americantree

Learn 7 easy methods to improve the fertility of garden soil naturally

Soil fertility is an essential factor to consider when gardening. Fertile soil will produce healthy plants, flowers, and vegetables. Although organic fertilizers have many benefits, you can improve soil fertility naturally as well. There are several ways to improve the fertility of your garden soil. Here are the top seven ways to improve garden soil.

Add Compost

• Adding compost is one of the best ways to improve garden soil and enhance fertility. By adding compost to your garden, you provide your plants with essential nutrients, improve your soil structure, and increase the water-holding capacity of your soil. Compost also helps to suppress plant diseases and pests, and it increases the rate at which your soil warms up in the springtime.

Compost is decomposed organic matter that enables the soil to maintain a neutral pH level and protects your vegetation from many garden diseases.

Conduct A Soil Test

• A soil test is the best way to determine the fertility of your garden soil and what, if any, amendments are needed. Soil amendments can include compost, manure, or fertilizers.

The best time to conduct a soil test is in the late fall or early winter before planting begins. This will give you enough time to make any necessary amendments before planting in the spring. You can also test your soil throughout the gardening season to see if additional modifications are needed.

Mulch The Soil

• One way to improve the fertility of your garden is by mulching the soil. Mulching is the process of adding a layer of material to the soil’s surface to protect it from erosion, improve moisture retention, and enhance the fertility of the soil. You can use various materials for mulching, including compost, bark chips, straw, or leaves.

Prevent Compaction

• Soil compaction occurs when the soil particles are pressed together tightly, reducing the air spaces in the soil. This makes it more difficult for water and roots to move through the soil and can lead to a decrease in plant growth. Soil compaction can be prevented by using organic matter, such as compost, to improve the soil structure.

Clay soil compacts a lot quicker and requires a fair bit of organic matter to keep the natural balance in the soil’s structure.

Rotate Plants

• When you rotate your plants, you are improving the fertility of your garden soil. By rotating your crops, you allow each type of crop to feed off different nutrients in the soil. This also helps prevent any kind of crop from depleting the soil of any particular nutrient.

Produce Cover Crops

• Cover crops are a vital part of any garden and help strengthen the structure and health of the soil. They can be produced at any time of the year and come in various shapes and sizes. If you want to improve the fertility of your garden soil, be sure to plant some cover crops this season.

Add Animal Manure

• Adding aged animal manure is one of the easiest ways to improve garden soil fertility. The manure will help add nutrients and organic matter to the soil, which will help improve the overall health of your plants. Use balanced manure, such as cow manure, rather than poultry manure, which is high in nitrogen and can be harmful to plants in large quantities.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our Nutrient Management for Gardens service makes sure that your garden soil is always nutritional and ready to support growing plants. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Check the list of 5 trees you should never plant in your garden

There are many landscape trees that look beautiful on their own with bright leaves or mesmerizing flowers and fruits. However, some trees may not be the best option for your home. Some trees come with added maintenance and cleaning, others with allergies and poisonous elements. Therefore, knowing the type of trees to avoid is very important.

Why Should You Avoid Planting Certain Trees in Your Home?

There are many reasons why certain trees do not belong anywhere near your home. Some of the most common reasons are:

• The tree is messy and very high maintenance.
• It releases large amounts of pollen and heightens allergies.
• Sticky sap and falling fruit make it hard to clean the ground.
• It has a dense shade that prevents grass or other plants from growing.
• The structure of the tree weakens with time and it becomes a hazard.
• It is an invasive tree and the roots are bad for the structure of the room.
• Due to its high water absorption, it’s drying the soil out.

Top Tree Species To Avoid Planting

Now that we have established why it is important to avoid planting certain trees in your home, let’s look at the top five trees that make the list:

Mulberry

• Mulberry trees have a large canopy that forms a dense shade over the ground. This shade makes it difficult for plants or grass to grow underneath it. It also has a high pollen output along with fruit that easily falls to the ground and rots. This increases insects in your area and makes it hard to clean the floor up. On top of that, the roots may cause damage to pavements or cemented flooring.

Eucalyptus

• Eucalyptus trees were initially native to Australia but have been exported to the world because of how fast they grow. These big trees have thick and far-reaching roots that may upset the natural water table of the soil. It is a very high-maintenance tree that sheds bark, has falling seed pods, and has unreliable branches that are prone to falling off. Therefore, you should not plant this tree in your home.

Sweet Gum

• A general rule of thumb is to stay away from trees that excrete excessive amounts of sap, and the Sweetgum tree is no exception to this. However, the main threat these trees pose is due to their seed pods that are shaped like spiky balls. These seedpods litter the floor during autumn and winter and can get stuck to your clothes and pets. It makes it very difficult to keep the surrounding area clean.

