Selection of trees depends on the desired effect and the purpose trees will satisfy in the landscape. Will the attract birds to the area? Shade a patio? Screen an unsightly view? Enhance the view of the home? Identify an entrance or exit? Trees should provide contrast and relief from surrounding buildings and create seasonal interest […]
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Although it is sometimes necessary to stake trees to keep them upright and allow establishment, there are some adverse effects of staking. Allowing a small amount of movement can help root and trunk development. Of course, the worst effect of staking is the possibility of trunk damage from the staking wires or ties. Staking materials
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A hackberry woolly aphid, sometimes called Asian woolly hackberry aphid, was discovered in California in 2002. It infests hackberry, especially Chinese Hackberry, throughout the state. This aphid was accidentally introduced into the United States in the late 1990s and also occurs from Florida to Texas and northward to at least Tennessee. This aphid is a
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Trees, shrubs and other ornamental plantings represent a sizable investment and asset to most homeowners. Keeping trees, shrubs and other woody plants healthy is the job of professional arborist. Deciding when to use fungicides and other plant health improvement techniques should be left to professionals with the knowledge and training to do the job safely
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Hiring a company that says it does tree work has never been a problem for homeowners. Simply do a quick online search, make a few calls, and you have a company who says they can do the job at a low price. Beware! Not all tree care companies are the same. Always ask for proof of insurance
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The practice known as “topping” – the lopping off of large parts of a tree – is the equivalent to amputation. Tree topping was considered for years to be the easiest and cheapest way to make mature trees safer and reduce their size. Whether it’s because of tradition or ignorance, millions of trees have been
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As this summer progresses, I am seeing more and more trees suffering from drought stress. This is largely due to our irrigating less to save water, comply with governmental regulations and to save money. While these are very important reasons to water less, I am finding that many people do not realize that in the
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Broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens var. macrophyllum) is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on a number of landscape tree species in California. Hosts of the parasite include ash, alder, birch, box elder, cottonwood, locust, silver maple, walnut, and zelkova. Other species of broadleaf mistletoe in California include Phoradendron villosum, which infests only oaks, and Viscum
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Broadleaf mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on a number of landscape tree species in California. Some of the species include ash, alder, birch, box elder, cottonwood, locust, silver maple, walnut and zelkova. Broadleaf mistletoe is a flowering plant that produces small, sticky whitish berries attractive to birds. The birds feed on and
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In general, an arborist is a person who specializes in the care of individual trees. Most often the term arborist is used to refer specifically to ISA Certified Arborists who have demonstrated a certain level of experience and knowledge in tree care by passing a comprehensive examination developed by the International Society of Arboriculture. To
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