Data collected by the Department of Energy shows that well-placed trees can result in a reduction of energy consumption by up to 25%.  These savings make landscaping a very cost effective energy efficiency improvement that can pay for itself in about 5 to 10 years.  After that, you will enjoy year after year of savings.

Trees that shed their leaves in the winter (deciduous) are particularly suited for saving energy throughout the year.  In the summer, shade provided by trees as well as the cooling effect of evapotranspiration have been shown to reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50%.

In the winter, these trees allow sunlight to help warm the home and provide lighting.  In addition, the trees act as a windbreak to reduce the wind chill effect resulting in a reduction of energy used for heating of up to one third.

Before you rush out and randomly plant trees, talk to a certified arborist at an Atlanta tree service about selection and placement of the trees for the maximum benefit.  A certified arborist can help you select the appropriate size and type tree and provide guidance for locating, planting, and care of the tree to achieve the desired results.

Your arborist will be able to provide suggestions, but one alternative may be relocate the target that is threatened by the hazardous tree.  This is not an effective solution for homes, power lines, and other permanent structures but it can be a good solution for landscaping features, cars, outdoor furniture and other moveable items.

Pruning the tree may be a way to reduce or eliminate the hazard.  Removing branches can directly reduce the threat of large falling branches and stabilize the tree.  In addition, in some cases pruning will allow a weak tree to become stronger and healthier.  Pruning should be handled by your arborist. If pruning is improperly done, the hazardous condition is likely to get worse rather than better.

Bracing the tree or tree branches with cables and other devices can help stabilize a tree enough to minimize the hazard and avoid having to remove the tree.  This is a particularly appropriate technique when the tree has the capability of naturally growing stronger and more stable over time.  Bracing gives the  tree the opportunity to stabilize while protecting you and your property.

In some cases, simply providing routine care for the tree will reduce or eliminate the hazard.  Finally, if there is no other alternative then removal of the tree may be necessary.

In most cases, evaluating the extent of a hazard posed by a tree is a job for an experienced arborist.  There are signs that property owners should watch out for that would indicate that an arborist should be called to do a full tree hazard assessment.

Trees that could fall onto utility lines are a special type of potential hazard.  Not only could the power be knocked out, but even a small tree falling onto a power line can start a fire.  Any tree that could potentially fall onto a power line should be carefully examined by an arborist.

Signs to watch out for include large or numerous dead branches in the tree.  Large dangling branches are a hazard that needs immediate attention.  Cavities or rotten wood in the tree, splits in the trunk, mushrooms growing at the base, and a trunk that leans noticeably are all cause for concern.

Nearby construction including grading, installation of a driveway or sidewalk, or installation of underground utilities should be noted.  A tree that has been topped or heavily pruned may be at risk.  Adjacent trees have been removed or have died and fallen are signs that the tree may be a hazard.

If you notice these signs or any other condition that causes you to be concerned about the health or safety of any tree, have it evaluated by a certified arborist.

In order to earn the title of Certified Arborist, an individual must have at least three years of work experience in the tree care industry.  In addition, the person must pass a comprehensive examination that tests the candidate’s knowledge on a wide range of tree care topics.   The Certified Arborist designation indicates that the person has met a measurable standard of knowledge and experience in the tree care industry.

Certified Arborist is also required to complete regular continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification.  Through continuing education, Certified Arborists stay up to date on the latest developments in arboriculture.

When you need a tree service, look for one that has certified arborists.  This indicates a commitment to knowledgeable, professional tree care.  You can be confident that a Certified Arborist has the knowledge and experience to safely care for trees and to operate their business in a professional manner. They will have the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work safely and liability insurance in the event of an accident.

Topping a tree is very bad for the health of the tree and is generally only a temporary solution because the tree will quickly grow back to the original size.  In addition, topping a tree can actually make the tree more of a hazard than it was before.

When a tree is topped, it loses a large percentage of the leaves in its crown.  It needs these leaves to produce food for the tree.  Once they tree is topped, the tree will attempt to regrow those leave as quickly as possible.  This effort puts a lot of stress on the tree and leaves it vulnerable to disease and infestation.

In addition to the tree being weakened by stress and insects, it also becomes vulnerable to rot which further weakens the branches.  The new branches are usually very leafy which catches more wind.  More wind force on these weakened branches increases the likelihood of a branch breaking or the entire tree being blown down.

Finally, topped trees are unattractive and unnecessary in most cases.  Before you top a tree, talk to a certified arborists about alternative to reduce the height of the tree.  A good arborist may be able to prune the tree in a manner that achieves the goal of height reduction while preserving the health and integrity of the tree.

