Arbor Day 2021

Arbor Day has never been more important than in 2021. With changes in climate being a topic on many people’s minds, and the changes to our local environments, everyone can do their part by repopulating their areas with tree planting. From your local neighborhood, all the way to the Amazon Rainforest, planting a tree this Arbor day can help the environment and make your front yard more visually appealing.

How Did Arbor Day Start?

Originally started In the 1870’s Arbor Day has been radically transformed and has taken on a very different meaning. What initially was meant as a program for Nebraska to start repopulating lost trees, has turned into an international holiday that millions participate in every year.

The Morton family moved to Nebraska in the mid 1800’s and quickly started to recognize the importance of trees and plants in their surroundings. J. Sterling Morton, the father in said family, began writing and editing for the first newspaper in Nebraska and often mentioned that more trees would provide benefits to the land and its residents. The state government of Nebraska took notice and eventually made it a state holiday. The first of its kind! Other surrounding states quickly saw the benefits and started the tradition of planting trees each year on the last Friday in April as well. Today, all 50 states and Puerto Rico now have state holidays for Arbor Day along with 43+ more countries celebrating nationally around the globe!

The Benefits of Planting Trees this Arbor Day

Planting trees around your house has benefits to your wallet too, not only can it increase the value of your property by 7-19% according to HGTV, and they can also help with keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter by up to 25% according to the Department of Energy.

Proper tree conservation and planting help with soil conservation and nutrition, water filtering, reduces dust storms, grows edible food, captures carbon, and can protect crops and animals from hard-to-handle weather.

Tree roots are one of nature’s ways of purifying water whether around your house, for rivers and streams, they also stop erosion from happening which can change the topography of the land quickly to keep your yard looking great!

While also helping the environment, trees can help us in other ways too! Trees often provide commonly eaten nuts and fruits for you and your family to eat. Many people remember growing up with fruit trees in their parents or grandparents back yards. In addition to the benefits to your bottom line mentioned above there’s nothing quite like recreating those memories with your own children and seeing the “fruits” of your labor with a fruit or nut tree of your own.

Changes in Climate are Expected

What matters now more than ever when it comes to tree planting is preparing your home for changes in climate. Even one tree can change the ecosystem around your house, providing shelter for local animals like hummingbirds, and producing shade to keep your family and pets cool in the summer.  Being apart of Arbor Day 2021 goes much further than your yard though. Over 250 million Arbor Day trees have been planted with over 43 different countries participating! All the way to Egypt actively fighting back the encroaching desertification with the Great Green Wall. To China’s Arbor Day on March 12th with weddings commonly being held the day before to start a new relationship and new life with the planting of trees.

No matter your what or why for planting trees this Arbor Day, Friendly Tree can help, and you can have an impact to your bottom line, property value, and local ecosystem. If you are interested Contact Us Here to see how we can get you the trees you need this Arbor Day, or any day this year!

Air Spade: How it Works

Friendly Tree is proud to offer a wide range of tree services, including professional root excavation. This involves removing soil around a tree’s roots with a tool called an Air Spade.

By using the Air Spade, our team can access and examine the root system without causing tissue damage. Not sure how it works? Ahead, learn about the Air Spade and how it can help your trees.

How an Air Spade Works

The Air Spade is an excavation device that’s used by professional arborists. It’s a heavy-duty handheld tool that consists of a long stick, or barrel, with a nozzle at one end. The other side is attached to an air compressor, which releases high-pressure air through the barrel.

By the time it reaches the nozzle, the compressed air turns into a rapid jet-like stream. In fact, according to Air Spade, the air that comes out moves at about 1,200 mph!

During an Air Spade service, your arborist will point this nozzle to the soil around a tree’s roots. The force of the air will dislodge soil and other particles. It’s even strong enough to break apart compacted soil, so it’s much faster than manual excavation.

Despite its speed and strength, the stream of air won’t harm the tree’s roots. It also won’t damage non-porous materials such as pipes and cables underground. Instead, the compressed air will simply break apart soil, leaving the root system exposed and ready for inspection.

Why Use an Air Spade for Root Excavation?

