected to the bitter cold of night.

To prevent the vulnerability of new branches, do not prune the tree in late fall. Pruning can encourage growth without having enough time for the new branch to prepare for the cold weather. You should also avoid fertilizers with high amounts of quick-release Nitrogen during the fall.

The homeowner in Amherst invested in cold weather tree blankets to prevent any further damage and his trees are well on the way to healing themselves.

Growing Oak Trees from Acorns, Milford Family Begins Project

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:00:01 GMT

Healthy, just-dropped acorns are ideal for planting. Place the uncracked acorn in a mixture of ½ peat and ½ loose barley in a clear plastic, sealable bag. Keeping the bag damp but not wet, store it int he refrigerator, potting it in early spring.

A family in Milford recently asked about growing an oak tree from an acorn. It may sound like a child’s school project, but acorns are actually a great way to grow oak trees.

Collect Acorns in the Fall and Store Through the Winter

Late fall is the perfect time to collect acorns. When choosing those to plant, look for freshly dropped acorns that are plump with their caps still intact. Discard any that are split, cracked, or worm-infested. Place the acorns to be planted in a sealable, clear storage bag combined with a mixture of equal parts peat and loose barely. The bag should not be more than half full when sealed. Store the bag in the refrigerator through the winter. Over time you will see the acorns split and white sprouts will begin to appear.

In Spring, Let the Potting Begin

In early spring your acorn sprouts are ready for potting. Plant them in individual pots with potting soil. The acorn should be placed 1 ½ inches deep into the soil. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist, and in an indoor area where it will get plenty of sun.

The trees can be kept in pots forever, or you may choose to relocate them outside. Before transplanting the tree outside, slowly introduce it to colder weather by moving it to a porch or a sunroom. If transplanting, be sure to do so before fall when frost can damage the young tree.

The Milford family is excited to try their hand at growing an oak tree from an acorn and looks forward to transplanting the tree to their yard next spring.

Nashua, NH Homeowner Asks for Tips to Prepare Young Tree for Winter

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:00:03 GMT

It is important to water your plants and trees throughout the fall, particularly those that have been newly-planted. This can help them to combat winter burn. Spreading a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone can help to insulate trees from the cold.

A Nashua, NH homeowner had a newly planted tree from the summer that was thriving. He was concerned that the winter would be hard on the sapling tree and was seeking tips to make it a little easier for the tree.

Plan Ahead to Protect Against Winter Burn

The cold, snow and ice can do a number on trees. From damaged and broken branches to toppling the tree altogether, the winter months are typically not kind to trees in New England. One common threat to rhododendrons and conifers is winter burn. In this scenario the tree is unable to obtain water due to drought or frozen ground. This can significantly damage or kill the tree.

To prevent winter burn, continue to water your plants and trees into the fall months. This is especially important for young plants. Providing this extra watering will ensure that the tree is well hydrated going into the cold winter months.

Insulate the Roots of Young Trees

A young tree’s delicate root system can also be damaged by the cold weather. In the fall, insulate the roots by spreading 2-3 inches of mulch over the area. This will help to keep the cold out, while also helping the soil to retain moisture all winter long.

The homeowner in Nashua has continued with his regiment of watering the young sapling in his yard and plans to mulch the tree to protect the roots from the cold. Taking these preventative measures now should ensure the sapling gets through the winter just fine.

How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage to a Tree

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:00:09 GMT

The best way to prevent woodpecker damage is to keep the bird away from the tree in the first place through bird netting or by hanging mirrors, old CD or other reflective items to frighten them away. You can also buy commercial products that can be applied to the tree trunk, without causing any harm to the tree itself.

A family in Brookline noticed that one of their large trees was being frequented by a woodpecker. Upon closer inspection, they found that the tree was riddled with small holes caused by the bird.

Drawn By Insects, Woodpeckers Can Cause Lasting Tree Damage

A woodpecker frequenting the same tree is most often a sign that the tree may actually have an insect problem, which is attracting the woodpecker. The small holes that this bird causes are not overly harmful to the tree. However, these are wounds that can make the tree more vulnerable to disease and insects over time. In other cases, the woodpecker may be trying to get at the sap of the tree or may simply be looking for a home to build a nest.

