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What To Do When Your Tree Is Covered In Webs

Have you ever looked out at your usually normal tree only to find it draped in hundreds or thousands of eerie looking webs? No, you are not going crazy. Chances are your tree has been visited by seasonal bugs. Typically, Eastern tent caterpillars or fall webworms are the cause of web covered trees. When they visit, they spin nets that resemble spider webs. Five Star Tree Services has put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about web-making caterpillars and how to deal with them. Eastern Tent Caterpillars vs. Fall Webworms Both of these pests look similar but there are some differences that set them apart. Eastern tent caterpillars are also called spring webworms. This is mainly because they are often found feeding during the spring seasons, while fall webworms as the name suggest, tend to appear in the autumn months. The webs of the two pests look different from each other. The eastern tent caterpillar webs have a thick texture that looks like cotton, while the fall webworms have webs that more resemble tulle. Both also prefer to reside in different parts of the tree. Eastern tent caterpillars love to hang out where branches connect, called tree pockets. Fall webworms, on the other hand, like to hang out on the tips of branches. Each has a different set of preferred tree species for their meals. Fall webworms like more than 100 different types of trees, but they are most often found on: Black Walnut Trees Hickory Trees Wild Cherry Trees Pecan Trees Sweetgum Trees Persimmon Trees Mulberry Trees Oak Trees Pecan Trees Eastern tent caterpillars also consume many different species of tree, but are most often found on: Apple Trees Crabapple Trees Wild Cherry Trees Ash Trees Maple Trees How to Remove Webworms & Tent Caterpillars Before you start freaking out about your Halloween tree that suddenly decided to appear in the spring or early fall, it is important to note that these bugs won’t harm your tree. They look gross and will eat a large portion of your leaves, but there are no harmful side effects otherwise. With that out of the way, getting rid of the webs is pretty simple. You can just remove them by hand and toss them into a bucket of detergent water to prevent sticking. You can also you the end of a stick or broom if you would prefer to avoid touching the sticky webs. For higher branches, we suggest calling a local arborist for assistance to prevent accidental falls. How to Prevent Webworms & Tent Caterpillar Infestations If you don’t want to deal with these webs at all, you can prevent an infestation in advance. In the winter, check your trees for tent caterpillar eggs. They are usually reddish in colour and a bit shiny. They can be found along the tree branches and scraped off. Fall webworm eggs look like green clumps and can be found on the bottom of leaves in the summertime. If you are unsure, or if you simply don’t want to deal with the problem on your own, Five Star Tree Services can help. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more about our Toronto tree removal and tree care services today.

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Tree

Five Star Tree Care

Picking out a tree for your yard is a big decision. Once a tree has been planted, there is no way to remove it without killing the tree. It’s important to keep a few things in mind when choosing what type of tree to plant and where to place it. That’s why Five Star Tree Services has put together a few tips on how to choose the right tree for your property. How Should You Choose a Tree? The purpose of the tree is the main thing to consider when choosing a species. Are you looking for a decorative tree that has attractive flowers or are you seeking a tree that will serve as a windbreaker for your main structure? Are you interested in planting a fruit-bearing tree or maybe a tree to offer shade in the summer months? Understanding what type of tree you need will help you choose one that you will love. Tree Maintenance All trees require a certain amount of love and care, some more than others. Think about the amount of time you are able to dedicate to tree care or the amount you are willing to budget for professional tree care each year. Deciduous trees are bright, colorful and shed their leaves on a regular basis which means you will need to put aside time for yard care. Evergreens on the other hand remain generally the same year-round and require much less dedicated care. How Big Do You Want It? Trees also come in various shapes and sizes. So it’s important to think about the size of your yard when planting a tree. You will also need to think about overhead and underground power lines when considering a new tree. Don’t think about the current size of the sapling, think about how tall and how deep the root systems will run once the tree has matured. Smaller properties can benefit from decorative, yet more compact species while homes with more space can benefit from larger species. Your Soil & Environment Every part of the country has a slightly different climate. Not all trees are able to thrive in every climate. Think about your typical weather patterns when choosing which tree to plant in your yard. Soil conditions also change from one location to the next. You can always ask one of our specialists to perform soil analysis and offer recommendations and which trees would grow well in your general location. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help We love trees as much as you do, and we want to make sure you choose the right tree for your property. If you are in need of help with choosing a tree, Richmond Hill tree planting, or just general tree care, Five Star Tree Services can help. We love taking care of trees and have been serving the Toronto area for generations. For more information on our service packages or to get advice about your trees, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

What Does Yellow Tree Leaves In The Summer Mean?

