Elmsford, NY headlines

Arborists Mike McGowan and Laura Sarzaba attended an Arbor Day event at an elementary school in White Plains, helped plant a tree and provided seedlings to students.

An elementary school in Valhalla hosted an Earth Day event in which they opened a new nature trail. Bartlett employees James Johnson and Rafael Motolinia Jr. were happy to support this event.

In celebration of Arbor Day, team members Erik Anderson, Charles W. King, and Javier Ocampos attended a community event hosted by Harlem Grown (NYC) and enjoyed handing out tree seedlings to visitors.

Beech leaf disease, has been spreading rapidly. As implied by the name, the disease attacks beech trees, one of the most commonly found trees in our area. Caused by microscopic worms called nematodes, the first sign of infection are discolored stripes between the veins of impacted leaves. As the disease progresses, the tree will show signs of stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

Foliar diseases including anthracnose, apple scab, rust diseases and powdery mildew will be commonplace in our area this spring. These diseases result in unsightly discoloration, lesions or spots on leaves. Taking action now, before the disease can progress, provides the most effective control.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has broken new ground to protect beech trees from beech leaf disease with novel pest management strategies.

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer. Healthy trees and shrubs are better able to withstand the higher temperatures and weather extremes that summer brings. Proper care in spring can help ensure the health of your landscape plants.