The Air Spade is a faster, more efficient alternative to manual excavation. Digging up soil by hand is a time-consuming task. It’s also unsafe for the roots; one wrong move and a hand spade can easily cause damage. This is especially likely if the soil is heavy and compacted, which requires more force with a hand spade.

And remember, the tree’s root system is extremely sensitive. If the roots are injured, the entire tree may suffer.

With an Air Spade, an arborist can safely remove the soil while saving you time.

When to Use an Air Spade

An Air Spade for root excavation may be used for:

• Preparing a property for tree planting
• Identifying tree diseases
• Root pruning
• Preparing for root and tree inspections
• Repairing soil compactions
• Creating trenches for construction projects
• Removing extra soil after construction
• Vertical mulching
• Removing trees that were planted too deep    

Need Air Spade Services? Contact Friendly Tree

If you need a root excavation or inspection, an Air Spade may come in handy. Friendly Tree can explain how it works and what you can expect during Air Spade services. We may also recommend using the tool for the purposes mentioned above.

For tree servicing in New Jersey, contact Friendly Tree online or call us at (973) 678-8888. Our expert tree technicians offer tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, and more.

How Often Do I Need a Tree Inspection?

When you think of inspections, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, it likely sparks thoughts of car and home inspections.

However, if there are trees on your property, it’s worth thinking about tree inspections as well. These checkups, which are performed by a professional arborist, involves a thorough evaluation of your tree’s trunk, bark, and branches. It also includes a careful assessment of the soil around your trees.

These routine inspections are crucial for tree maintenance and care. But how often do you need tree inspections, anyway? And is it necessary if your trees are healthy and well?

The Importance of Tree Inspections

There’s the popular saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The phrase, which was coined by Benjamin Franklin in the 1730s, originally referred to fire safety.

Yet, the saying holds true for many scenarios, including tree health. A tree inspection allows an arborist to identify (and resolve) issues before they become an expensive or dangerous problem.

During a tree inspection—also known as a tree risk assessment—your arborist can:

• Diagnose tree diseases
• Identify pest infestations  
• Detect structural damage, especially after inclement weather
• Protect your family and property by removing branches that may fall
• Identify specific watering needs
• Determine the best soil for your trees

Recommended Tree Inspection Frequency

Even if your trees are thriving and undamaged, it’s essential to get regular tree inspections.

The exact frequency depends on your trees, property, and climate. But in general, it’s recommended to have your trees inspected every three years.

You should also get a tree inspection if you experience extreme weather, like a thunderstorm or drought. Likewise, you’ll also need an inspection if you notice signs of declining health, such as decaying branches or pests. In this case, it’s best to book a tree inspection ASAP for safety purposes.

Contact Friendly Tree for Tree Inspections in Northern New Jersey

Our certified arborists can carefully examine your trees, and ultimately, determine how often you need tree inspections. If we identify any problems, we are happy to provide expert services for fixing common tree issues. This includes tree removal, tree pruning, and tree stump grinding.

Since 1989, Friendly Tree has offered professional tree services throughout northern New Jersey. We have multiple locations, including Orange, Montclair, Madison, Rutherford, Union, New Providence, and Morristown. To learn more about our New Jersey tree services, call us at (973) 678-8888 or request a quote online.

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.

Mulching Services: What to Expect (and Why It’s Worth It)

Mulch is a valuable addition to any landscape. It beautifies your yard, reduces weed growth, and controls soil temperature. As it decomposes, it enriches the soil with nutrients and improves plant growth. The key, however, is to apply mulch correctly.

To ensure your mulch is properly installed, consider professional mulch installation from Friendly Tree. Here’s what you can expect from mulching services—and why you should consider getting it.

How to Prepare for Mulching Services

Before your mulch installation appointment, it’s important to prepare your landscape.

Start by removing weeds and their roots. Adding mulch can block sunlight from leftover weed seeds—and therefore, suppress future growth—but it’s best to get rid of existing weeds first.

Next, till the soil and smooth out the bed. Remove any natural debris like stones, leaves, or sticks. Trim trees and bushes in the surrounding area to prevent additional organic debris.

You’ll also need to calculate the amount of mulch you need. If you require assistance, use our handy mulch calculator or contact our friendly technicians.

