Did You Know Trees Have Organs?

Like us, trees have cells that organize into tissues. These tissues come together to make organs. It’s true, trees have organs! Who would have thought! Healthy organs are very important to the ability of a tree to grow and thrive.

Most trees have five organs. Not as many as us Homo sapiens, or humans, but just as essential none the less! Let’s start with leaves. Leaves have the important job of making energy. The leaves use photosynthesis to make energy or carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are the trees food. Just as important as making energy is storing it. A trees stem, which is another organ, moves the carbohydrates produced by the leaves and provides a place to store it until it is needed. The Stem also holds the weight of the tree, keeps it upright, and produces bark which protect the tree from disease and decay.

Tree roots are organ number three in our list. The roots take up water from the soil as well as the minerals needed to keep the tree hydrated and healthy, and the leaves looking green. The roots also anchor the tree to the ground making it strong and sturdy, much like the foundation for a building. A healthy root system is a must in order to have a healthy tree.

Remember, we said most trees have five organs? For trees that are considered “angiosperms”, the last two organs provide a means of reproduction. These organs are the beautiful flowers we see, mostly in the spring, and the seed containing fruit that develops later in the year. Some trees, known as “gymnosperms”, skip the flowering and fruiting step and go straight into producing seeds.

Who know tree anatomy could be so interesting and complex? This little blog is just barely scratching the surface regarding all there is to know about trees. It’s a good reminder as to why hiring an ISA Certified Arborist is a must when it comes to monitoring tree health and providing tree trimming and tree maintenance services. You can call Simply Tree Care in Omaha, NE at 402-630-0368 for all your tree trimming and tree removal needs!

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged ISA Certified Arborist Omaha, Tree Anatomy, Tree Leaves, Tree Roots, Tree Removal Omaha, Tree Trimming Omaha 

Tree Care Services May Increase Your Omaha Property Value

Trees are the most valuable aspect of a property's living landscape as they are the most useful.  Trees reduce energy bills, absorb pollutants in the air and water, reduce soil erosion, lessen noise pollution, provide privacy and offer a number of other benefits.

If properly cared for, trees can greatly increase the aesthetic value and curb appeal of your property.  According to Arbor National Mortgage & American Forest, "In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a 'strong or moderate impact' on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this percentage increase to 98%."

The first impression of your home is the exterior and the lot on which it sits.  Due to this fact, having well maintained trees can help market your property to its highest potential when it comes time to sell.  To maximize return, start by having trees pruned which increases their health and lifespan.  Pruning gets low hanging branches away from structures, from over driveways, and away from doorways.

Healthy, well-formed trees have more value than malformed, poorly maintained, or storm damaged trees.  Selective pruning can improve the overall structure of the tree, remove diseased limbs, insect-infested limbs, and limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions.

If you would like to receive a free assessment on the health and aesthetic appeal of your trees, call Simply Tree Care.  Our ISA Certified Arborist can make suggestions as to whether any tree services are needed such as tree trimming, pruning or shaping as well as removal of any dead or hazardous trees or limbs.

This entry posted in Simply Tree Care News, Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged Free Tree Service Estimate Omaha, ISA Certified Arborist Omaha, Tree Care Omaha, Tree Removal Omaha, Tree Service Omaha, Tree Trimming Omaha

Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning & Tree Removal in the Winter

Often times there is a misconception that a tree trimmer cannot tell live branches from dead when trimming a deciduous tree in the winter.  After all, how can you tell what's alive and what's dead with no leaves?  This is a simple task for a highly experienced arborist, such as one certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.  In order to determine which branches need to be removed there are several characteristics a trained arborist would observe which may include clinging leaves while other branches are bare, healthy looking bark vs. bar that is falling off exposing the wood underneath, and observing whether the branch is starting to have buds as a dead branch will not.

Winter time is actually an excellent time for having your tree trimming, tree pruning, and tree removal services completed.  Trimming at this time may help ward of insects attracted to fresh wounds as these pests are dormant in colder months.  Fresh, proper cuts from tree trimming also tend to heal fast with the vigorous growth rate that comes with spring time.

Flowering trees and fruit trees benefit greatly from winter trimming.  If flowering trees are trimmed in late winter, they may have a better bloom in the spring.  Fruit trees, if trimmed during the cold season, may produce more fruit and possibly larger fruit come the spring growing season.

