WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND HEALTHEST WAY TO MULCH  MY TREE?                                                                      

           The best way to mulch your tree is to keep mulch off of the stem/root crown of the tree approximately 4-6". Spread the mulch around the tree all the way to the dripline of the tree as  close to the drip line as possible. On large tree's that might add up to a large area to cover which might not be appealing to some, if that is the case spread it about 6' or so around the tree. Keep the mulch level flat around 4" thick (no mounding). We recommend using organic mulch. You may have seen tree's with mulch packed up around the stem sorta looking like a volcano. That is called volcano mulching. Volcano mulching is very unhealthy for a tree. Volcano mulching puts the mulch in direct contact against the trees bark resulting in bacterial or fungal infections. It also weakens the bark (protective layer on tree) allowing insects to bore into the the tree through the rotted bark. Proper mulching aids in retaining moisture and reduces competition from other plants. Never put plastic under the mulch because it will restrict water movement and oxygen availabilty to the roots. 

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      WHAT IS A TREE DRIP LINE?                                                        

                                                                                                                                                     A trees drip line is the end of the branches furthest from the trees stem (outer circumference of the trees branches). The roots of the tree also extend outward to the drip line. The drip line is where tiny rootlets are located that take up water and nutrients. There are many feeder roots at and near the end of the drip line. Trees should be water throughout the drip line not at the base of the trunk or you may encourge root rot/basal rot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               WHEN IS THE  BEST TIME TO PRUNE MY TREES?

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This is going  to depend on what species of trees you have and what the goals may be that you are trying to achieve with the tree. Do general pruning (structual/maintenance) in winter. It would be best to do this after the coldest part of winter has past. You can prune some trees in summer to correct their growth and remove unwanted or dead branches. Prune spring flowering trees just after the blooms have died to help maximize flowering for the following year. Call WoodChuckers Tree Service for a proper evaluation of your trees so we can recommend what is best for them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         SHOULD I FERTILIZE MY TREES?                                                                                        Depending on the circumstances of your enviroment and health of your trees, it may be best to fertilize your trees. Fertilizing your trees can help them be more resistant to pests. It also can help them to become more healthy and attractive. Additionally, living in a urban area and having the leaves removed, also removes and prevents important nutrients that would otherwise be returned to the soil. Fertization can help combat this.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      DO I REALLY NEED TO CUT DOWN MY TREE?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 It can be a tough decision to have a tree removed that has provided shade, beauty, and enjoyment for many years. Especially if it was planted in remembrance of a loved one. Unfortunately there are times when removal is the best option.  A few tips to help you identify when a tree may need removed are                                                                                                                                           : A tree that threatens the safety of people, pets, or property should be removed immediately.                                                                                                        : A tree that is severely diseased or dead.                                                                 : A tree that is severely damaged from a storm                                                       : A tree with large noticable cracks                                                                             : A tree that has severe root damage/problems 

                        : A tree that need removed for construction                                                             : Or if you feel something looks wrong, it is always good to consult with a arborist just to be safe for your own peace of mind, safety, and health of the tree.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE A TREE?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     It is hard to have a one size fits all approach to cutting down a tree. The price of a tree will vary depending on the scope of work at hand. How tall is the tree? Is there property below or close to the tree? Can the tree be felled over or does it needs pieced down? Is the tree dead or alive? Many different factors to be considered. WoodChuckers Tree Service offers free estimates. WoodChuckers Tree Service will come out and access your tree job.  By seeing the job in person we will be able to give you a accurate price set in stone with no surprises at the end of the job. A wriitten estimate can be given and signed at the end of the accessment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 HOW IS THE TREE STUMP REMOVED?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Stump grinding/removal is a technique performed by a specialized machine and a professional operator. The grinder is equipped with special teeth that will cut, chip, and pulverize wood and soil into a wood chip and soil mixture. This macine will remove the trees stump as well as the trees roots 18"-20" below grade.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

          ARE THERE SPECIFIC TIMES THAT FERTILIZING IS BEST?                                          

 

       There are times that fertilization is best. The best time to maximize fertilization is in the dormant season (usually November through March). The next best time would be during the spring and early summer months (April through June). It is best not to fertilize trees between July and the first hard freeze. By fertilizing in late summer or fall it will cause a tree to push out a flush of new growth that will then become susceptible to frost damage and dieback. It is best to allow the tree to acclimate to the weather and become dormant at this time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO WATER MY TREES?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The best time to water your plants and trees are in the early morning. It is best to do deep less frequent watering. This will also depend on enviromental conditions at the time ( rain/drought ect). Less frequent watering is much better than frequent shallow watering. This will help to promote deep root growth. It is best to avoid watering at night because this can promote fungal infections. Water the area below the tree all the way out to the ends of the dripline of the tree. The main uptake of water and nutrients/minerals are through the root system.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              WHAT IS SCION WOOD?

 

 

            Scion wood refers to a shoot or bud (new growth) on a branch. It is use in grafting for joining Scion wood to Root Stock. Scion wood is chosen for specific characteristics. It may be chosen for its flowers, fruit, or a special form like weeping. 

 

 

 

            WHAT IS ROOT STOCK?

 

             When it comes to grafting it refers to a healthy established root system that you can graft a cutting or a bud from another plant on. Root Stock is the root and stem that the scion wood will be grafted to. Root Stock is usually selected for its interaction with the soil. Root Stock may also be selected for its ability to resist pests and disease.  A few weeks after grafting has taken place, the scion wood and root stock will have grown together eventually forming a single plant but will always be two genetically different plants working as one. Root stock can be a different species from scion but should be closely related. 

 

 

 

 

                WHAT IS GRAFTING?

 

                  Grafting is a technique when tissues from one plant are inserted into another so the two sets of vascular tissue may join together as one.  There are lots of reason why grafting is used. To many to list here, but to name a few reasons why are : Precocity                                                                                                                         : Dwarfing                                                                                                                         : Ease of Propagation                                                                                                     : Hybrid Breeding

                                                    : Hardiness                                                                                                                       : Sturdiness                                                                                                                     : Disease/Pest resistance                                                                                               : Pollen Source                                                                                                                 : Repair                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          HOW DO YOU PROPERLY PLANT A TREE?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       There are many factors to consider when deciding to plant a tree.                      It is very important to select the proper tree for the proper place to                  insure that the tree will thrive in that area.  The hole for the tree                        should be dug out like a dish. Dig the hole at least 2-3 times bigger                     than the root ball of the tree. The tree's root collar/ buttress root                       should be above ground. Keep soil flat no mounding.  Spread the                       mulch around the tree. Keep the mulch flat around 3"-4" thick all the                 way out to the dripline of the tree. DO NOT PUT THE MULCH ON THE              BASE OF THE TREE. Keep mulch about 4"-6" away from the stem.