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Are you ready for winter? 5 tips to prepare your garden this winter

Plants are genetically able to detect atmospheric shifts and proactively adapt to them. However, higher winter temperatures stimulate growth and flowering, and cooler temperatures slow growth. Preparing your garden when the temperature drops below freezing is important to ensure it bounces back strong in the spring. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these tips will help protect delicate plants and optimize soil health.

Protect Flowering Plants

• While plants usually survive the cold winter weather, the flowers on winter-flowering plants like camellias, plum, and cherry trees are in danger. A severe freeze can harm buds when they are swollen and about to bloom. The damage may not be apparent until the flowers open, revealing brown spots on the petals.

Sometimes, the entire bud might freeze and fall off the plant. Fully bloomed flowers may turn an unhealthy brown or drop to the ground. It’s advisable to cover plants with buds and open flowers using an old sheet or a commercially available frost cover to protect flowers. Avoid using plastic, as it can create an oven effect when exposed to sunlight.

Prune Your Plants

• Take advantage of the winter season to prune your plants. It’s an ideal time to focus on shaping young deciduous trees for better structure. Observing the tree’s form and addressing issues like crossing wood is easier without leaves. Additionally, once the flower buds have set, winter is the perfect time for hydrangea pruning.

Trim the old wood and prune the shrubs back to the healthy, plump flower buds for a vibrant display in the coming year. In addition, winter is the essential period for pruning roses. After pruning, apply a seaweed-based product to condition the soil. This helps in drought tolerance and enhances resistance to frost, pests, and diseases, ensuring your plants thrive.

Remove Weed

• As winter sets in, taking time to de-weed your garden is advisable. Unchecked weed growth can become a significant issue. Early winter is the perfect opportunity to address them. Remove weeds from the root, especially those growing through paving joints.

While weed killers are an option, consider eco-friendly alternatives to minimize environmental impact. Keep in mind if you are spraying chemicals too close to your garden border, it can affect neighboring plant growth.

Protect Your Garden from Water Damage

• As the risk of heavy rain increases, protecting your garden from flooding and water-logging becomes crucial. Enhance your soil through year-round cultivation to safeguard your plants from rot and decay during downpours. Consider using raised beds to elevate plants out of harm’s way, providing an additional layer of protection with stone walling for both practicality and style.

Prevent further flooding by installing permeable paving, allowing water to drain swiftly instead of pooling. For a well-maintained lawn, rake off leaves and aerate using a garden fork to create intervals in the grass, ensuring proper water drainage and a healthy, thriving garden.

Add Organic Mulch

• Mulching is an eco-friendly gardening practice, especially effective when using the right materials. Consider covering your garden beds with thick organic substances like mulch or wood chippings.

This protective layer protects plants from freezing temperatures and helps minimize soil erosion caused by winter rainfall. Organic mulching is essential for a healthier and more sustainable garden.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Read this for 7 simple steps to planting trees for success

Planting a tree requires more than digging a hole and placing a sapling in the ground. It’s a process of nurturing life, contributing to the environment, and ensuring the tree’s healthy growth for years. Therefore, following certain measures is crucial to ensure your trees flourish and thrive. We have discussed simple steps to help you create a greener, more sustainable landscape.

Pick the Ideal Tree and Location

• Select a tree species suitable for your local climate and environment. Consider the projected height and root system before planting your tree. Ensure sufficient space for the tree to develop a mature canopy and root structure without affecting nearby trees, shrubs, paths, or buildings.

Properly Prepare the Planting Hole

• Ensure the planting hole is at least three times wider than the current root mass when preparing a hole for planting. When digging the hole, go for a square shape rather than a round one. The hole’s depth should ideally match the root ball’s height or be just an inch deeper.

Planting trees too deeply may cause them to fail. Before proceeding to the next step, re-measure the hole to ensure it meets the desired dimensions.

Prune As Necessary

• Trees, particularly those that remain in retail nurseries for extended periods, may sometimes show signs of dead roots or branches. In such instances, cautiously trim only the dead portions to enhance the chances of survival for your new tree.

Plant the Tree

• When transferring the tree to the hole, it should be held by its root ball or container rather than its trunk. Once positioned in the hole, carefully eliminate any burlap or other extraneous materials.

