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The heart of winter has arrived and keeping warm, as always, is a priority. When outside, dressing in layers is always important but have you ever considered that there is a similar process that can be incorporated to heat your home? Everyone seems to know that layers and covering the body’s extremities - head, hands, and feet are important, especially when the wind is howling and cold weather approaches but what steps are needed to ensure the firewood you have collected is ready to produce a sufficient heat source for the particular area needed.

Even for homeowners who have central heating and air, an alternative heat source can be extremely beneficial. Not only will having the capability to provide heat via a wood fire benefit your pocketbook by lowering the electric bill but it can also provide warmth should the power ever be out, or just allow for a different feel - one that is warm and inviting - inside the home throughout the winter months.

A fireplace or wood stove can be a significant heat source and depending on where it is located inside the home could be used solely as a serviceable source of warmth, replacing electricity. However, did you know that there is a process to ensuring that the wood you burn is top quality and a significant heat producer? Yes, there are steps you can take to make certain your fireplace is working to the best of its ability, keeping you and your family warm and cozy throughout the entire winter season.

One of the first things to consider is the type of wood that is being burned.

Some of the best burning woods for your fires include hardwoods like oak and walnut, among others.    These hardwoods burn longer while providing a significant source of heat as opposed to softer woods which will not burn as long or produce the same amount of energy. Regardless, the key to getting a fire to ignite and provide warmth is to have wood which has been seasoned for some time prior to being lit. Seasoned wood, that which has been allowed to dry out for a given period of time - a year is recommended for most hardwoods - will be most beneficial. 

“Green” wood, that which hasn’t seasoned or is freshly harvested will typically not burn or provide good fuel for a fire. The newness inhibits the wood’s ability to ignite and if lit can cause issues through sut production and build up inside a chimney after repeated use. While green wood and softwoods, like pine, can be suitable for outdoor fires and bonfires, they are definitely not an adequate material for your indoor fireplace or wood stove.

Time

The passage of time allows for the wood in question to continue drying after having been cut and separated thoroughly. While finding a good amount of wood that can be used as a heat source is important, preparing in advance for the onset of adverse weather is the key to enjoying what all a natural fireplace and wooden heat source can provide.

Depending on the time of year that a tree was removed or cut for firewood, or any other reason, knowing that the wood has cured for about an average of a year is vital to enjoying a heat producing, long-lasting solution.

Knowing how to season lumber can be an artform and beneficial to not only the person for whom it is intended but also a provider - if you’re in the business of firewood production. 

Stacking

Almost as important, where you decide the stack of wood in relation to your home and ease of accessibility can be important. There are obviously a number of factors to take into consideration when looking at where to pile firewood - proximity, ease of access, etc. - but the ability to keep an entire stack dry is critically important. If the stack is exposed to the weather, then drying can be infiltrated by the elements leading to an extended period of time needed prior to use. Arguably, the ability to find a suitable location for the fuel source is one of the most important features.

Building a foundation can also help to establish a stacking method which can be used well into the future. By eliminating the wood’s exposure to the ground, both the risk for infestation and rot significantly decreases during a vitally important role in the burning process for homeowners. 

Planning and Patience

Finally, coinciding with the first few examples of how to dry your firewood before use - is the ability to patiently wait while nature takes its course. Planning for this interval of time from when wood can be obtained until it is ready to be burned is a critical step in the process and one that many homeowners, unfortunately, forget. Once they have harvested some wood which they believe to be immediately able to provide a good heat source, they rush to place it in a wood stove or fireplace only to find out that their fire will not light - or requires a significant amount of effort in order to do so. With properly seasoned wood, the ignition process time is significantly reduced and you, along with your family, will be enjoying a nice warm fire in no time at all.

For this reason, if you are planning to use wood already available on your own property via tree removal, then gaining access to some dry wood for this season is important. Remember, the wood needs to dry for at least one year after being cut down and a good supply source for the interim is needed.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today.
 

