Best Time to Trim Your Moreton Bay Fig

Known as one of the largest trees in Australia, the Moreton Bay Fig is an enormous giant that is hard to miss in any landscape. It is also known as the Australian Banyan and is a native in Eastern Australia. Moreton Bay Fig or Ficus macrophylla is a strangler fig. Meaning, it starts on the surface of a host tree, like its canopy, and eventually grows enough to strangle its host. It then grows bigger and wins over with its gigantic structure.

The Moreton Bay Fig is just like any other plant that requires constant care and attention to thrive. It needs maintenance to make sure that it’s growing equally in all areas at the same time keeping its structure well-groomed. Make sure to perform the regular trimmings for your Moreton Bay Fig to take care of any dense foliage that may be blocking too much sunlight. Do this regularly to prevent any challenges in the future coming from overgrowths.

Moreton Bay Fig’s size

Mature Moreton Bay Figs can grow to as tall as 200 feet in height. Its crown size might even be bigger depending on how wide the tree grows. As these trees grow big, it also means that it sports a massive root system to support its life. This kind of Fig provides a good source of shade to surrounding areas. If a tree is gigantic, how exactly can you trim it well? The Australian Banyan’s big structure will give enough challenge alone for any trimming. When trimming these kinds of big giants, timing and consistency are crucial for success.

Trimming Moreton Bay Fig

The Moreton Bay Fig is a member of the genus Ficus. This tree has fruits all year round but has more abundant fruiting during the Spring season. Trim the Moreton Bay Fig during the Spring season by starting with its fruits first. This way, there will be less heavy fruit droppings from the tree which can cause accidents. After the first trim with the ripe fruits, you

You can also opt to give your Moreton Bay Figs a regular trim or a constant trim to promote healthier and lusher foliage growth. Do this once the trees are more mature in age. Cut back branches that are growing too close to main branches to promote better fruits. If the branch is growing less than 45 degrees from the main branch, cut it off to give space for better branches that can give tastier fruits.

Conclusion

Due to its enormous size, trimming the Moreton Bay Fig can be a real challenge. You might experience this when the tree is fully grown and growing still. However, with the right kind of tools and proper planning, it’s not impossible. You can conquer the big size of the Moreton especially with the help of expert tree trimmers in Trees Down Under. Don’t let the Moreton Bay Fig be a big problem for you. All you need to do is consult with your trusted tree specialists for your perfect tree trimming.

Team up with Trees Down Under for your garden needs!

No tree, big or small, should be a problem for you, especially when trimming is concerned. As such, you can call only the most trusted tree professionals for the trimming of your Moreton Bay Figs. Trees Down Under is ready to give you services. As a team with about three decades of experience, we guarantee you only professional service. We work with you in mind and as such, we offer our services at an affordable rate. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

We offer tree services like tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding and more.

Call us at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. Book your next tree removal job or request a quote here.

Best Time of the Year to Plant Trees

Have you ever wondered when it is the most wonderful to plant trees? Although all kinds and species of flora have their own pace and life cycles in blooming and falling, there is also a peak season that makes tree planting more ideal. Seasons have a big influence in the growth and the development of a tree from its inception until you plant it out of the burlap. In general, the best time to plant trees is during the Spring season. Here’s why:

Seasonal conditions

Seasons influence the growth of the tree. In most cases, Spring season has the most ideal weather and temperature conditions to plant a tree. If you plant a tree during the summer, it’s prone to dry out and die because of overly hot weather temperatures. The inverse is also true with the winter season where most tries find it too cold to grow well. Some species of trees can survive in extreme weather conditions. It’s not impossible to do, but it is generally challenging. 

Fall is another contender to Spring as the best time to plant trees, however, you also need to consider yourself. After long winters inside, Spring season is also a refreshing start for you to plant your tree. Though you have some time to grow the tree and prep it before winter, Fall may make your tree planting a bit of routine work already from all other season’s worth of hard work in the yard.

Rooting of trees

Because of the Fall season, early on sets of the cold might inhibit your tree from taking root properly. Freezing grounds can mean that your new tree may not take in the ideal amount of water to grow up, drying it out and causing it to die. Spring season is a good season for young trees to take root. Plant your trees early in the Spring season to give it ample time to take root and prepare for the Summer season where it has double work to grow leaves and make its root system stronger against the heat.

Some trees have different ideal times to take root. Although Spring is generally the best time for tree planting first to the Fall season, it’s always best to consult with your trusted arborist to make sure that your tree doesn’t die.

