Author: Brian Whitmore

Brian works at Big Foot Tree Service in Wayne, NJ offering a variety of services including tree cutting, trimming and stump removal.

The Impact of Trees on Property Insurance: Insights from Big Foot Tree Service

Tree care and maintenance on property

As homeowners, we often consider various factors when purchasing property insurance, from the structural integrity of our homes to the neighborhood’s crime rate. However, one crucial element that might not be on everyone’s radar is the impact of trees on property insurance. At Big Foot Tree Service, we’ve seen firsthand how well-maintained trees can positively… Read more »

Safeguarding Your Property Value: Why Regular Tree Maintenance Matters

Pruning Trees

Your property is not just a place you live; it’s an investment. While many homeowners focus on interior renovations and curb appeal, the significance of well-maintained trees in safeguarding your property value is often underestimated. At Big Foot Tree Service, we believe that regular tree maintenance is a crucial aspect of preserving and enhancing your… Read more »

Should You Prune Your Trees in the Winter?

Pruning trees

Winter is on its way, which means the weather will bring ice, snow and slush for all of us to enjoy. Though most people tend to spend most of their time indoors each winter, especially in New Jersey when the temperature dips below freezing, some people choose to be outdoors for winter sports and other… Read more »

Storm Preparedness: How Tree Trimming by Big Foot Tree Service Prevents Damage

Trimming Trees

Storms can unleash their fury with little warning, causing severe damage to our surroundings. Among the most vulnerable elements during storms are trees. Weak or overgrown branches and trees can pose a significant threat to property and safety. However, with proper storm preparedness through tree trimming, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and… Read more »

The Importance of Removing Dead Trees from Your Yard

Dead Tree Removal

Having trees in your yard can be very beneficial. From having shade to cleaning up trees, there’s ups and downs, but in the end, it gives your yard a sense of nature in it. Having dead trees is something that you don’t want to have. There are many dangers to leaving dead trees or dying… Read more »

Tree Removal Done Right: Big Foot Tree Service’s Safe and Responsible Approach

Trimming Trees

Tree removal is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, expertise, and attention to safety. When faced with the need to remove a tree, whether due to disease, storm damage, or encroachment on structures, it’s essential to choose a professional tree service that prioritizes safety and responsible practices. At Big Foot Tree Service, we take… Read more »

Why Stump Removal is Necessary for the Health of Your Yard

Tree stump in yard

Stump removal is the process of removing the remaining portion of a tree after it has been cut down. While it may seem like an optional step, stump removal is necessary for the health of your yard. Here are some reasons why: Stumps Can be Hazardous to Your Yard Stumps that are left behind can… Read more »

How Often Should You Have Your Trees Trimmed?

Tree Care Operator

It seems like only yesterday it was winter, and that meant we hardly spent time outdoors. But come Spring, the weather in New Jersey warms up to the point where we’re back outside, putting down new mulch around trees, planting flowers along our sidewalks, and looking around our yard for anything and everything that “needs… Read more »

Keep These Things in Mind When Mulching Around Your Trees

Mulching around trees

It’s that time of year, again… time to mulch around trees. Oftentimes, you see landscaping companies dumping foot-tall mounds of mulch around trees– well that’s not good, because it suffocates the tree(s). Ideally, a 2”-to-3” layer of mulch works best. It should extend far enough to reach out to a tree’s “drip line,” which is… Read more »

Have Your Trees Professionally Trimmed This Spring

Trimming Trees

Not everyone enjoys doing yard work, but after a long winter, it is nice to walk around the yard and see how things are doing– taking a detailed look at things you haven’t looked at in months. When it comes to your trees on your property, it’s important to maintain the health and the look… Read more »

Is Ice Worse than Snow for Trees and Shrubs?

Ice on Trees and Shrubs

What’s worse for trees and shrubs? Ice or snow? Think of it this way: snow can be gentle, while ice can be harsh. That about sums it up. During the winter in New Jersey and elsewhere, conditions can range from temperate to downright freezing cold. When the thermometer reads below zero, you can bet your… Read more »

Will Ice Damage My Trees?

