brwn2888-ydghpudj0jja7pcn

Why Expert Tree Trimming Protects Your Property Year-Round

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:35:51 GMT

When it comes to maintaining safe, beautiful, and healthy trees around your home, expert tree trimming in Franklin, TN, is a critical service every property owner should consider. At Kaily’s Tree Service, we understand that regular tree maintenance not only preserves your yard’s aesthetic appeal but also protects your property from serious damage. In this article, we’ll explore why scheduled tree trimming is essential throughout the year, how to recognize when your trees need attention, and what benefits professional trimming offers to keep your property thriving all seasons long.

Why Regular Tree Trimming Is Essential in Franklin, TN

Franklin’s unique climate and seasonal changes can create specific challenges for trees surrounding residential and commercial properties. From the heavy rains and winds of spring and summer to the icy conditions of winter, trees can become vulnerable to storm damage, disease, and structural instability if left untrimmed. Regular trimming helps manage tree health by removing dead or diseased limbs that could fall and cause property damage or personal injury during storms.

Additionally, trimming promotes healthy growth by allowing more sunlight and airflow into the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp, shaded areas. For homeowners in Franklin, TN, this translates to trees that not only look beautiful but are also stronger, healthier, and less likely to pose hazards.

Warning Signs a Tree Needs Trimming

One of the first steps to protecting your property is knowing when your trees need professional trimming. Here are common warning signs every Franklin homeowner should watch for:

Dead Branches: These not only detract from the appearance of your tree but also create a serious risk by potentially falling during wind or storms.
Overhanging Limbs: Branches that extend too far over your roof, driveway, or deck can rub against your home, damage structures, or block sunlight, inviting moisture buildup.
Branches Touching Roof or Power Lines: This is a critical safety concern. Branches in contact with your roof might cause damage to shingles and gutters, while limbs touching power lines risk electrical hazards and power outages.

Recognizing these signs early ensures timely intervention, preventing costly repairs or emergency tree removal.

Year-Round Benefits of Professional Trimming in Franklin, TN

Professional tree trimming is not just a spring or fall chore; it is vital throughout the entire year. Here’s how expert care protects your property in every season:

Spring and Summer: Encouraging Growth and Reducing Storm Risks

In warmer months, trees grow rapidly. Expert trimming helps control this growth, shaping the tree for better structural strength. This prevents large, heavy limbs from becoming unstable during summer thunderstorms or high winds common in the Franklin area. Removing dead or weak branches early also minimizes the risk of storm damage.

Fall: Preparing Trees for Winter

As trees enter dormancy, trimming removes branches that could catch heavy snow or ice, which might cause them to snap unexpectedly. Clearing limbs away from your roof and power lines beforehand also reduces the chance of winter weather causing tree-related hazards.

Winter: Preventing Damage and Enhancing Safety

Tree trimming during the winter months helps eliminate broken or damaged branches from previous weather events. This maintenance keeps your trees healthy and ready to grow again in spring while maintaining clear, safe zones around homes and utilities.

The Trimming Process: What to Expect From Professionals

When you schedule tree trimming with a trusted provider, the process typically includes several key steps to ensure thorough and safe care:

Assessment: A professional arborist evaluates your trees to determine health, structure, and any safety issues.
Planning: Experts develop a trimming plan that balances tree health with aesthetic and safety goals.
Pruning and Cutting: Using specialized tools and techniques, professionals carefully remove targeted branches, never unnecessarily harming the tree.
Safety and Quality Checks: Teams ensure all work meets safety standards, especially when working near power lines or roofs.
Cleanup: All debris and trimmed branches are cleared from your property, leaving your yard neat and safe.
Follow-Up: Some tree services offer follow-up inspections to monitor tree recovery and health.

Why Choose Professional Tree Service?

While some homeowners might be tempted to trim small branches themselves, professional tree trimming ensures the job is done safely and correctly. Experts possess the knowledge and equipment to address both typical maintenance and more complex tree care needs. This expertise minimizes risks to people, property, and the trees themselves, prolonging tree life and enhancing the overall safety of your landscape.

Moreover, professionals can provide strategic advice tailored to Franklin’s climate and local tree species, helping you care for your trees year after year.

Ready to Enhance Your Property’s Safety and Beauty?

Consistent, expert trimming protects your home from potential damage caused by falling branches or invasive limbs, maintains your property’s curb appeal, and supports the longevity of your trees. If you’ve noticed dead branches, limbs scraping your roof, or any branches touching power lines around your home in Franklin, it’s time to act. Contact Kaily’s Tree Service today to schedule professional tree trimming and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your trees are healthy and your property is protected year-round.

Best Emergency Tree Removal Services Near Nashville, TN

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:30:10 GMT

When a tree falls unexpectedly or shows signs of instability, quick action is crucial. Kailys Tree Services provides expert emergency tree removal in Franklin, TN, to protect your property and safety. Contact us today at 615-496-1542 for immediate assistance and professional solutions. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to urgent tree situations, offering fast, reliable, and safe services you can trust.

Recognizing these risks can save your property and life. If a tree shows signs of instability, emergency tree removal may be necessary to prevent accidents.

Trees are not only an aesthetic addition to your property, but they also play a vital role in the environment. However, when a tree becomes hazardous, it can pose serious risks to your home, vehicles, or even loved ones. That’s why timely intervention with professional emergency tree services is essential. Our experts ensure that even the most challenging situations are handled safely and efficiently.

Causes of Tree Emergencies

Tree emergencies can happen for several reasons, and understanding these can help prevent serious damage:

Storm Damage —Heavy rains, lightning, and tornadoes can uproot or split trees. Storms often create unseen weaknesses that worsen over time, making a tree unstable.
Strong Winds —Even mature trees can snap or fall during gusty conditions. High winds can break branches or topple entire trees, especially those already compromised.
Root Decay —Fungal infections or poor soil conditions can weaken tree roots, making them unstable and prone to falling. Regular inspections help identify decay early.
Structural Weakness – Cracks, cavities, or leaning trunks may suddenly give way. These issues often develop over years and can become dangerous if not addressed promptly.
Pest Infestation —Insects or disease can compromise the health of a tree quickly, accelerating decay and making the tree hazardous.

Being aware of these risks ensures you can act promptly. If you notice a tree showing instability, it’s time to call for emergency tree services immediately. Acting early can prevent property damage, injuries, and costly repairs.

Signs You Need Emergency Tree Removal

Not all trees require immediate removal, but certain warning signs indicate urgent attention is necessary:

Visible Leaning or Fallen Limbs

Trees leaning sharply towards buildings, fences, or power lines pose a high risk.
Large branches hanging precariously can fall at any moment, endangering people and property.

Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Deep fissures, splitting bark, or visible cracks are indicators of weakened structure.
Trunk damage often precedes complete tree failure, requiring urgent intervention by professionals.

Rot or Fungus Growth

Mushrooms, conks, or fungal mats on a tree’s base indicate root decay.
Decaying trees are more prone to collapse during storms or high winds, increasing the need for emergency tree removal.

Storm Damage Aftermath

Trees damaged by storms can develop hidden weaknesses that worsen over time.
Contact Kailys Tree Services to inspect and remove hazardous trees safely, preventing further property damage or safety hazards.

Our Local Tree Removal Experts Handle 24/7 Emergencies

When a tree threatens safety or property, timely intervention is essential. Our team at Kailys Tree Services is trained to manage emergency tree removal efficiently. Operating in Franklin, TN, we understand local tree species, soil conditions, and seasonal hazards, allowing us to respond effectively to urgent situations.

Whether it’s storm damage or a sudden fallen tree, our trained team provides safe and efficient emergency tree removal services to protect your home and family.

Comprehensive Emergency Tree Services

Rapid response for fallen or leaning trees.
Safe removal near homes, vehicles, and power lines.
Storm cleanup and debris removal.
Preventive assessments to avoid future emergencies.

We use modern equipment and proven techniques to reduce property damage. Whether it’s a large oak or a smaller unstable tree, our experts provide safe and thorough removal. By choosing our emergency tree services, you gain peace of mind knowing professionals handle every step.

Why Choose Kailys Tree Services in Franklin, TN

Licensed, insured, and experienced tree removal specialists.
24/7 availability for urgent situations.
Transparent pricing and free consultations.
Customer satisfaction backed by numerous testimonials .

Our local expertise ensures fast response times and efficient, safe tree removal. Many homeowners and business owners rely on us during storm emergencies, making emergency tree removal our top priority in Franklin, TN.

Preventing Future Tree Emergencies

Taking steps to maintain tree health reduces the likelihood of unexpected emergencies. Regular care keeps trees strong and resilient against storms, pests, and decay. Even with routine care, some situations require immediate attention. For hazardous trees that cannot wait, professional emergency tree removal ensures safety and prevents costly property damage.

Regular Tree Inspections

Check for leaning, cracks, or disease in older trees.
Remove weak or dead branches early to prevent hazards.
Schedule professional inspections periodically for safety

Proper Pruning and Maintenance

Maintain balanced canopy and structural integrity.
Encourage strong root systems and healthy growth.
Remove potentially dangerous branches before they become a risk.

Soil and Nutrient Care

Healthy soil prevents root decay and supports strong trees.
Fertilize and water trees according to species needs.
Avoid overwatering or compacted soil that can weaken roots.

For more detailed tree care advice, visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s tree maintenance guide . Routine care helps reduce the need for urgent emergency tree services in the future and ensure your landscape remains safe and healthy.

Contact Kailys Tree Services Today

Your safety is our priority. With fast response times and expert knowledge, we handle every emergency efficiently. Contact us today at 615-496-1542 to schedule a consultation or send us a message to request immediate emergency tree removal in Franklin, TN. Don’t wait until a tree causes damage, our professionals are ready to help 24/7.

The Complete Guide to Tree Trimming in Nasville, TN

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:16:07 GMT

Maintaining your property’s trees is more than just about appearance. It’s about keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving in Middle Tennessee’s unique climate. Tree trimming in Franklin, TN, is an essential part of proper tree care, ensuring that your landscape stays beautiful and hazard-free year-round. From seasonal pruning tips to avoiding summer stress, knowing how and when to trim can make all the difference for your trees and property value. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to boost curb appeal or a property manager focused on safety, this guide covers everything you need to know about tree trimming in Franklin, TN.

Seasonal Trimming Tips For Middle Tennessee’s Climate

Middle Tennessee’s weather calls for a strategic approach to tree maintenance.

Dormant Season Trimming Benefits: The dormant season, late winter before spring growth, offers the best time for most tree trimming. Without leaves in the way, arborists have a clear view of the tree’s structure, making precise cuts easier. Dormant trimming also reduces the risk of disease and pest infestations, as many harmful insects and fungi are less active in cooler months.
Avoid Stress During Hot Summers: Franklin’s summer heat can stress trees, especially if they’ve recently been heavily pruned. Avoid major trimming during peak summer to prevent sunscald, dehydration, and slow recovery. Light maintenance trims, however, can still be performed if needed for safety.
Post-Storm Maintenance: Storms are common in spring and summer, and high winds can cause branches to crack or break. After a storm, a quick inspection followed by tree trimming in Franklin, TN, can remove damaged limbs and prevent further issues.

