Tag: tree growth

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The Effects of Heavy Rains on Trees

Trees are renowned for being strong, but that doesn’t mean they can survive everything. After heavy rainfall, trees can fall victim to disease and infestation. That’s why ensuring your trees stay healthy through the inevitable Florida storm season is essential. Read on to learn more about the devastating effects of heavy rains on trees.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a significant problem for trees, especially in the case of heavy rains. These issues occur when soil particles are removed from their original place by wind or water. Soil erosion can be caused naturally or artificially, but it often occurs due to human activity.

When you plant a tree in your yard, its roots will grow down into the soil and anchor that tree against strong winds and heavy rains. Without these natural anchors, a strong storm could knock over your entire yard if unchecked!

In addition to planting trees that have deep roots that can anchor themselves into the ground, there are other things you can do to prevent soil erosion:

  • Mulch—Mulching around new plants protects against rainstorms and other extreme weather events. If you’re looking for an easy way to add some mulch around newly planted trees, try using fallen leaves as mulch instead! These will decompose over time while still providing nutrients for your plants; they’re free! And if they don’t decompose quickly enough? Just add more on top later once they’ve rotted away completely. 

Foundation Damage

The effects of heavy rains on trees often lead to soil erosion, which can lead to foundation damage. As the soil is washed away, it may weaken the roots of your trees and cause them to lean or fall over. The moisture in heavy rain also causes tree roots to expand, increasing their size and surface area for absorption purposes. Trees with an extensive root system need more water than others; therefore, if you have many mature trees on your property, they will require watering after a heavy rainstorm to maintain their health.

Leaning and Falling Trees

A leaning and falling tree is a sign of a poor root system. If the tree is leaning, its root system isn’t as strong as it should be. This could be because the tree has been planted in a shady area and hasn’t been able to grow well enough to support itself; or, if you’re planting new trees, you may have given them too much water at first (this causes roots to grow more than they should). It’s also possibly due to weak trunk growth/strength. The trunk holds up your beautiful tree and keeps it upright, so if this part of your plant is weak or unhealthy, it may also begin to lean over time. 

Soil Moisture

Soil moisture is an essential factor in healthy tree growth. This can be measured by the moisture tension and the force of attraction between water and soil particles. The amount of water in the soil affects this force; when there’s little or no water present, a lot of energy must be used to pull water molecules into the solution (that is, make them dissociate). 

However, when there’s more than enough water present in a given area—whether it’s a puddle or an entire lake—it can be difficult for any additional molecules to enter the solution because they have many pathways already available to them; this leads to high surface tension at those points where droplets form on leaves or stem as they absorb moisture from their surroundings.

Heavy Rains Have Adverse Effects on Trees

Heavy rains can harm the health of your trees. Rainfall can cause soil erosion and the loss of topsoil due to water flow or wind. Heavy rains can also cause foundation damage and leaning or falling trees, especially when the ground is saturated with water. This can lead to root rot and disease in your tree if it is not cared for properly.

When there is too much moisture in the soil surrounding your trees, this may cause them to die due to fungal diseases caused by excess moisture around their roots, as well as many other issues. 

If you have any questions about the health of your trees after a storm, call us at SB Tree Service; We’ll be happy to help!

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What is the Best Time of Year to Remove Trees from Your Yard?

You probably think you know when it’s the best time of year to remove trees in Florida. But are you sure? Well, this article will give you the definitive answer.

Spring

Spring is an excellent time to remove trees from your yard in Florida. Several factors make this the ideal season for tree removal:

  • the sap has risen, making it easier to work with tree trunks and branches.
  • you can clean up your yard before new growth appears.
  • protect new growth from damage.

Summer

You might think that summer would be the best time to remove a tree. After all, you can get a lot done during those long, hot days when everyone else is at the beach or home in front of the air conditioner. However, removing trees during this season isn’t recommended for several reasons. 

