What Does Pollution do to Trees?

Written by William Schlesinger and published on https://blog.nature.org/.

Pollution harms the environment.  There’s no dancing around that fact.  Unfortunately, as humans, our pollution rates have only grown in the past few centuries.  In the last few decades, however, those rates have dramatically increased to alarming numbers.  We know that this can have very negative effects on animals, as you can see from oil spills and discarded trash in the ocean.  But what does pollution do to trees?  

Trees and Air Pollution

Ronald Reagan said they caused air pollution. Ecologists say they cool the air locally. Realtors say they increase housing values. Divergent views on trees!

Considered alone, there is some basis for each of these statements. Trees cool the environment by converting a lot of liquid water taken from the soil to water vapor in the atmosphere, which carries latent heat away from its point of origin. On a hot summer day, it doesn’t take long to drive from a shopping center to a shady street to realize this effect of trees in action.

Many trees emit volatile organic gases into the atmosphere. Often we can smell the isoprene emitted from pine trees and see the organic haze along mountains. This is why President Reagan blamed trees for air pollution. The organic gases are a precursor to the formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere. Ozone is a major constituent of air pollution that affects humans, but the organic gases from trees are not converted directly to ozone. The reaction is catalyzed by nitric oxide, derived naturally from soils and from various human sources, such as power plants and automobiles.

While they emit volatile organic gases, trees take up a variety of air pollutants, including both ozone and nitrogen oxides, which reduces the ambient concentrations that we breathe. In the atmosphere, nitric oxides are converted to nitric acid, which trees absorb through their pores, or stomata. It is the amount of nitric oxide that determines ozone levels in many forested regions of the United States. Airborne ozone would be higher if it were not for the uptake of nitric oxides by trees.

Trees also remove particulate matter from the atmosphere, particularly small particles which are a major health hazard in air pollution. Trees along urban roadways can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere within a few hundred yards of the roadside verge. The total area of leaves is critical: a few trees with sparse leaves are less effective than a dense canopy. Trees with small or hairy leaves are best at removing particles.

Of course, in springtime, trees are a source of particles to the atmosphere when they emit pollen from their flowers. The release of pollen increases when plants grow at high levels of carbon dioxide, which are expected in the future. Pollen is annoying, but not unhealthful. Those who suffer from hay fever may disagree, but most pollen grains are larger than the size of particles that cause the greatest impacts on human health.

Taken together, there is no doubt that trees provide a net positive benefit to the environment, which is why it is almost uniformly true that neighborhoods with lots of trees command greater housing values that those without.

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What You Should Know About Dutch Elm Disease

Written by Leoma Williams and published on https://www.discoverwildlife.com/.

Tree care experts tend to cringe when they hear the words ‘Dutch elm disease.’ The fatal fungal disorder, spread by the elm bark beetle, has an extensive history. In 1931, a furniture company unknowingly bought infected logs from France. Similar to European elms, trees in the U.S. had no resistance to the disease. Just like that, the European elm bark beetle was introduced to America. By the 1970s, hundreds of thousands of elm trees were dying in America. Minnesota alone saw more than 30,000 publicly owned trees succumb to the disease. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of Dutch elm disease.

Everything you need to know about Dutch elm disease

Where did Dutch elm disease come from?

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Dutch elm disease (DED) did not originate from the Netherlands. The name actually reflects the fact that it was identified by Dutch scientists Bea Schwarz and Christine Buisman.

Most evidence suggests that DED originates from Asia, where many species of disease-resistant elms can also be found.

At least two closely related species of fungi, Ophiostoma ulmi, and O. novo-ulmi, cause the disease we call Dutch elm disease and the likelihood is that they have evolved in different parts of Asia. Japan is within the geographical center of origin for O. ulmi.

What are the symptoms of Dutch elm disease?

Symptoms first appear in early summer when leaves at the tips of elm branches turn yellow and wilt. The affected shoots then die back and often form the shape of a ‘shepherds crook’.

As the disease progresses in an individual tree, more of the leaves in the canopy turn from yellow to brown. Towards the end of the summer most of the foliage becomes browned and withered.

If you peel the bark away from twigs that still retain yellow or browned leaves, the wood beneath the bark has dark streaks indicative of blockages in the water-conducting vessels of affected trees.

How does Dutch elm disease spread?

The fungi that cause DED is transferred from diseased to healthy elms by elm bark beetles, which carry spores of the fungi on their bodies and, in so doing, spread the disease.

These tiny (2-5 mm long) dark brown beetles breed in the bark of dying and dead elms and, when a new beetle generation emerges from the bark in spring carrying the fungus, they transfer it to healthy elms as they feed on thin, sappy twigs high up in the tree canopy.

