Family's Tree Service, Inc.

For every tree there is a season…

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:08:36 +0000

The late fall and winter season is the ideal time of the year to trim, remove deadwood and prune, reduce size and to do crown reductions for any trees that need attention. Be prepared for the upcoming winter’s storms by calling us today for a free consultation and assessment. A properly cared for tree is a healthy happy tree! (615) 452 3994

Are ”Scary” Trees Haunting Your Yard in Middle Tennessee this Halloween?

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:02:57 +0000

“For those of us who live in Middle Tennessee, the memory of last springs’ fierce storms are still fresh in our minds. As an arborist performing tree assessments and estimates daily, I can assure you that there are plenty of trees out there that have been structurally compromised due to those storms,” says owner, Rick Decker. In 2008 of September, a golfer was killed when a tree landed on his golf cart and yet another incident a golfer was killed when a branch of the giant gum tree she was standing under crashed to the ground. There was a lady that lost her life recently when a tree fell on the roof of her mobil home. There are countless reports of incidents such as these and they are happening way too often. People may blame the elements such as wind or just plain old mother nature, but this is a situation that can possibly be prevented. Trees can definitely be hazardous to your health and property if not regularly maintained by proper pruning techniques. A hazard tree is a tree with structural defects that can likely cause failure of all or part of the tree. What is frightening is that the damage can be hidden. The general appearance of a tree doesn’t mean that its not a hazard or can’t become one. Even ”green healthy looking trees” may already have damaged trunks and/or limbs causing the tree to be unstable. There are several things that need to be considered; the trees overall condition, the type of tree, the age and size of the tree, cracks and/or stress fractures, leaning trees or one side heavy trees, partially uprooted trees and certain tree defects to name a few. Other signs to watch for when identifying a hazard tree would be dead limbs, mistletoe infection, sloughing bark, fungus and conks, butt and stem cankers, and the trees inhabitants; woodpeckers, ants, termites, etc. The professionals at Family’s Tree Service Inc, are trained to look for these hazards while examining the trees in and around your yard. It’s better to be safe than have a tree come down on your property, a neighbors property, or on a person. If it needs to be removed don’t wait until it has broken or fallen down. Have it safely removed, you can always plant another one in its place!

Be tree aware, not scared! Call us today at Family’s Tree Service Inc. for a complimentary tree assessment at 615 452 3994.

A Roast and A Rake

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:21:59 +0000

A roast and a rake? What could the two possibly have in common? One might consider family tradition. There are many legends about the ritual of cutting the ends off the roast before it is put into the pan for which the explanation is, “That’s the way my mother did it!’ Only to find out upon further investigation that the real reason is because that’s the only way it would fit into the pan!

One of such customs could be the raking of leaves. When the lawns begin to be covered with various shades of brilliant reds, yellows, and then crunchy brown leaves, many homewners may ” take on the rake.” Not really knowing why, but only that it has been done year after year in their family. Thus the tradition or personal choice is decided. Some of our research reveals this information:

Most lawns are going dormant in the fall anyway as temperatures drop and daylight fades. If you are not trying to maintain a lawn but a yard, the leaves provide nutrients.
Avoid a too-heavy, wet coat of leaves by not raking but mow when slightly damp after a dew. When the leaves are about the size of a quarter the leaves can stay on the ground and decompose more quickly to allow nutrients to seep into the soil.
You can use your leaves to supply organic fertilizer by raking them into loose piles, mixing in a few shovelfuls of soil and 20 to 30 gallons of water to aid in decomposition. Pull the leaves apart in the spring and spread.
To treat leaves as trash is environmentally foolish and finacially ruinous. Many municipalities encourage residents to rake leaves to the curb for protection, but before they are collected heavy rains often wash the leaves into catch basins. There they decompose and release phosphorus and nitrogen into the streams and rivers that flow through nearby communities. These excess nutrients contribute to algae blooms during the summer, which results in lower oxygen making it difficult for fish and other aquatic species to survive.
Thousands, even millions of dollars each year is spent to collect, transport, and process autumn leaves that could be used elsewhere in our communities.
By keeping the leaves on our properties, we will improve our gardens, save money, and enhance the environment.
It comes down to personal goals. If you are trying to maintain a lawn, leaves can mat up and basically cover it and could kill off portions. Of course some people like the look of keeping their lawn green which will ”make the rake” a necessity. Just make sure to discard of them responsibly.

