Tree Tech Inc., a leading provider of commercial and residential tree services throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

This is the company’s third consecutive year of winning the prestigious award. “This award is the result of some 25 plus years of serving the community. It goes to show that hard work and quality customer service do pay off,” stated Tree Tech’s President Andy Felix.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Tree Tech Inc. can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Tree Tech is a full service tree care company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1986 with offices in Foxboro, Wellesley and Fall River.  Members in good standing of the Tree Care Industry Association, Massachusetts Tree Warden Association, Massachusetts Arborist Association, and the ISA. For more information call 1-888-873-3832 or visit www.treetechinc.net

Unique Ways to Reuse or Recycle Your Christmas tree

You bought a fresh cut tree for the holiday season. But now the festivities are over and it’s time to take down the tree –  what do you do with it? According to “The Care of Trees” organization, there are several environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your Christmas tree. Here are a few ideas:

1. Make a bird feeder: A Christmas tree makes great shelter for birds in your backyard and offers a place for them to
   rest and feed. Remove all decorations and hooks from the tree and secure it in the ground or to a post. Make edible ornaments from pine cones spread in peanut butter and rolled in bird seed or strings of popcorn. Be sure to have a nearby
   water source available for the birds, as well. Usually, the tree will turn brown as soon as the weather begins to warm in the spring, and the branches will become brittle. Break the tree apart and recycle using one the following methods.
2. Make mulch or compost: The branches of a Christmas tree can be chipped or shredded and used as mulch in the yard to
   retain moisture under trees and plants or placed in the compost pile.
3. Use it for covering perennials: Branches from the tree can be used to cover plants to help protect them from the cold and wind.
4. Recycle the tree: Check with your city or town to find out details about tree recycling in your community.

Never burn your Christmas tree or any fresh conifer wood in a fireplace or wood stove. The trees have a lot of sap, which when burned turns into creosote that can coat the inside of your chimney and possibly lead to a chimney fire.

This friendly holiday tree care tip is provides to you by Tree Tech. We’ve been serving Massachusetts
and Rhode Island with comprehensive commercial and residential tree care services since 1986. For more information visit us at www.treetechinc.net or call 888-873-3832. Happy New Year!

Winter is a sign that snow and freezing rain will soon be on their way. Although we can dress ourselves up to protect against winter’s frosty elements, your trees and shrubs can’t always protect themselves from Mother Nature during extreme cold temperatures. Your trees may appear to be in hibernation during the winter, but cold, harsh winter weather can actually put major stress on your tree’s health. By taking a few precautionary steps, you can help prep your trees and shrubs for winter weather, and be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant landscape in the spring.

Winter Tree Care Tips

1. A thin layer of mulch will act like a protective blanket giving tree’s roots a little extra protection against winter cold. Add composted organic mulch under your tree in early winter to help retain water and reduce damage when temperatures drop.

2. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a life saver. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. But be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool and not frozen.

3. Prune trees in early winter. Winter is actually one of the best times to prune trees and shrubs because it’s easier to see the structure of trees without their leaves. Limit pruning to deadwood and poorly placed branches in order to save as many living branches as possible.

4. Winter tree work often allows for better access to your property and minimizes the amount of sensitive obstacles like flower and vegetable gardens.  These issues can help recognize significant cost savings.

For more information on tree trimming and pruning trees and shrubs in early winter, visit www.Treetechinc.net. You may also submit your questions by filling out an Ask the Arborist questionnaire on our website. To schedule a site visit or receive an estimate on tree trimming services throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island call Tree Tech at 888-873-3832.

Arborist Tips for Proper Mulching

Mulches are used in landscape for a variety of reasons including aesthetics, but one of the most beneficial reasons to use mulch is to maintain good tree health. Early winter is a great time to apply mulch. Mulch doesn’t keep plants warm but it does help the soil maintain a more constant temperature.

Mulching has many other benefits as well. It plays an important role in improving soil conditions and helping plants retain moisture. Mulch not only reduces the amount of water loss from the soil, but it also helps to minimize weeds, improve soil structure and give your home’s landscape a well-groomed look.

Mulch must be applied properly or it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other plants.

6 Benefits of Proper Mulching

1. Thicker mulches can reduce water use by as much as 50 percent. Add a 2-4” thick layer of mulch, approximately 2-3 inches from the base of the tree trunk.

2. Many types of mulch can improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time.

3. Mulch serves as nature’s insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

4. Using compost as mulch to increase soil nutrient levels and increase microbial activity. Increased microbial activity in soils has been linked to the suppression of many root diseases.

5. A layer of mulch can inhibit certain plant diseases. Fungal diseases often spread to plants, such as roses, by means of water splashing the spores off the hard ground onto nearby plant foliage. A cushion of mulch on the soil reduces or even eliminates splashing and curbs the spread of the disease.

