When you see tree bark covered in crusty green stuff you may wonder, does lichen impact trees? Don’t panic! It’s unlikely that the ‘green stuff’ is harming the tree. Lichens are non-parasitic organisms that can grow on tree branches and trunks. They consist of a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and a green alga or […]
Unusual is one of the best way to describe tree galls. You can find these abnormal plant growths on leaves, twigs, and branches. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes. One could be a large, tumor-like outgrowth high on a tree’s steam. Another could be small bumps on the leaves of a
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Tree topping is a method often used to reduce the size or height of a tree. With this method, the top of some or all of the branches from a tree’s crown are cut straight off, leaving large stubs. Unfortunately, tree topping hurts trees, causing stress and irreparable damage. Given the harm it can cause,
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Frost cracks are vertical cracks in a tree that are caused by temperature changes. They occur during winter when the daytime sun warms the bark causing tissue expansion. Later, when the sun goes down and the temperature drops quickly, the outer layer cools and contracts faster than other portions. This expansion and contraction results in
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We all know the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, but if you see this plant in your trees and shrubs beware. Mistletoes are parasites. These organisms live on trees and shrubs at the expense of their hosts. Especially this time of year, mistletoe is steeped in history and tradition. Druids believed it had the
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Tree fertilization and soil care in autumn dramatically improve growing conditions for your trees and shrubs. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that soil conditions in urban and suburban environments are often inhospitable to trees. That’s right. The suburban/urban growing environment is vastly different than the ideal conditions found in nature. As such,
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Down a dark path, by a haunted house is a ghastly garden filled with spooky plants for Halloween! While not all of them are native to North America, it’s still entertaining to see the sorts of peculiar species that will make your bones rattle. SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PLANTS Ghost Plant Ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora) is
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Why is the collaboration between a landscape architect and a Certified Arborist essential? The collaboration between a landscape architect and a Bartlett arborist brings together complementary skills and knowledge, resulting in a well-balanced, pleasing, and sustainable outdoor environment. This ensures that trees are not only a beautiful part of the landscape but also healthy, safe,
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Roses are one of the most popular garden plants in the world. In caring for roses, it’s important to understand the best conditions for growing them. A working knowledge of the pests and diseases that commonly impact these plants will also help in maintaining healthy, beautiful roses. Growing Conditions Roses grow best in full, all-day
Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging disease caused by a nematode, or microscopic worm. We often don’t think of our trees as getting “sick.” However, just as people can contract diseases, trees can too. Some of these diseases have been present for centuries. Some are relatively new, or sometimes just new to a geographic
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A girdling root is a root that circles around at least one side of the main trunk. You’ll usually see them at or slightly below the soil surface. These roots wrap tightly around the trunk, putting pressure on it. As result, movement of water and nutrients to the leaves is restricted. What causes girdling roots?
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Plant the right tree in the right place is a common mantra in the tree care industry. However, how does a homeowner actually go about tree selection and why is it important anyway? Giving thought to the type of tree you’re planting and where it will live will ultimately make life easier for you —
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Being a leader in the tree care industry means continually focusing on learning and innovation. Bartlett’s Tree Topics blog follows in that tradition by offering a place to receive advice on trees, tree pests, tree preservation, and more.