A wide selection of trees

The Spring season holds a wider variety of trees for planting. Many nurseries have different species and kinds of trees available in burlaps or sacks and ready for planting. The selection of plants available for tree planting has more time to get ready for winter where the cold is a challenge and water supply is relatively low.

You can opt to buy trees during the Fall season but it doesn’t come without its challenges. There may be good deals from the young plants sitting around but check for its condition as it might have severe exposure to hot temperatures all summer long. The hot weather can contribute to the damage in the young plants especially if it wasn’t constantly watered yet. If you prefer Fall planting, check your shrubs first.

Conclusion

The Spring season is a good start for new trees to grow in its younger stage. It gives more time to prepare the roots and just the right condition to retain the water necessities of the young plant. There’s a wider selection of young shrubs fresh to choose from and it’s a good time for you to go out from the long cold winter nights inside.

Team up with Trees Down Under for your garden needs!

Trees Down Under is your tree expert around. If you need help in your Spring tree planting needs, we are here to offer you our hands. Planting your tree no matter what time of the year, should never be as hard as you think. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your tree planting escapades in Sydney! We will be there with you.

We offer tree services like tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding and more.

Call us at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. Book your next tree removal job or request a quote here.

The Best Shade Trees for Your Backyard

One of the first lessons we learned about trees when we were young is that trees absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and provide us with oxygen. On that note, you should understand how important and beneficial it is to have trees in your yard. One highly recommended type of trees for Australian homes is shade trees. 

As its name suggests, shade trees provide a screen or shade from the sun, especially during the hot and humid summers in the country. As a result, it can protect you from harmful UV rays and provide a cooling effect for your yard. Furthermore, shade trees can also cool your home so you can save on your air-conditioning and cooling expenses.

There are plenty of shade trees available in Australia to choose from. To help you pick, we have listed below the top 10 shade trees you can plant in your backyard.

1.  Magnolia “Teddy Bear”

Among the Magnolia cultivars available in Australia, the Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is perfect for the sunny seasons. This cute and compact tree can go as a feature tree or shade tree in any garden, big or small. Moreover, the Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ boasts of its glossy dark-green leaves with a bronze underside to add colours and life to your yard.

2. Japanese Maple

Another favourite shade tree for Australian backyards is the Japanese Maple. More than providing a cooling screen for your home in the summer, this tree also offers an eye-catching display of colours in the autumn season. 

3. Tulipwood

Tulipwood is an excellent evergreen for a medium-sized yard. The pleasant and rich foliage of this tree will be an attractive addition to your backyard since the Tulipwood is popularly known as an ornamental tree.

4. Cercis “Forest Pansy”

This tree is probably one of the most in-demand shade trees for any backyard. The Forest Pansy has a V-shaped form and a lovely purple foliage that offers informal screening. Moreover, the foliage of this tree changes with the season, from burgundy in spring, to purple-tinged green in summer, and gold and peach in autumn. 

5. Lilly Pilly

Lilly Pilly is also deserving of a spot in the shade trees to plant in your yard. Whether a shrub or a tree, Lilly Pillies are known for its lush and dense foliage which creates an excellent screen or shade, which is why this tree is ideal for hedging and informal screening

6. Dwarf Flowering Gum

This dwarf Eucalyptus tree is known for its relatively small stature which only ranges from 3 m to 6 m. Nevertheless, the canopy of this tree can still produce shade that can screen your yard from the harsh sunlight. Aside from informal screening, the Dwarf Flowering Gum is also popular for its large vibrant flowers which come in the various colours such as white, pink, red and orange.

7. Tahitian Lime

Another shade tree to consider for your yard is the Tahitian Lime tree. This medium-sized citrus tree has glossy evergreen leaves that grow into a thick foliage, making it ideal for hedging. More than that, this tree will be perfect for your yard since it bears flowers and citrus fruits that can be harvested any time.

8. Tree Waratah

The tree Waratah or Red Silky Oak can offer your backyard a cool shady spot in the summer due to its dense foliage and spreading canopy. Moreover, this tree can be a feature and ornamental tree, especially in the spring when its large and vibrant red flowers bloom.

9. Golden Robinia

Golden Robinia is an attractive shade tree to place in your backyard. This fast-growing deciduous tree has a bright green foliage and a round form that offers a soft screen from the sun. The Golden Robinia tree also provides an attractive colour exhibit from its golden yellow autumn leaves and white fragrant flowers in the spring.