6. Mulch around trees and shrubs eliminates the incidence of lawn mowers and weed wacker’s damaging the trunks of trees.

These mulching tips are brought to you by the certified staff of arborists at Tree Tech Inc with multiple locations to serve you throughout New England. We’ve been serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island customers with year round commercial and residential tree services for over 25 years. For more information visit us at www.treetechinc.net or call 888-873-3832 for a site visit.

Many of the hemlocks in Massachusetts have been affected by woolly adelgid. If you’ve noticed a white “woolly looking fuzz” on your Hemlocks, it’s a sure sign that the woolly adelgids are making a home in your trees. Once the infestation has taken hold, you’ll notice that the tree has little or no new growth on limbs and limbs will start to die back.

If you suspect that your Hemlocks may have Woolly Adelgid, you need to react quickly. It may not be possible to save every hemlock. Some trees may be very old, beyond treatment or not worth saving if they are remotely located away from your home and landscaping.

Simply put, it may just be too expensive to try and save every infected tree on your property. Insecticide treatments will need to be applied every few years, so consider the cost before creating a treatment plan. But also consider the cost of removing dead trees that are near homes and other structures. Treat the hemlocks that are the healthiest, most vital to the landscape. It’s recommended that you remove trees that won’t be treated so you don’t run the risk of reinfesting healthy trees that have been treated.

Trees that don’t have Woolly Adelgid don’t need treating.   However,  if neighboring trees are infested, or a tree is lightly infected,  it is best to start making insecticide applications early.  HWA should be treated aggressively while the tree is still in good health for the best possible outcome.

To have your Hemlock trees evaluated or sprayed, or for more information about Woolly Adelgid and other pesticide treatment services, contact Tree Tech Inc. www.treetechinc.net.

Tree Tech is a  full service tree care company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our certified arborists perform all aspects of tree and shrub care ranging from large, difficult tree removal to diagnosing and treating plant health problems.

Top 10 Winter Tree Care Tips from Tree Tech Arborists

It’s important to evaluate trees for weaknesses that can be susceptible to winter weather. Here are ten winter tree care tips to help you prevent problems to trees and shrubs.

• Remove fallen leaves from beneath disease susceptible trees and shrubs, (dogwoods, crabapples)

• Prune disease infected limbs when dormant, eliminating further infection, sterilize pruning tools regardless between pruning cuts (fire blight, Dutch elm disease).

• Contain heavy ends on limbs too long to support snow and ice loads.

• Protect plants susceptible to winter injury with anti-desiccants or cover with a breathable burlap type material.

• Install temporary or permanent rope, cable or twine in plants (multi-stem) susceptible to snow and ice loads (do not forget to remove temporary support in the spring).

• Prune, contain or rejuvenate high profile, overgrown plants in late winter so plants will recover quickly in spring with new growth. This will also minimize the negative aesthetic issues that can be associated with rejuvenating plants.

• Consider working on trees with limited access during the growing season to save time and money.

• Plan your landscape needs before the spring “rush” insuring the best service and the best plant material if you will be installing plants.

• Check Deer susceptible plants for evidence of grazing. Thinning of plants foliage 5 ft and below (deer head height) or droppings near preferred plants. Treat with materials that effect plants taste.

• Have a “no cost” inspection of your landscape by one of our Certified Arborists which is effective in the winter as well as the growing season.

To have a certified arborist evaluate your trees or shrubs, call the tree care experts at Tree Tech.  We are a licensed and insured tree service company with more than 80 employees, providing residential and commercial tree services in MA & RI, year round since 1986. Visit www.treetechinc.net  for more information or call 888-873-3832 for a site visit today.

Each winter, our staff of over 90 certified arborists and tree care experts respond to hundreds of emergency tree service calls throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island – related to downed trees from storm and snow damage. Fall is almost over and that white stuff is once again in the air. Snow might appear light and fluffy, but significant amounts of it can weight down limbs, adding stress to the structure of trees and shrubs when it accumulates.  When tree branches can no longer sustain the added pressure, they may crack or break in half.  Hopefully, the tree’s branches, or the tree itself is not hovering over your car or house when it falls.  Damage from fallen trees costs homeowners millions of dollars each year. It’s a good idea to photograph the exterior of your home, along with trees and landscape every few years. In the event you experience major tree damage during a winter storm, you’ll have evidence to provide to your insurance company if you need to process a claim.

However, damage can be prevented with the proper tree care and trimming. For more information on trimming trees and shrubs to prevent winter storm damage, read this blog post.

If damage from heavy snow or ice does occur, call a company like Tree Tech that specializes in emergency tree services. If it’s not an emergency, but there’s still significant damage, the damaged trees or shrubs should be inspected by a certified arborist. Click here to request a free site visit from one of Tree Tech’s on staff arborists.

