Trees in urban and suburban areas are more prone to decay because they are more likely to be damaged than trees in natural environments. This is because humans cause most wounds to trees. Of course, this is usually unintentional. They may be caused by automobiles, construction, lawn mowers, or improper pruning. Wounds can be caused by natural events as well, like storms, fires, or damage caused by birds and other animals.

Wood and trunk decay is the most common type of tree disease. Decay can greatly weaken trees, cause them to be unsightly, and shorten their lifespan. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tree decay.

When a wound occurs, fungi can enter the wood and cause decay. The wood around the wound can produce chemicals in the cells of the wood that create a barrier to isolate the infected area, much like a wound on our skin would. Cleaning decayed wood from cavities is actually not recommended because you could cause further damage to the compartment wall and trunk of the tree.

Symptoms of decay include cavities, loose or missing bark, carpenter ants, excessive deadwood, fungal conks, lean, weak branch attachment, root damage, and poor wound closure. Also, watch out or holes in the trunk. This can result in interior decay.. These symptoms may be difficult to notice until it develops on the outside of the tree. Other symptoms include development of mushrooms or fungi, or soft, fragile wood. Discolored leaves and rotting roots are other symptoms.

Unfortunately, when a tree begins decaying, not much can be done to save it. They can become hazardous to your property so it is best to take care of them as soon as possible. Call in the help of a tree removal company in Gates Mills area, like Vancuren Tree Service, for help if you notice decaying trees on your property.

So how does lightning damage trees? Trees provide a path for positive charges in the ground to travel to negative charges in thunderclouds, which causes them to get struck. Even though wood does not conduct electricity well, sap and moisture within the tree can act as conductors that complete the circuit from the ground to the sky. Sap can boil and create gas within the wood along the path of the strike. The wood expands and usually explodes.

When a strike hits a tree, it boils the sap, splinters wood, strips bark, and passes through its root system. If only one side of the tree is damaged, the chances of it surviving and the wound closing are good, although a tree is usually killed when a strike passes through the trunk. A lightning strike may not immediately kill a tree, but it can severely injure the tree, and the wound can attract insects and fungi that will eventually kill it.

While all trees are susceptible to lightning strikes, factors including species (tulip trees, oak, pine, maple, in particular), height, geographic location and proximity to structures can all increase the likelihood of it being struck. Tall trees are the most susceptible. Whether it survives also depends on species, health, and age of the tree.

While you can’t prevent lightning strikes, there are some things you can do to decrease the likelihood of it being struck and protect your trees. This includes keeping them well mulched, watered, fertilized, and trimmed. This increases their abilities to heal wounds and survive if they are struck. In order to help your tree survive, loose bark and splintered wood should be cleaned from the wound to remove habitats that could attract insects and fungi. This will also help the tree compartmentalize the wound and surround it with new growth. Once it is cleaned, you can paint the wound with shellac. It should never be painted with asphalt tree paint because this can slow growth.

Sometimes a structure may be set up around the tree to help protect it. One type of structure consists of a copper cable system that extends from the top of the major trunks to the ground. Fasteners hold the cable away from the tree and protect the trunk. These structures, while effective, can be very expensive, but it is inconspicuous, doesn’t hurt the tree, permanent and very reliable. The way protection systems work is they provide a conductor for the electrical surge and transmit the bolt off the tree to a grounding system. The system safely disperses the electricity into the soil.

Be careful: do not try to make a makeshift structure from aluminum and cables because that can actually attract lightning strikes down the side of the tree.

These structures that protect trees are usually in compliance with American National Standards Institute A300 Standards, which were adopted by the Tree Care Industry Association. Even though lightning strikes are unpredictable and protection is not guaranteed, these structures are affordable and effective in preventing damage.

Some people may also use lightning bolts. Even though it is impractical to install a rod with every tree, you can narrow it down to more susceptible trees to decide which to install with a lightning rod. These structures should be inspected annually to ensure that they are intact, as well as adjusted to accommodate for growth.

Lightning is not only dangerous to trees themselves, but also nearby buildings and structures. When a lightning bolt strikes a tree and then jumps to more conductive materials like metal, it is called a “sideflash”. Trees within 10 feet of a structure and taller than its roof are most at risk to side-flashes and subsequent damage.

Damage to trees caused by lightning strikes is often irreversible, but by enlisting the help of Kirtland Hills tree pruning companies, like Vancuren Tree Service, can help you take care of the trees after they are damaged and help you protect your beautiful or historic trees from deadly lightning strikes.