The Best Course of Action is To Keep the Woodpecker Away

In most cases, the woodpecker holes do not need to be treated. To protect the tree in the long-run, you should instead focus on keeping the woodpecker away. This can be done using bird netting wrapped around the tree. Woodpeckers are also frightened off by shiny objects. Hanging mirrors or CDs from the tree can deter them from leaving a lasting mark.

You can also purchase a commercial product for repelling woodpeckers that is brushed onto the trunk of the tree. Woodpeckers dislike landing on the sticky substance and will most likely stay away.

The family in Brookline found that hanging a few CDs from the branches was enough to send the woodpecker in search of a new home. The damage to the tree was minimal, and it should continue to thrive for years to come.

The Best Trees to Enhance Curb Appeal, Nashua Homeowner Finds Out

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:00:02 GMT

Sun Valley Maple, Blue Spruce, Red Leaf Japanese Maple and Magnolia are all stunning trees that enhance a home’s curb appeal. With colorful leaves, blooms and foliage, these trees are sure to stun passersby. A Nashua homeowner with plans to sell the property in the next year or two was beginning to set his sights on his home’s landscaping and curb appeal, making changes now for the future.

Healthy Trees Can Add to Curb Appeal

A yard with well-placed, healthy trees is sure to add to any home’s curb appeal. The trees should be well-cared for, showing no signs of drought, insect damage or dead and hanging limbs. Landscaping around the trees, whether a well-mulched area, flower bed or stones, can also go a long way to adding to a home’s curb appeal.

Trees Can Add a Pop of Color

Many of the trees that we suggested for the homeowner in Nashua were trees that grow to a large, yet manageable, height combining shade and many with stunning foliage to add to the landscaping. The Sun Valley Maple is unique in that its leaves turn a bright orange in the fall with red blooms in the spring. The Blue Spruce is a hardy evergreen that will remain so even in the dead of winter.

As the name implies, the Red Leaf Japanese Maple turns a stunning, deep red in the fall. Some varieties even remain red all year long. The Magnolia tree is a favorite because of its large, fragrant flowers during the spring months.

The homeowner in Nashua had an advantage in that he was planning well in advance to add the trees to his landscape that would offer the most curb appeal. He ended up settling on several eye-catching Red Leaf Japanese Maple trees and is already basking in the compliments of the neighbors.

Is Leaving a Tree Stump Bad for the Yard? Milford Homeowner Wonders

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:00:01 GMT

Tree stumps can actually do more damage than just being an eyesore. From the added difficulty mowing the lawn to attracting insects and taking up valuable yard space, it is advisable when removing a tree to take out the stump as well. After recently taking down a large maple tree, a Milford homeowner wondered if it was worth it to take out the stump as well.

Tree Stump Can Quickly Become an Inconvenience

An unsightly tree stump in your yard can do more than just have the neighbors shaking their heads. It actually affects the curb appeal of the entire home, potentially reducing the property value. While you may not feel the pain until you go to sell the home, it pays to have this addressed now instead of simply delaying the inevitable.

A rogue stump in the middle of the yard can also become a safety hazard. Young children running and playing in the yard may overlook the stump, causing them to trip over the obstacle. This can also be a hazard for the lawn mower. It only takes one time to forget the stump is there when mowing, resulting in costly damage to the mower blades.

Old Stumps are Breeding Ground for Insects

When left in the ground, over time the stump will begin to rot making this an attractive home for ants, termites, wasps and other invasive insects. If the stump is close to the home or other trees, this can put them at risk for these infestations as well.

After hearing all of the downfalls to the leaving the stump in place, the Milford homeowner did opt to have it removed. Now he can be sure that his entire yard is healthy and looking great without an unsightly stump.

Amherst Homeowner Has Stump Removed, Wonders When to Replant

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

A homeowner in Amherst, NH contacted us about a large pine tree in his front yard. The tree was dead and needed to be taken down so that it didn’t pose a risk to the home. We removed the tree, along with the stump. With the tree gone, the homeowner just felt like something was missing. He was anxious to replant at that site, but sometimes replanting in the same location isn’t that always possible.

Underground Tree Roots May Present an Obstacle for Replanting

Even after the stump has been removed and ground up, there can be a labyrinth of roots underground still remaining. This is particularly true when larger trees have been removed. If you are determined to use this existing site for replanting, you will need to remove as many of these underground roots as possible before planting the new tree. You may need to use a pickaxe to chop these old roots, making this slow and labor intensive work. Leaving the root system in place can seriously impede the growth of a new tree’s roots.

