The northern latitudes of our continent are cool during the winter months when the sun is in the southern hemisphere. This time of year we want the warming effects of the sun to reduce the energy usage of our homes …
How can I measure the dollar amount of savings from tree shade on my power bill?
While there are many variables to account for, such as climate, home insulation, HVAC type, etc., research conducted at Auburn University found that with 17% shade on your house, your power bill will decrease by $10 per summer month (when …
How can I find a good tree care professional?
Look for an arborist with professional credentials, such as certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborist. Request references for work that the professional has done that is …
Will tree roots crack my home's foundation?
Modern foundation construction tends to leave the soil in and around the foundation very dry and compacted, virtually eliminating both moisture and air. The good news is that this type of environment is not at all desirable for tree roots. …
What is an urban heat island?
Cities are often referred to as urban heat islands. This is due to the lack of vegetation in city centers when compared to suburban, exurban and rural areas.
Buildings, asphalt, and concrete absorb solar energy, resulting in the emission of …
Is it possible to make a tree stop producing so many seed/fruit?
Some trees, such as sweet gum, have an infamous reputation when it comes to the kind and amount of fruit they make. The best solution to this problem is to avoid this in the first place by selecting species or …
Should I fertilize my trees?
Fertilization can often benefit trees, but not always. Fertilizers should only be applied following a soil test to determine which, if any, nutrients are lacking. The soil test, along with ANSI A300 (Part 2), will provide you with the …
Are trees ever weeds? How can I find out if a particular tree is a weed?
A weed is a plant out of place or not desired in the given context. By that definition, a tree can be a weed if it is planted in the wrong place, if it seeds on its own in an …
How do I plant a windbreak?
A windbreak can provide protection from winter winds and help conserve energy through reduced heating costs.
Block prevailing winter winds that generally come from the north or northwest by planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the north or northwest side …
How do trees "heal" after they have been wounded?
Trees and woody plants don’t heal. A healed wound has had the tissue repaired or replaced, which would be evidenced by a scab or scar on skin. Trees are not capable of replacing or repairing damaged tissue, but instead, they …