It’s that time of year again when you see signs of fresh mulch being applied around the base of trees as a tree service. Using mulch is a good way to maintain moisture that is essential to your trees, especially young ones. It helps cut down on weed growth that competes with a growing tree for essential nutrients from the earth. Having a barrier of mulch between your trees and your lawn also helps keeps them safe from damage from power equipment while mowing or weed whacking. However, as beneficial as mulch may be, it is possible to overdo it and do more harm than good.

If you are applying mulch around your trees this year, pay attention to the following do’s and don’ts:

• Try to use organic mulch that has been sourced locally to keep with native species.
• Spread mulch evenly to a depth of two to three-inches, which is enough to retain soil moisture and prevent sunlight from helping germinate weed seeds, but will still allow oxygen to reach the roots of the tree.
• Taper the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent it from touching the truck where it can cause moisture damage to the tree that will promote disease.
• Extend the ring of mulch out to the tree’s drip line to give its roots and advantage over fighting with other plants for nutrients and water from the soil.
• To freshen up your mulched areas, remove decayed mulch and turn over what is left before adding additional mulch.

For all residential and commercial lawn and tree service in the Gainesville area, contact the experts at Mr. Tree and Lawn Service, LLC.

Photo by daschi810 via Pixabay

Regular tree maintenance, including proper pruning techniques, will help keep your trees healthy. It is important that your trees receive pruning that is specific to maintaining a good structure. This is something that a professional Gainesville tree service can provide. Pruning isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. It also make your trees stronger, which may also add years to the life of your trees.

Achieving Good Structure for Your Shade Trees

Your shade trees can grow rather large, so it is best to start pruning them while they are young. This will help them grow properly and develop a strong infrastructure. A tree with good structure will have:

• A single trunk versus a one that splits off into two sections. The trunk should be the central leader that rises straight up into tree’s canopy.
• Begun being pruned at the nursery and has been pruned since it was planted in your yard to maintain proper growth.
• Branches that are strongly attached. Weak branches need to be addressed to prevent them from falling down and causing injuries to passersby or damage to your property.

Four Structure Problems to Be Aware Of

1. Competing stems that form while the tree is young. Early pruning to maintain your tree’s good form and strength is essential for this problem.
2. Included bark is a sign of a weak branch union. Branches with this need prescriptive pruning.
3. The main leader grows slower than the tree’s secondary leaders. This can cause your tree to become structurally unstable.
4. The trunk of your tree should be strong and thick. Knowing when to prune lower branches can help promote an increase in trunk girth.

Pruning should be left to the professionals to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Contact Mr Tree and Lawn Service for pruning and other types of Gainesville tree service.

Photo by TBIT via Pixabay

Choosing a tree service company can seem like a daunting task. How do you know if you’re hiring the right company for the job, one that will do the work right and for a good price? It can be tempting to just choose the company with the lowest estimate, but there are several important reasons why you should take more into account than just the price.

Below are some questions you should ask before hiring a Gainesville tree service company. Give us a call at 352-682-4444 to learn more about our services for your home or business in Gainesville, Alachua, or Newberry.

Are they licensed and insured?

Always ask for proof that a tree company is licensed and insured before allowing them to start work on your property. Tree removal and trimming is a dangerous job requiring specialized knowledge and equipment–not to mention the fact that trees themselves are massively heavy and can cause severe property damage or injuries if limb or tree removal is not performed properly. Any reputable tree company will gladly provide you with this information.

How much experience do they have?

Choosing a tree service company that has been around for years lets you know that they are serious professionals as opposed to just some guy with a chainsaw and a truck. At Mr. Tree and Lawn Service, we have been in the tree service industry for over a decade now, giving us the expertise to handle all kinds of tree jobs in the safest, most effective way possible.

What is their approach to customer service?

Customer reviews and testimonials can reveal a lot about a company, as well as their record with the Better Business Bureau. We are committed to always providing courteous, high quality service to our customers, and it shows in our reviews on Google and Facebook, as well as our A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

We look forward to assisting you with all of your tree service needs in Gainesville, Newberry, and Alachua! Get started today with a free estimate.

Trees are awesome. We’ve mentioned reasons to love your trees and discussed why you should invest in your trees with regular tree service, but many people don’t know exactly what it takes to keep their trees happy and healthy. That’s where our Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, come in!

One of the most common questions homeowners have about trees, or something they may not have even considered, is whether or not their trees need to be watered. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question; the truth is, it depends. Here’s what you need to know to take better care of your trees. And don’t forget, it’s always smart to get a second opinion if you’re unsure. Trees are valuable assets, so protect them with regular maintenance from the Gainesville tree experts at Mr. Tree and Lawn Service.

Should you water your trees?

