Big Trees Inc Helps Family to Move Tree with Sentimental Attachments

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, helped a family who needed to move a tree that had sentimental attachments for the family.

The family had planted a beautiful Japanese Maple in their mother’s memory years ago, and scattered her ashes under the rootball when the tree was planted. Then a few months ago, the father of the family passed away and the family needed to sell the house where the tree was planted.

The family contacted Big Trees to see if they would be able to move the tree to their daughter’s house, and it needed to be done in the next few weeks as the house had already sold.  “Moving trees during the summer months is not ideal,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees.  “Fortunately, Big Trees has methods to move trees successfully even outside of the dormant months.”

Big Trees set up a day to treat the tree with Rootzone, an anti-desiccant, that puts the tree in a temporary dormant state while the tree is dug up. The following day, Big Trees arrived and hand dug the tree, drum-lacing the rootball and making it large and secure enough to move it safely. Unfortunately, the new planting area was not quite ready so Big Trees brought the tree back to their nursery to store for a week until the new planting area was ready.

The tree was then replanted, scattering their father’s ashes underneath, and now sits in its new permanent home with the husband and wife reunited forever.

“These are the most meaningful jobs for us,” said Nancy.  “Our entire crew knew the situation and worked very hard to make sure the process was seamless.  The tree looks as if has been there for years and everyone involved was pleased with the outcome of a difficult situation.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Picking the Right Spot to Plant a Tree in Your Yard

By Nancy Penrose

Trees add beauty and value to yards, streets, and communities. However, deciding where to plant a tree is an important decision. Choosing the right spot will add to the value of the home, whereas choosing the wrong spot can become a nuisance or liability.

Tree placement

Before you plant, it’s important to know the tree’s height at maturity, as well as its crown spread and root space. Trees often require more space than you think. When in doubt, ask a local tree supplier or local nursery how much space (vertical and horizontal) is needed to keep your tree healthy and your structures safe.

Space for the tree to grow to its expected height and width both above and underground has to be taken into consideration. Some types of trees can develop very quickly. Poor placement can bring growing roots or branches too close to systems (water, sewage lines, sprinkler systems), driveways or sidewalks.

A tree’s root spread is often much larger than its canopy spread, so always allow for plenty of clearance. Before planting, it’s important to be aware of overhead power lines and underground utility lines.

Contact your local power, water, and gas companies before you select a spot for your tree. There are almost certainly cables, wires, and pipes buried in your yard, and you can risk serious injury or costly repairs if you cut into one of these while digging. Each utility should be willing to come out for free and mark off where its equipment and lines are located.

Many troubles can come by not deciding on the right tree location for planting are:

  • Damage to houses through cracked foundations, leaves in gutters, or abrasion of tree limbs hitting the residence
  • Cracked pavement of sidewalks, driveways, porches, and patios
  • Sewer drains or septic tanks clogged or broken by way of roots
  • Blocking scenic views or windows.
  • Blocking street signs from view of cars

Think seasonally

What’s going on in your yard in the spring can be drastically different than in the fall or winter. Thinking seasonally will help you plant your tree with its best interests in mind throughout the entire year.

Fruit or Sap

Will the tree drop messy fruit or sap on sidewalks or driveways? A fruit tree near the sidewalk will require a lot of regular, messy cleanup. Planting a pine tree near the driveway can mean your car will be covered in sap certain times of the year, which can be difficult to get off.

Sunlight

Some trees need and are more tolerant of light than others. Some trees need lots of direct sunlight whereas others need more shade.

Lower Utility Costs

Consider planting trees to lower utility costs. If your yard is big enough, plant three large trees, one each on the west, east, and north sides of your house. These locations can help shade your house in the summer and block wind in the winter. These benefits can result in as much as a 50% reduction in energy costs.

Shade

Plant your tree where it will provide shade for any outdoor equipment or activities, such as playground sets, grills, outdoor eating areas, and decks.

Ask the Right Questions

We recommend that you speak to a local tree specialist to help determine what type of tree would work best in your area. Ask things like how much space (vertical and horizontal) will the tree take up at maturity, and how much space is needed to keep your tree healthy and your structures safe, and how much sun and water it will need.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Big Trees Inc Helps Homeowner Out of a Jam

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, helped a homeowner who had accidentally burned down a row of trees in his yard, a week away from selling his home. He was weed burning out in his front yard and caught an entire row of Arborvitae on fire.  If that wasn’t bad enough, he had been cleaning and weeding because he was putting his house on the market in 7 days!