What Happens During Mulching Installation Services

Although every mulch delivery and installation is unique, you can expect certain steps to take place. Here’s what the process typically involves:

• First, we’ll help you choose the best mulch product for your landscape. We can also help you determine how much mulch you need.
• When scheduling your appointment, we’ll consider the weather and any other precautions.
• On your designated delivery day, we’ll deliver mulch to your home in a truck.
• Our team will revisit any installation requests you have listed.
• We’ll transport the mulch from the truck to the areas to be mulched.
• We’ll apply the mulch to your landscape in an even layer. Depending on the project, we may use a technique called mulch blowing. We will also mulch your trees, if applicable.
• Our team will edge your garden beds to keep mulch in place.
• Finally, we’ll provide tips for mulch maintenance and answer any of your questions. We’ll also clean up and make sure your property looks just like how we found it.

Why Should You Get Professional Mulching Services?

If you’re the DIY type, you might wonder if professional mulching services are worth it. Consider the following advantages of working with a pro:

• Time. Mulching can be time consuming, especially if you have a large property or garden. A professional team can work on your project in a fraction of the time—especially if they use mulch blowing.
• Safety. Lifting bags or wheelbarrows of mulch is physically taxing. An expert mulcher, on the other hand, has the appropriate tools and equipment to safely get the job done.
• Proper installation. Professionals understand the do’s and don’ts of mulching. They also know how to apply mulch in a neat, aesthetically pleasing manner.

Contact Us for Mulching in Northern New Jersey

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.

How to Find Mulch Delivery and Installation Near Me

When it comes to a healthy and clean yard, installing mulch is a must. Mulch regulates the soil’s temperature, decreases moisture loss, and suppresses weed growth. It also makes your property look tidy and neat, which increases your home’s curb appeal.

However, unless mulch is applied correctly, you won’t be able to reap its benefits. That’s why it’s worth having a professional do the job.

And if you’re a new homeowner—or if you just relocated—you might find yourself wondering, “How do I find mulch delivery and installation near me?” It’s one of the most common questions homeowners have when it’s time to replace mulch.

Before Starting Your Search

Take a moment to get clear on what you’re looking for. This way, you’ll be more likely to find the best mulch provider for your needs.

For example, what color mulch would you like? Mulch is available in a variety of colors, including black, red, and many shades of brown. Picking the right one is key for enhancing your property.

Mulch is also available in a wide range of materials. As a result, different mulches work best for different applications.
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself:

• Do I want organic or inorganic mulch?
• What do I want to get out of mulching?
• What are my biggest concerns about applying mulch?
• How soon do I need the mulch?
• About how much space do I need to cover?

Once you have a better picture of your needs, it’s time to start your search.

How to Find Mulch Delivery and Installation

When it’s time to find a local mulch installer, there is multiple way to go about it:

Check Angie’s List

Angie’s List is an excellent source for every homeowner. With this resource, you can search for top-rated professionals for any project—including local mulch delivery and installation.

You’ll also need to enter your zip code and answer a few questions. Next, Angie’s List will help you locate the best provider for your needs.

On the website, you can also read reviews for local companies (including Friendly Tree!). These reviews, which are left by real customers, will help you narrow down your choices.

Search Yelp

Though Yelp is often associated with food and drinks, it’s also great for discovering mulch service providers. Enter “mulch delivery and installation” in the search bar and zip code to browse through company profiles. Here, you can also check out customer reviews and other basic information.

Use Google

Another option is to use Google. Simply enter “find a mulch delivery and installation near me” in the search bar. The first few results will list mulch providers nearby.

Ask Around

The Internet may be a handy tool, but there’s nothing quite like word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. This is an excellent way to get real-life testimonials from people you know and trust.

Let Friendly Tree Deliver and Install Your Mulch

If you live in northern New Jersey, you’ll likely come across Friendly Tree during your search for mulch delivery and installation near you. After all, we have proudly served the area since 1988!

Friendly Tree even offers same-day and next-day mulch delivery throughout the area. Pick from our selection of high-quality recycled and organic mulch products for your garden, planters, or playgrounds.

Our team of experts can also take care of mulch installation. For a quote, call us at (973) 678-8888 or fill out our online form.