Ensure that the top of the root ball aligns with the ground’s level surrounding the hole. Avoid packing the soil when gently backfilling the hole to prevent damage to the delicate roots. Only add the same soil into the hole without adding any fertilizers.

Consider Staking

• Staking may be necessary for about six months to provide additional stability during the tree’s early growth stages. However, do not stake for longer than a year. By this time, the tree’s root system should develop enough strength to stand on its own and endure environmental factors.

Improper staking can potentially harm the root ball, so it’s advisable to have an arborist secure the stake. If you do it yourself, ensure the stake penetrates well below the root ball and passes through it between the roots. When attaching, use zip ties or gardener’s tape, allowing the tree some room to sway in the wind.

Apply Mulch

• Mulching is critical to retaining moisture for your newly planted tree when watering. However, excessive mulching or covering the trunk and root flare can be more damaging than not mulching at all.

Avoid trapping moisture around the root ball or trunk, as it may lead to disease and decay. Mulching maintains moisture and makes it accessible for the roots while safeguarding against potential issues. If you reside where rodents or deer pose a threat, consider constructing a protective barrier around the tree until it becomes well-established.

Add Water

• Water your newly planted tree for the first time to let the soil settle without packing. Trees generally benefit from thorough soaking rather than frequent, light sprinklings. During the initial couple of years, you should give your tree weekly watering to 6-8 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. Unless you are experiencing drought conditions, you can gradually reduce or discontinue watering after the first few years.

Make the right choice for your trees. Contact American Tree Experts, Inc., for comprehensive tree care services in Montclair, New Jersey. Contact us today at (973) 744-6091 to ensure your trees receive the expert care they deserve.

The ultimate tree lover’s guide – 5 strategies for optimal soil care!

The soil is the foundation of a healthy landscape, providing vital nutrients to your trees and plants. It is crucial to offer them optimal soil and nutrients to ensure their proper growth and well-being. Keep reading to learn the strategies to provide the best possible care for your soil and learn how to create an environment where your trees can thrive.

Soil Care and Tree Nutrition

• Soil care and tree nutrition ensure that your trees and plants receive the necessary nutrients for growth and vitality. This involves maintaining the soil’s health and providing tailored nutrients for your specific plants.

Here are some crucial aspects to remember when considering soil care and trees:

• The strength of your trees relies on the health of the soil. Therefore, it’s important to take all necessary measures to preserve it.
• The correct nutrients play a pivotal role in nurturing tree health, and consulting a certified arborist is key to identifying your trees’ specific requirements.
• Effective soil care can be a preventive measure against issues like root rot, pests, and diseases.

Add Organic Matter

• Enrich your soil with organic matter. Healthy soil contains organic materials such as leaves, twigs, and other plant remnants. These materials enhance the soil’s structure, enabling the tree roots to obtain the vital oxygen and water they require. Moreover, it supplies essential nutrients for healthy tree growth.

Additionally, consider mulching, which protects tree roots against extreme temperatures and gradually releases nutrients as they decompose. Opt for an organic mulch, like wood chips, leaves, or straw, and spread it around the tree’s base.

Balanced Nutrients

• It’s essential to maintain a well-balanced nutritional profile in your soil. Trees require a consistent blend of various nutrients to flourish. Key elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium play crucial roles in supporting tree growth.

Leveraging soil test results can identify any deficiencies and guide you in restoring the balance. Enhance your soil’s nutritional balance by adding organic matter and choosing the appropriate fertilizers tailored to your trees’ needs.

Essential Tree Nutrients and Soil Health

Inadequate levels of these nutrients can result in tree stress and symptoms like leaf yellowing, diminished growth, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The most reliable approach is to seek guidance from a certified arborist to identify your tree’s nutrient needs. They can conduct soil tests and offer tailored recommendations for nutrient supplementation.

• Trees primarily require three essential nutrients for their optimal health: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
• Nitrogen is crucial for leaf development, vibrant green color, and overall tree well-being.
• Phosphorus plays an essential role in root growth and flower production.
• Potassium aids in photosynthesis, water absorption, and cold tolerance.
• Enhancing your soil with organic matter helps increase its fertility and structure.
• Compost, manure, and other organic substances deliver essential nutrients while enhancing drainage and aeration.
• If fertilizer is necessary, selecting one suitable for your tree species is imperative.

