It’s been a rainy season for Floridians. As the daily downpours start to pile up, homeowners are looking out into their backyards and starting to worry about their trees. 

Join us, as we break down heavy rain’s impact on your trees and how to stop root rot from ruining your tree growth.

The Rain’s Impact On Your Tree’s Leaves and Roots

So, your tree’s roots have been over-soaked with rainwater. What exactly does that mean, though? Well, for starters, the roots and leaves may end up having a bad reaction. And that threatens the overall health of your tree.

We all know a tree’s roots need water in order for the tree itself to grow healthily. But they can’t just have water – they also need oxygen. For something underground to get any amount of air can be hard to imagine, compacted under soil as it is, but oxygen can and does pass through gaps in the soil and into tree roots. But this airflow is impeded when your soil is overly wet.

When you stop the roots of your tree from absorbing enough oxygen, the tree suffocates amd can begin to rot and develop infections. These are living things, and the worse your tree is for wear, the weaker it will become, over time. Your tree may even shrink. over time, with their roots no longer able to do their job properly anymore.

Look out for withered, yellowed, and fallen leaves, typically out of season. With increased humidity comes fungal diseases, as well, which can be spotted, easily, with powdery mildews and ring rot.

Tree Growth

Even the healthiest athletes in the world can get taken down by the flu or an unexpected infection. Similarly, it doesn’t matter how healthy a plant is – too much water will stress out its immune system and negatively impact the plant’s ability to grow.

Much like an athlete recovering after an infection, many trees will lose their leaves during a rainy period, and start to grow again once their soil has had a chance to dry out in the summer. In these cases, the tree will come back just as strong as before. 

If the infection is bad enough, or the tree is too weak, some plants may not snap back, following a setback. In these cases, you’ll likely need to remove the tree, entirely.

So, How Much Rain Is Too Much?

A few days of heavy rain is to be expected, in many cases. This won’t push a tree over the edge. Above-average rainfall is where the problem is, when the water is sustained over a long period, like weeks or even sparsely over months. 

What To Do During High Rainfall Periods?

Even with all of this information, the truth is that when the rain starts, you can’t stop it. And some trees may just end up dying. When trees aren’t able to recover from water damage, there’s not very much you can usually do about it. 

There are a few things you can do, in order to help out:

1. Stop watering. Your trees do not need water and will not until the soil dries out again. Even when the rain eventually slows or even stops for a little bit, the soil will likely still be soggy.
   
   Want to test it? Dig into the ground up to about six inches. If it comes up soggy or clumpy, don’t bother watering it.
   
2. Avoid using fertilizer, as well, at least until your soil has drained out, completely. Fertilizer promotes tree growth, but it does it by making the tree use its energy to grow. And your tree needs to conserve as much energy as it can during this period.
   
3. If your tree starts to clear up, don’t celebrate too early. Monitor your tree throughout the next growing season to see if any of the symptoms return. 

Looking for expert tree maintenance services to help keep your trees in pristine condition? Visit SB Tree Service, today, and let us help you get more out of your yard.

Following a lightning strike, you’re going to want to start with damage control. Clear out any hanging or broken branches. Put out any small fires with a heavy blanket, non-toxic fire extinguisher, or just plain water. 

Wood too big to remove on your own? Worried a burned branch might collapse and damage your car? Reach out to a certified arborist. For larger fires, reach out to the fire department before the problem gets out of hand.

Signs Of Tree Damage Resulting From Lightning

Lightning damage isn’t always some massive crack in a tree that smokes and hisses. Sometimes, they can actually be very subtle. When lightning hits a tree, it typically impacts the inside of the plant, targeting layer-after-layer just underneath the bark’s surface. This is all plant matter we can’t actually see with the naked eye, so trees may actually look completely normal for some time before eventually starting to decline. Sometimes, the tree may just suddenly die, even though it seemed fine, leading up to that. 

Some signs you might see, if the damage is severe enough, include:

• Cracks running down the entire length of your tree’s trunk.
• Bark stripping away from your tree.
• Leaves withering and wilting throughout your canopy.
• Burned or blackened areas.

Will A Lightning Strike Kill Your Tree?

This depends, but not always, no. Much like any living thing, every tree is different. Sometimes the same amount of damage will have less of an effect than others. A tree may be “hardier”, overcoming damage if given enough time and love. Another tree might not. 

Your tree’s fate depends on any one of the following factors: 

• health
• species
• age 
• location

Also, keep in mind that “not dying” isn’t necessarily a win for your tree. It may have sustained major internal injuries, opening itself up to infections or opportunistic insects, all of which might damage it irreparably.

The general rule of thumb is that a tree which was struck on one side of the trunk is likely to survive. If both sides of the tree have been damaged, however, you’re much more likely to need removal.

What Steps Can You Take? 

The classic lightning protection system is the tried and true answer for tree defense against lightning damage. The system diverts any and all lightning away from your tree and into the ground, along a set path. This is lightning we’re dealing with, here, so it must be noted that no system is 100% guaranteed. But anecdotal evidence positions this as one of the top players in the whole lightning protection game. 

As always, make sure to consult with a certified arborist before taking any major steps to protect your tree, if for no other reason than to save yourself a lot of potentially wasted money.

Unfortunately, artists don’t have much of a canvas to work with in the cold, grey winter months. The beautiful colors of blooming flowers in the spring and summer can’t compare to the dull, muted tones of the holiday season, no matter how many Christmas trees you decorate.