Once the DED fungus infects a tree, and if it reaches the roots, it may then spread to neighboring trees via interconnected roots. This occurs most commonly with elms in hedgerows which may have connected root systems.

Why are some trees resistant to the Dutch elm disease?

Some elms have genetic resistance or field resistance to the DED fungi.

We don’t fully understand how genetic resistance arises, but we think that a combination of resistance mechanisms helps these elms to survive.

We know for example, that the structure of the water-conducting system (xylem vessels) in the trees plays a critical part in limiting internal disease spread allowing resistant trees to survive an infection.

In contrast, elm species with field resistance may lack genetic resistance but despite this often survive in areas where DED is widespread. In such instances, these elms tend to be less attractive to feeding elm bark beetles which spread the disease, and so escape the infection.

What effect has Dutch elm disease had so far on Britain’s elms?

We estimate that more than 60 million elm trees have been lost to DED in the UK since the 1970s.

However, although most mature elms have gone, young elms are still plentiful, as they regenerate from the roots of elms killed by DED or from the seed of others.

These young elms rarely survive more than 15-20 years before being struck down by Dutch elm disease again, but a new cycle of regeneration then begins again.

What can be done to protect against and treat Dutch elm disease?

The most effective action against DED is to remove infected elms before they become breeding trees for the disease-transmitting elm bark beetles.

Fungicide injection to cure infected elms can be effective but is no longer considered a cost-effective way of combatting the disease.

Another approach is to plant disease-resistant elms, as many clones have been released from reputable breeding programs.

Should we be worried about Dutch elm disease?

Despite the vast number of elms killed by DED, they have shown themselves to be highly resilient.

Some estimates suggest there are more elms in the countryside now than there were before the current epidemic took hold in the 1970s, although few of the mature elms from that time still survive.

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Can You Heal a Tree by Cutting Off Dead Branches?

Written by Ashley Mackenzie and published on https://homeguides.sfgate.com/.

In the fall, it’s no surprise to see leaves falling off of trees, quietly gathering into puddles which will soon be raked into glorious piles perfect for jumping into. But what happens if the trees themselves are dying too? Winter means hibernation for many creatures, and it’s easy to forget that trees are alive, too. So, if your tree is sick or dying, can you help it get better by cutting any dead branches? Let’s find out. 

Tree Care After Cutting Limbs

Trimming trees and removing branches create pruning wounds that take time to close. Extensive pruning also stunts trees’ growth. To avoid stressing your tree unnecessarily, you should limit pruning to what is necessary. Deciduous trees benefit from light annual trims, which encourage new growths that produce flowers, but otherwise, you should only prune branches to keep them away from power lines, increase air circulation and remove branches that are dead, diseased, or crossing each other. Afterward, you’ll need to provide your tree with careful attention to keep it healthy during the recovery process.

Basics of Recovery

When you cut tree branches, you create wounds that can act as open doors for the disease. To prevent this, trees naturally seal off wounds after pruning, though they don’t actually heal them. Instead, fresh tissue grows to cover the wounds, protecting them from decay and disease. If you remove a branch completely, you should leave the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the tree branch emerges from the trunk. This keeps the pruning wound manageable, whereas a flush-cut creates a larger wound that is more difficult for the tree to seal.

Wound Dressings

Though many gardeners used to apply wound dressings such as latex paint mixed with water to protect trees after pruning, current research has revealed that this is not beneficial. Wound dressings don’t prevent decay, disease, or insect infestations as once believed. They may even prevent the wood from drying, which can spark fungal growth. If you want to apply a wound dressing for cosmetic reasons, you should at least make sure the paint is nontoxic.

Post-Pruning Care

Immediately after pruning, trees appreciate a thorough helping of water to help them recover. You should continue watering regularly, increasing water during droughts to prevent water stress, as the water supports the new shoots that develop after pruning. You should also fertilize as usual to encourage new growths, including those that close old wounds. If the soil seems compacted, it’s smart to till the soil to promote air circulation.

After Rejuvenation Pruning

Rejuvenation pruning involves severely cutting back trees to reshape them and inspire new, healthy growths. Sometimes it takes two or three years to remove all of the branches that you want, as you should prune no more than one-third of the old branches each year to avoid stressing trees. After this type of heavy pruning, you should provide regular care but avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer for at least one to two years. Nitrogen encourages leafy growth, which can become excessive for established trees that have just undergone pruning to control this. A fertilizer with a 5-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is appropriate.

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The Importance of Removing That Old Tree Stump

Written by Christine DiMaria and published on https://www.angieslist.com/.

Leaving a stump after a tree has been cut down will leave you with issues of safety and liability, unwanted tree growth, and insect infestation. These are three important reasons to remove the tree stumps in your yard. Another issue with tree stumps is they create an unsightly yard appearance.

