Category Archive

Emerald ash borers have been in the state for around 20 years now, and the number of ash trees lost is in the millions. At this time, there is no sign of the insect slowing down which makes it imperative to protect the ash trees you want to save. There are some great chemicals available that can make this happen. … Read More

This time of year can be especially hard for trees and shrubs. The rain is drastically reduced and the temperatures are severely increased. This generally results in trees and shrubs falling victim to drought and heat stress. The most obvious sign of this is wilting leaves. The leaves may start to curl, turn brown around the edges, turn yellow completely or just simply … Read More

Japanese beetles can be a major pest for certain tree species. The adults emerge generally in the first week of July and feed on a variety of tree species. Some of their favorites include lindens, crab apples, plums, and crimson maples. They can also generally be found on cherry trees and certain varieties of willows. The feeding adults are easily identified by their … Read More

Spider mites can be a major pest in many landscapes but fortunately they are controllable. With properly timed sprays, spider mite populations can be kept in check. It is also important to use the right chemical when managing spider mites. A specific miticide must be used because it targets only the mites. When a broad spectrum insecticide is used, it … Read More

Needlecast is a very common, yet deadly, disease that affects spruce trees throughout the region. It is easily identified as it thins spruce trees out from the middle, leaving only very little growth, if any, just at the ends of the branches. It generally starts near the bottom of the trees and slowly works its way up, killing off branches … Read More

Apple scab is a common fungus that attacks most varieties of apple and crabapple trees. Its unsightly fruiting bodies can be spotted from far away on the leaves and fruit. As it grows, the healthy green leaves turn a sickly yellow shade causing them to fall off the tree early, sometimes beginning in early July! The good news is that … Read More

Trees and shrubs rely on nutrients in the soil for crown development, root growth, and health. In the forest, the plants get these nutrients from decaying organic matter on the forest floor. In urban settings, however, the debris is commonly removed before it has a chance to decay and enrich the soil, often times depriving plants of the nutrients they … Read More

Trees get big.  That is one of their main objectives in life.  They want to get as big as they possibly can so they can soak up as much sun as possible and grow even bigger.  Some tree species get bigger than others. A Japanese Maple isn’t going to tower over a Red Oak. Regardless of the species, they all … Read More