In winter, most of the flowering shrubs and trees have gone dormant, especially depending on what climate you are in. But, talk to any botanist worth their salet and they will agree that late winter is the most important time for winter tree pruning.

Don’t fall into laziness when it comes to winter pruning just because your shrubs and trees look dead. This is the time to get out and prune them. Late winter is the optimum time to prune, just weeks before the buds start swelling and the sap starts flowing again.

This also allows healing time and re-energizing from those cuts before it’s time to flower again. But don’t get scissor happy just yet, because not all trees and shrubs should be pruned at this time.

Which Trees and Shrubs Are Best To Prune In The Winter?

For a good rule of thumb, prune when the plant is asleep, or dormant, and does not have any buds. Deciduous plants are what we want to prune. These are the plants that drop their leaves in the fall and do not flower in early spring. Plants that flower in late spring and summer are great for pruning, too, provided it’s done in the late winter. 

Make sure to avoid pruning all the spring flowering plants because the wintertime is when they’ll have their buds. This would, unfortunately, destroy the flowers ahead of them blooming.

Why We Prune

Always make sure to prune any dead, damaged or diseased branches from any trees. The tree will still try to bring nutrients to these branches, limiting how much food the rest of the tree gets. 

Pruning is a scientifically proven method to improve the structure of the tree as it benefits from getting pruned, while living longer. Ironically, another reason to prune is the damage the overarching branches cause the tree as they scrape up against each other. 

Winter Pruning

Looking for expert tree removal services from a professional with years of experience in the field? From winter pruning to any other time of the year Leave it to the professionals at SB Tree Service. 

No surprise here, but flowering plants can be extremely difficult and finicky to properly care for. Thank goodness most trees are not this high maintenance and don’t require so much tending to.

While we don’t all think of ourselves as having a green thumb, there are certain things that we should be able to do. If we have our own yards, tree trimming is one of those things that extends the life of our trees and shrubs.

Simple Tips For Tree Trimming

1. Trim Trees While Young.
   
   Fun Fact. You can shape a tree while the branches are still young. The branches are still soft and easily cut at a young age, thereby paving an easier path to older tree trimming. 
   
2. Tree Trimming During Tree Hibernation.
   
   Anywhere you can reduce stress on trees is good. Winter hibernation is the best time for trimming because you don’t have those pesky leaves to bother you. This is also a convenient healing period for the tree before the spring renewal arrives.
   
3. Dead and Weak Branches Must Go.
   
   Don’t go scissor happy on your tree. Do your homework before you start cutting to avert a disaster, like taking out the whole tree. Most trees will show their dead or weakened branches pretty easily. Just don’t cut any major arteries.
   
   Ironically, with dead branches, the tree will still try to use all of its nutrients to heal its sick or dead parts. This limits its growth.

When To Call Your Local Tree Experts

If you are wary of cutting the trees yourself, SB Tree Services is always there to assist you with your tree trimmings. Please do not try to cut or trim any trees if you are not physically up to the task. Leave it to the experienced tree experts at SB Tree Services.

Ever wonder what most people are daydreaming about at your local coffee shop? You see them just staring outside, with such deep intent. And, while they are usually looking out at trees, we are pretty sure they aren’t thinking about trimming or pruning them.

But the tree experts may be. And, if they are, you can bet the words “trimming” and “pruning” come to mind at some point. While there is a definite difference between the two, they also have some of the same end benefits. 

What Is Tree Trimming?

Tree trimming is more for the aesthetics of the tree than actually being purposeful. Trimming gives you a very specific desired “look”.

It’s typical to do tree trimming when your tree branches get to the point of looking unkempt. It’s also called trimming when cutting back branches that cross over power lines or block any field of vision. 

What Is Tree Pruning?

The objective, when it comes to tree pruning, is one specific purpose: to better the tree’s overall health and livelihood. When pruning, one would be looking for dead or diseased branches and cutting them off.

Removing any branches that would hinder any structural growth to the whole life of the tree is the ultimate objective. This process should be handled by expert arborists or tree experts, so as to not disturb the tree’s survival.

When To Prune And Trim The Trees

Since trimming is for cosmetic purposes only, you can trim at any time of the year, but spring is always the best time for this. The pruning schedule is a little more specific. It is best to prune once or twice a year and always a few weeks before the first flowering bud shows itself. This gives the tree time to heal before enduring the growth cycle in mid to late spring. 

Why SB Tree Services 

When you love something so much, you involve your life in it and it becomes your passion. It’s exactly what you will find with the tree experts at SB Tree Service located in Volusia County. When you need some tree help, you now know who to call on. Don’t forget to call them with spring just right around the corner, as this is the optimal time to prune and trim those trees.

The Earth is dependent on trees, just as it is on water. Trees not only give us carbon dioxide and oxygen for breathing, but they give us shelter, shade and beautiful scenery. We use them for recreation as a walking path to our happiest, most serene places.

We also use them as tools, like when we tie off our hammocks for an afternoon siesta. As you can see, trees’ purposes are endless, so any kind of removal of a tree should be well thought out and completely necessary. 

With that said, let’s take a closer look at the tree removal process.