First, why is pruning important? One of the most important things you can do for your trees, pruning helps trees grow and can determine their shape. It removes dead or diseased branches, encourages growth and flowering, enhances aesthetics, and keeps trees safe.

Pruning is much more complicated than simply cutting off dead or long branches. The first step is understanding what climate conditions during which it is best to prune your trees. Some trees are best pruned in winter because it is easier to see dead and overgrown branches without foliage in the way. Others are best to prune soon after flowering. Trees and shrubs that bloom in the summer should be pruned in the winter or early spring before new growth occurs. In places that experience harsh winters, the best time to prune is late summer. When to prune can also depend on the type of plant. Many deciduous plants are best pruned in the late winter and early spring. Other times, it may be best to prune in the summer so you can see exactly how thick the foliage is and how much you would like to remove. For thinning purposes, this may be a good time because growth may be slower and it is less likely to stimulate new growth. Many experts recommend pruning prior to one month before the first frost in case an early frost occurs because it can damage plants at the wound point and you may not get the flowers or fruit you expect. While pruning a plant at the wrong time of year won’t necessarily harm the plant, it can impact its growth

Different pruning techniques are used for different purposes

Pinching is used to direct growth of shrubs with small leaves. Simply pinch off the terminal bud, or the bud growing at the top of a stem. This prevents the stem from becoming longer and helps create more bushy growth. This technique is usually used with annuals, perennials, and some vegetables.

Heading is done to stimulate buds and encourage more dense growth. It is achieved by cutting further back on the stem than the pinching method and is usually done with hand-held pruners. This stimulates the growth of buds closest to the cut. It helps to reduce height and enhance the plant’s natural shape. To do this, cut ¼ inch above a bud, and in a slope away from the bud. Cutting too close to the bud can kill it. Remove buds that face inward to if there are two or more.

Shearing is a form of heading that does not attempt to cut buds like the other methods do. It encourages many buds for new growth and must be done regularly. This method is best done on plants with small leaves because it cuts through leaves indiscriminately. On small-leaved plants, the cuts will be less noticeable. This is usually done for shrubs where a spherical or square shape is desired. Use hand-held or electric shears.

Thinning is a technique that is used to reduce bulkiness in plants. It is achieved by removing a number of buds along the stem. This way, you’re less likely to end up with clusters of shoots, or branches and stems that grow from tips of other branches. The type of tool needed depends on the thickness of the branch. You can use hand-held pruners, loppers, or a pruning saw. This is different from heading in that it removes branches from its point of origin. Make these cuts just above or parallel to the main branches of the tree or plant. This is also used for removing dead branches, which should be done as soon as possible. Make sure to cut into the healthy wood, below the dead portion of the branch.

While it is possible to prune your own trees, sometimes calling a professional is necessary, such as when wood is decayed or hollowed out, bark is peeling, there is raised soil or bare roots around the base of the tree, or girdling roots.

Because pruning is the most important thing you can do for your trees, it is important to do it properly. A tree care company in Kirtland Hills, such as Vancuren Tree Service, can ensure that your trees are properly pruned and help you find a maintenance plan that keeps your trees healthy, safe, and thriving.

• Trees are touching power lines
  This is an immediate concern because it is a fire hazard. This should be reported immediately, in addition to asking a tree specialist to come remove it immediately. Trees in power lines are a possible cause of wildfires as well.
• Branches that are splitting or about to fall
  Falling branches can cause serious injury to people and pets as well as damage cars and property. It may sound simple enough to take care of it on your own but this can result in injury. It is best to allow professionals to take care of falling and broken branches so no one is injured.
• Exposed root system
  Sometimes improper pruning or other environmental factors can cause a tree to lean and become uprooted. This is something you should not attempt to fix on your own. It may cause the tree to fall which could cause damage, injury, or even death.
• Branches touching your home
  If a branch is tapping on your window or rubbing up against your siding, it’s time to call a tree specialist. Specialists can properly prune the tree so it does not become damaged and is not done improperly.
• Decay
  A professional can assess whether the tree can survive with proper treatment. If this option is possible, it may be less costly than tearing down the tree.
• If a tree has already fallen
  If a tree has already fallen and it is not an obstruction, you can make the choice of whether to remove it or not. Tree specialists can ensure this is done safely and properly so no extra damage is done to your property.
• Dead tree
  While it may not look like a problem, underneath the soil, the roots are becoming weaker and that tree will not be anchored in the ground as firmly as it should be. Call a tree specialist to ensure that it is properly removed and does not cause damage.
• Giant stumps that need grinding are also a reason to call tree service specialists. 