Trees are one of the most resilient plants in all of nature but even these study structures can sometimes fall and create unwanted damage to a person or their property. Millions of dollars in damage is created every year as trees topple onto fences, cars, and sometimes even homes. Whether by natural causes due to decay or a dying root system, in addition to being forced over by Mother Nature and the elements of weather, trees sometimes become unsteady and have the potential to come crashing down. 

Weather elements like high wind, ice, and the weight of snow in a tree top can bring one down to the ground in an instant. Even heavy rain may loosen the soil surrounding a tree’s root system and cause it to become unsteady when the wind blows, even if it is not exceedingly strong. Anytime there are trees that have the potential to land on valuable property - a home, garage, fence, car or other structure - ensuring they are properly maintained and do not present a liability is increasingly important. While no one can predict precisely when or even if a tree may fall, there are a few signs that something may be wrong.

Periodic checks of the trees on your property can provide some reassurance and potentially highlight any issues. Once noticed, appropriate actions should be taken in order to ensure that the tree or trees do not become a bigger problem. A professional evaluation can determine the measures that need to be taken to remedy any areas of concern. This could be from simply removing a few branches, to topping the tree, or a complete removal. 

Following are some danger signs that point to a tree being in jeopardy of causing damage by falling.

Leaning

The idea is to keep trees upright and in good condition. If you notice any that are already leaning or perhaps growing on a slope and extending outward instead of upward then these need to be given special consideration. A leaning tree already has a strike against it even if completely healthy otherwise. By already moving over, gravity is not the friend of this type of tree.

Leaning trees occur for different reasons, but light, soil composition, and steady winds all are common impacts. One way to evaluate a leaning tree is through photography. Older pictures may display the degree to which a tree has leaned over time and if it is getting worse, then appropriate action needs to be taken immediately.

Holes

Trees that have open cavities within their trunk structure could also be prone to falling. These holes reduce the amount of support a tree has in their trunk and then create an area where breaking would occur. Typically forming near the base of a tree, these openings can make for a dangerous combination with a tall tree that has so much weight pressing down on an unsteady foundation.

There are a variety of different causes for holes in trees from insects, to animals, and even the tree itself removing branches can create cavities and space. While not every tree that has some evidence of a hole is going to topple over, it should peak interest and serve as a warning sign for further inspection to assure a tree is safe.

Cracks

Similar to holes, cracks may not mean falling is inevitable but they should be examined to determine the cause and if any measures should be taken to alleviate the potential danger of coming down. Depending on where the cracks are developing and cause, an assessment can me made on the overall health of the tree and steps put in place to either remedy the danger or remove the tree entirely.

Cracks near the base of a tree create issues for the entire thing to come down whereas those occurring at higher points could lead to branches or limbs falling. A natural occurrence, cracks begin to develop if a tree is not getting appropriate nourishment and may be the result of weather as well. High winds can cause limbs to sustain an abundance of stress and begin to peel away from the trunk. These are the first warning signs and something that should be taken into consideration when overlooking the health of any trees that could fall on a property.

Root Damage

Tree roots are important elements anchoring the tree to the ground. They typically grow into the ground but can also be visible on top of the surface. Depending on the surroundings and soil quality, examining any root damage can be difficult to ascertain. 

Tree roots can also cause structural damage depending on the location of a tree and while attempting to combat a tree from falling, realizing their root systems are also a potential damage causing entity is something to consider when evaluating a property for potential dangers or warning signs regarding the health of its trees.

Similar to holes beginning to show up in trees, root damage can be caused by a variety of sources. The key is to determine if this damage is going to weaken the base of a tree enough to potentially result in it falling to the ground. Having a professional examine a tree with potential signs of root damage or decay is important because much of the damage will typically not be noticeable to the naked eye. A thorough investigation is needed to ensure that the tree is safe and should not cause any potential dangers to the people or property below.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today.

There are a number of different factors to consider when deciding to add trees into a landscape design or onto your own property, regardless of the intended use. Not only is the developmental time frame for which type of tree you decide to plant and the saplings impending care also something to consider but knowing each individual plant will eventually grow into towering objects, then placement becomes extremely important. 