Removal Of A Tree

Understandably, there are many reasons beyond our control to remove a tree. Perhaps it’s a dead or diseased tree that poses danger to our property or home. Maybe the tree must be taken down for safety, as it’s growing out toward power lines. 

For whatever reasons, there are a few guidelines to follow if you are going to be taking down a tree yourself. While we advise against doing this work yourself, there are certain precautions to take, if you are going to.

But be advised: you should always consult with a tree expert before attempting any of this work. 

• Wear The Right Safety Equipment. One of the most important things is to remember to wear all the necessary safety gear. Again, we can not stress enough how preparation can make all the difference in avoiding accidents.
  
  If you are going to do any tree cutting, experts recommend a logger’s helmet, earmuffs, safety glasses and Kevlar caps. Also, make sure to check the work area, afterward, to ensure everything is put away. 
  
• Estimate The Trees Felling Zone Properly. Just eyeing the visual falling space of a tree may not be enough. Professionals suggest using the ‘ax handle trick’ to determine the tree’s felling zone.
  
  Hold the ax at arm’s length while you’re closing one eye. After this, you can move toward or away from the tree until the top portion of the ax is even with the bottom and the treetop. 

When You Should Call Professionals

Before you do any tree work, we encourage you to always contact tree professionals. We have the proper equipment, expertise, and put the best safety precautions in the industry to use on every job.

SB Tree Service is your #1 rated source for all tree cutting and tree removal services. Call us today for a quote on any yard or tree work you may need. We’d rather have you safe than sorry.

During the cold winter months, our yards are the last thing that we think about typically. It’s usually rainy and just not an inviting environment to want to get dirty in. The dormant trees and flowers get overlooked, along with the once, green grass. But this doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to get a jump on the spring yard work, now. Tree trimming, most certainly, is an option.

Don’t procrastinate. When the warm spring and summer months roll around again, we wish that we would’ve done some easy pre-season touch-ups. Tree trimming can be done at any time of the year. Just don’t get it confused with tree pruning. Pruning is only done at specific times of the tree’s growth, typically in the early spring. Pruning at the wrong time of the year can cause tree damage. 

Why Trim Trees

There are a few specific reasons to do tree trimming now. Let’s look at why:

• Healthier, Happier Trees. Just as humans like to get haircuts on a regular basis, so do trees. Tree service companies will agree that trees that get trimmed professionally, allow more sunlight to penetrate through for better health. The trimming process will take out the uneven branches for a better, even look to your tree and yard, overall.
  
  Trees that are trimmed actually live longer and are less apt to lose their branches and leaves, foregoing any damage from wind-blown loose branches. 

• More Money In Your Pocket. With the best look, your yard can give you money back in your pocket if you are looking to sell your property. A good rule of thumb per real estate companies can be upwards of a generous 14% rate of return on a good looking, healthy yard.
  
  You don’t have to go overboard on what you have, as long as what you do have is well taken care of and maintained. 

Let The Experts Take Care Of Your Trees

Make sure to call your local tree experts for tree trimming, pruning, and cutting. SB Tree Service is well versed in all the native and non-native species of plants and trees. You will be glad you did and so will your wallet.

Here in Florida, the warm tropical climate creates an excellent environment for trees and other plant life to grow throughout the year rapidly. This can cause natural overgrowth, which can become a hazard and an eyesore if not properly cared for throughout the year. Since a healthy and thriving landscape is something that many property owners pride themselves on, you should know when to trim back your trees to ensure their health and longevity. 

When the winter season begins, and the temperature drops, trees and other plants go dormant to conserve energy for the spring. A critical aspect of keeping a well-manicured landscape is to incorporate winter tree trimming during this time. There are many benefits to these services that can help you maintain a beautiful landscape year-round with minimal effort.     

Join us today to learn more about the reasons behind winter tree trimming and how they can benefit you.  

When is the Best Time?

The best time to trim back your trees is in late winter. I know. You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Why late winter?” During this time, most trees and other plants go dormant, meaning they conserve as much energy as possible to stay alive since the temperature and weather are not as favorable. While trees and plants lay dormant, they do not grow as fast, if at all, meaning that you now have the perfect opportunity to trim back your tree without causing too much damage or stress. 

Before the spring comes and new buds begin to grow and flourish, it’s best to trim away any dead or dying parts of your trees. Dead or overgrown limbs can stunt the growth of your tree and lead to worse problems such as insect infestation or rot, which can end up affecting the whole tree if left untreated.   

What Are the Benefits?

There are many benefits and reasons as to why you would need to incorporate winter tree trimming into your landscape maintenance routine, some of which may include: 

• Safety
• Aesthetics 
• Ensuring the health and longevity of your trees and plants 
• Controlling or removing overgrowth

When you make tree trimming part of your yearly maintenance routine, it becomes less of an issue and something you won’t need to worry about until next winter season. Since it’s only a once-a-year occurrence, it’s best to stay on top of it. Letting overgrowth take over your yard will cause problems in the future and can lead to potential hazards during storms with high winds or rain.     

Winter Tree Trimming: Conclusion

At SB Tree Service, our professionals can help you with your winter tree trimming needs. Whether you want to have the best-looking landscape in the neighborhood or need to trim trees back before or after bad weather hits, we are here. Visit us online today to find out more about the many services that we offer to our clients in Brevard and Volusia counties.  

Florida is known as being the sunshine state. With sunny weather year-round, it creates a thriving environment for thick forests and vegetation. Because of this, tree removal services are a necessity for many Florida residents.

