How to prune a tree refers to a variety of different techniques for removing unwanted growths from a tree. In addition to simply trimming a tree, trained arborists also can holistically examine the tree for the best possible maintenance. Tree care generally refers to the removal of unwanted branches from landscape plants, such as hedges and trees. A tree trimming service can remove these unwanted growths in a variety of ways, with some techniques requiring the use of pruning shears to achieve a desirable end result.

Trimming a tree involves removing overgrown branches from the top of the plant by cutting them off at the base. Sometimes, branches are simply removed from the root level by cutting them off at the base of the trunk. However, many experts recommend that branches should be removed above the main trunk so that they do not start growing back after they have been removed. Some experts suggest that all branches should be pruned so that they are in a uniform angle to prevent the formation of unwanted growths.

If a tree is damaged or diseased, or needs to be removed due to age, disease or extreme weather conditions, the damage may be repaired using pruning shears. However, if the damage is too severe, it may be necessary to remove the entire tree.

How to prune a tree is one of the most important factors in the prevention and control of tree diseases and insects. A tree that is not maintained properly is more susceptible to disease and other pests. Therefore, it is essential that tree owners maintain their trees and take good care of their trees, especially during periods when a tree is not in flower and is not growing fully.

To ensure that your trees are healthy and strong and remain beautiful year after year, you must understand how to prune a tree so that you can determine which methods are best suited to the specific needs of your trees. This will help you ensure that your trees will look as beautiful in the future as they do today.

Tree trimming services are available in Chattanooga area, offering expert services that will help you maintain your trees and keep them in great shape. You should be aware that some companies charge an additional fee for the service, but you should be prepared to pay for this extra cost in order to receive high quality tree care that will prevent the occurrence of tree diseases and insect infestations.

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Chattanooga, the fourth-largest city in Tennessee, might surprise with everything it has to offer. Technology-based industries are drawn to this small city since it provided an impressive one-gigabit-per-second internet speed to their clients. Their economy and local industries, as well as small businesses, and food ventures continue to grow and flourish, which makes the city an exciting place to visit. There is no better time to tour Chattanooga but now. Be impressed by its exciting eateries and bars and of course, the mountainside sceneries. Chattanooga is not named the "Scenic City" for nothing, and we are here to tell you five reasons why you'll love it here.
 
Local Whiskey and Beer
Nightlife is very much alive in the city. You can find locally-brewed and crafted beer and whiskey across the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. You shouldn't miss the Terminal Brewhouse that doesn't only offer great-tasting beer but a rich history as well. You can also find Clyde's on Main downtown, which serves an equally exciting menu of beer. If you want to learn how the local staple is made, you can head to the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery and witness it with your own eyes.
 
Beyond Southern Cuisine
Chattanooga will go beyond your expectations when it comes to its food scene. What's a better way to start the day but by having breakfast at Bluegrass Grill. This popular local restaurant offers mouth-watering breakfast and lunch to its loyal clients who line up daily. Make sure to bring your appetite for their four-cheese grits topped with avocado and tofu hash. At lunch, you can head to Urban Shack for their large servings of burgers.
 
Aquatic Adventures
The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see when you find yourself in Chattanooga. It's a vast expanse of exciting marine adventure you need to see in your life. The aquarium is separated into two buildings: the saltwater Ocean Journey and the freshwater River Journey. These two buildings cater to almost 12,000 marine animals, including sharks, reef fish, and sea turtles. After a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium, enjoy a two-hour ride in the River Gorge Explorer that will tour you through the Tennessee River Gorge, also dubbed as the "Grand Canyon of Tennessee" by the locals.
 
Locomotive Life
Chattanooga was initially known as a connector of many large cities in the country. In fact, for a century, it was a busy train depot. That being said, your visit to Chattanooga will not be complete if you don't ride the historic trains that shaped the city. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum gives you a chance to go down the memory lane in their daily trips to Missionary Ridge. The six-mile tour ends at the train yard where you can witness the train go back to the station.
 
Mountainside Views
Chattanooga's Rock City view is one of the best things the city has in store for its visitors and locals alike. The breathtaking views of seven states will make the hour-long trek worthwhile. Bring your family in an adventurous walk through caves, crevices, and caverns at the Lookout Mountain. The picture-perfect place also offers Disney-like dioramas that would be enjoyed by kids and kids at heart.
 
 
 
 
 

Deciding when to remove a tree can be a long and complicated story. Many factors should be considered, such as the removal cost and the risks involved before getting rid of it. While you can let a tree die in its place if it is located in the forest, backyard trees need human involvement to take place.