Dormant Season Trimming Benefits

One of the most effective times for tree trimming in Franklin, TN, is during the dormant season, typically late winter before spring growth begins. Trees are less vulnerable to pests and diseases during this period, and the absence of leaves makes it easier to see the tree’s structure.

Scheduling tree trimming in Franklin, TN, in the dormant season provides several key benefits:

Promotes Healthy Growth: Directs the tree’s energy into new buds and strong branches once spring arrives.
Reduces Risk of Infection: Cooler temperatures discourage insect activity and fungal growth.
Improves Precision: Without foliage, arborists can make cleaner, more strategic cuts.
Enhances Safety: Removes potentially dangerous limbs before seasonal storms begin.

Avoiding Stress on Trees During Hot Summers

Middle Tennessee summers can be intense, and improper pruning during this time can weaken your trees. Scheduling tree trimming in Franklin, TN, during the hottest months should be approached with caution to prevent heat stress and long-term damage.

When tree trimming in Franklin, TN, is necessary in summer, follow these best practices:

Limit Heavy Pruning: Remove only small, damaged, or hazardous branches to avoid overexposure to the sun.
Water Adequately: Deep watering after light trimming helps trees recover from heat stress.
Trim in Early Morning or Evening: Cooler parts of the day reduce the risk of dehydration and sunscald.
Monitor Tree Health: Watch for wilting or browning leaves as signs of excessive stress.

Common Tree Trimming Mistakes to Avoid in Franklin, TN

When it comes to tree trimming in Franklin, TN, certain mistakes can harm your trees more than help them:

Over-Pruning: Removing too much foliage weakens the tree and reduces its ability to photosynthesize.
Improper Cuts: Cutting too close or too far from the trunk can leave wounds susceptible to pests and disease.
Ignoring Safety Hazards: Large branches near power lines or rooftops require specialized handling to prevent accidents.

By trusting experts in tree care in Franklin, TN, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your trees remain healthy for years to come.

How Often Should You Trim Your Trees?

The frequency of tree trimming in Franklin, TN, depends on the species, age, and location of your trees.

As a general guideline:

Young Trees: Light pruning annually to establish shape.
Mature Trees: Every 3–5 years to maintain structure and safety.
Ornamental Trees: More frequent trims to preserve desired aesthetics.

Regular inspections by a trusted local tree service help determine the best schedule for your property.

The Importance of Professional Expertise

While DIY trimming may seem tempting, it often leads to over-pruning or unsafe ladder use.

Choosing professional tree services like Kaily’s Tree Service ensures that:

The right amount of foliage is removed without harming the tree.
Specialized equipment is used for safe, efficient work.
Trees are trimmed according to industry standards for long-term health.

Local experts also understand the specific needs of trees in tree care in Franklin, TN, from native oaks and maples to ornamental species.

When you want expert tree trimming in Franklin, TN, that keeps your landscape healthy and stunning year-round, trust the professionals at Kaily’s Tree Service. With a commitment to safety, precision, and customer satisfaction, our team knows how to care for trees in Middle Tennessee’s climate. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, storm damage cleanup, or full-scale trimming projects, Kaily’s Tree Service is ready to help. Contact us to schedule your consultation and keep your trees looking their best.

5 Parts That Provide Health Clues During Tree Assessment

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:17:30 GMT

A tree's structure, the condition of its visible components, and even clues such as how deeply mulched it is can help tree experts assess a tree's health. Many tree issues, such as cankers, structural weakness, and suckers, can be evident to a professional who examines the tree. These issues may require professional maintenance or tree services such as pruning.

Here are five parts of your tree a tree expert may assess, along with what these components can tell your tree expert about your tree's health and its needs.

1. The Tree's Trunk

The trunk can be a big clue to a tree's health. For example, if the trunk is leaning, that could be a clue that the tree is structurally unstable (possibly due to storm damage). The tree may need to be cabled or braced or simply removed if the damage is too severe.

Another clue tree experts can look for is if the trunk is the correct root flare shape (flaring out where it meets the ground). This visible root flare means your tree is more likely to stay healthy long-term than a tree that's had its root flare buried during planting or with mulch.

And finally, any defects or wounds in the trunk can point to tree health problems that may need to be addressed. A large rotting canker on the trunk, for instance, could indicate a structural defect that may cause the tree to become a hazard.

2. The Tree's Branches

The number, size, shape, and direction of the tree's branches determine the shape and balance of its crown. If your tree's crown is unbalanced, some judicious pruning and limb removal can often restore it to a healthier shape.

In addition, your tree expert can look for branches that are dead, rubbing against each other, competing for light, or growing too closely over a roof, AC unit, or other item. These branches may need to be pruned back for best results.

3. The Tree's Bark

In addition to checking the shape and structure of your tree's trunk and branches, a tree expert can also take a closer look at the bark on their surface. In many cases, bark can tell a story about how healthy or unhealthy a tree is.

Bark inspection may reveal trauma to the tree's trunk, rotten areas of branch (via clues such as fungus growing on the bark), or other problems that will need to be removed to restore the tree to health. These clues can help your tree expert decide which branches need to be pruned back or removed entirely.

4. The Tree's Roots

Different situations call for different levels of root inspection. Some tree experts use a process called air excavation to inspect roots, but this is a more involved process and is probably only necessary if your tree has suspected problems such as root damage or root rot.

However, even without excavating the tree's roots, your tree expert can check out any aboveground roots and assess the environment the tree is planted in. They can also check for potential problems, such as a root girdling the tree trunk (which could eventually choke the tree).

5. The Tree's Leaves

The leaves or needles of a tree have a lot to say about how healthy it is, and often these are the first part of a tree you notice. Your tree expert may be able to look at the condition of leaves or needles to determine whether a tree is happy or stressed, for instance. A stressed tree may have some leaves turning yellow or falling off early.

Inspecting these five parts of your tree's anatomy can help your tree expert to determine what treatments your tree may need and what professional maintenance it requires. To learn more about the tree services available or to schedule a professional assessment , give Kaily's Tree Service a call today.

4 Variables That Affect Whether You Should Sell Your Trees

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 11:38:42 GMT

While existing trees are valuable for environmental reasons and may add curb appeal to your property, trees sold for timber can give you their value in cash. Some trees are more desirable to loggers than other trees, though. Here are some variables that affect whether or not your trees are likely to fetch a good price if you remove and sell them.

1. Tree Varieties

Hardwoods tend to be relatively expensive and valuable. Typically, if you have hardwood trees, you can expect them to be worth more than a less sought-after type of tree. Hardwoods tend to be slower-growing trees such as oaks, ashes, and black cherry.

Your tree services experts can help you determine what types of trees you have on your property .

2. Tree Size and Age

As you'd expect, larger, older trees tend to be worth more. This is not just because a larger tree contains more wood, but also because these larger trees are rarer because they take longer to grow. For a high-value log, the tree will typically need to be at least 16 inches across when measured at a height of 4.5 feet (although the specifics can vary by tree species).

If you're having the trees removed because they're a threat to your house or because you're clearing an area to build, you won't want to wait another twenty years while the trees finish maturing. Just be aware that if they're not very large yet, they may not be as desirable to buyers.

3. Tree Health and Condition

The tree's condition should be free of structural defects, disease, deformities, and similar issues. A tree that's been damaged by disease, insects, or even harsh weather conditions may be significantly less valuable as timber. Some signs of these problems that you can check for from the outside of the tree include:

Any open wounds on the trunk
Knots or broken-off branches
Any signs of rot
Insect holes or other signs of insect activity
Blackened, burned-looking areas
Burls or other malformations
Broken-off or unhealthy-looking tree top

If you see severe examples of these or several of these signs on the same tree, you should assume that at least some of the tree's wood is damaged. While not every health issue will disqualify your trees from being sold as timber, they tend to make the tree less valuable or make the amount of usable wood smaller.

Objects such as nails or screws driven into the tree can also damage the wood and make the tree less valuable. A tree care expert can help you more definitely assess your trees' condition.

4. Logistics and Efficiency

Getting logging equipment all the way out to your property takes time and effort, which means any company buying logs from you will make an investment beyond just what they pay you. The more complicated the logistics are and the fewer trees they'll get for their trouble, the less likely they are to make a good profit on their investment.

Complicated logistics include things like harvesting trees from a yard while trying not to damage the house, harvesting a few select trees from a wooded lot, or hauling the trees extra-long distances back to the processing facility. Fewer complications and higher numbers of valuable logs are more likely to gain a good offer from a logging company.

These variables can all affect how much each of your trees will be worth as timber and whether or not you should try to sell them as timber when removing them from your property. If you discover your trees aren't likely to fetch much as timber, remember that keeping them on your property can also provide benefits (such as curb appeal and shade).

For more information on whether you should sell your trees as timber, choose a more typical style of tree removal, or keep the trees, talk to your local tree service experts at Kaily's Tree Service today.

What Every Property Owner Should Know About Healthy Tree Groves

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 01:30:52 GMT

Many rural neighborhoods in Tennessee are located in spaces that contain forests, thickets, or tree groves. Part of your property may naturally contain a significant tree population. You may be unsure how to maintain a grove in a way that ensures tree health and growth. Take a look at what every property owner should know about healthy tree groves.

Healthy Groves Hold a Host of Benefits

Healthy trees provide a host of benefits. Trees boost property values while they lend shade and beauty to your home. Trees also produce oxygen and absorb pollutants to naturally improve air quality. And trees help control erosion and improve water quality.

A large number of trees, such as those in a grove or copse, provide your home with privacy and protection from the elements. Your grove may be a life-sustaining habitat for a variety of wildlife as well. You may also reap the benefits of certain tree varieties in the form of timber or food if your grove contains oak, cherry, or nut trees. If your grove contains pine trees, you could even harvest your Christmas tree from your own lot.

Healthy Groves Need Maintenance

Measured care is essential in order to more fully enjoy the benefits a grove of trees offers. Healthy trees endure for years because they are better able to resist disease and insects. Here are some strategies that help maintain a healthy, functional grove.

Remove Dead Growth and Prune

Sometimes a tree reaches its life limit and dies. Wind, the weight of ice, and lightning can damage a tree enough to kill a limb or two. While dead trees eventually decompose and provide nutrients for surrounding plants, dead growth of this type should be removed instead. A damaged or dead tree can be harmful for visitors if a limb falls. Also, a very large fallen limb can damage nearby trees in the grove.

You can regularly monitor your timber for trees that require the removal of diseased and damaged limbs. Additionally, you may want to check for trees that need pruning. Selectively cutting certain branches helps train new tree growth to produce more fruit, maintains shape for lumber harvest, and cuts back on overly thick canopies that prevent sunlight from reaching the ground.

Remove Invasive Species

Several invasive tree species exist in Tennessee that destroy the natural tree community. You can help nurture a healthy grove when you take steps to prevent the growth of or completely remove trees like mimosa, tree-of-heaven, Russian olive, and white poplar. Learn to recognize which trees are invasive by their leaf type, flowers, and growing habits. Then, dig up or destroy smaller trees if possible.

Large specimens probably require the help of a professional to safely and thoroughly remove an entire tree, including roots. Many invasive species are hardy and prompt the growth of sucker shoots if a portion of root is left in the ground.

