Should you be concerned when mushrooms grow on the base of your tree? Well, it depends on the type. Most mushrooms are harmless and are not a cause for alarm. However, we wanted to discuss one species called the honey fungus mushroom. This type is bad news, and you must take remediate action if you spot them on your tree.

The Honey Fungus Mushroom

The honey fungus is known for targeting tree roots and eating away at the wood and bark. This gradually weakens the tree’s base, eventually causing it to give way and topple over. When our emergency tree service removes decaying trees, they often spot signs of honey mushroom growth.

The fungus often grows on oak and birch trees, both of which are typical here in the Lake Stevens region. They also grow around fruit trees and hedge plants. Continue Reading →

You may be tempted to trim the tree in your yard. This seems like a fairly straightforward DIY task. It doesn’t seem overly complex as long as you have a sturdy saw, sheers, and decent upper body strength. However, tree trimming isn’t as simple as you may think. If you trim your own tree, you may be making these three tree pruning mistakes without even realizing it.

1. Incorrect Timing

You shouldn’t prune most tree species in the fall since this is when fungi spread their spores. Improper pruning can leave “wounds” that create an opening for fungus to enter and cause decay and disease.

There are other factors that dictate the timing, such as tree species and reason for pruning. If you want the tree to grow new branches for spring, for instance, then it wouldn’t be advisable to prune in the summer or in the middle of spring. Continue Reading →

Homeowners often take great care of their garden beds and small plants. However, they neglect their trees for some reason. There seems to be this belief that because a tree is so large by comparison that it’s perfectly capable of sustaining itself. While there is a kernel of truth to this, a tree can be so much healthier when the homeowner takes a pro-active role. Tree mulching is a good place to start.

Why Mulch Your Tree?

Mulching is an integral part of tree maintenance. It greatly enhances tree vitality by:

• Preventing soil compaction
• Keeping out weeds, which in turn prevents root competition
• Keeping the root moist through water retention
• Insulating the soil to provide a buffer from extreme temperatures

Continue Reading →

Whole Tree Care in Lake Stevens

Have you ever wondered why trees have leaves at all? Are they just there to make the tree look pretty? Leaves actually have a life-sustaining purpose and are a tree’s very lifeblood; without it, trees would starve to death.

Why Trees Have Leaves: It Keeps Them Alive

The leaves serve a life-giving function. It all comes down to that one term you learned about in your 5th-grade science class: photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process of leaves absorbing sunlight and using that energy to produce sugar and sap from which it feeds. Leaves contain tiny organelles in some of their cells called chloroplasts. These plastids handle the energy conversion process. Chloroplasts contain a pigment molecule that you have also likely heard of: Chlorophyll. This molecule is responsible for the leaves’ greenish to yellowish color.

Unbeknownst to the average person, trees also sweat much the same way people do. This process is called transpiration, and the leaves make this process possible. Water evaporates from the leaves, allowing the tree to cool down. Continue Reading →

Soil erosion is a serious problem for many homeowners, especially in regions with heavy rainfall. A tree, though, may be able to minimize this to a significant degree. Here’s why soil erosion prevention is so important and the role trees play in preserving the soil.

Soil Erosion Explained

Soil erosion occurs when the soil wears away due to the forces of rain and wind. This is bad for your home in multiple ways. Erosion creates gaps in the ground that allow water to pool. If this occurs next to your home, it can damage the concrete foundation. Excess water can also drown plants and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

How do Trees Prevent Soil Erosion?

Trees have extensive root systems that branch out into a network of smaller roots. These roots hold the soil in place and also improve the soil’s ability to drain.

Keep in mind, though, that not all trees have extensive root systems. Some have shallow roots that only grow a few feet. Also, a newly planted tree will need several years of growth before its roots are capable of holding the soil. We suggest a consultation with a tree service if you plan to plant a tree for this purpose.

Other Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion

Retaining walls are one effective means of preventing erosion. Mulch is yet another method; this provides a barrier that reduces the impact of pelting raindrops. Gravel has the same effect, as do fiber logs. Plus, these also add to the beauty of your landscape.

We Assess Residential Trees

Our service includes tree removal and emergency tree servicing after a storm. Call Pro-Cut Tree service for an assessment of your tree. A diseased tree lacks the root strength needed to prevent soil erosion.

Residential Tree Protection

Serving customers in Lake Stevens, Edmonds, Marysville, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish and the surrounding area

Being smack in the middle of January, you are probably not going to be using your pool anytime soon. However, enhancing your home is a common New Year’s Resolution. One way to boost function and curb appeal is with a poolside tree.

Should You Plant a Poolside Tree?

Beyond the visual aesthetics, a tree adjacent to a pool can be quite beneficial. It provides natural shade on a cloudless sunny day. However, with the benefit also comes some concerns. First, there is the risk of falling debris that may include individual leaves, twigs, and even whole branches. An even bigger concern are the roots. Tree species with an extensive root system can extend far below the soil and damage the pool liner or concrete. Tree removal may be necessary if you have a tree known for growing deep roots.

Best Poolside Trees

1. Spruce: these trees grow fairly quickly and produce thick foliage that nicely blocks out the view of prying eyes. Despite producing a lot of needles, they remain effectively intact, so no need to worry that one might shed needles into the pool.
2. Acacias: This species require little water. The roots, therefore, won’t gravitate towards a water source and damage the pool lining and surrounding concrete. Plus, they seldom shed their leaves.
3. Windmill Palms: Windmill palms can grow in containers, making them easily transportable. They are a favorite for poolside landscaping and can be moved indoors come winter. Like spruces and acacias, they seldom shed their leaves. 

We Care for Poolside Trees

Our tree service includes maintenance of trees located near residential pools. Furthermore, our emergency tree service can respond to incidences, such as the tree collapsing into the pool. Call Pro-Cut Tree Service for routine maintenance of your poolside tree.

Poolside Tree Maintenance

Serving customers in Lake Stevens, Edmonds, Marysville, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish and the surrounding area

Proper tree pruning is integral for long-term tree health. Most homeowners schedule tree maintenance in spring or summer as part of their general lawn care efforts. However, winter tree pruning is actually recommended. Here’s why this season is best.

Tree Dormancy

Most tree species go dormant during winter. During this time there is no new growth. This is beneficial because growth is hampered by cold temperatures. With winter pruning, the tree will have ample time to heal and be ready for vibrant growth by spring. 

Prevent Diseases

Most insect species are inactive during winter, thus reducing the risk of damage from pests and diseases. The area where the tree was cut is especially prone to bug and mold intrusion. The primary cause of tree removal is often due to premature death from pest and disease. 

Common tree diseases active during the previous summer and following spring include oak wilt, Dutch elm, and cedar hawthorn rust. The bacteria and parasites that spread these diseases are dead or dormant during winter.

More Efficient Assessment

Most tree species haver fewer leaves during when they’re dormant. This makes it easier for an arborist to identify the tree’s existing structure and diseased branches. Dying branches are prone to giving way especially if weighed down by accumulating frost and snow.

A tree full of twigs and leaves is more difficult to assess even for a trained tree care provider.

More Efficient Pruning

The soil freezes in winter, providing a solid surface for heavy equipment, which may be necessary when handling heavier branches. Heavy equipment resting on soft soil during the warmer seasons can cause compaction and damage your landscape.

We Perform Winter Pruning

Winter pruning may offset situations that may warrant emergency tree service. Contact Pro-Cut Tree Service while winter is still young. Winter pruning readies the tree for new growth while offsetting infection and disease.

Wintertime Tree Pruning

Serving customers in Lake Stevens, Edmonds, Marysville, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish and the surrounding area