Maintaining the Soil for Healthy Trees

Keeping a tree healthy is not just a matter of pruning, spraying and watering the soil needs to be maintained as well. Plants get most their nutrition from the ground through their roots so you will need to pay some attention to the dirt.

This means that you may need to fertilize the soil around the roots. Some species will require special fertilizers while others can benefit from a more general product. It is best to consult the experts at a nursery or garden center to see which products you will need to use in your area.

There are several ways to apply the fertilizer. In some cases it can simply be spread on the ground. Liquid products should be applied below the ground through a root feeder. This takes the nutrients directly to the roots. Such a device is attached to a hose and the water forces the nutrients down to root level.

Soil for Seedlings

When you plant a new tree or seedling it is often a good idea to add fertilizer to the soil around the roots. Try to find the specific product for the species that you are planting and follow the instructions. In some cases, richer soil should be added.

If the seedling comes in a pot it would be a good idea to mix the dirt from the pot with that you use to cover the roots with. This can add nutrition and make the new plant healthier.

Special Consideration 

Some species will require special care and additives to keep them healthy. Ash will require a special mycorrizae fungus to thrive, this can be purchased online and from garden centers or nurseries. Adding this to the soil increases the tree’s ability to absorb nutrients and make it healthier.

Persons who live in urban areas should definitely consider adding such fungi because the city environment can kill the naturally occurring fungus. Ash is in most need of this additive but others species could benefit from it as well.

Such additives can help reduce stress which can make trees less susceptible to insects and infections. This can help them live longer and stay healthier to enhance your property.

Watch Out For Common Springtime Sycamore Pests and Diseases

Homeowners that are lucky enough to own a mature American sycamore knows that these trees are a grand, hardy species that offers much to appreciate in a landscape. These excellent shade trees grow tall and strong even in harsh city environments, providing a spectacular display of foliage and characteristic painterly bark.

Ornamental benefits are only one reason that homeowners rightfully grieve the loss of a prized sycamore. This species is incredibly long lived (the second oldest in the world dates back to the 1700s) and easily become the familiar and comforting focal point of a landscape. 

Springtime can be a spectacular season for the American sycamore, but wet and rainy weather also bring on a whole slew of pests and diseases. Be on the lookout for the following top two threats and keep the number of a tree service professional or certified arborist handy! 

Adult Sycamore Leaf Beetle

Sycamore Leaf Beetle

Often identified by extreme defoliation, a severe infestation of the sycamore leaf beetle and can eventually lead to a reduction in tree strength and vitality. Studies conducted on sycamores in Alabama observed that newly hatched spring larvae consume the highest amount of foliage.

As the weather begins to warm, be on the watch for the bronze-colored adult beetles feeding on tender leaf veins especially on young or newly transplanted sycamores. 

Anthracnose

Frequent rains and cool temperatures invite the highly unattractive fungal disease Anthracnose. This condition appears as small spots along the veins of the leaves. These spots can grow to become big ugly red, black, or brown patches – sometimes infecting and killing off small shoots and branches. Usually this fungus is not fatal, but can eventually cause defoliation and may need to receive treatment with a carefully chosen fungicide spray. 

Pay close attention to vulnerable American sycamores this spring – and be prepared to contact a tree professional if there is ever any doubt! Prevention, maintenance, and early treatment can save a homeowner a tremendous amount on tree removal services.

The Beautiful Benefits of Tree Mulch!

Tree owners carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders: health, appearance, and legal obligations should always be taken into consideration! However, a few new mulching tips and tricks will ensure the trees on your property will not only make your greenscape the envy of neighbors but may also significantly increase property value. Proper mulching will protect many vulnerable species from harsh conditions and drought. Your trees will reciprocate the effort with increased longevity.

Not every tree needs mulch, but some love it!

Getting Started

Mulching consists of a few simple steps. Clear the grass around the tree, out to the end of the farthest protruding branches if the situation permits - the root system of the tree extends beyond just the base! You should then cover this cleared area around the tree with two to four inches of loosely arranged organic matter such as shredded leaves or natural compost.