Tree removal is not the safest job in the world; that is why it takes a certified arborist to correctly and safely perform the task. Certified arborists are experts in tree care because they have undergone several examinations and have the practical knowledge for application. When deciding to remove a tree, there is no better person to ask than a certified arborist.

Is it a desirable species?
Trees that are considered "undesirable" are those with weak wood, frequent falling of debris, and trees that are vulnerable to infestations. Norway maple, mulberry, poplars, and willows are just some examples of these species.

Is the tree healthy?
The rule of thumb is if the tree is 50% damaged, it should be removed as soon as possible. A damaged tree can still survive for some years but will not have the capacity to grow and look as good as the healthy trees.

Is there trunk damage?
Another thing to watch out for are damages in the trunk such as cracks, seams, and older wounds because they could mean the tree is decaying. If the trunk is seriously damaged, removing it is the best action to take. However, if only 25% is affected, the wound can heal on its own without leaving serious health issues.

Is the tree hollow?
Trees that have hollow trunk can still live for years, thanks to its xylem and phloem that serve as its life support. However, a tree with a hollow trunk has compromised structural stability, which makes it a threat to every property and individual around it. Keep in mind that if a third of the trunk's circumference is hollow, it should be eliminated.

Are there large dead branches?
It is hazardous to keep a large tree with large dead branches in your yard. If 25% of the tree's branches are in trouble, there is hope for it to thrive. When you see crossing branches, remove them right away. Also, make sure to take care of narrow branch angles of the primary trunk because they are prone to splitting. A certified arborist will install cables to support the branches and prevent them from breaking.

Are all dead branches on one side of the tree?
When the answer to this question is a resounding yes, the tree will be unbalanced, which will make it a potential threat to you and your property. A tree that has dead branches on one side suggests trunk damage or root injury on the damaged part. Ask assistance from a certified arborist to correctly evaluate the situation.

Are there sprouts or small branches coming from the trunk?
It is not normal for new sprouts to spring from base or trunk of the tree. This can be an indicator of a health issue within the tree's system. Trees can go through stress, particularly when they are overly exposed to the sun, soil compaction, or injury. If you suspect your tree to be under stress, have an arborist assess it, and provide the right treatment.

Is the tree infested with fungus?
This requires proper evaluation by a certified arborist because it can be tricky at times. Not all fungi, such as mushroom that grow at the base of the tree indicates root disease, but it can mean that the tree is suffering from internal decay.

Is the root damaged?
The roots of a tree are integral for its structural stability; if 50% of it is damaged, it should be removed right away.

Is the tree leaning?
Trees growing too tall are hazardous, but not as dangerous as those that are leaning. A leaning tree suggests problems in the roots like breakage or weakening. To prevent the tree from causing future accidents, it should be eliminated immediately. If the tree is leaning more than 15% of what is considered safe, then it has to be removed.

Is the tree located near power lines?
One of the most common reasons why a tree needs to be removed is when it is located under a power line. If a tree is growing near an electric line, it should be maintained and thinned out regularly to avoid growing more than 25'. Electrical wires can bend up to ten feet during a rainy day. It is enough to wet the tree's foliage and cause power outage property damage, and injury. It is a must to trim limbs and branches that are near power lines. But, it is not a job for an average homeowner. Due to the life I threatening risks involved, it should only be done by a certified arborist.

What is the history of the tree?
Some trees have a history of wrong pruning practices, and it will affect the present situation of its health. For instance, a tree that has undergone "topping" can lead to significant damage to the tree's health. Another factor for a tree's sudden decline is the change of soil level in the root area. A tree is more likely to die if three or more inches of soil cover its root system. With early diagnosis of these stress symptoms, trees can be saved from severe health problems.

Where is the tree planted?
The location of the tree should also be considered when determining whether the tree should be removed or not. Trees should be removed to make way for new construction. If trees are left planted in these areas, they eventually die after three or five years after construction due to grade change and soil compaction.

Other considerations:

• Is the tree obstructing anyone's view, especially on the road?
• Will removing the tree cause other trees to grow more in height if the tree is removed?
• Does it have historical value? If this is the case, it should be kept by all means. But if it will cause a threat to anyone or your property, then it should be eliminated immediately.

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When you are not sure what to do with your tree, the best person to talk to is a certified arborist. Nabor's Tree Service Chattanooga should be able to evaluate the situation and provide the proper services necessary.  

