Hiring a Tree Removal Contractor

Posted on  August 8, 2019  in Arboriculture, Tree Removal

tree removal contractor brisbane

Arborists removing a tree near Brisbane QLD

A tree removal contractor is a company or group of professionals trained to remove trees from their original growing positions. Some of the services rendered by tree removal contractors include:

 

• Bringing down a tree to stump
• Segmenting the tree trunk to manageable pieces
• Chipping branches and removing scattered debris
• Hauling unwanted parts away.

 

Costs of tree removal depend on many factors like the largeness of the tree grouped as follows

 

• 30 feet and under
• 30 – 60 feet
• 60 – 80 feet
• 80 feet ad higher
• Location – Obstruction surrounding the tree-like electric wires, tall buildings.
• Health – Dead and dying trees around
• Equipment to be used – pulleys might be needed for very tall trees to secure branches from injuring people or destroying property.

 

Some questions to be answered by a Brisbane tree removal contractor before hiring them

 

For all those Queenslanders searching for tree removal contractor brisbane on google, this section should help guide you in the right direction when selecting the right tree service for the task

 

• Can they provide an updated certificate of insurance together with a work contract copy? Doing so assures you of proper insurance cover in case of damage, injuries, or accidents.
• What credentials does the tree contractor have? Some of the most recognized credentials include (ISA) International Society of Arboriculture (TCIA) Tree Care Industry Association etc.
• Also, ask for a list of reference. This gives your confidence that you are working with professionals who know and understand their duties.
• How much time will the contractors take to complete the tree removal job? This is very important; some contractors may take less time than others, so depending on your schedule you will know what suits you best.• First impression and customer care matter a lot; we are told not to judge a book by its cover, but the first impression says a lot. It speaks a lot about professionalism. A questionable customer care approach is a clear indication of poor services. You wouldn’t like to get to that point of needing to rehire for uncompleted services. Another way to gauge professionalism is through the company website, content, design, and customer reviews of the company.
• Availability of Tools and Equipment to be used; what kinds of equipment will the staff use? Do they have chainsaws, stump grinders, protective clothing, and all that? How many people are expected in the field? Be well informed on such to avoid being overwhelmed the last minute by a disorganized contractor.

 

It is important to note that you can use other social tools such as Blogger to search and find local tree services in your area.

 

Some of the dangers posed during tree removal include

 

Power lines

Working close to power lines poses a great risk. If anything unexpected happens like your tools hitting power lines, it may knock out power in the neighborhood, or in the worst-case scenario, you may get electrocuted. If working close to wire lines, it’s important to liaise with the electric power providers to ensure safety for all.

 

Decaying wood

A dying or dead tree decays inside out, which makes it unstable. This kind of tree needs to be handled by a professional because it may collapse anytime without warning.

 

Gravity
The gravity of a falling tree is unpredictable. Professional tree removers, out of experience, know how to control a tree towards the direction they want it to fall. Poor judgment may be catastrophic; the tree could end up falling on buildings, power lines, or even on people.

 

Lack of equipment
To ensure total safety, a tree remover should wear protective gear from head to toe. Those using equipment like wood chippers, cranes, ropes, saws should be well trained. Onlookers like neighbors, children, and passersby should ensure they keep off from the site to avoid any accidents from falling branches.

 

In closing, you should always make sure that your tree services company you choose follow all the tree removal guidelines as set out by your local government council.

How to Grow Carrots

Posted on  August 8, 2019  in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Vegetable Gardens

how to grow carrots

A bunch of freshly harvested carrots

Growing carrots on your backyard can be so satisfying. They are juicy, they mature fast, and more importantly, they are very nutritious. Did you know that a raw carrot has 0.2% fat, 2.8% dietary fiber, 0.9% protein, 9% carbohydrates and 88% water? More so, carrots can be grown all year round (including in winter) and can be planted in raised beds or in containers.

Here in Australia, over 260,000 tonnes of carrots are produced annually. This is still too little to feed the entire nation, and the surplus has to be imported from China. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about growing your own carrots.

 

Essential factors to consider when planting carrots;

 

• The best time to plant carrot seeds is 3 to 5 weeks just before the last spring. Repeat planting after every three weeks so that you have an extended harvest.
• Carrots do well when grown directly under full sunlight; unless the sun is too hot. In such instances, you can use a moderate shade above the carrots.
• The soil should be free of stones so as to avoid obstruction on the path of the growing root carrot.
• Till the soil effectively so that the carrots grow easily.
• Carrots do best in loamy or sandy soil.
• Don’t use too much fertilizer or manure to avoid harvesting ‘fork’ like carrots.

 

Planting Carrots

 

• Prepare rows that are 1 ft apart then plant your carrot seeds 3 to 4 inches apart.
• Cover the planted seeds with fine soil that does not crust over when it gets dry.
• Ensure you keep the soil moist by shallow watering frequently.
• Carrots take 2 – 3 weeks before showing sign of life (germinate).

 

Care of growing carrots

 

• Gently mulch to help retain moisture, speed up germination, and block the hot sun from reaching the roots.
• When the plants get to an inch tall, trim with scissors so that you have a spacing of about 3 inches.
• Water weekly (at least one inch of water)
• Keep weeding when necessarily.
• Use a balanced fertilizer at the 5th or 6th week.

 

Common Pests and Diseases that affect Carrot plants

 

• Common pests that affect carrot plants include wireworms and flea beetles.
• Aster Yellow Disease –It causes the carrots to discolour and have hairy roots. It is spread by pests as they go feeding on one plant to another. It can be controlled by the use of pest control like leafhoppers and also by ensuring frequent weeding.

 

Harvesting Carrots

 

From 2 – 3 months, carrots should be mature and ready for harvest. Another way of determining maturity is the top becomes thick and bright green with a height of 8 – 0 inches long. The base of the carrot reaches around ½ inch in diameter.

 

Storing freshly harvested carrots

 

Carrots, if not being used immediately after harvest, should be quickly stored to preserve nutrients.
First, twist off the green leafy tops, and then gently scrub off the dirt under tap water. Allow them to dry completely before sealing them in an airtight plastic bag and refrigerate.

 

In conclusion;

Carrots have significant health and beauty benefits like boosting the Immune system, Keeping hair health, creating glowing skin, preventing wrinkles, protecting teeth, and nourishing dry skin. Besides, there’s something magical about eating food you’ve grown at home, it’s a great way to eat healthy.