Allowing Space to Grow

• Don’t overlook the importance of providing adequate space for your trees to flourish. Excessive compacted soil can hinder tree roots from accessing essential oxygen and water. When introducing new trees to your landscape, it is essential to prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating organic matter before planting.

After planting, allow your trees the space they require to expand their roots by applying mulch around the tree’s base. Exercise caution to prevent damage to tree roots when conducting yard work. Avoid using power equipment that might compact the soil, and refrain from digging close to tree roots.

Make the right choice for your trees. Contact American Tree Experts, Inc., for comprehensive tree care services in Montclair, New Jersey. Contact us today at (973) 744-6091 to ensure your trees receive the expert care they deserve.

Avoid DIY tree pruning disasters – 6 reasons to hire a professional

If you have a chainsaw, a set of trimming shears, and a bit of determination, you might have tried DIY tree pruning. However, achieving precision in this task demands professional expertise. Without the essential knowledge, you could unintentionally expose your trees to risks and potential diseases. Let’s discover the common issues associated with DIY tree pruning and learn why you should avoid it.

It Can Lead to Future Risks

• Maintaining the well-being of trees requires consistent, skillful pruning. Trees left unattended often become weakened, posing potential dangers. Sometimes, strong winds can topple a poorly pruned branch or an entire tree. For instance, while ‘topping,’ the practice of severely trimming a significant portion of a tree’s crown, is believed to enhance foliage, it results in a deformed, unattractive, and severely weakened tree.

Topped trees are more susceptible to diseases and decay, resulting in potential damage or death. Entrusting the task to a certified arborist is the best way to protect yourself, your home, your family, and the tree.

DIY Tree Pruning Involves Significant Risks

• DIY tree pruning involves using chainsaws, ladders, handsaws, and physically demanding labor. In addition, tree pruning becomes a high-risk activity when you consider working at heights. The U.S. Census Bureau identifies tree trimming as one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. It becomes much riskier when undertaken by an amateur. An industry reported 47 accidents involving property owners attempting tree care in 2012 alone. Tragically, 25 of these incidents resulted in fatalities.

One of the dangers arises from the challenge of differentiating between a decayed branch and a healthy one. Shifting your weight onto a decaying branch can cause it to break, potentially causing significant harm to you and your property. Furthermore, tree pruning involves the use of sharp tools at elevated heights. For instance, a homeowner might try DIY tree trimming using a chainsaw while standing on a ladder. This kind of coordination necessitates special safety precautions unavailable to the average homeowner. Arborists have the tools and safety gear to carry out tree pruning effectively and securely, including safety harnesses, bucket trucks, professional ladders, and more.

Bark Damage Can Lead to Diseases

• While DIY pruning trees, it’s possible to damage their protective bark accidentally. Tree bark acts as a shield against the elements and disease. Any tears or injuries can open a pathway for the threats. Once the barrier is damaged, diseases can infiltrate the tree. This can be prevented by entrusting the task to professionals.

Excessive Foliage Removal

• Foliage is a vital element of your tree’s well-being. If too much foliage is removed due to improper tree pruning, the tree may struggle to perform photosynthesis, hindering its ability to obtain essential nutrients for survival. Removing only about 5 to 10% of the foliage is recommended to prevent the tree from the risk of malnutrition or even death.

Harm to Branch Collars

• The juncture where a tree’s branches meet its trunk is called the collar. Incorrect pruning techniques can make the tree vulnerable to disease and infestations through these collars. Tree branch collars contain specialized cells that aid in the healing process of any tree wounds. If these collars become damaged, it could lead to various issues.

Use Of Blunt Tools

• While using blunt tools for tree pruning may seem common, it can lead to substantial damage. Pruning activities with unsharpened tools can result in crude or improper cuts. This may tear or shred the bark, consequently causing larger wounds.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Learn the secrets only certified arborists know about tree risk assessment

Several trees have extended lifespans. While the signs of disease and risk of falls are often readily noticeable, there are instances where the signs may not be so evident. In addition, the homeowners are unaware of the potential consequences of a tree falling. However, an arborist with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) has the expertise to assess the likelihood of a complete or partial tree failure and determine the damage’s extent. Read to learn why you should hire certified arborists for tree risk assessment.

