You might be thinking that you have been to every place and done every activity you can find in Birmingham, but you are wrong. There are still a lot of things you can do in Birmingham for free, and with children, so you can bring your whole family along!
Here are some ideas for you to do with your family this summer.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Aldridge Gardens
Who doesn't love a good sight of nature? At Aldridge Bridge, you can walk around the lake and look for turtles. If you get tired, you can find a spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Birmingham Barons
If you are a sports fan, you can watch an exciting game of Birmingham Barons with your family. If you are with a kid below two years old, he or she will be free of charge.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
You may enjoy a photo scavenger hunt with the kids in this garden. You can take a photo of the things you can see in the garden and check them off your list. The garden is open every day and is located in Lane Park Road.

Gardendale Splash Pad
Located at Celebration Park, Fieldstown Road, the Gardendale Splash Pad is the best place to freshen up. If you plan to go there with a big group, you need to prepare a permit they require to let you in.

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS
There are some spots in Birmingham where you can catch a movie for free. You only need to bring your blanket, popcorn and be there early so you can get a perfect spot. Some of the locations for the free movies are the Veterans Park which shows movies every Fridays. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens also opens its door for movie-watching activities. Finally, you can head to Black Creek Park every Friday to enjoy Movies in the Park.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Birmingham Museum of Art
If you don't enjoy being out in the sun, you can explore the Birmingham Museum of Art. The place is a fantastic destination for kids because they have 15 hands-on activities children can enjoy. There are areas designated for specific age groups and adults should be there to supervise them.

Golden Flake Plant
Do you want to know how Alabama's famous potato chips are made? You can join a 45-minute tour that will show you how the process of making this delicious potato chips happen. You can bring along kids that are five years old and above.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a great place to bring the kids to educate them about the vibrant history of Birmingham. There is no admission fee for children until 12th grade.

Riverchase Galleria
If you want to go window shopping or stroll around, you can walk around the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Libraries
Develop your kid's love for books at different libraries located in the city. You can bring them to Birmingham Public Libraries, Hoover Public Library, and the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills.

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​There are several types of tree services offered for your tree maintenance. These services are common not only in residential areas but also in commercial areas. Tree services are done to keep your tree healthy and to make them more appealing, but they can also be done to ensure you and your property's safety from the possible damage trees can bring. Here are two of the most common tree services offered by tree service companies:
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Tree removal is not always recommended because as much as possible, saving your tree is the top priority of tree service companies. However, there are times when they can no longer be restored due to a disease. It can also be posing danger to you and your property that is why removing it is the best option to take. Dead trees can be easily uprooted during inclement weather that is why they should be removed right away.

If you do not know what tree service you need, consult professional and certified arborists to assist you.
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Tree trimming can help a lot in keeping the health of your tree in check. This can be done due to a nearby electric line or a building or house. If the tree poses danger, then it should be trimmed to prevent bad things from happening. Also, thinning branches or limbs can help increase your tree's health.
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The tree service company should inspect the tree before deciding what action to take for your tree. A professional tree service can determine the presence of fungus and do what is needed to prevent them from infecting the whole tree and the others near it. 

When arborists check an infected tree, they go through a process to find the cause of the problem, but sometimes when they're in a rush or just lazy, they miss the root cause of the disease and focus on the symptom instead. Treating the symptom instead of the "root cause" of the problem won't help the tree at all, and in the long run, you would end up spending more. Some arborists even advise for more expensive treatment without thoroughly diagnosing the tree, leaving the original cause to fester and grow instead of just directly treating it.

In some cases, arborists should not be seen as a tree doctor, but a stress manager for the tree. And the most common advice they give when it comes to sick or infected trees is: "avoid treating the symptoms, inspect and find the root cause of the problem, and treat that early."

Usually before all of this happens, the most susceptible trees are the ones that get stressed by something negatively affecting it. At times this could be prevented, a possible cause for the stress could be people. Trees more exposed to stress factors are prone to stress while healthy trees that grow in a healthy environment stay robust. So what is the best way to avoid stress? Step one, know what the stressors are and avoid all of it as best as you can. Here is a list of a few stressors worth avoiding:

• Improper planting technique: When a tree is planted improperly may it be the wrong depth, wrong soil choice, wrong location, it could affect the tree for years to come.
• Soil that is compact: When the particles of dirt are too close together, it deprives the tree of oxygen/
• Over and Under Watering: It could lead to the death of the roots of the tree due to the lack of oxygen or essential nutrients.
• Root Systems: whether freezing or burning, root systems affect the soils water movement and again restricts the amount of oxygen the tree is receiving.
• Soil Grade: Depending on what the soil grade is, It could affect the growth of the tree's roots by its ability to gather nutrients as well as the soil's properties to hold water.
• Hot weather: Could result to slow plant growth as well as the loss of moisture.
• Work or Construction near the tree: while work is ongoing, they may hit a root and accidentally wound the tree.

