Our Blog
Our Blog
An ongoing series of informative entries
An ongoing series of informative entries
Our Latest Blog Entry
Our Latest Blog Entry
08 March 2023
What is a ISA Certified Arborist?
When you’re looking to hire a tree service, look for the ISA logo and Certified Arborist badge on each company’s website. Hiring a tree service with ISA-certified arborists on staff is the best way to guarantee the safety of you, your property, and the workers.
A ISA certified arborist is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting and maintaining individual trees. Arborists that are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry, follow a code of ethics to ensure the reliability of their work, and have passed an arboriculture exam or hold a degree in arboriculture, forestry, landscape architecture, or horticulture. Obtaining the certification demonstrates that the arborist is a knowledgeable, experienced tree care professional.
The Certified Arborist exam consists of questions on tree biology, identification, tree-soil-water relations, nutrition and fertilization, planting, pruning techniques, cabling, bracing and lightning protection, problem diagnosis and management, preservation, climbing and safe work practices, and risk assessment.
After passing the exam, an ISA certification is only valid for three years. Arborists must maintain their certification by completing 30 continuing education units (CEUs) in that time. Arborists earn CEUs by attending seminars, college courses, or completing study in ISA publications.
Why hire an arborist with an ISA certification?
You should only hire a company that specializes in tree care work and has the proper equipment to ensure that you are getting the highest quality and safest work around. From increased property value to fewer liabilities, there are many benefits to hiring a certified arborist.
They're trained in proper tree care
From tree pruning and removal to disease and insect treatments, arborists are trained in both the art and science of proper tree care, planting and maintenance.
Proper pruning is essential in establishing and maintaining a tree with strong structure and form. Young trees that are appropriately pruned will require less attention as they mature than ones that haven’t. Poor pruning caused by inadequately trained workers with little or no knowledge of tree biology can cause irreparable damage.
Also, ISA-certified arborists possess knowledge that other arborists don’t. The ISA provides the latest news and techniques to their members and certified arborists.
Their expertise can help protect your investment and property value
Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability.
An arborist can help you to grow attractive and well-cared for trees. In turn, your property value will increase. An arborist can also help determine when a tree should be removed due to health, structural concerns, safety, or other reasons that may impact long-term viability.
They have the proper tools for the job
Pruning or removing trees can be dangerous. No matter the job, arborists are experienced and equipped with the proper tools and equipment to do the work safely.
Trees require proper care; however, pruning or removing trees can be dangerous and should be done by those with extensive training, proper equipment and adequate liability insurance. Trained arborists know how to maintain trees for the safety of the public and the health of the tree.
“Isaac Yard Services” is currently the only company in Portage La Prairie that is owned and operated by ISA Certified Arborists.
204-870-2036
ISA Certified Arborist, John Isaac PR-5564A.
ISA Certified Arborist, Joel Isaac PR-5554A.
Don’t Top Trees
Don’t Top Trees
15 October 2022
Reasons Not To Top Trees.
Topping Stresses Trees.
Leaves are the food factories of a tree; however, topping can remove 50-100% of a tree’s leaf-bearing crown. Removing the leaves can potentially starve a tree and trigger various survival mechanisms. Dormant buds are activated, forcing rapid growth of multiple shoots below each cut. The tree needs to grow a new crop of leaves as soon as possible. If a tree does not have the stored energy reserves to do so, it will be seriously weakened and may die.
A stressed tree with large, open pruning wounds is more vulnerable to insect and disease infestations. The tree may lack sufficient energy to chemically defend the wounds against invasion, and some insects are actually attracted to the chemical signals trees release.
Topping Can Lead to Sunburn
Branches within a tree’s crown produce thousands of leaves to absorb sunlight. When the leaves are removed, the remaining branches and trunk are suddenly exposed to high levels of light and heat. The result may be sunburn of the tissues beneath the bark, which can lead to cankers, bark splitting, and death of some branches.
Topping Can Lead to Unacceptable Risk
The survival mechanism that causes a tree to produce multiple shoots below each topping cut comes at great expense to the tree (see figure above). These shoots develop from buds near the surface of the old branches. Unlike normal branches that develop in a socket of overlapping wood tissues, these new shoots are anchored only in the outermost layers of the parent branches and are weakly attached.
Topping Leads to Decay.
Correct pruning cuts are made just beyond the branch collar (see figure below). The tree is biologically equipped to close such a wound if the tree is healthy enough and the wound is not too large.
Cuts made indiscriminately between lateral branches create stubs or wounds that the tree may not be able to close. The exposed wood tissues begin to decay. Normally, a tree will “wall off,” or compartmentalize, the decaying tissues,
but few trees can defend the multiple severe wounds caused by topping. The decay organisms are given a free path to move through branches.
The new shoots grow quickly, as much as 20 feet (6 m) in one year in some species. Unfortunately, the shoots are weakly attached and prone to breaking, especially during windy or icy conditions. While the original goal was to reduce risk by reducing height, risk of limb failure has now increased.
Topping Makes Trees Ugly.
Topping destroys the natural form of a tree.