In desperation, the homeowner called Big Trees and although the company had the trees he needed, their crews were booked out 4 weeks.  The homeowner was not able to plant the trees himself and it being the peak of landscape season, couldn’t find any landscapers available either.

When Nancy, the owner of Big Trees heard about the situation, she took a look at the schedule and was able to move a few jobs around to make this one work.  Within four days of his initial phone call, the homeowner had a whole new row of trees planted and the house went up on the market as planned!

“Thank you once again so much for the heroic effort you put in here.  You saved us and I think you got a couple of referrals out of it because our realtor was blown away that somebody could fix this so quickly,” said the homeowner.

“Big Trees has heard some crazy stories over the years and we relish the fun and challenge of trying to help people out when they’re really stuck in a bind,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Planting and Care of Trees in a City Environment

By Nancy Penrose

Approximately 80% of Americans live in cities, and are not regularly exposed to natural areas like forests. This makes trees extremely important in an urban environment, for providing shade, removing air pollution, reducing stormwater runoff, and giving recreational benefits and providing beauty. Consider these facts:

  • Trees, if properly placed, can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-20%, 10-15 years after planting.
  • Trees reduce asphalt temperatures by up to 36° F and vehicle interior temperatures by 47° F.
  • Home sale prices for houses with trees tend to be 3.5% to 4.5 higher than similar properties with no trees.
  • Consumers rate retail establishments up to 80% higher in retail districts with trees and other landscaping.
  • Recuperation rates are faster with patients who had window views of a wooded landscape.

 

But urban landscapes can be hard on trees. The average life expectancy of a tree in a downtown urban street is just 13 years, while trees in rural areas can live up to 100 years or more. Common causes of urban tree damage can include:

  • Damage to trees from nearby construction
  • Trees planted in too small an area
  • Poor, compacted soils
  • Damage during maintenance of utilities or sidewalks
  • Not enough watering
  • Polluted air

 

What can you do to help trees planted in an urban environment last longer?

  • Select a good site. The planting site should have at least two cubic feet of usable soil for every one square foot of expected mature canopy). Consider whether the location will create any potential conflicts with existing trees.
  • Improve the site conditions if necessary. You may need to apply compost, peat, lime or other material to improve soil drainage and fertility of the soil.
  • Choose the right tree species. It’s vital to select trees that are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions. A tree specialist can tell you what trees will work best in your environment.
  • Use proper planting techniques. Planting a tree is not difficult, but it must be done correctly to ensure tree health.
  • Proper tree care is vital. It is important to properly care for the tree after planting, including mulching and watering. But not too much mulching. Spread 2-4″ of mulch underneath the tree and keep it 1-2″ away from the base of the trunk.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Planning Your Landscape

By Nancy Penrose

Have you had ideas about what you want your yard to look like but didn’t know how to make those ideas a reality? Most homeowners have no experience with landscape design but everyone deserves to have the vision for their yard to become a reality.

Here’s how you can get a head start on designing your landscape. The tips in this article are not meant as a substitute for the steps needed for a professional landscape design plan. It is always recommended to have a specialist assist with finalizing and executing the design. But, you should have some basic knowledge under your belt so you can better visualize how you want your landscape to be. It can also help you work out your budget right from the start.

What is a Landscape Design?

A landscape design, or landscape plan, is a visual representation of an outdoor area. It uses scaled dimensions to accurately show the area and includes all relevant elements like trees, bushes, flower beds, grass or other turf, etc. It would also include the location of man-made elements like lawn furniture, a shed, fountains, concrete, a deck, etc.

How Do You Start Planning a Landscape?

A landscape plan starts with broad strokes – a basic outline of the area. You then gradually add in the elements you want to include. You would first draw the boundaries and major features of the entire property. Include the buildings, streets around the property, the lawn areas, the fences around the edges of garden areas, etc. You’ll want to note where north is on the design.

Then you would add in the existing features, specifically those that you can’t or don’t want to move in landscaping. This could include the location of walkways, rocks, water features, trees and shrubs. Use appropriate colors to differentiate these features.

Now start adding in new elements. You can show where you want to bring in new trees, shrubs or flowers. Draw in any walkways, pavers, decks, and planting beds. You can include lawn furniture, a shed, a gazebo, whatever fits the vision for how you want the landscape to look. You will have to compare this to the existing features, but your finished design plan should include just the elements that you want in your landscape.

