welcome to our educational video library
Serving Snohomish County with Expert Tree Care Tips from Trusted Local Arborists
Trusted tree care education for homeowners
At Welch Tree Service, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions about their trees. Our Educational Video Library features carefully selected YouTube videos that provide clear, practical guidance on tree care, safety, and maintenance—helping you protect your property and keep your landscape healthy year-round.
Tree Care Tips: Tree Selection
Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Place
Selecting the right tree is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make—and it’s a decision that affects not just today, but future generations as well.
In this video, we walk through the key considerations that go into choosing the right tree for the right place. From understanding how large a tree will grow, to evaluating soil conditions, sunlight, wind exposure, and nearby structures or utilities, proper planning is essential for long-term tree health and safety.
Trees provide many benefits when planted correctly: shade, beauty, increased property value, privacy, wildlife habitat, and even energy efficiency through temperature regulation. But planting without considering space constraints, soil quality, or hardiness zones can lead to costly problems down the road.
The video highlights why tree selection should always factor in:
By choosing species that are well-suited to local conditions, homeowners can ensure their trees thrive, remain safe, and enhance their property for decades to come.
If you’re considering planting a new tree or want guidance on what works best for your property, this video is a great place to start—and our team is always here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your trees.
Proper Mulching for healthy Trees
Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve tree health—but only when it’s done correctly.
In this video, we explain why proper mulching matters and how it supports soil health, moisture retention, temperature regulation, and overall tree vitality. Mulch also helps reduce weeds and protects trees from damage caused by lawn equipment like mowers and trimmers.
The video breaks down the differences between organic and inorganic mulches, explaining why organic options such as wood chips, bark, leaves, and compost are generally preferred by arborists. As organic mulch breaks down over time, it improves soil structure and fertility, benefiting the tree’s root system.
Just as important as choosing the right mulch is applying it correctly. Excessive mulch depth—often called “mulch volcanoes”—can trap too much moisture, lead to root rot, encourage pests, and cause trunk damage. Proper mulching means maintaining a 2–4 inch layer, keeping mulch pulled back from the trunk, and extending it outward toward the tree’s drip line.
By following these best practices, homeowners can avoid common mistakes and ensure their trees receive the full benefits mulch is meant to provide. This video offers clear guidance to help you protect your trees, improve your landscape, and support long-term tree health.
Why Hire a Certified Arborist?
Tree care is more than just cutting branches—it requires training, experience, and a deep understanding of how trees grow, respond to stress, and impact their surroundings. In this video, we explain why hiring a qualified arborist is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make.
Properly maintained trees add beauty, safety, and long-term value to your property. Poorly maintained trees, on the other hand, can become serious liabilities. Pruning and removing large trees is dangerous work, especially after storms, when damaged limbs or uprooted trees may threaten homes, vehicles, and utility lines.
A professional arborist is trained to assess tree health, determine the right type of pruning, and decide when removal is necessary. Arborists also have the specialized equipment and expertise needed to perform this work safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of further damage to people and property.
Beyond pruning and removal, arborists provide valuable services such as tree selection, plant health care, fertilization, cabling and bracing, root care, and guidance around construction near trees. They also help homeowners avoid common mistakes—like improper pruning or tree topping—that can permanently damage trees.
This video highlights what to look for when hiring an arborist, including proper certification, insurance, experience, and professional standards. Choosing the right arborist protects your trees, your property, and your investment for years to come.
Why Tree Topping Is Harmful
and What to Do Instead
Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve tree health—but only when it’s done correctly.
In this video, we explain why proper mulching matters and how it supports soil health, moisture retention, temperature regulation, and overall tree vitality. Mulch also helps reduce weeds and protects trees from damage caused by lawn equipment like mowers and trimmers.
The video breaks down the differences between organic and inorganic mulches, explaining why organic options such as wood chips, bark, leaves, and compost are generally preferred by arborists. As organic mulch breaks down over time, it improves soil structure and fertility, benefiting the tree’s root system.
Just as important as choosing the right mulch is applying it correctly. Excessive mulch depth—often called “mulch volcanoes”—can trap
Storm Damage and Trees
What Homeowners Should Know
Severe storms can take a serious toll on trees, leaving behind hidden damage that isn’t always obvious at first glance. Wind, heavy rain, lightning, snow, and ice can weaken branches, split trunks, or uproot trees—sometimes creating dangerous conditions around homes, vehicles, and power lines.
In this video, we explain why it’s important to inspect your trees after a storm and how to determine whether a tree may recover or needs professional attention. Questions like whether major limbs are still intact and whether most of the canopy remains can help indicate a tree’s chances of survival.
Storm-damaged trees can be extremely hazardous. Broken limbs may be hanging overhead, trees can be under tension and react unpredictably when cut, and contact with electrical lines can pose a serious risk of electrocution. These situations require experience, proper equipment, and a strong understanding of tree behavior.
The video also highlights why storm cleanup is often best left to a certified arborist—especially when large limbs, elevated chainsaw work, or utility lines are involved. Arborists are trained to safely prune or remove damaged trees, reduce further risk, and properly dispose of debris.
While not all storm damage can be prevented, proactive tree care plays a major role in reducing risk. Regular inspections, proper pruning, and correcting past issues—such as improper topping—can help trees better withstand future storms and protect your property in the long run.
Tree Care at Home
How to Prune Around Your Property | STIHL Tips
Proper pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy trees and shrubs around your property. In this video, STIHL shares practical tips and general advice to help homeowners understand the basics of pruning and how to do it safely and effectively.
The video walks through the key steps of pruning, including identifying the plant or tree you’re working on, understanding why pruning is necessary, and knowing the best time of year to prune. It also covers the importance of using the right tools and maintaining them properly to ensure clean cuts and reduce stress on the plant.
You’ll also learn helpful techniques, such as the three-cut pruning method, which helps prevent bark tearing and unnecessary damage when removing larger branches. These fundamentals can go a long way toward improving tree structure, appearance, and long-term health.
While basic pruning can often be handled by homeowners, the video also reinforces the importance of recognizing your limits. Larger trees, high branches, or work near structures and power lines should always be handled by trained professionals. This guide provides a solid foundation for responsible tree care at home and helps homeowners make informed decisions about when to prune and when to call an expert.
Check out our tree care guide
Our book, The Homeowner’s Guide to Tree Care in Snohomish County, gives homeowners clear, practical advice on tree health, safety, and seasonal maintenance—straight from a local arborist with over 20 years of experience. It helps you know when simple care is enough and when it’s time to call a professional.
FAQ
Common Questions About Tree Services
Find clear answers to common questions about our tree services, safety standards, and service areas.
Testimonials
What Homeowners Say About Our Tree Service
Real feedback from Everett and Snohomish County homeowners who trusted Welch Tree Service.
Chris Sadlak
Everett, WA
“We had a very large spruce tree leaning toward our house, and it was always a concern during windy weather. Abe and his crew removed it safely using careful rigging and expert technique—it was impressive to see. The work was completed in one day, and the area was left clean and tidy. If you’re looking for reliable, professional tree service, Welch Tree Service is an excellent choice.
— Chris, Homeowner