TREE CARE TIPS

FOR ALEXANDRIA, ARLINGTON & FAIRFAX COUNTY NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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571-244-3838

Grapplesaw crane with a log after a tree removed on a property during a cloudy day

Winter Tree Removal Benefits for Northern Virginia Homeowners

Is winter the best time for tree removal? Absolutely! Uncover the benefits of winter tree removal for your Northern Virginia property from Green Vista today.
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clouds behind a fruit tree in need of pruning

When & How to Prune Fruit Trees in Northern Virginia

When and how you prune fruit trees makes a huge difference in their health, fruit quality, and production. Learn the proper timing, techniques, and more.
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small trees for small spaces northern Virginia

The 5 Best Small Trees for Smaller Spaces in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, urban yards are too small for shade trees. These 5 small trees for smaller spaces offer beauty and function for compact yards.
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A stump on a residential property in Fairfax County, VA.

Replanting Trees After Stump Grinding in Northern Virginia

Planning to plant a tree where an old stump was ground down? It might not be the best option. Learn all about replanting trees successfully in Northern Virginia.
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Northern Virginia trees damaged by flooding from a tropical storm.

7 Flood-Resistant Trees for Your Northern Virginia Landscape

Northern Virginia faces the threat of floods, so prepare your yard with flood-resistant trees. These trees will be able to survive while flooded and look great, too.
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A member of the team at Green Vista pruning a tree in a residential area in Arlington, VA.

Trees and Neighbors: Who is Responsible for Trimming?

Are your neighbor’s trees presenting a danger to your property? Learn your legal rights to trim a neighbor’s overhanging trees in Northern Virginia and when you can have the court compel them to trim their trees.
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A remote-control tree removal crane lifting part of a tree.

7 Benefits of a Remote-Control Tree Removal Crane

Have you seen a remote-control tree removal crane in action? Wonder why we use one? Discover the benefits, such as making the job safer and more efficient, and why we use one in Northern Virginia.
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A fallen and uprooted tree on a Northern Virginia property.

Can You Save an Uprooted Tree in Northern Virginia?

Trees can become uprooted during extreme weather, from old age, or due to eroding soil or unhealthy roots. Learn if and when an uprooted tree can be saved, how to prevent uprooting trees, and more!
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How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Tree in Northern Virginia?

Learn what affects the cost of tree removal, what questions to ask the tree removal company, and how to know whether the price is reasonable.
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Close-up of a damaged bark on a tree in Northern Virginia.

Can a Tree in Northern Virginia Regrow or Repair Damaged Bark?

Many property owners in Northern Virginia don’t know that broken, missing, or damaged bark can be a sign of tree distress. Learn what to do if your tree has torn or missing bark.
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A stump grinder in an action shot grinding a stump.

Transform Your Landscape: The Top Benefits of Stump Grinding in Northern Virginia

Ready to enhance your landscape’s appearance and safety? Stump grinding can turn your outdoor space into a safer, more beautiful haven for you and your family. Read about the benefits of stump grinding in Northern Virginia.
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Fallen tree branches on a residential street after extreme weather ready for storm damage cleanup services.

Contact Green Vista for Storm Damage Cleanup in Northern Virginia

Who do you call when storms damage your trees? Green Vista! Learn how Green Vista Tree Care can handle your storm damage cleanup needs in Northern Virginia.
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Overgrown deciduous trees grow too close to a residential home in Northern Virginia.

Dangers of Untrimmed Trees in Northern Virginia

You may know some of the dangers of untrimmed trees in Northern Virginia, but did you know that not regularly pruning your trees can impact your home value, create safety hazards, harbor pests, and more?
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Green Vista's crew doing a tree removal and using the wood from tree removals.

What Happens to the Wood From Tree Removals in Northern Virginia?

Contrary to popular belief, not every tree is destined for a landfill. While it's true that trees affected by disease or decay may end up as waste, this is not the inevitable end for all.
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Hands use a chisel to carve a decorative pattern into a flat piece of light-colored wood.

What Are the Best Wood Types for Furniture in Northern Virginia?

