Seattle, WA headlines

When there is a hanging branch or crack in a tree, it’s easy to see that a problem exists. Other issues may be more difficult to detect. Simple solutions can make a big difference. Pruning can lessen branch weight and wind resistance. Cables and brace rods can also be effective in helping to limit branch movement and protect trees.

Fertilization is the single most important proactive measure you can take in caring for your trees this season. Soil care and fertilization in autumn dramatically improve growing conditions and provide the nutrients required for vital tree root development.

Trees under stress display key symptoms indicating a serious problem may exist. This includes wilting or loss of leaves/needles, yellowing of leaves or browning of needles, premature autumn color, early leaf drop and sappy spots on branches. Correctly identifying the underlying cause is critical to addressing tree health issues.

Summer is a time of high activity for pests as well as tree diseases caused by fungi and other organisms. Some problems may be simply aesthetic, while others can be a real threat to tree health and vitality. As such, it is important to have an arborist check your trees to determine the underlying cause.

Summer storms often cause branches or entire trees to fall. Preventative care can help you maintain your landscape while mitigating the possibility of unanticipated costs.

Given the stress from higher temperatures and lack of rainfall comon in summer, it is critical to water your trees and shrubs thoroughly. Applying a 3-4" layer of mulch, inspecting for pest infestations and scheduling fall fertilization can also help maintain tree health and vigor.

Arbor Day is "our" special day of the year! This year, we helped plant trees and remove blackberry bushes at Lake Ballinger Park. It was a wonderful day spent assisting our friends at the Mountlake Terrace Parks and Recreation Department. We look forward to collaborating with them more in the future!

The Bellevue Botanical Garden Foundation and Bartlett Tree Experts have enjoyed a successful partnership for years. We are excited to continue our support for their mission in the years to come. We appreciate the education provided about native and non-native plants, as well as how to care for them in our homes. The Garden itself offers a wonderful experience, and we are proud to support it, ensuring that it remains a place where urban dwellers can connect with nature and all it has to offer.

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden has such a unique story and history that supporting them was obvious to us. We wanted to help to make sure that their garden and all the education it has to offer are never lost. Seeing so many native species together is such a joy for all arborists in the Pacific Northwest, as we all love the trees here.

During spring, tree boring insects in their larval stage will begin feeding inside trees. Bronze birch borer is one example that is a serious pest in our area. Based on an assessment, we can provide effective treatments to minimize damage and help prevent a full-blown infestation.

Root problems including phytophthora root rot disease will be common in our area this spring. The severity of root rot varies. It can develop slowly or result in rapid death of the plant. Given the disease’s variable nature, it is important to identify and treat for root rot before it progresses.