How Do I Care for My Trees in Winter?

By Nancy Penrose

Winter can present some challenges for trees and one of the most common questions we hear is, “Do I need to do anything with my trees during winter.” Occasionally we see trees die in the winter from unusually cold temperatures, or breakage from the weight of heavy wet snow. There are a few simple practices you can take to ensure your trees survive the winter and continue to from and flourish year after year.

1. Prune areas of concern.

With tree limbs that extend over a house, fence, parked cars, etc., you’ll want to watch out for areas that appear to be heavy or weighted down. Pruning is important for removing dead limbs as well as thinning to reduce the weight on branch ends. Pruning in the late fall just after deciduous trees drop their leaves, is an ideal time to prune. As with most things, if you are doubt, consult your local professional.

2. Protect Young Trees from Freezing

Young trees are more at risk from damage from unusually cold winter temperatures. Sudden drops in overnight temperatures can cause the sap in the tree to freeze. Damage occurs on the lower southwest portion of the trunk when the morning sun quickly warms the frozen sap, causing it to expand and the trunk to split. This is known as frost cracks or southwest winter injury. To protect young trees consider wrapping young tree trunks with tree wrap or cardboard on exceptionally cold winter nights.

3. Mulch

A 2-inch layer of mulch is an excellent way of maintaining the right amount of moisture and warmth for a tree. Be careful not to over mulch. Over-mulching, with a large mound of mulch all around the tree, can hold moisture against the trunk of the tree and cause it to rot. Lightly mulch and leave some room for the tree to breathe at the base of the trunk.

4. Year-Round Maintenance

Keeping your trees healthy during the spring and summer can go a long way towards helping your trees survive the winter. Monitoring irrigation water, mulching, and structural pruning are all great ways of accomplishing this. Consulting a tree professional and following good maintenance guidelines will ensure you have trees that will grow for years to come.

If you have any questions about caring for your tree, you can always contact us at Big Trees Inc. at 360-563-2700 for consultation on your tree maintenance needs.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

What Is the Right Privacy Screen for My Yard?

By Nancy Penrose

Everyone wants to be able to relax and have fun in their yard with the same level of comfort and privacy they enjoy inside their own home. The best and most aesthetic way to achieve this is with a privacy screen of trees.

Privacy screen trees or hedges make up a sort of “living fence”. They help to obscure the view to your yard while also adding to the beauty of your landscape and local neighborhood. They also have a few other benefits, like reducing street noise and buffering against the wind and other weather conditions.

Here are some of our top picks for trees that do very well as privacy screen trees:

Emerald Green Arborvitae Thuja occidentalis ‘emerald green’

This is one of the most popular privacy screen trees because they build a “wall of green” and take up very little yard space. They can get up to 18’ tall and 3’ wide, but you can trim them to stay at whatever height you want. A great choice for narrow planting areas. They are fairly slow growing and very low maintenance. These trees retain their deep green color all year round.

Excelsa Cedar Thuja plicata ‘excelsa’

This tree maintains its density and symmetrical form without growing to extreme heights (they average at a maximum height of 40’ tall and 15’ wide.) They grow 2-3’ a year and if you have the space, make an excellent privacy screen. These trees can be hedged as well, but since they are such fast growers, it is a little more maintenance than the Emerald Green Arborvitae

Green Giant Thuja standishii x plicata

This tree is a happy medium between the Emerald Green and Excelsa cedar. They can get up to 40’ tall, but only 8’ wide. This is a fast growing tree (about 2’ to 3’ a year) which makes for a very good substitute if you simply want a bigger Emerald Green Arborvitae. They tend to fill in and get more dense as they grow older. They have no serious pest or disease problems and are very hardy.

English Laurel Prunus laurocerasus ‘English Laurel’

This shrub is a vigorous grower and very hardy. It is one of the few evergreens with very broad leaves that are hardy in cold climates, and can tolerate shade. They can get 20’ tall and 15’ wide if not pruned annually.

Schipka Laurel Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ Schipka Larel

A large evergreen shrub with dense, erect branches and brilliant green foliage. In spring it has fragrant white flowers and fruit that attract birds. A popular choice for formally pruned hedges, group plantings or privacy screens.

Portugal Laurel Prunus lusitanica ‘Portugal’ Laurel

The Portugal Laurel is a bushy, evergreen shrub or tree with dark green leaves (which are much smaller that the related, Prunus laurocerasus. It has reddish new shoots (stems) which look attractive against the dark green leaves. If left untrimmed it produces masses of small fragrant white flowers in early summer followed be small red to dark purple fruits.