Ginko

• Ginko trees are loved for their intense yellow leaves and many find these landscape trees to be desirable. However, the female variety of these trees is a nightmare for any homeowner. They have one of the smelliest fruits that easily fall to the ground and end up rotting. Along with this, there is a lot of shedding that owners have to take care of.

Red Oak

• Red oaks trees are strong and beautiful in the autumn but their beauty does not belong in homes. These trees face a lot of shedding in autumn when it comes to the leaves and acorns. It also releases allergy-triggering pollen as well. The components of this tree can be especially harmful to cars that are parked underneath it as falling acorns dent the surface.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our nutrient and tree management services make sure that you select and grow the perfect varieties for your home. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here are 5 significant signs of why garden trees are a safety hazard – protect your family

Having greenery around you and your home is something everyone wants. Trees clean out air, calm the nerves, and are very good for maintaining mental health. However, some trees can become safety hazards over time.

The best way to rein in hazardous trees is through professional cabling. Usually, a professional would have to inspect the property to determine which trees are hazardous, however, it is pretty commonsensical and you can do it as well. The most important thing is to notice the threat early enough to make a timely decision. The earlier you identify a problem, the easier it is for professionals to take care of it.

The Signs To Look Out For

It is important to be able to spot the signs of a tree being a safety hazard. Some of the most important signs to look out for are:

Broken or Hanging Branches

• For fully grown trees, broken or hanging branches can be quite a threat. This is because these branches are likely to fall off at any time and can hurt people or property. If this threat is ignored, it can be very dangerous in the case of a storm or windy weather. You might not always see the damage very clearly as cracks and wear can be in hidden places.

Dry or Cracking Bark

• Sometimes trees experience issues known as ‘Ingrown Bark’. This usually happens when two branches meet and form a V shape at their conjunction and not a U. This situation occurs if a tree has not been pruned properly. In the long run, the bark begins to dry out and gets weaker, and over time one of the two main branches may fall.

Leaning Trees

• Leaning trees are the most obvious tree hazard and you don’t need a professional to figure that out. When inspected, things such as the duration of incline, the degree of incline, and what it’s likely to fall on will be taken into consideration. Some trees lean naturally, but if the incline starts at the base of the trunk, it could be a problem.

Weakened Tree Trunk

• A weakened tree trunk is a sign of a potential safety hazard when the crown of the tree begins to get too heavy. Over time, the trunk starts to wear and can hollow out at times as well. This leads to the development of a poor structure. In the case of a storm or any other extreme weather, it can cause the trunk to break or give way.

Severe Root Damage

• One of the most common damages that trees sustain is to the roots. This is especially true in areas where there is a lot of construction. Clearing out the land for houses or other forms of buildings can cut off major roots of the tree. It can also free the soil that roots are holding on to. In cases like these, trees are not as stable or balanced.

Getting A Professional Opinion

It is always preferred that you get a professional opinion when you feel that a tree on your property may be a potential hazard. In case you find a tree on public property to be hazardous you can mention it to the city authorities.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our tree cabling and bracing services make sure that any hazardous trees are supported and reined in. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here are the answers to important questions asked about pruning trees

Plants need regular maintenance to grow healthy and strong. One of the ways to do this is to prune them. This is especially important for trees. However, not everyone knows the types of pruning, and those who do might not have the expertise required to do the job right.

What is Tree Pruning?

• Tree pruning is the task of removing dead branches from the tree to make sure nutrients are provided to growing branches or specific areas like fruits and flowers.

It makes the tree stronger, promotes better growth, and can help prevent a lot of issues. Like most treatments for trees, pruning has to be timed perfectly for maximum effect.

Things To Ask Yourself Before Tree Pruning

Some of the most important questions to ask yourself before you start pruning your tree are as follows:

Is this the right time?

• Pruning needs to be timed right. You need to be sure that you know the growth pattern of your plant and in which season it becomes dormant. The best time to prune is usually in the winters as the dead branches are easier to pick out. It also helps utilize the tree’s resources in the cold months. The worst time to prune would be in spring.

Why am I doing this?

• You need to have your motives set out in front of you. Knowing why you are pruning helps you target branches better and cut them off in an efficient manner. For example, if you are pruning your tree to lessen its weight and help it achieve height, you’d cut off heavy branches. If you are pruning for the winters, you would cut off dead branches.

Do I know how to make the right cut?

• Making the right cut is very important. This is because pruning is done to promote growth. The wrong cut might stunt growth and cause issues instead. Try investing in better equipment especially for pruning. The best method is the ‘three cut method’. You first cut to make sure the bark does not peel, then you cut off most of the branch and finally chop it off.

How much do I cut off?

