| Arborist Tips of the Month January 2008 |
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Greetings!
Total Tree Care arborists are delighted to have this opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with you every month. |
 
Geoff Harris - Tip of The Month
Using Firewood as Fuel
I've been heating my house with wood for 24 years. It's not particularly easy, it's time consuming, it's hard work and oh yeah it's free! They say wood heats you when you cut it, when you move it, when you split it and of course when you finally burn it.
Did you know that a cord of seasoned Red Oak is equivalent to 195 gallons of heating oil and a cord of Hickory is equivalent to 215 gallons? Hickory has 30,500,000 BTU per dried cord and with home heating oil selling for around $3.25 a gallon, supplementing your heating with wood, looks attractive again.
It's very important how you burn this wood in terms of getting the most out of it. A fireplace without an insert is very inefficient, a properly installed wood stove can be attractive and will definitely cut down on that heating bill.
I have a fully functional forced hot air wood furnace with a back up oil burner, an ideal unit that allows you to burn wood as much as you care to. So, the next time Total Tree Care cuts down or prunes your trees, let us know if you want any of the suitable wood left on your property before we cart it away.
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Mike Kennedy - Tip of the Month
 Global Warming and Trees
Whether or not you agree with global warming, it's a hot topic in today's society! Fortunately we can lessen its impact and at the same time save money while improving our environment by simply planting trees.
Depending on tree species and location, the level of impact can vary greatly. For example, planting evergreen trees on the north side of your property - where they won't shade your home in the winter - will reduce winter winds that chill your home. Planting deciduous trees in the southeast, south, and southwest areas of your home will help keep your home cooler in the summer and allow sun to warm your home in the winter. This in turn decreases the required amount of fuel consumption and power generation (which reduces CO2), while saving you money and helping the environment! A win-win-situation!
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, " one acre of young, thriving forest absorbs six tons of CO2 and puts out 4 tons of oxygen each year, and windbreaks can reduce heating bills 10-20%."
Let's reduce our consumption of fossil fuel, absorb CO2, produce oxygen, and save money all at the same time - take care of the trees you own and consider planting new ones.
Be Well,
Mike Kennedy
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Paul Bowery - Tip of the Month
Protect People and Property
Large dead, diseased, or broken branches may present a serious threat to people and valuable property such as cars, patios, pools, sheds, etc. This hazard condition should be rectified with proper pruning on a consistent basis.
A licensed arborist can provide a visual inspection for you at no cost. If you would like a more in-depth analysis, a Resistograph analysis applies state of the art technology to study the interior condition of suspect trees that pose a potential hazard condition. |
Luke Williams - Tip of the Month
 Always be Prepared
The value of preparation should not be underestimated before starting a pruning or tree removal project.
Proper planning and preparation are key ingredients regardless of whether you are a homeowner or part of a professional tree crew.
Make sure all equipment is properly maintained and available. This means that saws must be lubricated, fueled and sharp, that protective equipment is in good condition and that all ropes, wedges or other required tools are ready for action.
The work crew should be knowledgeable and experienced to complete the job. They must apply consistent safety skills as defined in their company's hazard communication plan. A work progress plan allows each team member to know what is expected of them.
Make it a priority to have the site inspected for any hazardous pre-existing situations such as overhead electrical conductors, trip or slip hazards or hung up broken branches in the tree(s) to be worked on or in adjacent trees.
The list could go on but the point is that planning and preparation are an integral part of any hazardous or involved task and they should never be devalued. | |
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I hope you find this information useful as you care for your trees. Tell me about specific areas of interest that you'd like us to discuss in a future report. |
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Sincerely,
Mike Toth
Total Tree Care
203-718-1043 |
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