Tree Surgeon Cambuslang

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Services

Do tree roots grow towards water?

While tree roots do grow towards moisture, it's not a simple case of them actively seeking out water sources. Roots grow in all directions, but they grow more rapidly and extensively in areas where they encounter favorable conditions, including moisture.
Roots have specialized cells called 'root hairs' that absorb water and nutrients from the soil. These root hairs are more abundant in moist soil, so roots naturally extend more in those areas. However, roots also need oxygen to survive, so they will not grow into waterlogged soil. The direction of root growth is influenced by a combination of factors, including moisture, oxygen availability, soil nutrients, and the tree's overall health.

What are the different types of tree services offered?

Tree service companies offer a wide range of services to meet your tree care needs, including:

• Tree Removal: Complete removal of trees, often necessary for diseased, damaged, or hazardous trees.
• Tree Trimming & Pruning: Selective removal of branches to improve tree structure, health, and aesthetics. This includes crown lifting, crown thinning, and crown reduction.
• Stump Removal/Grinding: Removal of tree stumps using specialized grinding equipment, leaving the area level with the ground.
• Tree Planting: Selecting and planting new trees on your property, considering factors like soil type, climate, and available space.
• Tree Cabling & Bracing: Installing support systems for weak or structurally compromised branches to prevent breakage.
• Tree Health Care: Services focused on maintaining or improving the health of your trees, including fertilization, disease diagnosis and treatment, and pest control.
• Emergency Tree Service: Urgent tree care services for situations like storm damage, fallen trees, or hazardous tree removal.

The specific services offered may vary depending on the company's expertise and equipment.

Is it OK to cut tree roots?

Cutting tree roots can be necessary in some situations, but it should always be done with caution and preferably under the guidance of a certified arborist.
**When it's OK to cut roots:**

• Small roots: Cutting small, superficial roots during landscaping or gardening is usually not a significant problem for the tree.
• Encroaching roots: Roots growing into sidewalks, driveways, or foundations may need to be cut back. However, it's essential to do this carefully to avoid damaging the tree's structural integrity.
• Root pruning for transplanting: Before transplanting a tree, root pruning is done to encourage new root growth within a smaller area, making the transplanting process more successful.

**Risks of cutting tree roots:**

• Tree instability: Cutting large structural roots can weaken the tree's support system, making it more susceptible to windthrow or breakage.
• Disease entry: Cuts create wounds that can serve as entry points for disease-causing organisms.
• Reduced nutrient and water uptake: Cutting roots can limit the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Before cutting any significant tree roots, consult with a certified arborist to assess the situation, determine the best course of action, and minimize the risk of damage to the tree.

Why is my tree dripping sap?

Sap dripping from a tree can be caused by several factors:

• Insect Infestation: Some insects, like aphids, scales, or borers, feed on tree sap, causing it to drip or ooze from wounds or feeding sites.
• Disease: Certain diseases, like bacterial wetwood or slime flux, can cause sap to flow excessively from cracks or wounds in the bark.
• Mechanical Injury: Wounds or cuts in the bark, caused by pruning, storms, or other physical damage, can lead to sap dripping.
• Environmental Stress: Extreme heat, drought, or other environmental stresses can sometimes cause trees to produce excess sap.

If you notice sap dripping from your tree, it's important to identify the cause to determine the appropriate course of action. A certified arborist can help diagnose the problem and recommend treatment or management options.