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Boost blooms & banish blandness – Your guide to using organic fertilizers like a pro

Organic fertilizers contain natural materials, some of which can be sourced from the backyard. They contribute to the prolonged well-being of the soil, posing fewer risks to water supplies and the delicate microorganisms inhabiting the soil. Keep reading to explore different types of organic fertilizers and their appropriate usage.

Types of Organic Fertilizers

• Organic fertilizers typically fall into three main categories: animal-derived, plant-based, and mineral-based.

Let’s explore each one in detail.

Plant-Based Fertilizers

• Plant-based fertilizers, particularly compost, are among the simplest to produce at home. Compost can be made from kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, grass clippings, and other plant-based materials. The N-P-K ratio of compost varies based on its composition but is generally around 1-1-1, providing a well-balanced additive for gardens. Beyond its role as a fertilizer, compost enhances soil texture, promoting better water absorption.

Other plant-based fertilizers include kelp or seaweed meal, corn gluten meal, and alfalfa meal. Corn gluten meal is commonly applied to lawns and has shown weed-suppressing properties in addition to fertilization benefits. A noteworthy category of plant-based fertilizers is cover crops planted before or after a main crop in a vegetable bed. These crops minimize water run-off, prevent erosion, boost soil organic matter, and aid nutrient retention. Some, like clover, contribute to nitrogen fixation, enhancing its availability to plant roots.

Animal By-Products

• Among the well-known organic fertilizers, animal by-products are a prominent category. Manure, derived from animals such as horses, cows, rabbits, or chickens, is widely utilized. Additionally, bat guano and worm castings (manure) are highly valued resources for garden enrichment. Various animal by-products include meals derived from bones, blood, or feathers of commercially slaughtered animals.

Fish emulsion and products containing shellfish are also used as fertilizers. The N-P-K ratio of animal-based fertilizers varies. Chicken manure, for instance, has an approximate ratio of 3-2.5-1.5, while cow manure presents a ratio of 1-1-1. Seaweed contributes a balanced ratio of trace minerals, and blood meal is nitrogen-rich, promoting early-season growth.

Mineral-Based Fertilizers

• Mineral-based products are frequently utilized to address specific issues in gardening. One prevalent scenario involves soil pH, where the soil may lean towards acidity or alkalinity. Most gardens are around neutrality (pH 7.0). However, when aiming to cultivate acid-loving plants like blueberries or hydrangeas, altering the pH becomes essential.

Aluminum sulfate is used to lower pH, and lime to increase it. Rock phosphate is another common mineral-based fertilizer that enriches the soil with phosphate. Greensand is extracted from the ocean floor and contains iron oxide, magnesia, lime, and various trace minerals, fostering plant growth.

How to Apply Organic Fertilizers?

• Organic fertilizers can be applied more generously to your plants. When using store-bought products, it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided. If you’re using homemade fertilizer, exercise caution, particularly when using manure. Allow the manure to age for four months to a year before applying it to your plants. Aged manure can be introduced into holes for planting shrubs or trees, scattered around mature plantings, or placed next to cultivated vegetables throughout the year.

For granular fertilizers like Greensand, a hand broadcaster can facilitate application in larger gardens, or you can evenly distribute handfuls around your plants. For greensand, it’s suggested to apply 50-100 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Some gardeners advocate for foliar feeding, involving dissolving fertilizer in water and spraying it on plant leaves. Compost tea, a popular variation, can be made by dissolving compost or worm castings in a five-gallon bucket filled with water.

Improve your tree growth 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.

Learn the art of enhancing tree health – 5 must-know cabling and bracing techniques

Tree cabling and bracing are common practices essential for the preservation and prolonged lifespan of trees. As trees age or undergo stress from factors such as storms, structural weaknesses can occur. In such scenarios, tree cabling and bracing supplies a dependable solution to bolster weak branches and mitigate risks of property damage and injury. Keep reading to learn how cabling and bracing improve tree health.

