Boston’s Winter Moth May Cause Untold Devastation

Boston’s Winter Moth May Cause Untold Devastation

Boston has witnessed the destructive behavior of winter moths every spring in eastern Massachusetts with absolutely no idea how to stop it. Winter moth caterpillars devour holes through newly blossomed foliage of shrubs, apple trees, maples, oaks and blueberry bushes. Because they have no natural predators in New England their population growth continues to increase year after year. It’s been a burden on the local forests and has even affected commercial and residential areas as well.

Local entomologists estimated trillions of winter moth larvae consumed more than 100,000 acres of trees in Massachusetts in 2005, with the trail of destruction augmenting about 4 or 5 miles each year. Thousands of trees were left bare from Boston to Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Hampshire. Tree services in the Boston area were forced to shorn dozens of branches and remove decaying shrubs. Though tree spraying has become a viable option, entomologists suggest a more organic solution. 

Cyzenis Albicans to the Rescue

Native to Europe, the moth has species-specific predators, called the Cyzenis Albican, that control the population, but none of them exist in the Boston. Without a balanced ecosystem the moths could ravage the area until the resource is depleted. This isn’t good news for the beloved trees of Massachusetts metropolis, the outlying cities Boston or for the native insects and animals that thrive on these trees. But since 2005 these greedy flies have been released into the vicinity to combat the spread of these destructive moths.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the US Department of Agriculture has ordered the containment of the winter moth in six areas of eastern Massachusetts including Falmouth, Yarmouth, Seekonk, Hingham, Wellesley, and Wenham. With a controlled release of moths entering the affected areas, the flies are a welcome inhabitant. They are considered safe for the survival of the natural ecosystem because they target the winter moth and no other species.

How exactly does this tiny fly eat a winter moth? It’s all in the eggs.

The Cyzenis albicans, a parasitic fly, lays its eggs near the food source of caterpillars. When the caterpillar consumes the larvae the eggs continues to grow and hatch in its stomach. Essentially the fly devours the caterpillar from the inside out, both feeding simultaneously. It’s considered a win-win for the fly. That’s one tenacious bug!

Restorative Tree Care

For those trees that have fallen victim to the wide-spreading winter moth, it may be too late to salvage the loss of foliage. With literally millions of moths burrowing into a single tree, tree removal may be essential to the safety of people and structures nearby. However, some trees are luckier than others and may only require tree trimming. Professional restorative care such as tree trimming, tree spraying, or tree removal can mitigate the destruction of these mischievous moths.

If you need professional tree services in the Boston area, contact Premiere Tree Services.  The certified tree experts offer residential and commercial tree care at affordable prices.

Premiere TreeServices of Boston

71 Commercial St. Ste. 98
Boston, MA, 02109
Phone: (617) 517-3719      
boston@premieretreeservices.com

Photo Courtesy: Markuso

Tree spraying in Kansas City, KS: A Few Basic Tips

There’s more to tree spraying than just aiming a hose. Tree spraying involves different techniques depending on the type of tree and the type of pest in question. This is not to mention the amount of caution you need to exercise in handling those potentially harmful chemicals. Before you make any attempt at spraying your trees, you must consult an expert on tree spraying in Kansas City, KS.

And you will definitely need the following basic tools and materials: hose, hydraulic sprayer, spray bottle of fungicide or insecticide and water. A professional in tree spraying will give you the following pieces of advice and steps to follow:

Water Spraying

Select the method of spraying. If you use water, you can use sprinklers, a hose, drip irrigation or a spray hose to water your trees.

Then proceed to spraying the ground around the tree if it is newly planted or if it is about two years old. You will need to saturate the area several times each month. Once weekly or every two weeks is fine, depending on the type of oil and the tree species. When the water begins to pool, you stop spraying.

If the tree is more than two years old, check its leaf canopy. You will have to spray under the canopy’s outer edge and around the tree. Avoid spraying right directly on the trunk because the tree’s roots are not centrally located anymore. Stop spraying once the water begins to pool or if the ground is already wet enough for the water to seep into the ground at two feet deep 

 

Insecticides

Identify the type of insects that is infesting your tree before you buy the chemicals. This is important because certain types of bugs and insects can be only killed by certain kinds of insecticides. There are even insects that can be killed without the use of insecticides.

Once you’ve identified the pests, research about their life cycle. Don’t spray too soon or too late because the insecticides may not have an effect. There are only certain times that some insects become vulnerable to insecticides.

Contact your expert in tree spraying in Kansas City, KS for a hydraulic sprayer if you don’t have one, especially if your trees are too tall to be reached using a hose. It is important for your sprayer to reach the topmost part of the trees to achieve full results.

 

Premiere Tree Services of Kansas City, KS
10940 Parallel PKWY Suite K-131
Kansas City,KS 66109
(913) 730-7700
kansascityks@premieretreeservices.com

Tree Removal | Tree Trimming

Garlic Tree Spray Keeps Critters Away in California

A few years ago my friend was recounting her recent visit to California when she mentioned something peculiar. She said when she was riding down the highway just outside of Escondido she was taken by surprise at the “Dr. Seuss-like” trees sticking out of the tawny grass of the countryside. A native of the East Coast, she hadn’t ever seen these types of crooked trees before. But that wasn’t the most unusual discovery.