Plant Native Species

As you evaluate a grove for dead limbs or invasive trees that need removal, consider ways to augment the number of healthy trees that grow there. Remember, trees do not last forever and must be replaced. You can plant new trees in empty spaces right now to enjoy for many years in the future.

One way to ensure a healthy grove is to plant species that are native rather than non-native. Native trees:

Create a more ideal natural habitat for area wildlife
Are better suited to the climate and therefore need little maintenance
Are naturally able to resist native insects and disease
Blend more naturally into their surroundings

Choose both large and small tree varieties to provide more diversity to your grove. Native species that thrive in Tennessee include maples, oaks, sassafras, black walnut, redbud, and ironwood.

If you need further help with the management of your tree grove, contact Kaily's Tree Service . We can help minimize the amount of time you spend pruning and removing deadwood and allow you more time to enjoy your beautiful trees.

3 Diseases Tennessee Trees Face

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 23:19:57 GMT

Trees can be a particularly striking feature of any home's landscape, but they are not invulnerable to pests or diseases. Their long life and sometimes high maintenance requirements can make it particularly devastating when these threats strike.

While the best way to avoid heartbreak is to plant hardy native varieties and provide annual care, you should still be aware of some of the hazards faced by trees in Tennessee. Learning about these three serious threats will help you to recognize and address them before they can destroy the most visible parts of your landscape.

1. Powdery Mildew

If you maintain a vegetable garden, then you may already be familiar with powdery mildew as a threat to a variety of different squash plants. Unfortunately, this fungal disease can also affect trees. While powdery mildew can often devastate crops of zucchini or other food plants, it does not usually pose a mortal threat to trees or larger plants.

Powdery mildew's name gives away its appearance: in most cases, you can spot white, powder-like fungal mats spread across leaves. The disease tends to spread quickly throughout a tree, and even between trees. Although it won't kill most trees, it can ruin their appearance and stunt their growth by killing leaves during the growing season.

Once you've identified this problem, the best option is to control its spread. Fungicides can help, but pruning back the affected sections will prevent the fungus from growing out of control. Since powdery mildew relies on humidity to spread, pruning your trees to provide proper airflow (especially in shaded areas) can prevent future outbreaks.

2. Thousand Cankers Disease

Unlike powdery mildew, thousand cankers disease has the potential to stunt or even kill trees in your yard. This disease has killed countless trees across the eastern United States and poses a severe threat both to local economies and to the beauty of your home's yard. Black walnut trees are particularly vulnerable, but thousand cankers disease can strike other trees, as well.

Like powdery mildew, the underlying cause of thousand cankers is a fungus. In most cases, the fungus makes its way into the tree bark when walnut twig beetles burrow under the surface. These tunnels provide a route for the pathogen to take hold, ultimately damaging and potentially killing the tree. The disease causes telltale cankers under the bark and will result in the death of stems and branches.

Unfortunately, there are no effective strategies for controlling or mitigating thousand cankers. If you suspect this disease, contact a professional to evaluate the tree. You will need to cut down and destroy any affected trees on your property. The best way to prevent this disease is to maintain your trees properly to avoid twig beetle infestations.

3. Septoria Leaf Spot

Another fungal illness, Septoria leaf spot commonly affects dogwood trees. The disease can appear as small, rusty brown spots on foliage or flowers. Over time, the affected areas will dry out, and the leaves will begin to dry and fall off. The Septoria fungus should not severely damage or kill the tree, but it does create stress that can negatively affect the growth and health of the tree in the future.

Like most fungal diseases, Septoria leaf spot relies on humid weather to spread. The spores can also survive for some time in leaf piles or other yard waste. Controlling this disease is primarily a matter of keeping trees pruned to promote good airflow and destroying any infected waste. Allowing the spores to survive the winter and reinfect the same tree can leave the tree vulnerable to other, more hazardous illnesses.

The best way to keep your trees safe is to keep them properly maintained. Pruning dead branches, destroying infected waste, and maintaining proper airflow can reduce pests and prevent fungal infections. Kaily's Tree Service can help you to maintain the tree's on your property to keep them healthy and looking great.

4 Ways to Clear Land After Tree Removal

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:07:02 GMT

When you want to clear some of your land for a project, the first natural step is tree removal, but that is not the only step to take. By working with a tree service company, you can complete extra steps to properly clear out the land and have an open space for whatever project you decide to work on.

See the various ways a tree service company will help clear out the land and provide a space ready to use.

1. Root Removal

The root systems that trees grow underground are intricate and can extend greatly across lawns. Along with cutting down trees, a company can provide services for any roots that protrude, pop-up, and extend across the ground. The root removal is an essential process for creating a flat area to build on.

Once the roots are removed, the lawn may have large holes and divots where the roots were once in place. You may need soil or turf to fill the divots and create flat land. The root removal will also help prevent the regrowth of trees. Some trees could sprout new plants again directly from the root. Elm trees are known for doing this.

2. Shrub and Bush Removal

A large tree is not the only plant a tree service company will help remove. As you clear out land, workers can also remove shrubs, bushes, and other smaller plants from the area. The plants often intertwine with each other and create large clusters of weeds and plant life.

Because of the smaller size, the shrubs and bushes may get pulled out directly from the root so there is nothing extra left behind.

3. Brush Piles

Along with living plants, you may have old trees, Christmas trees, and piles of branches which have accumulated over the years. One of the easiest ways to clear out all of the brush is to hire a tree service company for their wood chipping services.

With a wood chipping service, all of the brush and extra items will be reduced to small fragmented pieces. Once the wood becomes chipped, you have multiple options. The wood services company can keep the wood chips, or you can keep them on your property. Depending on what you use the space for, you could add a layer of wood chips to the land clearing.

Wood chips are also ideal for garden areas. If you have a playground area in the backyard, you could line the ground with the wood chips for a nice play surface.

4. Tree Pruning

As you clear land for your use, you also have to consider the health and safety of the trees still remaining. For example, if you clear out land to install a pool, you do not want a dead branch from a nearby tree to fall into the pool and cause damage.

A tree pruning service will inspect the remaining trees around the land clearing area and complete tasks to keep the trees healthy. Pruning the trees allows the plant to grow, flower, and thrive. The removal of dead wood helps eliminate any dangers and takes excessive weight off the tree.

Tree experts will use visual and physical inspections to find the dead branches and ensure the space around the land clearing remains safe for years to come. After the initial tree pruning, consider annual check-ups, especially as construction progresses on various projects around the cleared out land. The preventative steps will prevent many problems in the future.

For more information on our tree services, contact us at Kaily's Tree Service . We have expert knowledge on tree species and have completed several land clearing projects. Consult with us to receive an estimate and discuss any plans you have for the area you need cleared out.

Planting Trees for a Prepper Lifestyle

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:49:41 GMT

Prepping for natural disasters, power outages, and other catastrophic events requires you to be self-reliant. After all, you can't depend on infrastructure that's been flooded out after a hurricane, so you have to have the skills and resources to get by as much as possible on your own.

But whether you're going full-on prepper or just preparing for the natural disasters common in your area, trees can be useful. Here are some of the resources and supplies trees can provide that you may need as a prepper.

1. Wood or Bark

The trunk and bark of a tree can be useful in a variety of survival situations. If you have enough land, you can grow a stand of trees that could provide you with firewood for years. Some trees that could work well for this include poplar, aspen, and maple.

However, firewood is just one way to make use of a tree's wood and bark. Wood is, of course, a great building material, and the bark (or inner bark) from a tree can be used to make rope or cord, baskets and cooking vessels, and, in some cases, even food or medicinal tea.

2. Fruit and Nuts

Instead of planting the landscape trees that the rest of the neighborhood has, you may want to invest in fruit and nut trees. While trees will take several years to produce, they can become a reliable producer of food over time. And compared to a vegetable garden, trees require much less care once they're well-established.

Choosing the right fruit and nut trees is critical. For fruit trees, choose fruits that can be easily preserved. Figs, for instance, can be dried and stored for winter. In addition, choose trees that will perform well in your climate. And try to choose a selection of fruit and nut trees that produce at different times for food production throughout the year.

3. Leaves

Green leaves can be a substitute for toilet tissue in a survival situation. Some trees can also provide leaves that are great for fire starting. But even better, you can plant trees that offer edible leaves that you can steep for tea or even cook as a vegetable.

For instance, mulberry trees have leaves that can be edible if cooked properly, and linden tree leaves are even edible raw. A few trees with edible leaves can produce a huge amount of food once they grow to adult size.

4. Shade

If you're a prepper, you may have a system in place for backup power in case the power goes out. You may even have off-the-grid power, such as solar or wind power, that you use. But in order to make the most of these resources, you need an energy-efficient house. And for that, you'll need to make use of passive cooling efforts as well.

Planting shade trees to strategically shade your house is an important passive cooling technique. Others include using awnings on your windows, improving your home's insulation, and installing a cool roof. However, in order to avoid the risk of a tree falling on your house (which could make a disaster even worse), be sure to plant it at a safe distance.

These are just some of the benefits that trees can offer if you're preparing for natural disasters and other scenarios. Trees can also provide sugary sap, pinecones for easy fire starting, and much more.

For more information about which trees will perform best in your area and what professional services you'll need to care for them so they'll provide all these benefits, contact local tree services expert Kaily's Tree Service today.

5 Reasons to Remove Trees Near Swimming Pools

Tue, 26 May 2020 18:45:05 GMT

A backyard swimming pool offers a lot of ways to relax and enjoy the waters, but pools also require cleaning and maintenance. If you have one or more trees located near a pool, the time you need to clean the pool could increase and result in multiple problems.

While a tree may provide shade over the area, you will find many benefits with tree removal near your swimming pool.

1. Eliminate Leaf and Branch Debris

When a tree grows near a pool area, leaves and branches often fall into the water. Leaves will float in the water when first landing, but eventually they will sink to the bottom and could clog the filters. Additionally, as leaves break down, their chemistry changes the pH levels of the water and could cause discoloration along with algae growth.

Furthermore, branches and sticks in your pool could become a major annoyance, jam up in the filter, and cause problems if they press into the pool lining.

With tree removal, your pool water will remain clear and lessen the time you take to clean the water.

2. Prevent Root Growth Damage

While the leaves and branches are visible on the pool's surface, tree roots could present dangers you don't see. Tree roots grow and expand outward, and the roots do not stop just because of a pool installation.

Roots may push on the sides of pools or directly underneath the pool, which could cause the flat surface of the pool lining to dramatically change. Not only would the bumps and curves cause discomfort to feet, but the roots could also burst through the lining and cause significant damage along with some water loss.

However, when you remove a tree, the root growth with stop. Ideally, you should have the tree removed before the roots grow too close to the area. A majority of the roots will stay in the ground, but slowly rot over time without causing your pool anymore problems.

3. Eliminate Critters and Insects

Trees attract animals to your pool, such as birds who can soil your pool and furniture with droppings. Critters like squirrels could accidentally fall into the water and not have a way out. The tree could host a bee's nest or wasp nest which becomes a pain when you swim and are constantly surrounded by the flying insects.

When you remove the tree near the pool area, you decrease the presence of these animals. With the tree gone, the animals will move on to other trees and avoid your poolside location.