Most of the factors in the list have one thing in common, and that is the soil. The soil is one of the crucial elements you have to consider when you want a healthy tree. So how do you keep the soil your tree grows on vigorous? The answer? A mulch ring. Now, what is a mulch ring? Is a given space around the tree that protects it from outside factors. In a study that compared seventeen fertilization methods, it suggests that a mulch ring is the best method to keep a tree healthy.
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Below is a short guide to mulching your trees properly:

• Put down around 2 inches of mulch
• Only use organically composted mulch first
• Make sure your mulch has enough space, far out the drip line
• Do not keep the mulch close to the trunk of the tree
• Do not build berms for new trees

​Call Birmingham Tree Service for any questions or concerns you may have about tree care.

​We all have read various articles that stress the importance of pruning and how it assists in maintaining the health of the trees, but why exactly is that? There is considerable scientific evidence as to why it is essential and a proper scientific technique to prune young trees. Some professionals can take care of the how part easily for you, but everyone should be aware of why pruning is an essential tree care task.

​There are branches in trees that become weak. In such cases, there is a liability for accidents to occur which could pose a threat to your safety. Dead or weakened branches should be immediately removed as they can come crashing down anytime. If they are situated near power lines, they could come crashing down on those as well and disrupt the power supply and start a fire. It is also a concern if the tree is near a house for the residents are under threat as well. There is a technique called dead wooding, or selective pruning, which maintains the safety of your home and the value of the trees.
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​Any kind of overgrowth is immediately unattractive which is why to maintain the value your trees provide you, pruning is an important aspect. It makes trees look more uniform and structured. Structuring and pruning of tree canopies also allow equitable distribution of sunlight, which ensures that the entire tree is healthy looking. Trees are bought to make the house look more appealing and give positive vibes.  Pruning is a necessity to ensure that these features are long-term.
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​Strong storms and ice do not always break branches but can leave the branches weakened. This makes it necessary for trees to be pruned after a storm to avoid further damage.

​Although it may sound counter-intuitive, pruning causes trees to become more healthy and even encourages growth. It can save trees from wilting and from stunted growth and can reduce unwanted growth.
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​Snow accumulates on tree branches and causes the tree branches to weaken. The added weight of ice and snow on the tree branches cause the structure to become loose. This, coupled with the freezing winter, makes the entire tree more susceptible to damage. The way to ensure that such accidents are avoided, and the health of the tree is maintained, pruning should be conducted before winter.

Birmingham Tree Service offers professional yet affordable tree trimming and pruning services.  

Rains are a blessing for your garden. Unfortunately, when they are bundled with strong winds, which can mean a catastrophe for your trees. You can have blown off branches, tree debris scattered over your lawn, and damage to even your grass in worst case scenarios.  Obviously, you can’t have your say with nature but you can smartly clean up your yard after being hit by a storm. Here are five post-storm yard clean-up tips.

• Inspect your yard trees after a storm.  Storms can soften up the soil and uproot even mature trees. In certain cases, trees don’t uproot completely but begin leaning over to a side. Leaning trees must be treated with extreme caution and removed as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your property. Inspect your yard for any leaning or damaged trees right after the storm and call a tree service in Birmingham, AL.
• Inspect your the drainage system(s).  Storms can mess with your gutters and choke them with broken branches and blown off leaves. Drainage system blockage means accumulation of water over home roof and soffits. This can result in roof, wood, and siding damage. Inspect your gutters and other landscape drainage systems for any signs of clogging after a storm and cleaning them as soon as you can.
• Clean up your property of any fallen branches.  A rainstorm will invariably leave your property littered with broken branches. They should be removed immediately to avoid lawn and lawnmower damage. Take necessary precautions (like wearing a pair of gloves) while picking up branches and other debris.  You can re-cycle them, dispose on your property, or take somewhere to be legally dumped.  If some branches have been damage but are still attached to the tree, call a professional tree trimmer to have those limbs safely removed.  
• Rake your Lawn.  Lawn cluttered with fallen leaves and tree debris can spell disaster for grass. Small litter can trap moisture and block sunlight from reaching the grass. Which may result in irreversible damage. Raking your lawn as soon as possible eliminate this risk.
• Look for the spots needing reseeding.  Rainstorms can cause water logging of certain areas of your lawn. It may mean severe damage to grass warranting reseeding of the impacted area. Prepare a 50/50 mix of grass seed and fertilizer for applying these areas.

While storm damage to trees and lawns are often inevitable, quick clean-up and restoration efforts can remediate what Mother Nature does.  Call the tree service Birmingham trusts to quality, professional tree care.  

Healthy trees are beneficial for the homes, but dead trees pose a threat due to various reasons. People assume that removal of such trees is the only appropriate way to deal with damaged trees, but one should remember that there are trees which are only partially damaged as well. Removal of such trees is a waste to the part that is healthy. Tree trimming is a much more efficient solution than merely removing.

