Nothing beats the crackle and warmth of a real wood fire on a cold winter night. Whether you’re lighting your indoor fireplace or gathering around an outdoor fire pit, choosing and burning the right firewood makes all the difference. The quality of your wood affects how well it burns, how much heat it gives off, and how clean your chimney stays. Here are some helpful tips for buying and burning firewood, so you can stay warm all season long. Choose the Right Type of Wood Choosing the right type of wood is so important. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch are great for long, steady burns that give off a lot of heat. Softwoods such as pine or spruce ignite quickly but burn faster, making them better for kindling or short fires. Always buy seasoned wood that has been dried for at least six months. Freshly cut, or “green,” wood still holds moisture and creates more smoke and creosote buildup. Buy Local Buying local firewood isn’t just convenient, it’s better for the environment and your community. Local wood is typically harvested nearby, which means it hasn’t traveled far, reducing the chance of spreading invasive insects or tree diseases. It also supports local tree care and logging businesses that follow responsible practices. Buying in bulk from a trusted local supplier can save you money and help you get a consistent supply throughout the season. Stack Properly Proper stacking is just as important as the type of wood you buy. Once your firewood is delivered, stack it in a spot with good airflow and some sun exposure to help it stay dry. Keep it at least six inches off the ground using pallets or a wood rack to prevent moisture buildup and pests. Place the bark side down on the bottom row to allow air to circulate underneath, and alternate the direction of the logs every few rows to make the pile sturdier. Cover the top of your stack with a tarp or roof, but leave the sides open so air can move freely. Control Smoke for a Cleaner Burn Too much smoke can ruin a good fire and fill your home or yard with an unpleasant smell. Excess smoke usually means your wood is damp, unseasoned, or burning with poor airflow. To reduce smoke, make sure your firewood is completely dry and your chimney or fire pit is clean. Build your fire using smaller pieces first, giving the flames room to breathe. Also, never burn trash, wet leaves, or treated lumber, as they release harmful fumes. Burn Safely Before you start a fire, make sure your chimney or fire pit is clean and clear of debris. Use small pieces of kindling to start, then add larger logs once the fire is burning well. Avoid burning treated or painted wood, which releases toxic fumes. Keep your fire moderate rather than blazing, and always stay nearby when it’s burning. Elliott Tree Provides Expert Tree Care You Can Count On We can help you get the best firewood for your home, from safe cutting and seasoning to proper storage. And beyond firewood, we also specialize in expert tree care, from pruning and trimming to safe removal and promoting healthy growth. Our team is here to keep your property safe, your trees thriving, and your firewood ready for every season. Contact Elliott Tree today for a free service estimate!

Common MA trees include Sugar Maples, Eastern White Pines, and Northern Red Oaks. Call Elliott Tree in Whitman, MA for quality tree care services!

You have probably seen chopped-up wood being sold outside a grocery store before. These pieces of chopped-up wood are known as firewood and serve numerous purposes. Firewood is usually the product of tree removals and is split up and ready to use. In this blog, we will explain the benefits of purchasing firewood. 1. Firewood Can Keep You Warm Firewood can be used as a heating resource. If your home has a fireplace, you can use firewood to keep your home warm during cold days. 2. Firewood Can Be Used For Cooking Firewood can be placed under certain pots and stoves for cooking. If your are looking for alternative ways to cook meals, firewood can check that box. 3. Firewood is Great for Bonfires If you like hosting bonfires in your backyard, you cannot go wrong with using firewood. Firewood is a great way to start a bonfire and spend time with friends or family. 4. Firewood Can Have a Nice Aesthetic Keeping firewood stacked in your backyard can provide a nice aesthetic. If your backyard does not look exciting, a piles of firewood stacked up can give it a unique look. Firewood can also provide a pleasant background when you use it to make a fireplace. 5. Firewood is Affordable Buying a stack of firewood will not break the bank. Another benefit of using firewood is its cost-effectiveness. 6. Firewood Can Be Efficient for Small Areas Turning on a furnace is a good way to heat up an entire home, but if you only need a small part of the home heated up, turning on your firewood can be inefficient. To heat up a small area of your home, consider using firewood. Firewood in your fireplace can provide necessary warmth and the direct heat you are seeking 7. Firewood Can Last a Long Time Finally, another good thing about firewood is that it can last a long time. You do not have to buy it and use it right away. As long as firewood is properly stored, it can last for many years. Firewood for Sale in Whitman, MA Whether its a chilly winter night or a warm summer night, firewood can keep you comfortable. Elliot Tree can provide Massachusetts homeowners with quality firewood. We sell a cord of seasoned firewood for $325 and free delivery is available for customers within five miles of our location. All our firewood sales are final. If your home needs firewood, contact us !