Oftentimes, trees will get plenty of moisture all on their own. However, depending on the weather and other conditions, they may need a little help. During a drought, it’s especially important to supplement the tree’s water supply. Other factors that affect tree watering needs include:

• Age of the tree
• Type of tree
• Season
• Soil type

The younger the tree, the more you’ll need to water it. On the other hand, the soil type can also have a major effect. Are you watering a tree in good, porous soil or hard clay that doesn’t allow water to soak in easily? Different trees have different tolerances, so it’s important to identify which kinds of trees you have when deciding how to care for them.

Got questions about tree care in Gainesville, Newberry, and Alachua? Give us a call at 352-682-4444.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures

Home ownership comes with many responsibilities, including maintenance of the interior, exterior, and landscaping of your home. A willingness to get your hands dirty and do-it-yourself can save you money and help you hone your handy man skills. However, some home projects are more suited to a “DIY” solution than others.

Cosmetic changes, like painting, adding a backsplash, or planting flowers? Go wild! But when it comes to large or complicated projects that involve specialized knowledge, techniques, and equipment, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

DIY Don’ts

Examples of home improvement projects you should definitely leave to the professionals include structural changes to your home (like building an addition or tearing out walls), electrical and plumbing work (the stakes are just too high to risk a “learning experience”), and yes, tree removal.

Heavy objects, sharp tools, heights, and inexperience are a recipe for disaster. But don’t take our word for it! Check out #1 on 10 Projects You Shouldn’t DIY.

Tree removal by Gainesville professionals

At our licensed, insured Gainesville tree service company, safety is our first priority. We have over a decade of experience in tree removal and tree trimming, so you can rest assured that the job will be done right. Whether you need a dead tree removed, want to raise the canopy of the trees in your yard to allow for more light, or just need seasonal tree trimming to keep your trees in optimal condition, we’re happy to help.

Contact us today to get a free estimate on tree removal and other tree services in Gainesville, Alachua, and Newberry.

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential to the health of our ecosystem and to the production of many crops, but their populations are on the decline. Bees have been especially hard hit, with disease, pesticides, and other hazards causing their numbers to shrink alarmingly. However, you can help! Read on for some pollinator friendly landscaping tips from Mr. Tree and Lawn Service, your source for landscaping, lawncare, and tree services in Gainesville.

Make your landscaping last.

Installing a mix of plants in your yard that will bloom from early spring through late fall ensures that pollinators will be able to benefit from your garden as much as possible. Bonus- this not only helps pollinators, but also ensures that your landscaping looks beautiful throughout most of the year!

Use native plants whenever possible.

Native plants are best for native pollinators, but they also provide benefits to homeowners. Because these plants are adapted to thrive in your particular climate and ecosystem, they likely require less care and fewer resources than plants that have been introduced from other climates.

Try these pollinator friendly plants.

Check out the University of Florida’s Bee Plants list to see which plants are the best for pollinators in North Florida. Some of our favorites include:

• Black-eyed Susans
• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Purple coneflower
• Trailing Lantana
• Nasturtiums
• Basil
• Mint
• Thyme
• Saw Palmetto
• Chaste Tree

Ready to give your lawn and garden a bee-friendly overhaul? Give us a call for comprehensive landscape design and installation in Gainesville. We’d love to help you design a landscape that you love- and that bees love too!

Photo by DGlodowska via Pixabay

How much value are you getting from your yard? For many homeowners, the answer is “Not enough!” If your outdoor spaces are just another thing to check off your to-do list, it’s time to make some changes and put your lawn and garden areas to work in a way that your family can enjoy.

Get your yard up to snuff.

The first step to fulfilling the potential of your yard is to make sure it’s in good condition. It doesn’t matter how nice your fire pit, pool, or outdoor kitchen is; if the surrounding lawn is overgrown and full of weeds, no one will want to spend time there. Same goes for out of control underbrush, shaggy trees, and dead branches.

Fortunately we can help with landscaping and tree services in Gainesville. Mr. Tree and Lawn Service can help you whip your yard into shape and keep it that way, whether you need a full overhaul with landscape installation, or just regular lawn maintenance to lighten your load of household chores.

Design for your family.

Once your front and back yards are cleaned up, you can more easily see what you have to work with. Think about what your family will enjoy the most. If you have small kids, you may want to design your yard around a playhouse, swingset, or sand box. If you enjoy entertaining, consider a fire pit conversation area with comfy seating, or a dining area next to the grill. Got any furry family members? You can even create a special spot just for them, like a dog fountain to let them cool off in the summer, or a “catio” to let your indoor kitties enjoy some fresh air.

Make it comfortable.

The more comfortable you make your outdoor space, the more likely you are to actually use it. Be sure to include at least one seating area, whether it’s an outdoor sofa, built-in bench seating on your deck, or just a couple of Adirondack chairs on the lawn. Today there are so many options in outdoor furnishings and weather-proof fabrics that you can create a space as inviting as any room in your home.

Ready to reclaim your backyard and turn it into an expansion of your home that your family will actually use? Give us a call at 352-682-4444 or contact us online for a free estimate on our landscaping and tree services in Gainesville, Alachua, and Newberry, Florida!