4. Remove Dead Tree Dangers

A dead tree may not cause leaves to land on the water, but it could cause more costly dangers. As a tree rots from the inside, the stability will only decrease and create problems. If a whole tree falls on a pool, the pool could leak out all of the water, the pool could become damaged beyond repair, and the cleanup costs could exceed the tree removal costs. Additionally, one bad storm could result in a tree falling.

With the dead tree removal, you eliminate dangers and create a safe swimming area.

5. Increase Water Temperatures

When a tree hangs over the pool, the shade prevents the water from warming. With tree removal, your pool will have more direct exposure to sunlight. With the direct sun, your pool temperature will naturally rise on sunny days.

You also have the option to use other pool supplies like a solar cover. Maximize the use of the solar cover with full sun exposure to the whole pool.

Contact us at Kaily's Tree Service for more information on tree removal. We will help you eliminate any trees around your pool and use our years of experience to help avoid any problems in the future.

The Dos and Don'ts of Limiting a Tree's Height

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:33:14 GMT

Trees are known for their tall, majestic greenery. They provide a beautiful background for landscapes large and small. But in some situations, you may not want a tree that grows as tall as it can. When is a good time to curtail a tree, and how should you do it? Discover a few do's and don'ts of keeping your tree from its full height.

Do Know Your Goals

While most property owners do not particularly care how tall their trees get — and may prefer a huge tree — you have reasonable situations when you should act to limit growth. You may have power lines or other obstructions above the canopy. It may now (or eventually) block an important view. Or you may want to encourage outward growth rather than height.

These are legitimate choices, and nothing wrong with keeping a tree from its fullest potential when needed. So define — specifically — what you want from the tree's height and why that is important. This will help you reach the right goals while protecting the tree.

Don't React Rashly

One of the worst things you can do to keep a tree artificially shorter is to act rashly or overdo the pruning. Some owners might immediately go for a blunt cut at the top of the tree, resulting in what is known as topping the tree — removing entire upper portions of the canopy.

Tree topping can remove too much of the limbs, branches, and leaves, leaving the tree undernourished and vulnerable to breakage or storm toppling. It may even encourage pests and infestations. And the growth may simply return, making the entire effort pointless.

In fact, pruning any tree too harshly at any time — no matter where you prune — can be just as dangerous. Many trees should not have more than about 20% of their volume removed at any given time. A homeowner may accidentally do damage by over-pruning out of frustration or inexperience.

Do Work With a Professional

Before trimming a tree with this goal in mind, consult with a professional tree service. They will assess the entire health of the tree, including key factors like its age, the natural growing style, the condition of the limbs, and your preferred shape.

For instance, the homeowner may not know that pyramid-shaped trees must be pruned differently than fruit trees. Pruning in different season might also result in different long-term results. A pro will tailor the plan to the tree's individual characteristics.

Don't Overlook Moving It

Even though a tree seems like a permanent feature of your landscape, you might be able to move it. If you have a mature tree that you love but cannot keep in its present location, consider giving it a new lease on life in a new spot.

By moving an established tree, you can replace it with something naturally more conducive to the height you want. If taking this route, be sure to consult a professional about the replacement choice.

Do Think Long-Term

Getting your tree to the height you want is a long-term project. In many cases, you may need to trim over a few growing cycles in order to reduce the height to the desired level. While this may not be what you prefer, patience protects your investment in the tree and the landscape around it.

Are you ready to start taking control of the height of your trees? Get started today by consulting with the tree pros at Kaily's Tree Service . Our experienced staff will help you find the best route to achieving the perfect look in your yard. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

4 Reasons to Consider a Dead Wooding Service

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 15:32:52 GMT

Tree services that advertise dead wooding offer a service that helps to preserve healthy trees through the removal of upper limbs and branches that pose a risk. The service addresses the dead limbs that could otherwise fall from the canopy and cause damage below. Using the service can often help to prevent a lot of problems for the tree owner. Discover four reasons why you should try dead wooding.

1. Protect Human Life

The most important reason people should consider the removal of dead branches is to protect the humans on their property. A falling limb could severely injure or kill anyone below when it drops. Dead and damaged limbs can fall without warning and do not need rain or wind to bring them down.

2. Avoid Power Outages

Trees continue to cause problems for utility companies because of their tendency to take down power lines when the trees themselves or their branches fail. A home or business owner who neglects a damaged tree could cause themselves and their neighbors to be in the dark.

The repair could become more costly if the broken limb damages the remainder of the tree and makes it a fall risk. The utility service may need to keep the power off so a safe removal of the rest of the tree can take place. The removal could cause everyone nearby to remain without power until a tree service can arrive and complete the removal.

3. Prevent Insurance Claims

Falling branches can cause property damage and personal injuries that often lead to insurance claims against the policy of the property owner. Tree branches can fall on homes, decks, and vehicles and cause extensive damage. People who visit the property for work or pleasure could also become injured.

The property owner may need to pay a deductible for the claim, or their insurance rates may increase after someone makes a claim. The insurance company may hesitate to cover damages if the accident was from a lack of tree maintenance.

If the branch had obvious damage and was not repaired, the insurer may believe the tree was not maintained and refuse to cover the damages or agree to only cover a fraction of the damages.

4. Protect the Tree

Some tree limb damage occurs because of diseases or pests. Limb removal can make diagnosing the problem easier and enable people to preserve their tree. An annual inspection by a tree service could boost the chance of an early diagnosis as not all diseases and other issues show obvious signs.

A fungus, for example, can enter a tree through the roots, so you have no visible damage to the exterior of the tree. Over time, the fungus produces enzymes to make the wood decay. The fungus feeds off the nutrients in the damaged wood. As the fungus spreads and continuously destroys the wood to make its food, the tree branches will weaken and die.

An inspection by a tree service could help to identify the problem before the damage becomes widespread and the tree becomes a total loss.

Healthy trees can have damaged limbs from storms or other events. A large limb that falls unexpectedly could break many healthy limbs beneath it as it falls. Extensive damage that affects the balance of the tree, as well as its appearance, could result as the limb strips the lower branches from the tree.

Dead wooding preserves trees, homes, and yards with the careful removal of dead and damaged branches. Expert removal prevents any unnecessary limb loss and ensures that all diseased branches receive proper treatment so the disease does not spread. At Kaily's Tree Service , dead wooding is one of our many services. Contact us to learn more.

How to Avoid Tree Blowdowns on Your Property

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:43:49 GMT

Root Rot

Root rot can refer to one of the many issues that affect the root system, including fungal issues or water damage.

Symptoms

Root rot signs are often overlooked until it is too late to save the tree. Most root rots occur because saturated soil causes the roots to drown. Even if the roots recover, the stage may have been set for a fungal infestation that will then kill the roots.

Some early symptoms include yellowing and dying leaves which may fall or persist on the tree. You may also notice fungal growth or mushroom snear the base of the tree or along the trunk. As the rot progresses, the tree may start to lean or whole branches may die back.

Prevention and Treatment

Many types of root rot are preventable through proper care. Plant trees in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. In fact, proper irrigation is the main tactic for avoiding any type of root rot, so learn the water needs for each tree variety on your property.

Once root rot begins, it is nearly impossible to save the tree. Sometimes you can reverse the damage if the issue is caught early enough, but your tree service may need to treat the soil for the fungal agent.

Shallow Roots

When roots are shallow, trees are poorly anchored and more likely to fall over in high winds or wet soil. Although the rooting depth can vary depending on the type of tree, there are also cultural issues that can lead to shallow rooting.

Symptoms

Shallow rooted trees are typically more prone to drought stress because they can't access water deep underground, which further weakens the tree. You may notice that the leaves are brown and dry along the leaf margins, or that the leaves change color earlier than your neighbor's trees in the fall.

Another sign of shallow roots is disturbed soil around the base of the tree, particularly after a storm or high winds. Disturbed soil requires an immediate call to a tree service since it can indicate that the tree is in immediate danger of falling.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention entails proper planting and good general maintenance. When planting new trees, avoid site with compacted soil as well as those near buildings or other objects that can restrict root growth.

Further, avoid shallow irrigation. Trees should be watered deeply every couple of weeks to help encourage the development of deeper roots. Proper fertilization can also help. Your tree service may also recommend reducing the crown size to it better matches the size that the current root system can support.

Tree Selection

Certain trees just aren't suitable for some areas of the yard because they have an increased chance of blowing over during a storm.

Symptoms

One sign that you have chosen the wrong tree for the location is that it is suffering from exposure damage. If every storm that comes through breaks off large branches or causes the soil to churn at the base of the tree, that tree is not suited to the location.

Prevention and Treatment

The best prevention is to research tree varieties before planting. In highly exposed areas, opt for sturdy trees with a more columnar form, as this allows wind to pass around the trees. Many flowering and softwood trees do better in protected areas, simply because in nature they would grow in the more protected understory margins of a forest.

If you have the wrong tree in the wrong area, your tree service may be able to help you find a solution. A windscreen, either manmade or grown from more wind resistant plants, is one option that can help protect the tree.

Contact Kaily's Tree Service for more assistance with your landscape trees.

Is Saving a Dying Tree Possible or Even Worth It?

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:42:09 GMT

A tree on your property may not look too good. Possibly, you have a sick or dying tree. However, a sick or dying tree isn't a dead tree. Often, you may be able to save a tree and bring it back to good health before it's too late. But is saving the tree worth the effort?

Why You Should Always Save a Dying Tree

A tree on your property is often worth keeping. When properly maintained, a tree can add value to a property as well as some other benefits. If your tree can come back into good health, it will likely improve the look and atmosphere of your property.

If your tree sits in the proper location, it can help provide shade that blocks heat well enough to keep structures on the other side of the tree cooler and more comfortable. Trees also provide calming effects, put out fresh oxygen, add color, and help to bring nature a little closer to home.

Why You Must Know What Signs to Look For

Sometimes, a lack of nutrients or an infection can make a tree look like it's on the brink of death. You may think you have a dying tree, but you might only have a sick one.

Knowing what's going on with the tree can help to determine the possibility of saving it. In some cases, a tree only needs a little care. In other cases, the tree might have fallen too far into sickness to recover. Many people can't always tell the condition of a tree just by looking.

Look for some of these signs of a sick or dying tree:

Bare branches or sparse leaf cover throughout
Dry, brittle, easily breakable wood
Conspicuous fungus growth
Cracked or very damaged trunks
The tree tilts, bends, or looks like it might uproot

A tree may have the ability to recover from one of these things naturally. A combination of two or more of these symptoms can mean your tree is in imminent danger. At this point, you will have to decide what you will do about the tree.

Why You Have to Contact Professionals About Your Tree

Recognizing the signs of a potentially sick or dying tree doesn't tell you exactly what problem your tree has. An assessment from a professional tree service can help find the specific issue plaguing your tree. From there, you will have a few options, depending on what the service finds.

Your tree may just need some tree pruning to remove dead wood or diseased branches. Sometimes this is enough and the tree will start to recover on its own. Otherwise, you may need to help the tree get back to its old self by watering it more or mulching around it to give it needed nutrients.

The tree service will let you know what types of specific actions you should consider for your tree. The faster you identify the issue with your tree, the better chance you will have to save it.

One of the main reasons to speak to a professional service about saving your tree is that different types of trees can require wildly different types of care. In addition, various types of tree diseases exist, and each requires its own type of solution.

