Ever wonder what happens to trees in the Fall?

Beautiful fall colors of red, yellow, and orange - this is what everyone looks forward to this time of year. But what really happens to our trees as they prepare for our harsh Indiana winters?

“For many people, autumn weather brings a welcomed time of the year. Adding to the pleasure of the season are the vibrant colors displayed in nature. Leaf pigment, the physics of light, weather conditions, plant species, and geography all play important roles in the color of autumn.” (Treesaregood.com)

The first reason for the change in our trees is dropping temperatures. “With declining autumn temperatures, tree leaves stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment of photosynthesis. As the green color fades, yellow carotenoid pigments already present in the leaves are unmasked.” (University of Illinois)

In addition, “while trees are responding to the cooler temperatures, they are also reacting to the shorter day lengths of autumn.” Believe it or not, “some trees respond to the stimulus of shortening day length by dropping all their leaves within a period of a few short days or even hours.” (University of Illinois)

Finally, “Along with the visible color changes and leaf fall, deciduous trees undergo other important changes as winter approaches. Some of these changes permit the living tissue to “harden,” so that it can withstand the potential damage due to sub-freezing temperatures.” (University of Illinois)

Now that you know the reasons for changes in our trees, which ones will give you the best color display in the Fall? In Indiana, maple trees are a very common, but there are multiple varieties. So which ones give you the best color? According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, and Japanese Maple are good choices for a beautiful final red leaf color. Also, Sassafras and Sweetgum give you a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and finally red leaves before they completely fall. Add any of these trees to your landscape, and you’re sure to have a beautiful fall display every year.

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/topfalltrees.cfm

https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/newsroom/AutumnBeauty_Oct12.pdf

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/publications/pdf/urban_community_forestry/UIUC_Fall_Color.pdf

Understanding Your Hardiness Zone

“The Plant Hardiness Zones divide the United States and Canada into 11 areas based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. (The United States falls within Zones 2 through 10). For example, the lowest average temperature in Zone 2 is -50 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the minimum average temperature in zone 10 is +30 to +40 degrees Fahrenheit.”(Arbor Day Foundation)

“If your hardiness zone has changed in [the most recent] edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), it does not mean you should start pulling plants out of your garden or change what you are growing. What is thriving in your yard will most likely continue to thrive.

Hardiness zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum temperature during a 30-year period in the past, not the lowest temperature that has ever occurred in the past or might occur in the future. Many other environmental factors, in addition to hardiness zones, contribute to the success or failure of plants. Wind, soil type, soil moisture, humidity, pollution, snow, and winter sunshine can greatly affect the survival of plants. The way plants are placed in the landscape, how they are planted, and their size and health might also influence their survival.” (United States Department of Agriculture)

When you’re looking for the best trees or perennials to add to your landscape, do your research and know your zone to ensure the best growth for each plant. If you have questions about which trees or plants grow best in your zone, contact a local certified arborist.

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/About.aspx

https://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=zone-lookup

How Summer Heat and Drought Could Affected Your Trees

Does it look like autumn already for the trees in your yard? Are they losing leaves or dropping branches? Many people become very concerned when they noticed their trees’ leaves turning early or dropping in August, but should they worry? In this month’s blog we will talk about what is normal and what are some signs of stress for trees this summer.

If someone notices their trees dropping twigs or leaves early, the actual terms for this are ““summer dormancy,” “summer leaf drop,” and “cladoptosis,” the latter meaning “a branch” and “falling.”” (Arbor Day Foundation). “This may be due to planting a sun-loving species in the shade or vice versa, or it might be a reaction to soil compaction.  Saturated soil can also be a cause.  More often, however, it is simply due to heat and drought.  In this case, the dropping of branches and early shedding of leaves is temporary and harmless.”

“Generally speaking, most deciduous plants can cope with early foliage loss, but other stresses may take their toll. Plants that were already in trouble before the excessive heat and drought may not fare as well or perhaps even succumb. But most plants that are otherwise healthy will recover as more favorable growing conditions return.” (Purdue University)

If you notice your trees starting to show signs of stress, they may need a little help from you to make it through the hottest and driest part of the year.  Here are some tips for summer watering if necessary. “For young trees we encourage a deep-watering by running the hose over the root zone for about 30 seconds. The idea is to reach the full root depth and keep the soil damp, not soggy. Mature trees are best left to nature; unless you’re suffering from severe drought conditions, let your rainfall do the watering.” (Arbor Day Foundation).

Despite all your best efforts, some trees are not able to survive the summer heat and drought. If you believe that one of your trees is not salvageable, contact a certified arborist to help you evaluate, as well as assist with removal of the tree.

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources

http://arbordayblog.org/treecare/summer_tree_care/

https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/stressed-plants-may-look-like-early-fall/

http://arbordayblog.org/treecare/proper-summer-watering-of-trees/

Pests are called pests for a reason…how and when you should check your trees for a potential infestation.

In this month’s blog we are discussing the pests who invade and destroy our trees. We will discuss what you can do to identify and protect your landscape from potentially being destroying by these invaders, and when to contact an arborist for help. “Invasive pests and diseases are the biggest threats facing Indiana's urban and rural forests today.” (Purdue Extension). Therefore, it is important to identify and stop these intruders before they take out our beautiful trees and forests.

