Five Star Tree Services

Signs Your Tree Is Stressed and How to Treat It

Have you ever looked at your lawn, stared up at your trees, and noticed that they seemed a bit off? Maybe it was a barren branch or perhaps it was less vibrant than usual. Whatever the case, it is important to inspect your trees on a regular basis. Chances are, the tree is under stress. If it is a minor issue, you can correct it on your own. For more serious issues, hiring a skilled arborist is the best way to ensure your tree is well cared for. Five Star Tree Services has put together a simple guide on spotting tree stress and how to treat it.

Split or Cracked Trees
Trees that have large cracks or splits should be attended to as soon as possible. Even if you think the damage is minor, it is a good idea to have it evaluated by a professional. Some cracks can heal over time, while those that cover more than half the tree signal that it should be removed.

Injured Branches After a Storm
At times, storms can injure trees, leaving behind broken or weak branches. The best way to keep your trees healthy is to prune the injured branches as soon as possible. Lower branches can be...

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Is Your Tree Losing Bark? Signs If a Tree Is Sick or Dying

The bark on a tree is essentially its skin, and just like humans, it needs to renew itself from time to time. Several things can cause a tree to shed its bark, and most of those reasons are not concerning. In some cases, animals strip the bark near the base of the tree, or there can be an infestation or fungus that is the cause. We have put together a short list of reasons trees lose their bark and when you should be concerned.

New Layer
As trees grow, they increase their layers. As the fibrous tissues on the inside of the tree expand, the bark will shed to make space for the new growth. Young trees rarely shed their bark because the skin is still soft. Older trees don’t share the same elasticity which can result in minor splitting, cracking, and shedding as the tree grows. In some tree species, the bark will curl up in strips. Healthy trees will heal their bark quickly while sick trees may be slow to heal or not heal at all.

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/is-your-tree-losing-bark-signs-if-a-tree-is-sick-or-dying/

Do You Need Preventative or Reactive Tree Care?

Trees represent an inspiring and wonderful part of nature. These majestic specimens are the art pieces of nature that can fornicate and soothe. Although we know a lot about plants, there is plenty that remains unknown. One thing is certain; as a homeowner, it is important to provide regular maintenance, trimming, and care for the trees on your property to ensure they remain healthy and grow properly. If you live in an urban environment, it’s even more critical to ensure your trees are well cared for. Here are some of the most common questions Five Star Tree Services receives about domestic trees.

How Often Should an Arborist Check my Trees?
There are many types of trees and each one needs to be assessed to determine its specific needs. Some species of trees need care every season while others require them only occasionally. Regardless of their needs, it’s important to follow an established routine. There are two primary categories of care that we offer for our customers; reactive and preventative.

What is Reactive Tree Care?
Once a tree has fallen ill or has shown symptoms of a serious issue, the care provided is considered reactive. This is most often the case when there are trees on a...

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/do-you-need-preventative-or-reactive-tree-care/

What to Expect When A Tree Is Struck By Lightning

Lighting is one of the most destructive forces of nature on the planet. Tall trees rise above their surroundings which makes them a perfect target for a strike. When your tree is struck by lightning, it can suffer serious damage or get destroyed altogether. In Canada, trees absorb more than 2 million strikes every year. If you are wondering what steps you should take after your tree has been struck by lightning, check out this handy guide that the arborists here at Five Star Tree Services has put together for you.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes A Tree?
In cartoons, when lightning strikes a tree it is sliced directly through it. In reality, it causes an internal explosion. The electricity in the strike follows the moisture in the tree tissue which causes the water in the tree to convert to gas. Once this gas reaches a critical level, it causes an internal explosion. This can result in bark being blown off the tree or it may even cause the tree to splinter.

How Does It Affect the Tree’s Health?
Half of the lightning strikes cause instant death for the tree. A significant percentage of trees that don’t die instantly do tend to die within the space of a year. The stress and damage caused by lightning strikes can even cause a tree to die in a matter of weeks. Trees that lose a substantial portion of their bark from strikes are more susceptible to pests, severe weather, and disease. Regrettably, it isn’t possible for tree bark to regenerate or be grafted from another tree. If there is damage to the roots of the tree, even if there is no other visible damage, the tree will die. In cases where the damage from a lightning strike is minor, it’s possible for a tree to recover fully.

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/what-to-expect-when-a-tree-is-struck-by-lightning/

What to Do If Your Tree Becomes Cracked

Trees are one of the most amazing gifts nature has to offer, but sometimes a tree can suffer from unavoidable damage. If your tree has a crack, tree removal isn’t always the only solution. Five Star Tree Services has some suggestions that may help you preserve your tree if it is cracked.

How Do I Know If My Tree Is Cracked?
Spotting a crack in your tree is usually easy. In extreme cases, a large crack can be seen that splits the trunk into two portions. Smaller tree cracks also exist but are often only found when examining the tree-up close. Larger cracks are exceptionally treacherous for trees but slight cracks or fissures will also weaken the tree. This can leave it susceptible to break during a storm or other bad weather.