Ice on Trees

If you were to make a list of things that could damage the trees on your property, what would be some of the chief culprits? If you’re like most people, you’d say wind, rain, critters and disease. But would you say ice? Typically, people forget about ice when it comes to damaging trees because ice… Read more »

How Can Storms Affect a Tree You’re Planting?

Planting a Tree

Are you thinking of planting a tree in your yard? If yes, how can storms affect it? Research When buying and then planting trees it’s a good idea to do some research first. Read about different tree species to get a general idea of how much sun they need, what type of soil suits them… Read more »

Tree Services After a Severe Storm Causes Damage

It’s that time of the year again when we start to prepare for the winter weather approaching. Winter can be really tough on a person’s home and their yard. Winter storms, in particular, can be brutal, complete with ice, sleet, snow, rain, flooding, thunder, lightning, and whipping winds. In New Jersey, you probably hear the… Read more »

Can You Remove Trees in the Winter?

Tree Care in Winter

Whether we like it or not, winter is right around the corner. We understand that the Fall season has just begun, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be thinking about the care of our trees during these upcoming months. Cold, cold temperatures, along with ice, sleet and snow make up a typical winter season. Meanwhile,… Read more »

Why You Should Remove Leaves and Debris From Your Yard

Raking leaves

It’s that time of year again. Fall is right around the corner. Thankfully there will be some pretty leaves to look at on the trees. Oh wait– they’re falling off the trees. Now they’re on the ground. Your lawn is covered in them. Maybe the kids want to jump in them. Might the wind blow… Read more »

When is the Best Time to Plant a New Tree?

Did you know it has been said that trees can add so much to a home’s value? If you’re thinking of planting a tree or a series of trees in your yard this year, when’s the best time of the year to plant trees? Basically, the best time is when it’s not too hot or… Read more »

The Importance of Storm Damage Cleanup Services

Damaged tree caused by severe storm

Residents of New Jersey deal with coastal storms and heavy rain storms each year. Sometimes, they’re worse than others, especially if a hurricane hits the southeast coast of the country. The storm can weaken but travel up the coast to the tri-state area causing damages to landscapes and properties in certain areas. It’s beneficial to… Read more »

How to Prepare Your Landscape for Winter

Some people take great care to winterize their landscape, because they know that if they don’t, their trees and bushes might not look right– or live– come Springtime. Winter brings with it a host of challenges for landscaping. Besides the cold temperature, there’s ice, snow, wind, and even salt to deal with. It’s a tough… Read more »

How to Determine If a Tree Can Be Saved After a Storm

People often love and appreciate trees in their yard the way they love their pets. If and when something goes wrong, like a storm comes through and tries to knock a beloved tree down, the property owner feels bad. After all, we get used to the trees in our yard and ideally we don’t want… Read more »

Optimal Times to Prune Your Tree

When is the last time you pruned a tree? Pruning involves removing specific branches or stems off a tree in order to benefit it as a whole. By removing dead, damaged or diseased branches, for instance, you’re helping to prevent insects and other organisms from entering the tree and making it sick. In many ways,… Read more »

Termites Love Neglected Tree Stumps

Nobody wants termites and other insects infesting their home or the surrounding yard. If you have dead trees or plants on your property, it’s important to have them removed by a professional like Big Foot Tree Service. Termites thrive on and are attracted to dead trees. Termites have mouths that tear at pieces of woody… Read more »

How to Maintain a Healthy Tree

When you plant a tree in your yard, you’re investing in a life that you’ll be able to see grow tall and healthy if taken care of properly. To ensure the healthy life of a young tree, here are a couple tips to keep your tree or trees growing for a long time. Pick the… Read more »

Make Your Lawn Look Nice After the Winter Season

As usual, many people’s lawns and yards look a little worse for wear because winter is, in general, a rough season. As spring comes along, it’s time to start thinking about getting out of the house and tending to your lawn to make it look nice. When the weather is sunny and warm, spend a… Read more »

Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm

Tree removal after a storm

As we’re witnessing more severe storms and hurricanes hit the southeast coast and even further up north, trees are susceptible to getting destroyed during a heavy storm. This can be dangerous for people and their homes. Removing dead trees before a storm hits is very crucial to the safety and protection of your family. Sometimes,… Read more »

Is It Essential to Remove a Tree Stump?