6 Reasons Why You Should Remove That Tree Stump

When you hire a professional tree removal service, chances are you will need to decide whether to pay to remove the stump.

Before you have a tree removal specialist cut down the dead tree in your yard, you’ll need to decide whether the worker should remove the tree stump as well. If you’re having a hard time making this judgment call, consider these factors when deciding what to do with the stump. 

1. Stumps aren’t pretty. Aesthetically speaking, the sight of a stump definitely isn’t appealing. If you’re meticulous about your yard and landscaping, removing the stump is well worth it.

2. Stumps are hazardous. Stumps are dangerous to your children. When running and playing in your yard, they may not look for the stump and trip over it. And if a neighbor trips, it’s a liability that falls into your hands. In addition, tree stumps can damage your mower if you accidentally hit one when you’re mowing your lawn.

3. Stumps cause new tree growth. Sometimes leaving the stump behind contributes to new sprouts, which can result in many small trees growing around the stump. This is unsightly to your landscaping and quite costly to try to remove because the new shoots may keep coming back, and you may need chemicals to kill them off completely. These small trees also leech nutrients from other plants located near them, so your begonias may not receive all the nutrients they need.

4. Stumps are a pain to maneuver around. Remaining tree stumps become a nuisance, an obstacle you have to maneuver around when weeding or mowing your lawn.

5. Stumps attract insects. When you leave stumps in your lawn, the decaying tree takes a long time to rot away completely. While it’s decaying, the stump attracts beetles, termites, ants, and other wood-boring pests. You may not mind them in your yard, but they can eventually spread to your home.

6. Stumps take up precious yard space. Especially if you don’t have a very large yard, the space you lose from the stump and roots may occupy a lot of space. Just think: You can use that space for a flowerbed or a picnic table.

Typically, you’ll spend extra money to grind down the stumps, but it just might be well worth it.

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Tips for Winterizing Fruit Trees

Written by Teo Spengler and published on https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/.

As the weather gets colder, it’s time to consider how to protect fruit trees for winter. If unprotected, fruit trees can be subject to frost damage that can seriously harm the health of your tree.  In this article, we will explore how to protect your fruit trees, whether they are planted in the ground of even if you have planted your fruit tree in a pot or a raised bed.

Winterizing Fruit Trees: Tips On Fruit Tree Care In Winter

When gardeners think about fruit tree care in winter, their thoughts often turn to chemical spray solutions. But for many fruit tree diseases – including peach leaf curl, apricot freckle, brown rot, – prevention is easier to accomplish and costs less than a cure. Just a few well-timed and well-chosen sprays can do a lot toward controlling fruit tree problems. Read on for information about how to care for fruit trees in the winter and winterizing fruit trees

Winterizing Fruit Trees

If you want to know how to care for fruit trees in the winter, think prevention. You can avoid many problems if you buy fruit tree varieties that are resistant to the worst species of diseases. It’s also important to give your trees proper attention and care.

One good step toward preventing diseases and infestations in your fruit trees in winter is a good autumn cleanup of the orchard. As part of your winter treatment for fruit trees, remove any dropped, rotting fruit as well as remaining fruit on the trees. Rake up fallen leaves as well, since they can be harboring insect pests.

You can also prevent or limit fruit tree diseases by pruning correctly in winter. You’ll need to sterilize the pruners before use with denatured alcohol.

Most fruit trees are deciduous and drop their leaves in winter. These trees are best pruned while they are dormant, after the leaves have fallen, generally between December and early February. However, members of the apricot family should be pruned in August to prevent Eutypa infection.

When you are pruning, your first step is to remove dead, dying, or diseased branches. Also, trim out branches that grow straight up and root suckers. If you notice disease in the tree, be sure to prune out enough to eradicate it.

With fruit trees, the risk is not inviting in a new infection by pruning, but failing to remove all diseased wood. Look for the lowest edge of the visible infection in a tree branch, trace the branch back to where it attaches, then cut at the next branch juncture down. This removes both the infected branch and the branch attached to it.

Fruit Tree Care in Winter

After winter pruning, your winter treatment of fruit trees continues with spraying in order to control pests and diseases. Dormant oil sprays are not toxic to humans or pets, but they work wonders on apples, plums and pear trees that had leaf curl caused by aphids. The dormant spray suffocates insects on the trees. You can also use dormant oil sprays to combat scale insects on fruit trees.

For citrus trees with aphid, scale or mealybug infections, use summer oil instead, as dormant oil may injure the citrus leaves. You’ll have to use copper fungicide sprays on peach trees and nectarine trees that had leaf curl disease the prior summer.

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Fruit Tree Care

Written by Joshua Duvauchelle and published on https://homeguides.sfgate.com.

Fruit trees need full sun to thrive. Most also must have well-drained soil, though apples, pears, and plums are somewhat more tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions. If poor drainage is a serious problem, plant your trees in raised beds.

