When a powerful thunderstorm approaches, it is common for lightning to follow close behind. For this reason, a countless number of lightning strikes occur each year, with plenty of them targeting trees. When a homeowner discovers that a tree on their property has been struck by lightning, it is not a good idea to ignore the matter. Some steps should be taken to maintain safety. Use Caution It is important to assess the damage to the tree, but it is even more important that you not immediately run outside.

Many people have multiple trees on their property. Trees are a great addition to any landscape -- they improve the appearance of a yard and also provide valuable shade. However, trees also need maintenance and care in order to look good and remain healthy. One of the major aspects of tree maintenance is regular trimming. If you have large trees on your property, you may be tempted to try to trim them on your own, but doing so is usually a mistake.

If you think that you may need trees removed from your property, it's in your best interest to use professionals. It can be dangerous to remove a tree on your own, and the whole project may not go as planned. The good news is this is a common service and there are likely many companies that offer this service in your local area. Here are some reasons to hire a tree removal company: 

Working on projects in your backyard is something that you may want to start doing once you determine that you will not be trying to move out any time in the near future. This may also encourage you to take your time with backyard projects because you want to guarantee an excellent outcome for all the work that you do. Investing a lot of time and effort into preparation will help, but you should also get help from tree service professionals during this process.

Tree removal can be a dangerous project, especially if not done by a professional. Below are some of the dangers and how you can avoid them. Potential Injuries All forms of injuries are possible when cutting down a tree. Below are some of the most common. Cuts by the Chainsaw The chainsaw might look like simple equipment, but it is pretty dangerous if handled incorrectly. Cutting at a wrong angle, cutting a rotten tree or wearing loose or hanging clothing can all lead to chainsaw injuries.

Trees aren't usually trimmed routinely in the winter, but sometimes it's necessary to trim them for safety and tree health reasons. Snow and ice are heavy when they accumulate on limbs and branches. This leads to snapping and tree damage that should be taken care of as soon as the weather permits. Here are times you may need to have your trees trimmed during the winter months. When A Limb Or Branch Is Weak Or Hazardous

Do you use sprinklers to water your lawn during the summer months? How long has it been since you had your sprinkler system inspected by a professional? A lot of people assume that they can just have a sprinkler system installed and then they can forget about the whole thing but this simply isn't the case. As with everything else in life, sprinkler systems eventually fall into disrepair and need to be fixed before they function properly once again.

As a first-time property owner, you might not give much thought to how the trees around your home will grow and change over the years. By the time you realize the trees have become problems, you may need to call in a tree service to cut the trees down or make major changes to them. It's best to trim trees when they're smaller so they grow in the best way possible while they mature.

Trimming young, growing trees is different from trimming more mature trees. Young trees need to be carefully shaped each year to ensure they take on an appealing shape as they grow. Mature trees don't require such extensive or regular trimming, but it's still important to trim them — or hire a pro to trim them — every couple of years or so. To ensure you are doing a good job with your more mature trees, follow these tree trimming tips.

Ground covers are a beautiful and strategic part of many landscapes. But before you plant any ground cover, take the time to ensure its health and appearance by doing these pre-planning steps. 1. Prepare the Soil. Ground cover plants are well-known for their hardiness, but they still benefit from having a good soil base in which to start. Before planting yours, turn over the soil where they will live and add some compost — usually at about a rate of one part to three parts soil — to encourage rooting.