Comments for Austin Tree Experts Blog

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by Keith

Keith — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:38:33 +0000

It could be sharp shooters or leaf hoppers, but I have to see it to be sure. If you are in Arlington you might call Arborilogical or Preservation Tree Care.

Comment on Every Kid’s Dream Tree House – How to Build It by M. D. Vaden Portland Tree and Landscape

M. D. Vaden Portland Tree and Landscape — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:36:42 +0000

Pretty nice pictorial topic.

Sure is an advancement from the way most folks anchor a treehouse to trees. Cheers,

M. D. Vaden of Oregon

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by Shirley

Shirley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:05:40 +0000

Our Arizona Ash is 25 years old, we have it pruned regularly and fertilize it and it is in good health. We are in Arlington and have gotten many comments on how nice a tree it is. We do have the large roots coming up. However, this year especially, it is dropping messy gooey seeds or something all over the driveway, cars, roof, etc. I cannot get it cleaned off the driveway with a hose although it partly comes off the cars with a hose. Can you advise me on how to clean up after this tree and what is going on? Thanks.

Comment on Every Kid’s Dream Tree House – How to Build It by Dan Wright

Dan Wright — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:44:59 +0000

Hello Keith,

Looks like a fun project. The turning stairway also serving as a zip line launch is really clever. I’m a little concerned about the bending loads on the all thread rod. It looks like a 1″ all thread, and I have seen that bend when used to support loads in shear. It’s great for tension loading… There are better fasteners available for similar applications. Check out my tree house blog for more info…

I used to install that same zip line kit, too. But after installing dozens of them for people, I stopped using it for several reasons. It was alright, but not great. And it only worksup to about 96′.

Comment on All About Bradford Pears by Dental Lake Worth

Dental Lake Worth — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:46:49 +0000

Despite their standing as one of the most popular landscape trees in the Southeast, Bradford pears aren’t what they’re cracked up to be.

For despite all the beauty they lend to thousands of landscapes throughout the region, the trees are plagued with one fatal flaw: due to their combination of vigorous growth, weak wood and poor branch structure, they often begin falling apart after only 20 years.

Experts say homeowners and others would be far better off buying other trees – trees that lend beauty to the landscape and last longer.

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:15:18 +0000

I doubt the root ball is a major factor in your scenario, but I’d have to see it to be sure.

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:12:00 +0000

My rule of thumb is to try to keep trees at least 15′ from the house. Ash trees have extensive root systems that are very close to the surface. Often their roots protrude from the ground. Normally, when I see a tree’s roots damage a foundation, it is lifting the foundation, not causing it to sink. Blaming the tree for a sinking foundation seems suspicious to me. You should definitely check with a foundation expert. Feel free to send me a picture if you want some more specific feedback.

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by rory roemisch

rory roemisch — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:52:57 +0000

One more thing…although it’s a mature tree(~20 years old), it’s been hacked up pretty good. It’s got three main limbs about 15 feet high, but were cut improperly a long time ago and are rotting…so it’s only about 20 feet high total including all the little scrubby limbs. Also, it’s encased in a 1 foot retaining wall, so I think the root ball is actually above ground.

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by rory roemisch

rory roemisch — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:49:37 +0000

I’ve got a mature arizona ash about 12 feet from my foundation. That part of the foundation sank 3.5″ during the drought in Austin Texas last year. My insurance company says it’s the tree’s fault, by sucking the water from under my foundation. But I just had an arborist come by and say it’s root ball isn’t big enough to have affected the slab.

My question is “How big is the root system of a mature arizona ash, and how close is too close to the house?”

Thank you!

Comment on All About Arizona Ash Trees by Keith

Keith — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:47:26 +0000

In Austin, all Ash have similar growth characteristics. Depending on where you live, this may be different. If you aren’t from Austin, I can’t really give you quality feedback because regional difference are significant.