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What Kind of Tree Is This? Identifying Rochester Trees

7/26/2018

You most likely see at least one tree daily. But, do you know what kind of trees they are? There are many kinds of trees, and they are all unique and serve a distinct purpose. You may have heard the name of some of these trees but might not know what they look like. Or, you might know what they look like but not the name.
If you’ve ever asked the question, “What kind of tree is that?” then this article is for you.
Continue reading to learn about the various tree types that surround you.

Location
In this article, we’re going to focus on trees located in Rochester, New York. Certain types of trees grow in specific places. The weather, temperature, and soil contribute significantly to what kinds of trees are able to thrive in this area. New York tends to have a cooler climate with a reasonable amount of precipitation in every season.

•    Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Quaking Aspens are deciduous trees commonly found in the cooler regions of the Western United States. Known by a wide variety of other names such as the golden aspen and white poplar. You can recognize this tree by the fluttering sound of the leaves when the wind blows, dignified appearance, and white-flaky bark.

•    American Elm (Ulmus americana)
The American elm can be identified by its oblong leaves that are approximately 4-6 inches in length and 1-3 inches in width. The tree produces green fruits like wafers. It can grow to be 80-120 feet tall and 2-4 feet in diameter. The shape of the tree is vase-like, and its bark is a dark gray separated by diamond-shaped ridges.

•    Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
The balsam fir bears needles that are half an inch to two inches long with silvery bands underneath of them. Purple-colored cones that are are cylinder-like in shape come from this tree, and they are four to six inches long. This tree can grow to be 40-60 feet tall and one to one and a half foot around.

•    Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
The leaves on a black walnut tree can grow to be 12-24 inches long with 15-23 leaflets. It produces a spear-like fruit that has a diameter of one and a half to two inches. It appears thick and fleshy with a yellowish-green outer shell that encases the sweet nut inside. The bark on this tree dark brown to almost black and it can grow to be 70-100 feet with a base of two to three feet.

•    Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Sugar maple trees are indigenous to the East coast of the United States and into Canada. In fact, the leaf is on their flag. The sugar maple produces sap for the syrup we put on our pancakes. The tree has a brown trunk, and their leaves take over a round shape at the top.

•    Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Black cherry trees are a common sight to see in the Eastern region of the United States. You can not only spot them by the fruit they bear but also by their beautiful white or pink flowers. The Leaves on this tree are two to six inches long. Its bark is reddish brown to black, and it can grow up to 50-60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of one to three feet.

Conclusion
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what the trees were around you, then this article should provide some insight. These trees are commonly found in the West, Central, and Eastern portion of the United States. For more information about the tree in question, contact your local arborist.

What Is the Normal Rate of Growth

7/19/2018

Trees are amazingly beneficial to our planet and its inhabitants. It’s hard to believe that one tiny seedling can grow into something so huge and powerful. Without trees, the Earth, as well as the people and animals, are deprived of oxygen and other nutrients.

If we plant enough trees, there will be a significant impact on the environment. And, the faster they grow, the sooner the changes will take place and begin providing us with all the benefits they have to offer.

You might wonder how fast trees grow because it’s not like we can see them growing. Here, we will provide you with some helpful information about the rate at which tree growing takes place.

It’s Not That Simple
Answering your question of how fast trees grow is not a simple measurement. Not even a broad estimate. Why? Because there are many factors that contribute to tree growth. One of the main elements is the environment in which the tree grows. If the tree is getting all the nutrients it needs to grow can significantly determine how fast and efficient it grows.

The Truth Is
Trees grow slow. It’s not going to happen overnight, obviously, and it will likely take many years for it to reach its maximum potential. There is no exact rate for any given tree, but there are things that can make it grow faster. The growth of the seedling is typically what takes the longest. Once the tree becomes enters the juvenile years, the growth rate will speed up some and then slows again when it enters the mature phase.

It Depends
The types of tree it is matters. Every type of tree will grow at different rates. Willow and poplar trees tend to grow the fastest during the juvenile years. Trees such as spruces grow slower during this time but grow quickly during the seedling stage. Regardless of the tree, it will grow until it’s mature and then plateau. If you charted the growth on a line graph, it would grow in a bell-shaped curve but vary slightly depending on the species.

The type of tree also determines what the tree needs to grow as well. Some trees require direct sunlight to grow while others may need shade. The main factors that contribute to a tree's growth include:
•    Climate
•    Nutrients
•    Water
•    Sunlight.
To ensure that your tree reaches its optimal potential familiarize yourself with what your tree needs.

Be Patient
Trees are not going to grow overnight. You won’t plant an apple seed and eat apples the next day. So, you must be patient when it comes to waiting for your tree to grow. Research what your species of the tree requires to thrive and provide it while you watch your little seedling grow into a towering abundant tree.

Conclusion
While tree growth is a slow process, there are certain things you can do to promote an abundant life and shorter wait time for maturity. The species of the tree will determine what exactly your tree needs. Keep in mind that your tree may have a longer or shorter growth cycle during the seedling and juvenile age. For more information specific to the tree in question contact your local tree care company.