• Knowing how much of the tree to cut off depends on your goal, the age of the tree, and the season you are pruning in.  If your tree is fairly young you can cut about one-third of the crown during pruning. However, for older trees, it is advised to cut no more than 10%. Most of the cuttings should be made from the crown of the tree.

Do I know how fast my tree grows?

• Tree growth patterns majorly affect how much pruning a tree needs and at what time. Some trees grow faster than others, some can grow in cooler temperatures while others need warmer climates. If you pay attention to your tree’s growth patterns, you are unlikely to mess up the pruning process.

Although it can be done at home, hiring an expert doesn’t hurt either. Experts know exactly what your tree needs and can prune them in the most excellent way. If you are unsure about how to prune your trees, it is best to let someone who knows do it instead.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our tree pruning services ensure that the process promotes the growth of your tree. Our most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Here is a list of 4 common winter tree pests and tips to get rid of them

Winters can be a harsh time for trees and plants alike. With low temperatures, weak sunlight, and stunted growth, it is important that one keeps trees safe from an additional threat such as pests. Although you may think that you know the tips and tricks of keeping trees safe, some of the most prevalent tree care tactics are actually baseless myths.

Pests That Attack Trees In The Winter

Some of the most common pests attack trees in the winters. Therefore it is important to know about them so you can protect your trees. Here are four of the most common winter pests:

Spider Mites

• Spider mites prefer the winters to hide in the bark of trees for hibernation and protection against the cold weather. In the summer months, they are incredibly active and can multiply in large numbers. They can cause damage to your leaves as well as strip the tree of its sap. That’s why it’s imperative that you tackle the problem as soon as you can.

You might notice red or brown powder dust on the bark of your trees. This is often a dead giveaway that they have been attacked by spider mites.

Scales

• Scales insects look like bumps on the bark of the tree. Their appearance is what makes them so dangerous as one wouldn’t assume they are insects in the first place. They have both hard and soft protective shells that keep them safe from any insecticide. On the inside, they feast on the plant and drain it of its nutrients.

Over time, the plant may start looking dead and not grow very well. They are a serious threat because they often go unnoticed till the plant has sustained visible damage.

Aphids

• Aphids are the lice of trees, tiny bugs that infest the tree in large numbers. There are over 4000 known species in the world and they come in many different colors. Although there are natural predators that eat them, they are not been preyed on enough to reduce an infestation. In the winter months, they lay eggs on the trees and lay dormant till temperatures rise in spring.

Aphids eat the sap of trees, depriving them of their nutrients. During an aphid infestation, a tree can easily turn yellow with stunted growth in a short while. It is important to take care of the eggs in winters or else the tree won’t have much of a chance in spring.

Coddling Moth Grubs

• When it comes to pest infections, worms are the last thing you’d expect to be tackling. Coddling Moth Grubs are larvae that like to reside in fruit and nut-bearing trees for the winter. As soon as fruits begin to develop in spring, they attack the fruit and cause issues in plant reproduction. These pests are the infamous worms you see in apples in various popular media.

For a common person, it could be next to impossible to spot these creatures. Only a professional can spot them and get rid of them. You need to make sure the issue is tackled before winter starts.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Pests

• Although there are many natural and homemade remedies to rid trees of winter pests, there is no guarantee that they will work. This is because most of these pests are incredibly stubborn and lay eggs in large quantities. At-home remedies simply lack the scope of the solution required to make a difference.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest control services can help rid your trees of winter pests before their eggs have the chance to hatch in spring. Some of our other most sought out services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Mont Clair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.

Learn different types of tree pruning and their benefits from tree experts near you

Trees are an important gift of nature. They add beauty, offer protection, shade, and increase the commercial value of a property. Grooming and regular maintenance are important aspects of tree care. One essential practice of tree maintenance is regular pruning.

Tree pruning is the practice of selectively removing dead branches from the tree. The purpose of tree pruning is to add strength to the tree, fortify its structure and stimulate its growth.

In this article, let us explore the different types and techniques of pruning trees.

Types of Tree Pruning

1. Dead Pruning

As the name suggests, dead pruning involves the trimming or complete removal of dead, diseased, or lifeless branches of a tree. This type of pruning is often performed at the tree’s crown, hence it is also known as crown cleaning. Dead pruning is the most basic type of pruning which offers the following benefits:

• Protection from injury and damage to property from accidental fall of dangling dead branches.
• Preventing the spread of diseases from sick branches
• Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the tree and giving it a more groomed appearance

In some cases, only the dead portion of the branch is removed rather than the whole branch itself. This gives a clean look to the tree without losing critical mass.

2. Crown Thinning

• This is another type of tree pruning that involves the removal of weak branches from the tree’s crown. Crown thinning reduces the extra branches and allows greater penetration of light and air into the tree. This practice removes the diseased branches and allows healthy branches to flourish due to the better distribution of nutrients.