If you live in a heavily wooded area, you might need to remove more trees to protect your home. A falling tree has the potential to damage your property and cause serious injury to anyone in its path.  

Tree removal services guarantee your property and family stay safe by removing any hazardous trees. During this process, often, the stump of the tree is left behind. Unless you have the stump removed with the rest of the tree or ground down, it will remain on your property indefinitely—more trees to remove means more stumps left on your property.  

At SB Tree Service, we offer two types of stump removal that will help bring the beauty back to your yard. It’s essential to understand each service’s benefits and drawbacks before choosing the right one for you. Read on to decide if our stump removal or stump grinding service is best for your property. 

Why Should I Remove a Tree Stump? 

There are many reasons you would want or need to remove a stump from your property. Even though it may not be necessary in every case, the benefits can include: 

• Lowering your property value 
• Damage to your lawnmower or car depending on its location 
• Attracting insects 
• Causing harm to children or pets using your property 

Our stump removal and stump grinding service are well worth the cost and will make sure you don’t have to worry about any of the risks mentioned above. A team of skilled professionals will work with you and the landscape of your yard to determine the best service.  

What Are Stump Removal Services?

Stump removal is the process of extracting the whole tree stump, including the tree’s root system, from your yard. During this process, we use our heavy machinery to remove all aspects of your old tree safely.  

Benefits

Completely removing a tree stump from your property means that you no longer need to worry about any of the risks. This process also guarantees that there will be no new plant growth in the area, leaving you with a leveled yard. Typically, it’s wise to invest in stump removal if you need to build on top of the site since it will leave you with an even ground and no concern for potential tree growth.   

Drawbacks

Even though this process ensures you will be left with no trace of the old tree, it can be more damaging to your yard since the root system needs to be removed as well. If you’re not prepared for the damage or in necessary need of complete removal, this service may not be what you are looking for. 

What Are Stump Grinding Services?

Another less invasive service that we offer is stump grinding. During this process, we use our grinding machines to grind down the tree stump effectively. This makes the stump less noticeable and as flush to the yard as possible. 

Benefits

By using a grinding machine, we can leave the surrounding yard undisturbed, causing less damage. It also makes the stump safer to maneuver around and harder to notice.  

Drawbacks 

Since grinding services do not remove the tree’s root system, the stump can sprout new plant growth. This can leave you tending to future growth in and around the stump indefinitely. 

Leaving a ground stump on your property can still attract insects such as ants and termites. If the stump is close to your home, it can leave you continually tending to the infestation to keep it controlled.  

Conclusion 

At SB Tree Service, we guarantee to give you the best competitive rates for stump removal in Volusia and Brevard counties along with our many other tree services. Before choosing between our stump removal or stump grinding services, you should first evaluate your situation and needs. There are benefits and drawbacks of both to be aware of when deciding on the right one for you. Begin the journey to a beautiful yard and contact us today to see how we can help give you the yard you desire. 

As we head into fall, it can be easy to think you don’t have to spend much time worrying about your trees. The cold winter months are ahead of us, so we’ll have to watch out for infections, disease, and sicknesses then. The summer is behind us, so there are no new bugs or wild critters to chase off.

But the truth is fall is the perfect time to put a little work into your tree and get it ready for another big season of healthy growth. Join us, today, as we break down three choice fall tree care tips to help you get more out of your tree this autumn.

Investigating Potential Issues

As a tree owner, it’s always a good idea to check in on your tree’s health. Regularly scheduling time check your tree after each pruning session can help you to unearth any number of potential issues.

Typically, you’ll want to do this after the leaves have fallen, making fall the perfect time for it. The idea, here, is that it is much easier to see the structure of a tree’s branches when there are fewer leaves. It’s the quickest, most reliable way to find non-essential parts so you can remove them. Dead, broken, and damaged branches have to be removed in order to encourage healthy growth.

Prepping For The Rest Of The Year

In the fall months, tree roots typically grow more than they do during the rest of the year. As children, we learn all about how these root systems work as energy-gathering organs for our trees. And during these “quiet months”, the roots gather energy to use during the more active spring months, when trees grow fastest.

Shoot growth, leaf formation, and flowering take a lot of energy, so if you can fertilize during the fall, you can get a headstart on things. Maintaining soil nutrient levels helps to promote new growth in the spring.

Newly-grown and younger trees can benefit a lot from complementary feeding and fertilization. Take the time during the fall months to look after your trees so that they grow more efficiently during the rest of the year.

Maintaining Moisture

Trees are living things, just like us. They need protection from harsh climates, bad weather, and conditions that could harm them. With that in mind, it’s beneficial for any tree to top up its mulch and give the root systems more protection against extreme temperatures. This is a time where your tree’s growth is in standby mode, so Fall becomes a great opportunity to add more mulch.

The benefits of your mulch go even further than this. It also helps to maintain the levels of moisture in your soil during the dry winter. With 2-to-3 inches of composted mulch over a tree’s roots, you lock in the important moisture that might otherwise be lacking at the moment.

Fall Tree Care Tips

The early fall months are the perfect time to start winterizing your trees and getting them ready for another season of growth. Spring is a time for renewed growth, but the more you can do for your trees in the months before that, the better their chances at sustained growth.