If you’re in the area, Rochester Tree Service can provide you with quality information and services regarding your trees.

How and When to Prune Your Trees

7/12/2018

Seeing the trees in bloom after a harsh winter scene of bare branches can feel like a breath of fresh air. However, underneath those spring flower buds and bright green leaves, it’s important to ensure that your trees have a healthy base. Trimming or pruning your trees at the right time maintains long-term health and lays the stepping stones for a flourishing season of growth.

Here are some tips on determining when the best time is to prune or trim your trees.

When to Prune Trees
Somewhere between the warm colored changing leaves of autumn and the bright blooming blossoms of spring, your trees need trimming. The best time to trim your trees in late fall to early spring.

Your local arborist will know more about what’s best for your tree. Speak with them about pruning before buds begin to form on your trees in spring. Usually, the pruning cycle for trees averages every three to five years. However, it could vary depending on the size, type, and health of the tree.

Why?
During the cold months of the year, trees enter a latent state that halts their growth temporarily. Low temperature and inactivity make the perfect time for pruning. You can inhibit the tree’s blooming potential if you prune after new growth begins.

An arborist can also access the tree easier during the colder months due to the low temperatures making the ground hard. The lack of leaves in the winter makes it easier for them to see where they’re cutting as well.

The Benefits
Trimming trees late into the winter season offers various benefits over other times of the year. It helps the wounds on the tree heal quicker and prevents sap from leaking. While leaking sap isn't harmful, it will draw pests make it a meal. The cold during the winter time also reduces the risks of infestation and infection. In addition to the benefits to the tree, it's also easier to work on the ground made firm by cold temperatures and increased visibility from fallen leaves.

Conclusion
Cold temperatures create the perfect setting for pruning or trimming trees. While the usual pruning cycle is three to five years, it could vary based on the size, type, and health of the tree. Low temperatures halt the trees grow so trimming won't affect the springs bloom. Pruning trees in the winter time offer several benefits to the trees and the arborist.

The Benefits of Having Mulch Around Your Trees

7/5/2018

Putting mulch around your trees and flower beds on a regular basis can be costly and time-consuming. However, the benefits and importance of this chore make it worthwhile. Science proves that having mulch around your trees and plants can significantly improve their health. According to Kansas State University, mulching is one of the best things you can do for your trees and plants after planting them. Rochester Tree Specialist couldn’t agree more.

Keep reading to learn about how science proves why mulch is necessary for maintaining healthy plant growth.

Improves Growth Time
Adding mulch around the bottom of your trees can nearly double the rate in which they grow compared to them growing in the grass. According to the United States Forest Service, mulch increases the growth of walnut trees by 89 percent. Other fine hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, cherry, and more increase by 79 percent when you use mulch.

Reduces Weeds
The less light weeds get, the less likely they are to grow. Mulch prevents light from reaching the ground underneath it, therefore decreasing the growth rate of weeds. The thicker and more course the mulch is, the more effective it will be for controlling your weeds.

Nutrients
Mulch gives your trees and plants nutrients they need such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The thicker you pile on your mulch, the more nutrients they will receive. However, too much mulch can damage your plants. With that being said, two to three inches is adequate for the best results.

Reduces Water Evaporation
The use of organic mulch can significantly reduce water evaporation compared to bare soil. It can also reduce soil erosion and protect the organic matter that’s necessary for your plants and trees. Just ensure you add the right amount. Not too much and not too little but, just right.

Maintaining Temperature.
Mulch insulates your trees and plants. They will stay cool during the summer months and warm during the winter. The more organic and coarse the mulch is the better it will do at regulating the temperature of your plants. Processed mulches that contain fabrics and plastics aren’t the best choice.

The Effects of Not Mulching
Not mulching, especially when you’re dealing with newly planted trees can result in several shortcomings and obstacles. Weeds will have a better chance at thriving if mulch is not there to block the sunlight and prevent them from growing. Without the added nutrients mulch has to offer your tree's roots, they have to compete with the grass and water for them in the soil, and it can keep them from flourishing. If your trees and plants are dehydrated due to the lack of minerals the mulch has to offer, then they will have a harder time fighting off infestations.

Conclusion
Mulch offers many benefits to trees and plants. It essentially helps them to thrive while offering protection from Earth’s natural elements such as rain, temperature, critter infestations weeds, and more. It can be expensive and challenging to keep mulch around your root systems, but if you want the best from your plants and trees, it’s a must. As long as you maintain the mulch around your plants, they will flourish beautifully into their full potential.

Are you looking for a great tree care company? If so, Rochester is happy to be at your service. We offer several tree removal services for lowest prices in the area. Save yourself the trouble and allow us to handle any tree needs you might have.

ROCHESTER TREE SERVICE NEWS & BLOGS

What Kind of Tree Is This? Identifying Rochester Trees

What Is the Normal Rate of Growth

How and When to Prune Your Trees

The Benefits of Having Mulch Around Your Trees

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