http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/helpful-tips-for-fall-proofing-plants-and-trees.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/helpful-tips-for-fall-proofing-plants-and-trees.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Fall is a beautiful time of year with the leaves changing from vibrant green to a bright array of gold, orange, and red. Not only is it picturesque, but the dropping temperatures are also a welcome change. As the sweltering summer heat departs, it becomes more enjoyable to spend time outside. While you’re soaking in the pleasures of the fall season, don't forget to prepare your yard for the months ahead.

Watering In Fall?

We know it's necessary to water during the heat of the summer, but what about fall and winter? While trees and shrubs don’t need as much water during these seasons, they still need some. It's all right to water as long as temperatures are at least 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to water early in the day. This way water will have time to soak into the soil and not freeze overnight. Also, a good layer of mulch around trees will help retain moisture, slow water runoff and offer other benefits.

The Changing Benefits of Mulch

Mulch is used in the spring and summer to prevent weeds. In the fall and winter, however, mulch is used as insulation to maintain temperature when the weather gets colder. Looking for something to do with all those fall leaves? Chop them up and use them as mulch. Using them whole isn't recommended because whole leaves will prevent airflow to the root system of plants and trees. Mulching is a great and inexpensive way to add nutrients to your soil while also protecting plants and trees. Here's a tip: make sure to clean out old mulch before adding new to prevent disease and rodent infestations.

Preventive Pruning

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. These storms can have powerful winds that often reach over 200 miles per hour and - needless to say - cause substantial damage. Take time to inspect trees for branches that hang over power lines. Also look for limbs that may be dead or diseased. Having a professional trim these limbs ahead of time can prevent them from becoming projectiles that might shatter windows or otherwise cause damage to your property.

While it's a good idea to get rid of dead or diseased limbs, pruning at the wrong time can cause damage. It is best not to prune until after trees are dormant in the mid- to late fall. Pruning too early may promote additional, new growth. New growth during colder climates makes plants and trees more susceptible to frost damage.

Be Careful With Trees

For dead trees or others that need to be removed, call a certified arborist. Tree removal can be an involved and dangerous process that requires special equipment and skill. Your local arborist can advise you of whether the tree can be saved. If removal is necessary, call a professional to ensure you and your property remain safe.

With a little forethought, you and your cherished trees can stay warm and healthy until spring.




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JD McMains is with J&D Tree Pros, a Raleigh tree removal company. If you live in or around Apex, Cary or Raleigh, NC, contact J&D Tree Pros at http://www.jdtreepros.com for tree removal, pruning and stump grinding services. © 2007, All Rights Reserved



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/expert-advice-on-preserving-trees.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/expert-advice-on-preserving-trees.html Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Think back to the days of your childhood and you will probably remember a mighty oak that challenged you to climb to the very top. As you made your way higher and higher you felt there was nothing you couldn’t do. Maybe there was a tire swing that hung from the limbs of a maple tree. Seeing that tree brings back memories of the wind in your face as you soared through the air. Or perhaps there was (or still is) a shade tree that was the perfect spot for home plate, a place to build your lemonade stand, or a tranquil site to read your favorite book. And, don’t forget raking up mountains of fall leaves that you proceeded to jump into. You can preserve these memories by preserving the trees that helped make them.

Trees grow just like families do. If properly maintained, trees can add value and beauty to your home, and also reduce heating and cooling expenses. A little attention goes a long way, and a good place to start is with mulching.

Mulching - An Inexpensive and Effective Tool

Mulch comes in many different types and can be purchased at a variety of home improvement or hardware stores. According to Clemson Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center, mulch prevents water loss, reduces the growth of weeds, and blocks damage to trees and shrubs from lawn mowers and trimmers. If the mulch has a fine texture you will want to spread it two to three inches deep. Any deeper and you can cause damage due to lack of airflow. Coarser mulches can be laid up to four inches deep because air is able to move through them more freely, but be careful not to exceed the root flare. This curved part of the tree where the stalk flares out to the roots should still been seen. Any higher and you'll risk choking the tree.

Pruning Ensures Growth and Health

Pruning is another good way to preserve trees. Sometimes pruning is necessary to remove damaged limbs or disease so that it doesn’t spread. Your trees may also need pruning to maintain their shape or size. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) advises, “Pruning mature trees may require special equipment, training, and experience. If the pruning work requires climbing, the use of a chainsaw or handsaw, or the removal of large limbs, the use of personal safety equipment, such as protective eyewear and hearing protection, is a must. Arborists can provide a variety of services to assist in performing the job safely and reducing the risk of personal injury and damage to your property.”

There is a proper way and an improper way to prune trees. It is vital that American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards be followed to ensure proper growth. If the person hired to prune your trees isn't adhering to ANSI standards, they could easily inflict damage.