So what pests are we talking about? “There are hundreds of pests and diseases killing millions of trees across the country.” These are a few common pests overtaking trees: (Arbordayblog.org)

· Asian Longhorned Beetle

· Emerald Ash Borer

· Pine Beetle

How do these pests get here and why are they are problem?  “Many invasive forest pests reach our shores hidden in shipments from other countries. Our native tree species have never seen these pests before and therefore have no defenses against them. When invasive pests arrive on our shores, they have left behind the natural factors that keep their populations in check, and their populations can grow out of control.” (Purdue Extension)

How do you check your trees for signs of an infestation? First, make sure you know what type of trees you have. If you know the species of trees, you can then check with the corresponding pest known to attack that species. “Signs of pests will vary from tree to tree and the type of infestation. One of the first visible signs of pests will show on the leaves. Symptoms of an infestation are also visible on bark, branches and twigs.” (Arbordayblog.org)

When should I check for signs of tree damage? “The end of the summer is a great time to check trees for pests and disease. August is tree check month, an annual campaign to check for the Asian Longhorned beetle (ALB), however it’s also a fitting time to check for other pests. Spending 10 minutes of your day to check trees for signs of damage can help save your trees, and your wallet.” (Arbordayblog.org)

If it’s too late and you find your trees are already damaged, contact a certified arborist for assistance with tree removal and pest containment.

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://ag.purdue.edu/entm/forestpest/Pages/default.aspx

http://arbordayblog.org/askanarborist/ask-arborist-check-tree-pests/ 

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Tree On!

Trees not only enhance your property and add to your landscape, they also have a lot of benefits to the community too. “Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide beauty or shade. While these are excellent benefits, woody plants serve many other purposes.” There are social benefits. “The calming effect of nearby trees and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace stress levels and fatigue, calm traffic, and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery.” (Treesaregood.org)

There are economic benefits for you too. “Property values of landscaped homes are 5 to 20 percent higher than those of non-landscaped homes.” (Treesaregood.org) However, for those who chose not care for their trees appropriately, they can expect a lower assessed value when trying to sell. “According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, trees that are too close to buildings may be fire hazards. Additionally, larger tree root systems that extend underneath a house can cause foundation uplift and can leech water from the soil beneath foundations, causing the structures to settle and sink unevenly.” (Appraisal Institute). This is why it is important to work with a certified arborist to appropriately maintain your trees, so your future home sale isn’t a total bust. 

“Investing in a tree’s maintenance will help to return the benefits you desire. Extending the functional lifespan of large, mature trees with routine maintenance can delay these expenses and maximize returns.” (Treesaregood.org)

As you can see, planting and maintaining trees has a multitude of benefits for the home owner and the community. So get out there and get your tree on!

Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/benefits_trees.pdf

http://arbordayblog.org/treeplanting/9-reasons-to-plant-a-tree/

https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/landscaping-can-impact-home-values-appraisal-institute-says/

What to do after a storm….

A storm has just come through and several trees on your property have limbs down. First, you’re thankful that nothing is damaged, but now what do you do? How did this happen? Should you call someone? What can you do to prevent it from happening again? These are all questions that go through homeowners’ minds when dealing with storm damage.

“In the upper Midwest, wind and ice storms are common, and often cause tremendous damage to individual trees and urban forests. These storms can cause weakly attached branches or leaders to separate and rip trees apart. Trees with stem girdling roots or inadequate root systems may blow over or break off at the ground line. Whatever the case, these effects can cause both personal and property damage.” (UMN Extension)

Here are the steps to prevent your trees from getting damaged in the future (UMN Extension):

-        Prediction – Look at the form of the tree, any decay that may be present (and the extent of the decay, if present), maintenance practices involving the tree, the presence of stem girdling roots, and existing site problems.

-        Prevention – Take inventory of the trees on your property, monitor their current health, make sure you are pruning properly, learn proper planting practices, maintain your trees' health, and ask for help from a professional.

-        Treatment - There are several treatments a homeowner may use to correct the minor damages that storms inflict. Before any of these techniques are attempted, consider hiring an arborist.

“There are several types of tree damage that occur from violent weather. Each has its own specific assessment considerations. All parts of the tree should be inspected during a post-storm assessment. This requires the expertise of trained, professional arborists to assist with the decision making regarding the best course of action.” (Purdue Extension)

Contact us today for an assessment of your trees and let us assist you in preventing any future storm damage to your property.

Resources:

https://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/trees-woodlands/storm-damage-to-landscape-trees/

https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/blog/2017/05/09/storms-are-causing-damage-and-tree-cleanup-what-to-do-next/

Why to prune, how to prune and when to call a professional?

