Dormant means the tree or shrub is not actively growing nor is it demanding nutrients, we call this the “dormant cycle.” 

Should I Prune My Trees When They’re Dormant?

If you really want to offer your trees, evergreen or deciduous, the best in care with the greatest reward for you then yes, dormant pruning affords the greatest benefit for you and your trees. Sure, some people think that their trees should have leaves still attached when pruning when actually this is not true.

Here’s Why Dormant Pruning is the Right Choice:

1. Creates greater access to the work area with less property intrusion.

2. Provides greater visible sighting of deadwood, diseased or fractured  and crossed limbs for the arborist to see while in the ground and in the tree.

3. Results in minimal sap loss, ultimately reducing the over all stress on the tree.

4. Greatly reduces the potential of disease, infections or harmful insect infestations.

5. Promotes healthy, vigorous limb growth while reducing the growth of non-healthy water sprouts.

6. Allows for any required size reduction with minimal health concerns and provides for a lush burst of healthier leafs during spring time development.

To know more about dormant tree pruning or to schedule a consultation? Contact the professional arborists at Branch Tree Service, Inc.

Call 586 756-7737 or check request a quote here.

Trees use a tremendous amount of food and energy throughout the growing season. Trees located within a landscape setting seldom receive their maximum food source requirements. The bigger the tree the bigger the need. Competing with lawns, driveways, patios, structures, and other surrounding plants, hungry tree roots are continuously striving for food sources.

Just think!

• We fertilize lawns as much as 8 times a year.
• We fertilize flowers as often as twice a month.
• How often do we feed our trees?

5 Reasons to Deep Root Fertilize Trees in The Fall:

1. Extends Tree Life

2. Improves Vigor

3. Replaces Exhausted Nutrient Depletion that has been absorbed in the prior growing season.

4. Focuses on improving important root growth.

5. Stores slow release nutrients in the Xylem cells as needed for early stage spring uptake.

6. Have further questions about how best to care for your trees? 

Contact the Tree Doctors at Branch Tree Service today.

Maple Trees (Acer) are among the most common and regularly planted trees in many regions of the United States. Maple trees come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Although tolerable of heavy clay soils, maples grow best in loam soils with good drainage. These trees are used in a variety of settings and for particular purposes. You’ll find dwarf ornamental maples used to accent a garden or landscape bed. You can also find maples with heights of 60-100 ft sprawling in a yard, used as a centerpiece for the property, screening, a noise buffer, or for shade.

Maple trees also have their share of illnesses which if left uncared for can lead to their ultimate decline. Fertilizing with the correct source of nutrients is often overlooked. Diseases such as verticillium wilt can devastate any maple. Common insects such as scale insects can harm maple trees too. There are numerous threats to these trees and especially those growing out of their natural habitat in the forest but rather living within your normal landscape setting lending to a more stressful environment.

One pest threat which is lethal to most shade tree species of maples is the “Ambrosia Beetle”. This oftentimes overlooked or misdiagnosed insect is a deadly, invasive and native threat to the health and safety of maples.

The Ambrosia Beetle is closely related to bark beetles but is actually more associated with the weevil family of insects (curculionidae). Ambrosia beetles and their larvae do not feed on the wood per say, but rather on ambrosial mold (it’s like a fungus). The females introduce the fungus into the tunnels as they bore into the sap and sometimes heartwood of trees, shrubs, and logs. Once the fungus is laid the larvae begin to feed on the fungus. Upon completing their development, the males mate and their life cycle begins again.

There are 2 families of Ambrosia beetles, the invasive family and the native family. These 2 beetle families are also known as “The Black Stem Borer” and the other is the “European Shot Hole Borer”. These beetles girdle branches as well as invade tree trunks. Branches and trees are not killed by insect chewing but rather by the ambrosia fungus clogging up the vascular tissue (something similar to cholesterol causing blood clots in a person). Weakened, low vigor trees appear to be more susceptible to infestations from Ambrosia Beetles but evidence shows these borers will infest healthy trees as well.

Ambrosia beetle channels

Signs and symptoms of Ambrosia beetle infestation may include upper limb/tip dieback, discoloration of the leaves, oozing spots along the trunk and main branches and tiny holes that look very similar to those found in a BB Gun. You can also look for frass tubes which looks like a toothpick sticking out of the tree or leaking sawdust. A stressed tree can die quickly during hot dry weather as water cannot reach the branches and leaves in the crown.