Replanting to Give the New Tree Room to Grow

The best course of action is not to replant in the same location, but about three feet or more away from where the tree was originally. For larger trees, which have deeper and more elaborate root systems, you may need to give even more distance from this original location.

Instead of replanting on the exact site of the tree, a better option may be planting a shrub, flowers, or even grass where the tree was taken down. Stump removal can sometimes cause impressions in the ground, so the area may need to be leveled off first.

Taking into consideration our suggestions, the homeowner in Amherst opted to plant a new tree a safe six feet away, assuring that the new tree will thrive. As for the site of the stump removal , the family opted to go with a grassy area in its place.

The Correct Way to Mulch, a Hollis NH Homeowner Discovers

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:00:03 GMT

The mulch volcanoes that many homeowners place around their trees can actually do more damage than good, as one Hollis homeowner recently found out. A common mistake is to surround a tree with eight to ten inches of mulch and call it a day. This can actually be a death sentence for the tree.

Prolonged Dark and Moisture Can Cause Tree Bark to Rot

Tree bark, which works to protect the trunk, is intended to be exposed to air and light. Piling mulch as a high as a foot around the base of the tree trunk has the opposite effect, preventing the lower bark areas from any exposure to light. The moisture from the mulch also can cause the bark to rot, leaving the entire tree vulnerable to insects and disease.

Mulching Your Tree Can Be Beneficial, When Done Right

Mulch can be beneficial for your trees, protecting them from damage caused by a lawn mower and keeping the soil moist and the temperature stabilized throughout the year. Mulch is also great at preventing weed growth, keeping the area around the tree clean.

When mulching around a tree, the depth of the mulch should be between two and four inches maximum. After applying the mulch around the tree, spread the mulch away from the tree, thinning the area. The diameter should reach to the canopy line of the tree.

The frequency for replacing your mulch will depend on the type that you use. An organic mulch that decomposes will need to be replenished more often. These mulches can be very effective at improving the soil structure.

A short lesson in the proper way to mulch and this Hollis homeowner is rethinking the way he cares for his trees , making changes that will keep his trees healthy for many years to come.

Homeowner in Nashua, NH Asks – Is It Possible to Limit a Tree’s Height?

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMT

A new homeowner in Nashua, NH recently contacted us about his property’s landscape. He was concerned about an oak tree growing close to the home. While the tree’s size was manageable now, this homeowner was worried that the growing tree over the years would begin to pose a threat to the house with overhanging limbs because of the close proximity. He was hoping to keep the tree, but stunt its growth minimizing the threat that it would pose in the future.

Regular Pruning to Reduce Tree Size

This is a common question, particularly living in New England where the threat of snow and ice on large trees near a home can be worrisome. While it is not possible to entirely stop a living tree from growing from year to year, you can manage this growth.

The immediate instinct may be to chop the top of the tree to keep it small, reducing the overall height. Not only will the limbs on the top grow back, but they will come back weaker, increasing the risk that this Nashua homeowner was concerned about.

A skilled tree professional can prune the tree in such a way that the tree’s health will be maintained, while still limiting the growth. A significant understanding of tree structure is necessary to effectively achieve this. It is also important that this pruning is done regularly, without which the tree will continue to grow at its standard rate.

The homeowner in Nashua is proceeding with this regular pruning of the tree, and while it does continue to grow, this has limited the size from overwhelming the property or posing a threat to the home.

Don’t Plant These Trees - Amherst, NH Homeowner Takes Heed

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:00:01 GMT

Let’s face it, some trees are just not meant to be planted near a home. Whether their towering size with dangerous overhanging limbs or shallow roots notorious for causing driveway cracks, homeowners need to take caution when planting these potentially destructive trees. Fortunately a family in Amherst asked our advice prior to planting , avoiding potential catastrophe down the road.

Shallow Roots Can Damage Sewage Pipes, Driveways and Walkways

Some trees are notorious for their shallow root system. This can wreak havoc on everything from sewage pipes to paved driveways and sidewalks as the roots continue to grow and expand. The stunning Willow tree has been known to terrorize homes when planted too closely with its shallow root system. This damage can be costly for the homeowner, and ultimately the tree may have to be removed.

