Why You Should Care About Tree Health

By Nancy Penrose

“Health care” is not a phrase most people associate with trees. Why do tree experts talk so much about tree health care? Simply because it’s the best way to care for your trees and keep your property looking beautiful.

Here are some of the targets of tree health care:

Pests
Common pests that attack trees are aphids, adelgids and psyllids. They are usually worse in spring when trees put out their tender new growth.

Bacterial Infections
Common bacterial infections affecting trees are Fire Blight, Anthracnose and Fusarium wilt. In many cases, bacteria will enter the tree through a wound, and can remain dormant until the next growing season. When the infection is in full force you will probably notice clusters of brown, dead leaves. Untreated tree infections can lead to severe defoliation and even death of the tree.

Fungal Infections
Fungal infections appear in the fall when they are encouraged by seasonal rains. Infection can be present in the tree even when there are no visible signs. But fungal fruiting bodies may begin to appear along the roots and trunks of the trees. It’s important not to try to remove these until an arborist can assess the situation and prescribe the proper treatment.

Fertilization
Fertilization is one example of being proactive in tree care. Regular fertilization can create a brilliantly green canopy for the tree and make a noticeable difference in the aesthetic beauty of your yard.

Summary
Your arborist will be happy to work with you to help create a tree health care schedule that exactly fits your tree population, concerns and budget. It’s time to get healthy trees!


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108.

Big Trees Inc. Helps Little Girl Get Tree She Watched for Every Day on Way Home

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, helped a mother get a tree in her yard that her daughter watched for every day on the way home.

Big Trees is on the east side of a busy Snohomish county  highway. By 4:00pm on any weekday afternoon there can be thousands of cars that pass the nursery at a crawl, full of people waiting to get home.

One of these people was little Cora, who beginning around 3 years old kept getting excited about a “Big Grasshopper” she kept seeing out the window of the car in the vicinity of the nursery.

She regularly tried to get her mom, Heather, to see this reoccurring landmark each day on the way home, but it took her a long time and some more vocabulary expansion before Heather realized that her daughter was referring to the top of a contorted landscape tree as this “Big Grasshopper.” It had become an evening ritual that they pointed to and recognized together.

Recently, Heather called and inquired about the tree. In-spite of knowing that it would likely be too much of a frivolous expense, she was curious what the tree might cost. This Alaskan Weeping Cedar tree is 20’ tall and would weigh around 1500 pounds, so all of the handling and installation work would need to be managed by Big Trees.

As Heather imagined, the tree was well beyond what could be justified for a purchase of whimsy. But Nancy Penrose, the owner at Big Trees, found this to be too much fun to pass up. After some further discussion, a price that worked for Heather was determined and the tree was dug, loaded, delivered and installed to Cora’s backyard at home, where the little girl could see her ‘big grasshopper’ continue to grow and shift its shape.

“Some opportunities come along, and in spite of the motive being contrary to the bottom line, you gotta see where it might go,” stated Nancy Penrose. “This one led to Cora’s backyard and the fulfillment of an unexpected Christmas wish.”

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.

Silva Construction Adds 5 More Tips to the Home Remodeling Series

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction, (https://www.silvaconstruction.com) a construction company, is adding five tips to their home remodeling tips series for homeowners.

The remodeling process has a lot to consider and take into account. Silva decided to add onto their original list of home remodeling tips to get homeowners as prepared as possible. Their five new tips are:

1. Decide on a Sensible Scope of Work

Once you’ve come up with a realistic budget for your renovation project, you’ll need to clarify what you need versus what you simply want.  This will help you identify and lay out important ground rules.

2. Create a Clear Vision in Mind

Anyone who has completed a home renovation project before knows that it is better to have as many things as possible picked out before the contractor shows up to start. This is because you will have to make numerous decisions once the work starts. And the more you’ve made beforehand, the easier the project will go.

3. Don't Make Assumptions Based Off TV

Many home improvement shows can make certain projects, such as putting up a stud wall or installing a new bathroom counter, seem really easy. And they probably are for a professional.

However, if you’re planning a home renovation, think practically about what you can and can’t do. You can probably paint a small bathroom by yourself, but painting an entire 3,000-square-foot house is likely quite a bit harder. While you may think you’d be saving a lot of money by doing the job yourself, if it ends up being more complicated than you thought, it could even cost more to have a professional undo it and fix the project.

4. Prepare to Live in Discomfort During the Remodel

Living through a home renovation project can be difficult, an experience that’s often filled with dust, exhaustion, loss of privacy and plenty of take-out food. Even the best contractors can’t keep dust from flying everywhere. So know that your house will not be as livable as you are used to, and try not to let that bother you too much. It’s not unusual to rent a place to stay for a couple months, or go on vacation, until your home is a bit more "liveable."

5. Remember to Stay Positive 

There has yet to be a home remodel that has been completely smooth, without a single headache, so be prepared for days when things aren't completely rosy. It’s normal to want things to go according to plan, but with so many moving parts, it’s unlikely that everything will go exactly according to plan, which can be frustrating and costly. This is where your choice in a contractor makes one of the biggest differences. Make sure you choose one you can communicate easily with and who understands you. This will help you blow through any stops or barriers that get in the way of your ultimate goal.

Dave Silva and David Clarke are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.