You think you know everything about Chattanooga, TN, but the truth is you have no idea how colorful this city is. To get a glimpse of what this wonderful city is all about, read the following facts that are good to know for both locals and visitors:

1. You can find the first patented miniature golf course in the city of Chattanooga. Garnet Carter made the Tom Thumb Golf located on Lookout Mountain in 1927. Carter, the founder of Rock City Gardens, created the miniature to draw attention to their hotel.
2. If you are interested in aeronautics, you should visit The Lookout Mountain Flight Park and Training School where pilots train for hang gliding. Trainees come from different places all over the world.
3. Chattanooga is heaven for shopaholics because it is the home of the largest mall in Tennessee- the Hamilton Place Mall.
4. The Glen Miller Orchestra bagged the first-ever gold record given by the music industry. The song "The Chattanooga Choo Choo" was the first gold recipient for a song about the city. It stayed on the top spot on Billboard Best Seller's charts for nine weeks.
5. If you love soda, specifically, Coca-Cola products, you would be pleased to know that Chattanooga is the home to its first franchised bottling plant. The owners of this plant, who were local attorneys, bought the franchise for $2.
6. The largest freestanding brick dome in the world is found in Chattanooga Choo Choo's lobby. It used to be a railroad terminal and boasts of an interior height of 85 feet.
7. Have you ever heard of MoonPie? This sweet treat was first baked in Chattanooga Bakery in 1917.
8. The longest pedestrian bridge, Walnut Street Bridge, with a length of 2,376 feet, has been serving people in Chattanooga since 1891.
9. If you want to learn about automobiles, specifically tow trucks, you are in the right city. In fact, the first tow trucks created in 1913 were built in Chattanooga. Head to The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. if you want to learn more about tow trucks.
10. On Lookout Mountain, you can find the Ruby Falls where the deepest commercial tunnels in the United States are located. These caverns go as deep as 1,000 feet underground.
11. Calling all entertainment lovers! The city of Chattanooga is home to popular names in the entertainment scene such as Samuel L. Jackson, R&B singer and producer, Usher, and Bessie Smith. Peyton Manning and Terrell Owens who are both NFL players, also grew up in this city.
12. There is something for everyone in the city, including art enthusiasts. You can see America's largest collections of American art in the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga.
13.  The Chattanooga and Chickamauga Military Park, the first and biggest National Military Park, is found in this interesting city.
14. Chattanooga is the place to be for climbers because it boasts of more rocks to overcome than Boulder, Colorado.
15. The steepest passenger railway in the world, The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway operates in the city of Chattanooga.

Whether a tree becomes an asset or a costly liability depends on the amount of maintenance we put on maintaining it. Trees that are well-maintained have the power to improve the appeal and enhance the value of your property. When trees are cared for correctly, they provide us with a lot of benefits that range from environmental to economical.

If you want your trees to work for your benefit, you have to be a smart tree owner. Keep in mind that without proper care, trees can change from an asset to a burden.

What is a Certified Arborist?
Proper caring for trees starts with hiring the right person to do the job. Don't just hire the service of someone who claims to be an arborist. What is an arborist? He is a professional in the field of tree care and maintenance. An arborist is well-versed with pruning, fertilizing, diagnosis of diseases, and consultation on issues related to your tree's health. They can also do planting and tree removal.

There are individuals who can come knocking on your door calling himself an arborist when he is not. Be aware of fly-by-night companies that only care about your money and don't really know anything about tree care. Before you allow anyone in your property, make sure that you did your research and choose a reputable and trustworthy tree company. If you are not careful, you could hire a company that will break your fences and damages your properties. Once they get your money, they will fold up and leave, without a trace.

How do I Look for an Arborist or a Tree Care Company?
Look for a tree service company that is a TCIA-member. By doing this, you are assured that you are hiring a company that knows the most recent techniques used for tree care. You are also assured that this company is insured and bonded and that you and your property are protected.

You can also ask recommendations from your friends, family, or neighbors who recently had their tree maintenance. It would also help if you checked with the Better Business Bureau about the companies in your area. Look for information about the company you are reviewing, including their years in service, licenses, professional affiliations, and certifications.

Further, you may want to use the service of a TCIA Accredited company. This accreditation is given to companies which meet strict criteria in different aspects such as employee training, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. Companies undergo an extensive review of their practices to ensure they only provide the best to their clients. Companies accredited by TCIA have shown documents to prove that their service is high-quality and that they mean to protect their customers. Hiring a company that is TCIA-accredited makes you confident that they have insurance, licenses, and good work ethics because these are just some of the things TCIA check when granting accreditation to a tree company.

What are the Important Things I Should Ask an Arborist?
The first thing you should ask or look for when you meet your arborist is their certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance.