There is also a nice advantage to having dead, dying or hazardous tree removal services provided in winter.  When having a tree removed, there may be potential for the arborist or tree service to require using heavy machinery on your lawn.  The frozen ground in wither may provide extra protection from damage to your yard in addition to the preventative steps taken by the arborist handling the equipment.

If you are looking to hire a tree service in Omaha, NE be sure to contact one that has an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and on the job site such as Simply Tree Care.  You may call 402-630-0384 or visit our website at www.simplytreecare.com to request a free estimate for all your tree trimming and tree removal needs.

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged Free Tree Service Estimate Omaha, Omaha Arborist, Omaha Tree Removal, Omaha Tree Service, Omaha Tree Services, Omaha Tree Trimming 

Tree

service Tips & Topics

Proper Tree Mulch Installation is Paramount

​Mulch is very beneficial to your trees and shrubs if the appropriate mulch is used and applied in the correct manner. If mulch is improperly installed, however, it can cause significant harm to your trees and shrubs. Follow these easy tips in order to insure your mulch is properly installed.

The first step to proper mulch instillation is to choose which type of mulch is most appropriate for your trees and shrubs. Here at Simply Tree Care, we prefer the use of organic mulches, such as wood chips and shredded tree bark.   Organic mulches provide nutrients to the soil, maintain soil moisture and improve the soil structure in which your trees and shrubs grow. Wood chips come in a variety of colors and sizes that can provide a seamless look to your yard and landscaping. Once you find the product that you prefer, it’s time to install it around your trees and shrubs.

Spread the mulch in an even layer 2 to 4 inches in depth around the tree.  Take care to not place the mulch directly against the stem or trunk of the tree.   Having the mulch in direct contact with the trunk may cause bacterial or fungal infections such as bark rot or even crown rot. If you are hiring a tree service or landscape company to install mulch, be sure they are installing the mulch around your trees correctly. If the mulch resembles a volcano piled up around the base of the tree, it has been installed improperly and the tree may suffer.

The size of the area to be mulched depends on the size of the tree. For example, the International Society of Arboriculture recommends that a 1 to 2-inch diameter tree have a mulch ring of at least 6 feet in diameter. A broader mulch circle will be more effective at retaining moisture and reducing competition from other plants and grass. This should be considered when applying mulch for larger, more mature trees.

A broad mulch circle is appropriate however a deep one is not. Over mulching can restrict oxygen and water to the trees roots, as well as limit nitrogen availability and affect the soils pH. When repeating mulch application in order to apply fresh material and restore the color or appearance of an established mulch bed, be sure there is not a buildup of excess mulch to avoid these potential problems.

For more information or to receive a free estimate for tree trimming services or tree removal services in Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, NE and surrounding areas contact us at 402-630-0384.

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged Arborist Papillion NE, Free Tree Service Estimate Papillion NE, Mulch Installation, Tree Care Papillion NE, Tree Removal Papillion NE, Tree Service Papillion NE, Tree Trimming Papillion NE 

Why Mulch Around My Trees and What Kind of Mulch Should I Use?

​Mulching is one of the easiest and most beneficial practices that you can perform in order to maintain the health of your trees and shrubs.  Mulching is beneficial for many reasons.  It can help the soil maintain moisture, improve the structure of the soil for optimal growing conditions, and reduce competition from the surrounding turf grass as well as weeds.  Mulch can help with erosion control, insulate tree root systems from temperature extremes and protect tree trunks from injury due to mower and weed trimmer contact.  It can also provide increased curb appeal for your property and create a well-groomed appearance for your landscape.

Mulches are organic or inorganic materials placed over the soil surface surrounding trees and shrubs.  Organic mulches are typically plant byproducts from the tree service industry, municipal waste, and agriculture.  Examples of these products include wood chips, shredded tree bark, pine needles and grass clippings.  In our opinion, your trees will receive the most benefit from using organic mulch.  After installation, the plant based material breaks down over time providing essential nutrients and organic matter to your trees and shrubs as well as improving soil structure.  It also helps the soil retain needed moisture to the benefit of the roots of the tree.  Organic mulch does need to be replenished over time as it breaks down.  It is recommended to apply wood mulches yearly to insure consistent coverage.