Alternatively, you may find out you have to remove the tree entirely. A tree that's too far gone becomes a hazard that can create property damage or injure people. While it's typically worth it to save a dying tree, you should never keep a tree on your property that is or will become a hazard.

Kaily's Tree Service handles tree assessment, pruning, deadwood removal, and tree removal. If you have a tree on your property that you suspect isn't in good health, contact us today.

Got a Stump? How to Decide Between Grinding and Removal

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 17:03:19 GMT

When a tree dies or has to be taken down, you will find yourself stuck with the stump. What should you do with it? Leaving it in the ground is the cheapest option but is often the most unsightly — and even a dangerous — choice. Instead, you likely want to have the stump destroyed so you can move forward.

Fortunately, homeowners have two good choices for removing that stump: grinding and removal. Which is best for your yard? Here are four factors that can help you decide.

Cost

Stump removal will cost more than grinding. Why? The process of removal is significantly more labor-intensive, it's time-consuming, and it requires more heavy equipment. Basically, removal requires digging down to and around the root ball, which can often be even larger than the tree itself. Then, as much of the root ball as possible is pulled out using heavy equipment or a crane.

Therefore, if you are on a budget, stump grinding — in which the stump is ground up by a hand-operated machine and turned into sawdust — is more economical and generally faster.

Replanting

What do you want to do with the spot where the old tree was? This is a big part of the decision because stump grinding will leave most of the underground portion of the tree's roots in place. The grinding can be as shallow as only few inches below the soil level, or it could be as deep as a foot or two. Either way, though, your choices about what to plant in the exact spot will be limited.

If the old tree was large, its root system may be very large as well, resulting in a significant impact on what landscaping options you have in the area. While you can replant the space with grass, shrubs, or flowers, you may not be able to replant a large tree or build hardscape features that require a foundation.

Destruction

How thoroughly does the old tree need to be eradicated from its location? As mentioned previously, stump grinding will leave the root ball in the ground and allow it to decay naturally. There is a possibility that the tree's roots will allow shoots to continue to grow for years after the tree is gone. In addition, if the tree's roots are diseased, infected, or infested with pests, these problems will remain in the soil.

Most stumps will not cause permanent damage if the root ball is left in the ground, though. To find out if yours may create further landscape issues, consult with an experienced tree service about the specifics of your old tree's condition.

Landscaping

Stump removal is almost always going to cause significant damage to the area immediately around it. That's because the root system of a mature tree can be quite vast and quite deep. Removal experts will have to dig extensively in order to get the majority of the root ball and offshoots. You will be left with a large hole in the ground that will need filled back in and re-landscaped.

Removal, then, is best done when you're not concerned with the landscape around the tree — such as when working on an unimproved lot that has yet to be landscaped or as part of a project that will see the complete renovation of the yard. If you do have valuable or sensitive landscape or hardscape, though, grinding is a much more cautious way of taking out just this one feature.

The right stump destruction method for your particular circumstances will depend on these and other elements. If you aren't sure how to go about it the best way, make an appointment with a qualified tree service to evaluate your options. Kaily's Tree Service is ready to help. Call today to learn about our stump services as well as what we can to do care for all your trees — both now and in the future.

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Pruning Mature Trees

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 16:56:09 GMT

Newly planted trees may seem to get all the attention, but your mature trees require maintenance as well. Although you no longer need to shape and train your tree to develop good growth habits, you do need to prune properly to prevent your tree from developing any hazardous issues within the canopy.

What to Prune

As a general rule, mature trees do not require the extensive pruning that is sometimes necessary for their younger counterparts. However, they do need to be pruned occasionally.

Damaged Limbs

A damaged branch poses a breakage hazard. Signs of damage include dieback, cracks, and missing bark. The goal is to remove damaged branches before they fall on their own. Smaller branches can typically be removed with no concern, but larger branches may require further pruning so that the weight distribution in the tree remains even.

Problem Branches

A problem branch is any branch that could cause damage. Branches that are crossed and rubbing together are a problem because they will eventually wear through each other. This wear increases the danger of breakage. Another problem is if a branch rubs against the roof or siding of your home, even if this only occurs during high winds.

Problem branches must be assessed on a case-by-case basis for either trimming or removal.

Form Issues

A healthy mature tree has an even growth habit. This means that the canopy is generally rounded in shape with equal branch distribution throughout. If the growth is lusher or the branches longer and heavier on one side, a tree is more likely to blow over during a wind storm.

A tree service can thin the canopy and trim back overgrown branches to help balance the tree for healthier growth and more stability.

When to Prune

When it comes to tree trimming, timing truly is everything. If you prune a tree out of season it is more likely to suffer problems.

Routine Pruning

The optimum time for routine pruning is in late winter, right before the spring bud burst. The tree is still dormant in late winter, so pruning cuts don't damage or shock the tree. Yet the frenzied flush of spring growth soon follows, which means the tree can quickly heal its pruning wounds.

Further, most pests and disease organisms are also still dormant in late winter, so the pruning cuts are less likely to become infected.

Special Cases

Of course, there are times when you cannot put off pruning. If the tree has visible damage, then that damaged branch must be removed before it poses a hazard to those below. Branches that are causing direct damage to buildings must also be removed sooner rather than later.

Contact a professional if you suspect you need to prune out of season because they have the tools and knowledge to prune with as little damage to the tree as possible.

How to Prune

You may be able to complete some light pruning on your own, although it's usually a better idea to leave mature tree pruning to the professionals due to the inherent dangers of trimming a larger tree.

Tools

Bypass shears work well for small diameter branches, but you will need a pruning saw for more mature tree branches. To avoid the need to climb the tree, you can get pole pruners that allow you to make some cuts from the ground.

Techniques

There are four main techniques used to prune a tree — cleaning, thinning, raising, and reduction. Cleaning refers to the removal of dead and damaged branches while thinning is for removing crossed and dense branches.

When you raise the branches, you are pruning off those lower on the trunk, whereas reduction refers to removal from the top of the canopy. A tree service can determine which techniques are best for your tree.

Although it's possible to make a few maintenance cuts safely, overall mature tree pruning should be left to the professionals that have the proper tools and skills to complete the job safely. Contact Kaily's Tree Service for more help.

What Is Sudden Oak Death?

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:15:29 GMT

Tennessee has a plethora of beautiful oak trees. As beautiful as all those oak trees are, they are at risk for sudden oak death. A number of states are dealing with this disease in their woods and forests, including Tennessee. If you have oak trees, you want to make sure that your trees are as healthy as possible, so you should learn more about sudden oak death and what you can do about it.

Sudden Oak Death

Sudden oak death is caused by a pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. P. ramorum is similar to a fungus and can reproduce both sexually and asexually, making it easier to spread. That's part of what can make sudden oak death so devastating to your trees.

Signs and Symptoms

When you know what some of the signs and symptoms of sudden oak death are, you are going to be in a better place to protect your trees. While the only way to definitively prove that your trees are infected is to take samples and have them tested, awareness of the signs and symptoms can give you a heads up so that you can call in a tree service to look at your trees.

Cankers

One sign that you might have trees with this illness is that they have cankers start to show up on their trunks. In trees, cankers are sections of the tree where bark has fallen off or doesn't grow anymore. Cankers can lead to girdling, which is where the wounds to the tree start to encircle the whole trunk. Generally, trees can't survive full girdling.

Shoot and Twig Die-Off

Your tree is going to put out new shoots and twigs so that it can continue to grow. Sudden oak death can cause that new growth to either not form or to die off before it can become anything else. In smaller trees, twig die-off can kill the plant before anything else can.

Spotted Leaves

Another sign of sudden oak death is that the leaves develop spots. Since many illnesses or problems can cause spotted leaves, this one can be harder to pinpoint to sudden oak death. Check for other signs and have a tree service inspect your tree and take samples to know for sure what’s causing the leaf spots.

Treatment and Management

You can't cure sudden oak death. The best that you can hope to do is manage the illness and keep it from spreading to your other trees. In the worst cases, you should get rid of any infected trees or other host plants. Treating and managing the disease is more about prevention, both from initial infection and from spreading out to other trees.

Avoid Infected Areas

One way to prevent the illness from getting a foothold in your yard is to make sure that you avoid as many infected areas as possible. If you do go into an area that is infected, make sure that you wash off your shoes and any gloves, as well as your clothes and hands. That gets rid of any spores that you might have tracked around.

Avoid Host Plants

Sudden oak death affects primarily oaks, but some plants are host plants that can carry the disease and spread it around to other trees. If you are planting new plants in your yard, check to make sure that you aren't planting any hosts in your yard.

You want your yard to look good and your trees to be healthy. Call us at Kaily's Tree Service if you are worried about any of your trees. We will come and take a look at them to see if they have sudden oak death or something else. We can advise you on what you should do for your trees if they are ill.

Protect Your Trees From These 3 Winter Problems

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:32:35 GMT

Trees are an important part of almost any landscape. They provide shade and visual interest to your property, which can even help increase the value of your home. While your trees may seem relatively low maintenance during the winter, they face many potential problems.

Learning about the most common types of winter damage and the strategies to prevent damage is important information to add to your landscaping knowledge.

F r o s t H e av e

Frost heave isn't a major concern for mature trees, but it can be deadly for young trees and shrubs. Frost heave occurs in areas where ground freezes tend to be followed by immediate thawing. This rapid freeze and thaw cycle cause the soil to shift, or heave, upward. This can cause a young tree to uproot in severe cases, but even in moderate instances damage to the roots can occurs due to this movement.

P r e v en t i o n

Although you can't control the weather, you can take steps you can take to mitigate frost heave. The easiest is to use mulch, particularly around younger trees and shrubs. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch spread over the root zone of the young tree will insulate the soil against these rapid temperature fluctuations.

Straw, bark nuggets, and wood chips all make a suitable mulch material. The only caution is that the mulch shouldn't rest directly against the young tree trunk, since this can lead to rot issues on the tree's bark.

S un s ca l d

Sunscald is primarily a problem on deciduous trees, particularly younger trees or those with thinner bark. It's most often seen on the southern- facing side of a trunk, simply because this is the side exposed to the winter sun.

Sunscald occurs when the air temperature is below freezing, but direct sun exposure heats the vascular tissue beneath the bark. The warmth causes sap to begin flowing, but it will freeze as soon as the warmth fades and freezing temperatures return. When this happens repeatedly, discoloration or cracked bark can occur. In severe cases, the tree can die from the damages.

P r e v en t i o n

You can prevent sunscald by simply shading the trunk from the winter sun when temperatures are below freezing. Tree wrap is often used by arborists to achieve this. Once the trunk is wrapped, you do not need to do anything else until spring. Once frost danger passes, remove the wrap until the following winter. If you leave the wrap on during spring and summer, it can restrict the growth of the trunk.

D e s i cca t i o n

Where sunscald mainly affects deciduous trees, desiccation is a problem for evergreens. Both broadleaf and needle evergreens can be damaged or even killed by desiccation. Desiccation occurs when cold, dry winter winds wick too much moisture out of the foliage. The result is brown, dead foliage that will drop off. If too much foliage is lost, the tree will weaken and eventually die.

In some cases the damage is immediately apparent. You may not notice any browning or leaf drop until the tree resumes active growth in spring or early summer.