Some will ask, “do Ambrosia (shot hole borer) beetles attack other types of trees?” The answer is YES! This deadly pest can be found in over 200 different plant species. At Branch Tree Service we’re seeing increased ambrosia symptoms in various types of maple trees but also in the hickory tree family, walnut, sweetgum, tulip, poplar, magnolia, and the oak tree family.

How can you get rid of Ambrosia Beetles?

It is possible to apply timely trunk penetration applications which may offer some managed level of suppression. The latest supported research shows that micro invasive injections of systemic insecticide has better, longer lasting results and control of these beetles. Be aware that there are no known treatments available as of August 2021 which provide total control and eradication of Ambrosia Beetle.

Other Ways To Help

If your tree appears to be more than 40 percent defoliated, (first confirming your tree’s problem is ambrosia beetle) you may want to remove the tree to reduce beetle population and spread.

If less than 40 percent of the tree is defoliated, maintain good soil fertility. Trees in the landscape may require more nutrient supplements than one might think.

• Mulch around trees

• Long soaks of water around the branch line (when the weather is dry) of the tree will help reduce unwanted stress to the trees vascular system.

• Prune out dead and infected limbs

• Remove infected wood (such as fire wood) from the site

• De-bark nearby logs

As the author of this article I have first hand experience dealing with Ambroisa Beetle infestation in my trees. Upon purchasing my home in 2019 I found that of my 26 large mature trees, 11 of the trees were infested with Ambrosia Beetle. While investigating further as to how I could best tackle my beetle problem I found most resources stating this is usually a minor concern and simply keep my trees watered and fertilized. Although I appreciate the comments of others, I have found their research information outdated as I continue to battle this Ambrosia Beetle infestation in my own landscape.

Here’s what my “hands on” experience has found

• These beetles attack perfectly healthy trees, (not all but some and I still don’t know why one over the other).

• This beetle is deadly, (which is not what many articles state) as seemingly within months of identifying this beetle it killed one of my bitter-nut (hickory) trees. The tree appeared normal and healthy upon my first inspection and within months the top was dead. No treatment had been made as of that time yet as I was too late to perform any impactive sort of service.

• The beetle fungus (because of the females laying eggs) moves much faster than what I was told.

• I have been trunk injecting, spraying, fertilizing, and pruning. Due to the care I’ve given over the last 3 years, I have been able to manage and save 23 of my 26 targeted trees.

Don’t know what’s wrong with you maple tree or even other species of trees in your landscape? Don’t wait, contact an arborist today. Your tree might be in decline from Ambrosia Beetle or one of the many other harmful pest known to negatively impact the health, beauty and life of your tree.

Feel free to call or contact our office to set up your visit today.

Growing a redbud tree is a great way to add brilliant color to just about any landscape. In addition, the care of redbud trees is easy.

Cercis canadensis (redbud) is a member of the bean family and is known as a Judas tree. This tree is an attractive ornamental tree that is native to the eastern part of the United States. It grows well in zones 4-8.

Mauve-pink blossoms greet the spring, lasting for 2-4 weeks. Leaves are heart-shaped with long stems. Redbuds are not a large tree, with an average height of 15-20ft and a mature width of about 15-18ft (on average).

How to Take Care of A Redbud Tree

Rebbuds require minimal care. When possible perform any deadwood pruning, thinning or shaping in late summer or fall. Keep the soil a little moist but not saturated. It likes a little drink now and then but doesn’t do well in a heavy, clay-saturated environment.

Some Pest To Be Aware Of

Occasionally redbuds suffer from canker problems or battle with tree borers. Other key pest include oleander scale, greedy scale, terrapin scale and leaf folders. The good news is, if you apply the right treatment at the right time, you should be able to reduce any pest damage rather quickly. Be sure to obtain a proper diagnosis before applying any treatment. If in doubt contact a professional and certified arborist for help.

Fertilizing Redbud Trees

Fertilize your redbud tree in the spring when ever possible. Apply a slow release formula using a balanced NPK such as 10-10-10 granular.

Location is key for redbuds to grow healthy and to produce their wonderful spring colors. Redbuds grow best in partial shade. However they produce more blossoms when exposed to more sunlight. Six to eight hours of sun per day is just about right to get the biggest and best show piece from your redbud tree.

Common Sense Care

A light water during those hot dry days, a little mulch around the bottom, cut out the deadwood, watch for pest, sprinkle a littler fertilizer and sit back and enjoy the colors of nature at its finest.

Want to plant a redbud tree or need help caring for your current one? Call the professionals at Branch Tree Service. We’re always just a phone call away!

