by Big Trees Inc. Snohomish, WA

By Nancy Penrose

National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April; this year on April 28th. It is a civic holiday in Nebraska. Some other states have selected their own dates for Arbor Day. The usual observance of Arbor Day is to plant a tree. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, approximately one million trees were planted.

Spring is one of the best times of the year to plant a tree.

In case you need more reasons to plant a tree, here is a list:

Plant Trees in Memory

Memorial trees planted in your yard can serve as a lasting, meaningful tribute in honor of someone special. 

Plant Trees in Celebration

Plant Trees in Celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, new births, or any special occasion. By planting Trees in Celebration, you can honor your loved ones while caring about the environment and making your environment more green.

Live Longer

A recent study done by the US Forest Service found that in areas where a non-profit was planting thousands of oaks, dogwoods, and other trees in the Portland area, the rates of non-accidental deaths decreased by roughly 1 per year, per 100 trees planted. So plant a tree and you could live longer.

A More Beautiful and Healthier Environment

Trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, reducing erosion and pollution in our waterways and can reduce the effects of flooding. Trees shade the sidewalks, absorb air pollution, lessen traffic noise, and also happen to be nice to look at. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.

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

Transplanting a tree can be a necessary step for a many reasons, such as if the tree is outgrowing its current location, or if it’s simply in the way of construction or new landscaping plans. The process of transplanting a tree can be quite traumatic for the tree, and it’s important to give it the time and care it needs to recover.

How long does it take a tree to recover from transplanting? The answer to this question can depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and species of the tree, the time of year it’s transplanted, the care it receives after transplanting, and the overall health of the tree.  In general, smaller trees are able to recover more quickly from transplanting than larger trees. This is because they have smaller root systems and require less energy to establish themselves in their new location. However, even a small tree can take several months to fully recover from transplanting.

For larger trees, the recovery process can take much longer. It’s not uncommon for a large tree to take two to three years to fully recover from transplanting. During this time, it’s important to provide the tree with plenty of water and nutrients, and to avoid disturbing the soil around its roots.

The time of year that a tree is transplanted can also have an impact on its recovery time. In general, the best time to transplant a tree is in the fall, winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant and the weather is cooler. This allows the tree to focus its energy on establishing new roots and adapting to its new environment, rather than on growing new leaves or flowers.

The aftercare provided after transplanting is also critical to the tree’s recovery. Newly transplanted trees require regular watering, especially during the first year after transplanting. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. In addition to watering, the tree should be fertilized and pruned as needed to promote healthy growth and development.

The overall health of the tree can impact its ability to recover from transplanting. If a tree is already stressed or diseased before it’s transplanted, it may take longer to recover or may not recover at all. In these cases, it’s important to consult with a professional arborist to determine whether transplanting is the best option, or if other measures should be taken to improve the tree’s health.  A tree may show signs of recovery within a few weeks to a few months after transplanting. New growth may appear, and the tree may begin to produce leaves or flowers. However, full recovery can take much longer, especially for larger trees. It may take several years for the tree to fully establish itself in its new location and resume normal growth and development.

While recovery time can range from several months to a few years, it is important to be patient and provide the necessary care and attention to ensure the tree has the best chance of thriving in its new location. By taking these steps, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your newly transplanted tree for years to come.

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

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com), a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, recently helped a mobile home resident with a request to block eyesores on a neighbor’s property.

Big Trees got the unusual request recently for screening trees needed to block out a neighbor. What was different in this scenario, is that the trees were to be planted in a mobile home park. Not only was there limited planting space, but shifting eyesores on the neighboring property.  After reviewing pictures of the site, it became clear that there was no planting space available where the screening needed to be to block out the neighbors never ending, shifting eye sores.

Big Trees suggested building 4 foot long, narrow planter boxes on wheels and then planting 6-7′ Emerald Green arborvitae. The final product worked perfectly! Not only do the four planters block out the neighbor’s yard, but they are easily moved around the property should that be necessary.

“This was a difficult problem to solve when we were faced with such limited planting areas,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees.  “It’s not totally ideal as the trees at some point will out-grow the boxes, but the homeowner will get years out of this solution and it can just be recreated when necessary down the road.”