Leyland Cypress Cupressocyparis leylandii

Last but not least is the Leyland Cypress, an excellent choice as a fast growing, large screening tree. Growing up to 3’ to 4’ per year, the Leyland Cypress fills in quickly (reaching heights of 60’ when fully mature). If you have enough room for the tree’s mature size, it requires very little maintenance. It also responds to shearing and works well as a hedge.

No matter what tree you find to be right for your yard, you will enjoy added comfort and beauty with a privacy screen of trees.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Big Tree Planting Company Helps Restore Yard After Fire

Big Trees Inc Helps Handle Yard Affected by Accidental Fire in Olympic Peninsula Area

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and transplanting company in the Seattle area, recently helped with a situation where a homeowner’s yard had been subjected to an accidental fire. The fire burned down several trees in the yard, which Big Tress Inc was able to replace successfully, restoring the original landscape.

Big Trees Inc was recently contacted by a homeowner in the Olympic Peninsula area whose trees had been accidently burned down by a neighbor's subcontractor. The homeowner had a mature row of 12' tall Emerald Green arborvitae that ran alongside their driveway and helped to screen the neighbor's driveway. Unfortunately, when the neighbor hired somebody to asphalt their driveway, their machinery caught the trees on fire burning a long section of trees.

“Sometimes these situations can get very contentious with blame and accountability,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc. “In this case, everyone involved worked together, including the insurance company!”

Big Trees Inc was hired to install 12’ Emerald Greens matching the height of the surviving trees to fill in the now empty space between the two neighbors.

“We did not know you could buy mature trees,” said the homeowner. “We were ecstatic when we heard about Big Trees and they were very accommodating as far as sending pictures of their trees and fitting us into their schedule. Their crew worked all day in the pouring down rain to get it done and now, it looks even better than it did before the fire! We couldn't be more pleased.”

Nancy Penrose stated: “We have seen so many examples of jobs like these where a successful tree installation is able to ease the tension between neighbors. We’re very pleased to be of service.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

How Much Water Do My Trees Need?

By Nancy Penrose

A question we get asked often is, “How much should I water my trees?” The reality is this is not always an easy question to answer. It can depend on a lot of factors, such as the type of tree, the weather and general climate, soil conditions, etc. The one thing is certain, If you are planting a new tree, it will need to be watered often, if not daily.

The water a tree receives when it is young, can determine the longevity and overall health and appearance of a mature tree. Here are general points that any homeowner should be thinking of when caring for new and established trees.

How often do I need to water a new tree?

It can take 1-3 years (depending on size) for a new tree become established in its permanent environment. During this time, the tree is sending most of its energy into building new roots. This will serve not only to anchor the tree, but most importantly, take up water and nutrients. It is critical to make sure the soil does not dry out during this time. Once the tree is anchored into the ground and the roots have entered the native soil, you can start to reduce supplemental water. This critical period typically lasts about a year.

Why do I need to water a new tree even if it has been raining?

Dense tree canopies, especially that of evergreen trees, can shield the ground under the tree and block rainwater from entering the critical root area. Think of the tree acting as an umbrella over the roots of the tree. On rainy days, check the soil directly under the tree for moisture. Soil that holds shape when squeezed in the palm of your hand has adequate soil moisture. If the soil falls apart, or does not hold shape, considering giving it some supplemental water. Once the tree is established, the roots will grow past the canopy of the tree (out from under the umbrella) and will be able to access moisture in the soil better.

How much water should I give my trees?

Here is a rule of thumb you can use. New trees require 1 gallon per inch of trunk diameter the first growing season. Using this rule, a 2 inch diameter tree would require 2 gallons of water per day.

Established trees typically can go much longer without supplemental irrigation and typically a 2-3 hour slow soak with a garden hose will be enough for most species. Signs of drought stress can be early fall color, thinning canopies, and burned leaf tips. These signs could be an early indication that your tree needs a drink.

Can a tree get too much water?

Yes. Tree roots need oxygen to grow and expand. Too much water can suffocate the roots, causing root decline and dieback. Signs of overwatering can be mimic underwatering, so it can be tricky to detect. If you can squeeze water from a handful of soil, you are likely overwatering. Look for signs such as yellowing or grey foliage, mid-summer leaf drop, and a thinning canopy.

Are There Recommended Methods for Watering?

We recommend drip irrigation for most applications. Drip irrigation provides a slower supply of water which reduces runoff and allows the water to penetrate deep into the soil where the roots are.

