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Trees often are wounded by careless use of yard equipment like lawn mowers, weed whips, and other trimming equipment. These injuries cut through important tissues just inside the bark, which can lead to the decay and ultimately death of the tree. A bed of mulch around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow…
Trees love mulch, if applied correctly. Homeowners and professional arborists depend on mulch in landscapes for several reasons. Functionally, mulches discourage weeds from growing, conserve moisture during drought periods, and allow better use of water by controlling runoff and increasing water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils. Mulch rings also decrease competition from lawn grass. Lawn…
Landscape trees can help you save money and live more comfortably. With properly placed trees around your house, depending upon where you live, you can reduce winter heating bills. A mature shade tree can block up to 90% of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. Trees act…
Trees often require fertilization at some point in their life span to replace the nutrients they are missing. Shade trees, like any other landscape plants, will respond to fertilization. Often trees growing in restricted root zone areas are surrounded by pavement, compacted soil, and/or have been physically damaged by construction activities. A trees root system…
Many tree care activities can be carried out all year long. For other activities there is a season. Spring and summer are the best opportunities to identify tree health problems. A quick inspection can tell whether the tree “looks” healthy compared to previous years or nearby trees of the same species. Diagnosis of the actual…
Premature colors can be an indication that a tree isnt strong enough to withstand insects and disease organisms that may attack it. Occasionally only one or two limbs of the tree will show premature fall color. This could be a sign of a disease at work, weakening only the infected limbs. The more common situation…
Proper treatment begins with diagnosis. A professional arborist can help you determine what the bug, or insect, is. Once the insect is identified, it can be determined if it is harmful to the tree, beneficial to the tree, or has no effect whatsoever. Many bugs are benign while others are beneficial as they control populations…
Because of the complexity of these problems, professional help is recommended when trying to diagnose a plant health problem. Certain trees are susceptible to particular diseases and insect problems. What appears to be a disease may actually be caused by other problems. Sometimes the real problem is that the tree has been weakened and/or is…
Traditional landscape pest control programs rely on what are called cover sprays. The pest control sprays offered are based on pest problems and control measures common to the service area. The cover spray type, method, and timing are all pre-determined. Traditional pest control programs are not necessarily obsolete or bad for the environment and may…
Fertilizing generally is not necessary until the tree begins recovering from the shock of transplanting and establishes itself in its new home. This usually takes at least a year to occur, but in some instances, the tree may need some fertilization. Some practical guidelines for newly planted trees: Mulching is highly beneficial to your newly…