Arborist Tree Trimming: Everything You Need to Know

Is it time to trim your trees? Instead of reaching for a pair of shears, you may want to contact a professional instead. When done by an experienced arborist, tree trimming can enhance both the appearance and health of your plants.

Here’s what you need to know about the tree service:

Tree Trimming vs. Tree Pruning

Though “trimming” and “pruning” are often used interchangeably, the services do have some differences.

Tree trimming is mostly done for aesthetic reasons. It involves removing parts of trees, hedges, and shrubs in order to maintain a certain shape and look. This is key for retaining the beauty of your landscape.

After all, without regular trimming, plants can become overgrown and untidy. The service gives them a neat, clean appearance while removing branches that may prevent moisture and light from reaching nearby plants.

Tree pruning also enhances a tree’s structure and shape. However, its main goal is to promote good health by removing dead and infected branches. (Otherwise, insects and disease can easily spread and kill the tree.) This increases the tree’s lifespan and reduces hazards, since damaged branches are more likely to fall.

Why Hire an Arborist for Tree Trimming

Contrary to popular belief, tree trimming isn’t as simple as clipping away a few branches.

The practice should be done in a strategic and careful manner. Specifically, a tree needs to be trimmed in a way that maintains its health and promotes growth.

With that said, it’s a good idea to leave tree trimming to the pros. A certified arborist will know precisely where and how to trim a tree. They’ll also have the right tools for the job, as different techniques may call for different equipment.

An arborist will also know how to trim a tree safely, which is especially important if you need to trim taller or older trees.

Arborist Tree Trimming Cost

The cost of tree trimming depends on several factors, including:

• Type of tree
• Tree height
• Accessibility of tree
• Your location
• Your specific design requests
• Time needed for the job

Contact Friendly Tree for a quote based on your needs and property.

Tree Trimming Services in Northern New Jersey

Our experienced arborists are ready to improve the appearance and health of your trees through a range of services. We offer arborist tree trimming—along with tree pruning, tree removal, and tree planting.

To learn more, call Friendly Tree at (973) 678-8888 or request a quote online. We proudly serve South Orange, Montclair, Rutherford, Union, and Morristown.

How Much Does Bark Blowing Cost?

If you’re thinking about installing bark mulch, bark blowing is the way to go.

The method uses the force of compressed air, which swiftly moves bark through a hose. The result is a quick and smooth application that leaves your existing landscape undamaged. What’s more, bark blowing is faster than manual installation—which means you’ll save time and money.

But how much does bark blowing cost? To get an idea of your total fee, consider the following factors:

Installation Cost

In general, bark mulch installation costs $45 per cubic yard. This is in addition to the price of mulch, which we’ll explain further below. 

Cost of Bark Mulch

The price of mulch varies by type. For example, colored mulch costs less than cedarwood mulch, which is more durable and long-lasting.

If you’re overwhelmed by the different types of mulch, get in touch with Friendly Tree. Our experts can suggest the best choice based on your price range and landscaping needs.

We also offer mulch products between $18 to $47 per cubic yard, so there’s something for every budget. 

Size of Application Area

Since mulch is priced and applied by cubic yards, you can estimate the cost by considering the size of your mulch beds.

Not a fan of math? Don’t worry. On each of our mulch product pages, you’ll find a handy tool that computes the total estimated yardage needed. Simply enter the dimensions of each mulch bed, and let the tool do the rest. You can see an example on our page for natural cedar mulch.

Distance Between Area and Truck

Finally, the distance between your mulch bed and truck affects the total cost. Our hoses are 300 feet long, so we can easily access remote spaces on your property. This includes areas up or down hills, inside courtyards, or behind walls.

Of course, we will place the truck in the most strategic location possible. But if your application area is more than 200 feet away, we can add another 100 feet of hose. This costs $175 for every 100 feet per 20 cubic yards.

Interested in Professional Bark Blowing? Call Friendly Tree for Bulk Pricing

As a personalized service, the cost of bark blowing can vary greatly. However, Friendly Tree is happy to provide a quote; simply contact us online or call (973) 678-8888. We also have bulk pricing and discounts.