Brittle Branches Susceptible to Breakage During Storms

Trees branches breaking from storms is unavoidable, particularly during the winter months in New England. Some trees are more prone to thinner, weaker branches, which significantly increases the risk of losing a limb during a storm or heavy rain.

Large, fast growing trees like the Silver Maple, can seem like a good choice for homeowners trying to fast track their landscape to larger trees. However, this fast growing trait also means weak, brittle wood which can leave the branches vulnerable to breaking. Typically any tree that is a faster growing variety will be prone to this weakness.

Doing your research before planting, like the family in Amherst, can help you to choose a hearty tree that will withstand the test of time.

Snow Bent Branches – Pepperell, MA Homeowner Seeks Advice

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:03:39 GMT

The snow has finally melted and many homeowners in New England are taking to their yard to survey the damage left behind by the winter months. A Pepperell, MA homeowner had arow of young birch trees in her yard. This winter had been particularly unkind to these trees, leaving them bent over from the snow and wind. She knew not to try to bend them back during the winter, for fear of breaking branches and doing everlasting damage, but her question was what about in the spring.

Let Spring Do the Work for Bent Trees and Branches

In general, even in the springtime you can let Mother Nature run its course for bent trees and branches. As long as the tree trunk or branch in question is not broken or splintered, the tree will most often rebound to its normal position as the weather warms and season hits full swing. Birch trees in particular are notorious for this type of bending during the strenuous winter months.

If the trunk is damaged or the branches are splintered, your tree will need to be addressed. Many times, pruning the branches can go a long way to giving the injured tree an excellent chance of survival.

This Pepperell homeowner learned that her birch trees are in fact very resilient. While they are still bent, she has already seen the slope become less pronounced. As the spring continues and the weather warms, this homeowner’s trees should make a full recovery.

Amherst, NH Homeowner Learns Which Trees Are Not Pet Friendly

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:53:34 GMT

We received a call from a homeowner in Amherst, NH. The family had recently adopted a dog. After the dog began showing signs of being sick, the veterinarian was able to determine the root cause of the dog’s ailment – the family’s innocuous apple tree.

Fruit Trees Can Be Toxic To Family Pets

All types of apple trees, including the common crabapple, are toxic to dogs. The apple seeds, and often even the leaves of the tree, contain low levels of cyanide. This can cause a wide range of symptoms from an upset stomach to disorientation. Many other fruit trees, including cherries, plums, peaches and nectarines, pose choking hazards for pets if the pit and seeds are ingested. These larger pits can also cause obstructions, requiring significant veterinarian care.

Pet Owners Should Avoid Toxic Plants and Trees in Their Yard

There are actually a number of plants, shrubbery and trees that can pose potential hazards to pets in the home. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to keep a pet away from these dangerous plants. For this reason, it is important that the pet owner is vigilant in either cordoning off the area from the pet or removing the toxic source altogether.

In the case of the Amherst homeowner, after having a health scare already as a result of the apple tree they opted to remove it altogether . This eliminated the danger that it was posing to the young pup. The family can now rest easy knowing that their yard is free of dangerous toxins that could harm their pet.

Do Trees Die of Old Age? Knowing When to Let Go

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:49:18 GMT

It can be difficult to accept when it is time to have a tree removed from your residence. For one Nashua, NH homeowner this was a particular struggle. After thirty years in the home he genuinely had an attachment to the tree. However, even with the TLC this homeowner had given the tree for over a year, it continued to show signs of dying.

Nashua Homeowner Learns that Not All Trees Can Be Saved

Many times trees can die from unseen causes. This is often circumstances that are out of our control, anything from a wound or infection to toxins taken in by the tree’s roots. Insects and animals are also a common cause of tree deaths, feasting on the newest part of the tree. These are typically easier to identify and address if caught early enough.

For older trees, the exposure to the elements and weather over time can be enough to pull off the bark, which can affect the flow of water and nutrients to the tree. For a tree, this is in essence “dying of old age”.

In the case of this Nashua homeowner’s tree, the reason for the tree’s slow death could not be identified. The dead, hanging branches at the crown were becoming a hazard. Ultimately, the homeowner was convinced that it was in fact time to let the tree go. We quickly did the work for him, ensuring that no one or property could be damaged by falling limbs. The homeowner has plans to plant a sapling in its place this spring.