P r e v en t i o n

The main cause of desiccation is water loss. You can help counteract this by providing light watering to your evergreen trees during the winter months. Water only when temperatures are above freezing and if there has been little to no moisture in the previous few weeks.

Providing a barrier against the wind can also help. Burlap is most often used, although plastic film can also work. Wrap the tree completely, leaving the top open so air can still reach inside the canopy. The covering is removed in late winter so the tree can resume normal growth as spring begins.

You want your landscape trees to look as good at the end of winter as they did going into fall. Protecting against winter injury is part of good tree maintenance. Contact us to learn more about how proper care and pruning can protect your trees during the cold season.

3 Insects That Endanger Trees in Tennessee

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 20:20:33 GMT

Insects and plants tend to have close relationships. Many insects rely on plants for food, if not also shelter. In nature, this does not really present an issue — but when your backyard trees are the insects' host, that's a whole other story.

A variety of insects exist, many of which are invasive species accidentally introduced to the U.S. over the years, that can infest trees in large numbers and lead to death or significant destruction of the tree. Here are three such insects to be on the lookout for if you live in Tennessee.

1. Emerald Ash Borer

Named for their bright green, emerald color, these beetles are native to Asia and central Russia and are thought to have come over in cargo ships. People first detected them in Michigan in the early 2000s , and they have swept across the nation since, leaving an abundance of dead ash trees in their wake.

Mature emerald ash borers put their eggs on the bark of the tree. The eggs grow into larvae, which burrow through the bark and into the tree's vascular tissue. There, the larvae eat the tree's tissue, gradually impeding the tree's ability to transport water to its branches. The tree's top branches die first, and the destruction spreads downward. Most trees die within two years.

If you have ash trees on your property, keep them as healthy as possible with regular pruning and watering. The healthier the tree, the better it will be able to resist attacks by the emerald ash borer. If your tree does become infested, you'll need to remove the tree and report the infestation to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

2. Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

The hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny insect that measures about 1.5 mm long. You may struggle to see the insect itself, but you won't miss the fuzzy, white masses it creates on the undersides of hemlock needles. The young adelgid use their probe-like mouthparts to extract starch from the base of hemlock trees' needles. They'll attack any type of hemlock tree, causing the needles to turn gray and die back.

Most trees die within 4 to 10 years of initial infestation with hemlock wooly adelgid. Applying chemical insecticides to the tree may help in some cases. To help protect your hemlock trees, do not move firewood from more than 10 miles away; it could harbor these or other pests.

3. Asian Longhorned Beetle

The Asian longhorned beetle is a long, 1.5-inch beetle that is black with irregular white spots. Their antennae may be even longer than their bodies.

This pest is unique in that it does not prefer a specific tree species. Rather, it will attack many different hardwood species, including elm, ash, maple, and willow. The beetles' larvae feed on the delicate vascular tissue just beneath the bark, eventually cutting off the flow of water and nutrients within the tree. Trees typically die within nine years of the infestation.

Asian longhorned beetles likely came to the Brooklyn area in 1996 by ships coming into the New York Harbor from China. Since then, their populations have spread. Hardwood trees in Tennessee are at risk.

Aside from not moving firewood, you can’t do a lot to protect your trees. However, if your tree does become infested, you must remove it. The beetles weaken the wood and make trees dangerous. Limbs can come crashing down and cause injuries, especially during a storm.

If you see any suspicious insects on your tree, don't be afraid to look a little closer. Most insects, when present in large numbers, are not good news. Contact the tree care experts at Kaily's Tree Service for all of your trimming and tree removal needs.

3 Simple Solutions for Protecting Mature Trees

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 18:38:37 GMT

Healthy and appealing trees are beneficial in a few ways. While they add definition, texture, color, and even shade, healthy and mature trees add value to your home, as well. Recent reports state a mature tree can have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000 .

Because of their physical and financial benefits, protecting the underlying health and overall appeal of your mature trees is imperative. With these simple solutions and the help of professionals , you will learn how to protect your mature trees.

1. Water Properly

You most likely know that your trees require a good amount of water when they are first planted, but you may not realize how to water mature trees properly.

Too little water can result in the tree and its underlying roots drying out while too much water can increase the risk of fungal growth and decay. Therefore, learn how to water your trees to keep them appealing and healthy.

To ensure the tree is being watered sufficiently, check the soil conditions regularly. The consistency should be moist, not soggy, so if your soil feels dry, it needs to be watered. If the soil is soggy or you notice water puddling up around the tree, avoid watering the tree for a few days.

When it is time to water, you need to know about how much water to apply to the tree and underlying soil. Your best option for supplying the tree with the right amount of water is to measure the tree trunk. Experts believe 10 gallons of water is needed for every inch of the tree trunk's diameter.

2. Protect the Roots

Even though they are out-of-sight underground, the roots should never be out-of-mind. Without healthy and strong roots, your tree will stop growing, blooming, and thriving. In many cases, issues with the roots can negatively affect its look and structural integrity, so keep your mature tree's roots strong to help your tree.

While surprising to learn, compacted soil is one of the most common dangers to the root system and tree health. If the soil becomes compacted and hard, oxygen, water, and nutrients will struggle moving from the soil into the root system, eventually causing your tree distress.

If the soil around the tree's roots is compacted, consider mixing in some compost. This will till up the hard soil while providing the roots with extra vitamins and nutrients your tree needs to thrive.

Aerate the soil around the tree to help loosen up compacted soil. Of course, this will only benefit the top few inches of soil. If deeper layers of soil are compacted, a more involved tilling and excavation will be necessary.

3. Prune Correctly

Pruning is helpful for promoting new growth in young trees, but it is also beneficial for protecting the look and health of mature trees.

Excessive pruning is not necessary, since numerous cuts and wounds left behind from trimming could actually put your tree in distress. Unnecessary wounds will allow insects and moisture into the tree, increasing the risk of infestations, damage, fungal growth, and your tree's death.

Make sure to prune at the right time, trimming off damaged, decaying, or potentially-hazardous branches. Deciduous trees should be pruned in the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring.

Trees that blossom in the spring should be pruned right after they bloom. Trees that bloom later should be pruned right before new growth begins in the early part of spring.

Caring for your mature trees is just as important as caring for your young trees. For assistance caring for your trees, contact the professionals at Kaily's Tree Service today.

3 Invasive Trees That Forestry Experts Don't Want in Nashville

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 15:55:31 GMT

Invasive trees are large plants that take over forests, woodlands, prairies, and waterfront locations. Invasive trees possess reproductive qualities that enable them to crowd out other plants and inhibit the growth of adjacent tree species. Schedule removal of these three trees on your property to protect your Nashville-area landscape.

1. Royal Paulownia or Princess Tree

The princess tree is native to China, where the plant has been recognized since the fourth century for its timber, medicinal value, and ornamental appeal. The princess tree features large, showy flowers in early spring that are colored pale purple to lavender. According to the Tennessee State Government, princess trees were first imported to the U.S. in the 1830s.

The princess tree has heart-shaped leaves that can spread to 20 inches across. The tree grows rapidly. Paulownia root sprouts can grow up to 15 feet in one year. Princess trees are considered invasive plants in Tennessee and should be removed whenever possible.

Facts about royal paulownia, or princess trees:

Latin name: Paulownia tomentosa
Height at maturity: 60 feet
Seed dispersal: By wind and water
Growing conditions: Disturbed areas; bare soil; roadsides

Although princess tree seeds only sprout when soil is sterile, the trees tolerate acid soils and drought conditions very well once established. Princess tree seeds and roots survive and sprout after fires, construction activity, and road cuts. The princess tree chokes out native vegetation along stream banks due to the tree's rapid growth and prolific ability to produce seedlings.

2. Mimosa or Silktree

At first glance, a mimosa tree looks desirable with its frothy pink blossoms and tropical, fern-like foliage. Mimosa's aesthetic qualities stirred a French botanist to import the tree to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1785 . However, the mimosa tree is a true legume that produces hundreds of six-inch-long bean pods per tree per year. Each of those pods holds beans that will sprout in nearly any type of soil.

Mimosa trees are often short-lived trees due to the numerous pests and devastating fungi to which the trees are susceptible. Weakened mimosa trees are more likely to split during strong storms, and the trees cannot tolerate extreme cold.

Facts about mimosa trees:

Latin name: Albizia julibrissin
Height at maturity: 40 feet
Seed dispersal: Animals and water movement
Growing conditions: Various; prefers open and sunny; tolerates shade

After you have a mimosa tree removed from your property, be on the lookout for mimosa tree seedlings. Because the coating on mimosa seeds is durable and thick, mimosa seeds can remain viable in soil for many years. If left unchecked, mimosa trees form nearly impenetrable thickets and choke out native trees via the mimosas' dense, spreading tree-root systems.

3. Tree of Heaven

Tree-of-heaven is another plant that's a native of Asia. The tree-of-heaven was introduced in the U.S. in the late 1700s and is now considered one of the top invasive trees in states including Tennessee. A tree-of-heaven seedling will become a tree that produces viable seeds as early as three years after sprouting.

Tree-of-heaven blooms with clusters of green or red-green flowers in late spring, followed by the development of twisted, winged seed pods. Each tree can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds per year.

Facts about tree-of-heaven:

Latin name: Ailanthus altissima
Height at maturity: 80 feet
Seed dispersal: Wind
Growing conditions: Disturbed areas; roadsides

Tree-of-heaven is a threat to native and desirable tree species in Tennessee because the tree is an allelopathic plant. Allelopathic plants emit growth-inhibiting chemicals that affect the soil all around them. Tree-of-heaven emits the growth-checking chemicals via its tree roots.

Tree-of-heaven's wind-borne seeds disperse easily to surrounding soil. The tree-of-heaven roots also send up many shoots that become full-grown trees. Remove tree-of-heaven, mimosa, and princess trees to keep your woodlands and landscaping healthy and diverse.

Schedule removal of your unwanted trees and shrubs in the Franklin and Nashville areas by contacting Kaily’s Tree Service today. We offer individual tree removal or complete land clearing to property owners throughout the Nashville, Tennessee, region.

Life on a Wooded Lot: Tips for Safety

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 08:26:07 GMT

Living on a wooded lot definitely has its benefits. You get to enjoy the shade, admire beautiful trees as you look out the window, and enjoy the squirrels and birds that visit. However, life on a wooded lot can also come with some unique risks. The following are safety tips to help you minimize those risks and enjoy happier, healthier life in your home.

Trim Trees Close to Your Home Annually

The trees closest to your home can cause some problems, particularly if they don’t get proper maintenance. Wind could cause a weak or heavy branch to blow through your window. A dead tree that you don’t remove promptly could fall onto your roof, injuring someone. Trees that shade your roof, even if they are in good shape, can drop debris onto the roof and increase the risk of roof deterioration and leaks.

Arrange to have a tree care company come trim the trees closest to your home once a year. The company will remove any limbs in danger of breaking and help maintain a balanced shape that puts less strain on the tree.

Remove Trees With Invasive Roots

Some types of trees have invasive roots that can grow into drains and sewer lines. This leads to sewage backups, which may expose you to dangerous bacteria inside the home. If you have any of the following trees near your home, consider removing them before the roots become an issue:

Poplars
Willows
Silver maples
American elms

If your drains are already slow or backing up, contact a plumber promptly. They may need to grind the invasive roots out of the sewer pipe, and removing the tree is the best way to keep them from growing back.