Five Star Tree Care

Most trees have leaves that will change colours every time the seasons change. This means that you may see changes three to four times a year depending on where you live. However, they will typically retain some measure of green colouring on their leaves until fall rolls around. During the fall season, trees explode with bright reds, oranges, and vibrant yellows. This is a natural part of their growth and hibernation process. However, if you see these colours in the offseason, it may be a sign that there is a problem. Below, Five Star Tree Services discusses why your leaves may be yellow during the summer and what you can do about it. Should Leaves Turn Yellow in the Summer? If your trees have yellow leaves in the summer, it is a sign that it is suffering from disease, or having a problem with its growth cycle. Having your trees inspected periodically by a trained professional will help you catch problems early. If your trees already have yellow leaves in the offseason, they can identify the cause and suggest a solution. When diagnosed early, suggested treatments can help save the tree. Keep reading for some common causes of yellowing leaves. Improper Watering One of the most common reasons trees start to develop yellow leaves in the summer is due to dehydration. Checking the soil moisture levels will help determine if your trees are getting enough water. Hydration is important all year long, but especially crucial during the hot summer months. If there are dry areas around your tree trunk, it is a good idea to partake in deep root watering to help keep your trees healthy and well-watered. Make sure that you don’t overwater your trees because flooding their roots can also be unhealthy. Lacking Nutrition Just like people, trees need to get the right blend of nutrients in order to remain healthy. If your tree has yellow leaves in the summer and is also getting enough water, chances are it is not getting the nutrients it needs from the soil. If soil testing shows low levels of nutrients, it is a good idea to schedule a deep root fertilization treatment to adjust the levels. In many instances, correcting the soil will help you save the tree. Insect or Pest Infestation Yellow summer leaves are also a sign that a tree has been infested with pests. Some pest is only active in the summer. Some of the most common are: Emerald Ash Borer Asian Long-Horned Beetle Yellownecked Caterpillar Ash Flower Gall Bronze Birch Borer Apple-and-Thorn Skeletonizer Eastern Tent Caterpillar Birch Leafminer Fall Webworm Gypsy Moth And many others The first thing you should do is call an arborist to have the tree inspected. They will be able to identify the root of the problem and formulate a solution to treat the pest infestation. This will help you get rid of the bugs once and for all and save your tree in the process. How We Can Help If you have noticed that one of your trees have begun to develop yellow leaves, give Five Star Tree Services a call as soon as possible. We have been providing tree care services in Toronto for over 10 years. Our skilled arborist would be more than happy to evaluate your tree and suggest a solution to treat the problem, so don’t wait. Contact us at (416) 990-3355 today!