Deciduous fruit trees are sold bare-root during the dormant season and containerized throughout the growing season. Plant bare-root trees as soon as possible after purchase. 

Though fruit trees often prosper with only minimal care, paying attention to their needs will reward you with a larger, more flavorful crop.

How to Take Care of Young Fruit Trees

Growing backyard fruit trees ranks as one of the most popular gardening pastimes in America. It lets you pick and choose your favorite kind of fruit from the hundreds of varieties available, and gives you full control over how your food is raised. While specific care guidelines vary widely depending on the exact kind of fruit tree you’re raising, several general strategies and tips can help you successfully care for any young fruit tree after you’ve planted it in your yard.

1. Water young fruit tree once every other week. Most fruit trees require that you apply enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 feet. This is the depth at which most fruit trees extend their roots.

2. Fertilize your young fruit tree once every year, applying fertilizer in the spring before the tree starts producing new growth. In its first year, use 1/10 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer, then increase by 1/10 pound every year thereafter. Spread the fertilizer in a band around the fruit tree, approximately 2 feet from the tree’s trunk. Water immediately after fertilization to help carry the fertilizer’s nutrients down to your fruit tree’s roots.

3. Trim your young fruit tree with pruning shears. Immediately after planting it, cut the top of the tree off at approximately 3 feet of height. In the first summer after you’ve planted it, identify four uniformly spaced-apart branches on its trunk and remove all other branches or sprouts. In every winter thereafter, trim back new growth when the tree is dormant. The amount of new growth that needs trimming varies significantly by fruit variety. For example, an apple tree needs less than a quarter of its new growth removed while nectarines need half of all its new growth cut. Consult your local cooperative extension service for fruit-specific guidelines.

4. Keep your young fruit tree pest- and disease-free using preventive orchard care. Weed regularly, because weeds often harbor pests and disease while stealing soil nutrients and water. Additionally, always pick up and discard any fallen fruit, rake and remove fallen weeds often, and trim off any dead branches as those often attract rot-related diseases.

5. Treat the fruit tree if pests or diseases occur. There are dozens of such potential problems, depending on your region and the type of fruit you have. In most cases, a standard 50 percent concentration copper spray, available in most garden stores and nurseries, resolves the most common fruit tree diseases. Meanwhile, insecticidal soap treats most common pests like aphids and mites. Apply such products according to their manufacturer-specific guidelines, as toxicity varies widely by product.

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How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Home

Written by Tony Guerra and published on https://www.hunker.com.

Trees are great additions to a home. In fact, a properly placed tree can increase the value of a property, especially in urban areas. However, there are some scenarios in which the presence of trees becomes a source of problems for homeowners. This is especially so with roots. While invisible, roots pack highly destructive potential if it grows the wrong way. In some cases, the damage they cause may make emergency tree removal a necessity.

Can Tree Roots Damage Your House Foundation?

Trees growing near home are often a source of worry to a homeowner, mainly because of the roots. And while tree roots can do damage to a home’s foundation, it’s probably not for the reason many believe. Those roots, in fact, won’t be able to push through the foundation, buckling it in spots. Rather, roots can rob the soil near the foundation of crucial moisture. Soil subsidence and loss of key foundation support then develop.

Foundations

House foundations depend on the surrounding soil for support to keep from bowing outward, for instance. Ideally, the soil was dense to begin with and then compacted when the foundation was laid, but it may not have been. Some soils have a lot of sand, which can mean they need moisture to maintain their solidity. When they’re deprived of that moisture, they can start settling, leaving the foundation in that area with less support.

Roots

The roots of a tree just aren’t able to push their way through foundation walls and are often easily turned away by simple barriers. However, they do remove a lot of moisture from adjacent soil. Also, as they grow larger over the years they can further loosen soil, heaving some of it out of their way. As a result, a pressure imbalance develops between the soil and the foundation, leading to outward bowing.

Location

In many cases, tree root systems that have managed to create soil settling or subsidence are within 16 feet or so of a home. Remember that tree roots grow outward to search for water. If you keep any trees, bushes, and shrubs near your home properly watered, there’s little chance of them creating problems. Usually, those within 20 to 30 feet of your house will benefit the most from regular watering.

Warning

House foundations act as effective root barriers. However, roots will continue to search for water. And they may go after your underground water pipes if there are any leaks. Also, certain species of trees are more thirsty than others, especially if they’re larger types. These include oaks, which have extensive root systems. If you plant a tree near your house, try for at least slightly farther away than half the width of its maximum branch spread at maturity.

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Tree Caring Dos and Don’ts

Written by Pro Tree Service and published on https://www.protreeservice.com/.

