arborcorp

Summer Storm Preparedness: Protecting Trees from High Winds and Lightning

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:52:08 GMT

Expert tips to prevent breakage and add lightning strike protection during summer storms

Why Summer Storm Prep Matters

July and August storms can bring 100 km/h wind gusts, heavy rain, and fierce lightning. A large maple can weigh more than a car when its leaves hold water, so even a healthy tree can break if it isn’t ready. A few low-cost steps now can save you thousands in repair bills later.

Before the Storm: Easy Prevention

Tip: Have professionals like Arborcorp Tree Experts inspect mature trees every two years.

Quick Pre-Storm Checklist

Look for cracked trunks or hanging limbs
Check that branch tips clear power lines by at least 3 metres
Confirm cabling hardware is snug, not rusted
Remove yard objects (furniture, toys) that can strike trunks
Photograph high-value trees for insurance records

Cabling & Bracing

When do you need cabling?

Narrow “V” forks over a roof or driveway
Old shade trees you’d hate to lose
Any fork that already shows a crack

How it’s done (3 steps)

A metal rod is drilled through the split (that’s the brace).
Flexible cables are bolted ⅔ up each limb.
The rod stops the crack from opening; the cables share the wind load.

Lightning protection

Copper cable runs from the top limb down to a buried ground rod. The strike follows the wire instead of exploding the wood.

Post-Storm Clean-Up: Assess, Decide, Act

Note: Burlington homeowners often face lake-effect winds. If a large tree leans toward a house, call a tree removal crew to secure the site before grinding the stump.

DIY vs. Professional Matrix

When in doubt, hire a qualified team like Arborcorp Tree Experts. Look for WSIB insurance and ISA credentials.

FAQs

Summer storms are part of Ontario life, but big repair bills don’t have to be. A little pruning, a well-placed cable, and a quick post-storm check keep your family safe and your yard looking great.

Contact Us

Arborcorp Tree Experts

Phone: (905) 827-9103
Email: info@arborcorp.ca
Website: www.arborcorp.ca
Service Area: Oakville • Burlington • Milton • Mississauga

From preventive tree trimming in Mississauga that homeowners trust to tree removal in Burlington that residents rely on, Arborcorp keeps Ontario’s trees—and the people who love them—safe, healthy, and thriving.

Post-Winter Tree Assessment: Spotting Damage and Planning Repairs

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:30:00 GMT

How Ontario Homeowners Can Protect Their Landscape After a Harsh Season

Ontario winters pack a punch—sub-zero temperatures, ice storms, heavy snow loads, and biting winds. While you were hunkered down indoors, your trees weathered months of stress. Early spring is the moment to discover what survived, what suffered, and what you should do next. A thorough post-winter assessment not only prevents hazards but also positions your landscape for healthy, vigorous growth.

Whether you’re a DIY gardener searching online for tree services near me or a property manager who regularly hires a professional arborist in Mississauga , this guide walks you through:

A step-by-step visual inspection
How to recognize frost splits, sunscald, and ice damage
When to call certified pros like Arborcorp Tree Experts for tree trimming services, tree removal, or stump removal

Why Post-Winter Inspections Matter

Safety First – Split limbs can drop without warning, risking injury and property damage.
Disease Prevention – Winter wounds are entry points for fungi, borers, and other pests.
Cost Control – Catching damage early often means minor pruning instead of full tree removal.
Long-Term Health – Timely pruning of frost-killed branches redirects energy to vigorous, healthy growth.

