Bartlett Tree Expert's York County Area Tree Service

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.

Autumn tree fertilization begins with a soil test. Urban soils are often compacted and nutrient-poor, causing weak growth and increased pest issues. Testing identifies deficiencies so nutrients can be applied correctly, supporting root development, improving tree health, and preparing trees for strong spring growth.

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.

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.

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.

We are excited to announce our annual Tree Care Update hosted by Bartett Tree Experts of York on Thursday, September 10th, 2026. We will have speakers from our Bartlett Research Laboratory, Penn State Extension, and local gardening associations. Be sure to click here to sign up!

Now is the time to address tree health issues that are commonplace this time of year. Problems including browning on evergreen needles, damage to twigs and branches, cracks or splits in the bark and root issues should be identified in early spring, before serious damage occurs.

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.

Major snowfall is expected throughout the area. The added weight of snow or ice may increase the risk of dead branches falling. Heavy or long limbs, branches showing signs of decay, or those with a weak branch attachment are more vulnerable. This can also be an issue for evergreens, which have a large surface area to “hold” snow.

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.

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.