Knowing When Close is ‘Too Close’ for a Tree

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:00:02 GMT

The recent (almost spring) snowstorm packed a punch to New England. Our phones were busy with homeowners who had experienced downed trees on their property. A call from a panicked homeowner in Windham, NH really stood out. The reason? The tree had fallen directly across her roof. While the damage to the home itself was minimal, the homeowner had been badly shaken by the event. In fact so much so that she wanted us to give her an estimate for removing all of the large trees that were close to her home.

Understanding the Appropriate Distance for a Tree to Be Set from a Home

With the volatility of weather in New England, from snow and ice storms to rain and wind, trees too close or overhanging a home can be a big concern. The general rule of thumb is that large trees, up to 70 feet or more, should be at least twenty feet from the home, fifteen feet for medium trees and eight to ten feet for small trees.

Of course, when this Windham homeowner moved into her residence the tree was small and appropriately placed. Over time the tree has grown significantly to become too close to the home. Any time you plant a tree near your home, you will need to consider the tree’s potential growth over the years.

While there may not be much you can do about the trees already growing near your home, removing them all really is unnecessary, particularly with healthy trees. The key instead, as this Nashua homeowner learned, is to remain vigilant, watching the tree for signs of damage or hanging limbs. Then you can address these concerns if and when they arise.

Tree First Aid - Steps to Take

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:00:01 GMT

How to Address Storm Damage in the Winter a Milford NH Resident Asks

In New England it isn’t unusual for our trees to take a beating during the winter months. Many homeowners simply hold their breath, hoping that a tree damaged during a storm or from the ice and snow will bounce back in the spring. As a Milford, NH homeowner learned after the last storm there are some steps you can take at the time to give the damaged tree a better chance of recovering.

Damage to a Tree Doesn’t Have to Mean Removal

A damaged tree may at a glance look like a lost cause, with no choice but to remove the tree . However, in many cases the tree can bounce back with a little TLC. After assessing the situation and making sure that it is safe, with no large hanging branches or nearby electrical lines, you should remove any broken branches that are still attached to the tree. This will reduce the risk of decay, and give the wound a chance to heal cleanly.

If there are larger branches that are broken, these should be trimmed by a professional to ensure that the cuts are clean and in the right location. After trimming these damaged small and large branches, the tree may initially look unbalanced or bare, but when done right it will quickly heal and fill out in the springtime.

The Milford homeowner followed our advice and his damaged tree is well on its way to making a full recovery in the spring.

How to Prevent Deer from Eating Your Trees This Winter

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:00:02 GMT

We received a phone call from a homeowner in Amherst, NH

She was upset because last winter the deer were eating her sapling trees, from bark to leaves. She wanted to know if there was any way that she could prevent this and protect her trees. It isn’t unusual in rural areas for the deer to frequent backyards during the winter months as they forage for food. However, this can be particularly detrimental to young trees when the deer take to eating the bark and twigs directly off of the tree, oftentimes stripping it bare.

Amherst Homeowner Finds a Solution

One of the easiest and most practical solution to prevent deer from damaging your landscaping is with a spray deer repellent. Applying this spray during late fall directly to the plants and trees where the deer like to feed can make a difference. There are many homemade versions available online, but the most effective can be purchased at hardware stores.

Another option for preventing tree damage from deer is to place fencing around the trees. The challenge with this is that a deer can jump up to eight feet. The trick is to strategically place the fencing around the tree to not allow room for the deer to jump inside the area, while still keeping them back far enough to prevent those tasty nibbles.

A simpler option than fencing, and the one this homeowner in Amherst chose, is to wrap the trunks of your smaller trees and shrubbery with burlap. This will protect the delicate bark on her young trees so that they come through the winter unscathed.

To Stay Healthy, Your Trees Should Be Trimmed Regularly

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:00:03 GMT

Nashua, NH Homeowner Discovers: Trees Should Be Trimmed Regularly

A homeowner in Nashua recently asked us if it is necessary to trim dead branches on his trees, even if the tree itself is doing perfectly healthy. He had the common misconception that branches should only be trimmed when the tree is dead. In fact, just like people getting regular haircuts, trees need regular trimming to keep them healthy and looking good.

Removing the dead branches from a tree or those that are infested with a growth, can make a big difference in the overall health of the tree. The tree’s resources can now be used to grow new leaves and branches, as opposed to combatting a whole host of diseases and pests caused by the dead branches.