Looking for professional tree trimming services to help breathe new life into your trees, this fall? Visit SB Tree Services, today, or get in touch at 386-320-3056 (Volusia) or 321-209-0635 (Brevard).

The 2020 hurricane season is upon us. Between June 1^st and November 30^th, hurricanes sweep through the South Atlantic region of the United States, every year. Some years are better in terms of damage than others, but there’s always a concern for homeowners and anybody living with or near trees.

From most to least affected, these states all tend to feel the effects of hurricane season:

1. Florida 
2. Texas
3. North Carolina
4. Louisiana 
5. South Carolina
6. Alabama 
7. Georgia
8. Mississippi
9. New York 
10. Massachusetts

With everything going on in the world in 2020, it’s tempting to hope that we see fewer of these hurricanes. But, with the recent arrival of Hurricane Laura in Texas and Louisiana, it’s clearly still a top priority for people in these states to be prepared.

Downed trees can quickly become hazards and lead to other related hazards. Which is why we use our removal services to clear these environments of any and all dangers related to the hurricane season. We’re there after the storm, ready to remove high-risk trees that may have fallen or become damaged in your area.

Let’s take a closer look at how we recently helped local residents who were affected by Hurricane Laura.  

What is a Hurricane? 

Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, begin within the Atlantic basin. This area includes the Caribbean ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern north Pacific Ocean. When a tropical cyclone reaches consistent wind speeds of 74 MPH, it is considered a hurricane. 

These storms are categorized based on a wind scale that ranges from 1-to-5. The higher the wind scale, the higher the category number:

• 74-to-95 MPH – Category 1
• 96-to-110 MPH – Category 2
• 111-to-129 MPH – Category 3
• 130to-156 MPH – Category 4
• 157 MPH or higher – Category 5

Hurricane Laura

At 1 AM CDT, Hurricane Laura touched down in Louisiana with 150 MPH winds, an instant category four. Laura left a path of destruction behind as it moved throughout northern Louisiana. 

The devastation claimed the lives of 25 people and left about 880,000 Louisianans without power. Strong winds uprooted trees, many of which landing on nearby houses, cars, and other property. 

Clearing the Debris 

Upon learning about Laura and the destruction she was capable of, SB Tree Service didn’t hesitate to bring our services to local residents. Tree removal after a large-scale storm is vital for many reasons, including: 

• Clearing paths for emergency workers  
• Removing trees that have the potential to clog storm drains 
• Removing dead trees that might be laying on a power line 
• Clearing uprooted trees that can come crashing down at any moment 

With these benefits of tree removal in mind, we made clean up services accessible to those who were at risk. We’re happy to report, SB Tree Service lead the charge on multiple tree recovery, removal and clearance jobs for the residents of Louisiana.

Prepare (and Let Us Help)

Being prepared for a hurricane means planning for the worst, packing essential items, assessing your home or office environment, and removing fallen or leaning trees for safety.  

And hurricane season isn’t past us, yet. Contact a professional tree removal service to keep you and your family safe. You can count on us, under any condition, to remove dangerous debris after a storm. Your safety is our top priority. Contact us, today to speak with a tree professional about removal services in Daytona Beach and Volusia County, and let’s get you hurricane-ready. 

On Tuesday, August 18th, a tornado touched down in the city of Deland. This was no small weather pattern that sprung up and blew over a few trashcans before disappearing, either. E2 winds of 175 miles per hour ripped through the city, causing massive damages to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. It’s safe to say: hurricane preparation has been in the conversation a lot, lately.

Florida has always had a complicated relationship with high-pressure systems. Hurricanes hammer the state from June through November, every year, and it’s only the intensity of each storm that differs.

The weather will always be unpredictable, no matter where you go. When that means the difference between a massive hurricane or a light storm, though, it’s best to get prepared. And, in a state like Florida, a big part of that preparation has to be the trees surrounding your home. After all, your yard is likely the first part of your home a storm will come into contact with.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to trim back your trees ahead of a hurricane.

Be Prepared

Like with all the important things in life, you should never leave emergency trimming until the last minute. You can buy new shutters or repair your gutters a day or two beforehand because those are measurable projects. If it takes an afternoon to install a gutter, all you need is an afternoon, right?

Trimming a tree works differently for two big reasons. Firstly, it’s in high demand in Florida especially. A tree company with a good reputation is likely going to be booked up a few weeks in advance, especially if the weather service has confirmed a large hurricane. That means a locked schedule you can’t edge into unless their other clients pull out.

The second reason you can’t trim trees at the last minute is because it’s dangerous. Let’s say you can’t a tree service three days ahead of a hurricane, and you decide to just do it yourself. First of all, unless you have experience and maybe a certification, this is a bad and dangerous idea. There are any number of ways you could hurt yourself, and then the hurricane would be the least of your worries.

But it’s also different for a very specific reason: you’re creating new debris that could blow into your home. If you trim after a warning or watch is announced, or if you take the debris to the curb, you’ll need to be 100% sure you got all of it. Storms will pick up every piece of debris, creating a whole new set of problems you now have to deal with.

Think Ahead

If Florida’s yearly hurricanes have taught us one thing, it’s that we can never know how a storm will change during its lifespan. You’ve got to be prepared for the worst so nothing ever comes as a surprise. Get your trees professionally cut at the beginning of the storm season (early June) and you won’t have to worry about it again until next year.