Many tree service companies can also give general advice and come to your property for consultations. They will tell you how to take care of your trees, which ones might need to be removed, and which trees might need extra care, so that they do not need to be removed. Gates Mills tree trimming companies, like Vancuren Tree Services, can ensure that your trees are taken care of safely and efficiently. 

To build a retaining wall, check the surrounding area for tree roots, or if you are planting a new tree, make sure to leave enough room for the tree roots to spread out. Avoid setting stones or laying concrete on established roots or where roots can get too close to the wall. You may not think that a tree’s roots can do much damage to a stone or concrete wall, but they can spread under the structure and cause the wall to crack, up-heave, or buckle. The best example of this is when you see a slab of concrete sidewalk forced into a mountain shape due to a nearby tree’s roots pushing up into the concrete.

What about cutting or trimming the tree roots? Our experienced Cleveland tree experts at VanCuren do not recommend trimming since it can severely damage the tree and it’s stability. If you think a tree absolutely needs its roots trimmed, it is best to call a professional team to take a look and do the job — it is a risky and challenging job that should not be done on your own.

So, how close can I plant my new tree? Or how close to the tree can I build the wall? If your tree is expected to grow 20 feet tall, then it will need at least 20 feet in diameter of space to properly lock into the ground and thrive. Plan to set up your wall a bit farther than the recommended growth area for the tree just to be sure.

In general, the best options for planting near a wall or retaining wall are bushes and perennials. Adding a tree to your landscape can really add to the beauty of your home, so if you do choose to plant a tree near a wall, pick a tree that will remain small once it is matured.

Have more questions or want to schedule a free inspection from the experts at Cleveland tree company VanCuren? Call us today! We specialize in tree removal and tree trimming but we have serviced the Cleveland area on all sorts of landscaping projects as well.

The best tip our tree experts can give you when looking to plant new trees and shrubs successfully is to plan ahead. Once a tree is fully grown it is exponentially harder to fix problems that could have been avoided right from the start.

Other things to consider:

• Looking to plant a tree or shrub near the foundation of your home in a flowerbed? Be sure to choose a tree with non-invasive roots, otherwise the roots can grow and interfere with the foundation of your home. Your trees need the proper space for the roots and canopy to grow so that it won’t fall over, potentially onto your house.
• Get the professionals to mark off locations where there are underground utilities like power lines or underground pipes.
• Trees that are expected to be taller need a proper amount of room to widen and spread out. Plan accordingly so that you don’t end up with branches hanging over your house.

During your planning also choose a species that will fit the parameters you are working with. The expected size of the tree, once it has matured, will help you figure out how far to space your plants. So say you find a tree that is expected to grow 15 feet tall, you would then plant the tree at least 15 feet away from other pieces of your landscaping layout.

If you are focused more on adding shrubs to your yard, you won’t need as much room as a tree. If your shrub will grow to be 6 feet wide, you can plan to leave half the amount of space (3 feet) between your shrub and the next landscaping element.

Want more landscaping and planning input from an expert? Our team of experts at VanCuren Tree Services can provide advice based upon years of experience. We also specialize in Cleveland Heights tree trimming, tree removal, and more! Whatever it may be, we are ready to help with your next project.

Pros of buying a house with mature trees

• Energy savers – According to the USDA Forest Service, “Strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs. Evergreens that block winter winds can save 3 percent on heating”. Trees are a natural way to save energy in your home!
• Privacy and noise reduction – Trees serve as a way to offer privacy from neighbors, but they also reduce noise by 50% according to the USDA National Agroforestry.
• Shade – Trees offer natural shade and can cut down on cooling expenses if they are located in the right spots
• Home value – A house with a nicely landscaped yard with trees is aesthetically pleasing and adds to the value of your new home.

Cons of having big trees near your new home

• Dead trees – having a dead tree on a property is always a large risk. You never know when the tree couple topple or large branches could snap off and damage your house or property. We suggest checking for dead trees and removing before signing or moving in if possible.
• How close is too close? Check to make sure that the trees are not affecting the foundation of the house. You can usually tell when branches are touching or overhanging the house. Also, the trees should not interfere with any cables above or below ground.

If you have your eye on a house to buy and need the trees to be inspected, our arborists at Cleveland tree company VanCuren Tree Services are happy to provide a free inspection! Call us to get started or for any other tree services like tree trimming and tree removal.