Tree Trimming Leaves Trees Healthy and Looking Great

Late fall is a great time for trimming your tress. The tree is dormant during these months, making the tree less susceptible to disease while it is healing. After trimming this homeowner’s trees not only do they have a healthier future, but they are also looking great. Uniform, similarly-sized trees that are neatly trimmed will greatly improve the aesthetics of your overall property. Rotten, unhealthy branches not only give the impression of a “sick” tree, but they are also an eyesore.

As an added bonus, with the winter months approaching any safety hazard that these dead or hanging branches posed have now been eliminated. The homeowner couldn’t be happier with the way his landscaping looks now and we foresee a long, healthy life for his trees.

What Steps Should I Take to Ensure My Trees Make it Through the Winter?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:01 GMT

Hudson, NH Homeowner Asks

A homeowner in Hudson recently asked if there was anything that he should be doing to prep his trees for the winter months ahead. When visiting his property, we found many concerning branches, ominous limbs that were stretching far from the tree trunk. After trimming back these branches that were hanging over the house and driveway, this homeowner was already feeling better about the fast approaching winter.

Taking Additional Steps Can Prevent Tree Damage During the Winter

Pruning back branches , particularly those hanging over the home and driveway, as well as power lines, is only the first step to prepping your trees for the cold, snowy weather. Taking the time now, before the snow falls, to mulch, hydrate and fertilize your trees will give them a better chance of making it through the winter. These nutrients will help the tree to stay strong through the cold months in the future.

When the snow and ice do fall, many times this will weigh down the tree, causing even large limbs to break or split. If a tree is bending or drooping under the weight of the snow or ice, it can be tempting to give the tree a quick shake to remove the snow. But don’t! Branches with ice or heavy snow are very brittle and you can cause damage by doing so.

The best way to protect your trees for the winter, it to take the time now to get them in tip-top form, which will carry them through the cold months and have them looking great when spring comes around.

Know the Signs of a Limb that is Ready to Fall

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:29:42 GMT

In New Hampshire, remember to look up!

Every year as the weather gets colder and the first snowfall sets in, tree limbs begin falling . This can be particularly dangerous for the larger branches, posing a risk to people and property. Strong wind, rain and snow can certainly be contributors to falling limbs, but other times this can be seemingly unexpected. However, there are signs to look for that indicate that a limb should be addressed before it falls.

Dead trees or limbs should be watched closely, as these are most likely to fall during a storm. But these dead limbs may not always be immediately obvious. If the limb has remained bloomless and bare through the spring and summer months, this is a sign that the branch is dead and should be addressed sooner rather than later. Other danger signs include mushrooms growing on a tree or a particular branch. This is a good indicator that the limb is rotten on the inside, making it susceptible to dropping.

Dropped limbs are sometimes caused by structural damage to the tree. This can result from a strong wind that caused fractures or splits in the tree. Trees that have two equal sides, commonly seen as a Y-shape, are inclined to have a weakness where the two branches meet. Over time, the connecting point may not be able to support the weight of both sides, dropping limbs as a result.

While it can be difficult to predict when and where a tree limb will fall, in most cases the falling limb sticks out farther than the rest of the limbs on the tree. But this does not necessarily mean that all limbs that stick out are prone to falling. Instead, a skilled expert can help you to identify and address any limbs that are at risk for falling.

Three Levels of Stump Grinding, Brookline, NH

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 20:26:34 GMT

What to do with the left over tree stump

So you've hired Souhegan Valley Tree Service to remove your trees . Now you would like to do something about the remaining stumps. Stump grinding really puts the final touches on your tree job. With the grinding complete you will not have to watch stumps decay for the following years.

When our customers are interested in stump grinding, we offer three different options to choose from.

Grind all the stumps and leave all the shavings in a pile where they are.
Grind all the stumps and cleanup the stump shavings.
Finally, we offer the service of spreading loam after the cleanup is done.

These choices come at three different price points. With all three options the stumps will be ground four to eight inches below ground level.

If you're looking for the most affordable option when it comes to stump removal, Souhegan Valley Tree Service can grind your stumps and leave the cleanup for the homeowner to take care of. This is a great plan for our customers who are trying save the most money. The stump shavings take time for us to pick up and to haul away. Stump grinding chips make an excellent clean fill if you are looking to expand your yard or they can be pushed back into the hole created from grinding. With most of the companies in Southern NH, this is what you will get.

