Bartlett Tree Experts recently participated in the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) annual service event. As part of the event, Bartlett installed lightning protection in some of the historic oak trees at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arborist Climber Eli Swadener installed lightning protection on historic oak at Arlington National Cemetery.

Eli Swadener, an Arborist Climber from Manassas, Virginia, was quoted in an article, “Renewal and Rembrance Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Two Service Locations,” published by the NALP.

Swadener was one of 150 landscape industry professionals who volunteered their time and skills at Arlington National Cemetery on July 19 during NALP’s annual Renewal & Remembrance event. The event is held to honor the men and women buried there. Because his father and grandfather served in the military, Swadener said volunteering at Arlington meant a lot to him. “To be able to contribute and give back is so important and I’m so thankful for the opportunity,” he said.

Swadener installed lightning protection on some of the historic oak trees at Arlington National Cemetery during the event. “A lightning strike can be devastating to a tree in terms of opening up the inner tissue, the heartwood,” he said. “Sometimes it chars but that can result in rot and eventually that could result in structural damage that potentially could lead to it falling from some destructive force later on once it’s weakened. It’s very important for historic trees like this that take hundreds of years to grow.”

The post Installing Lightning Protection at Arlington National Cemetery first appeared on Tree Topics.

Mathew Harmon

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com

Summertime in Texas literally boils down to hot. Older and more established trees are already adapted to the heat and humidity and will not need extensive summer tree care. However, if you don’t take care of younger and newly planted trees, you may need to call for tree removal services. Excessive heat exposure can cause decay, stunted growth, and death of the tree.

There are two vital things you can do for your trees during the summer that will allow them to reach their full potential.

Water Your Trees

Newly planted trees or young trees don’t have extensive root systems as mature trees. It is important you supply the tree with regular deep watering. The rule of thumb is to water your tree for 2 to 3 minutes every 2 to 3 days when the temperatures are above 90 degrees. You need to thoroughly saturate the area directly around the tree trunk.

Species of the tree, location, and soil characteristics will determine the amount and frequency of water. You need to pay close attention to the tree as you water. Reduce the amount of watering if you notice standing water or puddles. Trees in shady spots don’t need as much water as the ones in direct sunlight all day.

Never water a tree daily. Your tree needs to spread its roots downwards for developing a strong and healthy root system. The tree would not need to grow its roots if it gets water at a shallow level. Such trees usually topple over during the many notorious Texas storms. It is best to consider a deep watering practice.

Properly Mulch the Tree

You should ideally mulch the tree when you plant it and then at the turn of every season. The mulch layer should not be thicker than an inch or two. There should be considerable gap between the mulch and the tree trunk. It is best to make a donut shaped ring of mulch around the tree base so that water gets funneled down to the roots.

Mulch is useful during the summers since it retains moisture and keeps the soil and roots of the tree moist. You should not mound mulch around the tree trunk. This will result in rot and decay. It will also create a hiding space for insects that may harm the tree.

Mulch bed is helpful in suppressing weeds and grass that may compete for resources and water. It will also prevent you from taking your lawn mower too close to the tree and accidentally harming the bark. Mulching is a crucial part of summer tree care routine for all species of trees. You can ensure your trees get adequate nourishment and protection by spreading a layer of mulch.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Summer Tree Care appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Mathew Harmon

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com

Phytophthora root rot is a disease of many trees and shrubs. The disease derives its name from the Greek language and literally means “plant destroyer.” As such, this is a fitting name for the pathogen, which can kill its host by growing through the roots upward. Phytophthora root rot thrives in wet and poorly drained soil conditions and attacks a wide range of species.

Evidence of phytophthora root rot on yews.

Most Susceptible Tree and Shrubs Species

azaleaboxwoodconifersdaphnedogwoodhollyjunipertaxusrhododendron

A soil-borne microorganism, Phytophthora species are more closely related to brown algae than to fungi. Phytophthora root rot grows and produces spores under wet soil conditions. The spores (known as zoospores) have flagella that allow them to easily move through water. First, the zoospores germinate and infect fine roots. When conditions favor development of the pathogen, it will progress into larger roots, the root flare and even into the stem. Consequently, a serious infection that has spread throughout the root system can cause the eventual death of the plant.

Plants with root disease appear as unhealthy; leaves will become yellow and stunted, and new growth slows. Further, the roots of affected plants will be black and shriveled. Symptoms will vary based on the type of tree or shrub impacted.

Preventing and Treating Phytophthora Root Rot

Phytophthora species can persist in the soil for many years, spreading to nearby plants when it rains or plants are watered. With this in mind, it is particularly important to pay attention to the soil conditions in which your trees and shrubs are growing. To further protect your plants, ensure trees and shrubs live in well-drained soils that are amended with organic matter. Additionally, you should carefully monitor irrigation to prevent saturated soil.