Rainy Season

Rain is an apparent reason you shouldn’t remove trees in Florida during summertime—it just doesn’t make sense to risk having your home damaged by heavy wind and rain from hurricanes and tropical storms. Avoiding the rainy season means more time for planning and preparation before any storm blows through town!

Hurricane Season

Another reason why you should wait until fall to remove trees from your yard is that hurricane season tends to start in late June and last through November. If not removed properly before hurricane season begins, fallen trees have a greater chance of damaging homes and even causing injury if they land on someone while they’re outside enjoying themselves during these months.

Fall

If you’re looking for a time when the weather is cooler, fall is the perfect option. We can work in colder temperatures and reduce stress on both our crews and your trees during this season. Many people prefer fall because they can schedule tree removal and other services around other work they need to be done on their property.

Fall also offers plenty of opportunities for landscaping projects! It’s an excellent time to plant new trees or shrubs that will grow during warm months. Fall also makes it easy to produce perennials like azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias since their roots have time before winter arrives to establish themselves in their new environment.

With all these great benefits of working in fall come to some challenges, too—the main challenge being weather conditions! You may think it would be easier for us. Still, sometimes strong winds can pose dangerous hazards for our workers, so extra care needs to be taken before starting any job site activity during such conditions (also, remember high winds = less sunlight reaching plants).

Winter

Winter is the best time to remove trees from your yard in Florida because the tree is dormant and the ground is dry. Trees are more likely to have active roots that haven’t been exposed yet if you wait until spring when they are growing again.

Also, storm season is over, and dirt won’t be as wet or muddy after a heavy rainstorm. This makes it easier for us to get our equipment into hard-to-reach places like under large trees with heavy branches that hang low over lawns or driveways to cut them down safely without damaging anything below them.

The Best Time of Year to Remove Trees: Conclusion 

The best time to have a tree removed is during the dry season when the tree is in a dormant state. This means that you should avoid removing trees during wet weather or during periods of drought when there has been no rainfall for an extended period. The most important reason for this is that as long as there’s even a little moisture on your property, it makes it much easier for fungal diseases like oak root fungus to spread through the roots and damage nearby trees.

With proper care taken in removing your tree, you can be sure that its removal will not cause any future problems with your yard or home.

As you can see, the best time to remove trees from your yard in Florida is definitely during the late fall or early winter. If you’d like help with this or any other landscaping services in Brevard and Volusia County, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an estimate. We’d be happy to help you with whatever tree service needs you may have!

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5 Common Mistakes When Planting a New Tree

Newly transplanted trees are vulnerable during the first few years in their new location. Proper planting and care at the beginning will help establish a strong root system and provide a healthy, long-lived tree. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when planting a tree:

1. Tree Type 

If you’re thinking about planting a new tree on your property, take note: not all trees are alike, and it’s essential to choose the best species for your site. One common mistake is selecting trees that are the wrong size or won’t thrive in your area. 

Select high-quality trees that are adapted to local conditions. Species selection is essential because some species may have characteristics that lead to poor growth. For example, weeping willows and cottonwoods grow rapidly but are not long-lived and are susceptible to many pests.

Planting a tree that thrives in direct sunlight in a shaded area of your yard can mean disaster and cause many headaches, leading to our next mistake. 

2. Improper Placement 

The planting site is also essential. A site with a good history of plant survival and growth is probably a good place to plant a tree, though it may or may not be the best choice for the tree you want.

Avoid planting too close to the home, as this can interfere with utilities (especially sewer lines) and can cause damage to the foundation wall if roots grow under the structure. 

Trees planted too close together become crowded and compete for nutrients, water, and space. Eventually, this leads to crowding, growth suppression, and increased susceptibility to pests. Place trees far enough apart so their mature canopy widths will not overlap when they reach maturity; this saves money by eliminating the need to remove

3. Planted Too Deep or Too Shallow 

Planting a tree too deep can cause the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) to be buried. This can lead to problems related to the rotting of the trunk and roots. If this occurs, the tree will essentially be girdled by its roots. The best way to avoid this problem is to understand that planting too deeply is one of the most common reasons trees fail in landscape settings. 