Taking Care of a tree is equally challenging as baby care. As like a new-born baby, tree can’t apprise the issues going on or supposed to go, one has to read its countenance and it requires year’s long study in arboriculture and professional experience. For a passionate homemaker, Backyard and its plantation & lawn are one of the high interest part. That is the reason, few people treat themselves as arborists and play with trees and their life as well.

Dos and Don’ts of Tree Care

There’s more to tree care than you probably think. At Pro Tree Service in Chicago, we want to help you keep your trees healthy and beautiful for years to come. It starts with knowing some general dos and don’ts of tree care. 

The Dos of Tree Care

Do prune your trees

Take a close look at your trees. Do you notice any significantly dead, damaged, and/or diseased branches? Are your trees starting to encroach on a nearby property or public-use space? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it’s probably a good time to prune your tree. Just be sure to avoid pruning during the fall, as this maintenance actually stimulates unwanted growth right before winter.

Do look for pests and tree diseases

There are a number of tree pests to look for in Chicago, including the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Gypsy Moth. Trust us when we say that any of these pests can affect the greenery in your yard. That’s why we suggest educating yourself on the signs of a sick tree. The sooner you spot a tree disease or pest and contact a professional, the greater the chance your tree has of bouncing back.

Do prevent your tree from getting too close to power lines  

This is a big one. The closer your tree gets to a power line, the likelier you are to lose power during the next bad storm. Put your mind at ease and trim back any limbs that are nearing utility lines or roadways. The last thing you want is for an overgrown tree to cause damage to your home or someone else’s.

Do buy trees that are native to the area      

Keep in mind that trees only thrive in a specific area. So unless you want to throw money away on your yard’s greenery, double-check that the tree you want is native to the region. We even wrote a blog post dedicated to the most popular trees in Chicago for this reason! 

Do call a professional tree service for assistance

Professional tree care companies work to solve even the most complex tree dilemmas. Whether you’re wondering if your tree is sick or needs to be removed, an experienced tree service can help. As we’ll explain more in a bit, you’re better off leaving tree maintenance in the hands of a professional.

The Don’ts of Tree Care

Don’t trim your trees too often  

Many homeowners don’t realize that the constant removal of branches and limbs can shorten the life of some trees. Rather than prune your trees every season, get in the habit of limiting your pruning and trimming to springtime. Doing so stimulates growth at an optimal time.

Don’t do any cleanup after storm damage 

Let’s say that a nasty storm rolls through your neighborhood and knocks down your tree. While your first thought may be to go outside and start cleaning up the mess, your best bet is to get in touch with your insurance company and take pictures of the damage. Pro Tree Service also advises that you leave those storm-damaged trees in the hands of a professional.

Don’t plant trees too close to each other

A tree needs its space to maintain healthy growth over time. If you’re wanting to plant more than one tree in your yard, be sure to give them some space. Trees without healthy root growth might not reach their full potential.

Don’t try to remove a large tree by yourself

DIY tree removal carries an enormous risk of damage. Yet countless homeowners are seriously injured each year by accidents involving chainsaws, ladders, and other tree removal equipment. So play it safe and call a dependable tree service if you have a large tree that needs to be removed.

Don’t hire just any tree service

Contrary to popular belief, no two tree services are the same. You’ll find during your research that some tree care companies only specialize in tree trimming while others solely focus on tree removal. At Pro Tree Service in Chicago, we do it all, from tree trimming and removal to land clearing and bush removal. 

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Arborist Safety: Tree Climbing Gear Inspections

Written by Tom Doherty and published on https://nipgroup.com/.

Training for Trees runs a number of courses that cover the sectional removal of trees, roping down techniques, and rigging systems. It is a legal requirement that any personal protective clothing, machinery tools and workplace equipment conforms to relevant Australian Standards, is fit for purpose, is in good working order and is well maintained. It is also a requirement to follow any relevant industry codes of practice.

Regular Tree Climbing Gear Inspections & Arborist Safety

Risk management is a top priority for every tree care business, as lackluster health and safety practices can lead to serious on-the-job injuries, even deaths. From the moment tree professionals set foot on a job site, there should be clear policies and procedures in place to protect them from both known and potential threats. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work-related falls to a lower level increased by nearly 26% between 2011 and 2016, making it one of the most common types of hazards across industry lines. For utility arborists and other tree pros, conducting tree climbing gear inspections is part of their daily routine. But to ensure your workforce is prepared for a possible accident, it’s crucial to promote safety awareness and maintain a documented tree care equipment inspection program.

What are the main causes of tree care injuries?