Plastic and other un-compostable materials can interfere with the exchange of gases between the soil and air, as well as the transfer of water and should not be used. Take care to leave about two inches of space around the base that is free of mulch - if material is placed too close to the trunk, it will adversely affect health by encouraging decay.

What Else is Mulch Used For?

Mulch helps to insulate the soil, protecting it from harsh weather conditions that vary from extreme temperatures while keeping the roots moist even when the soil is abnormally dry. This practice helps to prevent weeds that can act as competition against the trees roots. Proper technique also allows homeowners to avoid mechanical damage that can occur during lawn maintenance. The soil will benefit due to less traffic, decreasing the effect of soil compaction while providing more oxygen - allowing water to flow effortlessly through the soil surrounding the tree.

Mulch is not necessary for every species or in every climate, so make sure to contact a tree service professional if there is any doubt! Better safe than sorry!

Is My Evergreen Tree Dead or Dying?

Healthy Needles

Many homeowners prize their evergreen trees for providing critical wind shields and beautiful foliage all throughout the winter. For these reasons, it can be especially devastating to lose one. Knowing the difference between an injured, diseased, dying, or dead tree can save valuable time and effort – and may potentially even save the tree.

Evergreen Losing Needles

Though it is normal for evergreens to lose needles each year, it is easy to see when the shedding process is not proceeding normally. If more than one third of the interior needles have turned brown and dropped off, or if the young tender needles on the ends of the branches are dying, the chances are your tree is suffering from a disease or pest. Needle blight is the most common cause, but overwatering and root rot can cause the same symptoms.

Discoloration of Evergreen Needles

If the needles are brown, but have not fallen off, there still may be some chance for revival. Brown needles commonly appear during the winter from moisture loss and even sun scald. Buds are rarely affected and the plant will likely green up again in the spring, but a certified arborist should be consulted to check to pests or disease. White needles may be caused by scale, a fungus that can kill young trees and may damage older trees. Many tree care professionals offer tree spraying services especially for the common threats in your area.

Evergreen Tree Dying From Bottom Up

While many pests and diseases begin killing trees from the top to bottom, there are several reasons that an evergreen may be dying from the bottom-up. Many times, the bottom of an evergreen will start to die out simply from lack of sunlight – this is completely normal, and no reason to panic. Another less attractive possibility is the Diplodia tip blight, which manifests as dead branches scattered throughout the tree.

As you can see, there are many natural causes for unattractive needle shedding or discoloration, but for each benign causation there may be a few equally malevolent possibilities. The best bet is to always contact a certified arborist first, or call a reliable tree service professional to come and assess the tree in question.

Companion Planting for Organic Fruit Tree Care

Organic gardeners and environmentally conscious homeowners will do anything possible to avoid spraying trees with synthetic chemical compounds - especially fruit trees. Thankfully, anyone has the potential to combat common tree health problems while increasing yields with a simple method called companion planting.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a technique that takes advantage of the natural properties of certain plants, flowers, and weeds to combat pests and disease. Although it requires a little preliminary research and an understanding of local plant life, companion planting is one of the cheapest and most ecologically friendly methods of tree maintenance.

The key is to plant only native companions to avoid the threat of overgrowth or attraction of unfamiliar bugs and predators.

Naturally Improve Soil and Deter Pests

Many gardeners and homeowners have a somewhat unreasonable fear of weeds – spending hours uprooting and destroying each and every one. Next time, carefully select the varieties that are less of a nuisance and consider leaving them behind. Many small weeds present no competition to nearby native trees, and their presence and lifecycle actually help to improve soil conditions by preventing compaction and increasing water and air penetration.

Clover is a popular choice for companion planting with fruit trees – it provides essential nitrogen for neighboring plants, while inhibiting aphid spread by attracting desirable ground beetles. The flowers are also one of the main nectar sources for honeybees. Garlic is another popular favorite: it’s not only delicious, but also helps to accumulate sulfur as a natural fungicide to protect from diseases. Comfrey accumulates phosphorus, potassium, and calcium while keeping the soil rich and moist.