When to Call a Certified Arborist

Large or overhead hazards you can’t safely reach from the ground
Suspected internal decay (sound hollow when tapped or show fungal shelves on bark)
High-value trees that enhance curb appeal or shade—professional preservation is cheaper than replacement
Urban or regulated zones where city bylaws require permits for tree removal

If you’re Googling “tree services near me,” vet companies for:

ISA or Ontario Certified Arborist credentials
Proof of WSIB and liability insurance
Up-to-date equipment (aerial lifts, stump grinders)
Positive reviews in your municipality—whether you’re in Oakville or Milton, need tree trimming Mississauga , or require tree removal Burlington

FAQ

Don’t gamble with post-winter hazards

One weak limb can undo an entire season’s curb appeal—or worse, damage your roof. Schedule a Spring Recovery Assessment with Arborcorp’s ISA-certified team today. Our experts will:

Perform a 360° health check
Prune frost-killed branches with clean, industry-standard cuts
Recommend cabling, bracing, or, if necessary, safe tree removal
Provide written reports for insurance or municipal permits

Contact Us

Arborcorp Tree Experts – Serving Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, and surrounding communities.

Phone: (905) 827-9103

Email: info@arborcorp.ca

Website: www.arborcorp.ca

With a qualified arborist in your corner—you’ll restore safety, beauty, and vigor to your landscape long before summer barbecues begin. Book your spring check-up and discover why homeowners trust Arborcorp Tree Experts year after year.

Spring: The Ideal Time for Pruning in Ontario

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:59:14 GMT

Spring in Ontario brings milder temperatures and new growth. It's the perfect time to hire a tree pruning service available from the professionals at Arborcorp Tree Experts to ensure your trees stay healthy, well-shaped, and safe. When done right, spring pruning helps trees grow strong and vibrant. Read on to learn why early spring is ideal for pruning and how a professional arborist can help.

Here's what you need to know about professional care to encourage healthy regrowth.

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for Pruning

Reduced Stress on Trees
In early spring, most deciduous trees haven't fully leafed out. Pruning now causes less stress since trees can quickly heal cuts.
Better Visibility
With fewer leaves, an arborist can easily spot damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. This means more precise tree trimming
Disease Prevention
Pests and diseases become more active later in spring. Early pruning helps reduce exposure to problems like oak wilt and fire blight.

Pro Tip: Some trees like maple or birch may "bleed" sap in early spring. This is usually harmless, but consulting with an arborist about timing for specific trees is always a good idea.

Which Trees Benefit from Early Spring Pruning?

Flowering Ornamentals: Crabapples, magnolias, and ornamental cherries do well when pruned right after blooming or in early spring.
Deciduous Shade Trees: Oaks, ashes, and maples have fewer pest issues when pruned before leaves appear.
Young Trees: Early pruning helps shape young trees before they get too large.

Not sure about your tree? Contact the tree pruning services professionals at Arborcorp for expert advice.

Key Steps for Effective Spring Pruning

Inspect the Tree
Look for damage, disease, and crossing branches
Plan Your Cuts
Start with dead, diseased, or weak branches
Thin crowded areas for better air flow.
Use Proper Techniques
Cut just beyond the branch collar (the swollen area at the branch base).
Avoid "topping" trees, which causes health problems.
Clean Up Properly
Remove diseased branches from your property.
Consider stump removal services if you've had trees cut down previously.
Watch Tree Health
Check cut areas for signs of infection.
Provide proper water and nutrients.

Comparison: Early vs. Late Spring Pruning

Risks of DIY Pruning

While doing it yourself might seem easy, DIY pruning can lead to:

Over-Pruning
Removing too many branches can weaken the tree.
Bad Cuts
Improper cutting techniques can damage trees and attract pests.
Safety Hazards
Climbing ladders and using saws can be dangerous.

For large branches or trees near power lines, call the professional tree cutting service or tree removal experts at Arborcorp.

Why Hire an ISA-Certified Arborist

Pruning might seem simple, but improper cuts can cause long-term problems. A certified arborist offers:

Knowledge of Tree Biology: Understanding how pruning affects growth and healing
Disease Detection: Spotting early signs of problems
Best Techniques: Knowing the right methods for different tree types

Professional tree services at Arborcorp ensure quality care without risking your trees' health.

FAQs: Spring Pruning in Ontario

Professional Care for Healthy Trees

Spring pruning keeps your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. By removing deadwood and preventing problems, you help your trees thrive all season.

Don't leave your trees to chance. Our certified arborists at Arborcorp Tree Experts can provide top-quality tree trimming services to help your trees grow stronger and healthier. Whether you need pruning, safety checks, or tree removal , we have the skills and equipment to help.