FineCraft Contractors Wins MBIA Award of Excellence

GAITHERSBURG, MD: FineCraft Contractors, Inc., (https://finecraftcontractors.com/) recently won the MBIA (Maryland Building Industry Association) Remodeling and Custom Building Award of Excellence.

On November 22, 2019, FineCraft won the MBIA Remodeling and Custom Building Award of Excellence for a house they remodeled in Potomac in collaboration with Axis Architects. For this specific project, they converted dark and compartmentalized spaces into spacious and light spaces.

Nicole L., a past client, said, “I contacted FineCraft from California after seeing a picture of a bathroom that I loved on Houzz, they answered the phone when I called and emailed me all the information I needed within 24 hours. They really were wonderful. Much appreciated for helping out!!”

Another past client, Dagmar P., stated, “They are my favorite! They always seem to make things right. Even when things are tough they work through them and the outcome is always amazing. They have worked on several projects in my house and all of which are excellent products which reflect the level of detailed work that epitomizes FineCraft. From smaller projects to larger ones, from my experience, I can guarantee they’ll leave you satisfied with the job you contract them for, hands down!”

George Papaheraklis is the founder of FineCraft Contractors, Inc., located in Gaithersburg, MD. Since 1985, FineCraft has been building houses, additions, kitchens, baths and more for discerning families. Their blog can be seen at https://finecraftcontractors.com/blog/ and they can be reached at 301-330-9191. Their Instagram page can be seen at https://www.instagram.com/finecraft_contractors/.

Our custom-built portico is almost done!

By George Papaheraklis

In case you didn’t know, we do build custom pieces for our clients, and when we get the opportunity to do so, we get so excited! It’s a chance for us to be fully creative and create something for you that no one else has.

This time, we’re custom building a portico, which is a covered walkway (typically the porch) that is supported by regularly spaced columns.
Porticos actually originate from Greek architecture and formed the entrances to ancient Greek temples. Porticos give a really great finishing touch to front doors and elevate the entire exterior of the home.

We now have the covered portion of the portico installed above the front door, and we are finishing up the columns that will be supporting it! We’re really excited to show you the finished product - it’s going to be the talk of the town when it’s finished!

But until then, head over to our Instagram page to see our updates on this custom build, and be sure to follow us so you stay updated on all our latest projects!

At FineCraft Contractors, we are experts when it comes to remodels and making sure the design works with your home. If you have a renovation idea or want to remodel sections of your home, call us at 301-330-9191 and we’ll give you a thoroughly thought out estimate.

George Papaheraklis is the founder of FineCraft Contractors, Inc., located in Gaithersburg, MD. Since 1985, FineCraft has been building houses, additions, kitchens, baths and more for discerning families. Their blog can be seen at https://finecraftcontractors.com/blog/ and they can be reached at 301-330-9191.

Silva Construction Added 5 Tips to the Home Remodeling Series

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction, (https://www.silvaconstruction.com/) a construction company, is adding five tips to their home remodeling tips series for homeowners.

The remodeling process has a lot to consider and take into account. Silva decided to add onto their original list of home remodeling tips to get homeowners as prepared as possible. Their five tips are:

1. Check your calendar, especially if you want your remodel to be done by a particular event or holiday. Look at your end date and work your way backward to make sure you’ll finish on time - and make sure to add in some wiggle room for any unexpected changes or delays.

2. Check the contractor’s references. A good, professional contractor won’t have any problem providing references and copies of insurance before beginning the job. Don’t just rely on the testimonials on their website - find actual customers and find out firsthand what they have to say. And if you feel in your gut that a contractor isn’t the right choice, stick to it.

3. Consider what you do on a daily basis and take that into account during your remodel. The last thing you want to happen is to be in your robe while workers begin their day. So, be sure to clearly state what your daily routine is to come up with a good start and end time for the day.

4. Create a master list to help with budgeting and to make sure you don’t forget anything you need during the remodel. You can add things such as permits, supplies you’ll need, etc. This will help you stay organized and can help you save costs.

5. Create a Reno-free zone so that you and your family have a place to relax a little bit. Your Reno-free zone should have everything you need in one place, such as an electric kettle, microwave, a table to eat at, etc.

Dave Silva and David Clarke are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.

Big Trees Inc. Transplants Memorial Trees During Winter Street Expansion

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, had an opportunity to transplant memorial trees out of the way of street expansion work this winter.

Big Trees received a standard transplanting request from a contractor involved with a section of street work where the street was being expanded. There were three Paper Bark Maple trees that were around five to seven inches in trunk diameter and the contractor wanted to know if the trees could be moved to a different part of the property. These trees were 12 feet tall and once properly dug into root balls would weigh around 1200 pounds each.

After reviewing the trees, their current location and their new location, including the existence of nearby underground utility lines, it was decided that the trees would best be transplanted using Big Trees’ hand digging techniques and loader tractors to manage the weight of the trees and tricky maneuvering near underground utilities.

“We learned that the three trees we were being asked to dig and transplant were memorial trees for the man’s wife who he had lost to cancer a number of years earlier, and it became clear why these particular trees were important enough to warrant this kind of extra attention. There have been many situations over the years where our projects were more involved than they originally appeared to be.
These memorial tree situations can get pretty emotional. Memorial trees situations come with all kinds of circumstances, and each one gets the full attention they deserve.” said Todd Holmes, Operations Manager 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.