Tree Trimming is Important
Persistence of dead trees pose threats such as the tree becoming a host to pests. Tree trimming services allow for such problems to be prevented and also refrain from killing the trees and wasting the healthy part. It is true that tree trimming has to be maintained and regulated and it does not provide an effective solution, but on the positive note it does save the healthy part of the tree and makes it long lasting.

DIY Tree Trimming Can Be Dangerous
People assume that tree-trimming is an easy feat and all it requires is a bit of cutting down branches manually, but this is a misconception. Tree trimming is a technical task and if amateurs attempt to work on it, it will be time-consuming and might also not achieve the intended purpose. Professional tree trimming companies are trained for this task and have the expertise one needs to possess to carry it out.

Tree Trimming is a Maintenance
Tree-trimming is not merely an easy solution; it is a process that is beneficial for the trees as well. It preserves the beauty and value and makes the trees healthy and long lasting by keeping the roots lush and healthy. It also prevents the spread of contagious diseases from one tree to another.

When is Tree Removal Necessary?
It does not mean that you should forgo the option of tree removal. In fact, in some cases, tree removal is the only option left to preserve the hygiene of the house and the health of the other plants. Some arborists can inform you whether the issue could be dealt with merely tree trimming or the removal of the tree is necessary. If tree removal is the last resort, then you should go for it to protect the other plants at your home.
These are some reasons why tree trimming offers you a more practical solution and how you could avoid the option of removing your trees.

Birmingham Tree Service offers free tree trimming estimates - call today to schedule your quote.  Or, complete our contact form and we will get back with you ASAP.

Did you know that tree cutting is listed as one of the deadliest occupations in the world? Tree removal may seem like a simple process, but it requires a high level of skill and knowledge in order to do it safely. Tree sawing related injuries can be severe and sometimes fatal.

Trees add a lot of advantages to one’s property. They provide shade; create a luxuriant landscape and also enhance the total beauty and worth of your home. Trees are investment worth caring for, however; even healthy trees require periodic pruning, and dying trees pose a hazard that only a professional should deal with.

You might decide to save money and want to care for your trees yourself, but this is a big mistake. Having full knowledge about perils involved in tree cutting is quite important so necessary safety measures should be observed if you eventually decide to perform the task yourself. Below are some risks that should be considered when performing your own tree services.

Damage to the Tree
Tree species vary.  Without much knowledge about a particular species, you might not be knowledgeable enough to prune it the proper way, and you create the risk of killing the tree. The best option is to leave this dangerous task in the hands of the tree removal professionals in order to avoid doing permanent damage to the tree. Skilled arborists possess the knowledge and proper techniques best handle pruning and trimming trees.

Falling from Heights
Not all individuals are used to working at heights and one of the major dangers associated with great height is falling. This risk is further aggravated when it becomes necessary for you to bend in away from your initial position to work at a branch or when handling cumbersome tools.  Further safely lower a large heavy limbs is virtually impossible for the average property owner. 

Falling Trees, Limbs and Branches
Trees are made up of long limbs and supporting branches. Tree removal involves the dismemberment of branches before the actual cutting of the trunk. When trees are being removed, one takes the risk of either being hit by the branches or loose tree limbs or even by the tree itself. Also, without much knowledge of tree cutting, the possibility of you miscalculating an angle or underrating the tree height and damage neighbors’ property is very high.

Improper Tools
Faulty tree care equipment, such as a dull chainsaw, is also likely to lead to terrible accidents. The misuse of tools or losing control while handling tools can easily earn you a trip hospital.

The next time you need a tree removed, call the tree service Birmingham trusts to do it efficiently, safely, and affordably.  Call us for a free estimate or complete our Contact form.

 The cost to remove a tree varies according the following variables.  Each variable will be assessed by your tree service in Birmingham.  Just know that tree company's rates may vary making the same tree a different price to remove depending on the company quote.

Size
The larger and higher the tree, the more time consuming and difficult it will be to remove.  Consequently, the amount of labor to remove a larger, taller tree will be more driving the price higher.   

Location
A tree out in the open, without any risk to potentially damage property structure, power lines, etc., will be easier to remove and require less, or even no, equipment.  A tree near property structure and/or power lines will have to be removed more carefully driving up labor costs as well as potentially equipment costs, such as a bucket truck.  

Species
​Single trunked trees are easier to removed than multi-trunk trees.  This is because multi-trunked trees tend to lean around from the central axis of the tree making removal potentially more complex.  

Dead or Alive
While not a significant factor, it can come into play if a dead tree is apt to break unnaturally as it is removed.   Significant decay can sometime cause a tree to be hazardous to nearby property structures as well as our staff members thereby requiring us to take extra precautions when removing.

Summary
Generally tree removal will range from as little as $400 to potentially well over $2,000 for the most complex, difficult to remove trees.  Tree removal Birmingham trusts has been our company's motto since our founding in 2002.  Call us for a free, often same day, estimate for all your tree care needs.