Tree care professionals contend with all sorts of natural and man-made hazards, from sudden bouts of intense weather to steep inclines around the trees they’re pruning. Just as worksite risk assessments help arborists locate environmental threats, tree climbing gear inspections provide a layer of oversight to prevent fatal equipment malfunctions. According to the Tree Care Industry Association, falling or slipping from a ladder is the most expensive type of injury, with an average cost per claim of around $126,000. While these sorts of accidents only account for 1% of all injury claims, they amount to roughly 9% of all claim costs in the tree care industry. While some falls can be attributed to uneven terrain or improper use, many accidents occur due to faulty equipment.

In addition to ladders, tree care professionals rely on a wide range of rigging equipment, hand tools and gas-powered machinery as part of their vegetation management activities. Every piece of equipment represents a possible point of failure, which is why conducting regular inspections is crucial. For example, a dull chain can not only force a chainsaw to work twice as hard, it can also increase the frequency of kickbacks. Before starting any tree trimming job, arborists should carefully check whether their tree climbing equipment and pruning equipment are in need of hands-on maintenance, including:

• Fall arrest systems (saddles, straps, safety harnesses)
• Personal protective equipment (helmets, goggles, gloves, durable clothing)
• Rigging equipment (blocks, pulleys, slings, cable hoists, ropes)
• Pruning tools (sheers, pruners, pole saws, hatchets)
• Gas-powered machinery (chainsaws, wood chippers, hydraulic tools)

Failing to maintain pruning, rigging and tree climbing gear can not only lead to avoidable injuries, it can also force tree car businesses to replace equipment more frequently. This, in turn, can increase back-end costs and may even cut into a company’s bottom line. But how can tree care professionals prioritize the upkeep of their tree climbing equipment without wasting time or resources?

How to create an effective gear inspection framework

First, it’s crucial for tree care businesses to create a culture of safety within their organizations, as workers in the field are the first line of defense against preventable injuries. This includes making pre-climb equipment inspections mandatory and training arborists in the proper maintenance of their tree climbing gear. To create a truly comprehensive safety program, employers should uphold the standards laid out by The Arborist Safe Workplace Practices Committee, which is composed of industry leaders like the International Society of Arboriculture. Among these standards are general recommendations for conducting tree climbing equipment inspections and specialized guidelines for specific pieces of equipment. For example, one standard asserts that all arborist climbing lines should be made of a “synthetic fiber” with a “minimum nominal breaking strength” of 6,100 pounds. 

After adopting best practices in the arboriculture industry, tree care businesses should document their safety processes and procedures for future reference. This not only ensures tree professionals can quickly look up existing guidelines, but it can also streamline new hire training and provide a higher level of administrative oversight.  Ultimately, every pruning job will have its own challenges and constraints, which is why one-size-fits-all safety policies often fail to protect workers. Instead, many tree care experts recommend creating a comprehensive safety checklist that includes jobsite assessments and tree climbing gear inspections. Using this resource, tree pros can identify signs of wear and tear in specific pieces of equipment and protect themselves from whatever nature throws their way.

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Dealing with Stressed Out Plants and Early Leaf Color Change

Written by TCIA and published on http://www.tcia.org.

It may be too soon to start thinking fall foliage, early changes in leaf-color in late summer can be a sign that your tree is under stress and vulnerable to insect and disease attack. If the leaves on your trees are changing color sooner than similar trees in the area, consult a professional arborist. They can help identify any problems and offer possible solutions.

Early Fall Color Could Be Sign of Tree Distress

In many parts of North America, people will soon enjoy one of nature’s finest shows – fall foliage. Color-changing leaves make for a beautiful display, but early changes in leaf-color can be a sign that your tree is stressed and vulnerable to insect and disease attack.

If the leaves on your trees are changing color sooner than similar trees in the area, consult a professional arborist, who can identify any problems and offer possible solutions.

“Premature color change can be an indication that a tree isn’t vigorous enough to withstand insects and disease organisms that may attack it, not to mention the usual changes that occur when the weather turns cold,” says Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “Occasionally, only one or two limbs of the tree will show premature fall color. This could be a sign of a disease at work, though only the infected limbs are weakened.”

The more common situation is for the entire tree to exhibit premature fall coloration, a phenomenon usually linked to root-related stress. “Trees respond to these stresses by trying to curtail their above-ground growth,” adds Andersen.

Leaves can be thought of as small factories containing raw materials, products and by-products, all in chemical form and some with color. As the leaf is “abandoned” by the tree, the green chlorophyll – the dominant chemical found in most leaves – is broken down and “recycled,” leaving behind other-colored chemicals. Supply lines to the leaves also become clogged, affecting which chemicals are left in the leaf: If the major chemical remaining in the abandoned leaf is red, the leaf turns red; if it’s yellow, the leaf turns yellow, and so on.

“The yearly variation in color intensity is due to fluctuating weather conditions, which can affect the balance of chemicals and their composition in the leaves,” Andersen says. Differing amounts of rainfall, sunlight, temperature, humidity and other factors may have an effect on how bright and how long the “leaf-peeping” season will be in any given year.