When a tree does not look quite right, it does not neccessarily have to be cut down and removed. Sometimes all a tree needs to get back on track is a tree prune. Tree pruning provides the neccessary maintenance a tree needs. In some ways, tree pruning is similar to a human getting a haicut. If your tree has seen better days, continue reading below to determine if it needs tree pruning services . 1. Overgrown Tree Branches If a tree has branches that have overgrown, a tree removal service is not necessary. Instead, a tree pruning service can remove the overgrowing tree branches. Overgrow tree branches do not offer much visual appeal and can be dangerous. Overgrown tree branches can easily fall down during storms or windy days. if an overgrown tree branch were to fall on your home or vehicles, it can inflict major damage. Overgrown tree branches are also not ideal if they are directly hovering over a utility line. Utility lines can easily break so it is best to remove branches in its vicinity as soon as possible. No street wants to lose power so be mindful of trees near ulility lines. 2. Part of The Tree Does Not Look Healthy If a part of your tree does not look healthy, it could have a disease. Tree pruning can prevent the disease from spreading throughout the entire tree. Unhealthy trees usually consist of severe cracks, fungus, dead limbs, and an inability to grow leaves during the warmer months. Furthermore, if your tree appears to have dead branches, it is best to have those branches trimmed or pruned. 3. Trees That Are No Longer Visually Appealing Trees serve many functions. Among them, trees can be used to elevate a home's appearance. Trees that look visually appealing can help homeowners feel great about their homes and boost curb appeal. If a tree has lost its visual appeal, a tree prune can help it regain its beauty. Trees need to be well-maintained to look good. Tree Pruning Services in Whitman, MA If you have a tree with dead or old branches, Elliot Tree can help you prune them. Sometimes trees need a pruning service to grow and prosper. Our tree pruning services can help your trees live a healthier, longer life. Contact us to improve the appearance of your tree. We are located in Whitman and proudly serve the South Shore!

Elliot Tree is a tree removal company located in Whitman, MA. When Massachusetts residents on the North Shore need a tree service, they can count on us! Contact us to get started!

Removing a hazardous tree is very important because it can cause serious injuries or damage if left alone. Trees may appear fine on the surface, but weak or rotting parts can pose a risk, especially during storms or high winds. If you spot a hazardous tree in your yard, it is probably best to remove it . This blog will provide tips on how to remove a dangerous looking tree. Signs Your Tree Is Hazardous There are a few signs that can help you determine if your tree is hazardous. First, look for weak or dead branches, especially after storms. A rotten trunk or large cracks could also mean the tree isn’t stable. If you notice holes in the bark, mushrooms, or bugs around the tree, it could be a sign of rotting from the inside. Leaning trees should also be checked, as they could fall at any time. Tip #1: Assess the Situation Start by checking the tree carefully. Look at its condition, size, and location. Trees with cracks, dead limbs, or obvious signs of decay are dangerous. If the tree is close to buildings, power lines, or other structures, it’s always best to call a professional. Tip #2: Wear Safety Gear Safety gear is a must if you plan to take any steps yourself. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, and boots with good grip. These items will protect you from falling branches, debris, and other hazards. Tip #3: Do Not Work Alone Tree removal can be dangerous, and working alone is not safe. Always have someone nearby to monitor the situation and help if something happens. Having a partner also makes the work easier and safer for everyone involved. Tip # 4: Mark the Falling Zone If you attempt the removal yourself, estimate where the tree will fall and clearly mark the area. A falling zone will keep you and others away from danger. Be on the lookout for falling branches and other debris as the tree comes down. Tip #5: Clean the Area Before starting, clear the area around the tree. Remove any vehicles, equipment, or other items that could be damaged by the fall. If you’re removing a hazardous tree in a busy area, confirm that no pedestrians or pets are nearby. Tip #6: Avoid Power Lines If the tree is near or touching power lines, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Trees near power lines are extremely dangerous because of the risk of fires, electrical outages, or shocks. Hire a professional to handle it safely. Tree Removal in Whitman, MA Elliot Tree Removal is a friendly and trusted tree removal team located in Whitman, MA! We proudly provide tree services to many south shore towns! If your property needs a tree removed, contact us to get started!