Discover the best wood types for furniture that are perfect for crafting stunning pieces in Northern Virginia and Fairfax County.
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A grapple attached to a long knuckle boom crane holds a large section of tree trunk as the Green Vista log struck sits in a cul-de-sac waiting to be loaded.

How to Prepare for a Tree Removal in Northern Virginia

Dive into our expert guide on how to prepare for a tree removal in Northern Virginia. Avoid surprises. Know what to expect!
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A brown and tan mushroom with a curved stalk grows from a moist, dark gray tree trunk. Mushrooms that grow on trees help decompose organic material.

Mushrooms That Grow on Trees – What Does It Mean?

Are those mushrooms spouting around your tree a problem? Learn about mushrooms that grow on trees and other Northern Virginia tree fungi. Click now for mind-blowing insights!
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The eastern redbud displaying its reddish-pink flowers, is one of several wind-resistant trees.

10 Wind-Resistant Trees to Keep Homes Safer in Northern Virginia

Severe weather can wreak havoc on any tree, but some trees handle high winds better than others. Here are ten wind-resistant trees ideal for Northern Virginia.
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4 photos showing native trees that are susceptible to pests, create a lot of litter, or don’t do well in Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia Native Trees That May Need Some Extra Care

Native trees can benefit your Northern Virginia property, but some may need a little extra care. Learn which native NoVa trees can be problematic, what you can do if you have or plan to plant any of these trees on your property, and how Green Vista Tree Care can help.
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The white spring flowers of the native flowering dogwood tree in Virginia.

Why Plant Native Trees and Plants in Northern Virginia?

Caring for native trees and plants easier than maintaining non-natives. Here are some other reasons you should grow native plants in Northern Virginia.
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A tree trunk with bark removed, exposing the white mycelial fans associated with armillaria.

3 Common Northern Virginia Tree Diseases

Three serious tree diseases are putting your Northern Virginia trees at risk. Learn how to identify the symptoms of these diseases and how you can prevent them to keep your trees healthy.
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The red foliage of the native Virginia creeper vine on a tree in Northern Virginia.

How to Tell the Difference Between Invasive and Native Vines in Northern Virginia

Invasive vines often look like native vines, but there is a clear difference: Invasive vines can harm or kill your native plants and trees. While many of these vines look similar to natives, there are some characteristics you can use to determine which vines are harmful. Once they are identified you can take the steps to get rid of invasive vines by using our invasive vine removal resources and strategies.
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Several large trees grow near a house as viewed from the roof.

What to Do About Tree Damage to Roofs

Mature, well cared for trees on properties are valuable, provide shade, and make any area look more welcoming. However, the closer the mature trees are to buildings, especially houses, the more problems they can cause. Roofs, especially, can suffer damage from nearby trees. In this article, we’ll discuss how roofs and trees impact each other, some things to consider when it comes to your trees, some issues to watch for, and how to protect your roof while maintaining your trees.
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winter pruning

The Many Benefits of Winter Tree Pruning & Trimming

Winter tree pruning has many benefits, both for your trees and for your wallet. Learn why dormant pruning is a good choice for northern Virginia residents.
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Small trees grow near large utility lines in Virginia.

Utility-Friendly Trees for Your Northern Virginia Property

Planting trees near utility lines is risky. It might reach powerlines and cause huge problem in the future. Read this article to know which kind of trees and shrubs you can plant so it will be safer for your property.
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A row of bradford or callery pear trees with white spring blooms.

Don’t Plant These Trees on your Virginia Property

All trees provide a lot of benefits to us. But there are also trees that pose problems and could potentially be a threat to other trees on your property. Read this post to learn more about some of the invasive trees in Virginia that you should avoid planting on your property.
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The Green Vista Tree Care crane balanced on a Northern Virginia property's lawn using Alturna mats to protect the grass.

Will Tree Removal Damage My Lawn?