No trees of any species should ever be planted too close to a home or any other structure where they may fall and damage something but this isn’t the only concern. Trees grow outwards both above and below the surface and, depending on the type, especially near the peak of their trunk. Any objects that may interfere with this growth, development, and a maturing root system or branches should be given consideration before planting takes place.

It is also important to understand how the tree will look 10 or 20-plus years down the line into the future. Obviously it will be mature at that point but if the species loses leaves in the fall then yearly cleanup should be added to the amount of work homeowners are willing to put into the upkeep of a planted tree before putting it into the ground.

Trees have many benefits ranging beyond their environmental effects and extending to personal, social, and even community impacts. A tree is also one of the least expensive, sometimes flowering plants, an individual can add to their landscape given the minimal amount of upkeep and resilience compared to many of the other available options for decoration or functionality.

Specific to Colorado, and depending on the desired results from planting, there are five types of trees that have been scientifically proven to grow the fastest. A decades long study identified the best trees for varying growth rates across the state was conducted and following is a look at the five fastest growing trees, complete with the characteristics and special considerations of each.

Cottonwood Trees

Cottonwood trees are one of the fastest growing species, not only in Colorado but across all of North America, rapidly increasing in height after being planted. They can add upwards of six-feet annually and when mature reach well over 100 feet up into the sky. Their sheer size makes them an amazing shade tree but one that does not work well in most groomed landscapes or residential environments.

Growing quickly creates a weaker wood substance and the cottonwood is subject to easily breaking, which can cause other dangerous issues. One of these in your yard, even if not in an area where falling onto the house or losing limbs which may cause damage could be a concern, still creates a headache by the natural breaking that can occur. Having to routinely pick up unsightly limbs from your lawn would grow tiring extremely fast - almost at the same rate of the tree.

Catalpa Trees

Another rapidly growing tree, catalpas don’t reach near the same height as cottonwoods and, as a result, are more suited for the everyday landscape. Catalpa tree planting and future care are both relatively easy so that you can receive a tree that will not only provide an abundance of shade, a home for birds and natural wildlife, or a significant wind barrier but also an aesthetically pleasing purpose to your lawn.

Catalpa trees have flowers that appear in the spring and typically last well into the summer months. These flowering trees are great for enhancing the look of your landscape in a relatively short time period due to their overall growth rate.

Silver Maple Trees

One of the most common trees across the United States, the silver maple is another fast growing tree option readily available to homeowners. A happy medium between the flowering catalpa and extremely tall cottonwood, the silver maple can provide excellent shade but other factors must be considered when planting next to a home or any other structure.

Faster growing trees don’t develop the hardwoods needed to provide a steady composition and maple trees can be damaged or break easily under the weight of heavy snow or ice. Depending on where the tree is located and the reach of its canopy, special care should be given to any existing trees or where new ones are going to be located.

Blue Spruce Trees

The official state tree of Colorado, blue spruces can be used for a variety of purposes in landscaping, including residential areas. Privacy, wind break, and to serve as a focal point in a greater concept are just some of the multiple benefits associated with this special species.

The healthy Colorado blue spruce presents a perfectly symmetrical, triangular shape most commonly associated with Christmas trees. These wonderful trees hail from the evergreen family. keeping their distinct coloring throughout the entire year.

White Oak Trees

A slower developing tree then its predecessors, the white oak creates a hardwood for a sturdy presence either in the yard, pasture, or on the border of a property. A significant shade tree, white oaks are extremely durable and can survive in a variety of conditions. Their stronger branches also accomodate the ice and snow associated with Colorado winters.

White oak trees prefer a fair amount of sunlight but if planting new samplings, then consideration for the future development of each must be considered. These grow to approximately 60-70 feet and will create a leaf canopy of almost similar comparison.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today.

Many home or business owners keep close watch over the landscape of their property in terms of flowering plants, mulch beds, and lawn areas. These different places are an outward representation of the occupant and curb-appeal definitely exists. Whether or not your place of business or residence is currently on the market matters not - people will draw significant conclusions about the type of person you are or the business you run, simply from their impression diagnosed by the outside representation of your property.