Trees form a variety of shapes and growth habits, all with the same goal of presenting their leaves to the sun. Topping removes the ends of the branches, often leaving ugly
stubs. Without leaves (for up to six months of the year in temperate climates), a topped tree appears disfigured and mutilated. A tree that has been topped can never fully regain its natural form.
Topping Is Expensive.
The cost of topping a tree is not limited to only the job cost. Some hidden costs include:
• Increased maintenance costs. If the tree survives, it will likely require corrective pruning within a few years (e.g., crown reduction or storm damage repair). If the tree dies, it will have to be removed.
• Reduced property value. Healthy, well-maintained trees can add 10–20% to the value of a property. Disfigured, topped trees are considered an impending expense.
• Increased liability potential. Topped trees may pose an unacceptable level of risk. Because topping is considered an unacceptable pruning practice, any damage caused by branch failure of a topped tree may lead to a finding of negligence in a court of law.
Alternatives to Topping
Sometimes a tree must be reduced in height or spread,
such as for providing utility line clearance. There are recommended techniques for doing so. Small branches should be removed back to their point of origin. If a larger limb must be shortened, it should be pruned back to a lateral branch that is large enough (at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed) to assume the terminal role. This method of branch reduction helps to preserve the natural form of the tree.
Sometimes the best solution is to remove the tree and replace it with a species that is more appropriate.
To have your tree pruned contact your local ISA Certified Arborist.
Our Second Blog Entry
Our Second Blog Entry
14 February 2022
Safe Response to Tree-Related Storm Damage.
Severe weather can have a lasting impact on your home and the trees in the surrounding landscape. Tearing winds and penetrating rains work together, softening soils and overturning trees. Lightning strikes generate heat that vaporizes water within the tree, causing wood to split and bark to explode. During a storm, the failure of part or all of one mature tree may cause significant damage to personal property or utility lines.
Tree owners can follow these steps to help ensure a safe and effective response to tree-related storm damage:
- Assess the damages
- Take safety precautions
- Resist the urge to do it yourself
- Hire an ISA Certified Arborist
Our First Blog Entry
Our First Blog Entry
15 January 2022
How much does it cost to have a tree removed?
Factors Considered When Determining the Cost of a Tree Removal.
Most factors, to some degree, are tied with how they affect the amount of time that is required to complete the tree removal process.
More dangerous jobs require more time to complete; Trees that are in a poor location will require more time to remove, and trees that are above homes or near other structures often involve rigging (lowering sections of wood with ropes, arborist blocks and pulleys) which will require more time to remove. Anything that takes more time, costs more money. Also equipment costs come into play. Often there no other options to safely remove a tree other than employing the use of a crane which will also add a significant cost to the project.
Here's The Breakdown
1) Size of The Tree:
As one can assume, the larger the tree, the more time it will generally take to remove; which therefore will cost more.
2) Location of the Tree:
The location of the tree is another big factor. The debris (branches and leaves) of a tree are usually fed into a wood chipper which then shoots the wood chips into the back of a chip truck. As you can image, the truck and chipper can not always be positioned close to the tree such is the case when the tree is in a back yard or next to a home. Therefore, the further away the tree to be removed is from the truck and chipper, the longer it will take to drag the debris to them resulting in an increase in the price of the job.
3) Risks Associated with the Removal:
One of the reasons the residential tree service industry is so expensive to begin with is the inherit risk of the job and the costs associated with these risks such as required training, specialized equipment, and the highest costs of insurance in just about any industry. That being said, some jobs are considerably more hazardous than others and prices will reflect this. One of the main reasons for this is that more hazardous jobs usually take more time to complete, as specialized rigging techniques and equipment may be required to complete the tree removal.
4) Do They Need to Utilize Rigging Techniques During the Removal?:
"Rigging" is the use of ropes, pulleys and other specialized equipment to secure branches and sections of wood (usually sections of the trunk) before cutting them. This allows for the branches or sections of wood to be lowered to the ground in a controlled and safe manner. These techniques are required when the branches or sections of wood are too large or heavy for the climbing arborist to hold on to or when there are potential targets (the client's home or other landscape features) below the tree. These techniques take more time, and more time is more money.
5) What Condition The Tree is in:
An arborist or tree service will need to assess the health and condition of your tree to determine the methods that will be required to safely remove it. A dead or dying tree may not be safe to climb using traditional methods as it may be at risk of falling over or breaking during the tree removal process. This is because the tree may have rotting wood on the inside of the tree (core rot) or at branch unions. If your tree is dying, diseased or in a considerable state of decline you can expect to pay more than if it is healthy and alive. This is one reason to call an arborist when you notice your tree is in a state of decline or showing signs of stress. The cost and danger of removal will only increase as the tree declines in health.
The Bottom Line?
Ultimately, all these factors are considered when estimating how long the job will take to complete. A tree service estimator most commonly assesses the trees and makes these estimates from nothing more than a visual inspection from the ground. Because of this, estimates will often vary from one tree service to the next but should be relatively in the same ball park.
As with all industries, there is always going to be dishonest companies who try to get you with hidden fees or costs. This is why it is always important to get a written quote detailing the work and what is included.