10. Yellow box

This shade tree is common in Australia as a street tree. However, the Yellow box or Eucalyptus melliodora, is also an excellent backyard tree. With its wide canopy and oval foliage form, this evergreen tree can provide you with a large backyard shade during sunny days.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why you should plant trees in your backyard. Aside from adding value and beauty to your outdoor space, they can also offer fresh air and cooler surroundings. Shade trees, in particular, offer a screen and cooling shade in your backyard during the sunny and hot seasons. 

If you’re looking for the best shade trees for your garden in Sydney, our expert landscapers at Trees Down Under can help you choose and plan your backyard garden layout. Call us anytime at 0475 463 597 so you can consult with our expert team. We provide expert tree services and gardening needs.

Backyard Planting: Trees with Invasive Roots

To many homeowners who have the time, doing the gardening in their backyard is a relaxing activity. It allows them to take a break from their busy lives by doing something at their own pace. Moreover, communing with nature is also a great way to boost mood and mental health.

One gardening activity that is healthy and beneficial is planting trees. If you think your garden lacks a vertical aspect, adding trees will be a good idea. Not only can trees beautify your garden and improve your curb appeal, but they can also offer you shade, fresh air, and fruits. 

What Trees in Australia Have Invasive Roots?

Not all trees are desirable to plant in your backyard. In fact, you should avoid planting trees which can cause problems, such as those with invasive roots. To give you an idea which tree species in Australia have aggressive roots, we have listed a few of them below.

Camphor Laurel

Camphor Laurel is one of the highly invasive tree species in Australia. Although it’s a lovely shade tree, you would not want this in your backyard because it can self-fertilise and grow like a weed. On top of that, Camphor Laurel also has invasive roots that are notorious for damaging sewerage pipes. 

Poplar

The roots of Poplar trees can spread up to 3x the height of the tree, and they can even surface. The reason behind this aggressiveness is thirst; Poplar roots grow extensively in search of water. However, this can destroy drainage systems, pavements, and foundations. 

Golden Robinia

Golden Robinia is also not an ideal tree to plant for your yard, especially if you only have a small outdoor space. This tree is best planted in large gardens due to its invasive and fast-growing root system. Golden Robinia trees also have thorns and brittle branches which can be a safety hazard. Moreover, this tree grows rapidly that it requires frequent maintenance and pruning.

Pride of Bolivia

This gorgeous tree also has an extensive root system which, like Poplar, is because it’s searching for water. Thus, if you have leaking taps and pipes in your backyard, the Pride of Bolivia tree will poke into them and magnify the damage. Moreover, the aggressive root system of this tree can also impair your driveway, retaining wall, foundation, house, and other structures. 

Willows

If you’re planning to plant Willow trees in your backyard, you have to know that this tree has invasive roots that can damage your properties such as water pipes, house foundations, and pavements. Furthermore, you might need to do frequent cleaning especially in the fall and spring as catkins and leaves shed off the tree.

What To Do If You Have Trees With Invasive Roots in Your Backyard

You’ve probably added trees in your yard in hope of adding value to your property and enhancing your home’s curb appeal. However, if you’ve planted the wrong trees, such as those with extensive root structures, you’ll get the opposite of what you want. Invasive roots can be extremely disastrous, so here are a few things that might help you deal with your tree problems.

Install root barriers

Prevent roots from spreading and invading structures that they might destroy. 

Trim the aggressive roots

Contact an expert arborist to help you reduce the overgrown roots. Doing so on your own can harm or even kill the tree in danger. Make sure that after cutting, you nourish the tree and give it time to heal. 

Remove the tree

Another option you could do if you have trees with invasive roots is to cut down the entire tree before it could even damage your property. If you need a tree removal expert, Trees Down Under has a team of certified arborists who can handle the tree removal job for you.

Conclusion

Although the above-mentioned trees are charming to place in your backyard, you should resist the temptation. Trees with invasive roots may look discreet, but the roots underground can cause damages to pipelines, sidewalks, buildings, and other properties. 

Hence, as much as possible, you should opt for trees with small root systems and avoid those with invasive ones. Besides, there are plenty of non-problematic trees you can choose from for your backyard garden. You can consult with our expert landscapers here at Trees Down Under to help you pick out trees, shrubs, grass, and plants for your outdoor space. 

Feel free to contact us at 0475 463 597 for residential tree and garden services. 

Best Trees for Any Backyard in Australia

Trees can take the homeyness of any house to greater heights. Aside from offering cleaner and fresher air, trees also add value to your home. It provides beautification for your yard so you can unwind and relax at home. 