Promote The Well-Being Of Your Trees

• Tree cabling and bracing are strategies used to offer support to trees struggling with structural concerns. This technique is particularly advantageous for mature trees with vulnerable branches jeopardizing their overall health and stability. In addition, tree cabling and bracing play a crucial role in extending the life of trees.

Cabling involves installing flexible steel cables between major branches, mitigating excessive movement caused by factors such as wind or dense foliage. In contrast, bracing involves the use of threaded rods or braces to support weak or split branches, diminishing the risk of failure. Both techniques strengthen the compromised sections of the tree, enhancing its ability to withstand environmental pressures and ensuring its enduring health.

Decrease The Risk Of Damage

• Tree cabling prevents the risk of damage caused by falling trees and protects homes, vehicles, and human lives. On the other hand, damaged trees can fall without warning, posing a significant threat to anyone in their way, including severe damage to parked cars.

In situations where a tree is at risk of falling in places where it shouldn’t, it is advisable to hire the services of a professional arborist to evaluate the tree’s needs and determine if cabling is a suitable option. Taking proactive measures can help prevent a potential incident from occurring.

Protect The Legacy Of Mature Trees

• Mature trees contribute to visual aesthetics and play an ecological role by providing shade, enhancing air quality, and serving as habitats for diverse wildlife species. Unfortunately, the aging process, diseases, and external factors such as storms cause mature trees to become more vulnerable to structural challenges. In the absence of proper care and support, trees endure irreversible damage or, in severe cases, necessitate removal.

Tree cabling and bracing is an effective solution for preserving mature trees with compromised structures. Through strategic reinforcement of weak branches and restriction of excessive movement, these techniques strengthen the tree to maintain its natural form while mitigating the risk of branch failure. This preservation approach ensures the longevity of the green spaces, keeping them vibrant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for generations to come.

Stimulate More Fruit Production

• Trees that bear heavy fruit loads can strain their branches and increase the risk of breakage. Cabling provides additional support to heavy branches to distribute the weight of the fruit load evenly, preventing damage and promoting healthy growth.

As a result, a significant increase is seen in the fruit yield of trees such as apples, plums, pears, and quince. This technique is particularly useful for older fruit trees with weaker branches.

Promote Healthy Growth

• Heavy wind can often eradicate the tops of older trees, leaving them vulnerable. However, cabling strengthens the structural integrity of a tree, promoting healthy growth and prolonging its lifespan.

In addition, cabling helps to distribute the weight of the tree’s crown, reducing the risk of branch failure and damage. As a result, the tree can continue to thrive and grow to its maximum potential.

At American Tree Experts, Inc., we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our tree cabling service makes sure that your trees are secured and protected. Our most sought-after 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.

Read this before it’s too late – Signs pointing to essential tree removal

While trees offer numerous advantages, they can also pose hazards. As trees age or suffer damage, they can turn into potential threats to people and property. It’s crucial to recognize specific signs indicating the need for tree removal before removing a tree from your yard. Explore the top signs that indicate your tree requires removal.

The Presence Of Dead Or Dying Branches

• The presence of dead or dying branches in a tree is often indicative of damage to its root zone. Factors such as saturated soil, compaction, or increased levels of salts can weaken trees, leading to branch death or the death of the entire tree. Identifying a dead or dying tree involves observing visible signs like peeling bark, absence of leaves or buds in spring, and stunted growth.

Dead branches on the tree may be present, posing a risk of breakage and potential harm to people or property. While these signs may seem subtle, it’s crucial to treat them seriously, as a dead tree poses significant risks to the surrounding area. Dead or dying trees should be promptly removed as they can become increasingly unstable and hazardous over time.

Leafless Tree Branches

• Another sign of a dying tree is a lack of foliage or leafless branches. A dying tree shows only brown and brittle leaves during the growing season. Instead of dropping onto the ground, the dead leaves cling to the branches till winter. A stressed or dying evergreen tree will have red, yellow, or brown leaves.

