Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

When it comes to the long list of things to care for in regards to your home during extreme weather, trees don’t always make it to the top of the list. However, taking good care of your trees can equate to a decrease in damage and an increase in savings whenever storms with high winds whip through your neighborhood.

In addition to adding value to your home, your arboreal assets play an important role in purifying the air, soaking up storm water that might otherwise burden drain systems, and helping cool your home through the shade provided naturally.

However, if not cared for properly, the trees on your property can potentially cause a lot of damage. Gutters can be clogged by leaves and other tree debris. Overgrown trees can create easy access to homes for carpenter ants, termites, and other pests through branches that touch the rooftop.

When it comes to protecting your arboreal assets, maintenance is key.

Here are a few tips on maintaining your trees:

Checkups – By having an ISA Certified Arborist look at your trees on an annual basis, you will avoid potential costly hazards that can come from overgrowth and debris.

Environment – Trees need a good environment in order to live strong and healthy. Trees that are street-side have more potential threats to their health through the work that may be done on power lines, water lines, and other space limiting units that may hinder root growth or damage roots.

Soil Damage – Construction near the tree can potentially compact the surrounding soil. Compacted soil can cause damage to root systems. The strength of the tree will rely on the root system.

Call an Embark Certified Arborist today to begin your tree maintenance schedule. Healthy and well maintained trees can be one of your best property assets.

Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

One of the most important aspects of creating a new or redoing a landscape is choosing the right plant or tree and putting it in the right place. Taking the soil, available water, and the extreme temperatures of the area are very important for creating a lasting environment for your plant or tree. Using a certified arborist or landscape professional will help avoid choices that aren’t suitable for a long lasting landscape.

Here are some tips from landscape experts on what to take into consideration when planning a new landscape:

Size Matters – If a plant or tree is healthy then it will grow. Make sure that the area in which the plant or tree is planted allows for growth. Make sure that your selected plant or tree won’t outgrow its area when it is fully mature. Also, some plants grow faster than others. Keep in mind the growth characteristics of the chosen plants for your landscape so that they can be arranged in the most aesthetically appealing formation.

Quench their Thirst – Make sure that the irrigation system available to your plants and trees are both effective and efficient. The size of the irrigation system will dictate the amount of water delivered to your plants. In addition to your irrigation system, make sure that your water isn’t harmful to your plants. Some water sources have higher salinity or alkalinity either of which could damage your plants over time.

Soil Solution – The quality of soil composition is often overlooked when choosing plants or trees for your new landscape. It is important to choose plants which match the natural composition of the soil in your landscape. Having soil that is fertile and well balanced is imperative to the survival of your plants and trees.

The Extremes of Temperature - Living in an area which has extreme high temperatures limits the growth of many plants including some annual species. Temperature ranges of the daytime play an important role in determining how a plant will grow and survive in a certain area. Many plants also have nighttime temperature requirements in order to reach their full growth potential. Make sure to check with your landscape professional to ensure proper plants and trees for the climate.

Using site specific planning when it comes to designing your new landscape will be well worth the effort. Your trees and plants will successfully grow and thrive in an environment that matches their needs. Make sure to use a certified landscape professional or certified arborist when entering into your landscape design journey.