Even so, you shouldn’t place just any kind of tree in your yard. You need to pick out the tree that best fits the style and architecture of your house as well as your garden landscape. Moreover, you also need to consider your local climate in Australia and other conditions that affect trees, such as seasonal changes, sunlight and water.

Best Trees for Australian Backyards

With hundreds of tree species present in Australia, you may find it difficult to choose which ones will suit your backyard. Regardless, there are also tree species that can go in any homes in Australia. Here are the top choices of trees perfect for any Australian backyard.

Magnolia

There are several varieties of Magnolia tree you can choose from, but among the top picks are the evergreens “Little Gem” and “Teddy Bear” and the deciduous Magnolia variety. This tree boasts of its goblet-shaped flowers that come in various colours such as white, pink, purple, yellow, and crimson.

Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple tree is another species widely seen around Australia. This tree offers a magnificent display of colours in the autumn and a fresh new look in the spring. Various cultivars also offer a wide range of leaf shapes, colours, and crown shapes.

Ashes

The Golden Ash and Claret Ash Trees are popular shade trees for Australian backyard gardens. Ashes offer dynamic colours that change with the seasons, with the Golden Ash turning golden yellow in the autumn and spring and the Claret Ash to burgundy.

Red Silky Oak

Tree Waratah or Red Silky Oak is another backyard favourite of many Australian homeowners. This medium-sized evergreen tree can grow in a wide range of soil types and can withstand the mild winters of Australia. Moreover, this tree produces bright red flowers in spring and offers shade for your backyard all year round. 

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe Myrtles also deserves a spot in any Australian backyard. All varieties of this tree grow in the country, so you have plenty of options. Crepe Myrtles offer vibrant autumn colours and attractive crepe-like summer flowers that will definitely enhance your garden’s curb appeal during these seasons. Flowers are available in shades of pink, red, burgundy, lilac and white.

Frangipani

Frangipanis are known for their stunning and fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer. These flowers come in various colours ranging from white, pink and red. Aside from adding life and colour to your garden, Frangipanis are also a preferred backyard tree because they’re easy to grow, and they can go in both traditional and modern landscape. 

Ornamental Prunus

Flowering Prunus will suit any backyard in Australia due to its hardiness and adaptability. This tree offers a spectacular display of colours both in autumn and spring, with its vibrant autumn foliage and gorgeous white or pink floral blooms. 

Lilly Pilly

Another top choice for Australian backyards is the Lilly Pilly or Australian Cherries. Lilly Pilly is a shade tree that has thick foliage, white flowers, and edible purple or red fruits. Aside from its eye-catching feature, another plus factor of this tree is its hardy and fast-growing nature which is desired by many Australian backyard owners.

Conclusion

Each Australian home and backyard is unique, having its style and feel. Given that, it’s only fitting that you choose the right kinds of trees that will accentuate the beauty of your house and garden landscape. 

The tree species mentioned above are simply guides to help you choose the trees you can place in your yard. For specific and bespoke garden and tree solutions, we recommend that you consult with our arborists and landscapers at Trees Down Under.

Our expert team will help you pick the best backyard trees. Because we offer expert residential garden services, we can also help you determine how many trees are ideal for your outdoor space as well as the best arrangement and placement of these trees. Of course, we will consider your preference, budget, and lifestyle so you can have an aesthetically pleasing and functional garden.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space in Sydney with trees? Call us now at 0475 463 597 or fill up our easy contact form to avail of our services. 

Advanced Tree Felling Techniques Used by Pros

Most garden owners choose to plant trees to enhance the beauty of their garden space. Trees can bloom attractive and colourful foliage and flowers that could make passersby in awe. Furthermore, they can act as a boundary mark and security for your place – also known as hedge trees. 

However, there are times when trees are potential threats to the safety of your property and the neighbourhood. They are prone to fall when heavy winds and storms come or when vehicular accidents happen. That is why tree felling is crucial to avoid injuries and damage to properties as much as possible. 

What is Tree Felling?

Tree felling is the method of removing or cutting trees through its base trunk for creating products or preventing accidents in the community. Note that it is not a DIY task and requires professional arborists for a safe procedure. Moreover, the factors to consider are landing area, wind direction, species type, leaning position, terrain, and local laws and regulations.  

In NSW, at least 150 workers suffer due to tree work every year. So, careful planning and execution are essential to do the job explicitly and without faults. Today, Trees Down Under is here to teach advanced tree felling techniques used by pros to avoid improper cutting and accidents from happening. 