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

By Nancy Penrose

Planting new trees is a great way to add beauty and value to your property, but it’s important to consider the proper spacing to ensure their health and growth. The distance between new trees when planting depends on several factors, including the species of tree, the intended use (e.g. for shade, ornamental, or privacy), and the size at maturity.

One of the most important factors to consider when planting new trees is their ultimate size and shape at maturity. If you are planting trees for shade or privacy, you’ll want to consider the mature height and spread of the tree species to ensure that they provide adequate coverage. On the other hand, if you are planting ornamental trees, you may want to consider their aesthetic appeal and choose species with attractive shapes and growth habits.

Another factor to consider is the availability of space. If you have a large property, you may have more flexibility in planting distances. However, if you have a smaller property, you may need to adjust your planting distances accordingly to accommodate the available space. In smaller landscapes, it’s important to choose smaller tree species or those with more compact growth habits to ensure that they do not become overcrowded.

In addition to the size and shape of the trees, it’s also important to consider the type of soil they will be growing in and the amount of sunlight or shade in the planting area. Some tree species have extensive root systems that need plenty of room to spread, while others have more shallow roots that can tolerate close planting. Soil type and moisture levels can also play a role in determining the appropriate planting distance.  Some tree species can handle shade or sun better than others as well.

When it comes to determining the proper planting distance, there are some general guidelines that can be followed. For most deciduous trees, it is recommended to plant them at least 10-15 feet apart. Coniferous trees, on the other hand, can often be planted closer together, as they typically have more compact growth habits. For large shade or ornamental trees, it is recommended to plant them at least 20-30 feet apart.  When planting evergreens for privacy, an additional consideration is the balance of “instant” privacy versus waiting for the trees to fill in overtime.  Budget plays a large role in this as well.

It’s important to keep in mind that these guidelines are just that – guidelines. Every tree species is unique, and the ideal planting distance will depend on a variety of factors, including the intended use of the trees, the size and shape of the tree at maturity, and the availability of space. If you’re unsure about the proper planting distance for a specific tree species, it may be helpful to consult with a local arborist or landscaper.

In conclusion, planting new trees is a great way to enhance your property, but it’s important to consider the proper spacing to ensure their health and growth. By taking into account the size and shape of the tree at maturity, the type of soil, and the availability of space, you can choose the appropriate planting distance and create a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

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

By Nancy Penrose

“Needle drop” is a term used to describe a normal process that happens to many evergreens during the fall and winter season. While it is usually normal, it can be a concern for homeowners when they see a lot of needles falling.

Every needle on an evergreen tree has a certain life span. As it gets older, the needle goes through a number of stages, including turning yellow, brown and then dropping off the tree.

The length of time for a needle to go through all these stages varies by evergreen species. An individual needle typically lives from one to four years. Many are shed in the fall, sometimes causing a preponderance of falling needles all at once.

White pine trees typically have the most noticeable needle drop. Every fall the needles that are 2 or 3 years old will change colors and drop. That then leaves only the current season’s needle growth on the tree. So the tree can then appear sparse, until new growth starts the following season.

Austrian and Scotch pines retain their needles for 3 years. Spruce and Fir trees have more gradual changes. Older needles fall at different times instead of all at once.

Arborvitae shed branchlets, instead needles. The branchlets turn brown as they age, but remain on the tree for a long time before dropping.

All evergreen trees go through some type of needle change during their life span.
Environmental stress, such as severe weather conditions or drought periods can cause more needles to drop. The tree’s protective mechanisms conserves moisture for the strongest and healthiest needles.

Yellow or brown needles and dropped needles can also be symptoms of insects and plant diseases. It’s important to inspect the trees carefully, to ensure they are experiencing a normal phenomenon and not signs of damage.

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

By Nancy Penrose

We all want our trees to be healthy. There are a lot of aspects to keeping your tree healthy and a lot of things to watch out for. It isn’t that hard if you know what to do and what to look out for.

But for some people that’s the hard part. How do you know what to look out for if you aren’t a certified tree care specialist? How do you know when to call a tree care specialist to help save a tree before it’s too late? How do you know when a tree poses a danger and needs to be removed for the safety of all?