Transform your yard into the vibrant space you want.

Contact Us

Arborcorp Tree Experts

Phone: (905) 827-9103

Email: info@arborcorp.ca

Website: Arborcorp Tree Experts

Serving Oakville, Burlington Milton, Mississauga and surrounding areas. Call now for a free quote and let our team help your trees thrive!

Take it Outside: Spring Cleaning Edition!

Wed, 29 May 2019 01:17:13 GMT

We are now well into spring! Our trees are waking up from the dormancy of winter, making plans for new growth, and the air is alive with the energy of renewal. Every spring we get the urge to start fresh, get organized, and prepare our landscapes for a season of outdoor fun and relaxation. In this early part of the season, before you start planting, it is a good idea to have your trees cared for:

1. Deadwooding : Removing dead branches not only reduces the hazard of falling objects on your property, it also reduces the amount of habitat for pests and pathogens and gives your tree a fresh, healthy look.

2. Removals : On a practical level, removing dead or dying trees on your property reduces hazards and creates space for something new in your landscape. On a more subtle level, it is deeply satisfying to see your landscape bursting with green, and not full of dead sticks, twigs and peeling bark.

3. Maintenance pruning : Pruning overgrown, interfering, diseased, damaged and dead branches accomplishes many goals. It prevents structural problems in the future, reduces hazards, increases airflow through the tree (reducing the amount of damp fungal habitat) and lets more sunlight filter through the canopy. This all translates to a safe, healthy and productive landscape.

Removing dead branches, removing dead trees, and performing maintenance pruning where needed leaves your landscape safer, tidier, and refreshed. It's hard to explain the subtle feeling of peace of mind that this creates, but it's well worth the effort and investment.

Call us for a free assessment and quote! (905) 827-9103

Above: The flower of a healthy Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

New Years' Resolutions for Homeowners

Wed, 29 May 2019 01:13:22 GMT

Happy New Year! For many, New Year's is a fresh start and a chance to make a renewed effort to get into some good habits for the year. You may have thought about resolving to work out more, eat healthier, curb your vices, but did you ever think about resolving to take better care of your trees?

Here are some easy resolutions that you can make and keep in 2017!

1. Identify the trees on your property! Many arborists and horticulturalists love to teach those who are interested about trees and other plants. You probably know someone who is willing to come over and help you identify your trees. Not only will this enrich your time outdoors on your property, but you'll also impress your guests when you can teach them about your trees. If you're feeling ambitious, learn how to use an identification key!

2. Have an arborist assess the trees on your property. This can help with item #1! Not only will you learn which trees you have, but get a recommendation on how to care for them properly! Assessments and quotes are free at Arborcorp, which is pretty standard. Get a few and compare them, if you like.

3. Water your trees (properly)! Our summer droughts are getting longer and more intense. Resolve to help your trees survive the summer this year with a slow leaking hose around their driplines, or a gator bag around the trunk. Check out the post I wrote this summer HERE for more info!

4. Don't leave stubs! If you take on the task of doing a little pruning around the house, do the trees a favour and read up on Alex Shigo's pruning techniques. Best practices change over time, according to lessons learned from research and experience, and it's possible that your knowledge might not be up to date!

5. Get your dead Ash tree removed! A standing dead Ash tree creates more of a hazard the longer it is left because of its dry, brittle wood. The cost of removal becomes higher as the tree becomes more and more hazardous to work with. Get a few quotes and resolve to make it happen this year.

These resolutions will help ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable and beautiful property for years to come.

Call us for a free assessment and quote! (905) 827-9103

The Benefits of Pruning: Winter Edition

Wed, 29 May 2019 01:05:03 GMT

Yes, we work through the winter! Does that surprise you? There are actually a few good reasons to schedule your tree services for the dormant season!

First: what is dormancy? For a tree, it means that it is no longer actively growing. Sometimes there is a little bit of activity, but in general, when temperatures are cold enough to damage the leaves, the tree stops providing them with clorophyll (one of the key reactants in photosynthesis) and slowly cuts them off from the branch or twig to which they are attached.