Tree Stump Removal

Although a tree stump may be an eyesore in your yard, you may be wondering whether it’s a necessity to have it removed, or whether you can wait for it to decay or make it a problem for a later day. Although by definition it is not necessary to have it removed, it is the… Read more »

Here’s What You Should Know About Stump Grinding Services

Stump Grinding Services

Do you live near mountains or forest in northern New Jersey? Most people think of New Jersey as “all city,” but there are actually a lot of tree-filled rural/suburban communities in the state. Stump Removal vs Stump Grinding Services When people have trees cut down, sometimes they leave the stump… but most times they take… Read more »

What Are the Best Trees to Plant in New Jersey?

Northern Red Oak Tree

Come Springtime, people will be thinking about flowers, gardens, landscaping and trees. If you’re thinking of planting some new trees on your New Jersey property this Spring, what are some of the best trees to plant for the state’s climate and soil? Which trees thrive in New Jersey? Hazel Alder Have you heard of Hazel… Read more »

What Should You Do With a “Leaning” Tree?

Leaning Trees

Do you have a leaning tree in your yard? If so, what can you do about it? Well, it depends on the age of the tree. If it’s a younger tree, you might be able to straighten it up if you handle things properly. Stake It To straighten a leaning tree you should “stake it.”… Read more »

Is it Better to Have My Tree Professionally Trimmed or Removed?

Tree Trimming Vs Tree Removals

“Should I have my tree trimmed or removed?” is a question we often hear at Big Foot Tree Service. The average homeowner isn’t quite sure whether to have a tree trimmed, with hopes of it healing and “coming back,” versus having it removed all-together since it’s “for sure dead.” That’s why they call us at… Read more »

What is the Foundation of a Healthy Tree?

What is the foundation of a healthy tree? If you want a tree to have a healthy trunk with strong roots and branches, then the foundation for that is… regular tree pruning by a knowledgeable and experienced tree care provider. Big Foot Tree Service has plenty of tree experts who can prune the trees on… Read more »

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Trees on Your Property

Trees on Your Property

Have you ever driven past a yard and noticed the trees? In some cases, they look immaculate, as if someone tended to them on a daily basis, ensuring they look pristine. In other cases, they’re a mess, and you (and the rest of the community) wish the homeowners would clean up their act, right? Obviously,… Read more »

Is Tree Trimming the Same as Tree Pruning?

Tree Trimming Vs. Tree Pruning

A lot of people assume pruning and trimming are interchangeable words when it comes to trees. Interestingly, though, they are two different terms with two different meanings. For instance, they have distinct applications and functions. Meanwhile, they require different equipment– and timetables, too. An Overview of Tree Pruning How about pruning? It’s the term used… Read more »

Is My Tree Decaying?

Decaying Trees

Do you have a tree on your property that has seen better days? There’s a good chance that it could be decaying. What’s more, it could potentially put you and your family, your home, and your entire property in danger in the future. It can be tough to tell whether or not a tree is… Read more »

Why Spring is an Ideal Time to Call in a Tree Care Professional

Tree Care Services in Spring

What’s the season after winter and before summer when vegetation begins to appear? If you said spring, you’re right! Spring started on March 20th and runs through Friday, June 21st. This season is the ideal time to call a tree care professional to deal with trees on your New Jersey property. Big Foot Tree Service’s… Read more »

What Happens if a Tree Unexpectedly Falls?

Fallen Trees

Whipping winter winds, ice storms and other weather events can make trees fall down unexpectedly. Here’s a good question: what happens if a tree falls down? Who is responsible for it? When a Tree Falls on Your Property If the tree falls down in your yard you are responsible for it, whether it started on… Read more »

What Can You Expect From a Professional Tree Consultation?