To get a better view, she opened the window and breathed in the fresh air of the landscape. Suddenly, an unmistakable aroma invaded her nose that she wasn’t prepared to experience. The smell of fragrant garlic wafted through the air, which to her was the scent of heaven.

“Wait” I said, “Garlic? Are you sure?”

But really it was a rhetorical question because she could pick up the smell of garlic from the faintest of fumes. After all, she eats garlic on just about anything. So it wasn’t a question of “what”, but more a question of “why”.

Nature's Tree Spray Alternative

Chances are she drove by a field of garlic growing in the wilds of California, but the more likely scenario isn’t so straight forward. What she may have smelled was Garlic Barrier. A natural pesticide, Garlic Barrier contains 99.3% of pure garlic extract. It’s used by organic farmers to protect their crops from insects and nearby wildlife. Because of its natural properties, the non-invasive liquid concentrate is preferred by farmers as way to repel hungry critters without giving them a dose of lethal chemicals.

The downside is that crops give off the distinctive aroma of pungent garlic. But that beats the downside of losing crops to deer, rabbits, and those pesky blood-sucking mosquitoes. Speaking of blood-sucking, I’m sure you could keep away vampires as well.

As an alternative to chemical tree spraying chemicals, Garlic Barrier can be used on any type of crop from tomato plants to cotton, alfalfa and fruit trees.

Tree Spraying: Keeping Your Fruit Trees Healthy

The importance of spraying your fruit trees should not be underestimated. Spraying, along with other tree services such as pruning and trimming, protects trees against pests and diseases, thus keeping them healthy and strong and maximizing their fruit-bearing capabilities. Tree spraying in Dayton can be done with the help of a professional tree service company, or you can do it on your own. Either way, you need to know some basic information on how to spray your trees the right way.

First thing to know are the tools to be used in tree spraying. The use of proper tools and equipment makes the job easier to do and faster. Choose a sprayer that is of excellent quality. You can visit any store that sells farming tools and inquire more about tree spraying equipment. You will not go through all the hassle if you decide to hire experts in tree spraying in Dayton.

Choosing The Type Of Spray
You can choose from any of the several spray products available in the market today. Of these products, the most commonly used are the organic type, usually made from mineral oil, which is good for suffocating pests. Sulphur and copper also work pretty well against fungus. But avoid using sulphur products on apricot trees. Also wait for thirty days from the time you used oil spray before using sulphur spray products.

How To Spray Fruit Trees
Tree spraying should be done during a calm weather. The spray will be blown away by wind, wasting your investment. In a calm day, you can get a thorough covering of your trees, from the tip of the branches to the trunk’s base. In spraying, cover the area under the tree. Also spray the root area. If you are spraying near a pond, make sure there will be no spray particles that drift into the water. Sprays are mostly poisonous to fish. And to protect yourself, wear glasses and gloves. Chemicals, even if you are using organic ones, may cause some amount of harm.

Choosing the time of the year to do your tree spraying is important. Expert tree spraying companies know when the best time is to do tree spraying. Check the climate in your locality. The best time to do tree spraying in Dayton must depend on what particular part of the year that pests attack trees.

Generally, though, winter is a good time to do an oil spray because the trees are leafless and dormant, an anti-fungus spray before the opening of flower buds and another spraying after the petals of flowers have dropped.

The History of Charleston's Palmetto Tree

Since the Revolutionary War the palmetto tree has been synonymous with South Carolina and a symbol of victory against the British. After Col. William Moultrie’s heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s island in 1776, the palmetto tree became an indelible emblem of triumph. In 1775 the original state flag depicted a crescent moon against a dark blue background, but was redesigned a year later to include the palm. The flag was adopted with its amendment in 1861. To this day, South Carolinians harbor a profound gratitude towards the tree that helped them fortify the coast and ward off a British invasion.  

Palmetto logs were used to construct the fort at Sullivan’s Island because they grew in abundance along the coast. Little did the troops – on either side – know how defensible the resilient trunks would be against British ammunition. The hearty stalks absorbed cannonball fire and sustained only minimal damage, leaving the fort intact. The British eventually retreated in 1782 and South Carolina laid claim to the city of Charleston.

Official State Tree

In 1939 the palmetto, also known as a sabal palm or cabbage palm, became the official state tree of South Carolina. Undoubtedly recalling the rich history of the state, the palm represents the fierce independence of the people who settled there.

Palmetto Tree Facts

Palmettos grow tall and lean, reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet. And though the tree can grow straight or curved, the fibrous trunk is surprisingly sturdy. The root system is equally strapping, making it easy to adapt to salty or dry soil conditions. A native to Spain, the palmetto could even thrive in desert landscapes such as Phoenix or Reno.  

