“Location, location, location”: one of the most well known concepts when it comes to real estate. The same concept can be applied to planting new trees. Not all trees are suitable for a particular site. Many trees need ample space to grow both in crown mass and root stock. Other trees create fruit or flowers that can be a messy nuisance when those fruiting bodies fall from the tree. Still other trees do well in wet environments as others do well in dry environments. This can be a challenge when it comes to selecting the right tree for the right location.

One of the most common problems when it comes to tree selection is planting near concrete, primarily sidewalks and driveways. Some trees have very aggressive roots that are very damaging to concrete. Sweet gums, Sycamores, Poplars, and Cottonwoods are typical culprits when it comes to busted or raised sidewalks and driveways. Many municipalities post approved trees for planting trees along streets, primarily in planter strips, where sidewalks are an issue. Some lists categorize the trees into different groups based on the size planting strip available, anywhere from 3 feet to 8 foot strips. Typically, the smaller the strip the smaller the tree that can be planted.

Very few trees will do well in a 3 foot strip. This is usually only suitable for small ornamental trees like Flowering Pear, Dogwood, some Maples, and Katsura. In a 4 foot strip species like Eastern Redbud, Russian Olive, Japanese Snowbell, select Cherry, Crabapple, and Pear, and Serviceberry do well. When planting in larger strips of 6 to 8 feet, there are trees that will do well and can grow quite large at a mature age. Trees such as Oaks, Elms, Lindens, Beech, Tulip, and Zelkova can grow well in such areas. However, even with this space, concrete damage can occur with very mature trees.

The key is to give the trees ample growing space for their roots. When restricted, aggressive trees will seek out the very small space between the concrete and compacted gravel where there is water and oxygen available. The roots grow into this space and begin to expand in diameter, pushing the concrete up causing breakage and uplifting of a sidewalk or driveway. If the tree has plenty of space for growing it roots, concrete damage can be minimized.

Visit your local nursery and speak to your certified arborist ,Northwest Tree Specialists, about tree selection when is comes to planting new trees. They should have a good idea what is available and most appropriate for your specific site.

Its time to really look at your tree’s.  Are they healthy? Are you going to have problems with insect damage. Read this article from our Plant Health expert “Its’ A Spring Thing” 

Now is a good time to start thinking about your trees for the spring and summer.

one of Northwest trees trucks on emergency job

A properly pruned and taken care for tree is a great way to make you property look great and bring the value to your house. Plant health is a area that is most forgotten area of your annual budget. Trees cost a lot of money. If one of your trees gets diseased and/or damaged it may cost you a lot of money to replace it. That’s where Northwest Tree Specialists comes in. We have 6 certified arborists in our company and a licensed applicator for your plant health care needs. We can be reached at (503) 645-2242.

Accreditation: ISA, CCB, HBA, Washington Department of Labor & Industry Our sales team has a combined experience of about 40 years, in all aspects of removal and pruning, with the latest technology available to complete the job. Trevor and our team of professionals have learned through much training and certification the correct procedures for pruning and removal, and when each is necessary. We look at the trees on our job sites as if they were our own and ensure we do all we can to try and save the trees before we make the decision to remove them. They are also experienced in identifying tree defects, diseases and hazards and can make the recommendation on what treatment or procedure would help in resolving these issues. Although we have a high level of experience we are always continuing our education in every aspect of tree industry, including all the latest equipment and information available to ensure we are providing the top service throughout the Northwest.

Our crews are made up of one experienced climber/foreman, one or two junior climbers and a groundsman. We have three crews that have 3-4 men per crew. With a total combined experience of over 120 years, our staff and crews are more than qualified to help our customers with whatever their needs. We have provided our crews with the latest training through Arbormaster, the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and Vermeer Pacific training classes to keep them up to date with all the information required to do their jobs safely and efficiently. Along with the most recent training available, our crews are also supplied with the latest equipment and tools for the job which ensures the highest level of safety and performance. Every one of our employees is trained in the tree care industry to make all the decisions necessary to accomplish the job and to ensure the happiness of our customers.

Our crews have had experience with countless situations including removals large and small, with the technical experience to perform any job. With the combination of the equipment we use and the high level of expertise that comes with our staff and crews, we can ensure the safety and happiness of all our customers. There is no job too large or too small for us to handle. Every once in a while the use of a crane is required to get the job done safely and our crews are well experienced in handling this type of job. To ensure the continued health of the trees that we prune, we require that all of our climbers/arborists complete this portion of the job without the use of climbing spikes.

Arborist

An arborist is someone who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining trees. ISA certification is a voluntary process where individuals can document their base of knowledge in the industry. This certification is testimony to the individual’s knowledge and ability to provide proper tree care to the customer. Acquiring this certification requires learning through experience and bookwork to be able to pass a comprehensive exam that has been developed by some of the nations leading experts in tree care. In order to maintain their certification, arborists are required to continue their education. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Our Sales Representatives

All of our sales people are trained in the industry and are ready to offer the best advice and recommendation possible for your specific needs. We believe in providing our customers with the best in service and quality of work to ensure continued happiness and safety. We have a large base of return customers that are repeatedly satisfied with the quality of our work and our professionalism.

Our Customer Service Process

When you contact our office we will take your information and give it to one of arborists. They will contact you to get a general idea of the service you are looking for and set up a time to come and meet with you. They will do a walk through on your property and look at everything you want done and even go as far as giving you advice on any trees on the property that look as though they might need help.
After the work has been approved and completed, the representative who helped you will follow up with a phone call and walk through if necessary. This is to ensure that our clients are satisfied and all work was performed to the specifications of the contract.
Everyone at Northwest Tree Specialists will do anything we can to help our customers. We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality in customer service and look forward to working with all our new customers and continuing to provide our service to all our current repeat customers.

What are ANSI A300 standards?
They are industry standards developed by a committee called the ANSI-accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A300. The committee has representatives from a broad and diverse group of industrial and governmental organizations. The standards dictate the requirements and recommendations of the tree care industry for satisfactory performance of tree care maintenance. This means tree care companies who perform work according to ANSI A300 standards are following accepted industry practices for tree care maintenance operations.

Happy New Year! from your friends at Northwest Tree Specialists.