Soil compaction is a common issue in home landscapes and on commercial properties. When the soil is compacted, porous spaces are reduced. Since tree roots need those porous spaces for growth and absorption of water and nutrients, a tree living in compacted soil will struggle. There will be less root growth and low soil […]
What is Soil Compaction? Read More »
Lots of scale insects are active during the heat of summer, but some of these tiny pests are just now beginning to hatch and will continue causing tree and shrub damage in late summer and autumn. From August thru October, magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) will be in the crawler stage when the pests are actively
A Sticky Situation…Magnolia Scale Isn’t Pretty Read More »
Choosing the right tree for your property, your budget, and your taste isn’t easy. Here are some helpful questions to help you narrow down your selection and find a lifelong match: Why am I adding a tree to my landscape? What is the main purpose of the tree — shade or privacy, for example?
Finding Your Tree Soulmate Read More »
Nothing can completely guarantee safety from fires. However, some simple strategies in the landscape can help protect homes and leave them more defensible against encroaching fires. Thinking ‘lean, clean, and green’ improves defensible spaces. Plan landscapes to minimize flammable vegetation like some conifers or eucalyptus species. Avoid accumulation of dead vegetation, brown grass, or woodpiles.
Landscaping Tips for Fire Safety Read More »
Storms can wreak havoc in a community and while utility companies work to clear trees from power lines, there is another group actively assisting in storm cleanup of trees that have been damaged on (or caused damage to) residential and commercial properties – local arborists and tree service companies. During storm situations, it is important
What Happens When a Storm Hits Read More »
Oak is one of the most common tree species in the northern hemisphere. Often seen as a symbol of strength and wisdom, oaks are well-known for their longevity and adaptability. However, even these venerable giants are not immune to the stresses of time and temperature. Recent years have brought extreme shifts in soil moisture conditions,
Reducing the Likelihood of Oak Decline Read More »
Saluting Branches is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans by providing tree and landscape care at national cemeteries. Arborists from around the country volunteer their services to help keep these locations safe and beautiful. This year marked the organization’s fifth anniversary and we were proud to participate in it. We volunteered in locations including Florida
Saluting Branches 2019 Read More »
Pruning mature trees removes dead and dying branches to maintain plant health and safety
Mature Tree Pruning Read More »
Looking at problems posed by excess soil and mulch around the base of tree:
Root Collar Excavation Read More »
Most of us are familiar with the results of drought stress, but did you know that high temperatures alone can cause significant damage to the health of your plants? Given that many areas are recording rising temperatures, we should become aware of how warmer temperatures affect the physiology of plants. High temperatures reduce photosynthetic rates
Hot Weather & Your Trees Read More »
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects. Some of them feed on more than one type of plant— for example, apple grass aphids feed on young new leaves and blossoms of apples until the beginning of summer when they migrate to oats, grasses and reeds for the rest of the season. Others feed on just one food
Aphids: Small in Size, Many in Number Read More »
Oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) belongs to a group of insects called the armored scales. The “armor,” is produced by a waxy secretion combined with the insect’s own body cast during each molt. This protective outer layer helps shield the oystershell scale from natural predators.
Oystershell Scale: An Unusual Insect Pest 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.