When performing crown thinning, avoid removing too much mass from the center because that can impact the structural integrity of the tree.

3. Crown Lifting

• In crown lifting, the lower branches of the crown are trimmed and pruned. This practice reduces the load of the larger limbs. The reduction in extra weight results in an uplifted appearance of the crown, hence the name crown lifting is assigned.

Low-hanging branches are a health hazard for anyone in their vicinity. Crown lifting makes sidewalks and roads safer for passersby when they travel on the sidewalks or roads. Crown lifting should be performed for younger plants because they don’t develop deep wounds. Crown lifting gives a groomed and crisp appearance to the tree.

4. Crown Reduction

• Crown reduction is performed to preserve the main limb. To do so, terminal branches of the tree are removed. Crown reduction promotes the health of the tree by decreasing the risk of decay. When performed correctly, crown reduction results in an overall reduction of tree height. It also lifts a dead weight from the tree.

Crown reduction gives better results when performed on younger trees that are in the growing phase. For mature trees, it is recommended to remove the entire limb rather than removing the dead part of it.

5. Pollarding

• This is the most advanced pruning technique in which all primary branches are removed. Only the secondary branches remain on the tree trunk. Arborists recommend that pollarding should be performed periodically during the entire lifespan of the tree. Pollarding gives the best results when performed on young trees.

Tree pruning requires an in-depth understanding of tree structure and its needs. For best results, contact an experienced pruning and removals service provider such as American Tree Experts, Inc. We offer pruning, removal, tree cabling, bracing, pest, and nutrient management services in Mont Clair, NJ, and nearby areas. For a free estimate of our services, contact us at 973-744-6091.

Here is a list of the best trees to plant near your home

Trees are nature’s gift to us. They are the Earth’s lungs and provide us with so much value in the form of shade, fruit, wood, reducing erosion and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. All trees have different physical characteristics and dietary requirements. Some have thick foliage and offer shade, others bear fruit and some add beauty to the landscape by growing colorful flowers.

If you plan to plant a tree near your house, first determine the purpose you want it to serve. Whether it is to provide shade, add beauty, or privacy to your home. Most trees have a very long life so whichever tree you plan to plant, you will be stuck with it for a long time. Hence, plan and plant carefully.

Listed below are the best pick of trees for a residential property.

Ornamental Trees

• As the name indicates, ornamental trees have a beautiful appearance and offer much aesthetic value. They bear colorful and fragrant flowers and some have colorful and fragrant barks as well. These trees do not bear fruit and their wood does not have much commercial value as well.

Ornamental trees are not too large so they are perfect for a little yard. Let us take a look at some gorgeous ornamental trees.

Star Magnolia

• This tree is native to Japan. Its scientific name is Magnolia stellata. Star magnolia has a slow growth rate. It blooms during early spring and gives off beautiful large white and pink flowers. This tree grows up to 1.5 to 2.5 meters tall and spreads up to 4.6 meters in width when fully matured. Due to its small size and beautiful appearance, it is ideal for landscaping near the house.

Japanese Maples

• This species of ornamental trees are native to Japan, China, Korea, and Russia. However, the soil and climate of the USA are ideal for its growth. Japanese maple is a colorful tree. Its maple-shaped leaves grow in multiple colors such as red, pink, orange, crimson, blood-red, yellowish-green, and different shades of peach and cream. Its thick foliage contrasts beautifully with any scenery.

Callery Pear

• This is a fruitless tree but it bears beautiful white flowers. Callery pear is a type of pear tree that is native to China and Vietnam. It grows to be 5-8 meters in height and has a round or conical crown. The crown of a fully mature tree is 9-13 meters wide.

Crabapple

• Crabapple is an ideal fit for small spaces. They grow up to 20 feet and bear pink buds that later grow into beautiful white flowers. White is the most common color, but some crabapple trees bear red, magenta, or pink flowers as well. Flowers have a sweet fragrance that fills the area when they fully blossom.

They bloom during summer and have thick foliage until fall. There are 30-55 different varieties of crabapple trees such of which bear fruit. The fruit ripens from late summer to mid-fall. The edible fruit is red in color and resembles small cherries.

Redbud:

• It is a large deciduous shrub or a small tree. Also known as Eastern redbud, this tree is native to North America. It blossoms mauve-pink flowers which add beauty to any landscape. The height of the redbud varies between 6 to 9 meters and the crown expands to 8-10 meters in width. This tree blossoms in April and May. in some cultures, the flowers of the tree are eaten both raw and cooked for their healing properties.

For more guidance on tree care, visit American Tree Inc. We offer tree pruning, cabling, bracing, nutrient, and pest management services in Mont Clair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091.