Day: October 26, 2021

Tree Emergencies and The Effects of Storms on Trees

Steven Kelley Tree Care

Tree emergencies and how to deal with them.

 

Storms can affect trees in different ways. The effect is influenced by lots of factors including wind direction and speed, rain duration and intensity, location, health and age.

Trees are great at adapting to a change in conditions but this is a slow process that takes decades; they can’t adapt to a single change in weather due to a storm, of course.

Tree emergencies due to storms can take many forms. Storm damage is often different from the damage caused by floods. Of course, both can happen simultaneously.

 

Tree Emergencies Caused by Storms with Flooding

Lots of places around the world have natural floods annually. The shrubs and trees native to these parts have been able to adapt to prolonged periods with their roots submerged.

There are problems if non-native species are introduced in these areas because they have not adapted to being submerged in water since their native areas do not experience flooding.

When the soil is waterlogged, there is a decline in its ability to sustain life. This happens because the available air in the soil is swapped for water. This means that the roots do not have access to essential oxygen supplies.

This means that damage can happen in as little as three hours. Being submerged in water kills the tree’s fine root hairs. This means the tree’s water-absorbing ability is seriously affected. It cannot take up nutrients and water until the water level falls.

When a tree is deprived of oxygen, there is a build-up of gases that lead to the larger tree roots dying. This can affect the tree’s stability.

What’s more, flooding causes the soil’s structure to deteriorate. Particles of clay lose their stickiness, which reduces the soil’s aptitude to grip onto the roots. This means that trees are more likely to fail at the root plate level.

Floodwater also affects the pH of soils. This means that the levels of nutrients and minerals could be affected.

All in all, when soils are flooded, there is both a long-term and immediate effect on tree longevity and health. The longer the flood persists, the worse the problem.

 

Flood Stress Seen in Trees

Tree flood stress is not always visible immediately. It manifests itself in a variety of ways, including:

A reduction in the size of leaves for new growthYellowing of leaves (chlorosis)Epicormic branch and stem growthsCrown diebackLack of new leaves in spring or defoliationEarly change of colour in autumn as well as early falling leavesProlific mast or seed crop the year after the flood

 

Care for Flood-Stressed Trees

Caring for a tree after floods impacts on its survival chances as well as the tree quality that remains.

Here are some steps to help:

Remove any build-up of sand or silt so that the soil is back to its normal level. Make sure you also look to cover any roots that have been exposed. This should be done with topsoil.Incorporate organic or composted material like mulch into the topsoil to improve its structure. Make sure you do not damage any roots. Professional tree surgeons will use something called an ‘air spade’ for this task.A layer of mulch or other organic, composted material will help the soil to retain its moisture. Try not to add anything like fertiliser because it uses a lot of the tree’s energy.Watch out for colonisation. Stressed trees often have trouble fighting off secondary organisms like insects, fungi, and bacteria.

 

Storms with no Flooding

When there is no flooding, the main issue with storms is the wind. Trees are susceptible to storm damage when the force of the wind exceeds the tree’s structural strength. This type of storm damage is very obvious; you will often see large parts of the tree snapped or even a whole tree uprooted.

Some storm conditions might cause less obvious damage. Limbs and stems can have fractures while remaining intact. Trees also might be uprooted partially but don’t fall over. There might be broken branches that haven’t fallen.

If the storm involved lightning, you might notice large wounds in the tree’s bark. Lightning strikes can also result in the tree’s destruction. Once subjected to a lightning strike, there is not much that can be done to help a tree.

Luckily, it is rare to see such major storm damage and proactive, expert tree management means you can reduce the risks.

 

Why be Proactive?

Proactive tree work is cost-effective since you can protect your trees with the highest risk and greatest value. Tree work can be scheduled and planned and will avoid those emergency call-outs (and their cost) if there is storm damage.

Unfortunately, with climate change, we are likely to see lots more unsettled and stormy weather. If we want trees to survive well, we need to make sure they’re inspected frequently and well managed.

It’s a good idea to seek comprehensive tree assessments with experienced tree surgeons and tree consultants. They will be able to advise tree owners and help them keep their trees safe as well as healthy.

According to statistics by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there are around 5 or 6 people killed each year in the UK due to falling branches or trees. Around 3 of these occur in a public space.

Of course, this makes the risk of being killed or struck by a tree extremely low; these numbers mean the risk is about 1 in 10 million. Despite the low level of risk, we need to consider how the public perceive the level of risk, especially if there has been a recent incident. Thus, tree owners should take great care in ensuring they look after their large trees.

 

Final Thoughts

While typical weather events can help to strengthen trees, excess forces or waterlogging from storms can cause problems. With consistent conditions, trees can adapt and initiate developmental changes to compensate for changing weather patterns.