Right or wrong, this is a fact and could influence any potential interactions - whether business or personal, between you as the homeowner and anyone who has taken notice of your landscape. However, one of the forgotten areas for people to consider when keeping a constant check on their plant life is the trees which oversee the land beneath them. Thought to be strong and sturdy, many of them are, the damage a dead or dying tree could cause needs to be given swift attention. For this reason, routinely checking the health of trees on your property and quickly analyzing any potential issues can literally save you money.

Damaged, dying, or dead trees exhibit signs and in some cases the tree may be subject for treatment to prevent any potential condition from advancing. The good news is that a saved tree will continue to provide either a specific look, shade, or other benefit to your property where a damaged tree may have an unsightly leaf fall during the spring or summer of the year, leave branches laying around on the ground, or worse - fall entirely. The latter poses a serious threat to anything underneath which may be damaged by the tree when it lands. Buildings, automobiles, equipment, and other plant life are all in danger once a tree begins to topple over on its own. Also, the landowner will be left with both a downed tree which needs to be removed, an unsightly stump, or an entire area which may need to be repaired should the trunk and root system be pulled out of the ground together. Regardless, none are issues that people wish to deal with on a daily basis and all create even more problems than just the downed tree.

Following are signs to look for when observing the trees on your property to ensure they are healthy and not going to pose any unexpected issues. Keep in mind, these are indications of a problem and while Mother Nature may periodically cause damage with her high winds, excessive rain, or a combination of the two, even healthy trees are subject to potential damage when constantly exposed to these elements. After any severe weather, trees should be checked for any of the following signs in addition to potential broken limbs or branches which could fall that may have been caused by the storm.

ROOT SYSTEM SIGNS

Starting from the ground up - tree roots, like those of any plant, are the base of the plant which are located underground although depending on the tree type and condition may be viewable above the surface to some extent. Tree roots essentially perform two very important jobs for the overall health of a tree. Growing down deep into the ground the root system both anchors the entire plant and also serves to provide nutrition for the tree. 

Tree roots may extend beyond the canopy of a full grown tree and are subject to damage from a variety of different factors. Excess water could cause rot around the base of a tree and exposed root systems could be damaged by routine lawn maintenance. Also, any digging, even when you believe you are away from the a tree’s root system, could potentially damage the root system putting the entire tree at jeopardy.

Signs of root damage are often visible to the naked eye and include any cuts, scrapes, or other indicators of damage to roots which are above ground. Underground root damage typically comes in the form of an entire break.

TRUNK SIGNS

Tree trunks are typically covered in bark and the health of this substance can be a significant indicator of the overall health of a tree. Consider the bark to be the “skin” of a tree and any missing or bald spots indicate a closer examination is needed. 

Another telltale sign of a sick, damaged, or dying tree is a hollow section or hole in the trunk itself. These cavities indicate internal decay which can be a serious issue leading to a tree quickly becoming a potential fall hazard. A hollow section within the trunk of a sizeable tree doesn’t leave much reliability in the sturdiness and ability to withstand any potential high winds should they occur.

BRANCH SIGNS

Continuing the observation of a tree by moving up into the branch and canopy portions, any branches which are not leaf producing are potentially damaged. Trees with any sign of these type branches should immediately be given special attention to determine the cause behind what is occurring.

Fallen branches and limbs can also be examined to see if there is any sign of another issue, such as rot or damage caused by insects. Especially when there have been no recent weather patterns which may cause limbs to fall or in the spring or summer when a tree should be at its healthiest, if branches begin to litter the landscape it could be a sign of something potentially more significant.

LEAF SIGNS

Any discoloration or dropping of leaves that doesn’t correlate to the season is an immediate sign of a tree in distress. By quickly having a tree examined, steps can be made to potentially save the tree but if ignored for too long, then the damage may be too severe for any help.