So, want to save money on maintenance, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides by next year? Start researching native companion plants to improve tree health today! Whether you want to plant a new tree or rejuvenate an old one, there is no such thing as too late to introduce some beneficial plant life companions!

Tree Carving Initials – Lovers, Valentines Beware!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and young lovers are already daydreaming about romantic ideas to show their affection. One of the oldest ways to symbolically show devotion is a simple but sweet gesture: carving initials into a tree that will grow as your love grows. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with this otherwise charming idea – it may be wise to think twice before pulling out the pocketknife! 

Spare the Bark, Save a Tree

When couples decide to carve their initials into a tree, they do it with the intention of creating a lasting impression – an eternal testament to their undying love. It sounds great in theory, until one considers that trees are definitely not permanent, and carving anything into the soft flesh only serves to leave the tree vulnerable to disease. For the same reason that proper pruning is so important, fresh wounds on a tree invites a plethora of insects, fungus, and parasites that can quickly kill an otherwise healthy tree. 

Staying in Line with the Law

Besides the overall health of the tree, there is another huge reason that young lovers may not want to express their love on a living surface. Unless you’re planning to carve up a tree on your own property, you can almost bet that defacing public trees in your area is considered vandalism. If you get caught, good luck denying it: you’ve already left evidence far more powerful than a fingerprint! Avoid this problem by planting a new tree in your yard or (with permission) your local park - you do not even need to carve anything to make a lasting impression! 

Sweet, Sweet Alternatives

Instead of potentially getting a fine or harming a tree, consider showing your love in a more permanent and thoughtful way. A wooden knick-knack box or picture frame could be a wonderful host for your carving desires – the product of your affection will last much longer and can be treasured without any travel. Embroidery allows couples to put their initials anywhere they want: on a pillow, a bath robe, a tapestry… The possibilities are endless! With a little creativity, you can have a lasting relic of your love that suits your intentions with perfection.  

Winter Peach Tree Diseases

Delicious fruit is something that many gardeners look forward to all year round, but winter peach tree diseases can put a quick end to the fun. Quality peaches are extremely rewarding to enjoy, but often difficult to grow. Preventative care and regular tree maintenance are an absolute necessary – take the following action steps to prevent the most common peach tree problems:

Powdery Mildew

The sphaerotheca pannosa fungus goes dormant in buds and shoots of peach trees during the winter. This nasty infestation manifests as powdery white mildew on the host surface, causing new foliage to grow in damaged and distorted. The problem becomes noticeable as green peach fruit begin developing circular white spots, turning infected areas of fruit brown. Proper pruning leads to good air circulation, which can play a major role in the prevention of mildew attacks. The chances of an infestation increases greatly when rose buses are planted nearby.

Brown Rot

One of the most widely spread and serious peach tree diseases is brown rot, caused by the monilinia fructicola fungus. Although it is not a “true” winter disease, the fungus survives the winter in fruit that has been “mummified” by the infection. To prevent this unfortunate and damaging disease, collect and remove all affected fruit as it appears – both from the tree and off the ground.

Perennial Canker

Perennial canker occurs when sudden temperature changes damages a part of the tree, generally after a harsh winter. These cankers are caused when cytospora fungi attacks exposed areas, creating cankers that secrete foul purple sap. Cytospora can survive year-round, even on dead wood. Young infected trees can face a rather sudden death, while hardier specimens may slowly fade out of life as the canker grows. Annual pruning and protection from sudden changes in temperature can prevent perennial canker, and many other winter peach tree diseases. In special cases, a trustworthy tree service professional may be able to remove the infected portion to save the tree.

How to Buy a Healthy Sapling

We are getting closer to planting season every single day. Soon, the shopping for bulbs, seeds plants and sapling will be in full swing – it is so exciting! Do you want to make sure that your new investments will grow up to be happy and hardy? A healthy tree starts as a healthy sapling, so be discriminating when picking out the perfect specimen for planting! Make sure that you are getting the most viable option available by covering the bases of RIF: roots, injury, and form.