When you have a sick tree and need help, the go to source should be your local “tree doctor.” Sometimes called arborists and at other times called tree consultants, these are a professional group of people who specialize in the examination, care and preservation of ailing trees and or shrubs. If you’re looking to save your tree and not just cut it down, a tree doctor will provide the expertise you need.

Sometimes an extension service (agriculture) can look at the pictures you have or the leaves or needles in your possession and come to some conclusion of what may be wrong with your tree. You can google and perhaps find the cause of your trees sickness. Other sources of help may come from your landscaper, the local garden center, or even a neighbor. The information you retrieve and how you treat your tree may be helpful. However, in more cases than not, passionate tree lovers receive the wrong advice, treat with the wrong products and end up setting your sick tree back further instead of helping it to recover.

A tree care professional, often called a tree doctor, is the right person or persons to call upon when getting correct information about caring for your trees and shrubs. A certified arborist or a master gardener may be a good source to start your search with. Please note, a certified arborist or a master gardener doesn’t mean you’re dealing with a true tree care professional. These certifications mean such people have completed a few hours of lab work and passed a written test. The greater qualifier is calling upon someone who has performed hands on examinations for years. This person most likely has years of experience and is usually more able to identify the problem and offer correct recommendations.

You’ll know more about whether you’re hiring the right “tree doctor” or not by asking them the following questions:

1. Do they come to your location and make an onsite examination? If the answer is no, then move on. There is no true way to examine a tree or shrub ailment without looking both at the plant and it’s surroundings.

2. How many years have they been performing tree exams? If less than 2 you might be better off calling around for other options. Years of past experience will help you the most.

3. Is the company or person insured? When it comes to trees, liability is always a concern.

4. Can we schedule an appointment? A good doctor will insist on it. You want to be there to ask your questions about your tree. You don’t just want them to leave you a piece of paper left at the front door with recommendations.

5. Make sure to ask how soon they can come and the sooner the better. Sick trees are often times like sick people. We’re sick so we need urgent care, not when it’s too late.

6. Does the tree doctor have the expertise, treatment methods, and support team needed to service your tree or trees if needed?

Tree care professionals are usually very passionate people who care about plants as well as our planet. Most tree doctors are honest once completing their exam, expressing as to whether there is reasonable hope for the tree to be treated and recover or if the tree decline is beyond reversal and the tree should be removed.

Tree doctors usually also have the expertise to preform hazardous tree risk assessments and some even have experience in the area of expert witness when and where called upon.

Branch Tree Service, Inc. currently has qualified tree doctors with over 50 years of combined examination and consulting experience.

Would you go to just any doctor? Then why should your trees and shrubs? Want to save a tree? Call the tree doctors at Branch Tree Service for help with your sick tree today!

Surgery – the branch (pun intended) of medical practice that treats injuries, diseases and deformities by the physical removal, repair or readjustment of organs and tissues, often cutting into the body.

Tree Surgery – the practice of taking care of trees which treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by way of physical removal, adjustments, separations or cutting treatments making sure they are healthy and safe.

Certainly this article is not to suggest that tree surgery rises to the level of human surgery. However, the definitions of both show a clear parallel of the mission and goals whether they be for the body or for a tree and gives a clear understanding of what and why your tree might just need surgery at some time in its life.

What might a tree require surgery for? Here are the most common reasons:

Bark Tracing Surgery:

Wounds that will not heal due to decay, mechanical injury, insect damage, and or open infection often times need surgery to remove dead tissue cells, promote compartmentalism, encourage outer bark growth and reduce further decay, disease and even sun scale.

Girdling Root Surgery:

For various reasons (discussed in other tree tip articles) trees, (both deciduous and evergreen and of any age or size) battle with deformities called “girdling roots”. If left undetected or un-removed these girdling roots will wrap themselves around vital root arteries cutting off life giving water and food sources. The longer root surgery is delayed the greater the threat of the tree failing and declining until total death.

Limb (Branch) Surgery:

Think of a broken arm, a separated shoulder, a fractured ankle; without care these breaks will lead to serious life impacting changes. This same standard is true for trees when they have broken or decayed limbs still attached to the trees main body. Broken limbs lead to decay. Decay leads to insect and disease infections. Insect and disease invasions leads to declining trees which are unsafe for people and to traffic around.

Surface Root Surgery:

See all those roots growing at or just above the grade destroying the beauty of your lawn or creating a trip hazard? Surface roots are unsightly and many tree owners desire to remove them but are not sure if it can be done without killing the tree in question. In many cases those unwelcome roots can be removed without ever disturbing the tree’s health and certainly enhancing the safety and beauty of the lawn or landscape.