Think of it this way: the best time to remove a tree is while it’s upright. The worst time? After it’s come crashing through your roof into the middle of your living room.

A professional tree cut before a hurricane effectively reduces your exposure. If something bad happens, you’ll be able to say you did everything you could.

Hurricane Preparation: There’s No Time Like Now

So, yes, elephant in the room: we’re already well into hurricane season, and if you haven’t already gotten yours trimmed, you’re a little late to the party. But not to worry! Visit SB Tree Service if you live in Volusia and Brevard counties, find out about our services, and let’s get your trees hurricane-ready ASAP!

So, the big hurricane’s on its way, and you want to do what you can to protect your trees. The good news is, you can actually rectify a lot of hurricane-related issues after the fact. Here are a few tips you can use if you’ve recently suffered damages:

• Cover up your tree roots so they stay moist until the hurricanes pass and you can work on them properly.
• Dig out the soil from under any exposed tree roots and prune back your tree’s root system so you can put it back underground. Make sure not to break the roots. 
• Straighten up your tree with a stake firmly planted in the ground. Leave it there for at least 6 months.
• Water daily for 2-4 weeks, and less frequently if it rains.

With recent hurricane warnings already in place and more to come as the year progresses, let’s look at two important considerations you should be making:

Pruning Trees

In the quest to preserve your tree following a hurricane, pruning should be your number one priority. Pruning should be done as early as possible. Do it too late, and the storm might end up doing your pruning for you.

Examine your trees for cracks in their trunks and damage to any parts of the main branches. If more than half of its crown is damaged or perhaps missing, you’ll need to remove the whole tree. If you do end up pruning the crown, you’ll need to make sure it’s pruned equally so your tree doesn’t have problems hydrating the leaves hydrated when it starts regrowing.

Next, make sure to use a pruner or chainsaw when cleaning up serrated ends. Cut them at angles for better growth. Also, avoid pruning paint, which has been known to seal fungus within the tree.

For larger broken branches, prune where the branch forks out, provided if the bark is still intact. When cutting large branches all the way down to the trunk, make sure not to touch the area where the branch merges from the trunk, otherwise known as the branch collar.

Planting Right

Maybe the hurricane hit you harder than you expected and now you’re stuck buying and planting new trees in the wake of the disaster. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

Trees that hold up particularly well during hurricanes include avocado and mango trees, which are extremely adaptable. Shrubs can be a great option for your yard as well, with wax myrtle, Spanish plug and spice wood all performing well. 

Above all else, your yard needs close attention and consistent work if it’s going to recover from the effects of a hurricane. And the best way to get the job done is to ask a professional. Visit SB Tree Services, today, to find out more about our complete yard and tree maintenance portfolio.

Looking for more great insights into the tree maintenance process? Worried about the impending hurricanes? Get in touch with SB Tree Service, today, to find out more!

In the month of July, SB Tree Service is giving away * a full hurricane preparedness kit in a brand new giveaway. That’s right, we’ve put together a complete hurricane season supply basket, and we’re giving it away, to the first random entry we pick.

How to Enter:

Simply submit your name and email address via the form below. Share this page on your Facebook or Instagram wall for a higher chance of winning, and make sure to tag @sbtreeservice in your instagram post. The more shares, the better your chances of taking home the hurricane preparedness kit.

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Enter to WIN: In the month of July, SB Tree Service is giving away * a full hurricane preparedness kit in a brand new giveaway. That’s right, we’ve put together a complete hurricane season supply basket, and we’re giving it away, to the first random entry we pick. Wondering what you’re winning? This massive 50-piece hurricane readiness kit includes the following: – Lantern – Flashlight – AM radio – Propane stove – Emergency light sticks – Tarps – Fluorescent orange safety vests – Ponchos – Emergency blankets – Sleeping bags – Pro II 42-piece First Aid Kit – Water purification kit – Five-gallon water jug – Emergency food bars – Multi-function knife – Saw – Multi-purpose tool – 50-foot rope and fire starter sticks – and A 30-by-14-inch cargo bag

A post shared by 🌲 SB TREE SERVICE LLC 🌴 (@sbtreeservice) on Jun 16, 2020 at 9:57am PDT

Featuring essential items like flashlights and batteries, hand sanitizer, first aid kits, and miniature tools, this is a must-have during hurricane season.

What Does This Hurricane Preparedness Kit Include?

Wondering what you’re winning? This massive 50-piece hurricane readiness kit includes the following:

• Lantern
• Flashlight
• AM radio
• Propane stove
• Emergency light sticks
• Tarps
• Fluorescent orange safety vests
• Ponchos
• Emergency blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Pro II 42-piece First Aid Kit
• Water purification kit
• Five-gallon water jug
• Emergency food bars
• Multi-function knife
• Saw
• Multi-purpose tool
• 50-foot rope and fire starter sticks
• 30-by-14 inch cargo bag

* Winners must be based in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida, to be eligible. By entering, contestants confirm they are 18+ years old and are bound by our terms and conditions. Winners will be chosen during a future drawing, on a date to be announced by SB Tree Service. Only one entry will be accepted, per person, and all decisions are final.

Hurricane Preparedness

Florida is just a few weeks into the 2020 hurricane season, and we’ve already experienced two full-scale tornadoes. Those tornado conditions led to extensive damage in Orange and Lake counties, and are going to be part of a much larger coming hurricane season.