Traditional Method of Tree Felling

Before learning advanced tricks, it is vital to grasp the basic knowledge of tree felling. The traditional method involves a notch and a back cut on opposite sides. The angled chop, which is the notch, is the direction where the tree would fall. Meanwhile, the back cut eases the stress on the back part of the tree during felling.

The traditional method requires fellers to cut in the bottom portion of the trunk. While some might be comfortable with this procedure as it is the practice for many years, it could lead to the so-called barber chair. It means that before the fellers cut the hinge thin enough for the tree to bend, it divides vertically. That would mean, the direction of fall would not be controlled and may soon cause accidents.  

Advanced Tree Felling Techniques

In tree felling procedure, we don’t want to cause injuries to anyone. That’s why it is essential to know the right techniques. However, depending on the circumstance and environment, fellers need to know some advanced tree felling techniques. Here are some of them:

Bore Cut

One way to prevent the barber chair is through a bore cut. It uses a chainsaw to penetrate a cut through the centre of the trunk at right angles. In this way, the back part of the trunk would be more intact to hold the tree upright. 

Just a friendly reminder in using a bore cut, lead the saw with the bottom of the bar tip instead of the top. Then, when the bar tip is covered by wood, rotate the saw and plunge it through the tree. 

Tree Driving

Tree driving is like hitting two birds with one stone. It involves knocking down one tree to take down another. Both trees require partial cuts, or the second tree could have fallen and caught up in branches. 

The driving tree should be tall and heavy enough to take down the second tree. Also, it should ideally have a natural lean to make the other trees fall, suitably. But, note that fellers should take extra precaution and planning as it involves felling several trees.  

Felling Aids

After a standard notch and back cut, felling aids help trees to fall carefully and securely. Metal breaking bars can slip into the back cut and help fellers leverage the tree in its direction of fall. Furthermore, wedges, also placed in the back cut, can hold the tree and stop it from sitting back. Lastly, a sledgehammer can knock down a tree in its right direction, safely.  

Piece-By-Piece Removal

In cases of residential or commercial properties, professionals fell a tree piece by piece. After they secure the largest portion of the tree with a crane, they begin cutting branches and trunks. In this way, they can avoid damages to properties and the risk of hitting passersby.  

Back Pulling

Back pulling uses a winch system to pull a tree against its natural lean. In this way, dropping trees can avoid buildings and power lines. Moreover, it positions the tree better for the felling procedure. Professionals set the winch up as high as possible to control better the direction of the fall. 

Conclusion

Tree felling is the process of knocking and cutting down trees. Note that it is not as easy as it seems. Careful planning and the right methods are essential to do the job without accidents and damages to properties. But basic knowledge is not enough. Pros should practice advanced tree felling techniques for a more efficient and safe manner of handling tree removal. 

Here at Trees Down Under, we are your one call away friend for advanced tree felling procedures. Our team of professional arborists and fellers have years of experience to bring quality and top-notch tree services. 

We understand the hazards of tree felling. So, we make sure to do the job following the standard procedure and local regulations of the council. Moreover, we gear ourselves with the right tools and equipment to ensure the safety of the workers. 

Expect us to deliver top-rate and affordable tree felling services. Contact us now at 0475 463 597, or send us your enquiries via email. 

6 Special Tree Wedging Cuts for Difficult Trees

Trees provide balance in the ecosystem. They give off oxygen for humans and animals, and they absorb carbon dioxide, which is a harmful component of greenhouse gases. Did you know that a single tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for four people? As they bring fresh air and help clear pollutants, many garden owners are investing in planting them. 

However, along with their benefits, there are safety precautions needed. Trees can become fall hazards when car accidents happen, or heavy winds and storms approach. So, removing them might save lives and properties.    

But it is not an easy job. Each year, more than 150 people encounter injuries while conducting tree work. That’s why arborists need proper techniques and equipment. To prevent accidents, Trees Down Under is here to present six special tree wedging cuts for difficult trees.  

1. Hinge Cutting With a Wedge

Standard tree felling procedure involves making a notch and a back cut. Their ends meet near a hinge, which results in a falling tree in the notch direction. However in hinge cutting aided by a wedge, fellers tip them over with a back cut only, and the trunk remains attached to the stump. 

Most foresters use this technique to create habitat and food for deers. The tree can live for years if they leave a requisite amount of wood meat, which is a perfect place for deers to settle. 

