Murphy Tree

07/03/2026

The same structural pruning principles that apply to trees can also be applied to most shrubs:
- Select and isolate a single dominant central leader
- Remove upward and downward oriented limbs
- Thin clusters of limbs competing for the same space
- Reduce limbs with poor taper

This is particularly important for snow load. The February 2026 North American Blizzard damaged many plants and trees throughout New England. A well-structured plant will have snow load evenly distributed on all sides of the leader.

Well-structured plants are also more adaptive for landscape changes such as adding a nearby shed or pruning to a property line.

This boxwood has not been pruned since planting. It also did not have a dominant leader extending all the way to the top so one was created by adding a splint. The splint will be removed after new growth hardens and it holds its shape.

Structural pruning is a job for hand pruning shears. Every cut is carefully placed. Hedge trimmers will promote bushy growth and poor structure and should only be used for shaping applications on plants that have previously been structurally pruned.

06/28/2026

Murphy Tree is offering delivery of tree protection micro enclosures. Each micro enclosure is built per the findings of the University of Minnesota Extension to deter deer from browsing and rubbing. Optional netting can be included on the bottom to also exclude rabbits which can damage twigs, thin bark, and root flares.

Enclosures are approximately 60 inches in diameter and 50 inches tall. Each half is bent into a half-circle and weighs about 17 pounds; they are easily managed by hand. All galvanized steel construction; 100% recyclable. Completely freestanding and the halves can be opened for maintenance activities; clamps are included to secure them closed. Although not necessary, the bottom can be staked in place. Burial is not recommended; tree roots may grow through buried portions and be damaged during removal.

These micro enclosures work by creating a small space that deer fear being trapped inside; they do not need to be an impenetrable fortress. UMN trials showed them to be nearly 100% effective.

Cost including delivery to Murphy Tree's service area is $125 per micro-enclosure. Add $50 for 2ft high netting along the bottom to exclude rabbits.

Reference:
https://extension.umn.edu/central/protecting-plants-deer

06/21/2026

Supplemental support cable installation on a pine with codominant stems and a bark inclusion in the union. Strong winds during installation gave an opportunity to see it work.

06/19/2026

Making good use of the AirSpade on this buried oak root flare.

Discovered what appeared to be a large girdling root. However, one benefit of the AirSpade is the ability to expose fine details not possible with manual excavation. Close inspection showed this root has fused to the buttress. Attempting to remove it would impose unnecessary damage to the tree. This root will be retained and monitored.

06/01/2026

Declining, dying Arborvitae are in the top 5 reasons for calls received at Murphy Tree. Entire rows of trees seem to decline simultaneously. Owners suspect disease or pests but the cause is almost always GIRDLING ROOTS.

Poor quality nursery stock and/or improper planting practices result in roots growing up, over, and around areas that will strangle (girdle) the tree. Symptoms often begin when the trunk grows to the diameter of the container the plants came from; hence the seemingly simultaneous decline of rows of similarly aged trees.

Treatment involves use of an AirSpade to carefully excavate the root flare and precisely remove these roots before they strangle the tree.

Early intervention is key to success. By the time symptoms show, it may be too late to save the tree. Murphy Tree can help identify buried root flares on your trees and provide treatment before they become a problem.

Conditions like this are best prevented by selecting quality nursery stock and planting properly.

05/31/2026

Murphy Tree is pleased to announce the addition of an AirSpade to its toolkit. A powerful jet of compressed air removes soil from roots without damaging them, enabling inspection and precise pruning of defects such as girdling roots which are a leading cause of tree decline locally. This AirSpade achieves treatment quality not possible with manual excavation.

05/23/2026

Murphy Tree offers a wide range of services for all trees, big or small:
- Pruning
- Tree removal
- Stump removal
- Supplemental support systems
- Root flare excavation
- Removal of fallen tree parts
- Sample collection, diagnostics (via URI Plant Laboratory)
- Risk assessment
- Firewood splitting

Services not currently offered:
- Fertilizer/chemical applications
- Tree planting

Current areas served include Barrington, RI and adjoining towns (East Providence, Riverside, Warren, and Bristol).

Free site visits to discuss trees and proposed work can be booked on Calendly: www.calendly.com/murphytree.

03/30/2026

Half of this locust fell in a storm. The half that remained standing was compromised with decay. A rigging line was set in the tree slightly lateral to the lay on the decayed side. These extra steps make for confident felling.

03/28/2026

Before and after clearance and directional pruning to the left structure with solar panels on the roof. No chainsaws were used on this job. Tight quarters work.

03/18/2026

Murphy Tree has resumed work after a long pause due to deep snow. There is a lot of rescheduling to do. If you have booked work with Murphy Tree, expect a call/message in the next week or two to align on a new tentative date for your work. Roughly expect a 6-week delay (the length of the pause).

Site visits to discuss new work can be booked on our Calendly page:

Murphy Tree provides tree services including risk assessment, pruning, supplemental support systems, removal, wood splitting, and stump removal. Book a free site visit to discuss a scope of work and receive a proposal. www.facebook.com/MurphyTreeRI