Tonight as you sit with your family at your fall dinner table while enjoying your delicious roast, a topic of conversation might be, to rake or not to rake? Whatever your decision this fall season, we need to all consider savings, both environmental and financial. We at Family’s Tree Service, Inc. understand that. We are working on ways to ”be green” as well as now offering several payment plans to meet any budget. Call us today at 615 452- 3994 and talk to one of our representatives about how we may assist you in meeting your tree care needs. Have a happy fall!

Active Spring Storm Season Predicted For Middle Tennessee

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:45:45 +0000

I was watching the weather channel the other night and wouldn’t you know it, they are predicting an active spring storm season for middle Tennessee, as if we haven’t had our share of bad weather this winter. We have posted several blogs on this site stating the importance of proper tree pruning in the prevention of storm damage. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to prepare for that possibility. Trees in their dormant season are threat enough but with the emerging spring foliage it adds to the potential for wind damage. Think about the effect the wind has on an open umbrella. A trees’ canopy can be effected in that same way. Proper tree maintenance can reduce wind sail, therefore can help prevent the threat of tree or property damage. Call Family’s Tree Service, Inc. today for a free tree assessment on your property. (615) 452-3994 www.familystreeservice.com

Middle Tennessee Ice Storm: Is One in our Forecast?

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:15:48 +0000

Listening to the weatherman forecasting a slight chance of ice accumulation I was reminded of the dreadful ice storm Middle Tennessee experienced back in the early spring of 1994. The phone just kept ringing. I barely had enough time to stir my coffee before another call for help came from a distraught client. Some were crying, seemingly terrified of the ice storm that was threatening Sumner County, our community, as well as other parts of our state. I had lost count as clients called with cries for help as they experienced trees having fallen on their houses, blocking driveways, smashing their automobiles or lying on power lines threatening to snap at any minute. Unfortunately for most of them by the time it was all over they experienced the loss of electricity, leaving them in darkness and without their much needed heat. Needless to say, firewood orders came pouring in hoping it would provide them with some protection from the bone chilling cold.
The effects of an ice storm can be paralyzing, devastating and can almost completely shut down our lives. Ice forms on everything and if you look at the structure of a tree from the smallest meristem (twig) and up it can accumulate a tremendous amount of ice and therefore when you multiply that with thousands of meristems the weight load becomes far too heavy for the tree to withstand. Then it becomes a dangerous force to be reckoned with when it comes crashing down.
The TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) trade magazine reports that ice damage is assumed to start at accumulations of 1/4 inch with small branches and larger non-healthy branches breaking. Major tree damage can be expected with 1 inch or greater accumulations. For those of us in the tree care industry, ice storms produce some of the most widespread tree damage that will ever have to be dealt with. Being able to anticipate ice storms can help you prepare for them.
I remembered as I answered each call that day how I reminded myself with a mental note to be responsible as co-owner of Family’s Tree Service, Inc. to do my best to help educate people in the future on proper tree care prevention. It really can make a difference in how you “weather the storm.” Trees with compromised structural architecture such as: specimens with cavities, splits or cracks, fungus or diseased are the first to succumb to the heavy load of accumulated ice or snow. Proper tree pruning is a must in the prevention of major costly property damage, bodily injury, and even sometimes the loss of life. The total of calls that weekend came to well over 300. That was just the beginning phase of the ice storm. There were many, many other calls that continued to pour into the office in the weeks that followed. Calls from thankful customers who recently had proper tree care before the ice storm came as well indicating their trees withstood the storm with little or no damage. “An ounce of prevention indeed, is worth a pound of cure!”
Call us today for a free entire property tree assessment and be assured!

