The Impact of Invasive Pest and Plant Species on Your Trees: How to Combat The Threat

Trees are a vital part of any landscape. They add beauty, provide shade, increase property value, and contribute to the overall health of the environment. However, just like any living organism, trees require proper care and regular evaluation. A professional tree assessment is a key step in maintaining the safety, health, and longevity of your trees.  If you’ve never scheduled a tree assessment before, you might be wondering what it involves and why it's worth your time. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect during a professional tree assessment and the valuable benefits it provides. The Tree Assessment Process A professional tree assessment, often conducted by a certified arborist, is a thorough inspection of the trees on your property. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during the process: 1. Initial Consultation and Walkthrough The assessment usually begins with a walkthrough of your property. The arborist will ask about any concerns you have, such as visible damage, leaning trees, or recent storm impacts. They’ll also inquire about the history of the trees, soil conditions, and any past maintenance. 2. Visual Inspection Using their trained eye, the arborist will closely examine each tree from the roots to the crown. This includes: Trunk inspection for cracks, cavities, or signs of decay. Branch evaluation for dead or hanging limbs that could pose a hazard. Leaf and canopy health to assess disease or pest activity. Root zone inspection to check for girdling roots, soil compaction, or fungal growth. 3. Risk and Health Assessment The arborist evaluates each tree’s structural integrity and overall health. Trees that are diseased, dying, or unstable can pose safety risks, especially near homes, driveways, or power lines. Using standardized methods like Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), professionals rate the level of risk and recommend appropriate action. 4. Recommendations and Reporting Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a summary of findings. This may include: A list of trees that require pruning, removal, or disease treatment Maintenance recommendations such as fertilization or soil amendments A timeline and cost estimate for suggested services In some cases, especially for large properties or commercial sites, a detailed written report is provided. Benefits of a Professional Tree Assessment 1. Improved Safety One of the most important reasons to schedule a tree assessment is safety. Weak or damaged trees can fall without warning, especially during storms. Identifying hazards before they become problems can prevent property damage and injury. 2. Healthier Trees Early detection of disease or pest infestations can mean the difference between saving a tree and removing it. Regular assessments ensure your trees receive the right care to stay strong and vibrant year-round. 3. Cost Savings Addressing minor issues early—like pruning dead limbs or treating a fungal infection—can prevent expensive emergency removals or property repairs in the future. 4. Increased Property Value Well-maintained trees boost curb appeal and can significantly raise the value of your home or business property. A professional tree assessment is a smart investment in your landscape’s long-term health and aesthetics. When Should You Schedule a Tree Assessment? Ideally, property owners should schedule a tree assessment at least once a year or after severe weather events. If you notice signs of decline—such as sudden leaf loss, cracking bark, or leaning trunks—it’s a good idea to call in a professional as soon as possible. Final Thoughts A professional tree assessment is much more than a quick look at your yard. It’s a detailed, science-based evaluation that can protect your property, extend the life of your trees, and save you money down the road. Whether you’re planning improvements to your landscape or just want peace of mind, investing in expert tree care is always a wise decision.

Drought conditions are becoming more common in many parts of the country, and with them come new challenges for homeowners trying to keep their landscapes healthy. Trees, in particular, can suffer when water is scarce. Unlike lawns or garden plants, trees have deep roots and longer life cycles, which means drought stress can affect them long after dry conditions have passed. If you're looking to protect the trees on your property during a drought, here are some essential tips to help keep them healthy and thriving. 1. Prioritize Your Trees During a drought, every drop of water counts. Mature trees add the most value to your landscape, so focus your efforts there first. Young trees, which are still establishing their root systems, should be next in line. Lawns and annuals can usually be replaced much more easily and affordably than a damaged or dead tree. 2. Water Deeply and Infrequently Trees benefit more from deep, infrequent watering than from frequent, shallow watering. Aim to water at the drip line—the area under the outer edge of the canopy—where the tree's feeder roots are located. Use a slow trickle with a hose, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses for best results. For most mature trees, watering every two to three weeks during drought may be sufficient, while younger trees may need weekly watering. 3. Mulch Matters Applying 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded bark) around the base of the tree helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce competition from grass and weeds. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pests. 4. Avoid Pruning During Drought Pruning during drought puts added stress on trees. Removing foliage reduces the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and recover. Unless you're removing dead or hazardous limbs, it's best to hold off on any major pruning until after the drought ends and the tree begins to recover. 5. Don’t Fertilize Fertilizing may seem like a good idea to help trees grow, but during a drought, it can do more harm than good. Fertilizers can stimulate growth that the tree can’t support with limited water, and they may increase salt levels in the soil, further stressing the roots. Wait until the tree has recovered before applying any fertilizer. 6. Watch for Signs of Stress Early signs of drought stress in trees include wilting, leaf scorch (browning around the edges), premature leaf drop, and smaller or fewer leaves. For evergreen trees, watch for browning needles or excessive needle drop. Identifying and addressing stress early can improve the chances of recovery. 7. Consider Supplemental Care In prolonged droughts, even established trees may need a little extra help. Installing tree watering bags around young trees, using moisture meters to monitor soil levels, and scheduling a professional tree inspection can all go a long way toward preventing long-term damage. Final Thoughts Trees are long-term investments in your property’s beauty and value. While drought can take a toll, a little attention and smart water practices can make a big difference. If you're unsure about the health of your trees or how to care for them during dry conditions, consider reaching out to a certified arborist or local tree care professional. The right advice can help you protect your trees not just during a drought—but for years to come.

