Is the top of your most venerable tree a bit thin these days? You may be concerned the one put in by your grandparents is having trouble, or question if it is still prudent to stand in the shade of that large specimen in the back yard.
We can put your mind at ease. In our 20 plus years as John the Arborist we have made it our business to look after the heritage and legacy trees of Whatcom County. A phone call to (360) 295-1200 and we will make sense of what your tree is putting on display.
There is no disputing that a legacy tree is something special; it is an anchor for the property, has given you shade for decades and is likely the site of some family recollections. Yet they are living things and can deteriorate in a way that is not always apparent. One does not want to miss the early indications of decline, as being aware of them could mean the difference between the loss of a fine tree and its preservation.
The Case for Giving Legacy Trees More Attention
An older, well-established tree has needs unlike a younger one. It has a long history with the local soil and climate to speak of, more energy in reserve and a root system to match. Their size means that an oversight can turn into a safety issue down the road.
In most instances a tree will put up warning signs before any serious failure, you only have to know how to read them.
Signs to Take Note Of
Whether overt or more of a subtlety, there are certain symptoms that should not be overlooked:
- Crown dieback or bare branches high in the canopy
- Foliage that is discoloured or not as abundant as in seasons past
- Bark coming away in pieces or cracking
- Evidence of fungi or mushrooms on the roots or trunk base
- Open cavities and deep fissures in the trunk or limbs
- A new or worsening lean
- Heaving of the soil at the base, indicative of trouble with the roots
One such sign calls for attention; a number of them and you would do well to have a professional take a look.
What Lies Behind a Decline
It is rarely one thing that causes a tree to fail. Stresses of all kinds accumulate over the years. Drought, pests, disease, storm damage, compaction of the soil or work done near the roots will take their toll along with age.
Homeowners are often unaware that alterations to the property, be it a new driveway or regrading the yard, can harm unseen roots. The tree will appear to be in good order for a season or two until the effects of that damage are felt.
Make an Appointment with a Certified Arborist
From the ground it is difficult to assess some problems. Decay can be making inroads in the trunk of a tree that seems perfectly healthy. An arborist’s eye will see what is not readily visible.
Our staff includes ISA-certified arborists and our owner John is a Certified Arborist with an AAS in Forest Sciences. We are accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association. With that kind of training we are in a position to recommend care that will help your tree and not just remove it when there was another option.
Should you require documentation we put together written assessments and professional reports. This is useful for permit purposes, an insurance matter or in planning for a protected heritage tree. (A deposit is needed for reports and permitting services.)
Options for a Tree in Decline
A tree on the wane is not necessarily beyond help. After an evaluation we might suggest:
- Pruning of diseased or dead wood
- Taking some weight off of stressed branches
- Fuels reduction in the interest of the tree and the property
- To monitor a tree in the beginning of its decline
- And where safety is a concern, removal and stump grinding
Licensed, insured and a family operation, we are at the service of homeowners and businesses in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, Everson, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Burlington, Mt. Vernon and all of Whatcom County. Wisetack can pre-qualify you for financing.
Do not let a warning sign from your legacy tree become a hazard. For a free estimate and to have our certified arborists provide the proper care, get in touch with John the Arborist at (360) 295-1200.