Roots

When buying trees, the roots usually come in one of three forms: bare root, root ball, and container grown. Bare roots should not be torn or crushed, with the ends being clean cut. Damaged roots can be repaired with a clean cut directly before planting and watering.

Roots balls need to be around twelve inches times the diameter of the trunk, measured from 6 inches above the trunk flare (where the trunk meets the roots). Trunk flare should be visible – if not, gently expose the buried portion before planting.

Container grown roots should not twist or circle, but should be growing straight down with plenty of space. Circling roots can eventually girdle and kill other roots, leading to noticeable growth issues as the years pass.Tree removal services are a lifesaver, but can be costly, so it is best to save the trouble and inspect roots before a major purchase!

Injury

Inspect trees for insect damage and trunk wounds before making a purchase. The most common cause of sapling injury is incorrect pruning - ensure that no cracks, cankers, or decay surround pruning cuts. Trees with “stubs” left over are typically more prone to disease and defection. Saplings that are wrapped in burlap should be uncovered and inspected completely.

Form

Strong form as a sapling often indicates that the tree will be easy to maintain throughout its life. Strong architecture starts with branches that are firmly attached and evenly spaced along the length of the trunk. Branches that are too closely spaced, whether vertically or horizontally, may squeeze together during growth increasing the chances of cracks and splitting.

If your favorite sapling has a few minor defects here and there, corrective pruning may remedy the problems if caught early. The best time to do this is one full year after planting – patience is necessary. Starting with a hardy sapling saves future headaches, tree maintenance, and repair. Our trees are not only an investment for ourselves, but also an investment for generations to come. Choose a healthy sapling to represent the Earth’s healthy future.

Value of Emergency Tree Services

Although trees present many benefits to a homeowner in regards to property value, aesthetic tastes, and environmental health, there are still many ways that an improperly cared for investment can turn into an expensive headache. Keeping the number of a professional emergency tree service may save you time, money, and structural damage with nothing more than a simple phone call. The DIY types, like myself, often cringe at the thought of hiring a helping hand – but regardless, adding another entry into your address book is a small step compared to the inconvenience of lawsuits that can ensue from improperly cared for trees.

When the Going Gets Rough

Tree collapse and storm damage can take a devastating toll on property, creating a time consuming and costly hassle. While proper pruning and routine maintenance can generally prevent these issues, there are situations like hurricanes, tornadoes, and undetected disease that can wreak havoc with little to no prior notice. Removing and disposing trees is no small task – especially if there are power lines or damaged pipes to worry about. Homeowners need to have a backup plan at all times, one that includes everything from emergency utility shutoff to transportation to manual labor. This can become overwhelming for the most experienced property owners.

Choosing a Service

Instead of spending money and time on equipment and dangerous work, smart homeowners typically have the number of a trusted local tree care professional. Going local ensures that the professionals will have the specialized knowledge of local tree varieties, which is a must for those accident-prone ornamentals. Emergency specialists already have the high-tech equipment necessary for a quick and safe removal, saving you the huge expenses of investing in tools you may only need once in your life. Be sure to pick a  tree care service that offers environmentally responsible cleanup – that way you can feel good about keeping your property safe.

Before the Best Season to Plant Trees Approaches - Considerations

The perfect time to begin planning for a new tree is fast approaching. Homeowners who may have attempted and failed to raise a healthy tree from sapling to maturity have learned the hard way; while it may seem as simple as digging a hole and inserting a sapling, there are actually just as many wrong ways to plant a tree as there are right. Tree service professionals see the same thing, year after year - simple mistakes lead to dead saplings. To avoid the need for a removal expert any time in the near future, make sure to take into account the following factors before making any major decisions:

The Basics

First things first: check with city regulations. There are often specifications about how far trees must be planted from power lines, roads, homes, property lines, gas lines, etc. Really, the list can go on forever. It is important to figure these things out even before picking a species of tree – there should be resources on your state. The last thing a homeowner wants is a fine for damages to city property. After the legal restrictions are out of the way, consider the available planting space left in your yard. Now you are ready to get down to the more enjoyable aspects of this beautiful home improvement.