Trees' leaves are productive organs. If too many leaves are removed during summer pruning, the tree may not be able to store enough reserves to make it through the winter and emerge into the spring with new, healthy growth and strong defences. When we prune during the dormant season we are not removing productive leaves, and when the spring comes, the burst of new growth can help to speed the healing of pruning wounds. Another good reason to prune during the dormant season is that disease-causing fungi and bacteria are less likely to be active and spreading.

From a homeowner's point of view, there is another reason why you may want to consider having your tree services performed in the winter. We make every effort to minimize the damage that dragging brush has on grass, but there usually is a little bit of disturbance when heavy wood or brush is being moved. Having tree services performed when the ground is frozen can minimize dents and scrapes in your lawn.

You may wonder how we can work with trees when they are leafless, but in some ways the bare branches actually make our job a little bit easier. For instance, it is easier to view the structure of a tree's branches when there are no leaves, and it is also easier to access the tree without having the interior of the tree obstructed.

How can we tell which branches are living and which ones are dead? There are a few ways, but that sounds like a topic for another winter blog!

Services we offer all yea r:

Tree and Shrub Pruning
Tree Removal
Cabling and Bracing
Arborist Reports for Permits
Tree Risk Assessment

Call for a free estimate! (905) 827-9103

Learn more about tree dormancy here or here

The Benefits of Pruning: Safety!

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:58:11 GMT

It's no wonder that we are obsessed with trees! Aside from being a beautiful and peaceful addition to a landscape, trees are critical for our well-being. Here are just a few things that trees do for us:

Filter air pollutants
Provide us with oxygen
Cool the streets and the city
Help prevent soil erosion and water pollution

And, of course, they provide us with material goods as well. You can read more about the benefits of trees HERE if you like.

On the other hand, our urban trees do come at a special cost. In urban or suburban settings they must be maintained regularly to reduce the risk of a limb or a whole tree failing and possibly injuring a person or damaging property.

Take a look at your trees, in the company of an arborist if possible, and consider:

If part of this tree fails, where will it land? (Targets)
Are any parts of the tree of special concern? (Hazards)

How can pruning improve the safety of your tree? If you have time for a coffee break, feel free to take one now as we dig a little deeper into the issue:

1. Prune the canopy for improved structure ("structural prune")

Every species has a different structure that works best for it. The structure of most individual trees will vary slightly depending on the location of sunlight and obstacles that may be in its way, such as a building or another tree. In general, a well-structured tree will have one dominant trunk with well-attached, appropriately sized branches that each have their own space to grow a healthy show of leaves. Poor structure in the form of weak branch attachments, trunks that compete for dominance, and interfering branches can create problems that, in time, lead to serious hazards. Structural pruning is best done when the tree is young and the pruning wounds will be small.

2. Regularly maintain the canopy through maintenance pruning

It is possible, even in a well-structured canopy, for older branches to die, and for young branches to take advantage of pockets of light and grow in interfering ways. It is also possible for other trees in the area to shed branches that will fall into your tree, creating hazards known as "hangers". Maintenance pruning focuses on cleaning out "deadwood" and "hangers" as well as any diseased or decaying wood and interfering branches that are likely to cause bigger problems in the future. This type of maintenance helps discourage pests from moving in and also removes material that could be thrown out of the canopy in a windstorm.

3. Reduce long limbs that are holding a lot of weight

Each branch is a lever that is attached to another branch or trunk at one end and holds weight on the other. As it grows, that branch grows strong enough to withstand normal winds, but in an extreme wind event the branch can pick up momentum swaying back and forth until it hits a breaking point. Not every branch is a hazard in this way, but if an arborist finds that a branch is especially long and heavily loaded due to a lack of early structural pruning, reducing its load in the proper manner will also reduce the levering forces that act on that branch.

Note : It is extremely important that you have the reduction done by an arborist who is properly trained to do so. An improper reduction can create more of a hazard than you had in the first place.

