When to Call an Arborist: A Guide to Tree Care

When it comes to caring for trees, there are certain times when it is best to call an arborist. Pruning is one of the most important tasks for maintaining a healthy tree, and an arborist can help you remove dangerous and diseased branches. If a storm has caused damage to a large tree in your garden, an arborist can help you safely remove the broken branches. An arborist can also diagnose a sick or dying tree and provide advice on how to protect it from environmental threats.

Lightning can cause serious damage to trees and even start fires, so it is important to be prepared. An arborist can advise you if your tree is at risk and help you install lightning protection around it. They can also help you prevent insect infestations, sun discoloration, fungal diseases, and keep wild animals from eating your tree. Ask your local arborist for a consultation to find out what protection your tree needs from the elements, if any. You can't trust the trees that stick out.

Branches that are close to houses, roads or buildings can be dangerous to life or property. Most of the time, caring for trees is something you can do yourself. However, there are certain situations when you need to contact a tree care professional, such as a certified arborist. When the trees around your home are healthy and well-kept, they can add tremendous value to your life and even increase the property value. On the other hand, trees that do not receive routine care and maintenance can pose a danger to your property, your family, and even your community.

The best time to prune trees is in autumn, after the leaves have fallen (from late October to late November). Dead wood or dangerous branches can be removed at any time. If you need help finding an arborist in your district, you can find information here. If you suspect illegal tree removal is taking place, make sure you have a precise location when you call (such as the address of the property in question or the addresses of the properties on either side of it).Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my garden? In most cases, yes. You will first need a visit from the arborist in your district.

The permit application should include: name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of each owner; name of person preparing the survey; location and side of existing and proposed streets, alleys and utility easements; location, diameter and name of all trees 8 or more in diameter; any other reasonable and relevant information than construction official determines that it is necessary for the overhaul. You don't need to plant a tree the same size as the one you removed. The replacement requirement is inch by inch. You can use two trees from the replacement tree list to add up the number of inches you removed. For example, if you remove a tree protected by 10 inches, then you need to replace 10 inches and you could do it with five replacement trees (2 inches each).

You can also use trees larger than 2 inches. If you need to make changes to an approved landscaping plan (such as changing the location of plant materials or increasing net square footage by more than 35% or 10,000 square feet), then you must submit new landscape plans for review. Increases in non-permeable coverage of more than 2,000 square feet also require a landscape annex. The required landscaping should be completed within six months after approval of the permit. The landscape requirement is different for each city so make sure you check with your local authorities. Trees in your garden may count towards the required mitigation if they are 2 inches or more in diameter and are included in the replacement tree list. A demolition permit does not allow you to remove trees - protected tree removal is only allowed with a tree removal permit or as directed and approved by the city arborist on a building permit.

If landscaping is required as part of a building permit, planned development, specific use permit, certificate of occupancy or adjustment board case then it must be inspected. Check out these quick tips for a successful garden inspection: make sure all plants are healthy; check for any signs of disease; ensure all plants are properly spaced; check for any signs of insect infestation; make sure all plants are properly watered; check for any signs of damage from animals; ensure all plants are properly pruned; check for any signs of damage from weather; ensure all plants are properly mulched.

Dolores Rondo
Dolores Rondo

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