2. Wedging Trees With a Back Lean

It is easier to fell a tree in its leaning direction. But if the position or surrounding does not allow it for safety reasons, then felling in the opposite direction is the right solution. With wedges and shims as tools to lift the trunk off the stump, one can fell a tree to an intended location. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut a notch out of the backside trunk of the tree where it leans forward.  
• Cut discs about 1.2cm in thickness from hardwood branches for the shims.
• Use two wedges side by side and hammer one to avoid a gap between it and the trunk of the tree.
• Put a shim in the space until it is tight. 
• Drive the shim in by pounding the wedge.
• In case the wedge comes loose before the tree falls, add a bigger shim in until the tree drops.

3. Quarter-Cut Back-Cut

Professional arborists or fellers use the quarter-cut back-cut technique in dealing with trees that have an exceedingly large diameter. It involves making the back cut in two movements. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

• From the back of the tree, chop the first quarter cut towards the hinge wood.
• After reaching the desired hinge wood width, slightly bore a saw to ensure an even hinge.
• Complete the second quarter cut from the other side of the tree until reaching the desired hinge wood width.
• Make sure that both cuts overlap.
• Insert a wedge on the first quarter cut to keep it open while cutting the second one. 
• Chop the final back cut, which is the safe side of the tree and away from the lean.

4. Split Level Back Cut

For leaning back trees with small diameters, split level back cut is ideal. Its procedure is the same as quarter-cut back-cut except that the final cut angles below and overlaps the first cut slightly. 

Setting up the wedge in the first cut helps in positioning the felling direction. Meanwhile, sloping the second cut minimises the risk of hitting the wedge with a saw. Then, it makes an even back cut on both sides of the tree. 

5. Heavy Forward Leaners

Heavy forward learners are trees that significantly angled more than usual. They are difficult to fell since barber chair – which vertically divides trees before they fall – would likely occur. To deal with this kind of tree, here are the steps to follow: 

• Make a shallow notch that is about a third of the diameter.
• Hold the saw bar horizontal to the plane of the notch and slightly above.
• Create a hinge and sufficient holding wood with a bore cut. 
• Make another bore cut on the other side of the tree.
• Ensure that the two bore cuts meet, leaving a strap of holding wood.
• Cut the back strap with a bore cut horizontally at 2.5cm to 5cm below.

6. Tree Felling of Medium-Sized Trees

Medium-sized trees also need care in terms of tree felling. In the case where the saw penetrates through the tree, the conventional method is enough. But adding wedges ensures more precise and accurate results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a standard notch on the side where the tree would fall.
• From the back of the tree, create a back cut up to the hinge wood.
• When the saw penetrated the trunk enough, insert one or two wedges into the back cut.
• Continue the back cut to drive the wedges in more.
• After reaching the hinge wood, stop the saw and drive the wedge until the tree begins to fall.

Conclusion

Tree felling is not as easy as it sounds. It requires professional knowledge and tools for a safe and accident-free finish. Moreover, some difficult trees need more care than usual. With the presented six special tree wedging cuts, fellers should use them for a more efficient and secure tree felling procedure. 

Here at Trees Down Under, we understand the need for a safe and hassle-free tree removal. Our team of professional fellers and arborists trained special techniques in tree felling to give you top-rate and excellent services. 

So, if you encounter any tree and garden concerns, don’t hesitate to call us. At the earliest time possible, our friendly staff will be at your place, equipped with the right tools and machinery.   

We provide garden solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Contact us at 0475 463 597, or send your enquiries via email.

Benefits of Pruning Your Plants Regularly

Plants need regular aftercare to thrive. Pruning your plants is one of the best maintenance steps for all kinds of plants. All kinds of plants need necessities to survive. However, going beyond and giving maintenance procedures from time to time brings more advantage than you can think of. The benefits of pruning outweigh the time-to-time effort you need to put in. Prune your plants to bring in the good results you want to see in its growth.

Better sunlight reach and air circulation

As plants grow bigger, they sometimes grow denser too. Leaves may start to cover the inside and prevent the required sunlight for everything else inside. As such, pruning serves as the trim that thins out some parts of the shrub to allow for more sunlight to reach. Pruning also allows better air circulation as leaves, branches, or any form of blockage is taken away from the shrub. Pruned plants grow better when all parts receive the proper amount of its necessities to grow.

Eliminates present disease

Diseases are also very prominent among plants. What’s worse is that some diseases spread very quickly to other parts of the shrub and even the surrounding plants nearby. Stop the spread of disease by pruning your plants from time to time. Pruning cuts out parts that can make the plant sick and contagious. Prune your plants to control any disease outbreak that can ruin your lawn.

More fruit production

Pruning promotes fruiting among trees. In fruiting plants, less is more. As branches, twigs and stems lessen from pruning steps, there is less competition among remaining parts which stimulates fruiting. Better rooting system transports the proper amount of nutrients necessary for the plant to thrive. This allows the plant to have more healthy resources available to support fruit production during the fruiting season.

