We do have a lot of Bradford Pear trees around the Abilene area but these trees do have a hidden danger and will eventually need to be removed.
They are quick-growing ornamental shade trees that are not native to Texas.
They get to be about 20 feet tall and are pretty when they bloom in the spring. If you have them on your property or walk by them when they are flowering for 10 to 14 days you know they really do stink.
Property owners need to be mindful that these trees have a short life of only about 20 years.
Here in West Texas their weak branches easily break off during storms or high winds as the years go by. That seems to always happen at the worst time.
The Bradford Pear also Bradford is notorious for its unpredictable growth patterns. They can grow tall quickly and then suddenly start branching out in unexpected ways, which can make them difficult to manage and maintain.
Older Bradford Pears are Dangerous
As these trees get older they pose a greater danger as their branch joints are not stable and it’s not uncommon to see these trees split apart. The branches have narrow unions (also called crotches) and grow at steep angles.
Just last week we removed an old tall Bradford Pear that was planted fairly close to a home on the south side of Abilene. The new homeowner knew those branches hanging over the house were dangerous. Our crews made quick work of safely removing the tree which was also close to the home’s incoming electric service line.
It’s even suggested that you don’t even park your vehicle under a Bradford Pear due to the potential splitting and the dropping of branches in high winds.
Bradford Pears Being Banned
Ohio has banned their sale starting this year, and South Carolina and Pennsylvania are banning their sale starting next year citing their invasiveness. According to the USDA when these trees border roads and fields, their dense growth and in some wild varieties sharp thorns threaten equipment and livestock. They can also grow in the understory of pine plantations, where they can impede some forest management practices.
If you’re looking to plant a new shade tree on your property here in West Texas, we suggest you consider Texas or Oklahoma Red Buds, Chinese Pistache, among others.
Our tree service sees this type of work all the time, fast-growing trees that need to be removed.
Many people, especially in newer subdivision demand shade, and they want it now.
The problem: our brutal west Texas weather of sizzling summers and (at times) unforgiving sub-freezing temperatures.
There are a number of fast-growing trees that people will plant, without thinking about the long-term benefits of planting proper shade trees on their property.
Texas Horticulturist and author Neil Sperry recently point out that all fast-growing shade trees have at least one fatal flaw. Most have several, and for that reason, property owners expect to have to replace them in as few as five or 10 years.
You can make a list of all the fast-growing shade trees, and every one of them will have some kind of bad news you can tack up beside it.
If you’re in the Abilene area, the tree recommendations will differ from Weatherford to Possum Kingdom Lake, to Wichita Falls.
The City of Abilene provides a great list of shrubs and trees that are great for in and around the city. You can download the list here.
The Big Country Master Gardeners also have a list of recommended trees.
Understanding the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning
Though tree trimming and pruning sound similar, they are actually different. Tree trimming is generally performed for aesthetic reasons. This can include shaping the tree or removing dead branches from the tree. On the other hand, pruning is a horticultural practice that is performed in order to promote the health of the tree. This is where diseased or damaged branches are removed, the crown of the tree is thinned out to increase air circulation, or roots are reduced to control the growth of the tree. It’s important to understand the difference between these actions to properly care for your trees.
Types of Tree Trimming
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. It is generally used on broad-leaved trees, such as oaks, to reduce wind resistance or to allow more light to reach the ground. Crown thinning should not be confused with pruning, which is the removal of entire branches. Instead, crown thinning selectively removes individual branches throughout the crown of the tree. This process is often used to improve the tree’s appearance or to allow more light to reach the ground. In some cases, crown thinning can also help to reduce the weight of the tree’s canopy, which can help to prevent wind damage.
Crown Raising
Tree trimming technique that involves removing lower branches to create more clearance. This can help to improve the tree’s appearance, allow more light to reach the ground, and reduce the risk of damage from falling branches. In addition, crown raising can help to prevent the tree from becoming a nuisance or hazard.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction involves trimming back the outermost branches of a tree, reducing its overall size. It is used to clear tree branches from objects such as buildings, signs, or outdoor lights. This can help to reduce the risk of storm damage by reducing the tree’s wind resistance. Second, it can prevent the tree from interfering with power lines or other structures.
Crown Restoration
The process of removing damaged or diseased branches from a tree in order to promote new growth. Crown restoration trimming can be beneficial for both young and mature trees. By removing damaged branches, the tree is able to direct its energy toward new growth. This can help the tree to recover from storm damage or disease.