2019 saw 18 named storms, with six hurricanes, three of which were considered “major”. Hurricane Dorian, alone, cost an estimated $1.7 billion. Irma caused $50 billion worth of damages. These are recent hurricanes and their impact is still being felt to this day. And the NOAA is predicting a heavier-than-usual hurricane season in 2020.

Hurricane Readiness Tips

Ahead of any major hurricane season, it’s important to come prepared. Consider the following tips, and make sure to stay safe during the upcoming hurricane season:

• Know the risks: More damage is caused by storm surge water pushing in from offshore than by the actual winds in a hurricane. Inland flooding causes massive damage to homes as well as roadways. The more you know about the dangers of a hurricane, the quicker you’ll be able to react, in the moment, when needed.
• Plan your evacuation: While things might not degrade to the point where you need to evacuate, it’s important to act like you’re about to run. Make sure you have a full plan to evacuate, safely, in the event of a last-minute emergency.
• Get quality information: Make sure to maintain access to radios, phone apps, television, and social media in order to get all the information you need. Try not to get taken in by fear-mongering websites or trolls peddling panic information. Always compare updates between multiple sources.
• Update your insurance: Hurricane season typically starts at least a month before any of the actual storm events, themselves. This gives you some run-up during which you can update your insurance if you are concerned about damage to your home or property.

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For tree owners in Florida, there’s a lot to love about your oak tree. Strong, tall, and with that classic look to them, this is a tree lover’s tree. But, for everything that’s right about these mighty trees, there’s one annoying issue that can arise: oak wilt.

This disease develops when an oak tree is pruned at the wrong time of year. Oak trees need to be pruned during a very particular window of time, which must be followed to the letter in order to protect them from funguses. And, in the case of this particular fungus, the consequences can be fatal.

But when should we be trimming oak trees? And how do you know when it’s too late? Join us, today, as we break the entire process down.

Trimming Oak Trees: How Often?

As a rule of thumb, you should prune your oak trees every two-to-three years, in order to keep them healthy. 

The Best Time To Prune Oak Trees

Typically, the best time during which to prune your oak trees is from November 1st to March 31st. This owes a lot to the fact that sap beetles, which spread oak wilt, are chiefly active from April through to August. Beetles are attracted to the smell of withered oak fungus on infected trees. They move in to feed on said fungus, before leaving to pass it on to healthy via any natural cuts or lesions they may have. 

This is why we prune oaks during the “off season”, in order to prevent infection.

When To Avoid Trimming Oak Trees

In Florida’s relatively temperate climate, you can opt to lightly prune your oak tree, as needed, throughout the year. Ideally, you’ll avoid trimming oak trees as they are just coming out from winter dormancy, when the leaves and bark are still new and vibrant. This applies throughout March and early April.

Looking for expert tree trimming and maintenance services? Visit SB Tree Service, today, to find out more about our expert service portfolio.

As Floridians head right back into the yearly hurricane season, it’s time to start locking down your house and property against the torrential winds on their way. And, while you’re tying down your grill and putting wood up against your windows, it can be easy to overlook your trees. After all, they’re just there for the most part.

But it’s important to take care of your trees before the high winds of a hurricane turn their branches, leaves and debris into a real problem for you. So join us today as we bring you three great reasons for hurricane tree trimming.

It’s Great For Your Tree’s Health!

Pruning your tree is almost always a great idea, but it’s especially useful just before a hurricane as it will help to bolster and strengthen your tree’s defenses. A professionally pruned tree is more stable, overall, and it’s going to need that strength to deal with 150-mile-an-hour-winds. 

But do it early. The earlier you prune your tree, the longer it will have to recover from all of the cuts and incisions made during the pruning process. Get caught with only a few days before the hurricane hits, and your tree may be more susceptible to infections and various illnesses. It’s always recommended to prune ahead of time, but the earlier the better.

You’ll Reveal Unexpected Weaknesses

Pruning is also a solid way to uncover hidden problems within the structure of the tree itself. Tree stress may require special bracing in order to stabilize your trees. 

Without pruning your tree, there’s a lot you may not know about your tree. Instabilities and weaknesses that exist far below its bark could go undetected for years unless you take the time to prune back its branches.

Need more motivation? Pruning your tree helps to uncover insect infestations and diseases that  may also be at work deep inside of your tree. This can lead to breaks and falling during a hurricane or large storm. A Certified Arborist may be able to treat a serious insect infestation without having to cut away too much of the tree, giving it a better shot of survival in the face of a massive hurricane.

Removing Dangerous Limbs

A hurricane is a dangerous thing to live through for many reasons, but one of the most obvious is the fact that high speed winds blow big things around. Damaged and broken branches careening through the air can damage your home, break windows, lodge in your drains and, most importantly, hurt you and your loved ones. 

Professional pruning removes damaged branches before they become a big issue. With this taken care of, you’ll have done all you can with regard to your tree to protect yourself, your home, and your family. Now all that’s left to do is head inside, batten down the hatches, and weather out the storm. 

Hurricane Tree Trimming

Looking for expert tree trimming and maintenance services? Visit SB Tree Service, today, to find out about our full-service portfolio!

During a hurricane, your yard can become ground zero for any number of high-wind incidents. Dislodged tree branches can blow through windows, damage your house, and cause serious injuries to your and your family. Not convinced? Just Google image search the phrase hurricane tree damage for a closer look.

