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.

What Are Air Spade Services?

Root excavation is one of the most important components of tree care. The tree’s root system, after all, can’t be seen above ground level. An arborist needs to remove the soil around the roots in order to properly examine the root tissue.

Fortunately, it’s possible to do this without injuring the roots. The answer is the Air Spade, a state-of-the-art tool that Friendly Tree is proud to use. Let’s look at how Air Spade services work and why they are so useful.

Air Spades for Root Excavation

The Air Spade is an excavation device that uses compressed air to remove soil. It’s powerful enough to handle heavy materials like hard clay or clumps of soil. At the same time, it’s gentle enough to safely use around sensitive roots.

The device is essentially a long stick, or wand, with an adjustable nozzle. The wand is connected to an air compressor, which sends high-pressure air through the wand. When the air is released from the nozzle, it breaks apart lumps of soil.

When is an Air Spade Used?

Air Spades are used for removing soil around the base of a tree. This exposes the tree’s complex root system, which is ideal for situations like:  

• Preparation for root inspection
• Diagnosis of tree concerns or diseases
• Removal of excess soil after construction projects  
• Preparation for various treatments (such as fungicides)
• Excavation of trees that were planted too deeply (a common occurrence)
• Digging trenches for gas, electric, utility, and sprinkler lines without cutting roots

How an Air Spade Protects a Tree

Since the root system is underground, it’s impossible to inspect or handle the roots without digging up the surrounding soil. This is traditionally done with a hand spade or another mechanical technique.

However, it can be a tedious process. It can also result in root damage and endanger the health of the tree.

Air Spades offer a safer, more efficient method. The high-pressure air breaks apart soil without harming the root tissue. As a bonus, the process is quick, so it saves time for both the arborist and property owner.

The only drawback is that the Air Spade is quite loud. The noise is caused by the air compressor and high-pressure air. Otherwise, an Air Spade will only benefit your tree in the long run.

Friendly Tree Offers Air Spade Services in New Jersey

If you’re in need of root excavation, contact Friendly Tree. Our New Jersey tree experts are skilled in professional Air Spade services. During the excavation process, we can also examine your tree’s health and diagnose any plant concerns.

Since 1989, Friendly Tree has offered tree services throughout northern New Jersey. Our team serves Essex, Morris, Union, Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. When you’re ready to schedule a consultation, contact Friendly Tree at (973) 678-8888.

Why Your Tree Company Should Have Insurance 2

When it comes to hiring a tree company, there are many things to look for. 

For starters, you should consider their experience and reviews of former customers. You’ll also want to learn about their specific services, like tree pruning or tree planting. And then, of course, you’ll want to consider the actual cost of their professional services.

But before you can move forward, there’s one more box that needs to be checked: insurance. 

After all, if you hire a tree company without full insurance coverage, you’ll simply create a recipe for disaster.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why your tree company should always have insurance.

The Nature of Working with Mother Nature

First, it helps to understand the liability that comes with tree service work.

The tree care field is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. From extreme heights to electrical lines, workers are regularly exposed to high-risk situations. Tree care employees are also required to operate sharp and heavy equipment.

The job is even more dangerous after storms, when conditions are more slippery than usual.

Most importantly, Mother Nature is unpredictable. A dying tree branch, for example, can fall without warning. This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced and knowledgeable tree service company like Friendly Tree.

Insurance Protects Both You and the Tree Company  

Due to the dangerous nature of tree care, it’s critical to hire a company that has insurance. Specifically, they should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

If a tree worker is injured on your property, workers’ compensation will cover their medical bills. But if they get hurt on your property and don’t have insurance, the company or worker can potentially sue you.

Plus, if you knowingly hire a company without insurance, your home insurance probably won’t pay the claim.

Insurance also protects against structural damages. For instance, if a tree worker prunes a tree and a heavy branch falls on your roof or car, their insurance will cover it.

Of course, no one wants accidents or injuries to happen. However, anything is possible, and it’s always best to be prepared.

Your Tree Company Should Also Have Certified Arborists and Tree Experts

In addition to insurance, your tree company should also have certified and licensed tree experts.

These experts have completed a high standard of training, licensing, and certifications. This ensures that they’ll get the job done — and do it right.

It also means that they have received proper safety training, thus reducing the risk of injuries and accidents.

Keep this in mind if another business, like a landscaping company, attempts to offer you tree services. While they might have insurance, their workers aren’t professional trained to handle the job.

Moreover, their insurance likely won’t cover the same scenarios tree workers encounter each day.

Call the Friendly Experts at Friendly Tree

As you can see, there are many reasons why your tree company should have insurance. It protects everyone involved, from the client to the business.

With Friendly Tree, you won’t have to wonder. We’re a fully insured tree company with years of professional experience. Since 1989, our team of certified arborists has proudly provided tree service in northern New Jersey.

We can’t wait to serve you, too. To learn more about our expert tree services, contact us at (973) 678-8888.

Why Your Tree Company Should Have Insurance

When it comes to hiring a tree company, there are many things to look for. 