Are Your Trees Healthy?

If you’re not sure, it may be time to call in an expert. A professional arborist can assess your tree and landscape and work with you to determine the best course of action, which may include: planting new trees, correcting soil deficiencies, increasing water and nutrients, monitoring for pests or providing pest management.

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Winter Tree Care: Plant Ice Resistant Trees

Written by Sarah Rondeau and published on https://treecaretips.org/.

If you are planning on planting trees this winter or this year, take time to consider the type of tree you will plant.  Not all trees are created equal.  Some can handle the heat, while others can take a beating from a winter storm and survive.  Consider your climate in order to make the best decision.  Americans living in the northeast and north midwest are learning this lesson right now as they battle one of the harshest winters we have faced.

Plant Ice Resistant Trees

Winter storms that coat everything in layers of luminous ice leave a beautiful but dangerous calling card. We know ice-covered trees are susceptible to breakage from the added weight. But if you take a look around your yard, how do you know which of your trees are more likely to give in to the devastation of ice layers?

“There are a number of growth features that increase a tree species’ susceptibility to breakage in ice storms,” says Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “Among them are included bark, decaying or dead branches, the increased surface area of lateral (side) branches, broad crowns or imbalanced crowns, and small branch size.”
Included bark results from in-grown bark in branch junctions. This is a weak connection and increases the likelihood of branch breakage under ice-loading conditions. “For example,” says Andersen, “Bradford pear branches are known to break during ice storms; this is because they commonly have included bark in branch junctions. In contrast, the Aristocrat pear has few branches with included bark and sustains less damage during ice storms.”

Reasons for Breaking

Decaying or dead branches are already weakened and have a high probability of breaking when loaded with ice. The surface area of lateral branches increases as the number of branches and the broadness of the crown increase. With an increased surface area, more ice can accumulate on lateral branches; the greater ice load results in a greater chance of branch failure.
Many broad-leafed tree species, when grown in the open, form broad crowns (decurrent branching), increasing their susceptibility to ice storms. Examples include Siberian elm, American elm, hackberry, green ash, and honey locust. Trees with imbalanced crowns are also more susceptible to ice damage. Generally, though, susceptibility can vary greatly depending on the time of year, geographic location and overall health of the tree.

Management and prevention of ice-storm damage: Plan, then plant

Think about your future. When planting a new tree in your yard, you should have a clear understanding of the size that the tree is expected to grow. Will it grow too close to the house? The overhead wires? The sidewalk? Proper tree placement, away from structures, will reduce property damage. Trees should not be planted in locations where growth will interfere with above-ground utilities – branches that grow into power lines and fail during ice storms create power outages and safety hazards. Trees pruned regularly from a young age should be more resistant to ice storms as a result of the removal of structurally weak branches, the decreased surface area of lateral branches and decreased wind resistance. Professional arborists can install cables and braces to increase a tree’s tolerance to ice accumulation in situations where individual trees must be stabilized to prevent their failure.

After storm damage has occurred, hazardous trees and branches require immediate removal to ensure safety and prevent additional property damage. Trees that can be saved should have broken branches properly pruned to the branch collar. Do not leave stubs or use flush-cut pruning – which results in weakly attached branch sprouts growing back. Poor pruning practices such as these also invite future insect and disease problems. Cut back loose bark only to where it is solidly attached to the tree. A split fork often can be repaired through cabling and bracing.
Tree species resistant to ice damage can be planted to reduce tree and property damage from ice storms.

Find a professional

A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant for your existing landscape. Use the Find a Tree Care Company tool to search for a qualified arborist in your area.

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Trees Are Nature’s Air Conditioners

Written by Health24 and published on https://www.health24.com/.

If you have ever escaped from blazing-hot sun in a shady spot under a tree, you know how nature’s air conditioners can make you feel more comfortable. A mature shade tree can block up to 90 percent of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. A Pennsylvania study found that air-conditioning needs could be reduced by up to 75 percent by shading a house with trees!

Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predicted that the proper placement of as few as three shade trees would save an average household $100 to $250 in energy costs each year – and that was reported in 1995, before energy costs soared!

How trees are like nature’s air conditioners

The temperature difference between neighbourhoods with a heavy tree canopy and those with no trees can be as much as 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.

Trees are cool – and for cities, the more, the better.

That’s because cities are heat islands, meaning they’re significantly hotter than the rural and semi-rural areas around them.

40% canopy cover

Trees help reduce this heat island effect, and the cooling effect is strongest in neighbourhoods with large numbers of trees, researchers discovered.

“We found that to get the most cooling, you have to have about 40% canopy cover, and this was strongest around the scale of a city block,” said Carly Ziter, assistant professor of biology at Concordia University in Montreal.

