York, PA headlines

Winter is the ideal time to prune many tree species. Removal of dead or diseased branches this time of year can greatly reduce the risk they pose to your home and property. Plus, pruning can improve the overall health and appearance of your trees, getting them in shape for spring.

Colder temperatures and shorter days serve as a reminder that it’s time for your trees and shrubs to have a winter check-up. Now is the time to uncover issues such as weakly attached branches, dead wood, diseases, pest infestations and other problems before they can cause serious damage in the spring.

Bartlett is excited to be helping Penn State map and inventory campus trees as part of the Commonwealth Arboreta Network, an initiative that supports its campuses, faculty and staff in using its living laboratories to improve tree knowledge. The project is made possible by the James and Barbara Ingram Endowment for Penn State Arboreta. Jim Ingram, Bartlett's president and COO, holds an associate's degree from Penn State – Mont Alto and a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University Park.

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer in the York, PA area. 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.

The Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is one of the most subtly attractive, small native trees found in the landscape. This species has small white, pink, or purple flowers in early spring and deep green leaves in the summer.

Given the likelihood of encountering ticks, it is important to know that controlling tick populations in your landscape is possible. The first step is assessing your landscape for common habitats like wooded areas, leaf litter and ornamental beds. Based on the assessment, treatments can specifically target at-risk areas.

This large red maple (Acer rubrum) had excessive weight on overextended branches, which can lead to breakage and branch failure. To alleviate this, Arborist Climber Grant Friesen made his way out to the branch ends and removed large branches. Tree pruning like this can help reduce the likelihood of major branch failure.

Spring is when many sap-sucking pests become active, including types of scales, aphids and mites. These tiny insects can infest virtually any type of tree or shrub. Now is the best time to identify and treat for damaging populations.

After winter ends, your trees and shrubs will be working hard to establish spring growth. A soil test in early spring can help determine the precise nutrients needed for that growth, yielding a fuller canopy and vibrant, health foliage.

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

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.

Arborist Representative Brian Chase gave away lots of superhero capes and tree saplings to local kids and coordinated a tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day.