Causes & Types of Cracks
All tree cracks are cause for concern, but not all cracks are the same. A frost crack is caused by freezing and thawing temperatures. These types of cracks are smaller and usually don’t need any type of special care. Cracks that are benign weaken the tree overall and may result in a split trunk if not remedied. Cracks can also occur due to disease, decay or other internal issues. In some instances, ground erosion may cause a tree to crack. The biggest danger to a tree is that once it cracks, it becomes more susceptible to further damage from the elements.

Can I Save My Cracked Tree?
The most effective way to see if your tree can be preserved is by contacting a professional to assess the damage. In many cases, if there isn’t any infestation or decay and if the crack doesn’t reach the roots there is hope. Trees are able to heal themselves and with further help, they can achieve a full...

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/what-to-do-if-your-tree-becomes-cracked/

Spring Preparation for Your Yard

Trees and shrubs native to the Ontario area are able to handle the most severe weather that winter has to offer. On the other hand, when spring rolls around they could use some help. To ensure that your greenery is healthy all spring and summer long, a small amount of maintenance is all you need. Here are some tips from Five Star Tree Services that will help your shrubs and trees thrive during the warmer seasons.

Get Rid of Winter Debris
Even if you clean up your yard in the fall, chances are winter will leave behind its own mess. When there is decomposing debris lying around, it can make it harder for the surrounding vegetation to absorb nutrients. Hauling away old twigs, branches, and leaves will promote a healthy environment where your plants and trees can grow.

Pruning Season
Pruning your trees not only helps keep your yard neat, but it also helps keep your trees healthy. Cutting away damaged or dead branches help to regulate its size and reduce the chances of harmful bacteria entering into healthy areas. Make sure to always use clean shears to prune your tree and don’t cut more than a quarter of its branches.

Stumped?
Dead or sick trees can pose a danger to the surrounding vegetation. Old stumps are equally dangerous. They are more prone to becoming infested with pests, diseases or even fungus which may spread to other areas of your yard. Take time to grind any old stumps that may be lurking on your property. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it will also leave you with a pristine yard that will flourish all summer.

Read More:https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/spring-preparation-for-your-yard/

Common Tree Pests Found In Ontario

Ontario has a large and diverse population of trees that adds a wealth of beauty and character. Unfortunately, there are pests in the form of insects and disease that can harm these natural wonders. It’s vital that you are aware of the common dangers, symptoms, and signs of distress if you want to keep your trees healthy. Here at Five Star Tree Services, we care about your plant’s health. Our arborist has put together a list of common pets found in the Greater Toronto Area.

Tar Spot
This fungal infection is most often found in the middle of summer or early fall. The infection can be diagnosed by the pale spots that form on the leaves of the tree early in the season. These spots will darken as the season progresses. Tar spot is most often found on Sycamore and Maple trees. Though the fungus is unsightly, it doesn’t cause any lasting harm to the tree.

Black Knot
The black knot fungus is most often found in the genus Prunus species of tree. They appear in the form on a knotty black growth along the tree branches. It is unsightly and, if left untreated, can cause death to the tree. The most effective way to...

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/common-tree-pests-found-in-ontario/

If you want to learn more about our tree care tips and how-to's, be sure to visit our website linked above! You can also take a look at our high quality professional tree services as well. We look forward to hearing from you!

Potential Signs of A Hazardous Tree

If there is an unsafe tree in your yard, high winds from storms could break off branches or even propel the entire tree onto your roof. This can result in thousands in damage and pose a serious risk to your family. Though it may be and usually is covered by insurance, it’s always best to avoid in the first place.

Luckily, often there are warning signs of a hazardous tree:

You’ve noticed dead and/or falling branches. When trees start dropping bits of branches or entire branches, it’s a clue that something’s wrong. Decaying branches are a major danger — they can come crashing down when you least expect it.

There is a new lean in the trunk. If it is leaning more than 15-20 degrees due to wind or root damage often needs to be removed. You notice a hole in the trunk. A cavity can form in the trunk of a tree when the drops a branch. This can often lead to decay inside the trunk.

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/potential-signs-hazardous-tree/

Arborist Report Service

We know that the process of submitting requests for construction and modification to your municipality office can be overwhelming. When it comes to how to proceed with your trees, Five Star Tree Services has your back. We are able to present you with a professional arborist report and recommendations so that you can complete your next project with ease.

What is an Arborist Report?
Arborist reports are prepared by certified arborists to outline the condition of a particular tree. The report outlines:
• the location,
• condition,
• areas of concern regarding the health of the tree, and any other issue.

If you know that you need an arborist report, contact us for more information! If you’re not sure, we are happy to consult with you. It is important to Five Star Tree Services that you are relieved from your stress about removing or maintaining your trees, so that you can focus on other aspects of your project that require more attention.

Learn More:https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/services/reports-and-consultation/arborist-report/

Stump Grinding in Richmond Hill

After a tree has been removed for whatever reason the stump is often what is left. There are two options for removing your stump: stump grinding and stump removal. Stump grinding is a process using specialized machinery whereby the stump is ground back to surface level. The roots are left in this case and decay into the soil over time.

Leaving a stump in your yard can be dangerous and invites pests to make a new home. There is the potential that by unknowingly breeding pests, decay and disease in the stump, this will spread to...

Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/services/tree-care/stump-grinding/

Looking for quality tree care and removal services? Visit our website linked above today and contact us for a quote!