• Check the quality of their work by looking at their references.
• Don't get too excited when they give you a bargain. Ask for estimates in writing and a written work order. Don't pay until the work is done. Do this only when the work is done, and you are satisfied.
• Ask for a contract. The contract should have details of the cost, dates, and the job to be performed in your property.
• Bring up the ANSI Standards. A certified arborist should be knowledgeable about the latest in fertilizing, pruning and cabling standards.
• Ask if they are going to use spikes. If they are, insist that it should only be utilized for tree removal because it can have detrimental effects on the health of the tree.

 
What If I Don't Want to Hire a Professional
Tree care that is not done by a professional is like being treated by a fake doctor. It is not safe. Tree maintenance should be done by a skilled and experienced professional. This will ensure the beauty and the health of your tree, and your safety as well.

We want to emphasize this important fact: tree work is dangerous work. TCIA publishes reports on homeowners being hurt and injured or even being killed due to performing their own tree work. Before you cut any branch in your tree, it is essential that you know your tools and the proper technique in cutting. If you don't know anything about tree care, it is best to contact a professional tree company to assist you.

Hiring a professional tree company does not only protect you from getting hurt but also from spending more than what you should. Studies have shown that it is cheaper to regularly prune trees than taking care of the damages they caused because of negligence. Hire a company that has insurance because in case anything happens while they work in your property, you will not be liable for the cost of repair.
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When to Hire an Arborist
It is best to get the service of an arborist during the off-season. Pruning trees are best done during winter when trees are dormant. But aside from that, there are other benefits to hiring an arborist in the winter:

• Reputable companies offer discounts when you hire them in winter. Companies do this to improve their income and provide employment for their regular help.
• Some tree companies, especially those that are known for the quality of their work may have a full load during peak season. If you hire them in winter, you can get their service when you need it, and you don't have to wait until they are free.
• During winter, the structure of the tree becomes clearly visible because there are no leaves that would go in the way. Also, clean-up will be much easier because there are only a few leaves for the tree company to handle.

Sometimes we mistake the health of our trees to the number of years they've been in our yards. Although their health is directly proportional to their lifespan, sometimes they sit in our yards with disease, but we fail to notice because we assume they're healthy. This is why regular checking of your trees is essential to ensure they are in good health. However, it can still be possible that despite proper caring and routine maintenance, our trees become infected by diseases.

Here are some red flags to watch for when you want to keep your trees healthy and avoid premature tree removal being required.  

Watch Out for Dying Limbs

Although this is one of the most apparent signs of diseases, it is usually overlooked by most homeowners. Make a regular inspection of your tree a habit and check for dying or dead limbs because it can mean that your tree has a serious health problem. Inspect your tree and look for branches and limbs that seem weak or the color turns to gray. If you see these signs, call a tree expert right away.

Don't Ignore Bugs

Bugs in trees are normal. However, there are certain species of insects that you should watch out for. Some bugs can cause harm to your trees that can result in your trees dying. Termites are one of the most common insects that invade your tree, but there are also other types of bugs that can hurt your tree. Bugs can eat the leaves and compete for nutrients. This will lead to your trees to die soon.

Beware of Mushrooms

Many homeowners think that mushrooms around the base of the tree are healthy, especially if the season is wet. Although there is a hint of truth to this, you must know that a large number of mushrooms around your tree can mean that your tree needs professional attention as soon as possible.

There are types of mushrooms that only grow when the tree is decaying. If you notice mushrooms at the base of your tree, it might indicate that your tree is diseased or worse, dying. As soon as you see mushrooms growing around the bottom of your tree, you should take action.

Growth in the Wrong Places

Spring means new growth. This is an exciting season for trees to grow and produce flowers and fruits. However, if you notice new growths at the base of your tree, it might mean that your tree's root structure is in danger. It may cause a lack of nutrients that the tree needs to live. This is a good reason for you to call tree experts for professional help.

Get Advice About Tree Disease Warning Signs

If any of these signs fit the situation of your tree, you should contact a professional tree service company to help you deal with the problem. Tree companies will be able to help you determine the disease of your tree and effectively treat and restore their health so that they can go back to its healthy state. They can also tell you if your tree is beyond repair and needs to be removed immediately

​Summer is on its way, and we all know that it is the best time to plant trees. Trees are such beautiful creations, and they give us a lot of benefits ranging from aesthetics to clean air. Life without trees is not life at all. However, it is essential to choose the right tree to plant in your yard because not all trees are ideal for landscape planting. When trying to decide what tree to plant in your yard, avoid these eight trees to avoid the hassle or trouble they can cause.   They can require excessive tree trimming and even premature removals due to their problematic nature.