Homeowners are responsible for trees on their property.  Managing trees to reduce the liability involves assessing whether a tree poses a hazard and taking the steps necessary to minimize the hazard.  This can include pruning the tree, adding stabilizing equipment, improving the health of the tree, or removing the tree.

Evaluating tree hazards is a job for a Certified Arborist.  They are the professionals in the tree care industry and have the training and experience to evaluate whether a tree poses a hazard.  Tree hazard assessment is both an art and a science.  Without the necessary training and experience, homeowners are not equipped to accurately assess the hazards of their trees.

A skilled arborist will assess the tree and take remedial measures to minimize the hazardous condition.  Certified arborists know what to look for and how to evaluate the health of the tree.  Reducing the risk associated with hazardous trees protects homeowners and others from being injured or killed by unsafe trees and also protects the homeowner from liability.

If you have trees on your property, contact a professional Certified Arborist for a tree hazard assessment.

Except for very minor tree pruning, this is a job best handled by professionals both for the health of the tree and for personal safety.  It is easy to be injured by falling tree limbs, falling out of a tree, or by any of the cutting tools used to prune a tree.  Unless you have the training and experience to handle the job safely, you should use a good tree service for any tree pruning projects.

In addition, improper pruning techniques can compromise the health of the tree and potentially create a hazard.  Topping and tipping which are the related practices of indiscriminate pruning to reduce the tree height or width weakens branches and can kill the tree.  Cutting branches flush injures the tree and can allow decay to form.  Similarly, cutting too far from the main branch (stub cuts) causes the wound to heal slowly and can allow invasive organisms to enter.

Once a tree starts decaying, its structure becomes weaker and weaker and it can pose a falling limb hazard or the entire tree may be at risk for falling.  A reputable tree service can help by carefully selecting the branches to be pruned in order to meet your goals.  They will also make the cuts properly to promote fast wound healing and help preserve the integrity of the tree.

There are different types of pruning methods depending on your goals.  Crown thinning removes a selection of branches in the crown of the tree to improve the trees structure and appearance.  Crown thinning also allows for improved air flow and light penetration in the crown of the tree.

Crown raising involves removing branches at the lower level of the tree to allow clearance for pedestrians or vehicles or for visual aesthetics.  Crown reduction may be necessary for trees that grown too tall.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but many arborists prefer to prune trees in the winter when the tree is dormant and there are no leaves on the tree.  The lack of leaves makes it easier for the arborist to inspect the branches and identify dead or diseased branches.  Also, without its leaves, a tree’s architecture is more clearly on display and it’s easier to maintain the tree’s balance and appearance.

Tree pruning is best left to an experienced arborist.  They have the training, experience, and equipment to properly prune without injuring the tree or posing a threat to people or property on the ground.  Improper pruning can cause damage to a tree and can result in the loss of the tree altogether.

Tree branches heavily laden with buildups of ice and snow can break, damaging the tree and also posing a hazard to people and property below.  Careful tree pruning can eliminate weak branches and promote the growth of strong branches.  In a few cases, braces or other cables may be needed to provide added support.  It is best to hire a professional arborist for pruning.  They understand how to safely prune a tree without placing the tree in jeopardy.

Winter winds bring cold, dry air that can dry out trees and shrubs, especially evergreens.  Trees and shrubs that get too dry can suffer permanent damage if the root system is unable to replenish lost moisture.   Fall watering and plenty of mulch around the base of the tree to protect the roots can limit damage from drying by preventing the ground from freezing and providing a source of water.

During the day, the sun heats the trees bark as much as ten to fifteen degrees higher than the outside ambient temperature.  When he sun goes down, the temperature drops quickly causing damage to the tree.  Your arborist can help suggest ways limit temperature swings such as covering the trunk with tree wrap.

In addition to enhancing the beauty of your landscaping, trees have many benefits.  Trees improve the environment by enhancing air quality and moderating the climate.  Trees filter the air by capturing dust and other particles which are later washed to the ground by rain water.  Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants and give off oxygen.

Trees cool the area around them in the summer months by absorbing energy from the sun or reflecting the sun’s rays.  Trees are one of the primary methods used to decrease the “heat island” effect felt in urban areas where natural vegetation has been replaced by roads, parking lots and buildings.  Wind and wind driven rain, snow, hail and sleet are redirected and moderated by trees.

Trees also offer economic benefits including reduced energy costs.  Trees that provide shade in the summer help keep homes cool and reduce air conditioning costs.  Trees that provide wind breaks in the winter lower a home’s heating costs.  Another direct economic benefit is the increased property value that comes from the addition of attractive trees to the landscaping.