Bartlett's Northern Virginia Tree Service

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nearly all ornamental trees and shrubs are susceptible to a foliage disease called powdery mildew. Though the disease typically does not permanently damage plants, it does make them unsightly. Especially given that commonly affected species like rose, dogwood, lilac, and crape myrtle are often added to landscapes for their showy appearance, the presence of powdery mildew can be a persistent and exasperating nuisance.

Beech leaf disease is caused by microscopic worms called nematodes. The first outward 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. Symptoms worsen over time and the tree can die in just a few years after the initial infection. Treatments to prevent infection or those that inhibit disease progression may be available depending on the specific circumstances of each tree.

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer in the Northern Virginia 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.

Arborist Representative Kurt Mohr taught first and second graders about the importance of trees for Arbor Day.

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.

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.

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.