Tree Consultations

Have you ever had a “tree consultation?” If not, you’re probably wondering what one is, right? Well, the trees on your property can be inspected in such a way that you learn a lot more about them and how they’re doing– are they healthy or not? Think of a tree consultation as a doctor check-up…. Read more »

Why Tree Topping is a Bad Idea

Tree Topping

There’s something happening lately that baffles professional tree companies… and that’s the practice of “tree topping.” It’s a damaging tree pruning practice that’s “no bueno.” Yet some companies think it’s fine. They **think** cutting off the tops of trees will help stimulate tree growth, while also managing the size of the tree. While it may… Read more »

Common Tree Trimming Mistakes

Trimming Trees

When people decided to trim trees on their property, they typically make a couple mistakes. While they might have a “do-it-yourself” spirit, they might not have the knowledge or expertise to do the job right. Hence, they end up calling Big Foot Tree Service to come trim their trees “the professional way.” Fair enough. So… Read more »

A Tree Care Checklist for the Fall

Tree Care for Fall

As autumn approaches, you know what that means: temperatures will get colder and leaves will fall off trees. As we move into the winter months, autumn is a good time to pay attention to the trees in your yard and on your property. What are some ways to prep your beloved trees for colder weather… Read more »

Tips for Selecting the Right Tree Removal Company

Tree Removal Company

What are some tips for selecting the right tree removal company? Experience Matters First, you’ll want to look around for the more experienced companies. It’s good to find ones that have been in business for several years and have dealt with all sorts of issues, rather than “newbies.” The Right Qualifications That said, next you’d… Read more »

The Different Ways to Remove a Tree Stump

Grinding Tree Stump

Tree stumps are like pimples– they exist but most people don’t want them! Indeed, stumps can mess up the look of an otherwise pristine yard/landscape. Nine times out of ten, people want their stumps removed, and there are several ways to make this happen. Generally, there are four ways to remove tree stumps: digging them… Read more »

How to Become a Good Tree Pruner

Pruning Trees

If you’re like most people, you don’t have a clue about pruning a tree. You’re likely to take a scissors or shears and “go to town” cutting things off your yard trees haphazardly, never paying much attention to how it’s done. That said, there are some basics to being a good tree pruner. Tips to… Read more »

Should You Fertilize Trees?

Fertilizing Trees

Have you ever wondered whether you should fertilize the trees on your property? If you haven’t fertilized trees on your property, maybe this will be the year you start. Trees are like people– they get hungry. In some cases, they’re starving. Trees need nutrients and fertilizer helps them get needed nutrients so they can grow… Read more »

How Do Trees and Shrubs Withstand Winter Temperatures?

Frozen Trees and Shrubs

Watching a TV show called “Open House NYC,” one wonders how certain shrubs and trees weather the harsh New York City winters high atop tall buildings where penthouses go for $8 million or more. How does greenery withstand the frigidly cold winter temperatures in New York and New Jersey, anyway? How Plants Survive Frigid Conditions… Read more »

Signs That You Have a Diseased Tree

Diseased Tree

Do you notice any funky-looking growths on your trees? One of the signs you have a diseased tree, for instance, is the appearance of fungi– which can be colorful growths, looking like a mushroom, conk or shelf-life structure. Signs You Have a Diseased Tree Fungi typically appear after a tree has been wounded. How does… Read more »

Landscaping Tips to Keep In Mind This Fall

Fall Landscaping Tips

Besides raking up leaves this fall, here are some ideas to help you take good care of your landscaping (and yard) before winter hits. Fall Landscaping Tips First, you can (and should) cut your grass “one last time” before it snows. Therefore, even if it’s cold outside in October, cutting the grass is a good… Read more »

What Are Tree Cranes?

Tree Cranes

You’ve heard of cranes, but have you heard of tree cranes? Trees grow, and sometimes they grow so big that they can no longer support their own weight. When this happens, they might need a company like Big Foot Tree Service to intervene with a tree crane, providing structural support for big trees. What are… Read more »

Why You Should Avoid Planting Trees in the Summer

Planting Trees in the Summer

In New Jersey, July and August are typically the hottest months of the year. Indeed, summertime is hot! Do most landscaping companies plant trees during the summer months? Nope. They tend to plant trees in spring and fall when the weather is cooler. Trees, like people, don’t love extremely hot temperatures. If and when you… Read more »