Thanks to their biological engineering, they can adjust to loading, if the conditions are typical. When storms, floods, ice, or snow occur, the trees might not fare well. Extreme forces cause damage, injuries and even tree death. You can protect your trees with regular tree care by expert tree surgeons.

 

Article was written by Louise W.

Article Source: https://www.graftingardeners.co.uk/tree-emergencies/

Tree Pollarding 101

Steven Kelley Tree Services
Tree Pollarding 101

Tree Pollarding 101 – everything you need to know about pollarding.

 

If you are looking for ways to keep your landscape and trees looking their best, several key methods can make a huge impact on how your outdoor space looks.

A process called tree pollarding can help to create a lush, beautiful landscape that promotes healthy trees.

Read on to learn more about pollarding trees and what the process entails.

 

Tree Pollarding Defined

Most people likely have never heard of tree pollarding, but it is an important part of maintaining healthy trees. The process involves cutting young trees and shrubs to the main stem or trunk to control their height.

The plants are not cut at ground level but instead are cut much higher at an average height of around six feet. This process helps to maintain the desired height for your trees while reducing shade and giving the trees a defined silhouette.

Many people opt for tree pollarding to keep taller trees from getting in the way of phone lines or electrical wires. It is also done to trees located close to a home or place of business to reduce the risk of branches breaking and falling onto the roof.

While most typical tree pruning processes remove the lower and crossing limbs of a tree, the pollarding process is a bit different. Pollarding trees is often done when the tree is dormant rather than when it is actively growing. Doing this while a tree is still young or dormant promotes fuller, faster, and greener growth.

In addition to protecting wires, structures, and promoting better growth, tree pollarding may also reduce the risk of fungus and pests. It can also help to protect your trees from various diseases.

 

How to Pollard a Tree

To pollard a tree effectively, it is best to leave the job to the professionals. They will start by cutting off the central leader of the tree first, then proceed to cut all of the branches around it that are at the same height.

By cutting the top of the tree this way, it shortens the crown of the tree. The gardener will remove lower limbs and any crossing limbs to promote a thicker crown as it grows back.

The younger the tree, the faster the new growth will return, while older trees may take longer to regrow leaves and new branches. By pollarding large young deciduous trees, ensures that they sprout healthily to achieve fuller, greener, and lusher growth.

Once the procedure is complete, most trees will produce “waterspouts” at the various locations where it has been cut. These areas will produce sprouts that should be removed at least once per year or every other year. Eventually, knobs or knuckles will form at these locations and continue to regenerate each year.

The timing of tree pollarding is critical and should be performed during the tree’s dormant season. If the tree is pruned during its growing season, it can stunt the growth, remove its energy source, and inhibit the tree’s ability to re-sprout.

Most tree pollarding is done during the fall or winter months of the year when trees are losing their foliage. This is extremely important because most trees rely on their leaves to help produce energy for healthy growth during the warmer months of spring and summer. Removing sprouts and pollarding too early in the year can cause the tree to stop growing, or even worse – to perish.

 

 Tradition of Pollarding Trees

Tree pollarding originated in Europe centuries ago, and the original method was done to ensure that more abundant, smaller branches were produced. As a result, these smaller branches were removed and used as fuel or for making items such as woven baskets.

As the branches were consistently cut back, farmers would harvest the slender sprouts and use them as a food source for livestock. These slender sprouts were also utilized to help weave small fences and other structures.

Today, pollarding fruit trees is a popular method to ensure healthy growth. When the tree is pollarded correctly, it encourages more production of fruits for a bountiful harvest.

Many urban areas choose to pollard trees that line busy streets to help control their growth, preventing branches from falling onto power lines and roadways. Cutting trees back can keep them healthy while maintaining them at a smaller, more easily manageable size.

The difference between topping and pollarding trees is that tree pollarding produces large knuckles. These knuckles are the source of new growth each year and can help to ensure that the tree continues to grow healthy in the future. Imagine the knuckles on a tree as large scars that heal while new growth re-sprouts from dormant buds during the springtime.

Topping a tree does not lead to knuckle formation. This process cuts the entire top of the tree off, resulting in a large wound that can cause the tree to die. Ideally, pollarding fruit trees and other species is best to ensure a healthy outcome.

 

Pollarding: A Unique Technique

Whether you want to encourage healthy growth or remove threatening branches, tree pollarding is a wise way to go. This unique tree-pruning process will ensure that your trees look lush and beautiful for years to come.

Always consult with a professional arborist or landscaper if you are considering using tree pollarding as a method to ensure best results.

For more information about our services or to find out more, contact us today.

 

Article was written by Conner D.

Article Source: https://www.graftingardeners.co.uk/tree-pollarding-101/

Western Hemlock Tree – Tsuga heterophylla

Steven Kelley Tree Services
Western Hemlock Tree – Tsuga heterophylla

What the Western Hemlock Tree Looks Like

The Western Hemlock tree is a graceful, dense and handsome evergreen belonging to the Pinaceae family. It has soft needles on its drooping branches. Since it is so dense, it casts a heavy shade and there is not much that can live beneath.