Species

We always recommend native trees for their hardiness and bountiful environmental benefits. Although this does not necessarily narrow your selection, your options may be somewhat limited by certain attributes of each type of tree. Size, growth rate, required maintenance, and of course, aesthetics often play a major role when a homeowner is shopping for a tree. None of these should be ignored, because they can take up a lot of your time and affect property value a great deal.

Placement

This is where the basics and the species come together in the final decision. Consider current and future arrangements of vegetation near the planting area. Will the tree canopy obscure light once the tree is mature? Will the final root length interfere with a home’s foundation or any other permanent fixtures? Does the root structure form deep enough as to not interfere with other nearby trees or plants? These are all questions that a tree service professional would have no trouble answering, but the homebrew solution is to research, research, research!

Have fun, and happy planning!

Parasitic Winter Insects Threaten California Fruit Trees

California fruit trees are subject to a wide range of nasty winter insect infestations. While these trees may look dormant, there may actually be another world of teeming parasitic life just below the bark. Never trust appearances- it may take years before an infestation is successfully detected and by then it may be too late to salvage the tree’s health. The following threats to fruit tree health can all be successfully treated during the dormant winter months:

San Jose Scale – This particular type of scale is perhaps the most widely recognized and damaging scale insect pests found throughout California. Ornamental, shade, and fruit trees are included as part of this parasite’s list of hosts, along with more than 60 other plants. That is some serious reach. These scales are circular, convex, and grayish black and generally thrive in populations which proliferate long before symptoms are generally visible. 

Mites – Blister mites often invade pear trees, feeding on leaves and even developing fruit. The damage done can impair the functioning of leaves, but the effects are not just aesthetic. The ugly yellow “blisters” left by these pests are breeding grounds for their young. Blister mites  can only be treated during the dormant season with a thorough tree spray.

Twig Borer – Apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, and prune trees are all at risk for damage by this steel gray moth, which can grow up to half an inch long. The larvae of these borers will burrow deep down into young shoots, making it difficult to train young trees particularly. Larvae will also feed on the stems of fruits causing them to be off grade. 

Aphids – Aphids attack a wide variety of fruit and nut trees throughout the orchards of California each year. These pests can reproduce asexually, or without a mate, meaning that populations can grow uncontrollably without the proper intervention. These insects feed primarily on groups of stems and leaves. Eggs hatch in early spring but can easily be killed in the overwintering phase with a professional tree spraying during the dormant winter months.

Preventing Winter Tree Damage

Winter tree damage can come in many forms: from minor headaches to expensive disasters. Many people keep a close eye on their gardens, but many homeowners falsely believe that trees can hold their own during the harsh cold season. Even if you have already prepared your trees extensively for winter it’s difficult to predict how each year’s changing weather is going to effect your investments and property. The hardiest and most established of trees still face significant damage if the homeowner doesn’t keep a keen eye.

Inspection- Better Late than Never

It may seem like mid-December is a bad time to be thinking about potential winter tree damage, but the standard rule still applies: bad luck is impossible to prepare for. Take a special look at aged, leaning, or previously damaged trees as they are the most susceptible to the forces of wintery nature. Exposed and isolated trees in residential landscapes are often the biggest risk, so keep note of damages sustained over previous years. 

Common Threats

Ice Damage: Frozen water can affect trees in many different ways. Cracks can become filled with moisture and then burst open to create a huge crack. Weight is also another issue for many trees, whether it is due to an accumulation of snow or ice. Be aware of how low the branches are hanging over power lines, because branches are surprisingly flexible and can cause expensive damages that may result in lawsuits against the property owner. Make sure that a tree service professional is contacted for emergency winter trimming if there is any possibility that power lines may be affected. 