To make sure you don’t grow too deeply, dig your hole so that the depth from the bottom of your hole to the top of your root ball is equal to approximately the depth of soil on your root ball.

If your hole is too shallow, it’s not draining well; when there isn’t enough water for them to suck up, some trees will die from lack of moisture or light. You can tell if it’s too shallow by looking at the bottom of the hole: if water collects there and doesn’t drain out, then it probably needs more soil packed into it so that water can get through quickly. 

4. Not Using Stakes 

Not using stakes to hold up a newly planted tree. The roots of a new tree need time to develop before the stability provided by these roots can take over from the support provided by stakes. If you don’t use stakes, instability can cause damage to the developing root system, stunting growth and contributing to disease in the trunk and branches of your new tree.

5. Poor Watering 

The most common mistake when planting a new tree is not watering enough. Even if the soil around your new tree is damp, you still need to make sure that you are watering your newly planted tree. If you are growing an established tree, it may be that it needs more water than you think. It is best to plant in the spring or fall to minimize exposure to low temperatures or frost depending on where in Florida you live. 

Planting a New Tree: Conclusion 

If we all take a little time to plan and be aware of our environment, many of the problems with planting a new tree can be avoided. Trees improve our overall health, beautify and enrich the community, and help us live more sustainably. Planting a tree is a big decision, but it will undoubtedly pay off in the future. A few simple guidelines, like those mentioned here, will go a long way towards ensuring the success of your next tree-planting endeavor.

Here at SB Tree Service, we take pride in caring for our client’s every tree needs. Contact us today for a FREE estimate! 

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3 Florida Trees that Change Color in Fall

When you think of fall, generally, you picture red, orange, and yellow leaves and crisp cool air. However, Florida in the fall is much like Florida in any other season. Although we see a drop in temperature, we do not see trees take dramatic changes throughout the year as they do in the northern states. 

Don’t get us wrong, Florida is a beautiful state and has plenty to offer when it comes to enjoying the beauty of nature. However, admiring the foliage during the fall is not one of those things. Fortunately, a few trees can offer residents a small glimpse into the fall spirit and the ability to admire the changing leaves. Today we will look into 3 different types of trees that change color in fall down here in the sunshine state. 

1. Red Maple 


The Red Maple tree is Florida’s most traditional color-changing tree, typically found in the central and northern part of the state. This tree is a reasonably fast grower and can average around 35-80 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. Because of its large structure and rapid growth, you’re going to need to give this tree lots of room to thrive. If you are looking for more colorful leaves, this tree displays more vibrant beauty when placed in rich, organic, and wet soil. 

2. Crape Myrtles 

Did you know that the Crape Myrtles were originally grown in Japan, China, and parts of Southeast Asia? Now, you can find these beautiful blossoming trees throughout Florida. The beauty of the Crape Myrtle tree can be admired throughout the year with beautiful cluster-like flowers that seem to weep off the branches. In the autumn months, the Crape Myrtle’s leaves change to beautiful hues of red, burgundy, yellow, and orange, giving Florida residents a small glimpse of the fall beauty that many northerners get to enjoy each year. 

3. Blackgum

The Blackgum tree is highly adaptable to the environment. Typically, they are found near Florida’s famous swamplands and prefer more acidic and wet soil. During the fall months, the bright and green leaves slowly change to red during the first few weeks of fall. During these months, small blue fruit is produced which attracts wildlife such as birds and squirrels causing the tree to be filled with life. 

Don’t be quick to cross Florida off your list if you want to admire the beauty that changing foliage brings in the fall months. Even though many trees stay green and vibrant year-round, a handful of our trees do offer a change in colors and instill the spirit of fall. Are you looking for tree services in the Brevard and Volusia county areas? SB Tree Service is here to help you with all your tree care needs, from trimming, removal, stump grinding, and much more. Give us a call today and schedule a free estimate! 