We’ll dive into this a bit and cover the different points that you can watch for to know how healthy your trees are and that will give you warning that your tree needs attention.

What does a healthy tree look like?

First let’s quickly cover what a healthy tree looks like for comparison.

A healthy tree will have a single, strong healthy trunk that supports the rest of the branches. The bark is healthy and doesn’t have major bare patches or cracks. The branches are full with leaves that look healthy, meaning they are the proper size, color and shape for that tree in that season. The tree should have constant new growth; you can actually measure this directly by looking at the distance of the tree’s growth from one year to the next. If each of these points can be seen to present, the tree is likely in a healthy state.

What does an unhealthy tree look like?

Let’s now take a closer look at what points can be visually inspected to see if a tree has underlying problems.

Look for cavities and cracks in the trunk, branches and bark. If the bark has large bald spots, large cracks or sections of it are falling off the tree, this is a problem. Large cracks or hollows in the trunk or main branches indicate they are not strong and healthy. Cracked or damaged limbs are a clear danger to people who walk underneath the tree and should be pruned, but they should also be checked into to ensure a bigger problem isn’t being missed.

Cracks in the branches, as covered above, is an indication of the branches being dead or dying. Leaves can be an indication also, and they are an excellent way to tell at a glance if a tree is healthy. If they are off color for the season, have holes, or appear wilted, then this is a problem. If leaves are falling off out of season and a branch doesn’t have a large amount of healthy leaves, then the branch could be dead or dying.

A similar point to look for is the presence of cracks in the soil around the base of the tree. This could be an indication that the tree roots are uplifting. Examine the tree and see if it seems to be leaning. These are indications that the roots of the tree are unhealthy and the tree might fall. If you see this you should absolutely address the matter at once, to save the tree and ensure that no one is harmed by it.

Two more things to watch for are insects and fungus. If there is an infestation of insects (you see insects on the trunk or evidence they’ve been there) then this will likely be a problem. You might see chewed up leaves, insect eggs, or sticky residues. These are a danger to the tree, while also being an indication the tree isn’t healthy.

Mushrooms and fungi growing on a tree are a warning sign. Fungi by their nature feed of off dead tissue, so their presence on the tree indicate that part of the tree is dead or dying. Fast action is needed to save the tree if you see this.

Keeping an eye out for these points will be helpful to ensure any problems with your trees are caught as early as possible. If you aren’t sure what to do about your tree, or you aren’t 100% sure if there’s a problem, it’s best to call in a tree care specialist who can help you identify and remedy what’s going on. That way your tree stays healthy for years to come.

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

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, was contacted recently by a long-term customer who had purchased many trees over the years. They were considering buying a house in their same neighborhood, but were heartbroken by the potential loss of all the investment they had put into their mature landscaping. They wanted to know if any of the trees they had purchased would be able to be moved to their potential new home.  When the answer was a resounding yes, they made the decision to put an offer on the house – and got it!

The sale happened in August which is not the best time to be transplanting trees.  When they put their own house on the market, they made it clear that many of the specimen trees were going with them, but that they wouldn’t be moved until November, after the new homeowners took possession. Everyone was in agreement, the sale went through and then it was just a matter of waiting for the trees to go dormant in the fall.

Big Trees was hired to move four large Acer palmatum dissectums “Laceleaf Japanese” maples 5-7” caliper and two 8” caliper blue spruce.  Buying new trees of this size would’ve been out of most people’s price range, but the cost to move them versus the value of the trees made this an easy decision for the homeowner.

The first day of the job, the crews spent all day digging and prepping the trees. The second day, the trees were loaded on flatbeds and moved a few miles away to the new home and then replanted. The trees look like they’ve been there a long time and produced an instant mature landscape feel for the client’s new house. Big Trees also filled all of the holes at the old house with nice planting soil so those spaces were ready should the new homeowners want to plant trees or shrubs.

“People become very attached to their trees over time.  They become part of the family,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees.  “We have moved memorial trees and other sentimental trees for people, but I don’t think we’ve ever moved six large trees all from one home to another.  Everything went very smoothly and we have one very happy customer!”

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