Historic Tree Symposium in Charlottesville

by

Charlottesville is having a historic tree symposium on April 6, 2014. Hosted by and at St. Anne’s-Belfield School, Randolph Auditorium
2132 IvyRoad, Charlottesville, Virginia

Speakers and topics:
Dean Norton on Mt. Vernon
Peter J. Hatch on Monticello
Tom Dierauf on Montpelier
Joan Maloof on Old Growth Forest Network

Tickets:
$12 in advance
$15 at the door
$10 C.A.T.S. members

This is going to be sponsored by the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, a group of volunteers whose mission is to support rural and urban forests by: increasing public awareness of the intrinsic value and beauty of trees, educating the community about trees and tree care, and  partnering with local government agencies and civic groups to improve and restore the tree canopy in the area.

Find out more about the symposium and the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards.

Fruit Tree Pruning

by

Fruit trees can be pruned at anytime of the year. However, to maximize the development of an eatable fruit it is best to prune before the flower buds break in the spring. Additional pruning and fruit thinning may become necessary during fruit bearing months to prevent limb breakage due to over burdened branches. A well pruned tree having a stout trunk and branch structure can support a bumper crop of fruit without external support or props.Gather together the necessary tools and size up the job at hand. You may need these tools : CHAIN SAW; POLE SAW; POLE PRUNER; LONG HANDLE LOPPERS; HAND PRUNERS; HAND SAW; LADDER

APPLE TREE IN NEED OF PRUNING

Faced with a tree in need of a heavy pruning, first picture the finished work in your mind. An apple tree for example requires a strait central trunk with one, two, three, or more levels like a wedding cake or chandelier. Remove congestive branches starting with the big cuts first.

Second, establish the number of levels (apple) or the shape the tree will have. In this example the apple tree has three levels or tiers. Next establish a separation of branches from the ground to the first tier, a separation from the first tier and the second tier, and a separation between the second tier and the final third tier or top level.

ESTABLISH A SEPERATION BETWEEN THE SECOND TIER AND THE THIRD TIER OR TOP LEVEL

Finally prune all remaining branches so there are no deadwood, broken or diseased limbs, crossing and rubbing stems, and thin out any remaining congested areas. If it appears you have taken to much out ,don’t worry it will all grow back in time, especially if you follow my instructions on root zone maintenance. Contact Habitat Services for a consultation. Call now (434)-296-3327 or email shbs@habitatservices.net.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

by

Early spring is a particularly important time for the trees and shrubs in your yard. Because of plants’ yearly life cycle, it’s a good time to prune, plant, transplant and mulch. Here are a few important tips to help you make the most of your spring landscape care.

Pruning
Necessary pruning should be done as soon as can be managed. When pruning large amounts of foliage or more than one third the crown mass, pruning is best done in the cool spring and avoided during the hot dry times of the year.

Planting / Transplanting
As the days grow longer, the temperatures rise and the ground moisture remains high, dormancy gives way to new growth. Spring rains may drive me from the tree tops, but once on the ground I grab my shovel and start lifting small trees and shrubs. [Read more…]

When A Storm Strikes

by

On June 2, 1989 a storm struck Cismont. Meteorologists called it a microburst and like a wave of hurricane winds it proved to be the most destructive storm I ever witnessed. Countless numbers of trees were damaged and numerous downed trees blocked several miles of highway. As a tree surgeon seeing this event I was awed by the massive destruction of trees and feared personal injury.

This storm was exceptional, however damage from a passing storm occurs often. Here are some helpful tips to minimize damage and injury when a storm strikes.

1. Assess the damage cautiously. Broken wires or hanging tree parts are life threatening.

2. Clear access to public highways. Carefully remove debris making enough space for one vehicle to pass.

3. Check on your neighbor to render assistance. An injured or isolated neighbor may need help.

4. Seek professional advice. When the emergency is over and the job of clean up is at hand an arborist or tree specialist can assist in identifying hidden hazards.

The above information was provided courtesy of The National Arbor Day Foundation.

When is the Best Time to Prune?

by

Pruning a living branch
Here is the best way to prune a living branch

Necessary pruning should be done as soon as can be managed. When pruning large amounts of foliage or more than one third the crown mass, pruning should be avoided during the dry hot months. Dead and diseased wood can be removed anytime. The best time to prune is when the tree or shrub is dormant, usually in the winter months.

Pruning the Crown

Here is the best way to reduce the crown

The images above show the proper way to prune. Images provided courtesy of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.

[Read more…]