In our second option, we offer stump shaving removal. This will give your property a much cleaner look. Souhegan Valley Tree Service will level out the stump holes with some of the grindings. We will load the remaining shavings onto a truck and haul them away for you. This is our most popular service. We utilize our mini articulating loader with lawn protecting turf tires to carry large quantities of stump chips. Using the loader is the most time effective method for completing the work and no other local companies are using this method. If it is not possible for equipment to do the work, we can take care of the cleanup the old fashioned way, by hand, with rakes and shovels. This method leaves the homeowner with nothing to do but decide how to landscape where the tree was. The only downside is the modest charge for this service.

Option three includes all aspects of options one and two plus, delivery and application of screened loam. If you are interested in growing grass in the area where your stumps are located this may be the best choice for you. When you choose this option the only step remaining to making that tree disappear forever is choosing the grass seed that will suit your needs most. The price you pay for this service includes all labor, tools, and materials except for the seed.

The stump job we most recently completed in Brookline, NH, was done using option two. Most of the trees we removed were not near the lawn. They were on the edge of woods. This is a great option if your trees are in this area of your property. We hauled all the excess shavings away, leveled the stump holes, and gave the site a final touch-up with a backpack blower. At the completion of the job, the customer commented on three different things. 1. How hard all members of our team worked to get the job done in a timely matter. 2. How safely we completed all of our tasks. 3. How much better the property looked with the ten trees removed and the stumps ground out and cleaned up neatly. These are exactly the type of comments we strive for on every job site.

Choosing the level of service is 100% up to the customer. Souhegan Valley Tree Service will give all customers a reasonable quote for any or all of the options during your tree removal estimate. It really boils down to if you want to spend your time off from work dealing with stump grindings, or if you'd like the professionals from SVT to take care of it for you. If you happen to have gone with another company to handle your tree work we can still be happy to help you with the grinding as well.

Tree removal in Nashua, NH

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:18:31 GMT

Bucket truck, crane removal, tree climbing, and tree felling, we do it all!

Tree removal accounts for a significant majority of the tree work we do on a weekly basis, and tree removal in Nashua NH presents its own specific set of challenges. Nashua is New Hampshire’s second most populated city, behind Manchester, and has a significant number of trees in its residential neighborhoods. These facts combined with Souhegan Valley Tree Service’s policy of do as little damage as possible to the customers yard, and get every last piece of sawdust as we clean up, make Nashua an interesting place to work.

We have several options at our disposal when doing tree removal; bucket truck, crane removal, tree climbing, and tree felling. Using our bucket truck to take the tree down is the most often used strategy. We will lay a plywood road across your lawn to protect it from the heavy equipment. After the truck is set up we take off every branch individually and drop it in a pile that will get chipped up, larger portions are lowered down with ropes and pulleys to minimize lawn damage. All of this is done while maintaining a safe distance from electrical wires, pedestrians that may be walking nearby, and traffic that may need to be monitored or detoured. These are things that may not have to be considered outside of Nashua city limits.

Crane removal is an option that we utilize on a regular basis in Nashua for extremely tall trees, trees that are really close to the house and or wires and when access is limited by fences or steep terrain. Using the crane improves worker safety, speeds up production, and also minimizes lawn damage because the crane usually sits in the driveway and can reach all the trees that need to come down. The tree material is set down in a “landing area”, usually the driveway or possibly the grass, all the while being protected by sheets of plywood and keeping the mess in one area.

We also employ several expert tree climbers for those trees that are impossible to access by truck, or where crane rental is cost prohibitive. Our climber has nearly twenty years of tree experience and loves a challenge!

Tree felling is on option as well, but quite often in Nashua there is simply not enough room to drop trees whole. Also it creates more lawn damage and a larger area to clean up. This is usually the least desirable option for us as well as our clients.

Lastly, we find the difference between our company and others is defined in the last 30 minutes of the job. We spend a lot of time and energy making your property as clean as possible, raking up every stick and leaf that we create, and often material we didn’t create as well. When working in other more rural towns it is possible to make the clean-up “disappear” into the customer's woods. Not so in Nashua, everything is raked, blown with a leaf blower, then raked again. People spend a lot of time, money and energy in maintaining their yards and landscaping, at Souhegan Valley Tree Service we believe that removing trees from your yard doesn’t have to be detrimental to the surrounding landscape.