Tree removal damage to landscape or lawns is inevitable specially when done in a wrong way or by non professional people. Here's what can be done to avoid damages and protect your property.
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heat stress in trees

How to Protect Your Trees From Summer Heat Stress

As summer temperatures rise, people start to wilt – and so do trees. In fact, trees can experience heat stress that not only makes them look bad, but also makes them more susceptible to insect and disease problems. Early identification and treatment of heat stress go a long way toward helping them recover. Here's how to identify and treat heat stress in trees.
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The Green Vista Tree Care team removes a tree by using a crane over a house.

Removing Trees in Narrow, Tight or Hard-to-Reach Spaces

Removing a tree from a confined or hard-to-reach area can be difficult and dangerous. Learn when, why, and how we do these difficult tree removals (and see us in action!).
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Home construction near several trees.

How Landscaping & Construction Can Kill Trees

Construction or landscaping can stress and even kill trees, particularly in urban areas. In this article, we explain why it happens, how you can prevent damage and protect your trees during construction, and how to help them recover after the project is finished.
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fall tree care tips northern virginia

Fall Tree Care Tips for Northern Virginia

Use the impressive display of fall leaf colors to remind you that this is also an important time to give your trees a little extra TLC so they survive winter in tip-top shape. Here are the things we recommend doing each autumn.
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Sun shines on a residential block with lots of trees and green grass and a paved road.

How Trees Can Impact Your Property Value

Is it worth spending money on tree maintenance? What’s the ROI? What types of tree work have the biggest impact? What should you avoid? We answer those questions and more to help you increase your home’s value.
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Members of the Green Vista Tree Care crew clean up after a summer tree trimming.

Trimming Overgrown Trees? 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start

Tree pruning can give you the look and space you want without harming your trees - but only if it's done correctly. Learn what to ask a tree service company (or yourself) before trimming overgrown trees.
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mulch volcano

Why Mulch Is Killing Your Trees

Mulch, when used in moderation, has many benefits. But somehow it's become popular to pile mulch around trees. This causes many problems, most of which aren't immediately apparent. But make no mistake about it – mulch volcanoes are a death sentence for trees. Here's why and what you should do instead.
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A lopper rests on a a box of tree branches as part of spring clean-up in a yard.

Don’t Forget Your Trees in Your Spring Yard Cleanup

Spring yard cleanup can be overwhelming. Keep it simple by starting with these quick things to help your landscape and trees when spring arrives in Northern Virginia.
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spring blooms on a tree branch

Spring Tree Care Tips for Northern Virginia

Spring tree care lays a solid foundation for the long growing season ahead and helps keep your trees healthy, beautiful and safe. Here's what to do ...
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silhouette of trees in power lines with moon in background

Tree Branches Touching Power Lines

Are tree branches touching power lines dangerous? Can you trim the trees yourself? What about secondary lines - is it OK if trees touch those? We answer those FAQs and more!
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A shrub in Northern Virginia covered with a layer of snow

How to Protect Trees and Shrubs Before Winter Arrives

Ten simple steps you can take before snow, ice and cold weather arrive to protect trees through the Northern Virgina winter.
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Homes in the Washington, D.C. are with trees and shrubs

How to Choose the Best Tree to Plant in Your NOVA Yard

Before you select a tree for your home landscape, there are three things to check and three places to look. Do all of these and you'll be able to choose the best tree for your property and avoid common problems.
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Spotted lanterflies on a tree trunk, one of many pests that hurts trees in Northern Virginia

Common Tree Pests In Fairfax & Arlington Counties, VA

Description, targeted trees, damage, symptoms of infestation, and treatment options for the four most common and destructive tree pests in our area, plus two new ones to watch out for (it's just a matter of time until they arrive in our area).
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Green and yellow maple leaves on a summer day in Virginia

Why Are My Tree’s Leaves Turning Yellow In Summer?