Mimosa trees may look beautiful because of their bright pink flowers, but they can be dangerous as they are beautiful. They have weak structures that make them vulnerable to storms. Also, they produce unwanted seedlings that can grow in unwanted places, so this makes them unideal for your lawn.

Silver maples are known for its great shade when mature. They can also grow fast, which makes them a favorite in Mid and Eastern America. However, this growth can be a safety hazard when strong winds hit them in their brittle form. Aside from that, their roots don't grow deep into the soil which can impact sidewalk, driveways, and plumbing.

Despite being famous for growing fast and bearing fruits, the eucalyptus is a tree you don't want in your lawn because it requires high maintenance. It can become too long which demands regular pruning.

This is another fast-growing tree with excellent shade and bears fruit. Sadly, these are the same reasons you should not plant them in your yard. It can restrain the growth of small plantings in the yard, and the pollen it produces can attract silkworms. It requires regular maintenance to keep it from harming other trees in your lawn.

Bradford pear was brought from China about a century ago, but it eventually lost its popularity among landscapers because, like mimosa trees, Bradford pears are vulnerable to winds. When the tree matures, it tends to split and become fragile which can be a serious hazard to your property.

If you have someone in the family who has an allergy, this tree is not ideal in your property. Its pollen can trigger severe seasonal allergies which became a problem in the south-central U.S. If you want a bushy tree in your yard, plant other trees but mountain cedar.

Willows are famous for their drooping branches. Only a few people know that they need plenty of water to stay healthy. They will search for water and will expand their roots to look for it. This can damage sewage pipes and compete with other plants for water. Also, they can only live for 30 years.

Although this tree doesn't require much maintenance, they can grow excessively tall and be vulnerable in a storm. They can also easily dry in the center meaning they can be a fire hazard when it is the dry season.

Call Nabor's Tree Service for any advise you may need about these tree species, in terms of tree care, trimming, and removal.  

​Cutting down a tree is never an easy decision; however, there are some very valid reasons for doing so.  At Isaiah Tree Service, we understand the angst in contemplating a tree removal, but this article may help justify in your mind (and wallet) why removing a tree is sometimes very necessary.

​Trees are often planted in poor locations.  They aren't necessarily bad when the tree is first planted and small, however over time (sometimes decades) a tree's growth can cause major landscaping issues.  The number one problem we see in the area is not being able to grow grass.  Large shade trees are notorious for preventing grass (and other landscape plantings) from growing anywhere around the trees.  And ask any family with children and dogs what a mess this can cause, especially in the wet seasons of spring and autumn.   Removing a tree so you can grow grass and other landscape plantings is a very valid reason.

​Again, trees are often planted in poor locations as they mature.  Just recently we removed a 50 years old Black Oak that was planted only 10 paces from the corner of a house.  Of course this trees was tiny when planted, however, over the decades it grew into a massive specimen, jutting large branches out over the roof of this house.  Further, during the autumn, the number of leaves this tree shed caused serious gutter issues, in terms of roof drainage.  This is only one specific example of a tree causing problems with a property structure.  Another common tree problem is growing near and over power lines.  This is a more significant problem, especially during strong storms and ice when there is a potential for tree damage.   Encroaching on property structures is probably the best reason to remove a tree.

​Strong storms, winds, and ice can damage trees beyond repair (via tree trimming).  Further, with enough damage, such as a tree splitting, the tree will eventually die anyway.   Severely damaged trees are not only unsightly in a landscape but potentially hazardous as they can potentially damage nearby structures and even lives.  While we can trim away some damage on storm-impact trees, there is a point where the tree should be removed for safety and landscaping reasons.  

​Disease and insects, such as the emerald ash borer, kill trees every year.  Moreover, even before they are completely dead, they often become ugly and potentially dangerous in your landscape.  While our certified arborists can usually diagnose and treat diseased and insect-infested trees successfully, there are situations where a tree is beyond help.  In these case, the only prudent action to take is to remove the tree.  

​Mature trees can impair egress to/from a property or impair people's vision, which creates a safety issue.  Again, trees planted too close to a house can block doors, windows, garages, etc.  Even after a good trimming, some trees are still problematic in this regard.  Further, even if well-trimmed, they will just continue growing causing a recurring problem.  Additionally, trees can block stop signs, traffic signals, and another safety elements in our community, making them a hazard for motorists and pedestrians.  In these cases, tree removal is often necessary.

While we advocate saving a tree if at all possible, sometimes in specific situations, tree removal is the only real options property owners have.  Call Nabor's Tree Service Chattanooga for a free, honest assessment and estimate of any problematic tree you may have.