Lengthens lifespan

Pruning prevents the spread of the disease that can potentially kill the plant. When you cut all the unhealthy parts out, the life span of the plant is longer. With having less disease and more resources available within the plant, the health of the plant gets better. Give your plants a pruning during its ideal season to strengthen it and keep it alive and healthy longer.

Fresher look and better view

Pruning also serves as a grooming and tidying procedure for most plants. It’s like giving your plants regular haircuts that allow for a fresher and healthier grow over time. This keeps the plant neat by keeping the natural shape and figure all the time. Make your plants appear better and more beautiful by giving it a prune. This can add to the visual quality of the surrounding area in your lawn.

Growth correction

If there is a portion of the plant that doesn’t grow well i.e. growth direction, irregular growth spurts, etc. pruning is necessary. The growth of the plant influences the shape and size that it will take in the future. Proper light penetration is only beneficial to the overall growth of the plant if it allows the plant to grow correctly. This happens when the light penetrates all parts equally.

Conclusion

Pruning may seem like a hassle especially if you don’t have the time and the effort to do it. However, it brings more advantage to the plant as it grows older. Pruning improves overall plant health and brings it to the best growing condition. Pruning also keeps your lawns healthy especially in the colder seasons. Professionals are always around to help you achieve your ideal plant. Trees Down Under can do it for you.

Book Trees Down Under!

Your time is essential, and the same applies to plants as well. The younger you start to prune your plants within its most beneficial time for pruning, the better it grows in the future. Trees Down Under can be your helping hand in achieving this goal for all plants. Keep your plants well-maintained and healthy by booking us for pruning services. We are available 24/7. 

Call us today at 0475 463 597 or send your enquiries via email. You can also book online using our easy online booking form.

How to Prune Your Shrubs The Easy Way

If you’ve been doing garden landscapes and plant care a lot, then you probably have an idea of what pruning is. If not, then it is something new to learn. Pruning is another step in garden or landscape maintenance. Pruning is quite similar to trimming. When you prune, you’re essentially cutting away dead parts of the shrub or removing any overgrowth. Pruning is key in making sure that the shrub grows in a healthy manner and in the fashion that you want.

For anybody’s first time to prune, things are new. As such, pruning might be more difficult than expected. To make things easier, there are tons of tips and easy additions you can do to make sure that pruning turns more productive and fun than expected. Experts and professionals like Trees Down Under are around to give you a hand in making sure that pruning becomes a beneficial and sensible step in maintaining your garden. Apply these easy ways to make pruning enjoyable!

Prune shrubs timely

There is a right time to prune shrubs. Each species of shrub has its own time of the year for a more efficient pruning. Each shrub has its own season for productive growth that influences how the shrub grows. Know your shrub well and time your pruning session to maximise the shrub, especially if it is the flowering kind. When you prune the shrub during an unideal time, you might end up losing the shrub’s bloom or fruit of the year. So when is it ideal to prune shrubs?

• For flowering shrubs that bloom in the early spring, prune them right after blooming
• For flowering shrubs that bloom in the summer, prune them in the early spring
• For non-flowering shrubs, prune after the event of new growth in the shrubs.

Angle the snip properly

Assess first your shrub and make sure that you set apart the growth that doesn’t suit your shrub. For more air and sunlight coverage within the shrub, prune the branch right above the new growth of the branch. Angle the snip properly. You wouldn’t want the cut to be too flat, too high or too angular. This will influence the following growth of the branch. Use a 45-degree angle cut with the lowest part the farthest from the new growth. The cleaner the cut, the faster your shrub heals.

Use the proper tools for pruning shrubs

Using the proper tools also makes pruning easier. Prepare your tools beforehand. Look at the equipment and assess the sharpness or bluntness of the blade. If your shrubs are higher than expected, invest in good pruning equipment that can reach higher heights.

• Pruning shears can prune branches of up to ¾ inches in thickness.
• Loppers can handle thicker branches and twigs of up to 2.5 inches in thickness.
• Pruning saws have different capacities. Some can handle 1.5 inches while other pruning saws can cut as much as 5 inches thickness.
• Pole pruners can reach higher places. Some can reach up to 8 feet high and can cut as much as 1.25 in diameter. Pole pruners need regular maintenance with oil. Check the blades for rust too.