We hope this helps get you started designing the yard you want!

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Over 200 Large Trees Planted on Property

Tree Transplant Company Helps Bring Over 200 Trees Onto Property in Seattle

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com), a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, recently assisted a homeowner in Seattle with a very large project. The project involved bringing over 200 trees onto the property of a homeowner in Seattle. After careful planning and intensive work from both the company and the homeowner, the project was completed successfully with all parties very happy with the trees in their new home.

Big Trees was contacted by the homeowners of a large old estate in Seattle, located in a busy neighborhood. The homeowners were looking to plant a privacy screen of trees around the property to create an enclosed space of privacy. Initially requesting 100 12’ Leyland cypress trees to be planted, further planning and discussion caused the homeowner to change their plans. The homeowners found Big Trees were able to move some of the larger Rhododendrons and Camilias on the property. This was added to the scope of the work, along with planting 75 Yews and 30 Emerald Greens. With plans finalized, Big Trees began work on the now over 200 tree transplant project.

Prior to planting the trees, the homeowners cleared out large English Laurels and other miscellaneous shrubs and then rebuilt some of the concrete wall and surrounding planting beds. The planting space for the Leyland Cypresses was atop a tall retaining wall, requiring the use of a reach forklift to lift all of the trees up onto the wall. The Big Trees crew then hand carted each tree into place and successfully planted the large trees in place. “There is now a 12’ wall of ‘green’ surround the entire property that looks like it has been there for years,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees. “I love the instant impact these trees have made and the homeowner is ecstatic! The homeowners reached out to us over three years ago and there have been quite a few changes in the plan, but it has finally all come together.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Tree Transplantation Company Gears Up for Spring

Big Trees Inc Advises Public on Best Ways to Enhance Their Landscape This Spring

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com) a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, recently released a statement about everything they are doing to help homeowners prepare their landscapes for spring by planting new trees. The company also gave their advice on the best trees to plant for spring but will also work well for any season.

Nancy Penrose, owner of the company, stated: “Spring has arrived! With longer days and warmer temperatures, trees are beginning to bud and flowers are popping with color. Planting in the spring allows trees and shrubs to develop their root systems before being tested by the hotter dryer summers. The spring planting season is underway and Big Trees inventory is fully stocked and ready!

“Big Trees has a wide array of varieties and color choices. Early flowering trees are the ornamental cherries, plums, pears, magnolias and crabapples. These trees are a fun reminder that winter is over, and spring and summer days are just ahead. Later flowering trees, like the stewartia, styrax, and dogwoods, are a nice touch in any yard. Since they flower later, the weather is usually a little better and the flowers tend to last longer. Having a yard designed in a way that has multi season interest can be easily achieved. Layering in trees that bloom early, late, and some that have fall color can give you lots of things to look forward to in your yard year-round.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Spring Is Here!

By Nancy Penrose

Spring has arrived! With longer days and warmer temperatures, trees are beginning to bud and flowers are popping with color. Now is the perfect time to add to nature’s beauty and plant a tree in your yard.

Planting in the spring allows trees and shrubs to develop their root systems before being tested by the hotter dryer summers. The spring planting season is underway and Big Trees inventory is fully stocked and ready!

We always ensure we’re fully prepared for spring and this year is no exception. We have a wide array of varieties and color choices for trees suitable for transplanting. Here’s a breakdown of some excellent options for trees you can add to your yard.

Early flowering trees are the ornamental cherries, plums, pears, magnolias and crabapples. These trees are a fun reminder that winter is over, and spring and summer days are just ahead. Right away when you plant them, they will begin to brighten up your yard and the neighborhood around.

Later flowering trees, like the stewartia, styrax, and dogwoods, are a nice touch in any yard. Since they flower later, the weather is usually a little better and the flowers tend to last longer. Having a yard designed in a way that has multi season interest can be easily achieved.

Layering in trees that bloom early, late, and some that have fall color can give you lots of things to look forward to in your yard year-round. Maples, Ash and Oaks are just a few of the trees that burst with color in the fall and make great additions to the landscape.

If privacy is what you need, Big Trees offers a variety of different kinds of evergreen trees to fit in various sized planting areas. Big Trees can help you choose a screening tree that gives you immediate privacy now but won’t outgrow your planting space.

