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Birch trees add a unique charm to Seattle’s urban and suburban landscapes with their striking white bark and graceful leaves. Keeping these trees healthy is essential not only for their beauty but also for the environmental benefits they provide. One of the biggest threats to birch trees in this region is the bronze birch borer, a destructive insect that can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Pruning deadwood and treating infestations early are key steps in preserving th

When it comes to caring for the trees on your property, you want the best hands on the job. Trees are more than just greenery - they add value, beauty, and environmental benefits to your home or business. But they also need expert care to stay healthy and safe. That’s where certified arborist services come in. Choosing a certified arborist in Seattle means you’re trusting a professional who knows the local environment, tree species, and best practices for tree care.

Taking care of trees on your property is more than just a weekend chore. Trees are living assets that add beauty, value, and environmental benefits to your home. But they also need proper care to stay healthy and safe. That’s where expert tree care comes in.

When you look at a forest or even a single tree in your yard, it’s easy to think of it as just a lone plant standing tall. But trees are far from solitary. They live in complex communities where they interact, communicate, and support one another. Understanding tree ecosystem relationships is key to appreciating how these natural giants thrive and how we can care for them better. In this post, I’ll walk you through the fascinating ways trees connect with each other and their

When you need tree services, getting the right quote can save you money and protect your property. Tree work can be complex and sometimes risky, so choosing the right company matters.

Seattle is known for its lush greenery and abundant trees that add character and value to neighborhoods. When homeowners plan residential construction projects, even small ones like decks or patios, protecting these trees is crucial. Tree protection zones (TPZs) play a vital role in preserving the health and beauty of trees during construction. This guide explains what TPZs are, why they matter in Seattle, and how homeowners can successfully protect their trees throughout the

Chipped woody material, sometimes called "arborist chips," give the soil and your trees added nutrients, help retain much needed moisture, regulate soil temperature and reduce weeds. Combined, these can even help your tree grow faster.

What's happening to my birch tree? Here in the Pacific Northwest, the culprit could be a 1/2-inch long beetle called the bronze birch borer (BBB). You'll likely never see these insects. They lay eggs under the bark where the larva grow by feeding on the tree's sensitive cambium layer. Then, the adult beetle "chews" its way out and flys away to reproduce and repeat this cycle. The first signs of BBB activity are typically wilted leaves near the top of the tree. Twig and branc

During periods without rainfall, trees should be thoroughly watered on a regular schedule.

So you want to add a tree to your property? In this video, learn tips and techniques for how to plant a small tree, including root washing and pruning, preparing the planting hole, planting depth, watering and mulching. Contact Tree133  if you have questions about tree care on your property.

Look up in a healthy forest and you'll likely see a snag - a standing dead or dying tree - often missing the top or most of the large branches. Snags provide rich habitat for birds, mammals and insects that use nearly every part of these "dead" trees. A healthy urban forest also includes snags. Portions of declining trees retained in residential yards provide critical wildlife habitat and a refuge for hundreds of creatures. Wildlife trees create opportunities to observe birds

Two common "defects" in large conifers are codominant structure – multiple competing tops – and the development of "overextended" limbs beyond the natural canopy shape. Both of these increase the likelihood of a large failure and resulting consequences. However, there are proven methods to manage these conditions and provide peace of mind for homeowners. Subordination Pruning This technique for managing codominant structure “slows down” the growth of one leader and promotes

We are used to looking up at trees. But look down at the base of the trunk and imagine roots extending 2x the width of the canopy (or more) all around the tree. The physics of trees are pretty amazing and often misunderstood. For instance, many people don't realize the most sensitive roots are found in the upper 6-12 inches of soil. This makes them easily susceptible to damage. However, they are not visible beneath a lawn or landscaping and thus are easily forgotten. Con

Trees are biologically designed to withstand wind and load. However, heavy foliage/fruit or a weather event may cause a split in a small tree. Cabling and bracing in small trees can help them withstand weather events. Tree133 recently completed a small cabling project on a redbud that split in last winter's snow. As the tree is a sentimental favorite of the homeowner, she had tried a variety of DIY solutions with limited results before calling for help. With careful reduction

While trimming small trees in the yard may seem like a simple DIY project, pruning is much more than simply sawing off limbs or giving the tree a "haircut" by removing outer foliage. If too much live tissue is removed, an otherwise healthy tree can become stressed or decline. Proper pruning is based on the scientific principles of plant physiology. It promotes beneficial growth, improves plant health, removes damaged limbs and can increase flower and fruit production (if desi

Craig was invited into the the TreeStuff Micro Rigging Lab at TCI Expo 2019 to talk about rigging angles to minimize load in the tree. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help improve the safety and skills of fellow arborists. Submit a training inquiry to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew. * Read Joe Harris' article Working the Angles

Hemlock Removal & Maple Reduction – Vashon Island, WA Until we saw this scenario first-hand, it was very difficult to envision… a failed Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lodged against a tree house in a Big leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). Even after completing the work, it’s still hard to describe. The tree house was frequently used by the client’s children, and the declining Maple was already a concern. The tree was in severe decline with more than half of the canopy dea

Scots Pine Removal – West Seattle, WA Dead trees pose a significant hazard as they begin to deteriorate. Limbs become brittle and can break unexpectedly or the entire tree can fail near the base. Depending on the tree’s location, complete tree removal may be the best – or only – option to mitigate risk to people/structures. At this site, a new children’s play structure had been installed directly under this Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Completing removal of the dead pine ov

Removal of Hollow Western Hemlock – Shoreline, WA Western Hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla) are notorious for decay in the roots and lower trunk, caused by Heterobasidion annosum (annosus root rot) and other organisms. When the decay spreads, it becomes defused throughout the trunk and can cause sudden whole-tree failure resulting in property damage or injury. Declining limbs in the upper canopy are a common indicator of declining health and the need for a risk assessment. For th

Pacific Madrona Removal – Kirkland, WA The Pacific Madrona (Arbutus menziesii)  has one of the largest habitat ranges in North America. Populations of these unique trees are found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia down to Mexico. In Canada, they are referred to as Arbutus. Here in Washington, we call them Madrona. From Oregon south, they are commonly referred to as Madrone. These trees prefer the forest edge with a mixture of sun and shade. They do not tolerate dr