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Tree Care Tips

Get answers to common questions, and get the expert information you need.

Snow, Ice and Trees

The trees in your yard are your pride and joy, the centerpiece of all your summer landscaping efforts. Now, after the one-two punch of thick snow and heavy ice we had yesterday and last night, your beloved trees are drooping. Bent
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Common Fungal Diseases on Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

There are many sources of fungal diseases that can cause an evergreen to appear sick or dying and greatly weaken the overall health of the evergreen trees and or shrubs. Treatments of these diseases often depends on the extent of
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It Starts from the Roots Up! The “when” and “why” Guide to Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs

Healthy trees grow stronger, live longer and look healthier. It’s a basic requirement to maintaining nice looking trees. Why In the forest there’s an abundance of organic nutrients thriving in the soil. These natural based nutrients work into the roots
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Why Are Trees So Important?

As the biggest plants on our planet, trees store carbon, give us oxygen and enrich our soils. Trees also provide homes and food for our much desired wildlife. Trees Benefit Our Health  Tree canopies of foliage act as physical filters
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Mosquitoes: A Seasonal Threat to All of Us

There are numerous types of mosquitoes found all throughout Michigan.  And of them 12 species carry dangerous venom, which can endanger your health. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is but one of the deadly diseases carried by mosquitoes and should cause significant concern for
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What is Dormant Pruning?

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,
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Should You Treat Tree Diseases in the Fall?

Certain diseases are often times very persistent. Even with early development target sprays (such as those applied in spring) to help reduce the harmful spread of diseases, there are times when further treatments are required for adequate control. Diseases persistently
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Why Fertilize Trees in the Fall?

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,
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Emerald Ash Borer, Then and Now

Emerald Ash Borer was first officially found in the Detroit area in the summer of 2002. This borer insect (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) in it’s larvae stage was and is found to be a devastating threat to ash trees. Currently, the Emerald
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Protecting Your Landscape Against Winter Burn

Desiccation is the technical term for what is more commonly called “winter burn”. Desiccation is defined as removal of moisture. In the case of trees and shrubs this most often occurs when the ground is freezing, the sun is blazing and
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What Is a Stress Crack on a Tree?

The term “stress cracks” is often associated with damage to basement walls or driveway cement. Home inspectors also use the term “stress cracks” when inspecting drywall and framing of homes or other types of buildings. Such cracks usually mean there
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Root Flares are Important for Tree Health

Trees too deep in the ground, an all too common problem, have two basic problems. When the trunk flare is under ground, it stays moist and doesn’t breathe properly as bark is supposed to do. Soil too high on the
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Late Frost Hitting Your Landscape? Don’t Panic.

Frost damage that occurs in late winter or early spring after newly emerging shoots and flower buds are breaking open is often defined as late frost damage and can be very detrimental to plant growth and fruit harvests. Often times
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Planting Trees the Arborist Way

When looking to plant a new tree there are a number of things to consider before digging the hole. Take a look at the list below before you get started. What type of tree do I want to plant? Will
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What’s Wrong with My Maple Tree?

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
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What Is Wrong With My Spruce Tree?

Colorado and Norway Spruce have been among the most popular evergreen trees used in the landscape throughout the mid-west and beyond. Unfortunately, these spruces are subject to a wide range of insect and disease problems that can impact their growth
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How do I stop deer from eating up my landscape?

“Odocoileus virginianus”, otherwise known as White Tailed Deer live in just about every area of Michigan. The reason they’re called “white -tailed” is that they raise their rear tails with a flash of white signaling to other deer when danger
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Proactive Tree and Shrub Care Makes Sense $$!

As winter turns to spring and blossoms turn to leaves, so do insects and diseases go from dormant to damaging. We all keep hearing about the “Green Initiative” right? To Branch Tree Service this is more than a tag-line but
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April Rains Bring May Diseases

Springtime is the mark of new seasonal plant growth which is also the time damaging diseases are infecting your trees, shrubs, ivy, ground cover and even flowers. The cool moist weather of early spring days creates the perfect breeding ground
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Should You Use Natural Wood Chips in Your Landscape?

Try calling your local tree service company first. Some companies do charge for chips or for delivery. Others will offer them free if they are available and working in your area. You can also buy arborist wood chips by the
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Redbud Trees in the Landscape

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
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