Oh, Christmas tree…oh, Christmas tree…how do I recycle thee?

Some say that the Christmas season starts the day after Thanksgiving. Others say it starts on Christmas Day and extends the twelve days following – until January 5th…you know, with a partridge in a pear tree? If you’re a retailer, Christmas starts the last week in July. One thing is universally true however, Christmas is over and if you have a real tree, it’s time to get it to the curb!

Many towns and municipalities have special collection days for Christmas trees in order to recycle (and then ultimately sell back to you in bulk through mulching services). Other options include special drop-off sites and times. For the non-conformist and ambitions, there are other options as well:

Firewood: Fresh-cut wood takes at least six months to dry out. As an ‘evergreen’, Christmas trees contain sap and can be very hazardous while burning and may violate local burning ordinances. If you plan to use as firewood 1) use only outdoors, 2) use only the main trunk of the tree not the branches and 3) supervise any fire indoors OR outdoors.

Mulch: If you have the proper equipment, you can mulch your own tree and use to insulate other landscaping.

Compost: Use the branches of the Christmas tree to layer at the base of your compost pile – creating more airflow. Over time, the branches will naturally break down and decompose.

Protect your perennials: Similar to mulching, you can use the branches of the Christmas tree to lie over other plants in your garden. Doing so will help moderate temperature changes and offer additional protection from the winter wind and sun.

Toss it in the tank: In nature, many evergreen branches fall into the water and create protection for fish. Take the smaller branches and drop them into your fish tank giving your fish a place to hide and relax. Obviously, make sure you pluck off all the tinsel!

So if you haven’t given up and bought a beautiful 7-foot, pre-lit, maintenance-free, artificial beauty, there are options to recycle your Christmas tree. If you missed the opportunity to use some of the other ideas listed here this year, don’t worry, Christmas is only seven months away!

Tips For Planting New Trees

It’s no secret that trees add natural beauty and cool shade to your property. Planting a tree is a fairly simple process that requires a minimal number of tools, and is also a gift that can be enjoyed for generations upon generations.

However, in order for a tree to last long enough to reach its full maturity, it must have a healthy beginning. This all starts with proper planting and maintenance. Wondering how you can plant a tree that will live on for generations? Here are a few tips on everything from the initial planting process, to digging the hole, to watering techniques.

1. Find the right location.

Deciding where you want your tree to be located is an important factor. Stay at least 15 feet away from the house, sidewalk, driveway, and other trees. Also be sure to watch out for any overhead power lines — most shade trees will grow at least to the height of residential power lines.

2. Dig a hole that’s the right size.

Planting experts agree that digging a wide hole is the key to optimal growth of your new tree. Make sure your hole is at least twice as wide as the root ball of the tree. In order to prevent settling, the depth of the hole should be no more than the height of the root ball.

3. Position the tree.

Carefully carry or roll the tree into the hole. Stand back and view the tree as a helper slowly rotates it. Almost every tree has a “good side” – so make sure it is positioned with its best face aiming in a prominent direction, typically toward the street.

4. Fill the hole properly.

Backfill around the rootball, packing the soil gently as you go. It’s best to frequently check the trunk to make sure that it’s straight. Use any leftover soil as a berm to establish a watering well.

5. Stake it.

Drive the stake through the root ball into the ground underneath. The stake should be tied loosely to the trunk.

6. Water the tree.

Soon after you’re done planting the tree, make sure to water it every day for several weeks after.

Need help preparing your trees for the winter season? UnLIMBited is central Maryland’s professional tree maintenance team that provides free estimates, tree removal and takedowns, trimming and pruning, stump removal and grinding, storm damage clean-up, lot clearing, insurance work, Bobcat service, premium firewood and more. Give them a call at (443) 517-6881.

If a tree falls in the forest, will your insurance company hear it?

Not meant to be state the obvious, but homeowners should know the importance and requirement of carrying insurance. However, and more importantly, whenever work is being done on or around your home – windows, siding, driveway, roofing, remodeling or landscaping – it’s critical that those conducting the work carry their own insurance. Not checking this important box when hiring a contractor/service could expose you to great liability in the event of an accident.

Each year, billions of dollars in claims related to damage caused by fallen trees and tree limbs are paid by insurance companies. In response, some insurance companies have required that only qualified, licensed tree removal services perform removals for their clients. In some cases, it’s more expensive so homeowners choose to ‘go with a contractor.’ However, sub or general contractors without the proper know-how for this dangerous activity, increases liability exposure for homeowners who may think the ‘add on’ insurance charge isn’t worth it. Is it?

Tree work is rated as the fifth most dangerous profession in the United States. Safely removing trees from around buildings and homes require specific expertise. This may require the use of cranes, rigging, an electrical expert or any other specialist like an arborist. Not knowing the complexity required to properly remove a tree can be a recipe for disaster.

There are many general contractors that perform tree removal services – and many are not licensed. Depending on the state, local governments may have special licensing requirements and may impose fines if not followed. Similarly, municipalities have adopted tree ordinances which require a permit for tree removal services. In addition to the potential risks in the removal – most significantly, property or personal injury – penalties and/fines can far surpass the cost of having a compliant tree removal service in the first place.

Certain types of tree care services are not covered under standard General Liability insurance policies and create financial exposure for underinsured companies performing the work. Unless a contractor carries Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance which is purposed for tree care work, they are putting themselves and their workers at great legal liability. Additionally, contractors don’t always know the proper way to document the potential for collateral damage when performing tree removal services – which is important to communicate with an insurance provider prior to any work being started.

Over time, insurance companies have become more prudent with auditing tree removal claims ensuring these claims are not a result of additional property damage caused by underinsured or unqualified professionals. In some cases, programs have been implemented to place dedicated/vetted tree removal services prior to a major weather event to help mitigate improper claims caused by uninsured contractors – helping their policyholders before they need it.

All this to say: Know what is covered by your current insurance policy and by all means, ask for the right credentials when hiring your next tree removal service.

UnLIMBited Tree Service- No Job Too Big!

After a treacherous storm hit a local neighborhood four tree removal companies quickly responded to the call, but only one would take on the challenging job.

Two companies came to the conclusion the tree was just too large to remove from the yard, and the third said they would need to rent a large crane in order to complete the job. Renting the crane would not only increase the cost of the job for the client, but would also prolong the process, and potentially cause damage to the yard.

UnLIMBited’s team took on the job with confidence- no crane needed. It took a lot of thought, dedication, and hard work, but in the end the 10-man crew wrapped up the job in only two days!

If you need assistance with storm damage tree removal in Maryland, contact UnLIMBited Tree Services. UnLIMBited will gladly help with the removal of trees in Annapolis, Catonsville, Bowie, Pasadena, Towson, and beyond.