Types of Pruning
Crown Cleaning
Crown cleaning is a type of tree trimming that involves removing dead, diseased or damaged branches from the crown of the tree. This helps to improve the appearance of the tree and promotes its overall health. Crown cleaning is the most basic level of tree pruning and includes the removal of dead, dying, diseased and broken branches.
Removal Cut
Removal cutting is a type of pruning where the goal is to remove a specific branch or stem from a tree. This is usually done to improve the overall appearance of the tree, encourage new growth, or get rid of dead or damaged branches.
Reduction Cut
A reduction cut is a pruning cut that is used to reduce the overall size of a tree. This type of cut is typically made on large branches or stems, and it involves removing a portion of the plant material. Reduction cuts can be used to control the growth of a plant, shape its form, or reduce its weight. With proper care, reduction cuts can help keep your trees looking their best.
Heading Cut
Heading cut pruning is a method of pruning that involves making cuts to the main stem or trunk of a plant. This type of pruning is often used to control the shape and size of a tree or shrub, as well as to encourage denser growth. Heading cut pruning can be done at any time of year, but you may want to avoid it during the hottest part of our summers.
Removing Dead Branches
Regularly removing dead branches from trees not only keeps them looking good, but also helps to promote tree health. Dead branches provide a home for pests and diseases, which can then spread to the rest of the tree. These dead branches are more likely to break off in high winds we experience here in the Abilene, TX and Wichita Falls, TX, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Weatherford, TX areas and cause damage to both the tree and any nearby property. Pruning also allows more sunlight and air to reach the interior of the tree, which can help to prevent mold and fungus growth. Finally, pruning helps to encourage new growth, giving the tree a healthier appearance.
Regular tree care will keep your trees beautiful and healthy. By understanding these differences you can ensure that your trees receive the care they need to thrive here in the rough climate of West Texas.
For many Texas homeowners, the last thing on their minds in the winter may be doing tree trimming in winter months.
However, there are several good reasons to schedule your tree trimming for the winter months or toward the end of winter. In some instances, it is the preferred time of the year to prune certain trees.
If you need oak trees pruned then you should consider having this work done during the dormant season because there’s oak wilt. This would be the period from February to June when the insects that spread this disease are most active.
January and February are the best times to get trees trimmed in Texas.
Pruning during the winter months means less disruption to your other landscape plantings – especially annual flowers you might plant or your perennials.
After a tree has shed its leaves a tree trimming has a better view of the structure of the tree and can prune your tree accordingly. It’s easier for the tree pruner to see crossing branches, splits in branches or branch unions, and broken branches when they are not obstructed by leaves. The work also goes a LOT quicker.
Pruning a pecan tree should take place at the end of winter, just before the new buds form. This keeps the tree from putting too much energy into new growth that’s just going to be cut away.
Consider the top 6 things we believe you need to look for in a tree service in the Abilene,TX area.
When you are looking for a tree removal service, we believe there are six important things to keep in mind when choosing a tree removal service.
1. Insurance. We believe it’s a biggy. It’s an important thing you’ll want to check is that the tree service you hire is insured. Professional tree services should carry liability insurance to cover any damage that can potentially be done to your property. They should also carry worker’s compensation insurance to cover any injuries that their employees may sustain while working on your property. It also protects you from being sued should any injuries occur.
2. Licensure. Check to make certain that the company’s local government permit is up to date and meets the requirements for tree services.
3. Referrals. Can they provide you with a list of referrals for their work? Talking to their past customers can help you know what type of work to expect. And see if they are a member of the local Better Business Bureau.
4. Estimate. When hiring a tree removal service in Abilene, TX make sure they will provide you will a detailed, written estimate of all charges. This will prevent you from incurring any surprise fees down the road. It’s always a smart idea to compare several companies when hiring someone to do work for you. Compare costs, services offered, equipment, and time estimate.
5. Equipment. Ask what type of equipment the company will be using. Do they have their own cranes for bigger jobs? Make sure they have all the necessary equipment to get your job done efficiently and with minimal damage to the rest of your property. Is their tree service just two guys with a pickup and a few chainsaws? Beware!
6. Google Reviews. According to a recent study by Moz.com, businesses with a high rating on Google reviews are five times more likely to be considered reputable by consumers.“82% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.”
We also advise you to check to make sure they meet safety requirements. Make certain all of the tree removal service employees have helmets, other protective gear, and the right equipment to keep themselves safe on the job site. Make sure they are following this requirement.
