Customer Reviews
Call (973) 678-8888 or Get a Quote Online

Mulch

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.

What Is Mulch Blowing?

When it comes to maintaining a visually appealing property, you can’t go wrong with mulch. But beyond its overall aesthetic, mulch has a wide range of functional purposes. In fact, when properly used around plants or in garden beds, it can be the key to a healthy landscape.

That’s why it’s important to take advantage of professional mulch blowing services. Here, we’ll discuss what mulch blowing is—and how it can be a gamechanger for your trees and garden.

What is the Purpose of Mulch?

Many homeowners like mulch for its decorative qualities. After all, it can help your property look tidy, fresh, and attractive. But if you dig a little deeper (pun intended), you’ll see that mulch is essential for a thriving landscape.

For starters, mulch protects the soil from direct sunlight. This reduces evaporation, which retains moisture in the soil. It also controls soil temperature, prevents soil erosion, and keeps weeds at bay. (Weeds require warmth and sunlight—just like your own plants.) As a result, your trees and garden are more likely to flourish.

What is Mulch Blowing?

Mulch blowing is a method used for installing mulch. It involves a truck with a specially engineered airlock system, mulch, and hose. During installation, the system uses air to blow mulch through the hose.

With this technique, mulch can be applied in a precise manner. It also makes it easy to apply the material in an even layer. This is crucial for ensuring that it’s not tightly packed or installed in excess. Otherwise, water won’t be able to make its way to the soil.

As for the actual layer of mulch? Depending on the job, our technicians can install mulch layers as thin as ¼-inch or as thick as 5 inches (or more).

Plus, compared to applying mulch by hand, mulch blowing is extremely fast. It can even install mulch up to 300 feet away! So if you have a large property, mulch blowing will be the most efficient option.

Mulch Blowing FAQs

Understandably, you may have some questions and concerns about mulch blowing. Here’s how Friendly Tree handles common concerns:

  • Remote Areas. If some parts of your property are remote, don’t worry! Since our trucks have 300 feet of hose, we can reach any remote spots.
  • Walls and fences. For an extra fee, we can add another hose to our existing one. This can create a hose up to 500 feet, so we can work over walls and fences with ease.
  • Mess and dust. Some mess is inevitable when installing mulch, topsoil, or compost. However, our professional technicians are trained in applying these products in the most concise way possible. Moreover, our trucks have dust suppression systems. We’ll also use portable blowers and brooms to tidy up when we’re done.
  • Existing plants. Before our technicians begin mulch blowing, they’ll examine your landscape and determine the best way to approach the job. We’ll consult you if there are any plants or trees of concern.

Contact Friendly Tree for Mulch Blowing in New Jersey

To learn more about mulch blowing, contact our friendly team at Friendly Tree. We can explain how the process may look for your landscape, as well as bulk pricing. Fill out our online form or call us at (973) 678-8888.