Lightning strikes millions of trees each year. Though not many trees die immediately, strikes often cause serious structural weakness. This damage increases the risk of branches falling and predisposes the tree to insect and disease infestations. These trees are often a safety hazard and pose risks to nearby property. A lightning protection system can help […]
Tree Lightning Protection Systems Safeguard Trees Read More »
Biocontrol, or biological control, might sounds like scary science fiction, but quite the opposite is true. It’s not science fiction, it’s just good science! Biocontrol relies on the use of living organisms to help manage damaging pest populations. In effect, it uses nature’s best defenses to protect against insect invaders that harm trees and shrubs.
Biocontrol: Leveraging Nature’s Best Defenses Read More »
The USDA recently confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in Oregon. EAB for short, this invasive wood-boring beetle infests and kills ash trees. The beetles lay eggs in the bark crevices of trees. After hatching, larvae bore through into the tree where they feed. Their feeding and burrowing activity disrupts the flow of water
Emerald Ash Borer Now in Oregon Read More »
We often promote shrub pruning in winter during the dormant season when its easier to see the branching structure. Indeed, winter is a great time to undertake this task. However, you can prune shrubs year-round. Summer is as good a time as any as long as you pay attention to the particular needs of the
Shrub Pruning in Summer – Breaking the Rules Read More »
For a varied and interesting landscape design, fruit bearing trees and shrubs are a good choice. It’s one way to add color and keep it longer. As always, think carefully to ensure you are planting the right tree in the right place. With fruit trees in particular, there are some caveats to consider before you
Fruit Trees Add Color AND Flavor in Your Landscape Read More »
Spring is a favorite time of year to enjoy the weather, work in the garden and just be outside in nature. The season also brings the holidays of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Celebrating these holidays means finding ways to protect the earth and give back to our environment. It’s no surprise that here at
Tree Seedlings Distributed for Earth Day and Arbor Day Read More »
Stress from drought can seriously impact trees and shrubs. Leaves will wilt and drop. Overall tree growth is reduced and trees are more likely to become infested by insect pests or disease. Ultimately, if the water lost from leaves or needles is not replenished, the plant will dry out and may die. Here are some
How to Protect Trees and Shrubs During Drought Read More »
We all know what healthy leaves look like, but what happens when they’re not healthy? Leaves can become discolored, have bumps or brown or red lesions. Smudgy spots on foliage or leaves that appear dried out or burned are also a sign of poor health. Problems impacting the leaves of trees have many causes. These
Leaves Look Bad? Prevent & Treat Foliar Disease Read More »
Evergreen trees are frequently associated with sparkling snow and the Christmas season. Indeed, these trees shine in the landscape during winter when other color is hard to find. But the real value of evergreens is in their true, four-season beauty and adaptability. The white fir (Abies concolor) tree is no exception. This hardy species has
What do you do as soon as a warm spring day arrives? Get outside of course! But you’re not the only one anxious for temperatures to rise. Many overwintering insects are just waiting for warmer weather so that they can wake up. With the spring season now upon us, one tree-dwelling denizen that’s important to
Watch out for Hidden Ambrosia Beetles Read More »
Healthy soil is the basis for healthy trees and shrubs. But all soils are different. The characteristics of the soil as well as nutrient levels vary from site to site. With this in mind, the best way to fertilize your trees and shrubs is to do so on the basis of a soil analysis.
Why Soil Analysis is Critical Read More »
When the weather turns cold, we don’t think much about insects. What exactly happens to them during winter? The term overwintering is used to describe how insects navigate the challenges of the winter months and successfully come out on the other side. Insects typically have two different approaches to overwintering. Some utilize the “get out
A Bug’s Life: Surviving the Winter Read More »
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.
