City Ordinances

We can tell and show you how to grow trees and shrubs from seeds. Then as they grow, we can be your “go to tree maintenance” company.

Forced or “Assisted” Germination
Natural germination is perfect way to start most shrubs and tree seeds, sometimes better and more consistent results can be achieved through assisted germination. Basically, it means using various techniques to mimic the role nature plays in causing tree seeds to germinate.

There are several techniques that may be involved to force the germination of any given tree seed. Please carefully read the recommended steps listed on each individual seed package.

Many seeds require one or more treatment steps to stimulate the germination process. The three steps are:
1) Scarification,
2) Cold Stratification
3) Warm Stratification. Keep in mind that not all seeds require all of these steps. In fact some seeds do not require any pretreatment whatsoever.

Scarification
Scarification is the process of reducing or breaking the seed coat so that moisture can penetrate and the embryo can begin the germination process. Scarification is commonly required on seeds with dense or hard seed shells. Many tree seeds do not require any scarification, and for those that do, the most common treatment is a simple water soak.

Hard seed coats can be broken down by:
a) a water soak,
b) a physical or mechanical breaking of the seed coat, or
c) a chemical or acid treatment (not commonly required).

When You Need Help Growing Trees
We want to be your “go to” resource for taking care of your trees and shrubs. Whether it’s giving the best tree maintenance advice possible to take care of them or if you need the best company in the Tri-Cities for tree removal, we are here for you. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Each city within the Tri-Cities area has it’s own tree ordinances and codes. Whether you live in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Benton City, or Burbank, you will want to look up any codes related to where and how you plant your trees. Some of the biggest concerns will be any obstructions created to city property or public access. You will also want to consider future planning because even if your tree is good now or next year, it may end up violating code years down the road.

Some of the kinds of ordinances will cover one of these three basic categories:

• Street tree ordinances primarily cover the planting and removal of trees within public rights-of-way. They often contain provisions governing maintenance or removal of private trees which pose a hazard to the traveling public. Also included in this category are ordinances with tree planting requirements, such as those requiring tree planting in parking lots.
• Tree protection ordinances are primarily directed at providing protection for native trees or trees with historical significance. They usually require that a permit be obtained before protected trees can be removed, encroached upon, or in some cases, pruned.
• View ordinances are designed to help resolve conflicts between property owners that result when trees block views or sunlight.

Keep in mind that proper tree care begins when you pick a tree and what you do to your tree in its first couple years of life will affect its shape, strength, and its life span. By following these steps, you will make sure tree gets on the correct foot and keep it healthy throughout its life. We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance needs. No matter where you live in the Tri-Cities, your tree maintenance needs are our priority.