Photo by Maialisa via Pixabay

How much do you love your trees? Most people appreciate that trees add to the curb appeal of a home and provide a nice view outside, but that’s just the beginning of the many benefits trees provide. Read on to learn some facts that will make you love your trees more than ever before–and show them some love with a spring tree inspection and professional tree trimming from our Gainesville tree company.

• Trees can help you save money on your energy bill. Not only do they cast shade, blocking sunlight from heating up your home during those hot Florida summers, but they also cool the air when water evaporates from the surfaces of their leaves. This chemical process removes heat energy from the air, acting as a natural air conditioner. In fact, the evaporation process from just 1 tree can cool the surrounding air as much as 10 single room air conditioners running for 20 hours per day.
• Trees can serve as a privacy screen, shielding your yard and home from neighbors to create a sense of restful retreat from the outside world. They also reduce glare and filter noise. Depending on the placement, a tree can actually reduce noise pollution by up to 40%.
• Trees minimize “heat load“–the amount of heat that builds up during the day in hard-scaped surfaces like driveways and patios. When trees shade these hard surfaces, they retain less heat and the overall local temperature is lower.
• Trees serve as nature’s air filters, trapping pollen, dust, and even smoke. The more trees around, the cleaner the air will be!
• Trees help us relax. Studies have shown a wide range of psychological benefits to humans from hanging out with or even just looking at trees, from relaxing stressed out students, to lowering blood pressure, to helping patients recover more quickly from surgery.

Ready to give your trees some TLC? Contact Mr. Tree and Lawn Service today for a free estimate on tree services in Gainesville, Newberry, and Alachua, Florida.

Spring is officially here, and for many folks that means to-do lists! ‘Tis the season of spring cleaning, home checklists, and all things handy to get your home and yard spruced up for summer fun.

But while you’re checking off those “honey do” items and feverishly mining Pinterest for all of the cool DIY projects you’re going to tackle, don’t forget a very important spring task: Inspecting your trees!

While we enjoy fairly mild winters here in Gainesville, it’s always a good idea to evaluate the trees on your property and make sure they have not sustained any damage from wind, weather, and temperature changes along the way. Spring is also a good time to check your trees because everything’s starting to bloom and leaf out… And if it’s not, well then something may be wrong.

Read on for a spring tree checklist, and be sure to call us if you’re looking for tree services in Gainesville, Alachua, and Newberry. Whether you need tree removal, stump grinding, tree pruning, or an expert opinion on a tree issue, Mr. Tree and Lawn Service has you covered.

• Do a walkabout of your yard or property to inspect trees and shrubs for any obvious problems. It’s also smart to have an annual tree inspection performed, because there are some red flags that only a trained tree expert will catch.
• Prune your trees. Pruning dead branches is important to prevent damage to your home, vehicles, and other property, as well as preventing injuries. Tree pruning can also help ensure that your trees grow in a healthy, attractive, and structurally sound way. At our Gainesville tree company, we have over a decade of experience in expert tree care.
• Plant new trees. Trees are one of the most important elements of landscaping, providing shade, privacy, a windbreak, habitat for wildlife, natural air filtering, and of course, they’re simply beautiful. Flowering trees can add a gorgeous splash of color to your yard, while other types of trees may be chosen for their shape, texture, or other visual appeal. Not sure what your yard needs? We can help with our landscape design and landscape installation services, deciding the ideal type of tree and where to plant it to integrate with your existing landscape.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

At Mr. Tree and Lawn Service, we have been providing high quality lawn care, grounds maintenance, and tree services in Gainesville for decades. Now, we’re excited to announce that we are expanding our services to include landscaping!

Our existing residential and commercial lawn care and tree services included necessities like lawn mowing, pruning, mulch installation, weed control, tree removal and trimming, leaf removal, and stump grinding to keep your home or business looking great. In addition to our existing services, we now offer complete landscaping, from design to installation.

Put your best face forward with professional landscaping

Spring is here, and it’s time to give your outdoor spaces a fresh start. Whether you want to improve the curb appeal of your home or attract more customers to your business, landscaping can help. We now offer design, plant selection, and installation to add depth and visual interest to your lawn or grounds. From adding a few strategic plantings to your landscaping to completely overhauling the turf, plantings, and trees, no job is too large or too small.

Why choose us for your Gainesville landscaping needs?

While it’s true that anyone can dig a hole and stick a plant in it, there’s much more to landscaping than that. For instance, the sapling you plant in front of your house may seem fine now, but what happens when the roots encroach on your foundation or power lines? How will it affect your lawn and other plantings? With over 20 years of experience in lawn care and more than a decade in the tree service industry, we know what goes into a well-designed landscape, from what to plant and where to plant it, to which trees are best suited for the local climate.

We’re excited to provide this new service to homeowners and businesses in Gainesville, Alachua, and Newberry. Contact us today for a free estimate, or give us a call at 352-682-4444.

Photo by ADD via Pixabay