“So if your neighbourhood has less than 40% canopy cover, you’ll get a little bit of cooling, but not very much. Once you tip over that threshold, you really see large increases in how much you can cool areas off,” she explained in a university news release.

The temperature difference between neighbourhoods with a heavy tree canopy and those with no trees can be as much as four to five degrees Celsius, even within a few hundred yards.

“Once you have a certain critical mass of canopy, then each tree becomes more important when it comes to cooling temperatures. That has serious implications for how we design our cities and plan our neighbourhoods,” said Ziter, who did the research while completing her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While shade provided by trees plays a role in cooling neighbourhoods, it isn’t the only way trees lower temperature.

Wealthier neighbourhoods have more trees

“Trees transpire. They give off water vapour, almost like a little air conditioner,” Ziter said.

Transpiration occurs mainly during the day. That’s why there’s a much smaller temperature difference at night between neighbourhoods with significant tree canopy and those without.

Ziter said her findings can help guide public policy and city planning.

She said tree planting efforts would be most effective in reducing temperatures in neighbourhoods that are near the 40% threshold. Cities need to maintain their existing tree canopy, and officials should consider equity when deciding where to plant, because wealthier neighbourhoods typically have more trees, Ziter added.

Along with lowering temperatures, planting trees in lower-income neighbourhoods would also improve the physical and mental health of residents, she said.

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Storm-Related Cleanup : Leave It to Tree Pruning Pros

Written by Tree Care Tips and published on https://treecaretips.org/.

If there is one thing that is certain about the weather, it is that it is unpredictable. In fact, it can be sunny and warm one day and a blizzard the next. Sudden spring weather changes can be problematic for mature trees that have already have leaves starting to appear on their branches, as heavy, wet spring snow can cause tree limbs to break and snap under the weight, littering your yard with large branches. When this happens, will you call an experienced tree pruning company, or will you break out your chainsaw and tackle the job yourself?

Leave Storm-Related Tree Work to Professionals

“What’s this? Another tree/branch/large shrub in my yard that wasn’t there before the storm? I better gas up my brother’s old chain saw and go cut it up.”

Stop! Just don’t.

Yet another storm has brought distress into your yard in the form of large branches and even entire trees that have broken and fallen into your world view. Before you dig out your brother’s old chain saw, the first question should be, “Am I capable of removing this large tree/limb myself or should I seek professional help?” Major tree-damage cleanup will undoubtedly require the use of a chain saw and climbing equipment. Unless you are experienced in the use of such equipment and comfortable working off the ground, it would be best to have the work performed by a competent professional.

Wind places loads on trees, including trunks, branches and roots, leading to higher stress. The varying lengths and sizes of tree branches tend to dampen the overall effects of wind; however, as wind speeds increase, the loads placed on stress points within the tree increase exponentially. When the loads exceed trunk, branch or root strength, various types of failures occur.

But my brother’s chain saw is right here – it wouldn’t take me long at all!

It might be tempting to get out there with your brother’s old chain saw and do the work yourself. And this is where so many homeowners get into trouble. Run an internet search for videos of “tree cutting gone wrong” to see just what can happen.

I’ve used a chain saw before to cut up an old fence. What could possibly go wrong if I cut up this giant tree branch in my yard?

Professionally trained tree workers have to know what to look out for. Do you?

• There could be overhead and/or nearby electrical wires that create potential hazards and limit the options for tree cutting. Torn, hanging limbs overhead could make it extremely dangerous to cut downed limbs underneath them.
• Most chain saw work on large limbs or trees requires the experience of a trained operator to prevent injuries. Wood under tension (one or both ends of the fallen tree or branch pinned under other branches or debris) can have different types of binds at different places. Releasing that tension with chain saw cuts is extremely dangerous and can seriously, or fatally, harm the chain saw operator.
• Uprooted root plates or root balls are unpredictable. Cutting the trunk of a fallen tree from an uprooted plate releases the pressure holding the root plate. The roots are still anchored and may have enough tension that they will pull the stump and root ball back into the hole. It could suddenly sit back into the root hole, trapping anything nearby underneath it.
• Slope and uneven footing surfaces are dangerous while operating a chain saw.
• Watch that bar tip! Cutting branches on the ground can cause you to bury the saw bar in the dirt or hit hidden obstacles, causing chain saw kickback.
• Many homeowners injured doing their own tree work were working alone at the time, significantly lengthening emergency response time and hospital stays. Always have at least one other person work with you. In case you get trapped or injured, there’s someone to call for help.

Removing large, fallen trees should always be done by an experienced professional.

Find a professional

A professional arborist can determine the best way to accomplish the task at hand, and has the experience and proper equipment to do the job. And in doing so, he or she just may prevent an injury or even save a life.

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