So, what’s the best way to make sure you’re ready for a hurricane or tropical storm? Join us, today, as we take a closer look.

Evaluate Your Yard

Ahead of a hurricane, the responsible decision is to have your yard looked at by a professional tree service. The idea, here, is to have your property assessed for potential risks during an upcoming storm. With this information on-hand, you can take any precautions you need before the storm hits, or rest assured, knowing there aren’t any looming problems.

What To Look Out For

Clearly, during a big storm, the smaller plants in your yard are going to be a lot more vulnerable than larger trees or shrubs. They’re also easier to bolster against the wind and the rain. The following measures can make all the difference in this regard:

• strategically planting trees can help to protect your property from strong winds
• planting trees away from your home
• trimming back weakened limbs
• maintaining your trees with professional tree maintenance services

What To Do

Trees are one of the more susceptible parts of your house to the damages of hurricanes and big storms. But this damage isn’t inevitable. There are ways for property owners and managers to reduce the potential damage to their trees:

• Prune your trees, consistently.

• Never prune more than 25% of your trees.
  
• Clear out or cut off any dead wood before pests can bore into it.
  
• Grind down any stumps, below grade.
  
• Use layered organic mulch to protect your tree’s roots.
  
• Wrap up your shrubs and other plants with strong cloth.
  
• Use stakes to anchor your tree against the storm.
  
• Wrap newly planted trees with burlap around their trunks.
  
• Make use of a licensed and insured tree maintenance professional.

Ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, there’s more you can do to protect your trees than you might expect. For expert tree maintenance from a leading service provider, visit SB Tree Service, today, and check out some of our other awesome blog content.

Being called a “tree hugger” doesn’t mean you’re out there, actually hugging trees. It’s just that you like to preserve as many woodlands as you can.

Trees are magnificent structures and, around these parts, can be historical in nature. It’s no surprise you’re out there, trying to save them all.

But, by doing so, you might actually be asking for damage to your home or property in the near future if those trees are dying or already dead.

Why You Must Cut Down A Tree

We don’t want to do it, but sometimes it is just plain necessary to cut our trees down, for their sake and for ours. Here are three important reasons why certain trees must come down:

1. Trees Are Dying. First, you have to identify if a tree has died. Dead trees do not produce fruit anymore, so that’s an early sign. You will also notice that a dead tree loses its growth at an alarming rate.
   
   Another way to tell a tree is dying is its non-production of leaves. The leaves may still be falling, or it may have lost all of its leaves already. This is certainly a tell-tale sign your tree is dead or, at least, on its way out. 
   
   
2. Dangerous Trees. Even if a tree is not dead, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t pose a problem. As trees age, they can become weak or sick and, if a large windstorm were to blow in, you may just have a yard full of debris or, worse yet, a tree in your home.
   
   Watch for the trees when in a moderate windstorm to see if any are leaning or swaying from side to side. If they are, it may be imperative to have trees checked out by tree experts. 
   
   
3. The Tree Looks Awful. If you are selling your house, that tree blocking your home’s front entrance may have to come down. These are living things and we want to preserve them, but sometimes certain decisions need to be made. Your rate of return on a beautifully landscaped and manicured lot is upwards of 14%, so it makes economic sense. You can always plant something else, somewhere else, to make up for the one you took.
   
   

When To Call On A Tree Service Company

If you are having any issues or notice any trees that may be dead or dying, it is important to call on your local tree experts at SB Tree Services. We are here to consult with you on the health of your trees and yard details.

Florida should be renamed the land of the trees. But, as we all know, Florida’s moniker is the Sunshine State, making for a perfect natural habitat for various trees, shrubs, and grasses.

But some of our trees are more expensive than others. They require a little more TLC than we realize. So, in finding a good tree contractor, let’s not leave it up to just anyone. 

Just because we get business cards tucked into our car doors doesn’t mean the businesses flogging them are in any way qualified. You have to do your homework. Luckily, we’re here to be your study buddy and have put together a list to help with this. 

Tips On How To Find The Right Tree Contractor The First Time Around:

1. Proven Track Record. In this day and age, researching reviews online is easier than its ever been. Be wary if there are just a few reviews available, as that may show their relative young age in the landscaping world.
   
   You will want to look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well, if applicable. Be as thorough when researching reviews and blogs, as possible. Ask your neighbors who have those pristine yards for their recommendations.
   
   
2. Reasonable Pricing. A good rule of thumb is to get three quotes from different tree contractors in your area. You will be able to compare prices and see where each is in the overall ballpark, as well as what services each company offers. 
   
   
3. Licensing. One of the most important items on the list to check off. Make sure to check to see if the tree company is licensed and for how long they have been. Some states don’t require this, but they can still elect to get licensed which shows that they are operating legally.
   
   
4. Insurance. Another important item on the list, insurance is as important in tree removal as it is anywhere else. You can elect to hire a company without their own insurance but, if something were to happen, you would be stuck going through your homeowners’ insurance as a worst-case scenario.
   
   
5. Payment Options. Ask how and when payment can be expected. Any time full payment is expected before any work is done should raise a red flag.

A Great Tree Company Referral

If you are in need of tree services, reach out to SB Tree Services. A well qualified, licensed and insured tree company, we serve all areas of the Volusia County area with a full spectrum of tree services.