In dealing with tree health, microorganisms are one of the most common causes of tree diseases and these diseases often affect their growth and overall well-being. Microorganisms are of different species ranging from bacteria, viruses, and fungi and they each operate differently. However, fungi are one of the typical culprits affecting tree health. Fungi play a significant role in the survival of trees and the impact can be felt both negatively and positively. This blog will explain how fungi affects trees. How Fungi Positively Affects Trees 1. Nutrient Uptake One of the most interesting benefits of fungi on trees is the mycorrhizal association they form with tree roots. This allows the tree to absorb water and essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen directly from the soil. Interestingly, the forming of a symbiotic relationship improves the overall growth and health of trees. 2. They Improve Soil Structure The soil and its structure are not left out of the benefits of fungi. The direct contact of fungi on tree roots improves the structure of the soil by breaking down organic matter and forming aggregates. Fungi enhance soil aeration and water retention, which are extremely beneficial to tree roots. 3. Disease Resistance Additionally, fungi can serve as a form of protection to trees from pathogens. Typically fungi will compete for resources or produce substances that stop the growth of microorganisms that can cause harm to a tree, improving its life span and ensuring healthier growth. 4. Decomposition of Carbon Leaves, branches, dead plant materials, and trees are broken down in bits by fungi. This process is what secretes enzymes like cellulose, which typically the trees cannot digest themselves. Therefore, fungi play a role in the decomposition which contributes to the carbon cycle and stores carbon in the soil. 5. Biodiversity Prioritizing the ecosystems is one benefit of fungi to trees. This microorganism contributes to biodiversity in forest ecosystems by providing several sources of food and a suitable habitat for organisms, including insects and other fungi. How Fungi Negatively Affects Trees 1. Infections and Diseases There are several infections and diseases that fungi cause. Sometimes, these organisms infect trees, leading to diseases such as root rot, cankers, and leaf spot. Ultimately, Infections like this would weaken the tree's structure, affect its growth, and reduce its lifespan. 2. Wood Decay If you notice a decay in the wood around your tree, that is a sign of fungi accumulation. Wood-decaying can break down the structure of trees, leading them to become weak. Overall, this can make trees more susceptible to falling or being damaged during storms. 3. Competition for Resources Among the species of fungi, some of them could compete with trees for nutrients and water, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Fungi and trees competing for nutrients can hinder tree growth and overall health. 4. Allergies When trees are affected by certain types of fungi they produce spores that may cause allergic reactions in both humans and animals. Spores created could spread into the air and can be a concern for people living near infected trees. 5. Negative Impact on Biodiversity While some fungi contribute positively to ecosystems, others can negatively disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Fungi can cause diseases and infections that can kill the trees. Tree loss potentially leads to declines in biodiversity. Tree Services in Whitman, MA  If your property needs a full or partial tree removal in Whitman, MA, you can count on the team at Elliot Tree! Our tree removal efforts are safe, effective and efficient! Contact us to get started!

Elliott Tree is home to many different species. Call the experts for tips and tricks on what to plant in New England, specifically on the South Shore.

Elliott Tree has been serving Greater Boston and the South Shore of Massachusetts with top post-storm tree removal. Trust the professionals here with your yard.