A healthy tree is a safer tree, as well! Adequate water and nutrients will help the tree maintain strong and vigorous branches.

And, of course, sometimes a tree is in such poor health that no amount of pruning will make it safe enough to coexist with us and it must be removed.

Here’s to a healthy and safe urban forest!

Services that we offer :

Pruning
Risk Assessment
Deep Root Fertilization
Removal

Call for a free estimate! (905) 827-9103

Tree not pruned
Trees pruned
(Thanks to Madison Tree Care & Landscaping for the pics of Structural Pruning!)

Learn more here :

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/why-do-trees-topple-in-a-storm/
http://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/tips/a7761/how-do-you-know-a-tree-limb-is-about-to-fall-8922559/

What is Summer Branch Drop (aka. Summer Limb Drop, Sudden Limb Drop) and what can I do to prevent it?

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:25:54 GMT

Summer Branch Drop (SBD) is a little understood phenomenon that is gaining some local attention as of late after a recent tragic incident in Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto. SBD has been reported in Australia, Europe and the US since the early 1970’s. In these incidents, limbs fall for no apparent reason on calm, hot summer days.

It has been suggested that the limbs may fall due to a buildup of water pressure inside the limbs, or possibly because of the release of certain hormones that weaken cell walls within the branch, but it is largely unstudied because it is extremely unpredictable and therefore difficult to replicate in scientific experiments.

Since it is so understudied, there are no current suggestions to prevent SBD, but there are some recommendations to reduce the chances of a tragic limb drop on your property:

Reduce the length and weight of large limbs, especially those over houses, paths, driveways or recreational areas
Thin the canopy to promote the movement of air and lessen humidity
Remove dead, dying or diseased branches (those with cankers, cracks or other rotting areas)
Remove trees that are of low vigor (for example, large or many areas of decay) in high-traffic areas

Services that we offer:

Here are some services that may help you with your hazardous trees this season!

Pruning
Tree Fertilization
Tree Removal

References

Summer Branch Drop

Summer Branch Drop by Richard W. Harris Presented at the 58th Annual Conference of the International Society of Arboriculture in Louisville, Kentucky on Aug 10, Journal of Arboriculture 9(4): April 1983 joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=1877...2

Pictures

http://blog.staygreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/image002.jpg
http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/attachments/tree-health-care/130798d1375301309-summer-limb-branch-drop-005.jpg

'Tis the Season for Summer Drought

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:19:49 GMT

After a very dry spring and summer you may be noticing symptoms of drought in your trees:

Yellowing and/or wilted leaves (like the River Birch, Betula nigra, pictured below)
Smaller leaf size towards the ends of branches
Leaves turning colour and falling too early
Dead spots on leaves

Why do trees experience drought stress?

Water helps trees maintain their structure. Trees are like giant straws - water evaporates from the leaves, pulling columns of water up through the living wood from the roots. If there is not enough water in the soil, the cells that carry the water will collapse and water will no longer reach the top of the tree and tips of the furthest branches. This is why the leaves at these locations wilt and die.

Dissolved nutrients are also transported in water from the roots to other areas of the tree, so if water cannot get to the places where it is needed, neither will nutrients, slowing down growth and potentially causing parts of the tree to die back.

Three things that you can do to prevent drought stress:

1. Water your trees slowly and deeply, preferably with a soaker hose or Treegator™ bag, to make sure that water percolates down through the root zone, about 12-18 inches (30-45cm) below the surface of the soil. If you choose to water with a non-soaker hose or sprinkler, water in the evening!

2. Mulch your tree in the spring, making sure that the mulch is only 3-4 inches (8-10cm) deep, and that it is kept away from the trunk (think “donut”, not volcano”). The point of mulching is to prevent water from evaporating from the soil into the air, but the reverse is also true, so don’t mulch during a drought!

3. When planting, choose trees that are appropriate to your site’s moisture conditions. Look for ideas in this City of Toronto info sheet !

What can I do if my trees are already suffering from drought?

