For most varieties of trees found in Ottawa, the best time to trim them is in the late winter or early spring. Trimming or pruning the tree is ideally done before leaves have bloomed. That being said, different trees sometimes require different trimming and pruning schedules. Some trees like Oak or Elm can be pruned in the late fall, while other trees such as apple, crab-apple, cherry, and plum trees are trimmed in spring. In order to get the best out of your tree, make sure you get it trimmed by the certified arborists at Tree King.
While tree trimming and tree pruning both involve the removal of branches from a tree, there is a difference between the two practices.
Tree trimming is a mostly aesthetic practice, where the arborist seeks to cut back overgrown branches, giving your tree an attractive shape which also promotes growth. Tree trimming is also done to prevent trees from coming into contact with power lines or other hazards.
Tree pruning on the other hand is a process whereby dead, loose, or infected branches and stems are removed from the trees. This ensures that the plant does not lose resources to these damaged parts, allowing them to grow and be productive.
If your trees are in need of trimming or pruning, contact Tree King today. Our arborists will expertly trim or prune your trees, ensuring proper growth.
Tree topping is a process where the larger branches from the tree top are removed, leaving behind the stubs and lateral branches of the tree. Tree King does not top trees, as it is harmful to their well being. Tree topping causes wounds that are difficult for trees to heal, and also exposes parts of the tree to heat and sunlight which it is not prepared for, causing further damage. If you have a tree that is too tall and you need to reduce its height, we recommend getting crown reduction instead of topping.
Tree crown reduction is a way to reduce the overall size of a tree, without causing significant damage to it like tree topping does. Crown reduction consists of removing some of the branch tips and pruning the tree back to a growth point lower down on the branch. While this process is typically done to reduce the overall size of the tree, it can also be done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches from the tree. Tree crown reduction is better than tree topping because it causes far less damage to the plant, allowing it to grow better. If you have a tree that is too large, we recommend getting a crown reduction.
Apart from not looking great, having an old tree stump on your property can cause other costly problems down the line. Tree stumps represent a hazard for children playing in the yard as they can trip over or onto it and injure themselves. Tree stumps also can become infested with ants, termites, or other pests which can then move into your home or business. Tree stumps can also harbour mold which can spread to your house as well. Don’t take any risks – make sure to get rid of the tree stump on your property.
Generally speaking, we use our stump grinders to grind stumps and roots between four and six inches beneath the surface. This amount of grinding is ideal as the stump is no longer visible and you can plant grass over it. If needed, we can grind deeper to take care of larger tree roots. If you have a tree stump you need to get rid of, contact Tree King today!
After a tree stump is ground, the roots will naturally decay. This process is rather lengthy, and can take up to 10 years for the roots to fully break down. If you have tree roots which break the surface of your lawn we can grind those down just like your tree trunk.
It is a myth that stump grinding attracts termites, but the opposite is true. Tree stumps are a source of food for termites, and can harbour them. You might find termites in stump grindings because they were in your tree stump, but the stump grinding themselves were not what attracted the termites. Stump grindings are a great organic and natural form of mulch, so we recommend using them after your stump gets ground.
The city of Ottawa has robust by-laws governing the removal of trees from private property. If the tree you wish to remove from your property measures more than 50 cm in diameter, the city requires that you obtain a distinctive tree permit. In order to obtain a distinctive tree permit, you must first receive an arborist report from a certified arborist. If you have a tree you would like removed from your property, start with contacting Tree King, Ottawa’s Tree experts.
While the trees you might want to remove are on your property, they nonetheless provide benefits to surrounding properties and the community. One of Ottawa’s greatest advantages is the fact that it is lush and green (at least in the spring and summer!), and to preserve this the City has established a comprehensive tree conservation program. Removing small trees with a diameter of less than 50 cm is up to the property owners, however the City has legislated that mature trees cannot be removed without first going through a process unless there is a risk to safety or property damage. While it may seem like a hassle, these by-laws are in place to ensure that Ottawa remains green and comfortable for years to come.
Trees can be removed at any time throughout the year in Ottawa, though one of the best times to do it is during winter. There are a few reasons why this is the best time to remove trees. The frozen ground helps keep the trees near the one being removed in place, helping them stay in place as it gets moved. Trees are also dormant in the winter, meaning they are leafless, lighter, easier to handle and cut down. If you need a tree removed this winter, contact Tree King!
With our general tree removal service, tree stump grinding is not included. When we remove a tree we cut it down and remove it, leaving behind about 6 inches of tree stump above the ground. Removing a tree and grinding a tree stump are two different jobs which require different skills and equipment. Tree King is happy to grind down your tree stump after you remove a tree, but let us know beforehand!