However, leafless branches on one side of the tree could hint towards root damage or the presence of the pest. Dead leaves indicate an obstructed supply of nutrients from within the tree. Sometimes, the damage is irreversible and requires tree removal.

Signs of Structural Issues

• A tree exhibiting significant structural issues, such as multiple trunks, deep cracks, or a noticeable lean, increases the risk of falling. Trees with compromised structural integrity, especially those with large branches, can pose threats not only to buildings and vehicles but also to pedestrians and nearby homeowners.

When evaluating trees for structural problems, it’s crucial to assess the strength of their limbs and branches. Even if the tree trunk appears structurally sound, weakly attached or dead branches may break and fall unexpectedly, posing risks of property damage and injury. If any of these warning signs are observed, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a certified arborist or a professional tree removal service. They can conduct a tree risk assessment to determine the necessary actions.

Presences of Pests and Fungus

• Trees that are in the process of dying or under stress are a host to pests, including carpenter ants and beetles. Dead or dying branches are the preferred habitat for insects and pests. The depressed or discolored areas usually indicate fungus growth or bacterial infections. Cankers or mushrooms growing at the base of a tree are signs of trouble. They indicate tree rot in the trunk or roots.

Over time, the decay and rot will spread further within the tree, leading to a structural problem. It is crucial to consult with an arborist and opt for professional services if you are considering tree removal. An arborist will provide information about the tree’s health and the best way to remove it. In addition, an arborist will provide insight into the potential impacts of tree removal on the adjoining properties.

To get the most professional and affordable tree removal services, get in touch with American Tree Experts Inc. We are one of the best tree pruning and removal services in Montclair, New Jersey. Contact us today at (973) 774-6091 and book your consultation with our qualified arborists and specialists.

Explore the perils of winter – A guide on ‘what’ winter tree damage is and ‘how’ to thwart it!

While trees are generally resilient and stay dormant during winter, they are susceptible to damage from harsh winter conditions. Frost, ice, and dry air during the colder months can adversely affect various tree species. Excessive winter damage may lead to struggles for survival, even as the warmer months approach. This article provides information about tree damage to help you identify potential issues.

Snow Damage To Roots

• Extreme cold temperatures can be harmful to tree roots. As the soil temperature drops fairly low, the roots begin to damage and eventually die. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Therefore, it is better to water your trees properly in the fall. Mulch your trees before winter, and pay particular attention to young and shallow-rooted trees.

Frost heaving can expose the tree roots to cold air. Therefore, it is a good idea to lay a 2-4 inch layer of mulch under trees. Mulch will act as an insulator to protect the tree from cold. However, it is better to avoid mulching around the trunk. Otherwise, the mice may use it as shelter.

Damaged Caused by Temperature Fluctuations

• Plants undergo dormancy in winter, shedding leaves and greenery, but trees remain exposed to the cold. However, it’s not the extreme cold that harms trees the most. It’s the rapid temperature fluctuations.

Gradual changes allow trees to acclimate, but sudden shifts, especially from warm to extremely cold, can cause significant damage. A mostly mild winter with a sudden cold snap can be more devastating than a consistently cold one. Understanding these temperature dynamics is crucial for protecting trees during the winter season.

Impact of Low Temperatures

• A tree’s response to low temperatures is tied to its species and the climate zone. Native and hardy trees are accustomed to specific climate zones, so low temperatures pose minimal risk. These trees are naturally equipped to withstand the temperatures they encounter. However, non-native trees may suffer damage in climates beyond their natural range.

Consider planting less hardy trees in slightly shaded areas, such as around your house, a barn, or other trees. Statistics show that temperature fluctuations pose a more significant risk to non-native trees than extreme cold. However, except for very young trees, simple cold temperatures are unlikely to lead to a tree’s demise. Understanding these distinctions aids in effective tree management during winter.

