The unexpected fall of a tree or heavy limb can have disastrous consequences, especially when it happens to land on a car, house, power line, or even a person. Predicting the fall of a tree is a complex matter, not an exact science. However, there still are a few known early warning signs which you can memorize and use during your inspections of the trees under your ownership.

One of the more common trees found in the Bay Area in both urban and wild areas are coastal live oaks. For many homeowners in this region of the state, they have seen the trees on their property devastated by the California Oak worm. According to many of the local area arborists and tree care service specialists, healthy live oaks can survive these pests and withstand its defoliating effects. However, unhealthy trees are prone to losing their limbs and a number of more serious issues that are attributed this pest.

It goes without saying that periods of drought can be especially tough on trees and other plant life. With California, still recovering from one of the worst drought periods in history, trees and water should both be considered two of our most precious resources. However, learning how to be water-savvy can ensure that your trees will continue to survive in all types of climatic conditions. Here are three arborist services’ in San Jose tips for ensuring the survival of your trees during periods of drought.

When we think of springtime, we think about brighter skies, fresh beginnings, and an increase in outdoor temperatures. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has had other ideas about that particular subject this year with unexpected temperature extremes including springtime frosts and snows. While these untimely temperature fluctuations are nothing less than shocking, other living things tend to take notice as well such as the trees on your property. According to many reputable arborist services in San Jose, a late spring frost can result in damage to our trees.

There may come a time when that favorite tree has seen its better days and now poses a risk to your family, home, and property. There are 7 “red flags” or warning signs that indicate the need for tree removal services in San Jose including:

• Bark that is chipped or peeling
• Branches in the upper crown that appear to be dead or hanging
• Cavities in the larger branches or the trunk
• Cracks in the tree trunk
• Fine twigs at the ends of branches that have no living buds
• Mushrooms or decay-producing fungi growing around the base of the tree trunk
• Soil that is heaved up around the base of the tree trunk

There are significant differences between trees growing in the forest versus those that grow on your property. For example, a tree that grows in the forest has a single stem growing up through the shade of the canopy to reach sunlight. On the other hand, a tree that’s growing on your property usually stands alone and not in close proximity to any other trees you have.

Therefore, it doesn’t have to compete as much for the sunlight it requires with any other trees growing on your property. However, it will develop a much wider crown with larger branches and many smaller limbs growing below it. These features can contribute to the structural weakening of a tree and should always be addressed by a reputable tree pruning specialists, whenever possible.

Whether you have room in your budget for tree care services in San Jose or not, the trees on your property will still continue growing and getting older every day. However, it’s still more cost-effective to prevent tree problems then it is to address them once they’ve become a major issue. An arborist service in San Jose can help with your landscaping goals and objectives. So as you plan your 2018 budget, be sure you prioritize the three important tree care needs listed below:

When you have had certain trees on your property for any length of time, they become like old friends. That is why it’s often difficult to come to the decision to remove a tree. Healthy and maintained trees can last for decades but there are times when a tree must be removed due to disease or structure. When a tree poses a risk to your family, other people, or the surrounding landscape, buildings, or other objects, it may be time to assess whether that tree should be removed.

How you plant your trees will be a factor in whether they live a long and healthy life or one with problems. The appropriate planting is your first and foremost step in ensuring that your trees will have a long and healthy life.

Tree topping can leave trees disfigured and dying. Considered one of the most harmful pruning practices around by informed San Jose tree service professionals and arborists, tree topping still remains a common practice.

One of the most common reasons that trees are still topped today is to reduce the size of the tree. It may have become too large for its area or may be perceived as a hazard, but either way, topping a tree is not a solution for either.