Indicative of the coastal lands in and around Charleston, the palmetto also grows in parts of Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Among the species of plants native to the southern United States, the palmetto is nearly hurricane proof, often the only tree standing after heavy rains and sea swells have snapped live oaks and pines. For that, it has become a favorite among coastal residents, often lining streets and shading homes.

Citizens of Charleston turn to professional tree services to trim the tall branches, which are susceptible to roaches and other sub-tropical insects. Palmetto trees are not only an important landscape feature throughout the city, the leaves are often used for salads and pickling.

Holiday Tree Dedications

Finding the perfect gift for family and friends around the holidays can be a grueling endeavor. Everyone expects to get what’s on their Christmas list so they don’t have to stand in the Returns line the day after Christmas. But there’s a way to give a meaningful gift that anyone would love without standing in any lines. TreePeople of Los Angeles suggests gifting a tree this year. Ordering a dedication tree offers a long lasting gift that people all over the state of California can enjoy for years to come.

Each year, thousands of gift trees are ordered through TreePeople, as well as other gift tree websites, and are becoming a popular gift for all occasions. Gifting a tree not only makes a wonderful gift for the holidays, it can also commemorate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, new birth, or dedication to a lost loved one.

A gift tree is also an eco-conscious contribution to restoring the local environment and involving friends and family in the rebuilding of our nation’s forests. TreePeople, based in Los Angeles, have received donations from residents as far as San Diego who have donated trees to honor their loved ones, in an effort to revitalize the Angeles National Forest in California. The donations help plant new trees as well as maintain trees that have been donated already.

Though TreePeople doesn’t know exactly where your tree will be planted, and can’t guarantee a specific location, all dedication trees are planted within in the park woodlands and mountain forests of the Angeles National Forest. The area has been chosen because of deforestation caused by wildfires, neglect, and other natural causes. Because so many trees are donated throughout the year, it’s not possible to put markers on every tree, but participation is encouraged. If you’d like to make your gift exceptionally special, tree planting events are open to dedicators and recipients.

During the holiday season, each donation is given special attention by presenting your honoree with a personalized greeting card and a certificate of announcement as a token of gratitude.

This year think outside the big box stores and celebrate the future of our planet. Tree donations start at $25 and multiple trees can be donated at a discount. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to involve your friends and family in green efforts – donating a tree is a great way to show them how they can make a difference.

Importance of Cabling and Bracing for Tree Preservation

Photo courtesy of: sedaetically.edu.ms

Nothing is more sacred to the Ohio State University faculty, staff, and student body than the iconic buckeye trees on campus. For a University whose mascot is a tree, preserving these precious arbors takes vigilance and a little help from a local tree service company. One of the ways in which OSU has maintained the health of so many of their trees is through cabling and bracing.

Cabling and bracing, the most common type of structural aid for trees, involves the installation of cables and anchors. By connecting a split or overgrown branch to another stronger branch, that once precarious limb can continue to thrive. Think of cabling and bracing as an alternative to pruning. By keeping the structural integrity of the tree sound without sacrificing the canopy, the man-made hardware allows trees to flourish in confidence.

This is great news to devoted OSU personnel as they have banned together to become a “Tree Campus”. The honorary recognition, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation, is given to universities who have developed ways to foster tree preservation on campus. Current Tree Campus USA recipients have made a concentrated effort to connect with the community beyond campus borders, adopted learning opportunities for the student body, and encouraged urban forestry efforts. Most importantly, these universities have well-managed tree populations, which are realized by conducting tree inventories.

OSU could be next on the list of universities with this honorable mention. With the help of software programs such as Google Earth and i-Tree, students are able to map the landscape of their campus and inventory what type of trees there are and the quantity. Not only does this inventory help recognize OSU as a Tree Campus USA, it allows students to evaluate the importance of trees in urban areas. It’s a learning experience that is constructive to the local ecosystem.

Tree cabling is recommended for trees that require additional support – typically heavy hardwood trees like the ones on OSU campus. Additional structural bracing helps poorly structured trees from breaking under the weight of snow and ice in frosty Ohio winters. However, there are two types of cabling that
work differently.

Dynamic cabling allows trees to sway naturally in heavy winds by connecting branches to other branches instead of to the trunk. The tree is still able to strengthen itself over time and compensate for previous weaknesses. Dynamic cabling also uses less invasive hardware to avoid harming the tree bark.

Static cabling is used with more severe structural damage. Limbs that are splitting or cracked can lead to catastrophic failure without installing hefty hardware directly into the tree. For that matter, many balk at this method because it involves permanent bolts that pierce the entire branch, which interferes with the tree’s natural fortification of the tissue.

Whichever method is adopted to strengthen the trees on OSU campus is up to the tree service company they call, but they both offer benefits in the long run. Cabling and bracing prevent failure in trees with structural weakness that are otherwise healthy, restore damaged limbs that would otherwise be removed, and mitigate hazardous collapses and premature removal of the entire tree.

With the football season in high step, Ohio State University is busy achieving other goals unrelated to the playoffs. The OSU buckeyes have a much more universal benchmark involving their campus and the trees therein. Let’s hope for the sake of the environment that they make rank.