Lookin Good Tree Trimming and Removal

Kenner, Metairie, Jefferson Parish, River Ridge, St. Charles Parish, Harahan, St. Rose and New Orleans, Louisiana tree removal, stump removal, and tree trimming services. We service residential, commercial, and business-to-business customers.

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Love Your Trees? Don’t Fill Their Cavities!!

March 30, 2012 By Lookin' Good Treeman Service

Tree Cavity
Tree Cavity

Filling of hollow trees, a process called “cavity filling,” was practiced by arborists for many years. Today we know that the materials normally used to fill a tree cavity are very abrasive. Natural tree movements, such as swaying and twisting, rub the inside surface of the tree cavity against the filling, further weakening the tree’s defensive walls and allowing decay to expand. In addition, we know that these materials do not allow the tree to bend and therefore renders the tree more susceptible to storm damage. Also, because of these tree movements the cavity-filling materials do not bond with wood. Gaps are often the result and these gaps frequently trap water. This dark and moist environment allows decay fungi to proliferate.

Bob Rouse, Staff Arborist at the National Arborist Association, confirmed this when he said, “The cement holds moisture, creating a favorable environment in the filled cavity for the decay organisms!”

How should trees with cavities be treated? Recent research shows that it is better to leave the cavity open – remember no type of drainage, sterilization, fill material, wound paint, or scraping treatment stops decay – and simply take the necessary measures required to improve the overall health of the tree. A healthy tree has the strength to compartmentalize and wall-off decay.

Brick filled cavity
Brick filled cavity

In addition, this practice just causes havoc on the equipment when the tree and stump have to be removed. Chain saws and stump grinders cannot cut concrete and bricks.

In summary tree experts recommend:

  • Not filling cavities with cement, brick or any type of filler;
  • Supporting, if required, with cables or braces

We at lookin’ good treeman services are concerned with this practice and present the information above for the benefit of your trees.

A tree cavity is similar to a tooth cavity. Without proper treatment, the situation can only get worse. Unfortunately, cutting down on sweets and brushing more frequently will not help to prevent a tree cavity. In simple terms, a tree cavity is a neglected bark injury that can be the result of many factors. The most common are improper pruning, mechanical injury and storm damage.  

 

Filed Under: Tree Tips Tagged With: Tree Cavities

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State Licensed Arborist #1572
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Kenner LA, 70063

 

“Excellent job!! Mr. Jordan removed two huge Crepes from the back yard, with power lines running through them. The trees were gone, stumps removed, ground was filled and not one limb or branch in sight.”
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Read what our customers have to say:

“Bo and his team did an outstanding job of trimming my 6 very tall palms around my pool. They took extreme care to tarp the arbor (over the hot tub), and the pool to lessen the debris into the water. Using a bucket truck to trim 3 of the palms, and ladders and harnesses to trim the other 3, they were able to accomplish the job to my satisfaction. They were professional from start to finish, took all safety precautions, and left my palms and property ‘lookin good!’ I will definitely recommend them and use them again next year.”

“Bo and his crew trimmed a tree and took out a dead tree for me. The job was done in a timely and professional manner. Completely satisfied and would recommend to anyone needing tree service.”

“We have used Bo for trimming our very large oak tree, pine tree, and then for removing our willow tree. He service was excellent and he was extremely professional. We look forward to using him again in the near future.”

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