Ask the Arborist

As with most material goods, trees and landscape plants have a fiscal value. A plant appraisal can be performed by a qualified professional with extensive knowledge of plants as well as good common sense. The simplest appraisal would be a replacement cost value. This would entail the cost of removal of the damaged tree plus…

There are a few basics to look for when evaluating tree health. First check for dead trees, these can fall and damage property. Next look for large dead branches in trees; this can be a sign of stress or decline in tree health. Beyond these two basic conditions tree health should be evaluated by a…

There are several advantages to mulching. Besides the obvious aesthetic benefit, organic mulches help to simulate forest floor conditions for trees. Trees evolved with a deep litter layer of leaves and decaying wood, so planting a tree in a lawn area surrounded by turf is bound to cause problems. A ring of mulch around a…

All of the trees our company removes are recycled in one form or another. The tree’s crown is chipped and stored a few months. These chips are then processed into mulch. Some of the larger wood is also processed for mulch. These include very large diameter logs, decayed wood and other logs not easily used…

In 1993 the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) began an international program to certify individuals performing tree care practices. This certification program was meant to elevate the profession by demonstrating that these certified individuals, were in fact, qualified to perform these practices. The certification process proved that these arborists possessed a minimum competency to perform…

There are several reasons trees fall or shed parts in severe weather. Decay within the trunk and branches is one defect that can cause failure due to a lack of supporting wood. Hollow trees can remain intact, but need a good solid outer wall of wood for support. Cracks in wood are also a main…

Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) has been confirmed in 4 more counties the closest being Union, and Centre. The Union County site is very close to the Lycoming County border, in Gregg Township. Due to this new discovery the western 2/3 of the state is in a quarantine area. No ash wood products, or any hardwood firewood…

Since trees are living organisms they need water to live and grow. Trees cannot move to areas of water during droughts, so they must adapt. Like most plants an inch of rainfall per week is optimum for growth. Water stressed trees will show various symptoms such as yellowing, leaf browning and even defoliation. Newly planted…

The answer could be yes, or no. Older established trees will often recover just fine. Newly planted trees could have problems. These trees are already stressed from transplanting, which results in a loss of roots. It takes a few years for these trees to re-grow roots to the same density as before digging. These plants…

There are several reasons growers prune fruiting trees. Most fruit is formed on horizontal branches. By pruning the upright branches fruit spur development is enhanced on the lateral branches. Trees generally are alternate bearing, producing bumper crops one year and a smaller crop the next. Pruning reduces the amount of flower buds helping to spread…

Unfortunately, trees are many times thought to be a nuisance due to maintenance costs, storm damage, and leaf clean up. Trees in cities and towns provide the residents with many functional benefits. I will only mention the economic benefits here. These are extremely important to note especially in tough economic times for Municipalities. US Forest…