Tree Tech is a full service tree care company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1986. Tree Tech is one of Southern New England’s most well known, and well respected residential and commercial tree service companies. Visit us at www.TreeTechInc.net for more information and tree care tips.

The Invasion of the White Tail: Deer Repellent and other Treatment options

Deer damage is becoming an increasing problem in our area. With real estate development in suburban areas, a lack of natural predators and an abundance of food in gardens and ornamental landscapes, has the White-tailed Deer populations are thriving. Deer feed on over 700 species of plants. An adult deer will consume 4 to 7 pounds of vegetation a day. To confirm if you have deer damage in your yard check your plants-if the leaves look like they have been torn and the stems are jagged and it stops at about 5 feet high then it’s the deer.

They have no upper incisors so they tear the food away unlike rabbits, woodchucks and squirrels which make a clean cut. Deer are creatures of habit once the deer have established a feeding area it is difficult to get them to go elsewhere. It is important to deter them before they decide your yard is the place to be.

Setting up barriers such as a fence may not be practical or unsightly as a deer can jump 8 feet and can push down poorly constructed fence. Another option is “vegetation management” to choose “deer resistant” plants and trees for your yard. Be careful when choosing plants which are “deer resistant” make sure that the list you have is from this area, what the deer browse on can be different in each region due to environmental factors. Remember even “deer resistant” plants are fair game when the food is in short supply. If you have already established plantings Tree Tech offers a Deer Control Treatment. We use a contact repellent which is applied directly to the plant. It repels by taste and is most effective when applied to trees and shrubs during the dormant season. Usually done in the Fall before deer establish their foraging areas, although it can be done at anytime during the year. Reapplication may be necessary in the winter or early spring. One of our sales representatives, a certified arborist, would come evaluate your property and the price would be based on the amount of deer-susceptible plants. This treatment should keep the deer away or in the case of a bad winter at least may minimize damage.

For more information on our tree and shrub treatments visit us online at www.treetechinc.net. To schedule a site visit with a certified Massachusetts arborist, call 888-873-3832. Tree Tech is a residential and commercial tree company with over 90 on staff arborists and other tree care professionals – providing year round tree services in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1986.

Homeowners Fall Tree & Shrub Check List:

Tree Pruning:
Good time of year for pruning. Prepare your trees in the fall for the winter snow and ice storms so the damage will be minimal, if any. Come spring, they will be healthy and looking good!

Tree Removal:
If you have trees in your yard that don’t look healthy and are a potential hazard,and have concerns about them damaging your property (or your neighbors), this would be a good time to have one of our Tree Tech certified arborists, come and evaluate your trees to see if a removal is needed.

Fertilization:
Alternating wet and dry conditions this spring and summer caused some insect and disease problems to crop up. If you had construction on your property, your trees are probably stressed after their roots were continually  stepped on or driven over. Giving them a bit of rejuvenation while they are storing their energy for the winter would be a good idea. It will give them a healthy head start for the spring.

Deer Repellent:
Yes, they will be coming for your well cared-for trees and shrubs, especially if itis a snowy winter. Snow doesn’t always seem to be a factor for the deer. Why foraget hrough the woods when they can easily enjoy the convenience of buffet dining at your home on your yews, arborvitaes, etc.? Have a Tree Tech certified Massachusetts arboritst come to evaluate your property and give you an estimate for Deer Repellent Treatment – the earlier the better. It is important to take action before they make your yard their chosen feeding place.

For more helpful tips and information about tree care, visit www.TreeTechinc.net today. Tree Tech is a licensed Massachusetts tree company providing residential and commercial tree service throughout New England since 1986. Click here to schedule a site visit.

October 14, 2011

Latest News fromTree Tech: Massachusett’s Leading Tree Service Company

Andy Felix president of Tree Tech Inc. was recently nominated to the board of directors of TCIA, the national trade association of the tree care industry.

Tune into local radio station WTKK in Massachusetts on Sunday mornings to hear more tips and tricks on tree care from Andy Felix. Andy is frequently the guest host and “on staff” arborist for The Garden Guys radio show, where you’ll catch him discussing tree & shrub care with listeners.

In other news, our highly qualified staff of tree care professionals continues to expand their certifications. Newly ISA Certified Arborists at Tree Tech include Ben Faulk & Brendon Civian. Congrats guys!

If you’ve got trees that need pruning, we’ve got he equipment to do the job right! In addition to Tree Tech’s three existing cranes, we’ve recently secured two additional cranes in order to help with clean up from Hurricane Irene. The two additional cranes will assist  in removing trees from both residential and commercial properties.

For more information on Tree Tech’s year round residential and commercial tree services in Massachusetts, visit www.treetechinc.net or call 1-888-343-1873 to schedule a site visit today.