Prime tree planting season is right around the corner. Are you prepared to plant new trees? Would you know what type of tree is best in your landscape or zone? Tree care experts are well-educated in these departments and can help you plan the best selections.

Did you know that some trees and shrubs that grow berries actually help feed birds that don’t frequent your feeder? Through the winter months when food is scarce these trees’ fruits provide nutrition for our feathered friends. Next time you are outside watch the bird activity in the trees, shrubs and vines. You may actually witness birds feeding from the last of the berries.

Below is a list of the top 10 tree choices that can be used as natural bird feeders:

• Hackberry
• American Holly
• Bayberry
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Oak
• Staghorn Sumac
• Viburnum
• Virginia Creeper
• Winterberry Holly
• Hawthorne

Here are two great links that you may enjoy to help you in your spring decision making when it comes to picking out the best trees, shrubs and vines to plant and what you may want to think about when it comes to planning.

https://www.russelltreeexperts.com/arbor-ed/2019/2/28/top10-bird-feeders

https://tcia.org/TCIA/Blog_Items/2016/Spring_Planting_Season__Select_the_Right_Tree.aspx

McCullough’s Tree Service is here to provide you with our trained experts in your spring outdoor planting, fertilizing and tree care services. We’re in your neighborhood.

Extremes of snow, ice and wind, and worst of all, low, low temperatures can take their toll on your landscape. Damage to trees and shrubs is quite common and even turf and groundcovers are vulnerable. After last winter’s ice storm many clients asked us what can be done to prevent such severe damage again.  As in many other aspects of life, we follow the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. FERTILIZE  YOUR  TREES & SHRUBS Proper pruning and cabling (when necessary) reduces the damage caused by what a bad winter can throw at us.

Our arborists recommend pruning your trees during the winter when they are dormant. This prevents the spread of disease, helps the arborist with increased visibility for form development and disease/hazard detection, and minimizes shock to the tree because of leaf loss. As an added bonus, when the ground is frozen there is minimal damage to lawns, gardens or the forest floor. Even after doing everything possible to prevent winter damage it sometimes happens. Trees and shrubs that experience moderate storm damage can often make a full recovery over time. When damage occurs, remove broken limbs immediately, and have one of our certified arborists perform crown restoration pruning within one growing season. Our professional arborists also offer pre-winter assessments of your landscape to identify potential problems, and they are available to perform storm damage emergency work at any time.

Trees provide shade, beauty and privacy and are the anchors of a great landscape. McCullough’s has been providing tree service for over twenty years and always uses an environmentally sensitive approach. Your arborist will design a tree service and plant health care program that addresses the specific conditions of your landscape, your personal preferences and eco-sensibilities.

You may be the type of person who enjoys a day spent maintaining your property and only want to call tree professionals when absolutely necessary. For others, maintaining trees is an intimidating, time consuming chore. So, you simply opt to leave the entire task to the experts. Our certified arborists work hand-in-hand to tailor a solution for you.

Here's some practical advice in preparing for winter.

New Tree Installations

Fall is an excellent time to install new trees. Installed properly, they will acclimate to their new environment and will be ready to produce new growth in the spring. Proper installation of a new tree includes a hole at least 50% larger than the root ball and at a depth that produces a slight mounding effect when the tree is put in place. Aerating the surrounding soil is also a good idea, because it allows water and other nutrients to reach the root system. Finally, a fertilization program will supplement existing nutrients and will help your tree get a good start at its new location.

Care for Established Trees

Aerating the surrounding soil, fertilization, and mulching are also important for established trees. This is particularly the case if the surrounding soil is compacted or of poor quality. At McCullough’s, we use an Air Spade which aerates the soil to a depth of 8” – 10” without injury to the root system. We then add natural, environmentally friendly fertilizer in amounts that will produce the best results.

Firewood Supplies

McCullough’s is very proud of its commitment to recycling. The trees we remove are converted to firewood or mulch. We offer firewood for sale at both our Granville and Zanesville locations. We can also arrange a delivery for you.

Snow and Ice Removal for Businesses and Commercial Property Owners

McCullough’s welcomes the opportunity to help solve your winter snow & ice management problems. Why lay awake at night thinking about how to deal with a winter weather emergency the next morning? We’ll implement a competitive plan and will often have your property cleared before the local authorities clear the roads. This will allow your employees, vendors and customers to access your business or rental property under safe conditions. Our team of experts can be counted on to monitor emerging weather patterns and be on the job to service your property when it counts the most!

We would welcome the opportunity to service your property throughout the year, providing you with one resource to maintain your property for tree care and snow removal.