Understanding Tree Risk Assessments

• A certified arborist conducts a tree risk assessment and involves an evaluation of several critical factors. These factors include the condition of the soil, risks to nearby structures if the tree falls, the tree’s overall health, wind exposure, and more. Arborists specializing in tree risk assessment have the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and training in tree evaluation. The assessment consists of visual inspections and various other tests, including static load tests, the use of strain-sensing technology, digital surveys, and similar techniques.

The arborist determines the risk associated with the tree by using a matrix that considers the likelihood of the tree falling and causing damage to important objects and the extent of potential damage. For instance, the consequences of a small branch falling differ significantly from those of the tree collapsing. After this evaluation, the tree is categorized as an at-risk tree and may need to be mitigated or removed.

At Risk Tree

• An at-risk tree has a high probability of falling. Arborists categorize trees into four levels based on the likelihood of failure:

Improbable

• These trees are highly unlikely to fail, even during severe weather conditions.

Possible

• While these trees could potentially fail, the risk of it occurring is still low and typically limited to abnormal or extreme circumstances.

Probable

• Trees in this category are expected to fail, even under normal conditions, suggesting a significant risk.

Imminent

• These trees are on the brink of failure with a high likelihood of collapsing, even without additional external factors or events.

Benefits of Hiring a Certified Arborist

Here is how an arborist can save money, stress, and legal troubles.

Accurate Evaluation

• Arborists provide a precise and confident evaluation. In addition, the standard assessment process reduces the likelihood of errors in evaluation and treatment, protecting against financial losses and potential injuries.

Targeted Treatments

• Certified arborists have the expertise to recommend treatments that can reduce risk to an acceptable level without removing the tree completely. These measures include targeted pruning or specialized treatments like fungicides, saving you money and preventing the distress of losing a tree unnecessarily. Such interventions can also enhance a tree’s resilience against storm and fire damage.

Legal Protection

• The arborists use consistent language in the written report, aligning with legal and insurance terminology. This can prove advantageous in legal cases or insurance disputes resulting from tree-related damage.

If the arborist assessment determines a very low risk, you are less likely to be held responsible. Conversely, a non-standardized risk assessment might not be regarded as reliable evidence in a court.

Clear Communication

• Professionals communicate the risk effectively in simple language, ensuring you understand the assessment and treatment. This gives you confidence in the arborist’s expertise, eliminating confusion caused by technical jargon or unclear descriptions.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091, and we will give you a quote for free.

The art of planting trees in fall – Pros and cons you shouldn’t ignore!

While spring is often considered the default season for planting a new tree, autumn is the best time to plant trees in many regions. The optimal air and soil temperatures, reduced stress on the tree, and diminished maintenance efforts make fall an ideal season to plant new fruit and ornamental trees. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of planting trees in the fall.

Pros of Planting Trees in the Fall

• Fall planting is advantageous for your trees for several reasons, including:

Reduced Pressure on the Tree

• Spring-planted trees face significant pressure as they have to sprout new leaves and develop fresh roots simultaneously. This dual demand for photosynthesis and root growth requires sugar reserves, typically stored in the roots. This means trees planted in spring undergo these challenges right from the start.

Additionally, the onset of summer heat can strain young trees with underdeveloped root systems, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. On the other hand, trees planted during the fall experience milder weather conditions without the need to grow too quickly. This allows them to direct their energy towards developing a strong root system instead of generating new foliage.

Optimal Soil Temperature

• Contrary to a common misconception, fall planting offers an advantage regarding soil temperature. In spring, you must wait for the ground to thaw and become workable for planting in the garden. However, the soil temperature is warmer during the fall as it has consistently warmed throughout the summer and maintains its warmth for an extended period.

This allows newly planted trees to establish roots and absorb essential nutrients before dormancy. Root growth initiates upon contact with moist soil and continues as long as the soil temperature remains above 45°F. When spring arrives and stimulates the growth of new shoots, a tree planted in the fall already has a well-established and actively growing root system.

Require Less Maintenance

• Watering newly planted trees is crucial for their growth, even for drought-tolerant varieties. However, the fall reduces the stress of this task due to several factors. In the fall, there’s typically more wet weather, accompanied by cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which help retain soil moisture for longer periods. This means consistent watering is still necessary, but it becomes a less demanding chore than spring planting.