Deadwood Your Lot

Even the trees further back on your lot can be a safety hazard if they have a lot of dead limbs. Left to their own devices, dead limbs and branches eventually fall from the tree. You would not want them to fall on a person or pet who happens to walk below.

Arrange to have a tree care company come deadwood your lot. They will carefully inspect each tree, noting and removing any deteriorating or dead branches. The company can also remove dead or diseased trees before they become a hazard. Based on the age and conditions of your trees, the tree care company can tell you how often you should repeat this service.

Take Steps for Tick Protection

As much as you love the woods, ticks often love it more. Since ticks can spread nasty diseases like Lyme disease, take steps to protect yourself and your pets from these pests. Ask your vet to recommend a spot-on or oral tick repellent for your dogs. Apply an insect repellent to your own skin and clothes before venturing into the woods, and check yourself and your clothing for ticks before going indoors.

Ticks love to hide in leaf litter too. Rake well in the fall, and trim weeds back to deter the ticks.

Only Use Local Firewood

Moving firewood is a bad idea even for those who don't have a lot of trees on their land, but as someone on a wooded lot, you need to be even more vigilant. Firewood can contain insects and infectious fungi which, if passed on to your trees, can cause damage and death that makes them unsafe.

Burn only wood from your land if possible, or if you do buy firewood, keep it within 10 miles . If the wood contains insects or fungal growth, don't buy it.

If you follow the tips above, you can safely and enjoyably live on a wooded lot. Contact Kaily's Tree Service if you need pruning, deadwooding, or land-clearing services in the Nashville area.

Smart Springtime Care Keeps Trees Disease-Free

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:32:30 GMT

Spring is the season when trees bud and bloom, showing their full beauty. Unfortunately, it can also be a season when diseases set in. Most of the diseases that affect trees are caused by fungi and bacteria, which thrive in the moist, warm conditions characteristic of springtime.

Not all tree diseases are a threat to trees, but most at least impact the tree's appearance. To keep your tree pretty and disease-free, adhere to these best practices this spring.

1. Trim Trees as Early as Possible

You can certainly remove the occasional damaged branch later in the spring or summer, and flowering trees are best pruned after blooming. Aside from these exceptions, aim to have your trees trimmed as early in the spring as possible.

Early trimming is easier on the tree — since it won't yet have put the energy into budding — so your tree will stay stronger and more able to fight off infections. Certain diseases, like oak wilt , can also be spread when the pathogenic fungi come into contact with open wounds. These pathogens are less active and less likely to be transmitted in early spring when temperatures are cooler.

2. Use Only Sanitized Shears

Sometimes homeowners accidentally infect their own trees by trimming them with contaminated shears. Sanitize your shears in a bleach solution before using them. Just mix one part bleach to three parts water in a large bucket. Place your shears in the solution, and let them soap for 5 minutes. Remove them from the bucket and let them air dry before use.

Repeat the sanitization process after each tree. Signs of disease are not always obvious when a tree is dormant in late winter or early spring, so don't assume a tree is disease-free just because it appears to be.

3. Keep Mulch Away From the Tree Trunk

Mulching around trees is not really necessary, but some people enjoy the look it creates, and it can help keep the soil moist during periods of drought.

If you choose to place wood mulch around your tree this spring, do not form it into a volcano shape around the tree trunk. This may look stylish, but it traps moisture against the tree trunk and is an open invitation to pathogens. Push the mulch one to two inches back from the trunk so the tree has space to breathe.

Make sure the wood mulch is reputably sourced, too. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, mMulch made with trees suffering from oak wilt, Verticillium wilt, or Dutch elm disease, can pass these diseases on to other trees. Buy mulch made from disease-free trees only.

4. Water Sparingly

Some homeowners just can't wait to see their trees start growing, and they believe that watering the tree generously will inspire that growth. Sadly, overwatering does more harm than good; it can cause fungal infections.

Springtime in Nashville is generally rainy enough to provide trees with as much moisture as they need. If there is a period of drought and you are worried about your tree, check its water situation by digging about eight inches down in the area beneath the tree. You only need to water the tree if the soil eight inches down is dry and crumbly.

5. Fertilize Your Trees

Trees that have all the nutrients they need are less likely to succumb to infection. Late April through early May is a great time to fertilize trees since they are in their peak growth stage.

Apply about three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and make sure you choose a fertilizer that does not contain herbicides. (Those designed for use on lawns often do.) A fertilizer with 12 to 30 percent nitrogen and 3 to 12 percent potassium and phosphorus works well.

With the right springtime care, you can set your trees up for another disease-free year. If you need help trimming or otherwise caring for the trees on your land, set up an appointment with Kaily's Tree Service .

Trees That Grow Well in the Shade of Others

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 02:47:41 GMT

The better suited your tree is to its planting site, the less care it will require. Trees that are poorly suited to their planting sites require more pruning, spraying, and fertilization, and they may not even survive past the first few years.

If your planting site is a shady area under the canopy of other large trees, you can't plant a tree that requires full sunlight or a lot of airflow. However, the following five tree varieties will grow well in such a site.

1. American Hornbeam

The American Hornbeam's small size - it grows to 30 feet tall, according to The Morton Arboretum- makes it a great choice for planting under the canopy of larger, more mature trees. It is absolutely tolerant of any sun condition, from full sunlight to full shade, and it will even tolerate poor drainage or dry soil.

The American hornbeam will also stand out from your other trees, thanks to its vibrant leaves. It starts off reddish-purple, turns a deep green in the summer, and then transforms into a lush orange-red in autumn. These trees also attract small mammals and songbirds, which eat the tiny brown nuts it produces each October.

2. Japanese Yew

The Japanese yew is another smaller, 20 to 30 foot tree that grows well in full or partial shade. These trees are known for their spine-like, darkgreen needles and scaly, red-brown bark. They produce small, red fruits in the summer.

Japanese yews are low-maintenance trees and do not require pruning, although many homeowners do opt to prune them to maintain a tight, tidy look. Just make sure the soil around the yew does not become too saturated; poor drainage can lead to root rot diseases.

3. Pawpaw

Pawpaw trees naturally grow in the shady undersides of forests - so they do well planted under similar conditions in a tree-filled yard. These trees produce a unique fruit, also called a pawpaw, that is yellow-green in color.

However, most pawpaw varieties are not self-pollinating, so if you only plant one tree, it will not produce fruit. Nevertheless, pawpaw trees are attractive with a yellow-gold fall color. They mature to about 15 to 20 feet tall, according to LEAF.

4. Pagoda Dogwood

If your yard is only partially shaded by larger trees, the padoga dogwood is a good choice. This tree prefers consistently moist soil and grows to about 20 feet tall, according to Monrovia. Its key feature is the beautiful white flowers it produces each summer. They make way for pretty, blueblack fruits.

Pagoda dogwoods are known for attracting butterflies and birds. Mulch around the tree and water it regularly to encourage bountiful blooms and healthy foliage.

5. Nellie Stevens Holly

If you're looking for a tidy evergreen tree that can be custom pruned into unique shapes, opt for the Nellie Stevens holly. It's a very tolerant tree, growing as well in poorly drained or polluted soil as it does in better sites. Although some homeowners keep it pruned shorter, it can reach up to 20 feet tall when mature, according to The Tree Center.

Nellie Stevens holly trees have dark green, spiny leaves up to four inches long and tiny, white flowers, which appear in spring. If you plant a male and a female tree, the females will produce round, red berries. These trees grow quickly, and unlike many other berry-producing trees, they are not appealing to deer.

Just because your yard is already shaded by trees does not mean you can't plant more. Choose one or more of these shade-loving trees for your yard, and enjoy the added beauty and greenery. If you need help pruning or trimming your new trees, contact Kaily's Tree Service to schedule an appointment.

Property Owner's Quick Guide to Carpenter Ants and Trees

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Property owners sometimes see ants on dying trees and believe that the ants killed their trees. While you may see ants moving up and down a diseased tree, the ants are actually opportunists who take advantage of vulnerable trees. The usual tree-dwelling suspect in the ant family is the large carpenter ant. Here's what you should know about carpenter ants and your trees.

Carpenter Ants Chew but Don't Eat Wood

The worker carpenter ant grows to a length of 1/2 inch and is black in color. The carpenter ant chews and tunnels through wood, but carpenter ants don't eat wood as termites do.

The diet of carpenter ants is composed of:

Dead and live insects
Pet food
Sugar and sweets
Syrup

Carpenter ants also eat honeydew, which is a sticky sweet substance produced from tree and plant sap by other insects including aphids. The ants may even farm the aphids and other sap-sucking insects that create honeydew. Ants protect and relocate the honeydew-making insects to maintain a steady food source.

Carpenter Ants Seek Out Rotting Wood

The carpenter ant is drawn to rotting wood and weak spots in trees. A soft, decaying piece of lumber is easy for the ant to penetrate and begin tunneling through.

Carpenter ants enter trees via the following:

Woodpecker holes
Pruning wounds
Damaged bark from animals and machines
Spots with fungal decay
Openings from tree borers and sap suckers
Broken branches
Termite damage

If any of the above issues creates an opening or softens a part of the tree bark, carpenter ants will take advantage of the easy entryway and may begin colonizing the tree. They excavate the wood to make a place for the queen to produce more offspring.

If you see carpenter ants moving up and down the trunk or going in and out of holes in the tree, suspect that a colony is present in the tree. Look for piles of coarse sawdust at the bottom of the tree or near the openings where ants enter and exit.

Carpenter Ants Can Invade Your Home

Carpenter ant colonies contain anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 individual ants. Once a colony of carpenter ants is mature, it sends out young ants to create satellite colonies. That's when your home can become the new colony location.

Carpenter ants can invade your wood foundation and framing if the lumber is soft, wet, or rotting. Wet wood near a sink or tub is a common place for carpenter ants to excavate. While carpenter ants prefer wet or decayed wood, they will also tunnel through sound wood to create their breeding galleries.

Carpenter ants can attack wooden door and window frames, soffits, and any other wooden component of your home. The carpenter ant will also tunnel through foam insulation.

Carpenter-Ant Tree Damage Should Be Managed

You can prevent ants from entering your trees with sticky traps and barriers. However, this will only work if the tree has no access points from taller or adjacent trees. Never plug holes from ants and other insects.

If you suspect a tree is hosting a carpenter ant colony, call your tree service to inspect the tree. Application of tree-safe insecticides may help control an emerging carpenter-ant issue, and the tree can be saved.

Heavily ant-damaged oaks and other trees should be removed from your property. If ants have been able to deeply damage a large tree, that tree was already decaying due to other tree diseases or insect infestations.

Some trees can sustain carpenter-ant colonization and remain healthy. Your tree-service professional can assess your ant-colonized trees to determine if the trees will survive or become hazards.

If you're worried about ant infestation on your trees in Franklin, Tennessee , contact Kaily's Tree Service today. We inspect your trees and safely remove those that may fall on people or property.

4 Tree Services That Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 21:12:27 GMT

Large, mature trees add value to a property's landscape. A single tree adds upwards of $1,000 to your home's property value and, cared for correctly, increases your home's curb appeal as well.

