Bartlett’s Tree Topics Blog

Brood X Cicadas and Your Trees and Shrubs

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Bartlett Tree Experts

Brood X is on its way. This is one of the largest broods of periodical cicadas, and the insects will soon be seen in a number of states including Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York (nearly extinct), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. If you lived in these areas in 2004, you may remember seeing (and hearing) the noisy, prolific insects in your landscape. They emerged, molted, mated, layed eggs, and died within just 4-5 weeks and then seemed to disappear. But quietly those eggs hatched and the nymphs burrowed underground, feeding, growing, and biding their time, until now.

Every seventeen years, this hoard emerges. In 2021 there will once again be a cacophonous swarm, filling the bellies of squirrels and birds, forcing windows closed at night, and potentially damaging valuable plant material in landscapes.
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Posted in Environmental Issues, Pests and Diseases

Cold Temperatures and Woody Plants

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Bartlett Tree Experts

After the cold weather of winter some plant-lovers are worrying about the health of their shrubs and trees. Plants in their native range that typically experience harsh winter conditions should be just fine if they are healthy otherwise. All plant species native to temperate regions have mechanisms for tolerating cold conditions to some degree. They have to!

Mistletoe – Festive Décor or Problematic Parasite?

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Bartlett Tree Experts

Druids believed it had the power to protect loved ones from evil. Ancient Greeks used it is a medicinal cure for a myriad of disorders. And, even today, this plant is one of great tradition and symbolism. In fact, if you stand underneath it at Christmas time, you might just get a kiss! That’s right, we’re talking about mistletoe. This plant certainly has a notable history, but that’s not the only interesting thing about it. You might be surprised to learn that mistletoe is actually a parasite.

120591208 l 300x200 - Mistletoe – Festive Décor or Problematic Parasite?

Mistletoe forms shrubby clumps that steal water and nutrients from the host tree.

Ghosts in the Forest – Albino Redwoods

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Bartlett Tree Experts

A shrub that looks like a white Christmas tree grows at the foot of some redwoods in several old-growth forests in California. Like albino animals, these plants lack pigmentation and have white needles instead of green. Scientists are not sure what the function of these “albino redwoods” is, but they are intrigued.
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Posted in Tree Species

Deicing Salts and Trees Don’t Mix

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Bartlett Tree Experts

When winter is in full force, salt deicers remove ice on walkways, driveways and roads for safety. It’s important to know, however, that these salt deicing products can damage trees and shrubs.

Sodium chloride (rock salt) is one of the most common deicing products. Runoff of melted ice and snow may cause residual material to splash onto foliage or seep directly into the soil, causing wilting and other injuries to plants.