Friendly Tree offers other tree services as well. Whether you need tree planting or tree pruning in northern New Jersey, our team is here to help.

Air Spade Services: What to Expect

An Air Spade is a heavy-duty excavation tool that’s used by professional arborists. It utilizes compressed air to loosen and remove soil, which allows safe access to a tree’s root system.

Compared to digging with a traditional spade, using an Air Spade is an ideal alternative. It’s faster and safer, for arborists and trees alike.

The expert arborists at Friendly Tree offer Air Spade services in New Jersey. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment.

Air Spade Uses

Arborists use Air Spades to excavate soil around a tree. The high-pressure air effectively breaks up the particles without damaging the sensitive roots.

Specifically, an Air Spade may be used for the following purposes:

• Preparing a site for tree planting
• Fixing soil compaction
• Root collar excavation
• Root and tree inspections
• Diagnosing tree diseases
• Digging trenches for construction or utility projects
• Excavation of trees planted too deep
• Adding soil mixes
• Vertical mulching
• Root pruning

Using an Air Spade is also ideal for working with soil around existing buried objects, like utility lines.

What to Expect During Air Spade Services

When your arborist uses an Air Spade, the exact procedure will depend on why they’re using it in the first place. However, here’s what you can generally expect during the service:

1. Soil Preparation

You’ll need to water the soil to be aerated a day or two before your appointment. This will speed up the process, as moist soil is easier to break apart. It will also prevent excess soil from blowing away.

2. Clearing the Area

During your scheduled service, your arborist will remove shrubs, flowers, or grass from the work area. This will give them full access to the soil.

If possible, we recommend removing what you can before your appointment. Again, this will help things move things along. You might also want to hold on to any plants you want to keep and relocate.

3. Plan Ahead

Although Air-Spade services are quick and convenient, they can be noisy. If you have kids or pets who are sensitive to loud noises, you might want to make plants to ensure they aren’t present. Likewise, if you work from home, consider taking the day off (if possible) or working from a different location during your appointment.

4.Backfilling

If the excavated area is very deep but can’t be refilled right away, your arborist may backfill the space with coarse mulch or medium-sized stones. These materials offer air circulation around the roots.

Call Friendly Tree for Air Spade Services in New Jersey

Thanks to the trusty Air-Spade, Friendly Tree can remove or aerate the soil without damaging your existing trees. This is especially useful during root excavation services, along with the other purposes mentioned above.

If you’re unsure how to prepare your property for Air Spadework, feel free to reach out. We can explain what to expect during Air-Spade services and estimate how long the process will take.

Friendly Tree is also proud to offer tree removal, tree pruning, and more. To learn more about our residential tree services, call us at (973) 678-8888 or request a quote online.

We Deliver and Install Your Mulch with Our Mulch Blowing Service

Did you know Friendly Tree does more than just tree pruning and removal? We love everything about trees and plant life, and we do our best to help you keep your lawn and garden as healthy and beautiful as it can be.

While we do offer a wide range of tree and shrub services, from inspections and consulting to planting, pruning, shaping, and stump removal, we also offer mulch installation and blowing services to help nourish and protect your yard.

What are the benefits of using mulch?

Laying down mulch offers a multitude of benefits for your residential or commercial property.

In addition to making your landscaping more attractive, mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil around your trees and in your garden beds. And, as mulch breaks down over time, it helps provide nutrients to your trees and plants.

Mulch also protects against weeds and pests, and surrounding your plants and shrubs with mulch can help to protect them against changes in temperature—keeping plants cooler in the summer months and warmer during the winter months.

Finally, mulch helps to reduce erosion by acting as a barrier to protect the soil underneath from the impact of watering, heavy rain, and wind.

What is the best way to prepare your lawn and garden for mulch?

If you are considering installing mulch as part of your landscaping, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the installation process goes smoothly. Once you choose the area (or areas) where you want to use mulch, clear away any weeds, dead leaves, branches, or other debris.