Winter Moths: For the past ten years, homeowners on the south coast have experienced a rather startling increase in invasive tan moths which swarm windows and headlights during the early December months. These pests land on trees and deposit eggs- their offspring are responsible for defoliating and ultimately killing hundreds of thousands of acres of trees each year. The larvae feed on the tender buds of springtime trees. Late winter is a great time to begin spraying trees for this pest, although winter birds like cardinals are thought to enjoy the otherwise unwelcome guest.

Pruning Fruit Trees in Late Winter

According to an extension horticulture specialist at North Carolina State University, winter pruning is extremely important to the growth of a young fruit tree. Growers that neglect annual training and pruning find themselves with short-lived trees that produce lower quality fruit. Failing to care for the framework of the tree can result in serious limb breakage under a heavy load of snow or fruit. Since fruit trees in the Northeast should not be pruned after July (due to potential winter damage), it’s important to take advantage of the increased growth potential that winter trimming offers.

Which to Trim and Why?

Summer and winter pruning have very different effects on fruit trees. Winter pruning, also known as dormant pruning, is an invigorating process that can spurs growth but reduces the fruit bounty of the next season. That’s why only young, relatively untrained fruit trees need a vigorous winter trim- it will prepare them to bear larger loads later in life. Older trees can benefit from a little work as well, but keep in mind that new growth on an established tree often causes more trouble than it’s worth. The reason that this growth spurt occurs after winter pruning is because the trees are still in their dormant stage, so the level of energy doesn’t decrease despite the removal of nutrient-consuming shoots. This extra energy shows up in the spring in the form of rapid growth.

When to Trim Fruit Trees

Pruning should begin as late in the winter as possible, because cold weather injury could pose a real threat to a newly trimmed tree. Those who are unfamiliar with winter pruning should seek the advice of a local tree maintenance professional who can advise on proper technique to decrease the chances of damage. Apple and pecan can be pruned the earliest. The typical rule of thumb for other types of fruit bearing trees is to prune the latest blooming first, and the earliest blooming trees last. Age is a significant issue to the health of a tree during pruning, as well, since younger trees are more susceptible to winter injury of any type.

Moving Potted Plants Indoors for the Winter

Perhaps you have invested in a new species of potted plant, or maybe you have recently purchased your first one, but what will happen to your root-bound friend when the temperatures outside drop to an inhospitable level? Big or small, you can’t just haul your potted tree indoors without a little bit of preparation. If the transition is made incorrectly your formerly flourishing foliage may begin to whither away before your eyes even if you aren’t doing anything different from when you first bought it. 

Preparation

It may not seem like your potted tree need a new pot quite yet, but if you think you will need to change it within the next year go ahead and do it now. Upgrading to a larger pot may become necessary in the winter, forcing you to expose the tree’s delicate roots to the extreme winter climate when you do change to a larger pot. 

Go ahead and prune your potted trees, removing all dead plant matter that could obstruct the scant amounts of indoor window sun. Be careful not to make any shocking changes, since any transport (even short distances!) are already traumatic enough for any live plant. Sometimes declining health of an indoor tree is a sign of root shock from moving, not from improper care. 

Moving the Tree

This is the important part. Large potted plants can weigh more than can be safely carried, and even smaller trees can be rather cumbersome to transport without damage. Rent or invest in a plant dolly that has plenty of rooms for fragile branches, and wrap a sheet around the tree so that nothing snags on the door. A doily or mat should be placed on carpet to prevent permanent dents and a felt pad is great to protect hardwood from scratches. 

Considerations for Placement

Just because your plant thrived great outdoors doesn’t meant that it got full sunlight all day. Try to mimic the same sun patterns indoors that your potted tree is used to. A sudden change can really impact your tree’s health, although it’s not likely to kill the thing if you’re planning on a permanent arrangement. Large trees can be hard to spray for pests so ensure the chosen area is easily accessible to you, but impossible for pets to reach. 

 

With a little planning and forethought your potted tree should have no problems making the change. Many of these tips also apply for the move back outdoors which can be twice as cumbersome if your plant grows quickly! Any supplies needed for placement, moving, or maintenance can be recommended by your local tree care professional so you can have the right tools for job!