Conclusion

Easy pruning comes with the proper preparation before pruning the shrubs. To make pruning more manageable, know your shrub first. Check your tools for sharper blades for smaller cutters and well-lubricated mechanisms for the pole pruners. When you snip during the ideal season, angle properly with around 45 degrees in its cut. Contact arborists to make sure that your shrubs are growing well.

Talk to Trees Down Under!

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to taking care of shrubs or you’re experienced in shrub care. Trees Down Under is always available to offer help and service for any kind shrub. As a team with more than thirty years of experience, we are here to give you a pruning hand. We offer our garden solutions along with our pruning services for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us! We are available 24/7!

Call us today at 0475 463 597 or send your enquiries via email. You can also book online using our easy online booking form.

Quick and Easy Manual Hedge Trimming Techniques

Hedge trimming is one of the maintenance steps crucial in keeping your hedges in a good shape. Trimming cuts out the overgrowth and the excess parts of any hedges, keeping it less dense. As your hedge grows over time, the ample amount of sunlight hardly reaches the inside of a hedge. The same issue is present as moisture and other needs of the shrub lessen with the hedge’s slow growth. Any hedge must get a trim once in a while.

Hedge trimming requires effort and additional expense for you as you start your journey on becoming a green thumb. So, the question is, what are some things you can do to keep things at a budget but still maintain the lush and healthy look of your hedge? You can opt to do things on your own. The only thing you need is the proper techniques coupled with your effort in doing things the old-fashioned way – manually.

Scheduling hedge trims

Hedges have two growing phases every year. Schedule hedge trims after these growing phases so as not to quickly grow over newly shaped hedges during the growing scene. In general, you can schedule hedge trims somewhere along the summer and spring season. This is especially applicable to flowering hedges and shrubs that grow over rapid during the summer. For other hedges that don’t have specific growing periods, you can cut them anytime. Avoid bird nesting seasons when you trim your hedge.  

Preparing the tools needed

Prepare the proper tools when you decide to have your hedge trims. Make sure that the blades of your shears are sharp enough for the overgrowth of the hedge. Sharp blades can give a more definite cut on your hedge which can help with healthy growth for the succeeding seasons. This also prevents unhealthy cuts that can affect the welfare of your hedge. 

Setting layout and boundaries

Set up boundaries so that your hedge trimming session has a guide to keep the hedge growth in line. Use a string and set up a stand from end to end on the lower part of the ground. Use another length of string and tie it higher than the first string. This can create layers that will set as your boundary the higher the hedge goes. 

Techniques on hedge trimming

There are specific trimming techniques that can make manual hedge trimmings more efficient and effective. These are some of the techniques you can choose from. Make sure that what you apply is proper and applicable to the type of hedge you have. This way, your hedge grows better and lusher in the following seasons before the next trim. 

Pinching – a method that keeps hedges on more stimulated bushiness. To apply pinching to a hedge, remove the terminal buds of the hedge. While it initially removes these buds, the delay in the flowering means a more beautiful growing and flowering in the long run. Don’t pinch more mature plants or woody shrubs. 

Shearing – a technique that involves trimming of the hedge is more focused on the outer parts. This is more crucial if you want to follow a shape for your hedges. Shear off outer parts of the hedge to your desired shape. Make sure to shear off far away from the buds of the shrub. 

Thinning – helps in keeping the hedge less dense. remove selected stems or branches. Cutting these branches and stems should be from the origin from within the hedge. If there’s a particularly annoying branch sticking out, apply thinning technique to have the undesired growth from the hedge. 

Heading – to grow denser foliage in the future, cut the buds that are above or a little bit over than the leaves. 

Wear safety equipment

Wear proper safety equipment to make sure that you have protection when you trim your hedge. Your safety and protection are still more important than hedge trimming any season of the year. When you trim, always have the following:

• Protective goggles to protect your eyes from splinters from cutting
• Protective gloves to prevent small cuts from spikes or thorns
• Overalls to protect your clothes from damage 

Conclusion

Doing things your own can be simple and easy by following some techniques and tips from experts like Trees Down Under. Make sure that you prepare well before starting your hedge trim. If things don’t go according to your plan or desire, you might end up spending more to recuperate from some hedge trimming mistakes. 

Talk to Trees Down Under!

Trees Down Under is your partner in keeping your hedge in shape. Make sure to talk to professional arborists who can give you the advice that your hedge will benefit from. If you don’t have time to do things manually, you can always work with you. We have been around for more than three decades giving the most efficient and professional hedge trimming services for your lawn. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Contact us at 0475 463 597 or send us your enquiries via email. You can also request for a quote by clicking here.