We at Total Care love our landscape. Not just the landscape of a manicured back yard, but the landscape that is our surroundings. Trees, our naturally occurring landscape artist, are one of our greatest resources. Trees add to our well-being and the aesthetics of property value. Beautiful and functional, our trees deserve the care that we can provide them.

Northern NY's trees HAVE been subjected to years of Acid Rain, AND Global Warming HAS caused Climate change!! It is obvious by the decrease of snowfall, and the increase of Rain and Ice Storms during the winter in our region. Northern NY's trees are in a constant state of recovery. "Doctoring" up, or removing storm damaged trees is one thing, but PROPER tree care, from the time you plant the seedling, through maturity, is more important now than ever before.

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CAUSES OF TREE STRESS

The effects of snow and ice-storms are apparent. Yet as each tree on our property is reviewed to determine its health, there are other factors to consider as well. Causes of stress include improper planting, weather conditions, pest and disease problems, improper pruning, over application of fertilizer leading to root injury and inability to naturally seek soil nutrients, mechanical injuries from lawn mowers & trimmers, excessive foot traffic destroying soil structure, winter salt, and sun and shade levels. It is important to match site features with the environmental needs of a tree.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

Because it is often too late to reverse damage to a tree, PREVENTION is the best approach, beginning with proper planting.

PLANTING

When properly planting a tree, evaluate the site. Determine drainage, exposure to wind and sun, type of soil, soil pH, and space for root growth. Avoid planting trees where roots may be confined. Choose trees grown in your

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temperate zone. Dig the proper planting hole. Planting a tree with the flare below ground level can lead to stress and subsequent DEATH of the tree. (figure 1) Backfill the soil firm, but do not pack the soil. Do NOT stake the tree. Staking does not allow the tree to naturally grow roots for selfsupport. When applying a 2 to 4 inch mulch layer, do NOT place any mulch against the trunk of the tree.

PRUNING

The primary purpose of pruning is to correct structural problems, remove dead, damaged or diseased branches and to control the shape. Cut branches at the branch collar, not flush against the trunk. (figure 2). Use the three cut technique for large branches. (figure 3), and avoid leaving stubs. If pruning requires the use of a chain saw, very large branches or climbing, it is best that this work be done by an experienced service.

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MULCHING

The purpose of mulch is to keep soil cool during hot months, reduce moisture loss from soil, and eliminate weeds that compete for water and nutrients. Mulch should be applied at a depth of 2-4 inches and should NOT be in contact with the trunk of a tree and should NOT cover the flare. (figure 4). Most noted, the decomposing mulch invites the same decomposing agents to attack the healthy tree.

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WHEN TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

Trees that are stressed should be dealt with as soon as possible. At such times, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional. If a tree cannot be saved, it is important to remember that DEAD trees are more dangerous to work with, harder on equiptment, and make more of a mess to clean up, so removal cost are typically higher. Hire experience and knowledge. Ask for proof of insurance, including liability and compensation. Check references. Obtain a written estimate of the work to be done.

WHY HIRE US?

Caring For, And Removing Adirondack Trees For Over "27" Claims Free Years. Large Tree Specialists - Any Tree, Any Where. Fast, Friendly Service. We offer Outstanding Customer Service along with Outstanding Customer Satisfaction. Meticulous Top Quality Work.

We Are Not Part-Timers, or 2nd Jobbers looking For Fun Money. We Are Family Owned And Operated, Who Love What We Do, And We Enjoy The "Relationships" We Make! We Are Here For You. 24/7 365 Days A Year.

When you pay for experience, you get the job done that you deserve and expect.
We value our customers; You are our best advertisement.

Quick, Free Estimates. Fully Insured. Residential - Commercial.