Leaves foliage problems can be caused by a variety of different factors, including insects, heat, or a deficiency in nutrients. Depending on the culprit, an appropriate plan can be derived to keep your tree from becoming a serious threat as a fall hazard should any damage progress.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today. 

The changing seasons throughout a calendar year all have different feelings associated with their presence but none may be more enjoyable than the changes associated with the fall season. Long gone is the heat of summer as the air begins to cool and mother nature lets it be known that winter will be approaching soon. During this transition, the leaves begin to change colors creating a scene of natural beauty around all of Colorado and many of the surrounding areas. The different leaf colors consisting of yellows, reds, and browns combine with the remaining evergreens to create an awe inspiring scene of natural beauty.

However, once this phenomenon takes place these same leaves then fall from the trees and create a headache for property owners once on the ground. Covering lawns, driveways, and road ways, the leaves can be a nuisance to people by covering their landscape and creating numerous issues around any home or place of business. Unattended leaves will eventually clog gutter systems, forcing considerable drainage issues - create trip and slip hazards on walkways - or simply cover a yard and choke out the grass underneath by blocking necessary sunlight and keeping moisture from reaching the soil level.

These issues are the result of one of the most beautiful times of the year but also one that must be given special attention in order to ensure your lawn and landscape is ready for winter and the following spring’s growth season. Faced with the downed leaves, fortunately, there are multiple options for homeowners to handle their current situations. Each of these different uses provides a beneficial solution to what could seemingly be a hazard if left alone.
Bag

Raking and bagging leaves is a common solution for many individuals for pickup by their local town or municipality, if provided as an available service in your specific area. However, instead of simply having these leaves hauled off of your property as a waste material, there are a few uses for the bags which can benefit you during both the upcoming winter and spring seasons. 

These bagged leaves can provide a method for naturally insulating your home and help to reduce the cost of heating in the winter. By stacking the bags around your basement, garage, or other cold prone areas of your home, the bagged leaves can go to work for you and then be used as compost in the next spring.
Mulch

While leaves left to lay on your lawn may create issues for the grass underneath, the covering can be beneficial for other plants and some crops. Instead of bagging the leaves, simply moving them to an area where they can serve a better purpose eliminates one of the hardest ways to handle their presence. Leaves can benefit certain other plants by providing a mulch like material which can help protect the plants or crops where it is moved to assist. 

Perennial vegetables benefit from this mulch material created by leaves which help to protect the plants underneath during the harsh winters. By providing a natural ground cover and keeping the heat and warmth located inside and close to the ground, these plants will benefit from the leafy mulch layer and the good news is there is little effort required, since no bagging or breaking down of the individual leaves is needed.
Mold

Another idea for removing leaves from your property and then letting them go back to work for you is to create leaf mold. Either by creating a container bin, using wire or another material, somewhere on your property or simply bagging the leaves and letting them decompose naturally, once a pile has been created it will be ready for use in just a few years. 

The leaf mold mixture is almost like a natural fertilizer for your lawn or garden and has many benefits - including being virtually weed free. By naturally recycling the leaves found on property, one can put their leaves to use for them yearly after establishing a leaf mold cycle.
Shred

One of the easiest and most convenient methods for disposing of the leaf problem is to shred them where they lie. If not, the covering will eliminate light, other necessary minerals, and especially water from reaching the soil and grass underneath which can create even more issues for any natural landscape.

By continuing to run a lawn mower over the yard after the leaves have fallen, the break down allows the leaves to immediately begin to decompose in the yard providing their own essential minerals and removing the cover so water can reach the surface. One of the easiest and least exhaustive methods of handling fallen leaves, shredding is a useful option.
Fun

Before utilizing any of these methods there are a few activities for putting leaves to use prior to selecting which method will work best for you. Leaves can be heaped into a pile used for jumping or running through which can be fun for kids of all ages, in addition to the many crafts which can be created from individual leaves or a collection of astonishing fall colors.

There are plenty of fall leaf crafts to choose from which can aid in providing decoration for your home on both the inside or outside. These colors will help get any home or family into the spirit of fall and ready for the fast approaching holidays before they arrive.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today.