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Colourful Fall Oak Trees

Five Star Tree Care

Oak trees have been a symbol of strength for a long time. They are also known to live for a very long time, given the right conditions. The reason they became a symbol of strength is because they themselves are very strong and are able to survive some of the harshest storms, when healthy. The wood it produces is undoubtedly very strong as well and is commonly used in the making of furniture, homes, and boats. Oak trees are not only used for their strong wood, but also for their beauty. There are even certain species that produce distinctive lobed leaves, allowing them to stand out. Then, when fall comes around, they become even more majestic when their leaves turn bright and brilliant colours that add texture and a unique spectacle to the changing environment. The beauty is so amazing that you might even want one for your own yard. Our team here at Five Star Tree Services is going to go over a few different types of oak trees that might be perfect for your landscape! These are guaranteed to have spectacular fall colours, great shade, and amazing texture. Different Types of Oaks You might be interested to know that oaks are one of the oldest trees in the world. Archeologists have been able to date them back to around 65 million years ago. A healthy oak can even live to about 200-300 years old. But do you know where these big trees come from? Little tiny acorns. A single oak tree is able to produce roughly 10 million acorns over the course of its lifetime. Not only are oak trees beneficial to people but they are also great for animals. They are able to support more than 500 moth and butterfly species, which is more than other native trees can do. Insects also like to find homes in oak trees, which helps to feed the birds. Not to mention that small animals like squirrels also can utilize them for things like food, shade, and shelter. They also help larger animals, such as the white-tailed deer, who eats the acorns during the fall and winter season, which is about 75% of their diets. Around the world, you can find more than 600 species of oak trees. Let’s go over a small handful of our favourites that are great for providing dazzling colourful displays during the fall months, when the leaves change colours. These are going to range from bronzes, to golds, to reds, and everything in between. Black Oak It might be apparent that the name comes from the outward appearance from the almost black bark that you see, along with the deep orange or yellow inner bark of the tree. Being quite a statement tree, you can enjoy the green glossy leaves in the summer and then enjoy them again then they turn orange and red in the fall. This tree has a tendency to look very similar to a red oak, but one of the major differences is that black oaks are a little smaller and are able to tolerate drier soil conditions. Specifications: -Growing Zones: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs slightly acidic, well-drained, and rich soil -Growing height: 50-60 feet White Oak This oak tree is great for shade and can easily be spotted by the light colour of its bark. During the spring, it comes out with pinkish leaves that later on turn to dark green. The leaves of this tree are 4-9 inches long, have 7-9 lobes, and turn reddish-brown in the fall. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be planted in well drained and slightly acidic soil -Growing Height: 80 feet Red Oak This oak doesn’t have its name for nothing. It offers the brightest red leaves out of all the oak trees. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful deep red. During the summer, it has glossy green leaves and an open canopy. This is a widely adaptable tree and it also grows much faster than other oaks. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be plated in slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil -Growing Height: 50-75 feet Bur Oak One of the defining features of this tree is that it has unique acorns. They are larger than other trees and are fringed. It grows in a round shape that is dense with leaves, offering lovely shade and is able to tolerate heat stress and pollution. In the fall the leaves of this oak tree can turn either yellow/green, muted yellow, or yellow/brown. Specifications: -Growing Zones: 3-8 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs neutral to alkaline soil -Growing Height: 60-80 feet Pin Oak Typically found along rivers in eastern and central US, this oak tree’s unique feature is its distinctive branching pattern. It has large leaves that are pointed with sweeping U-shaped spaces between lobes. The leaves in the fall turn a scarlet red and eventually become bronze later in the fall. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 4-8 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs slightly acidic soil. Can tolerate wet and heavy clay soils -Growing Height: 60-70 feet Live Oak These are not usually super tall but they do have winding and spiraling branches which have the ability to grow into a massive diameter, larger than other oak trees, and this helps to provide a large area of shade. Another special thing about this particular type of tree is that it is the only evergreen, not a deciduous tree like the rest. This specific oak tree is one of the strongest and was used in colonial times for making ships in the US Navy. The glossy leathery leaves on this tree are 1-3 inches long and are dark green with lighter green underneath, which lasts during the entire winter. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 8-11 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be planted in slightly acidic soil -Growing Height: 40-80 feet How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Whether you are looking for the best oak tree for your yard or any other tree, our professionals here at Five Star Tree Services can help! With our wide variety of services, we can help you with all your tree care services in Richmond Hill! Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

Mount Prospect. Addition plans and interior design.

KC Architects, Inc

KC Architects, led by licensed architect Katarzyna Cimoch, specializes in residential architectural services throughout Chicago. As a Polish architect Chicago firm, we bring unique European design sensibility combined with deep understanding of local building codes and neighborhood character. Our comprehensive services include custom home design, renovations, additions, and space planning. What sets our Polish architect Chicago practice apart is our attention to detail and commitment to creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and values. We handle everything from initial concept through construction supervision, ensuring your vision becomes reality. FAQ: What services do you offer? We provide complete architectural services including design, permitting, and construction oversight. How long does the design process take? Timeline varies by project scope, typically 6-12 weeks for initial design. Do you handle permits? Yes, we manage all permitting and approval processes. What's your design philosophy? We blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, respecting neighborhood context. Do you work on historic homes? Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations and additions. What areas do you serve? We serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs. How do you charge for services? Our fees are based on project scope and complexity. Do you provide 3D renderings? Yes, we use advanced visualization tools for all projects. Can you work with my contractor? Absolutely, we collaborate with qualified contractors throughout the process. What makes your firm unique? Our Polish heritage brings European design sensibility to Chicago architecture.

Why So Many Homes Need Chimney Repairs After Winter

SUPERIOR CHIMNEY SERVICES CORPORATION

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

Hallsville Quarter, Canning Town, London

Amron Architectural

Natural Expanded Mesh helps to provide a typically boring service yard a visually modern twist. A new town centre is being created to establish a lasting legacy for Canning Town. In conjunction with the London Borough of Newham, Linkcity and other associated project partners they are delivering one of the most exciting and significant town centre regeneration projects in London. Amron was involved in the first phase of the project working to Contrasol‘s design and supplying Zircon expanded mesh panels to provide a unique and modern appearance to protect a service yard for a national supermarket.