A tree service should never provide an estimate and then try to charge additional fees for chipping, branch removal, fuel surcharges, dump fees or any other hidden costs not conveyed in the initial quote.
Ready to take the next step and receive a free quote?
Isaac Yard Services provides tree removal/pruning to Portage La Prairie, MB & the surrounding areas.
204-870-2036
Reasons for rooftop snow removal
Reasons for rooftop snow removal
Removing snow from your roof is vital for 2 important reasons. Why?
- Ice Dams
- Excess Weight
In this article, we will also explain how to determine when you need to take action. Additionally, what tools are most effective and least damaging to your roof.
Prevent Ice Dams
What are ice dams? Ice dams consist of a ridge of ice that forms usually around the edge of your roof. In most cases, ground zero is the eavestrough and they build from there. They can also be seen around skylights, roof vents and where two roofs converge.
ice covered on roof
Ice dams form because of poor insulation or ventilation in the attic. When heat from your house escapes into the attic a reaction occurs. The heat from your attic causes the roofing material to heat up and melt the snow on your roof. Once the water reaches the edge of the roof where the temperature is below 0C it freezes. This melting and refreezing process cause ice dams to form creating a great place for water to pool.
Your attic was never meant to be the same temperature as your home, it’s supposed to be only a few degrees difference from outside. Proper insulation/ventilation keeps your attic at the proper temperature.
Ice dams need to be addressed since they can cause damage to shingles and eavestroughs. Yes, ice is stronger than shingles. Besides this ice can weigh up to 5 times heavier than snow adding weight to your roof. This brings us to the next reason to remove snow from your roof.
Prevent Excess Weight
Another reason why you should remove snow and ice from your roof is the excess stress this puts on a roof. Even 12 or fewer inches of snow/ice on your roof divided equally can weigh thousands of pounds! Ice on the other hand weighs, even more, just one cubic foot can weigh in at 57 lbs, meaning that even one dam could weigh thousands of pounds.
Roof covered in snow
Although your roof is built to handle some weight, the excess weight of snow and ice can increase the risk of leaking and collapsing.
How much weight is too much weight on your roof? A nice easy test you can do at home is: open and close all your windows and doors. If you notice they are not operating smooth or if there is friction, this is likely caused by excess weight.
Another tall tale sign that your roof has too much snow accumulation is when you start hearing cracking noises. This is a sign of overload on the trusses and joists. Act quickly to remove the snow or ice build-up.
However, this should not be your only gauge.
When to Remove Snow From Your Roof
Depending on your roof you may want to think about removing snow after 6 inches have accumulated. This is especially true if your roof is prone to ice dams and icicles forming. However, if your only concern is excess weight then consider removing snow after a foot and a half to two feet of snow accumulates.
There can also be a number of other factors to consider, such as:
Type of Roof
Although it can be costly, metal roofs handle snow the best. They are the most durable roofing material and they shed snow with ease preventing ice from forming. Generally, metal roofs should not be cleaned in the winter, as you can bend and damage them. If it must be cleaned only use a roof rake, but be careful about racking a metal roof, or before you know it you could bury yourself in snow. Many have faced serious injury from falling snow from their roof, so stand back far enough.
Asphalt roofs are also a good competitor if your looking for durability under harsh winter conditions and are a fraction of the cost to repair. With asphalt though, it does not shed snow as easily as metal. Diligence is required to keep snow off. While you may not have to remove snow from a metal roof as often, an asphalt roof will hold up to snow removal better.
Compared to slate or wood shingles, metal or asphalt roofing will hold up to snow the best. However, even with a metal or asphalt roof, caution is still required if you don’t have the proper pitch.
Pitch of Your Roof
This is not a hard and fast rule but, the long and short of it is, the steeper your roof is the less likely you have to remove snow from it. This is especially true of metal roofs. Often with the right pitch, a metal roof will shed snow without any assistance.
On the other hand, we have seen asphalt and wood roofs that hold snow at even very high pitched roofs. In these cases, snow removal is required, but it increases the job hazards. If you are not comfortable removing snow from your roof because of the pitch, don’t be a hero, call the professionals.
Design of Your Roof
There are some beautiful roofs out there but the reality is they are not practical. This is no jab at architects, but architects go to school to make things look nice, however, the practicality of some roofs is questionable at best.
For example, many converging roofs (valleys) look really cool, but these designs not only cost an arm and a leg but also create a lot of work and expense for a homeowner. Converging roofs or valleys is a trap for snow and ice build-up. Hence why depending on the design of your roof, you will want to check your roof after 6 inches of snowfall.
The reason this is so important is that while one section of your roof appears to only have 6 inches the valley may have upwards of one or two feet of snow. Besides the weight this puts on your roof, your converging roofs may be holding ice underneath the snow and wreaking havoc on the shingles.
A simple roof gable is best. They are stronger, sturdier and they shed snow with minimal effort on your part.
Another design to your home that you may want to keep tabs on is your ventilation maximums. Your roof may have several maximums that you can’t see from the ground. So make sure you know where they are located on your roof and pay close attention to them