Pruning is more than just cutting off branches—it’s a carefully planned process that directly affects a tree’s health, appearance, and structural integrity. When done correctly, pruning helps trees grow stronger, live longer, and coexist more safely with their surroundings. The science behind pruning lies in understanding how trees respond to each cut, and using specific techniques to achieve different outcomes. Among the most common and scientifically grounded pruning methods are crown thinning, crown reduction, and crown lifting. Each serves a distinct purpose and, when applied correctly, enhances both tree health and landscape safety. Crown Thinning: Letting Light and Air In Crown thinning involves selectively removing branches throughout the canopy to reduce its density without altering the tree’s natural shape. This technique improves airflow and sunlight penetration, which helps reduce the risk of disease and allows inner branches to thrive. Why it matters: Dense canopies trap moisture and limit airflow, creating an ideal environment for fungal infections and pests. Thinning alleviates this by creating space within the crown, reducing weight on heavy limbs and improving the tree’s overall balance. Science in action: Each cut in a thinning process is made with intention—typically removing no more than 10-20% of the canopy in one session. Arborists target rubbing, crossing, or inward-growing branches to promote a healthier structure and allow wind to pass through more easily, decreasing storm damage risk. Crown Reduction: Scaling Back Safely Crown reduction is used to decrease the height or spread of a tree. This is not the same as topping, which is harmful and can lead to decay and structural failure. Instead, reduction involves making strategic cuts back to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal role of the removed limb. Why it matters: Reduction is useful when trees begin encroaching on buildings, power lines, or other structures. It’s also a helpful solution when managing storm-damaged trees or ones at risk of failure due to weight or age. Science in action: Proper reduction cuts preserve the tree’s natural shape while minimizing stress. Arborists apply the "one-third rule"—cutting back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed. This supports healthy regrowth and reduces the chance of decay or dieback. Crown Lifting: Creating Space Below Crown lifting, also called crown raising, involves removing the lower branches of a tree to increase clearance from the ground. This is commonly done along sidewalks, driveways, and roads, or to allow more light to reach lawns and gardens below. Why it matters: Low-hanging limbs can pose safety hazards for vehicles, pedestrians, and buildings. Lifting provides improved visibility, access, and light while helping guide the tree’s growth upward rather than outward. Science in action: Lifting must be done gradually, especially on mature trees, to avoid weakening the trunk or causing imbalance. Removing too many lower limbs at once can stress the tree or leave it vulnerable to sunscald and decay. Arborists usually recommend lifting over time to promote structural integrity. Why Pruning Requires Expertise While DIY pruning may be tempting, improper techniques can damage a tree permanently. Over-pruning, making flush cuts, or removing structural limbs can lead to poor growth, disease, and even death. Certified arborists understand tree biology and growth patterns, ensuring that each cut promotes rather than harms the tree. Final Thoughts Tree pruning is both an art and a science. Whether the goal is to reduce risk, improve aesthetics, or support long-term health, understanding the right technique—be it crown thinning, reduction, or lifting—makes all the difference. When performed with knowledge and care, pruning supports a tree’s health for years to come.