In this month’s blog, instead of just talking about when to prune your trees, we’d like to discuss how and why to prune your trees, and when to contact a certified arborist to do the job. “Tree experts say a basic understanding of tree biology when pruning helps promote and maintain a tree’s health and structure, in addition to improving the economic investment to the landscape.”(ISA)

Here are Arbor Day Foundations steps to pruning at all stages of a tree’s life:

• Pruning at Planting – Leave as much of the entire leaf surface as possible to manufacture food that will build a larger root system. Roots will be larger after one year if left unpruned.
• Year 3 and 4 – Root growth should be well on its way to anchoring the transplant and expanding the size necessary to nourish the growing branches
• Years 5 to 7 – Lower limbs are pruned off to raise the bottom of the crown well out of the way of human heads. The lowest limbs are now permanent limbs.
• Years 15 and beyond – With proper pruning at the beginning of your trees life your tree will have a better chance of surviving extreme conditions such as wind storms, ice, and drought. That is because proper pruning gave strength to the branches.

When considering smaller trees, “Proper pruning will save you money and give you a safer more beautiful, healthier, and easier-to-maintain tree.” (Arbor Day Foundation). However, please keep in mind, pruning large trees can be risky. “It usually involves working above the ground and using power equipment, like chain saws. It’s important to consider your safety, and that of your trees. Hire a professional arborist or ISA Certified Tree Worker™ because they are trained in the latest safety measures and techniques.”(ISA) If you are in need of assistance with pruning your trees, call us today, we are experienced certified arborists!

References:

http://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/newsroom/ProperPruning_TreeHealth.pdf

https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/annual-pruning.cfm

Trees need care during colder months too…prepare for spring now!

When it comes to your trees, there’s two things to think about during the colder months. One thing is winter and early spring pruning. Although pruning can be done at any time, “as a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush.” (ISA, Trees Are Good). In addition to preparing to prune your trees, you must also examine your trees for Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer continues to devastate trees in the Midwest every year and this pest is weakest in the winter, which makes it the perfect time to prevent them from spreading further.  Read more about each of these winter tips below.

Pruning

During winter months trees go into a dormancy, similar to how animals hibernate. They may look dead, but they are definitely alive, which makes it a perfect time for arborists to prune. “Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring.”(Arbor Day Foundation) “Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature's pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree's life.” (Trees Are Good) Make sure to utilize a certified arborist to prune your trees properly.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparation

“When considering some of the treatment for the coming year we may think there is little we can do until spring.  But, there is actually extensive work to be done this winter.” (MSU) “During the winter months the EAB is in a very vulnerable state.  It can neither fly nor crawl from its location within ash trees. One very important procedure that can be done throughout the winter is SANITATION.  Sanitation has several important benefits; reduces the population of EAB, helping to prevent explosions of the insect population, and reduces the food substrate and habitat for the EAB.” (Treedoctor.com) It addition to being dangerous to other Ash trees, EAB can make these trees brittle and unstable, making it a major safety hazard to anyone or anything nearby if they fall. “Since the tree may already be unstable and dangerous, it's wise to hire a trained, certified, insured professional arborist to do the job.” (Chicago Tribune)

If you are ready to start pruning or need help with examining your ash trees for EAB, contact us today. We are certified ISA arborists located in Lafayette.

Resources:

https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/when-to-prune.cfm

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home/ct-sun-0215-garden-morton-20150209-story.html

https://treedoctor.msu.edu/ash/winter

http://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees

Winterize Your Trees

Article by Purdue Extension

"As trees in our urban and suburban landscapes prepare for winter dormancy and cold, they could use a little extra care from you to ensure a good start in the spring. As the seasons change, trees prepare to overwinter in a dormant state. Dormancy is not death; it is a natural state in which trees prepare and adapt to cold conditions with physiological and structural adjustments. Even though the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground, trees are still active, making necessary preparations for winter. Winter conditions will make finding moisture a challenge—and keeping plant cells hydrated in winter is critical for survival. Potential sources of winter water  include unfrozen soil; internal reservoirs; and the area above the ground, but just under the snow cover (the subnivean zone). If trees cannot find needed water in these areas, expect poor health and growth the following spring. 

Summer and fall drought conditions can place trees in an overall water deficit, predisposing them to pest issues and poor health the next growing season. Likewise, spring and summer weather affects the trees’ ability to survive winter weather. Young or newly planted trees will require more attention because of limited abilities in obtaining water in their growing environment. The key to survival is giving trees adequate moisture before winter freezes the world around them. Good cultural practices and proper plant healthcare make a difference in how much water is available to your trees in winter and how well they survive." Tips for winter preparation include:

1. Trunk Wrapping
2. Mulching
3. Fertilizing
4. Watering
5. Pruning

Click here to read more information on each of these tips in the full article. 

Ash Trees Treatment or Removal for the City of Lafayette

If you are in need of an Ash tree on your property to be treated or removed we can service that issue for you. Call us or fill out our Contact Us form.

From the City of Lafayette website...
"If you have an ash tree on private property you think is still alive it may be a candidate for treatment. The rule of thumb is having a leafy canopy that is 60-70% present.  There are a few tree companies in Lafayette that will be able to tell you if your tree is a candidate for treatment. If the tree is infected and not treated it will die."

READ MORE HERE

Why Hire an Arborist?

"An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees."

Click here to read more from the ISA website.