Other sorts of Tree surgery are used to combat disease and or insect infestations or to treat for malnutrition. When your trees are looking ill, wilting, discolored or simply unhealthy, it could be that your tree needs to be scheduled for tree surgery. Branch Tree Service has been performing tree surgery for over 40 years now. Our expertise in tree care sets us apart from your everyday tree cutter, we’re your local tree doctors better known as arborists.

If your tree appears to be “under the weather” be sure to call your local professional arborist as soon as possible. And for those in our area we welcome you to call for an appointment with one of our expert “Tree Doctors”.

Pruning trees in the spring can be beneficial for many species, but the timing of pruning can vary depending on the specific tree species and its growth habits. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to prune trees in the spring:

1. Flowering Trees: For trees that bloom in the spring, such as cherry blossoms, magnolias, and dogwoods, it is generally recommended to prune them immediately after they finish flowering. Pruning these trees in the spring before they bloom can remove flower buds and reduce the number of blooms.

2. Deciduous Trees: Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, can be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning during this time allows trees to heal quickly and efficiently as they enter the growing season.

3. Evergreen Trees: Evergreen trees can be pruned in the spring, but it is important to avoid pruning too late in the season as it may lead to excessive sap flow and potential stress to the tree. Late winter or early spring pruning is generally recommended for evergreen trees.

4. Trees Prone to Disease: Trees that are susceptible to certain diseases, such as oak wilt or Dutch elm disease, should be pruned in the dormant season to minimize the risk of infection. Pruning these trees in the spring can potentially spread disease pathogens.

5. Pruning Goals: Consider your pruning goals before deciding to prune trees in the spring. Spring pruning is often done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, shape the tree, or control size. Make sure to have a clear plan and purpose for pruning before you start.

6. Growth Patterns: Some trees may benefit from pruning in the spring to encourage new growth or shape the tree. Pruning in the spring can help stimulate growth and direct the tree’s energy towards healthy branches.

Overall, spring pruning can be beneficial for many trees, but it is essential to consider the specific needs of the tree species and its growth habits before pruning. If you are unsure about when to prune a particular tree, consult with a professional arborist for guidance. We recommend you call our professionals at Branch Tree Service, Inc. to discuss your pruning needs and when is the best time to fulfill your request.

The best time to fertilize your trees and shrubs depends on several factors, including the type of plants, the type of fertilizer used, and the specific needs of your landscape. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the best time to fertilize your trees and shrubs:

1. Spring: Spring is a common time to fertilize trees and shrubs, as it coincides with the beginning of the growing season. Fertilizing in the spring can help provide the necessary nutrients for new growth and promote healthy development throughout the season. However, it’s important to wait until after the last frost date in your area to avoid any potential damage to tender new growth.

2. Fall: Fertilizing in the fall can also be beneficial for trees and shrubs, as it helps to promote root growth and nutrient uptake before the plants go dormant for the winter. Fall fertilization can support the plants’ overall health and prepare them for the following growing season. It’s best to fertilize in the early fall, before the ground freezes, to allow the plants to absorb the nutrients before winter sets in.

3. Specific Plant Needs: Some trees and shrubs may have specific nutrient requirements or growth patterns that dictate the best time for fertilization. For example, flowering shrubs may benefit from fertilization before they bloom to support flower production, while evergreen trees may benefit from a fall application to promote winter hardiness. Be sure to research the specific needs of your plants and adjust your fertilization schedule accordingly.

4. Avoid Fertilizing in Extreme Weather: It’s important to avoid fertilizing your trees and shrubs during periods of extreme heat or drought, as this can stress the plants and potentially lead to burn or damage. Similarly, fertilizing during periods of heavy rain can wash away the nutrients before the plants can absorb them. Choose mild, temperate weather conditions for optimal fertilization results.

5. Soil Testing: Before fertilizing your trees and shrubs, consider conducting a soil test to determine the nutrient levels and pH of your soil. This can help you identify any deficiencies or imbalances that need to be addressed through fertilization. Soil testing can also provide valuable information on the type and amount of fertilizer to use for optimal results.

In conclusion, the best time to fertilize your trees and shrubs can vary depending on the specific needs of your plants and the environmental conditions in your area. Consider factors such as plant type, seasonal growth patterns, and soil testing results to determine the most appropriate timing for fertilization. Fertilizing your trees and shrubs at the right time, using the correct method of treatment and with a properly formulated soil and earth friendly mixture you are assured increased vigor and extended health year after year. Contact the professional arborist at Branch Tree Service and let us make your landscape beautiful.