Are yellow tree leaves in summer a serious problem? We share details about why leaves turn yellow, what signs to look out for, what's likely causing the problem, and what to do about it.
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Multiple trees in an orchard staked with wood

Tree Staking FAQs: Why, When & How to Stake a Newly-Planted Tree

You've probably seen many newly-planted trees held up with stakes. But is it necessary? We answer all your questions about whether a newly-planted tree should be staked, how to stake a tree, how long to leave it, what to use, and what not to do.
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apples growing on an apple tree in Virginia

Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Northern Virginia

These delicious fruiting trees grow well in northern Virginia and are generally the easiest to care for. We cover the best varieties, growing conditions, care, and more.
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light wood chips on the ground can be used for a variety of projects

Beyond Mulch: 10 Ways to Use Wood Chips in Your Yard

Tree removal, pruning and stump grinding will leave a pile of wood chips. Here are 10 ideas for how to use them in your own yard rather than having them hauled away.
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water drops from an ice-covered branch

Why & How to Water Trees in Winter (Yes, Even in Northern Virginia!)

In winter, a dormant tree still needs water to maintain itself until spring. These FAQs answer all of your questions about why, when, and how to trees in winter.
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Snow on evergreens

Winter Tree Care Tips for Northern Virginia

Our top recommendations for winter tree care. What to do, how to do it, and what not to do to keep your trees healthy and safe through our northern Virginia winters (December through February).
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why homeowners shouldn't prune header

When Shouldn’t You Prune or Remove Trees Yourself?

Looking at that overgrown tree in your yard and thinking about pruning or removing parts of it yourself? Ask yourself these questions first to see whether DIY tree work is the best option.
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tree trunk with fall leaves ground

Falling Leaves in Autumn: What Should You Do With Them?

Each autumn, as deciduous trees start dropping leaves, are you left wondering what the heck to do with all those fallen leaves? Here are three options for dealing with fallen leaves on your northern Virginia property.
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shrubs plant this fall azalea

5 Best Shrubs To Plant This Fall

Many shrubs grow well in northern Virginia, but these are the 5 best shrubs to plant this fall. They're beautiful, easy to grow & now's the time to plant!
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tree roots lifting concrete sidewalk slabs

Tree Roots Causing Problems? Find the Real Root of the Issue

Problems caused by tree roots can be found in every neighborhood in northern Virginia. Roots invade sewer and water pipes, enter cracked foundations, lift sidewalks and crack paved areas, and spread above ground to trip you. Learn why it happens, how to fix the problem, and how to prevent it.
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flooded trees in standing water after a storm

How to Help Flooded or Waterlogged Trees Recover

After flooding, heavy rainfall, or even due to overwatering, trees can suffer from too much water. Essentially, waterlogged trees can drown. Learn to recognize the symptoms of excessive water damage, how to help your trees recover, and how to prevent it from happening again.
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stump grinder removing a tree stump

Stump Grinding FAQs: What, Why & How

After a tree has been removed, what happens to the remaining tree stump? Does it decompose? Should you remove it? Is stump grinding the best option? If so, how is that done? We answer all of those questions and more in these FAQs about stump removal and stump grinding.
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green tree in front of grey house

Benefits of Trees in your Northern Virginia Landscape

You'll be surprised when you learn about all of the things that trees do to help us. There are so many benefits, in fact, that we’re still learning about all of the positive impacts they have on our lives. But scientists and arborists have learned a few, and we’ve described them for you in this article.
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tree removal with crane

How Cranes Make Tree Removal Safer

Tree removal is inherently dangerous but using a crane can make it safer for the tree workers, homeowners and surrounding area. However, tree removal using a traditional crane still requires a tree care professional to climb the tree. That's why we've invested in a remote-controlled, tree-cutting crane that eliminates the need to place anyone in potential harm's way. Check out the cool video of it in action!
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avoid winter salt damage to trees

Avoid Salt & Ice Melt Damage To Your Trees & Plants

Rock salt and ice melt are helpful during northern Virginia winters, but they can kill your plants. Protect your plants with these tips and alternatives.
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winter ice damage on trees

Help Trees Recover From Ice and Snow Damage in Northern Virginia

Winter storms, with high winds, ice, and heavy snow, can all cause trees to split, branches to break, and large limbs to fall. In this article, we share some tips on how to prevent, spot, and treat ice and snow damage from winter storms.
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sunscald on green ash - image by William Jacobi, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

