A single tree featured in a home yard has a higher dollar value than a tree in the middle of a forest. Trees rated by an assessor like Arbutus Tree Service as having perfect form and in peak health are more valuable than diseased, poorly shaped specimens. Well-cared-for trees are more valuable than trees with... Continue reading→
Welcome to Tree Talk, your authoritative source for expert tree care advice from Arbutus Tree Service. Whether you’re a homeowner enhancing your garden or a property manager maintaining a thriving landscape, our blog offers reliable guidance. Explore posts on tree health, advanced pruning techniques, and effective pest management. Stay informed and ensure your outdoor spaces flourish with the trusted expertise of our team. Dive into our insightful articles and join a community dedicated to preserving and beautifying trees in Vancouver’s urban forest.
Breaking News: Palms are out
Vancouver has just removed Palm trees from the city’s Protection of Trees Bylaw. Read more…
“Naomi’s Tree” inspired a book and numerous grafts
A cherry tree that inspired award-winning Canadian author Joy Kogawa was damaged in a fierce windstorm that swept across southern British Columbia. The backyard tree is the focus of Kogawa’s children’s book “Naomi’s Tree”, which became a symbol of her desire to return home after she and thousands of other Japanese Canadians were interned during... Continue reading→
Too “Mulch” of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful to Your Trees
Mulching is an important part of the upkeep and care of your trees, but too much of a good thing can cause more harm than benefit! Too much mulch can cause rot to root systems, insect infestation, and improper hydration. Unfortunately, mulching is one of the easiest things to do incorrectly when it comes to... Continue reading→
How to plant a tree
Prepare the tree For bare root trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water. Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers removed completely. Carefully cut through the circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper... Continue reading→
Re-purpose your Christmas tree
Is your Christmas tree still in the lane? Put the tree in your backyard instead to provide benefits for wildlife and the ecosystem. It’s especially beneficial for birds and other wildlife. “It can provide a safe place for them to rest and roost during the day while they visit your feeder, or really just to... Continue reading→
Prune your trees and bushes in the right place
When a branch is cut back to the main trunk, to a lateral branch or to a lateral bud, a higher concentration of hormones in these areas causes the wound to heal rapidly. When a stub is left, the distance from the hormonal source increases and the wound heals slower, if it heals at all.... Continue reading→
Hugging the Arbutus tree
Botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger recommends that people living on the West Coast “should hug the broad-leafed and cinnamon-coloured Arbutus tree (Arbutus menzeisii), especially in April or May”. That’s when it produces buds and come into flower. She suggests you put your hands on the trunk of the tree and lean against it and breathe in the... Continue reading→
Surprise trees in the Sahara Desert
Satellite imagery has become the biggest tool for counting the world’s trees. A recent survey showed that a part of the Sahara “where no one would expect to find many trees” actually had “quite a few hundred million”. While forested areas are relatively easy to spot from space, trees that aren’t gathered in thick green... Continue reading→
7 tips for buying a home with large trees
Buying a home with mature trees offers numerous benefits, from increasing property value to enhancing curb appeal. Homes with mature, healthy trees can see a significant increase in property value. Research shows that trees can add anywhere from 3% to 15% to the value of a property (Realtor). However, it’s crucial to assess the condition... Continue reading→
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Ready to explore more? Visit our comprehensive services page to learn about all the ways Arbutus Tree Service can enhance and maintain your outdoor spaces. From tree health assessments to arborist reports and management plans, our expert team is here to support you.