New trees that have not yet become established, need to have irrigation focused closer to the trunk of the tree, directly over the root balls. Mature trees have roots that spread out as far as 1.5 times the height of the tree, so they need water distributed evenly under most of the canopy of the tree. Consider adding a 2 inch layer of much under the dripline of the tree. This can help retain soil moisture and also provide nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Do I need to water my trees in the fall and winter?

All trees enter a dormancy period (even evergreens) at which time they are not actively growing. This varies greatly from region to region, but you do not need to water your trees when they are dormant. A general rule is when fall colors start to show on deciduous trees, its time to stop watering for the season.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Tree Transplanting Company Makes Local Remodel Possible

Successful Transplanting Reputation Makes Remodel Easier for Lake Sammamish Resident

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (www.bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and transplanting company in Northwest Washington, was recently called in to assist with a local remodeling project. The company’s reputation spurred a neighbor to recommend Big Trees to move an entire garden bed of trees and rhododendrons in order to accommodate the homeowner’s remodeling efforts.

The homeowner had been hesitant to move forward with a project that involved moving her driveway, as it would mean destroying the massive garden bed and the screening it provided between her and her neighbor. She knew she could put in new trees but did not want to get rid of the existing trees which had been part of her landscape for the last 20 years. A neighbor told the woman about Big Trees and their excellent reputation for moving large trees successfully.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., was available for comment: “I met the homeowner at her site and was pleased to see that everything she wanted moved looked like good transplant candidates and nothing too complicated. We basically shifted a garden bed that is 80’ long and 20’ wide over 50’ from its original location.”

The homeowner was very pleased with the arrangement, and the move was executed with no difficulty. Nancy Penrose stated: “These types of projects are win-win on all fronts. The homeowner, the neighbors and the existing trees are all happy!”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

A Spring Trees and Shrubs Checklist

By Nancy Penrose

Now that it is officially spring, it’s time to check your trees and shrubs to evaluate and maintain their health! Below, we put together an easy checklist for you to follow to maintain your trees this spring.

1. Prune dead branches
The best way to have healthy trees is to properly prune them. Pruning your trees protects your home and family from unsafe branches that may fall and cause damage.


2. Inspect all your trees and shrubs
As it gets warmer and snow melts while rainfall occurs, standing water or flood damage may occur. This is the time to pay close attention to the health of your trees. If you see anything that may be wrong, contact a professionally trained arborist right away to treat the tree or shrub.

3. Plant new trees
A great way to add value to your home is to plant new trees. Maybe you’ve noticed that your home gets way too warm in the summer. Well, now is a great time to plant a few trees to add some shade!

4. Add mulch to your landscape
Mulch is important because it secures the trees, conserves soil moisture, and controls weeds. Mulching is a fairly easy process and can do wonders for the health of your trees.

At Big Trees, we are experts in tree care and we know exactly what to look for when inspecting your trees and shrubs. If you want a professional to help you inspect the health of your trees this Spring, let us come out and help, call us at (360) 563-2700 today.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees- Inc/193731105108.

Big Trees Inc. Moved Large Blueberry Bushes for a Family

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area was hired to move large blueberry bushes for a family whose mother had recently passed away.

The family grew up with 15 blueberry bushes of various varieties at their home where picking and distributing berries for friends, family and neighbors became a long-standing tradition.

The mother passed away in January and the family had to put the home up for sale, but before doing so, they wanted to dig up all the blueberry bushes and distribute them to four of the five siblings. They realized the size of the bushes were too large for them to dig and move on their own, so they contacted Big Trees. “We have a good reputation in the Puget Sound Area, for successfully transplanting large trees and shrubs for people,” says Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees. “We were pleased the family trusted us in our expertise to get the job done successfully.”

Big Trees brought two large trucks, a loader and two crews and were able to get all the bushes dug and loaded in one day. The family had labeled the plants individually with their names. On the second day, Big Trees crews went out to the four siblings’ separate houses and planted the trees in their new homes. Everything went smoothly and according to plan. Big Trees received the following testimonial for the work they did:

“On behalf of my entire family, thank you so much for transplanting our mother's blueberry bushes to each of our homes. This was an emotional process for us all as they were such a part of our childhood growing up.  We are so appreciative that your crew took impeccable care removing them from her property and planting them at each of our homes. We are looking forward to honoring my mom's legacy and picking her berries with our own children. Your crew was such a great group of guys - they were friendly, fast, very respectful and did a beautiful job at each of our homes.”

“These kind of messages from customers is one of my favorite parts of this job,” says Nancy. “I love being a part of these cool, personal meaningful moves.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.