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3 of Florida’s Fastest Growing Trees

Ever wonder what makes some Florida trees grow faster than others? And why do some trees grow faster than other trees of the same species? Understanding what causes trees to grow faster than their neighbors may help you better identify Florida’s fastest-growing trees. Let’s dive into the subject of growth and talk about 3 of Florida’s fastest-growing trees.

1. Red Maple 

Many residents who have lived in Florida or the south have never seen the beauty of changing leaves that the fall brings in the northern states. However, the Florida Red Maple tree is an exception to that. Although it may not change color right around fall, residents can gaze at its beauty when it does. These trees grow exceptionally well in central Florida’s climate and are fast growers. 

They can grow anywhere from 35-80 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide in the right conditions. Although this tree is beautiful and a quick grower in the right conditions. It is also easily susceptible to strong winds. If you plan to plant this majestic beauty near your home, make sure there is enough room for it to grow and avoid damaging your home during a storm. 

2. Green Ash

The Florida Green Ash can reach heights up to 70 feet. Like many other fast-growing Florida trees, the Green Ash tree can grow in relatively any condition. During its earlier stages, the tree is oddly shaped. However, once it beings to mature, it will oval out and grow more symmetrically. However, the color changes in this tree are not seen as much here in the south. During the fall months in more northern climates, the glossy dark green foliage often turns yellow. 

3. Southern Slash Pine

I am sure that if you have driven down a back road in Florida or even along a highway, you have seen a small forest of Slash Pine trees. These fast-growing trees are all over Florida and have been one of the most desirable trees for timber plantations across the state. They can often reach a height of 80 feet or more, and with their straight and narrow trunk, it makes an excellent forest product. 

Florida’s climate gives trees and other plants the ability to thrive and grow quickly. If you are buying property or looking to add some trees to your yard for extra shade, keep these trees in mind when speaking with your arborist. Here at SB Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborist can help you with all of your tree care needs. Whether you need to plant new trees or trim old ones before they cause damage, contact us at SB Tree Service, your trust tree care experts. 

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Young Tree Care

Learning how to take care of a newly planted or young tree properly is essential in the crucial beginning stages of growth. To establish a healthy and thriving root system, you must carefully tend to the young tree. With the proper time and care, your young tree will grow to be healthy and strong in no time. To do this, you must consider a few factors, such as:

  • placement
  • fertilizer
  • water
  • infestations

All of these factors play a role in the health and growth of your tree. If you’re interested in learning more about young tree care, read on to get more in-depth information. 

#1: Location

The location in which you place your young tree is vital to developing a healthy root system. Growing trees need space to grow above ground, and their roots need room to grow throughout the soil without interference. If you are planting multiple trees, make sure they are spaced out evenly and are not overcrowded by one another. Taking the time to plan out the perfect spot for your tree or trees, you will ensure that they have plenty of room and space to grow. 

#2: Fertilizer  

The soil in which you plant your young tree needs sufficient nutrients to aid in the growing process. Tree roots need oxygen and other nutrients to thrive, especially during the growing seasons. A lack of these will cause the tree to grow slower and cause it to become deficient in proper nutrients, which can permanently damage the tree from the inside out. A few ways to make sure your trees get what they need is by:

  • Not allowing the soil to become compacted 
  • Planting your young tree in soil that is rich in nutrients; some trees need more specific nutrients to thrive 
  • Fertilizing your tree during the growing season 

#3: Water

Young trees need more water than established trees. If the tree does not receive an adequate amount of water from nature, you must tend to it yourself. Here are a few things to consider before watering your tree, which include:

  • size of your tree 
  • season in which you have planted it
  • water it has already received  

By considering these two factors, you can determine how frequently you will need to water. After the first few months of planting, the roots should be established to cut down on watering. 

#4: Inspect for Insects and Pest

An infestation of insects or pests can wreak havoc on any tree but especially young trees. If the root system is not fully established yet, the tree may not be strong enough to endure the infestation. Insects and bugs will be a regular occurrence on your young tree, and spotting a few here, and there is nothing to be alarmed about. 