Help for Diseased and Injured Trees

Trees may also need treatment for insects and/or disease. Oak borers threaten oak trees, pine trees face southern pine beetles, and crepe myrtles need protection from Japanese beetles. Perhaps you live in an area where your trees are exposed to heavy winds from hurricanes or other storms. In any of these cases, a certified arborist can give you the best advice on how to treat, or better yet, prevent problems your trees might face from their environment.

Proper Thinning of Trees

Oftentimes there is a need to thin out some less desirable trees so that other trees can grow properly. Some of the large majestic oaks you see have reached their stature because they have been given room to grow. When trees grow in a forest-type back yard, they generally grow tall and skinny. This is because they are racing for the light. It is almost a story of survival of the fittest. Sunlight and the photosynthesis process are just as important for trees as the need for water and nutrients in the soil. A certified arborist can help you identify the types of trees in your yard and recommend which to thin out so that generations to come can enjoy giant oaks, maples and other stately trees.

Trees add so much to your home. From seedlings to maturity they will continue to give beauty, energy savings, and pleasure if they are properly preserved. Take a walk around your yard today to see if your trees are in need of a little TLC.



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JD McMains is with J&D Tree Pros, a Cary tree removal company. If you live in or around Apex, Cary or Raleigh, NC, contact J&D Tree Pros at http://www.jdtreepros.com for tree removal, pruning and stump grinding services. © 2007, All Rights Reserved


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/preventative-maintenance-increases-safety-during-hurricane-season.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/preventative-maintenance-increases-safety-during-hurricane-season.html Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Early preparation is the key to a successful and safe hurricane season. Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, which means for almost six months out of the year people living in hurricane-prone areas need to be on alert.

At the first announcement of an impending hurricane, supplies and tools begin to quickly disappear from store shelves. For this and other reasons, it's always smart to plan early. That involves making decisions now about your home and family, so that if an emergency arises, you'll be ready to act on a moment's notice.

It only takes a few minutes to survey four of the most important aspects of your home and family. Once you do, you'll feel better knowing you're ready for anything.

Family Survey

Where will you go during a hurricane? If you evacuate, when will you evacuate? Make a decision beforehand that once the storm reaches [fill in the blank], you will leave your home. This alleviates arguments and questioning about this topic later on when you have other things on your mind.

Predetermine where you will stay and which evacuation route you'll take. Local hotels and shelters fill up quickly, so if your plan is to remain relatively nearby, you may want to make arrangements to stay with friends. Make a "grab and go" bag for each family member that contains a change or two of clothing, extra shoes, toothbrush and toothpaste, and any medication that must be taken regularly.

If you plan to ride out the storm at home, make sure you have the essentials available. Create a hurricane kit that includes cash, canned goods, manual can opener, blankets, bottled water, batteries, battery-powered radio and/or TV, gasoline, medicine, flashlights, coolers, corded phone and fully charged cell phone. Also, fill all your vehicles with gas at the first sign of a storm. The longer you wait, the more likely stations will run out of fuel.

For those who live in hurricane-prone areas, you might even consider purchasing a gas-powered generator. The expense could be well worth not having to suffer through life with no power for weeks on end.

Pet Survey

You'll want to have properly sized pet carriers for each pet to stay in. Do not allow them to run loose in the house or outdoors during the storm.

If you're going to evacuate, you'll need to plan well in advance, as all hotels and other lodging facilities don't allow pets. According to the National Hurricane Center’s website, "Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and newspapers or trash bags for clean-up."

Interior Survey

Walk through your home in an effort to choose a location as your hurricane shelter. Choose an interior room or closet on the lowest floor in the center of your house. If possible, the room or closet should have no windows. Keep your hurricane kit in your shelter.

Exterior Survey

Likewise, walk around the exterior of your home. Keep an eye out for broken or dead limbs or branches as well as trees that are too close to power lines, windows or other structures. These could easily cause damage even with mild winds. You'll also want to pay close attention to the trunk of your trees. Call a certified arborist to inspect any tree that develops holes, voids or other such damage, especially around the base. Your best bet is to contact a local tree removal company who employs certified arborists to prune or remove these potential hazards.

You'll also want to secure items that could be turned into projectiles during a storm, including grills, chairs, hoses, flowerpots and other items that are not anchored down.

Most importantly, purchase plywood to board up your windows. Once a window is broken, wind damage, water damage and structural damage are almost certain. Wind enters the broken window with such upward and outward force it puts a strain on the roof and walls.

Planning takes only a little effort and time, but can pay off in ways you can't even imagine. Before we get too far into hurricane season this year, stop and survey your family and home, so you can ensure their safety.



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JD McMains is with J&D Tree Pros, a Raleigh tree removal company. If you live in or around Apex, Cary or Raleigh, NC, contact J&D Tree Pros at http://www.jdtreepros.com for tree removal, pruning and stump grinding services. © 2007, All Rights Reserved


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