Author: Ervin Tagitis

We talk about trees in terms of risk, rather than simply calling a tree “dangerous” or “safe.” There is no such thing as zero risk, but certain conditions can increase the likelihood of tree failure and the potential for damage.

When assessing tree risk, we consider several factors:

🌳 Target — What could the tree or a tree part hit? A person, vehicle, house, equipment, or anything else can be a target. Some targets can be moved, while others cannot.

🌳 Likelihood of Failure — We look for defects such as dead limbs, included bark, cut roots, saturated soil, overextended branches, internal decay, and other conditions that could contribute to failure.

🌳 Likelihood of Impact — If the tree or tree part fails, is it likely to hit the target? During extreme weather, wind can carry tree parts in unpredictable directions and distances. Don’t assume that a tree will only fall in the direction of the prevailing wind.

🌳 Consequences — What happens if the tree or tree part hits the target? The consequences can range from minor property damage to serious injury or even death.

Ultimately, these factors are combined to determine the level of risk. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes are particularly difficult to assess because conditions can change rapidly and are highly unpredictable.

You may not be able to move your house, but you can often move vehicles, outdoor furniture, equipment, and other property. Most importantly, you can move yourself and your family to a safer location.

If the potential risk exceeds the level of risk you’re comfortable with, seek shelter somewhere else or move your property if possible.

Don’t become a victim. Stay aware of the trees around you before the storm arrives.

This weekend’s project takes us to the historic Henry Stuart House, also known as the Round House at Tolstoy Park in Montrose, Alabama. Built by Henry Stuart in the 1920s, this historic landmark is being relocated to a new home.

Our task is to investigate where the roots of the large live oak beside the building extend. Understanding the root system is an important step in evaluating the tree and helping inform decisions that may affect its preservation during the relocation project.

Preserving history means looking after the living trees that are part of it, too.

Construction can put significant stress on trees, especially when work takes place around their root zones. Soil compaction, excavation, grading, and equipment traffic can all impact the roots that support tree health and stability.

You can have the best architect, engineer, builder, landscape architect, and tradesmen on the project, but tree protection requires specialized arboricultural knowledge.

Bringing in a Certified Arborist before construction begins can help identify trees worth preserving and establish proper protection measures before the work starts.

A look at our tree canopy lighting demo from last night. Properly positioned lighting can highlight the natural structure and beauty of mature trees while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere after dark.

Tree canopy lighting is a great way to enhance outdoor spaces while showcasing the character of the trees.

That may make pretty grass, but it can be harmful to your tree.

The soil beneath and around your tree is where many of its roots are located. Tilling or using a Harley rake around trees can damage those roots and negatively affect the health and stability of the tree.

Before having anyone work around your trees, call an arborist. Understanding where the roots are and how to protect them can help prevent unnecessary root damage and preserve your trees for years to come.

Volunteering some time at the Veterans Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, alongside Saluting Branches.

We’re proud to donate our time and tree-care experience to help care for the grounds where our veterans are honored and remembered. It’s a privilege to give back to the community and support the continued care of these important spaces.

A girdling root can become a serious problem for a tree when it grows around the trunk and begins restricting the tree’s natural growth. Over time, girdling roots can interfere with the movement of water and nutrients and put increasing pressure on the trunk.

Today, we removed a girdling root to help relieve that pressure and preserve the tree. Identifying and addressing root problems early can help protect tree health and prevent more serious structural issues from developing.

We stitched up another one today! This time, we were working at Beulah Heights Park in Foley, Alabama, for the City of Foley.

Multiple climbers were in the trees in Fairhope, Alabama, working together as a team to complete the tree care project. Coordinated climbing and ground support allow the crew to efficiently access different areas of the canopy while maintaining a careful and organized approach to the work.

Drilling holes in stumps is a waste of time. Buying so-called stump rot potions and treatments is a waste of money. While a stump will eventually break down naturally with the help of fungi and insects, that process can take a long time.

Burning a stump is time-consuming and rarely successful, while digging one out is extremely labor intensive.

Or, you could simply have us grind it with a stump grinder a machine specifically designed for the job.

Stump grinding is an efficient and inexpensive way to remove an unwanted stump without all the unnecessary hassle.