How to Protect Trees From Sunscald Injury This Winter

During winter, temperature swings can cause enormous damage to thin-barked deciduous trees through something called sunscald. But it's easy to prevent if you know how. Here's what you can do this winter to keep your trees safe.
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leaves change color in fall

Why Leaves Change Color in Fall: A Northern Virginia Guide

What makes trees in northern Virginia change from green into shades of yellow, orange, red and purple each fall? Here's why it happens, what affects the timing and brightness of the display, and when you can expect peak leaf color this year.
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summer tree watering

Watering Trees During the Dog Days of Summer

Plants and lawns need to be watered, but trees get enough water from rainwater, right? Not necessarily! In fact, you should probably water your trees more than your lawn, as trees are a larger investment. Learn how you can tell if your trees need water, the best way to water them, and the best time of day to water to ensure that you're not wasting water.
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storm damage to trees in northern virginia

Prevent Tree Damage From Storms & Wind in Northern Virginia

Summer storms in northern Virginia are a common and dangerous occurrence. Although we all love the warmth and sunshine of summer, it also brings with it torrential downpours, violent thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes and high winds – we’ve even been hit with hurricanes – all of which put trees and property at risk.
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lightning hitting tree - need insurance

The Truth About Tree Care Insurance & Homeowner Risk

If the tree care company or person you hire doesn’t have the right insurance, you’re putting yourself at risk. Here are some of the things you should know about tree care insurance before hiring anyone to do tree work on your property.
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tree topping

Tree Topping: Should You Do It?

Topping is the practice of drastically cutting back all of a tree’s larger branches to make them shorter, with the goal of creating a smaller tree. Unfortunately, topping usually has the opposite effect - if it doesn't kill the tree. Learn what topping is and the associated costs (to your tree and your wallet).
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Frost Cracks: What They Are & What To Do About Them

During the winter, if your trees make loud cracking sounds at night, or you notice vertical splits in the bark, it's probably frost cracks. Caused by large temperature swings, these cracks usually heal themselves in healthy trees. Take good care of affected trees to ensure that they recover, and call in the pros if the split persists or gets worse.
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Is My Tree Okay? How to Know When it’s Time to Remove a Tree

  Trees have endless benefits, from energy conservation to wind protection to creating healthy air for us to breathe. But as a living organism, trees are prone to death and disease, can be injured, and may grow where you don’t want them to. As a result, they sometimes need to be removed. As a homeowner,…
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tree planting shovel

Tree Planting Tips For Healthy Trees

Do you know what the biggest killer of newly-planted trees is? Poor tree planting practices. Here’s the best advice I can give you when it comes to planting a tree – “Plant a $5 tree in a $100 hole.”  That doesn’t mean buy a cheap tree or line the planting hole with gold. It means…
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fall leaf color northern virginia

Top Five Landscape Trees for Fall Color in Northern Virginia

Many people associate fall with the changing color of tree leaves – over the space of a few weeks the whole landscape seems to magically morph from green to brilliant shades of orange, gold, red, and purple. We often get asked for recommendations on the best trees to plant in Northern Virginia for stunning fall…
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plant trees in the right place

Plant The Right Tree In The Right Place

I recently drove through a neighborhood where many of the homes had maples, dogwoods, mulberries or white pines in their yards. One even had an elm. The maples are slowly destroying the sidewalks, the dogwoods are damaging the siding of the nearby houses, the mulberries make a huge mess when the berries ripen, the elm…
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spring flowering trees for northern Virginia

Best Spring-Flowering Trees For Northern Virginia

We usually think of tulips and daffodils when we think of spring flowers. But some of the best blossoms of spring come from spring-flowering trees. Their emerging fragrance fills the air and falling petals dance in the wind like spring snow, blanketing the ground in color. These are the landscape trees that brighten the early…
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Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

Simply put, Certified Arborists save you time and money.  Healthy well-maintained trees are one of the most important elements of any landscape. Mature shade or evergreen trees beautify the neighborhood and provide shelter for wildlife, but they have monetary benefits, too. Trees have a positive impact on property values, they help improve air quality, reduce…
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