However, it’s essential to keep a close eye out for any potential problems. You may be wondering what you should be looking for during this routine inspection? Well, here are some of Florida’s top pests to keep an eye out for that may have made your tree their new home; these include:

  • Asian Citrus Psyllid
  • Pine Bark Beetle
  • Dogwood Borer
  • Tent Caterpillars

By routinely checking for these pests, you will ensure that your tree stays healthy, and if an infestation does occur, you will be able to handle it promptly. 

Young Tree Care: Conclusion 

Young tree care is not difficult, so don’t hesitate to add them to your property. If you’re interested in planting new trees but don’t know where to start, contact us today. Our professional arborists will help you find the perfect spot to plant your young tree that will ensure its long-term health and beauty.      

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Are Your Trees Getting Too Much Rain?

It’s been a rainy season for Floridians. As the daily downpours start to pile up, homeowners are looking out into their backyards and starting to worry about their trees. 

Join us, as we break down heavy rain’s impact on your trees and how to stop root rot from ruining your tree growth.

The Rain’s Impact On Your Tree’s Leaves and Roots

So, your tree’s roots have been over-soaked with rainwater. What exactly does that mean, though? Well, for starters, the roots and leaves may end up having a bad reaction. And that threatens the overall health of your tree.

We all know a tree’s roots need water in order for the tree itself to grow healthily. But they can’t just have water – they also need oxygen. For something underground to get any amount of air can be hard to imagine, compacted under soil as it is, but oxygen can and does pass through gaps in the soil and into tree roots. But this airflow is impeded when your soil is overly wet.

When you stop the roots of your tree from absorbing enough oxygen, the tree suffocates amd can begin to rot and develop infections. These are living things, and the worse your tree is for wear, the weaker it will become, over time. Your tree may even shrink. over time, with their roots no longer able to do their job properly anymore.

Look out for withered, yellowed, and fallen leaves, typically out of season. With increased humidity comes fungal diseases, as well, which can be spotted, easily, with powdery mildews and ring rot.

Tree Growth

Even the healthiest athletes in the world can get taken down by the flu or an unexpected infection. Similarly, it doesn’t matter how healthy a plant is – too much water will stress out its immune system and negatively impact the plant’s ability to grow.

Much like an athlete recovering after an infection, many trees will lose their leaves during a rainy period, and start to grow again once their soil has had a chance to dry out in the summer. In these cases, the tree will come back just as strong as before. 

If the infection is bad enough, or the tree is too weak, some plants may not snap back, following a setback. In these cases, you’ll likely need to remove the tree, entirely.

So, How Much Rain Is Too Much?

A few days of heavy rain is to be expected, in many cases. This won’t push a tree over the edge. Above-average rainfall is where the problem is, when the water is sustained over a long period, like weeks or even sparsely over months. 

What To Do During High Rainfall Periods?

Even with all of this information, the truth is that when the rain starts, you can’t stop it. And some trees may just end up dying. When trees aren’t able to recover from water damage, there’s not very much you can usually do about it. 

There are a few things you can do, in order to help out:

  1. Stop watering. Your trees do not need water and will not until the soil dries out again. Even when the rain eventually slows or even stops for a little bit, the soil will likely still be soggy.

    Want to test it? Dig into the ground up to about six inches. If it comes up soggy or clumpy, don’t bother watering it.
  2. Avoid using fertilizer, as well, at least until your soil has drained out, completely. Fertilizer promotes tree growth, but it does it by making the tree use its energy to grow. And your tree needs to conserve as much energy as it can during this period.
  3. If your tree starts to clear up, don’t celebrate too early. Monitor your tree throughout the next growing season to see if any of the symptoms return. 

Looking for expert tree maintenance services to help keep your trees in pristine condition? Visit SB Tree Service, today, and let us help you get more out of your yard.