Next, rake the area so that the surface is flat and even. This will ensure even layers and help you avoid using too much mulch.

Why go it alone? Trust the experts at Friendly Tree.

Our mulch delivery and installation services save you the time and backbreaking work of purchasing mulch, hauling all those heavy bags, and spreading your mulch by hand. Plus, our professionals know how to apply mulch neatly and attractively to help your property stand out. Although each mulch project is unique, here is a brief overview of what you can expect:

The Friendly Tree team will help you choose the best mulch product for your needs and determine how much mulch you need. Prior to delivery, we will keep a close eye on the weather and any other factors that may prevent proper installation. If everything looks good, we will show up on delivery day with your mulch on our truck.

Before we get started, our technicians will talk to you to confirm your installation requests. We will then transport the mulch to the designated areas and apply it evenly, either by hand or using a process called mulch blowing, which uses a durable hose powered by air pressure to quickly and efficiently install your mulch. (You can learn more here about the benefits of mulch blowing and how it works.)

If needed, we will also mulch your trees and edge your garden beds to ensure the mulch stays in place. We make sure to clean up and leave your property exactly as we found it, and we will talk to you once the installation is complete to provide tips for ongoing mulch maintenance and answer any questions you may have.

It’s never too early to start thinking about mulching.

Although the ideal time to mulch is in the spring, it is always a good idea to be looking ahead and considering the needs of your lawn and garden. Thinking about it now will give you time to choose the type and color of the mulch you want, plus you can contact us at any time for a friendly consultation.

Friendly Tree offers professional mulching services in Orange, Montclair, Madison, Rutherford, Union, New Providence, and Morristown. For more information, fill out our online form or call us at (973) 678-8888.

Mulch Installation Near Me: Why Spread By Hand When We Can Blow Mulch For You?

In the era of YouTube videos and how-to articles, many people take the DIY route for projects around the home. This is especially true when it comes to mulching, one of the best ways to beautify your property and suppress those pesky weeds.

Yet, if you want to get the most out of your mulch, it’s worth heading to Google and searching for “mulch installation near me.” Here’s why.

The Problem with Applying Mulch by Hand

Contrary to popular belief, installing mulch isn’t about spreading it on soil and calling it a day. The process requires a specific technique to ensure it serves its purpose.

When doing it by hand, common mulching mistakes include:

• Not removing weeds first. Before installing mulch, weeds need to be removed. A weed barrier should also be installed underneath the mulch.
• Using the wrong type of mulch. You might be surprised to learn that all mulch isn’t equal. The best choice depends on your existing plants and trees.
• Mulching at the wrong time of year. Yes, there’s a right and wrong time to apply mulch. Again, this depends on how you’re using the mulch.
• Applying too much. With mulching, more isn’t necessarily better. In general, you’ll only need 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
• Mulching a volcano. On a similar note, adding too much mulch against the trunk of a tree can cause damage. This is called a mulch volcano.
• Applying uneven layers. The mulch around the tree should also be spread out in an even layer.

Benefits of Professional Mulch Installation

In addition to the potential mishaps that come with hand mulching, it’s also a back-breaking process. Plus, it’s very time consuming, especially if you have a large property.

That’s where our mulch blowing services come in. During an installation, we use air pressure and a flexible hose to apply the mulch.

Compared to hand mulching, mulch blowing is:

• Cleaner
• Quicker
• Cheaper
• Less wasteful
• More efficient

It also allows us to apply mulch in an even layer, one of the most important aspects of a successful mulch installation.

Contact Friendly Tree for Mulch Blowing Services in New Jersey

If you’re looking for a professional mulch application, you might wonder: “Are there mulch installation services near me?” Well, if you live in northern New Jersey, you’ll be happy to know that Friendly Tree is around the corner. We proudly serve Orange, Montclair, Madison, Rutherford, Union, Morriston, and New Providence.

Our team of certified arborists also offers tree care services, like pruning and planting. For a free quote, contact us at (973) 678-8888.