Heavy Rains can cause root failure
Please call us if you have an emergency.
Fallen trees can cause property damage, injuries and death. Safely removing them once they have fallen in an urban environment has to be done so as to not cause more damage. This means highly experienced arborists need to engineer the removable. Flintridge Tree Care is one of the only tree companies capable of removing a fallen urban tree, thanks to our capable teams and custom built trucks and machinery.
Trees and Heavy Rainfall
We have recently been inundated with multiple events of heavy rainfall – a whole lot of water in a short amount of time. While rain is a welcome relief for landscapes in the hot, dry summers of California, there can be a little too much of a good thing, which can cause some issues for young and mature trees alike, such as:
General Tree Stress
Trees respire through their roots, which mean that they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide through air spaces in the soil. When soil becomes saturated and those pores are filled with water, this function is disabled which can cause stress for the tree. There are a few things we can do about trees affected by standing water after a big rain, but it’s important to try to prevent your tree from becoming more stressed after conditions improve to avoid continued problems.
- Consider adding a 3-4” thick layer of mulch out to the drip line of the tree.
- Give the tree a long, deep soaking later in the season when it gets hot and it hasn’t rained in a while.
- Install water/aeration tubes inside the drip line. These provide deep watering and aeration to the roots to prevent root wrought.
- Turn off your lawn irrigation system during weeks when it has rained to let the soil dry out a little. If the soil is wet, the grass doesn’t need to be watered. This can reduce your water bill too!
- Do not apply fertilizer when your tree is stressed unless a soil test shows a mineral deficiency, then only amend for that specific problem. Unneeded fertilization stimulates growth that a tree must then use energy to support, further stressing an already weak tree.
- Finally, flood stress can be avoided entirely by not placing trees in locations that tend to hold water, or by using flood tolerant species.
Most trees can tolerate short durations of saturated soil conditions when they have a chance to dry out and recover.
Defoliation
A more specific symptom of saturated soil conditions shows up in the leaves. Foliage may start to turn yellow and then fall off, particular in the lower, inner part of the canopy. If soil is allowed to dry out, trees will usually put out a new flush of foliage growth, but prolonged defoliation contributes to tree stress.
Other Foliage Problems
Cool, humid conditions are perfect for fungal diseases to flourish in. We tend to see a lot of leaf spot and powdery mildew in years with a lot of rain. These problems are usually just cosmetic and will not affect the tree long term, but they can cause minor stress. If a tree defoliates, it’s likely to produce new foliage. Just work at keeping the tree healthy otherwise (see the suggestions above), and remove any fallen leaves to dispose of so they do not re-infect healthy foliage. Make sure your irrigation does not splash leaves, which can spread spores and prolong infection. If it’s raining this much, the landscape probably does not need to be watered anyway, right? Repeated defoliation over multiple seasons can cause greater stress and result in reduced growth and additional pest and disease problems. Fungicides may be necessary in these instances, applied early in the season, before symptoms occur.
Root Problems
We have had some issues this spring with trees planted in the last few years having their roots loosened so that the tree has an unnatural amount of sway. This compromises the anchorage of a young tree and can lead to further stress. We recommend placing stakes to support the tree while its roots re-establish in the surrounding soil, to be removed no more than one year later. Larger trees can also experience root issues sometimes after heavy storms/rain events. Signs of root failure include mounding of soil on the side opposite a lean that is becoming more pronounced. If you notice that one of your trees is experiencing this problem, it’s a good idea to contact your Flintridge Tree Care Certified Arborist for a tree risk assessment. Saturated soil conditions are also conducive for root rot organisms. Fungal fruiting bodies at the base of the trunk or near roots could be indicative of root decay. Tree roots scoured out by eroding soil can make a tree more susceptible to root failure.
It’s a good idea to go outside and take a look at trees in your yard after big weather events, just to ensure there are no issues that need attention contact your Flintridge Tree Care Certified Arborist to take the steps to maintain healthy trees throughout the year and this way you can potentially reduce the adverse effects experienced from saturated soil conditions.
The drought has compromised all trees
Fallen Tree Knocks Out Power in Sierra Madre – NBC Los Angeles
We are truly the experts when it comes to emergency tree removals.
Please call us if you have an emergency. 818) 952-5300
You need a plan to save and strengthen your trees!
8 things we do to save and strengthen your trees!
Serving: La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Glendale, Arcadia, Sierra Madre and surrounding areas
Tree Safety
- Winterizing your trees
- Opening up the canopy to prevent wind damage
- Raising up heavy limbs that pull on the tree
- Watering and fertilizing schedule
Why Hire Us ? We Are Arborists.
Arborists specialize in the best care for your trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Tree Trimming, Tree Removals, Tree fertilizing and Tree Watering can be areas that protect and preserve your trees. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
What is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care . They simply provide the best care for your trees!
Services an Arborist can Provide
- Pruning. An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees.
- Tree Removal. Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.
- Emergency Tree Care. An arborist can assist in performing emergency tree care in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.
- Planting. Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend species that are appropriate for a particular location.
- Plant Health Care. Preventive maintenance helps keep trees in good health while reducing any insect, disease, or site problems.
- Many other services. Consulting services, tree risk assessment, cabling and bracing trees, etc.
Benefits of Trees
The benefits that trees provide from social, communal, environmental, and economic perspectives.
Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide beauty or shade. While these are excellent benefits, woody plants serve
many other purposes. The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, communal, environmental, and economic categories.
Social Benefits
Human response to trees goes well beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there.
The calming effect of nearby trees and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace stress levels
and fatigue, calm traffic, and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery. Trees can also reduce
crime. Apartment buildings with high levels of greenspace have lower crime rates than nearby apartments without trees.
The stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like quality. Because of their potential for long life, trees are frequently planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached to trees that we, or those we love,
have planted.
The strong tie between people and trees is often evident when community residents speak out against the removal of trees to widen
streets or rally to save a particularly large or historic tree.
Communal Benefits
Even when located on a private lot, the benefits provided by trees can reach well out into the surrounding community. Likewise, large growing trees can come in conflict with utilities, views, and structures that are beyond the bounds of the owner’s property. With proper
selection and maintenance, trees can enhance and function on one property without infringing on the rights and privileges of neighbors.
City trees often serve several architectural and engineering functions. They provide privacy, emphasize views, or screen out objectionable
views. They reduce glare and reflection. They direct pedestrian traffic. Trees also provide background to and soften, complement,
or enhance architecture.
Trees bring natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban surroundings, all of which increase the quality of life for residents of the community.
Environmental Benefits
Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and harboring
wildlife. Local climates are moderated from extreme sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves
on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. The larger the tree,
the greater the cooling effect. By using trees in the cities, we can moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas.
Wind speed and direction is affected by trees. The more compact the foliage on the tree or group of trees, the
more effective the windbreak. Rainfall, sleet, and hail are absorbed or slowed by trees, providing some protection
for people, pets, and buildings. Trees intercept water, store some of it, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Air quality is improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust
and other particulates. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store carbon as growth. Leaves also absorb
other air pollutants – such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide – and release oxygen.
By planting trees and shrubs, we return developed areas to a more natural environment that is
attractive to birds and wildlife. Ecological cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decomposition are again present, both above and below ground. Natural harmony is restored to the
urban environment.
Economic Benefits
Property values of landscaped homes are 5 to 20 percent higher than those of non-landscaped homes.
Individual trees and shrubs have value, but the variability of species, size, condition, and function makes
determining their economic value difficult. The economic benefits of trees are both direct and indirect.
Direct economic benefits are usually associated with energy costs. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a
tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak.
Trees increase in value as they grow. Trees, as part of a well maintained landscape, can add value to your
home.
The indirect economic benefits of trees within a community are even greater. Customers pay lower electricity bills when power companies build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts
of fossil fuel in their furnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities can also save
money if fewer facilities must be built to control stormwater in the region. To the individual, these savings
may seem small, but to the community as a whole, reductions in these expenses are often substantial.
Trees Require an Investment
Trees provide numerous aesthetic and economic benefits, but also incur some
costs. Investing in a tree’s maintenance will help to return the benefits you desire.
The costs associated with large tree removal and replacement can be significant. In
addition, the economic and environmental benefits produced by a young replacement tree are minimal when compared to those of a mature specimen. Extending
the functional lifespan of large, mature trees with routine maintenance can delay
these expenses and maximize returns.
An informed home owner can be responsible for many tree maintenance practices.
Corrective pruning and mulching gives young trees a good start. Shade trees, however, quickly grow to a size that may require the services of a professional arborist.
Arborists have the knowledge and equipment needed to prune, treat, fertilize, and
otherwise maintain a large tree. Your garden center owner, university extension
agent, community forester, or consulting arborist can answer questions about tree
maintenance, suggest treatments, or recommend qualified arborists.
TREE PLANTING
Plant a Tree
Mature trees can increase property value by 20 percent, according to The U.S. Forest Service. Besides increasing property values and creating a more desirable street on which to live, the benefits of trees are endless. Studies show trees improve health, lower anxiety, produce more sociable neighborhoods and more.
WHAT WE DO
Tree Trimming . Tree Planting . Tree Removals
Expert Tree Trimming keeps your trees healthy and beautiful, and healthy, beautiful trees not only enhance the appearance of your home, they increase its property value, making tree service an investment that’s well worth your while. We simply provide the best care for your trees.
At Flintridge Tree Care, we specialize in oaks, pine trees and sycamores, but our experienced staff is knowledgeable about a wide variety of trees from all around the world, including Italian cypress, Brazilian peppers, Chinese elms and more.
Expert Tree Removal
Expert Tree Removals- If you need to eliminate hazardous, dead, unhealthy or infested trees, make room for construction, or for landscaping design changes, contact Flintridge Tree Care.
Some Cities require permits for removal of protected trees, for instance Oaks, in La Canada Flintridge. If you wish, we can assist with the permitting process.
Stump Removal and Stump Grinding – Some stumps and roots can be easily eliminated with a stump grinder, but other roots aren’t as easy, and must be dug out. Either way, we’ll get it done for you.
Tree Planting, and More!
Plant a new tree or shrub on your property with the help of the professionals at Flintridge Tree Care. Working with the top local nurseries, we can provide you with high-quality trees and shrubs. Depend on us if you are working on a new landscape design, have had to remove a tree, or just want to add a tree to your landscaping.
- Infestation and Disease Diagnosed and Treated
- Lot Clearance, Hillside Clean-up and Brush Hauling
- Arborist Reports and Consultation