Cons of Planting Trees in the Fall

• Here are some of the downsides associated with fall tree planting:

Risk of Pest Damage

• It is assumed that pests are no longer a concern in the fall, as many insects are dying off or becoming less active. However, it’s essential to be aware that your yard may still host other pests actively searching for new trees to feast upon, especially as their usual food sources become scarcer. Therefore, it’s advisable to safeguard your trees with protective measures such as tree guards or trunk protectors to reduce the risk of pest damage.

Threat to Newly Planted Trees

• The winter weather can be surprising, and you might have a sudden cold spell or even a big snowstorm just a week after you put your tree in the ground. However, taking crucial steps to protect young saplings from the potential hazards of winter is necessary.

These include mulching your trees immediately upon planting and maintaining a weekly watering schedule. Consider using watering bags for multiple trees to allow gradual water seepage. Watering bags prevent pooling or runoff, keeping your newly planted trees hydrated throughout the winter.

Make the right choice for your trees. Contact American Tree Experts, Inc., for comprehensive tree care services in Montclair, New Jersey. Reach out to us today at (973) 744-6091 to ensure your trees receive the expert care they deserve.

Discover the 6 powerful benefits of using organic fertilizers to enhance your tree’s health

Organic fertilizers are produced from natural plant or animal materials. They are based on composted or manure sources. When soil organisms, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, decompose the fertilizer pellets, the essential nutrients in organic fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are released. These microorganisms present in the soil are often referred to as soil life. Keep reading to learn how organic fertilizers can improve your tree’s health .

Microbial Prosperity

• Synthetic fertilizers are composed of carbon-free chemical molecules that are sometimes disruptive and inaccessible to microbes. In contrast, organic fertilizers are abundant in organic matter, helping microbes thrive.

In addition, organic fertilizers contain carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium within their chemical composition. It is this carbon, in combination with other elements, that nourishes and strengthens microbes, allowing them to naturally facilitate the availability of nutrients for plants through biological processes.

Enhanced Soil Aeration

• Applying natural fertilizers promotes an increase in microbiological activity within the soil. Organisms decompose organic fertilizers into humic and amino acids, which require oxygen and draw in air, promoting a more porous soil structure.

This combination results in the creation of a nutrient-rich, thriving soil with a good biodiversity. As a result, plants receive a sufficient supply of nutrients and moisture from the soil, leading to the cultivation of healthy crops with increased resistance to diseases and pests.

Improved Soil Fertility

• The decomposition of organic fertilizers enhances the core structure of the soil and boosts the soil’s capacity to retain water and essential nutrients over extended periods. The crops become healthier and stronger with consistent and appropriate utilization of organic fertilizers.

In contrast to synthetic fertilizers that only supply primary nutrients to plants, organic fertilizers also contain sufficient micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, and copper.

Extended Nutrient Availability

• Another benefit associated with organic fertilizers is the gradual release of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, compared to the rapid release from chemical fertilizers.

This gradual nutrient supply occurs when bacteria decompose the fertilizer pellets to release nutrients. This gradual release increases nutrient availability, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and root burning that can occur with excessive chemical fertilizers.

Safer for Human Consumption

• Organic fertilizers do not contain harmful chemicals, making the plants cultivated with them safer for human consumption. On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers may contain potentially hazardous chemicals like zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic.

These harmful substances can accumulate in greater concentrations within our bodies through a phenomenon known as bioaccumulation, potentially leading to the development of certain diseases.

Eco-Friendly Option

• Organic fertilizers are less concentrated than synthetic fertilizers, making them significantly safer for application. These ecological and environmentally friendly fertilizers are naturally non-toxic. This makes them ideal for nurturing plants in various environments. In addition, their consistent utilization does not result in pollution. As a result, they offer a valuable contribution to a more sustainable and promising future.

Moreover, since organic fertilizers undergo gradual decomposition, they do not leach away when water is applied. They do not wash off with water, thus reducing the pollution of water bodies such as rivers and oceans. Certain Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers (EEFs) even absorb carbon dioxide during their production process to generate organic matter, effectively reducing the concentration of CO2, the most prevalent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, organic fertilizers contribute to a 30% increase in species biodiversity, fostering a healthier ecosystem.

Discover the difference with American Tree’s tailored nutrient solutions . Contact us today at (973) 744-6091 to access personalized organic and liquid injection fertilizers perfectly suited to fulfill your plants’ nutritional needs. We provide services in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas. Let’s nurture your plants together.