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.

Big Trees Inc. Provided Trees for Garden Creators

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area,, recently provided a large number of trees for various garden creators during the Northwest Annual Flower and Garden Show.

Big Trees delivered a number of trees including large Vine Maples, Paperback Maples, and Serbian Spruce recently at the Northwest Annual Flower and Garden Show. The Garden Creators take delivery of the trees and set them up as anchor points or showcase pieces of their gardens. Garden Creators are careful to keep the trees well watered and cared for during the week long show. During the show, show goers were impressed by the size of the trees installed in these indoor gardens.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees said, “It’s rare that we lose a tree even after being indoors for a week.  We have worked closely with the Garden Creator’s over the years in caring for the trees and making sure they are returned to us in healthy conditions.” Nancy has been loaning trees to Garden Creators for 20 years now and says, “it’s always an exciting time for me, as it means spring is eminent and our busy season is approaching rapidly. This is one of my favorite times of the year!”

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.

How to Successfully Plant Fruit Trees

By Nancy Penrose

Fruit trees can be an amazing addition to your home. Not only do they look beautiful, but you also get free fruit! In order to get the most out of your fruit tree, you’ll need to know how to successfully plant one so they can have a healthy root system and produce beautiful fruit. Below are a few steps to take before planting your new tree.

Do your research on types of trees
The first step is to do your research on which fruit tree(s) you’d like to plant. Some fruit trees work better in certain climates over others, so keep that in mind as well. Other factors to consider are: size, taste, chill hours, and if it needs a pollinator.

Make sure you have enough space
Make sure you look to see how much space you have to work with. The size you have available will determine which fruit trees you’ll be able to plant. Orchard trees for example (apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and pears) require about 10-12 feet of space in your backyard. Whereas a dwarf tree can grow in a smaller 6-8 foot diameter space.

Know which foundation you’re working with
Some key factors that will determine the success of your fruit tree include:

Soil
Light exposure
Water drainage

You’ll want a location that has a good amount of light, water drainage and air flow, and you’ll want to make sure the soil in that location is of good quality. If your soil is sandy or hard, you’ll need to build it up before you plant your tree.

At Big Trees, we are experts in tree care and we know exactly how to plant fruit trees, which trees would work best for you, and which location in your yard would be best for it. If you want a professional to help you plant your fruit tree, 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. Helps a Couple with a Screening Project for Their Island Home

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, was recently contacted by a couple who needed privacy screening on their property on an island.

The couple’s neighbors had built a very large home next to their property, and the couple wanted more privacy. Big Trees’ large tree nursery and installation crews had what was needed to reestablish the privacy to their island home.

The couple contacted Big Trees in November to begin discussions about what trees might work for their situation and budget. In addition, there was a ferry Big Trees needed to use in order to access the property, adding complications to the delivery of the trees. Ultimately, two 20-foot tall Excelsa trees weighing 2500 pounds each were chosen, along with a few other trees. On the agreed upon date, Big Trees’ crews left the nursery in the pre-loaded truck at 5:30am to make the best traffic time and to be in coordination with the tides of the ferry that day. Once the crews successfully arrived at the couple’s home, the large Excelsa Cedars were installed in the proposed locations and the assorted Vine Maples were installed in other locations around the property.

Todd Holmes, Operations Manager at Big Trees said, “There are some projects that are so remote, the planning is accomplished by way of measurements and emailed photos and information. Things can be accomplished through so many digital means these days, but on a long trip out of town and across the water, it’s exciting when everything has gone according to plan.”

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.

How to Care for Young Trees in Winter

By Nancy Penrose

So, you recently placed two new trees in your front or back yard and you’re wondering how to keep them in good shape through the winter months. The first two years of a new tree’s life are vital and it’s important that you pay extra attention to them. Below, we’ve listed a few tree care tips for young trees in the winter months!

Add mulch around the trees trunk
New trees don’t respond very well to large temperature changes. This is where the mulch comes in! The mulch helps ensure the roots have a layer of protection from ground frost. Plus, it helps prevent the water in the soil from getting too cold.

Cover your new trees
Covering your new trees can help make sure they stay healthy and strong when conditions get rough. It can also help with sunscald, which is when the tree’s bark freezes and then becomes exposed to direct sunlight, leaving visible and permanent damage to the bark. The best time to cover your trees is when the temperature falls below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also want to make sure the cover is large enough to reach the ground and staked down so that you can prevent heat loss.

At Big Trees, we are experts in tree care and we have the knowledge to help you care for your trees in all types of weather. If your tree looks questionable in any way, let us come out and inspect it, 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. Transplants Memorial Trees During Winter Street Expansion

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, had an opportunity to transplant memorial trees out of the way of street expansion work this winter.

Big Trees received a standard transplanting request from a contractor involved with a section of street work where the street was being expanded. There were three Paper Bark Maple trees that were around five to seven inches in trunk diameter and the contractor wanted to know if the trees could be moved to a different part of the property. These trees were 12 feet tall and once properly dug into root balls would weigh around 1200 pounds each.

After reviewing the trees, their current location and their new location, including the existence of nearby underground utility lines, it was decided that the trees would best be transplanted using Big Trees’ hand digging techniques and loader tractors to manage the weight of the trees and tricky maneuvering near underground utilities.

“We learned that the three trees we were being asked to dig and transplant were memorial trees for the man’s wife who he had lost to cancer a number of years earlier, and it became clear why these particular trees were important enough to warrant this kind of extra attention. There have been many situations over the years where our projects were more involved than they originally appeared to be. These memorial tree situations can get pretty emotional. Memorial trees situations come with all kinds of circumstances, and each one gets the full attention they deserve.” said Todd Holmes, Operations Manager of Big 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.