Whether you want to make your home's curb appeal better for personal gain or because you're putting your house on the market, here are five tree services that make your property's exterior as beautiful as your home is inside.

1. Tree Planting

The right species of tree will give your home not just curb appeal, but even more home value. Certain trees, such as the Dogwood or Japanese maple, are ornate in their natural structure or bark design, which lends beauty and charm to your landscape. Witch hazel is a unique and ornate tree that works well for the front or street view side of your property for visual appeal.

Where you plant your trees is just as important as the species selected. Your tree specialist will examine your yard and show you areas where trees will thrive and provide ample shade and the most attraction for your yard.

2. Tree Relocation

Over time, mature trees can outgrow their current location. Existing trees can be relocated to another part of your landscape to give your property greater curb appeal.

If a tree is in healthy condition, your tree specialist will dig up the tree around its main roots, creating a root ball that makes the tree sturdy for transplanting elsewhere in your yard. Roots left behind by the tree's former location will be killed or stunted by your tree specialist.

Not all trees can be relocated; if a tree needs to be moved because it overhangs your garage or home or is otherwise creating an obstruction on your property, tree removal is a wiser option.

3. Tree Removal

Dead, dying, or poorly-placed trees have the opposite effect on your property, taking away from your home's curb appeal. Some tree species, such as the White Mulberry or Norway Maple, are beautiful on their own but produce suckers around their roots that are difficult to manage. Other trees become overcrowded, which leads to unhealthy tree growth and an unkempt yard appearance.

Never attempt to remove a tree from your property on your own as a tree usually has to be partially sawed before removal to prevent damage to other parts of your property. Your tree specialist shows you which of your trees should be cut down for increased landscape appeal and cuts down trees and their accompanying stumps professionally.

4. Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is essential to healthy tree growth and shapes your trees so you get the best shade. Fruit trees in particular benefit from pruning, as this procedure promotes healthy fruit production and minimizes wasted fruit.

Depending on the types of trees you have, pruning should be done seasonally or periodically. Larger shade trees should be pruned every few years to maintain their shape while fruit-bearing trees often need to be pruned on a yearly basis. Every tree species will have its own pruning schedule as advised by your tree specialist.

Investing in your landscape preserves your existing trees and allows you to appreciate your young and mature trees to the fullest. Regular maintenance is required to keep your landscape looking lush and cared-for. Your tree specialist creates a maintenance plan that works best for the type of trees you have.

The right tree expert will provide prompt and professional service, which leaves your landscape clean and organized after every service. Trust our team at Kaily's Tree Service to keep your property's trees in beautiful, healthy condition today.

5 Trees That Grow Well in Low Spots | Kaily's Tree Service

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:56:33 GMT

5 Trees That Grow Well in Low Spots

If your yard is not perfectly level, you may have some low spots where water settles,especially after a big storm. Finding the right trees to plant in these low spots can be a challenge. Some trees won't do well with the frequent wetness:their roots may rot, or they may develop fungal infections

Thankfully,a few trees either tolerate or thrive in wet spots. Planting one or several of these trees in the low areas across your yard will not only add beauty to your landscape but will also help improve drainage and keep your lawn dryer overall.

1. River Birch

If you want a shade tree that won't take 50 years to reach maturity, plant a river birch. These majestic trees add up to 24 inches of height per year and have a nice, 60-foot canopy when mature. They are known for their paper-like, peeling bark and are typically along the banks of rivers. A river birch can tolerate flooding, drought,and everything in between. It will even grow in partial shade.

River birch trees do drop long, slender catkins each April or May. Some homeowners find cleaning those up inconvenient

2. Weeping Willow

The weeping willow is another fast-growing shade tree, sometimes adding a shocking eight feet in height in a single year. This tree thrives in wet spots - even in standing puddles. Weeping willows are one of the first trees to bud in the spring,and they keep their leaves well into autumn. They're great for preventing soil erosion.

Weeping willows are known for the long, limp tendrils that hang from their branches. These may drag on the ground if not trimmed back properly every year.

3. Swamp Tupelo

Swamp tupelos grow well in consistently wet,clay soils, making them a good choice for low spots that stay wet all year. These huge trees can reach over 100 feet tall. Each tree has multiple stems or trunks,creating quite a spectacle. Swamp tupelos attract wild life like raccoons and birds, and bees like to feed on the nectar from the trees' flowers.

One limitation of swamp tupelos is that they do require full sunlight and a lot of space. They are not a good tree for shady areas or spots surrounded by other trees.

4. Nuttall Oak

Many varieties of oak trees exist, from pin oaks to red oaks. The Nuttall oak seems to combine the best qualities of each. It grows quickly, tolerates wetness and periods of drought,and develops a gorgeous red color in the fall. Nuttall oaks area good choice for planting near septic tanks and sewer lines, since their roots are non-invasive.

While you should trim Nuttall oaks lightly when young to encourage a healthy shape, they do not require as much trimming as a pin oak, since they don't have as many lower branches.

5. Freeman Maple

You may not have heard of the Freeman maple,as it is less common than the ever-popular red and silver maples. In fact,a Freeman maple is a hybrid of these two varieties. Like the silver maple, it will tolerate a wide range of soil qualities, including wetness in a low spot. Like the red maple, its leaves turn a gorgeous red in the fall.

Freeman maple trees do have shallow roots, so you will need to be careful not to damage the roots when mowing and trimming around the tree

Whether you want a tree with unique bark or one with bright red leaves,a suitable option for your low spot exists. For more information or to schedule a pruning appointment for your new trees, contact Kaily's Tree Service.

4 Signs a Deciduous Tree Needs Removal | Kaily's Tree Service

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 01:19:16 GMT

Learning how to protect your property from hazardous deciduous trees saves you time and money in the future. While deciduous trees like maples and oaks are popular for providing shade around a home, these same trees can also cause a lot of damage when they fall.

Deciduous trees have a dense wood grain, so they can put up with some abuse and still be a sound standing tree. However, eventually even the strongest oak succumbs to disease, damage, or sheer age. The following are four warning signs that a deciduous tree poses a threat to your property and needs prompt removal.

1. Proximity to Utilities

Unlike the compact and mostly upright growth pattern favored by many evergreens, most deciduous trees spread out many yards wide. This means that a tree planted 15 feet away from a hanging power line easily reaches the utility, eventually interrupting your home's electrical supply.

Falling limbs from a healthy but wide-spreading deciduous tree can severely damage your home, vehicle, or utility lines. Another utility-related problem involves the wide-spreading roots of a deciduous tree growing down into your septic system.

The roots of a deciduous tree 20 to 30 feet away can clog the field line or even crack the septic tank itself, creating a health hazard as sewage leaks out. Trees that grow on or near the field line need to be removed before they can cause any lasting damage.

2. Dieback in Crown

One good way to check the health of your favorite deciduous is to look at the spring and summer leaf growth. Does the crown or top of the tree have a thick and continuous set of leaves? Does the tree lose leaves unusually early or never grow them at all in certain spots?

Since deciduous trees don't keep their leaves year round like evergreens, leaf loss in the middle of spring or summer is a sign of failing health. Look for branches and limbs in the center of the crown dying out, especially main leader branches. Healthy trees lose a few branches here and there from the bottom up, but damage spreading outward from the crown indicates more serious disease or damage.

3. Hollow in Center

Deciduous trees become hollow due to fungus or rot, not as a natural part of the growing process. Loss of a tree's core causes instability, even if the rest of the tree is still alive. The safety of a hollow tree depends on the thickness of the remaining live wood and the diameter of the tree.

If the tree flesh from bark to hollow is too thin, the tree needs to be removed. A professional tree service technician brings along the right tools to gauge the thickness and determine if removal is best.

4. Spread of Roots

Some deciduous trees have fast-growing and wide-spreading roots. Even when the reach of the branches is far from your home, the roots may threaten your home's foundation or buried plumbing. Identifying the actual spread of a tree's roots from above the surface takes a professional's skill and experience.

Invasive trees that reproduce and fill your landscape with new saplings by root or seed also deserve removal. Planting these invasive trees far from your home or utilities still backfires when new saplings pop up in all the wrong places and crack your driveway, foundation, and more.

If you notice any of these signs in the trees around your home, don't delay in calling us here at Kaily's Tree Service . Hire our team to take out potentially dangerous trees before they get a chance to damage your home or cause an injury.

What Kind Of Damage Can Falling Tree Limbs Cause?

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 13:14:45 GMT

Even if you live on a property with just a few mature trees, those living features add a lot of value to the property. Unfortunately, mature trees with large and heavy limbs also create new and distinct risk factors for damage and injuries as they age.

You have no need to cut down every mature tree around your home just to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your yard and home are safe from falling limbs. Deadwooding injured and dead limbs can prevent all six of these common forms of tree limb damage.

1. Physical Injuries

With an average of over 100 people killed per year in the US due to falling limbs or entire trees, a small but significant life-threatening risk exists with any tree with dead or dying limbs. Even relatively small-looking branches can hit someone with hundreds of pounds of force — especially when wet and falling — leading to costly hospital bills.

2. Home Damage
Planting trees close to the home provides essential cooling thanks to shade. Yet many trees that seem properly spaced during the initial planting end up growing too close to the home, eventually spreading branches and limbs directly over parts of the structure.
One falling limb can take out an entire side of a home's roof or collapse part of a wall to expose your home's interior to the outside world. Home insurance policies cover most cases of tree damage, but if your insurance provider can prove you knew the tree was in bad shape and you failed to deal with it, you may end up having to pay for the repairs out of pocket in some states.

3. Utility Interruption
Don't discount the cost and trouble a loss of power or another important utility causes. Most homes feature aboveground electrical, internet, phone, and other lines that connect to a nearby pole or power station. Falling limbs and branches easily take out any nearby utility lines, especially when high winds move limbs horizontally at high speeds as the limbs fall.

Losing power for even just a few hours can cause your food to spoil, damage items you have in storage, or threaten the health of pets, in addition to interrupting your daily routine. A loss of heating in the winter may leave you shivering until the utility company can repair the damage. Trimming any limbs or branches growing near hanging utility lines is a much smarter approach.

4. Vehicle Destruction
Windshields and vehicle windows can resist most impact forces, but large tree limbs easily overcome the strength of the glass. You can't even drive a car with a shattered windshield or back window to the repair shop and must pay for towing, along with professional cleaning to remove the glass shards.

Limbs also dent car roofs and trunks and may even break lights or sunroofs. Dealing with problem limbs before they show signs of eminent drop will protect any vehicles parked on your property.

5. Landscape Effects
One tree with multiple dead or dying limbs can damage dozens of other trees, plants, and shrubs as it drops massive chunks of wood onto your property. Limbs that intertwine with nearby trees can rip entire smaller trees out by the roots as they fall out.

6. Liability Concerns
Finally, you may have to pay for damage to a neighbor's property if a tree on your property drops a limb onto their yard, home, or car. Even if your home insurance policy pays for the damages, your deductible will likely result in at least some money coming out of your pocket for the repairs.

Maintain your mature trees the right way with deadwood trimming services from us here at Kaily's Tree Service . We can identify all unhealthy or dead limbs and crowns and trim your trees to reduce the chance of limb and branch drop damage as much as possible.