The newly planted or transplanted tree is probably going through what arborists call transplant shock. This is the term to describe a list of problems that your tree might be experiencing after being planted or transplanted such as: dropping leaves, brown leaf tips, leaf scorch, and branch dieback.

The good news is that as long as you catch it and work on it early on, there is a good chance that the tree will be able to bounce back. A dead tree and a tree in shock will look very similar. Here’s how to tell the difference: choose any twig and scratch it with a pocket knife or your fingernail. Repeat this on a few other random twigs. If you find bright green and a bit of moisture underneath then your tree is alive!

Why does tree transplant shock occur?

Trees struggle when being planted or transplanted from stress. A tree may lose a lot of its root system in the process, sometimes up to 95%. In addition to that, the small amount of roots left become dry and brittle while waiting to be replanted.

What is the solution?

Every week, water your tree’s roots with at least one inch of water. After that, add between 2-4 inches of mulch starting at the base of the tree and extend to the outermost leaves. Lastly, pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree so that there is about a 4 inch gap for the tree to breathe. If this doesn’t work, consider how you planted the tree: was the hold deep enough or the right size? Making the right size hole when planting is crucial to the process and reduces a tree’s stress.

Once you have identified tree transplant shock and tried these solutions, it might take some patience on your part. It can take up to 5 years for a tree to become fully adjusted to its new Cleveland Heights location, but usually it only takes 1-2 years for most trees. If you have more questions about tree planting or transplant shock, you can call the professionals at Cleveland Heights tree removal company, VanCuren,  who will provide expert advice for your tree. We are also available for other tree services including tree trimming and tree removal.

If you are thinking about planting a new tree on your property you should consider a native tree! Not only will a native tree species thrive in the Cleveland, Ohio environment, you will contribute to the development of local wildlife. Many animals and insects such as birds, squirrels, bees, and butterflies rely upon local species of trees and plants to eat, build their homes, and fulfill their pollination duties. Unfortunately, when there are not enough local plant species available, these populations quickly decline. By planting a native tree you are actively helping the local ecosystem.

While non-native trees may look more interesting or seem like a good idea, a native tree is the better option. Native tree species are less prone to diseases and pest problems and therefore have a better chance at surviving.

Some things to consider about picking a new tree to plant
Native trees can be hard to find in the area for purchase as some places do not prioritize native plants. It will be worth the little bit of extra effort to find a local tree species, so be persistent in your search.

Although native trees are highly recommended for new planting projects, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the conditions on your property are ideal. For example, the dirt around your home may be more dense and clay-filled which is not the best for growing native trees that require a more well-draining, sandy soil consistency. Also make sure to consider the amount of shade and sun on your property.

Here is a starter list of native trees to choose from:

• Western white pine
• Bigleaf maple
• Ohio buckeye
• Black gum
• Striped maple
• Boxelder

Have more questions about planting a new tree or need more information about native tree species? Call VanCuren’s tree experts for recommendations and tips. VanCuren is your local Cleveland tree service for tree trimming, tree removal, and much more!

Holes in your tree become dangerous when it compromises the structural soundness of the tree. If a tree’s structure fails, you might find branches falling off or that the whole tree has fallen over. Have your trees looked at before this happens and damage is done to your property. Thankfully though, a hole in the trunk of a tree is not usually an issue.

When you hear a woodpecker pecking on one of your trees, you may also be initially worried that there is a dead tree on your property. There are certain types of woodpeckers that, if present, could indicate a sign that your tree is diseased or dead. The Pileated woodpecker, known for its bright red triangular head-crest, tends to feed on bugs of diseased trees and create their homes by creating holes in dead trees. If you see one of these woodpeckers on your tree, do not try to get rid of it. Instead, you should look into getting your tree removed, especially if it poses a threat to your home or property. Other woodpeckers may not be an issue, but eventually could lead to structural problems.

A non-threatening hole can be covered or filled for aesthetic reasons if you choose, but call a professional team to take care of this. Concrete is not a good fix for filling a hole as it does not allow flexibility as the tree bends and sways. There are special foams that can be used to fill in tree holes that will not further damage the tree.

It is common for trees to have holes, but it is most probably the size of the hole or the amount of holes that will determine if your tree has issues that need to be addressed. There can be several reasons that a tree starts showing holes. Make sure to call your local Cleveland Heights tree service at VanCuren for advice and recommendations. Also keep us in mind for any tree projects you are looking into like tree or stump removal and tree trimming.