$ Winter Pruning Makes “Sense” and Saves “Cents” $

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:29:47 +0000

The celebration and memories of the holiday has just been packed away and our thoughts are turned toward the New Year as it is fast approaching. Even though there may still be snow and ice on the trees in Middle Tennessee this is the time to prepare for the upcoming spring bloom. Usually we don’t begin to really think about the things outside until we see the first yellow daffidills begin to poke their little heads above the soil and the weather begins to warm but it makes perfect “sense” and saves ”cents” to prune your trees and shrubs now. While the winter rates are still in effect you can save time and hard earned money while the trees benefit as well. This is the ideal time to evaluate the tree’s architecture (structure) with the leaves off. Being able to view the entire tree helps the skilled tree professional make informed decisions for the tree’s health and longevity. Pruning during the dormant period minimizes the tree’s energy loss and subsequent stress to the tree. Winter pruning cuts way down on the risk of fungus/bacterial infections or insect infestations as these tree pests are likely to be in dormancy the same time as the tree. This is especially true of the so called “stress related” insects. Where there are challenges with winter pruning such as shorter work days and harsh weather, under the right conditions it can be a win for your trees, you the client and for the arborist. Take advantage and save with our winter rates now by calling us today. Offer good thru January. www.familystreeservice.com

Family’s Fall Tree Tips

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:42:59 +0000

As I peered outside my office window this morning I was reminded that another growing season has so quickly passed. Here in Middle Tennessee, we have already enjoyed the majestic splendor of Autumn’s glory and now eagerly await the promise of winter’s first snow.

Many of you may be thinking that the end of the growing season means that you can stop worrying about the trees on your property. Think again! Most tree care experts say that fall is one of the best times to examine the safety and health of your trees. Why? With the absence of foliage, the tree’s entire structural architecture is in clear view. Therefore deadwood is much easier to detect while making an assessment from the ground.

Some homeowners worry that the arborist will not be able to determine deadwood on a tree when the leaves are off. On the contrary. A trained arborist, such as you’ll find at Family’s Tree Service Inc. can easily locate deadwood by looking for changes in bark color, fungus growth, cracks and other symptoms that will help them make this determination.

Winter can usher in some pretty problematic weather such as heavy snow or ice accumulation. These accumulations can in turn cause structural failure to branches or sometimes entire trees. As a trained arborist I urge every homeowner who has not had their trees assessed by a tree care professional within the last 2 years to do so now. If you live in or around Sumner County, TN you may contact Rick Decker at www.familystreeservice.com or reply to our post.

Remember pruning is much more than just ”sawing off limbs.” Proper pruning is an art based on scientific principles of plant physiology. At its most basic level, pruning trees involves the removal of damaged, dead, or structurally weak limbs, which will improve the health of your trees and greatly reduce the chances of personal or property damage. Call or email us today to take advantage of our money saving ”Special Winter Rates”. Remember, a safe tree is a healthy tree.

Winter is also a great time to settle back in your favorite chair with a warm cup of hot cocoa and catch up on your reading. If you enjoy wholesome adventure stories might I suggest ”Ricky’s Adventures.” For a fun mini audio tour of this delightful book please visit www.RickysAdventures.com

Look for more from this author in the coming weeks.

Special Offer Coupon

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:32:27 +0000

Family’s Tree Service, Inc. offers money savings coupons for our full day and half day rates.

Firewood Now on Sale

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:04:48 +0000

Family’s Tree Service, Inc. sells only premium firewood cut to lengths of 18 to 20 inches. Split and seasoned, our firewood is available for pickup or delivery. Stacking upon request.

Pruning

Family's Tree Service, Inc. — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:01:08 +0000

Pruning is vital to maintaining a healthy tree.

Proper pruning can also enhance a tree’s growth within a specific environment and reduce the risk of storm, ice and other forms of hazardous weather damage.