Examples of inorganic mulch include river rock, lava rock, stone, plastic sheeting and even ground rubber.  These products do not breakdown over time and require less maintenance after installation.  There are a few downsides to using inorganic mulches.  River rock and light colored stone can reflect heat upwards and this heat can be harmful to some trees and shrubs.  River rock can be costly, hard to remove once installed, and can turn into mowing hazards if it finds its way into your yard.  Plastic sheeting prevents air and water from reaching the soil as well as the tree roots where it is needed.  It also blocks sunlight and may retain too much heat causing the roots of your trees and other plants to overheat.  Furthermore, inorganic mulches do not provide nutrients to your trees, add organic matter or help improve the soil structure.  For these reasons, most arborists, including our ISA Certified Arborists here at Simply Tree Care, prefer the use of organic mulches.

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged ISA Certified Arborist Bellevue NE, Mulch Installation, Tree Care Bellevue NE, Tree Removal Bellevue NE, Tree Service Bellevue NE, Tree Trimming Bellevue NE 

Trees Have Tissues Like Us!  Kind Of.

Trees are large, long lived, woody plants, typically with a single trunk.  Like all living organisms, trees are made up of cells that organize into tissues.  Tree bark and the internal wood of a tree are well known examples of tree tissues.

The wood of a tree is called “xylem” and strangely enough is made up of primarily dead cells.  The xylem has four primary functions: conduct water and dissolve minerals; support the weight of the tree; store carbohydrates; and defend the tree against spread of disease and decay.  When a tree has been cut, growth rings are visible in the xylem.  You can actually count the rings in the xylem to estimate the age of the tree!  Typically each year, the xylem will grow, creating a new ring.  Some years the tree may grow more than others, depending on the environment, causing the rings to vary in size.

Located just outside the xylem, or wood, and just under the bark is another tissue called the “phloem”.  The phloem is a living tissue with the job role of energy transportation.  Carbohydrates, that are used by the tree for energy, are made by the leaves and moved throughout the tree by the phloem for storage and consumption.  The carbohydrate product being moved around in the phloem is also known as sap. A sap that you are more than likely familiar with is maple syrup which often is harvested from the Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum.  Yum!

Now that you have learned a little tree anatomy, don’t forget there is a lot more to know!  That’s why its a good idea to hire an ISA Certified Arborist to perform tree trimming and tree removal services.  We have the knowledge to keep your trees healthy and perform tree removal services safely!  If you are looking for an Omaha, NE tree service give Simply Tree Care a call and visit with our arborist about your tree service needs today.

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged Free Tree Service Estimate Omaha, Omaha NE Tree Service, Simply Tree Care, Tree Anatomy, Tree Removal Omaha, Tree Trimming Omaha 

402.630.0384

SERVING OMAHA, NE & SURROUNDING AREAS

The Benefits of Trees are Endless

Living in Omaha, NE, we see countless trees filling the horizon along the rolling hills.  On your daily commute, you will encounter the sight of many trees, all different species, colors and sizes.  These trees provide us explosions of color in the spring with their aromatic flowers, shade in the summer heat, and lovely hues of orange and red in the fall.  They seem so plentiful, it can be hard not to take them for granted.  These same trees provide us many benefits that you may not have considered.  Here are a few fun facts regarding the benefits of trees that you may find interesting.

Trees remove pollution from the atmosphere, improving air quality and human health.
- U.S Forest Service, 2013

Office workers with a view of trees report significantly less stress and more satisfaction.
- Chungbuk National University, South Korea, 2007

One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.
- North Carolina State University

Forested watersheds provide quality drinking water to more than 180 million Americans.
- U.S Forest Service, 2013

Among minor crimes, there is less graffiti, vandalism and littering in outdoor spaces with trees as a part of the natural landscape than in comparable plant-less spaces.
- University of Washington

Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20–50% in energy used for heating.
- U.S. Forest Service

Global forests removed about one-third of fossil fuel emissions annually from 1990 to 2007.
- U.S. Forest Service, 2011

If you would like to know more facts about trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundations website at www.arborday.org

At Simply Tree Care, we love having the opportunity to maintain the health and well being of the trees in our community of Omaha, NE.  We offer tree trimming, tree pruning, and tree removal services.  If you would like a free estimate for our tree services, give us a call at 402-630-0384 or submit an online estimate request.

This entry posted in Tree Service Tips Topics & News and tagged Tree Trimming Omaha, Tree Service Estimate Omaha NE, Tree Removal Omaha, Tree Care Omaha NE, Tree Services of Omaha NE, Omaha Tree Service, Omaha Arborist