Prune : It is very important to have dead branches pruned out of the tree if they are a hazard to people, animals or objects that may be underneath. It is recommended to leave as much of the live branches on as possible, though, at least until the tree is less stressed.

Water : It is never too late to begin watering properly. It may not save the damaged branches and foliage but it will help the tree recover and produce healthy new growth.

Services that we offer

Here are some services that may help you with your drought-stressed trees this season:

Pruning
Tree and shrub fertilization
Shrub pruning
Tree removal

Call for a free assessment and estimate: (905) 872-9103

References

Pics

Written By: Anna Mernieks July 22, 2016

Spring Fertilizer For Your Trees

Tue, 28 May 2019 23:48:53 GMT

"It's important to regularly fertilize your trees to maintain their health and appearance."

Trees are an important part of our landscapes, however due to their slow growth and response rate we may not be immediately aware when they are under stress. It is important to regularly fertilize our trees to maintain their health and appearance.

Whether your trees are young or old, fertilizing them is an essential part of their regular maintenance. Nutrients are delivered to the root systems of trees almost all season long. As new growth is encouraged through fertilizing it may not be wise to fertilize too late in the season, as that new growth needs time to harden off before winter.

At Arborcorp, we inject a specially formulated fertilizer designed specifically for trees and woody plants in the urban landscapes of Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Milton. Our formulation is designed to be released slowly and will last the duration of the season and sometimes into the next. Fertilizer is injected into the fibrous root zone of your tree, right where it needs it most. While some companies concentrate their fertilizing efforts only at the tree’s drip line, we inject throughout the entire root system, providing maximum benefit to your tree’s health.

Contact Arborcorp today to discuss the trees in your yard and what we can do to make them healthier and even more beautiful than they already are.

Emerald Ash Borer Disease (EAB)

Tue, 28 May 2019 23:46:03 GMT

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been devastating Ash trees in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Milton. EAB has spread throughout southwestern Ontario since 2002. This introduced Asia insect kills all species of ash trees. These insects cut off the flow of water and nutrients within the trees by feeding underneath the bark. All Ash trees are at risk of dying from infestation except the Mountain Ash (Sorbus spp.) which is not a true Ash. Mortality normally takes 2 to 3 years however a severe case can terminate a tree within one season. It is estimated that all Ash trees in the region may be gone by 2017.

The federal Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has instituted a quarantine zone through a Ministerial Order including Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and most of southern Ontario. The Order prohibits and restricts movement of nursery stock, trees, leaves, logs, lumber, wood, wood chips, bark chips and firewood from all ash species unless authorized by a Movement Certificate issued by the CFIA. This prohibition prevents the spread of the EAB into un-infested areas of Ontario. Arborcorp is authorized by a movement certificate.

How to Identify Emerald Ash Borer – EAB?

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/IdentifyingAshTrees.pdf
http://www.london.ca/Trees_Lawns_and_Gardens/PDFs/EAB_identificationguide.pdf
http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/eabvisualguide_e.pdf

What if I have an Ash tree on my property?

Property owners are responsible for their privately-owned trees. Contact the City if your Ash tree is located on city property. You should inspect the condition of your trees regularly using guidance from the PDF links within this notice or contact Arborcorp for a professional tree inspection. If your Ash Tree appears infected, dead or dying, you should contact Arborcorp or an arborist certified with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or registered with the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). If your ash tree appears healthy, you might consider pesticide injections such as TreeAzin. In some cases, TreeAzin injections may slow the EAB infestation. Pesticide injections have a limited time benefit and need to be repeated every two years. Homeowners are encouraged to plant new trees before or after Ash tree removal.

Healthy trees increase property value, help cool your home and clean the air, along with other environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits. Additional information is available at these links:

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/eab.htm http://www.yourleaf.org/emerald-ash-borer
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall/pressreleases?paf_gear_id=9700020&itemId=116300147n http://www.oakville.ca/residents/emerald-ash-borer.html
http://cms.burlington.ca/Page6190.aspx

Contact Arborcorp (905) 827-9103 For the professional treatment and removal of Ash trees.