Its shape is broadly conical and it has a narrow crown. When Western Hemlock trees are mature, they grow up to 45 metres in height. They grow taller when in their native habitat, however, and grow between 50 and 70 metres tall (165 to 239 ft). In terms of girth, the trunk usually has a diameter measuring up to 2.7 metres (9 ft), making it the largest of the hemlock species. The bark of the Western Hemlock is dark brown with thin and rugged ridges.

The needles of this tree smell similar to grapefruit when they are crushed. They have rounded tips and are flat and soft. The underside of the needles has two white stripes, and they are long when they are on the sides of the twigs than when they are on the top.

The Western Hemlock’s cones don’t have stalks. They are pendulous and small and their scales are flexible, thin and papery. When they are mature they are a grey-brown colour; immature cones are green.

The scientific name for this tree is the Tsuga heterophylla.

This tree is similar to other hemlock spruce trees. It has a similar smell to the herb hemlock, hence its name but it is not related to this highly toxic plant.

 

History of the Western Hemlock Tree

This species is not native to the United Kingdom; it was introduced here in the 19th century.

Symbolism and mythology associated with the Western Hemlock Tree

There has been an association of the Western Hemlock tree with women among some ancient traditions of North America. The female warriors of the Kwakwaka’wakw people made western hemlock headdresses for their ceremonial dances.

In the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria was a huge fan of Western Hemlock trees. She even asked for the name to be changed to honour her husband Albert. The name Tsuga albertiana was used for a while but now its scientific name is Tsuga heterophylla.

The Western Hemlock tree can live up to 500 years.

 

Where Can We find Western Hemlock Trees?

As previously mentioned, the Western Hemlock is not native to the UK.  This species originates in the North West of America. The north-western limit of its growth is the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and its south-eastern limit is in California in northern Sonoma County. The Western Hemlock is associated with more temperate rainforests and most trees grow within 62 miles (100 km) of the Pacific Ocean. There does exist a population of Western Hemlocks further inland in the south-east of British Columbia, the west of Montana, the north of Idaho and in the Columbia Mountains.

The trees grow mostly at lower altitudes right from sea level up to 2,000 ft (600 m) but they grow up to 5,900 ft (1,800 m) in the range of trees in Idaho.

It’s thanks to the botanist David Douglas that Britain now has this species here. It is so popular that it is now the species of conifer that is most common in this country. The Western Hemlock is suited best to moist climates; it regenerates well in a huge variety of upland forests and grows rapidly.

These trees are integral components of forests in the Pacific Northwest and are an important tree for timber in this region.

 

What is the Western Hemlock’s Value to Wildlife?

Since this tree is very dense, it casts a heavy shade. This means that when there is a lot of Western Hemlocks in a plantation, there is not a lot of wildlife or plants able to live beneath them.

 

Uses of Western Hemlock

In the United Kingdom, Western Hemlock is mainly grown for wood pulp and timber. It is also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks too. The wood of the western hemlock is used commonly for boxes and roofing as it is capable of holding nails well and doesn’t split easily.

It is an important tree for other aspects of joinery too such as furniture making and doors.

If these trees are planted along riverbanks, they can help to reduce problematic erosion there.

 

Nutritional Uses of Western Hemlock

There is a part of the Western Hemlock’s bark that is edible: the cambium. This can be collected when slabs of bark are scraped. The shavings produced can be eaten straight away or they can be dried out and then pressed inside bread. This is what Native Americans would have done in the south-east of Alaska.

Other parts of the Western Hemlock can also be used in food production. New needles are tender and can be made into a tea that is rich in Vitamin C but also bitter. You can also chew these needles directly.

 

The Largest Western Hemlock Tree

The largest known Western Hemlock tree was discovered in 2018 and was added to the American National Register of Champion Trees. It has a circumference of 343 inches (8.71 metres) and is 190 feet (57.9 metres) tall. Its crown spread is 59 feet (15.24 metres).

In the United Kingdom, the largest known Western Hemlock tree is in Doune Park in Sterling, Scotland. The girth of the tree is 7.06 metres (23 feet), and it was 43 metres (141 foot) tall when it was last measured in 2009.

 

Final Thoughts

The Western Hemlock is an impressive species. It is well recognised by its size but it also provides valuable services in joinery, paper making, erosion prevention and food sources. What is more, it provides both shelter and food for wildlife and is also critical in the ecosystem for its role in CO2 absorption from the atmosphere as it stores carbon in the wood. Finally, it is great at purifying water too.

 

Article was written by Conner D.

Article Source: https://www.graftingardeners.co.uk/western-hemlock/

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