You can consult with your tree care specialist to determine the optimal trees and the optimal locations for planting in your yard. We’ll help you find the trees that are right for what you want to do with your landscape. With the right trees and appropriate tree care, your yard will look beautiful for years to come.

Spring is one of our favorite seasons. It’s bursting with beauty and new growth. Take advantage of the season and take the time to plant a tree in your yard!

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Things to Know Before Transplanting a Tree

By Nancy Penrose

There are a number of things to know before deciding to transplant a tree. Whether you want to move a new tree onto your property, want to transplant a tree off property, or need to move a tree from one location to another, you will need to know about these things and possibly consult with a specialist on them to ensure it is done safely and successfully.

Here are some of the essential things to know about when transplanting a tree

  • Check your local regulations.

You will need to be aware of and in compliance with all local regulations before transplanting a tree. Digging a hole for a new tree to go in without first ensuring you aren’t going to dig up any pipes or live wires, for example, would be very unsafe. Ensure you meet all local regulations. Get assistance from your local tree transplant specialists if you have any difficulty finding all the information you need to know.

  • Assessing the tree.

First you will need to evaluate the tree that is going to be moved. The size of the tree, species of the tree and health of the tree are important factors to keep in mind.

How big is the tree? A small tree or shrub (such as one under 3 feet tall and 1 inch or less in diameter) is much easier to move than a larger tree. The larger and older the tree, the more likely it is you will need to call in a specialist. There are two reasons for this. One is that any tree needs enough of its roots to be transplanted along with it. When transplanting a tree one of the steps is to gather up what is called a “rootball” of the tree’s roots. This needs to be approximately 10-12 inches of diameter of root ball for every inch of trunk. So assessing the size of the tree to be moved is an essential first step in determining how easy the move will be.

What type of tree is it? Different species of trees have different environmental needs. You will need to understand if the tree is going to be able to thrive in the location you’re moving it into. Different species of trees grow to different sizes, both in terms of their canopy and their root systems. Ensuring there is enough space for the tree to grow into is essential.

  • When do you move the tree?

There are different seasons where it is inadvisable to move a tree. Planting a tree in summer is generally problematic since the warmer weather conditions put more stress on the tree. When moving a tree it needs time to adjust to its new location, and put on new root-growth. The ideal time to transplant a tree in the Pacific Northwest is between October and March while the tree is still dormant.  This also gives the tree sufficient time to grow into its new location and be ready for the more severe heat of summer.

  • Pruning.

Not everyone knows that some roots are more responsible for bringing in water to the trunk than others. The large roots closer to the trunk bring in less water than the many small feeder roots at its edges. Root pruning right before transplanting a tree helps the tree to stimulate growing new feeder roots near the trunk. This is essential for the early stages of a tree adjusting to a new area. Consult a tree care specialist for assistance on this if needed.

  • Water.

A tree needs a lot of water and this is also important before and after transplanting. Water the soil the day before. This will serve to soften the ground and reduce the stress on the plant roots. When the tree is moved to the new location, it will need a lot of water to help it acclimate.

While there are many more steps involved, these are a few of the essential things you will need to know when planning out transplanting a tree.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or https://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Tree Transplant Company Acquires Heavy New Machinery

Big Trees Inc. Acquires New Equipment for Increasing Ease of Moving Very Large Trees

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://www.bigtreesupply.com), a tree nursery and tree transplant company in the Seattle area, recently had a major upgrade to the equipment they use for tree transplants. The company acquired a Toro Dingo TX 1000, a heavy-duty machine capable of carrying large trees through more narrow spaces. This will expand Big Trees’ ability to move larger trees into smaller yards, or yards with limited access into them.

A common problem when transplanting a large tree is having enough access to a landscape site. In the past, Big Trees has sometimes had trouble getting trees into a back yard as this could require at least 6 feet of clearance for the large tree transplant machinery to get through. Sometimes the only solutions are choosing smaller trees for the site or selecting a different site. The Toro Dingo TX 1000 is capable of lifting large caliper trees, all while fitting through a standard 36” gate. This allows them to get larger trees in yards even if access is limited.

“My business has much to do about ‘instant gratification’ and not having to wait for trees to grow to provide the screening or aesthetic wanted,” said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees. “Until now, we have been limited in our abilities to get larger trees into people’s yards. A typical gate is 42” wide and not everybody is willing or able to take down fence panels to create the access we need. Now, we can get right through the gate! I am really looking forward to be able to offer even more options to our customer’s now.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com