For starters, you should consider their experience and reviews of former customers. You’ll also want to learn about their specific services, like tree pruning or tree planting. And then, of course, you’ll want to consider the actual cost of their professional services.

But before you can move forward, there’s one more box that needs to be checked: insurance. 

After all, if you hire a tree company without full insurance coverage, you’ll simply create a recipe for disaster.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why your tree company should always have insurance.

The Nature of Working with Mother Nature

First, it helps to understand the liability that comes with tree service work.

The tree care field is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. From extreme heights to electrical lines, workers are regularly exposed to high-risk situations. Tree care employees are also required to operate sharp and heavy equipment.

The job is even more dangerous after storms, when conditions are more slippery than usual.

Most importantly, Mother Nature is unpredictable. A dying tree branch, for example, can fall without warning. This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced and knowledgeable tree service company like Friendly Tree.

Insurance Protects Both You and the Tree Company  

Due to the dangerous nature of tree care, it’s critical to hire a company that has insurance. Specifically, they should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

If a tree worker is injured on your property, workers’ compensation will cover their medical bills. But if they get hurt on your property and don’t have insurance, the company or worker can potentially sue you.

Plus, if you knowingly hire a company without insurance, your home insurance probably won’t pay the claim.

Insurance also protects against structural damages. For instance, if a tree worker prunes a tree and a heavy branch falls on your roof or car, their insurance will cover it.

Of course, no one wants accidents or injuries to happen. However, anything is possible, and it’s always best to be prepared.

Your Tree Company Should Also Have Certified Arborists and Tree Experts

In addition to insurance, your tree company should also have certified and licensed tree experts.

These experts have completed a high standard of training, licensing, and certifications. This ensures that they’ll get the job done — and do it right.

It also means that they have received proper safety training, thus reducing the risk of injuries and accidents.

Keep this in mind if another business, like a landscaping company, attempts to offer you tree services. While they might have insurance, their workers aren’t professional trained to handle the job.

Moreover, their insurance likely won’t cover the same scenarios tree workers encounter each day.

Call the Friendly Experts at Friendly Tree

As you can see, there are many reasons why your tree company should have insurance. It protects everyone involved, from the client to the business.

With Friendly Tree, you won’t have to wonder. We’re a fully insured tree company with years of professional experience. Since 1989, our team of certified arborists has proudly provided tree service in northern New Jersey.

We can’t wait to serve you, too. To learn more about our expert tree services, contact us at (973) 678-8888.

Tree Stump Grinding: What It Is and Why You Might Need It

As a homeowner, you’ve likely heard all about tree planting, pruning, and removal. Planting new trees, after all, is one of the best ways to enhance the natural beauty of your property. Pruning is an essential part of tree care, while removal is crucial for getting rid of old or dead trees.

But what about tree stump grinding? Some homeowners aren’t aware that it’s even necessary. 

Let’s look at what tree stump grinding is and why you might need it.

Tree Stump Grinding 101

Tree stump grinding is a stump removal technique.

It involves a machine that grates the stump until it’s just below the soil. In some cases, the stump can be grinded as deep as 12 inches (or more) below the surface. This creates a discrete hole in the ground, letting you re-purpose the area.

The process of tree stump grinding takes just a few minutes. It also produces wood chip mulch, which is placed in the hole for 2 to 3 months. These wood chips steal nitrogen and other nutrients from the area before they start to decompose.

From there, you can spread the wood chips in areas like your garden, planting beds, and walkways. How’s that for resourcefulness?

While stump grinding leaves behind the roots, you won’t have to handle them. They’ll naturally break down in about 10 years.

Tree Stump Grinding Improves Aesthetics and Safety

Tree removal naturally leaves behind a stump. This leftover base can be visually unattractive, especially if your lawn is perfectly landscaped.

Mold, weeds, and insects could also grow on a tree stump and diminish your property’s curb appeal. Plus, if pests and diseases aren’t controlled, they can spread to other plants.

Most importantly, a tree stump is a safety hazard. Since most stumps are just a couple inches high, it’s easy to trip over one. This is dangerous for both kids and adults alike.

Tree stumps also make it difficult to properly mow the lawn. And even if a lawn mower makes it over the stump, there’s a major risk of machine damage.

Tree Stump Grinding vs. Tree Stump Removal

Tree stump grinding is just one technique for removing a tree stump. The other method is tree stump removal, which involves digging up the stump and its roots.

Compared to grinding, tree stump removal is more invasive. It takes more time, money, and powerful machines. Complete removal of a tree stump also leaves a bigger hole in the ground.

On the flipside, this hole offers more of a blank slate than stump grinding. It’s easier to “start over” if you totally remove the stump.

Call the Expert Tree Technicians at Friendly Tree

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for dealing with a tree stump. The best choice depends on your property and what you plan to do with the area.

Luckily, with Friendly Tree, you’ll have personalized guidance every step of the way. Our professional tree technicians in New Jersey are ready to learn about your needs. We’ll also explain what tree stump grinding is and why you might need it.

When the time comes, we can also provide other tree services like tree trimming and tree planting.

For a friendly consultation with Friendly Tree, contact us at (973) 678-8888.