Plants exhibiting early stages of root disease may respond well to soil treatments with systemic fungicides and cultural practices. However, plants with later stages of disease are unlikely to recover. Therefore, preventive management is the best course of action. The most essential step to protecting plants from Phytophthora root rot is maintaining good soil drainage.

The post Phytophthora Root Rot Disease first appeared on Tree Topics.

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Mathew Harmon

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com

It is no easy task to keep up with the ever-demanding needs of a house. There are several DIY jobs you can do around the yard. However, tree services are something that is best left to the professionals. This is especially true for tree pruning service. You should not undertake tree removal or stump grinding on your own as well.

These are a few reasons why you should consider hiring tree care experts to take care of your yard.

Tree Work is Rife with Hazards

Tree work is among the most dangerous chores around the house. You can find it difficult to identify tree hazards especially when undertaking chopping tasks. Most trees don’t show outwardly signs of damage. However, they can still present a danger. An experienced arborist knows the kind of signs to watch out for.

They know which tree is diseased and with what. They know if a tree is decaying on the inside while still looking vibrant outside. You may not realize that the tree in your yard is almost rotted. But, a tree care expert would know that. Often, tree care requires working with overhead power lines or other similar hazards. You don’t want to undertake these jobs on your own.

Professionals Have Deep Tree Knowledge

Different tree species in DFW area have different needs. You don’t just need extensive knowledge of tree biology. But, you also need to have an in depth knowledge of the various techniques in tree care. You may end up damaging the tree if you don’t know what it needs. Sometimes, incorrect care can do more harm than good. Some things are best left to the professionals and tree care is one of them. This is particularly relevant where watering, mulching, planting, trimming, and removal is concerned.

Experience Matters with Trees

There are several tasks that require an experienced tree care expert. Tree removal or trimming is not as easy it looks. There is a lot to it than just sawing off branches. You shouldn’t let a tree branch fall just anywhere. It could cause property damage or personal injury. It takes a certified arborist to understand the nature of a tree and take adequate precautions while performing a task.

For instance, during tree removal the tree care expert would use a combination of ropes and tools. At the same time, while trimming, the professional would know which cuts to use and how much to trim. They will also identify potential signs of injury or damage to the tree. Professionals know how to keep an eye out for insects, pests, infections, and diseases. Improper pruning has been known to kill a tree. Professional tree services will make sure your trees remain healthy and vibrant.

The post Why Should You Consider Hiring Professional Tree Services? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Mathew Harmon

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com

Nobody ever wants a leaning tree in their yard. They want their trees to grow tall and straight. This is where tree cabling and bracing comes in helpful because Mother Nature always has other ideas. Wind, snow, rain, and storms can cause the best and strongest of trees to develop a lean. Younger trees are particularly susceptible to tilting and growing in a leaning fashion.

Should You Cable and Brace?

To stake or not to stake is a major dilemma faced by most tree care experts. Arborists believe that trees grow best when they are not cabled or braced. However, there are several circumstances in which guying or staking is the only thing that would prevent the tree from leaning or getting uprooted. You should get a professional in to have a look at your trees to check whether cabling and bracing is required or not. Generally, this method is employed on thin stemmed trees that may bend because of the canopy weight or newly purchased trees that have small root balls.

Straightening a Tree

You would want to stake a tree if you want to support it temporarily. This is until the tree’s natural root system can take over. Never leave cabling and bracing equipment in place for more than one growing season. It’s paramount to bring in a professional for the job since they know exactly how much guy rope or stakes to be used per tree.

This is especially important if working on a young tree with a fragile bark. These barks can get sliced or chafed with the wrong type of rope or guy wire. You may end up damaging the tree beyond repair if you put it through too much distress.

Straightening a Tree by Uprooting It

Homeowners should never attempt to uproot a tree on their own, regardless of how young it is. You don’t want to upset the root system. You may just end up killing the tree in your effort of rectifying its lean. It is always recommended to work with a professional tree care expert in such situations. There are several rules that need to be followed while straightening a tree which has been uprooted.

For instance, you need to make sure that at least a third of the root system remains planted in the ground. Exposed roots of the leaning tree should not be overly damaged and must be left undisturbed. You should remove as much soil as possible from the exposed roots and straighten the tree gently. Replant the tree below grade level and pack the soil firmly. The situation is hopeless if the tree is lying on the ground with firmly planted roots.

The post How to Make Leaning Trees Straight? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

Mathew Harmon

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com