How Do You Prevent Lawn Damage from Tree Work?

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:13:19 GMT

A Hollis, NH Resident Asks

Removing a tree shouldn't damage your lawn.

Being in the business of tree removal is interesting and challenging in many ways. At its core it is essentially the same thing everyday; set up the trucks, cut the tree down, clean up the mess and move on to the next job. Fortunately for those of us in the tree business every tree is different and no two days are the same, each tree poses its own challenges, and obstacles that need to be overcome in order to accomplish the job safely, efficiently and make the customer happy.

One dichotomy tree guys face all the time, especially in affluent upscale neighborhoods, is the issue of lawn damage. How much will your trucks and the tree coming down damage my lawn? Is a question heard almost daily in our business. At Souhegan Valley Tree Service our answer is: as little as possible. We go to great lengths to preserve the landscape you the home owner has spent countless hours and dollars maintaining. Here are a few of the ways we protect your lawn and landscape:

We carry 20-30 sheets of full size 4x8 plywood to the jobsite. We use the plywood to “build a road” for our trucks to drive on, this minimizes the chances of creating ruts. After we are done and the plywood is picked up, we rake the lawn and quite often you can’t even tell have driven across it.
Instead of dropping trees whole from the ground onto the lawn, which creates a large mess, we utilize our bucket truck to take the tree down. A tree that is 75 feet tall and 40 feet wide will make a mess on the lawn that is 75 feet long and 40feet wide. By taking the branches off and dropping them to the ground from the bucket truck the mess is confined to a much smaller area.
We also have a small loader that has turf friendly tires. This machine can drive back and forth across the lawn, while carrying heavy loads of tree material, and not do any damage.
Lastly , we will often rent a crane for the day todo the tree work. The crane can sit in one spot, most often the driveway, and reach most any tree that might be endangering the house, or that the customer needs taken down. Our worker attaches a strap to the top of the tree , then comes down to a designated spot and cuts the tree at that spot. The crane then lifts that portion of the tree and sets it down in the “landing area”. This is often in the driveway as well. All of the mess is in one spot, the landing area, and the rest of the crew can deal with it as the crane swings around to get the next piece.

If you are planning on doing tree work in your yard, please ask the tree crews who you are getting estimates from the following:

What steps does your company take to protect my lawn and property?

Do you use plywood to drive over the lawn?

What will my lawn look like after you leave?

Also make sure all contractors know where the septic tank, leech field and sprinkler system is located as these can also be damaged if driven over without protection. If they don’t answer these questions to your satisfaction, call us, and we will.

When to Remove Tree Stakes

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:29:08 GMT

Greenville, NH Resident Seeks Advice.

Staking a tree is common practice for young saplings, helping them to grow straight and preventing breaking. Ideally, the tree will eventually grow to a height, with its trunk filling out, that it will no longer need this support. To prevent damage to the tree as it grows, you should remove the stakes no more than a year after installing them. The best practice is to remove the stakes at the start of the next growing season. If the tree is not stable after removing the stakes, you can reattach them for another season. This allows you to readjust the tightness to accommodate for the tree’s growth.

A Greenville resident had staked some new saplings last spring when they were originally planted. With the trees healthy and growing, he was wondering at what point the stakes should be removed

Signs that the Stakes Needs to Remain in Place

While not necessary, staking can be a good way to give a young tree the best opportunity to grow and establish roots without worrying about damage from inclement weather and high winds. As the tree grows and the roots take hold, the staking should no longer be needed. When the staking is removed, you should check the tree for stability to determine if it is too soon to take away the stakes. If the tree wiggles a lot the root systems may not have developed enough yet. Additionally, if the tree is bending or seems to be swaying it is best to reinstall the staking for another season allowing the tree even more time to develop.

Negative Effects if a Tree is Staked Too Long

Leaving a tree staked, without removing and checking whether the support is still necessary, can have detrimental effect on the tree. As the tree grows and its trunk expands, the original staking will likely become too tight around the tree. This can impede the tree’s growth and even cut into the tree’s trunk causing injury. By removing the stakes, and reattaching when deemed necessary, each growing season you can be sure that the stakes are not doing harm to the tree.

The Greenville resident removed the stakes from his saplings and was pleased to find that these new trees had taken root nicely, no longer needing the added support of stakes.