Tip Top Arborists Articles
Top Ten Tree Problems
Many tree problems are caused by insects and diseases. These problems can completely threaten the health, beauty and life of your trees. Here is a list of the top ten problems that can plague trees in the areas of the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Tehacapi Valley and Victor Valley. Lace Bug: Lace bugs target broad-leaf evergreens such as andromeda, azalea, and rhododendron. Early detection is the key to getting rid of an infestation. Look for yellow-silver stippling on the topsides of... Read More
9 Things You Should Know About Trees
9 Things You Should Know About Trees Trees beautify our surroundings, increase property values, and help save energy. Utilities supply our homes with electricity, gas, telephone service and cable television. Yet along our city streets, tree limbs and utility lines compete in the air, while tree roots, cables, and pipes vie for space below ground. Resolving this conflict without resorting to practices that harm trees is the goal of Tree Line USA. Study these 9 suggestions for properly planting... Read More
Twenty of the Most Common Myths About Trees and Tree Care
Physiology / Biology 1. Tree roots systems extend deep below the ground. The large supporting root system near the base of the tree tapers rapidly into smaller roots, with the vast majority of all roots being concentrated in the upper few inches of soil. While a few roots may extend as deep as several feet, it is rare for many to exist at significant depths (more than a few feet). Therefore, protecting these upper layers of soil is critical to maintaining tree health. 2. I should buy the tallest... Read More
Proper Mulching Techniques
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep, or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause significant harm to trees... Read More
Pruning Mature Trees
Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature’s pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their safety and aesthetics. Pruning should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree, or worse, shorten the tree’s life. Reasons for Pruning Since each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree,... Read More
Pruning Young Trees
Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require little corrective pruning when they mature. There are a few simple principles that everybody should understand before they set out to prune a tree. Each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree. Always have a purpose in mind before a cut is made. Proper technique is essential. Poor pruning can cause damage... Read More
Why Topping Hurts Trees
Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice. This brochure explains why topping is not an acceptable pruning technique, and offers some better alternatives. What is topping? Topping is the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include “heading,”... Read More
Recognizing Tree Hazards
Trees provide significant benefits to our homes and cities, but when trees fall and injure people or damage property, they are liabilities. Taking care of tree hazards makes your property safer and prolongs the life of the tree. Trees are an important part of our world. They offer a wide range of benefits to the environment and provide tremendous beauty. However, trees may be dangerous. Trees or parts of trees may fall and cause injury to people or damage to property. We call trees in such situations... Read More
New Tree Planting
Think of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your tree and investment grows depends on the type of tree and location you select for planting, the care you provide when the tree is planted, and follow-up care the tree receives after planting. The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season — in the fall after leaf drop or early spring before bud-break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring... Read More
Why Hire a Tip Top Arborist?
We have multiple ISA Certified Arborists and Certified Tree Workers on staff An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment which can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be... Read More