Damage Caused By Snow and Ice

However, if the snow is frozen in place, avoid attempting removal, as it may cause more harm than good. Ice, on the other hand, can be more problematic for trees. While regular icing is usually well-tolerated by native trees, severe ice storms may result in cracks and damage. Attempting to force ice off a tree can be detrimental. It’s advisable to let it melt naturally to prevent additional harm. You can take proactive measures to protect your trees during winter by differentiating the impact of snow and ice.

At American Tree Experts Inc., we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our other most sought-after 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.

Branch out from beginner – 5 creative types of tree pruning to impress your neighborhood

Tree pruning offers numerous advantages, ensuring the health and strength of your trees. Removing heavy branches or diseased limbs can enhance the resistance to diseases. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook the importance of professional tree trimming or pruning until it becomes urgent. This article highlights different types of tree pruning and their importance.

An Overview of Tree Pruning

• Tree pruning removes dead, diseased, and loose tree branches to help protect against pests and diseases and promote growth. The branches that cross over one another or interfere with other parts of the tree are also removed.

This process enhances the shape, aesthetics, and health of a tree. Incorrect pruning, especially by untrained individuals, can stunt the plant’s growth, lead to pests, or even death of the tree. Therefore, trees should be pruned by arborists with proper training and experience to ensure optimal pruning without cutting unnecessary branches.

Importance of Tree Pruning

• Regular trimming reduces the number of overgrown branches, allowing you to assess the tree’s physical health better. This lets you quickly detect a disease or insect infestation and identify if something is wrong with the tree.
• Trimming the unwanted branches will result in healthier fruit production. In addition, the decreased competition for nutrients and energy strengthens the fruit-bearing branches of the tree, allowing the tree to produce nutrient-rich and flavorful fruit.
• Tree pruning can significantly influence the growth pattern of a tree. A tree can be guided to develop a specific arrangement of limbs and branches, which is more beneficial for its overall structural integrity. This careful maintenance reduces the risk of limb breakage and falling branches.
• The energy a tree produces through photosynthesis is determined by the sunlight reaching its leaves. The tree cannot produce enough energy if overgrown branches block the sunlight. The amount of sunlight that reaches the leaves can be improved by trimming the unwanted branches.

Types of Tree Pruning

The common types of tree pruning include:

Crown Thinning

• Crown thinning is a substantial tree pruning technique that eliminates smaller, weaker limbs from the upper sections of the tree. This action opens the tree canopy, enhancing air circulation and permitting more light to reach the lower branches and leaves.

Dead Pruning

• Removing dead, dying, or diseased branches is a crucial aspect of tree care. Dead pruning eliminates infected limbs and enhances the visual appeal of the trees, instantly elevating your property’s curb appeal. The risk of injury to human life and property is also reduced by eradicating all dead branches.

Crown Reduction

• Crown reduction is the ideal solution when the overall height of your trees is a cause for concern. This pruning method involves the removal of small branches attached to larger, heavier branches, preventing the trees from becoming excessively top-heavy.

Crown reduction is particularly useful for younger trees. Trimming the top part of young trees helps them grow tall and strong without the extra weight of small branches.

Crown Lifting

• Crown lifting is a pruning technique designed to eliminate low-hanging branches and limbs that exert downward pressure on higher ones. Typically applied to trees extending over sidewalks, roads, or homes, this process is more suitable for younger trees, as it may prove detrimental to larger, more mature ones.

Pollarding

• Pollarding is a pruning method that removes all branches, leaving behind a framework of secondary branches along the main stem. This is done when trees are still young and continues regularly throughout their lifespan. Pollarding yields a steady supply of small-diameter poles without causing harm to the tree, ensuring sustainable tree management.

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.

Why you should care – The hidden dangers of tree fungus and how to stop them

Your trees face various challenges throughout their lifetime, including the tree fungus. These fungi manifest in diverse forms, from seemingly benign shelf mushrooms to the more deadly Rhizosphaera Needle Cast. While you can’t completely cure a tree of fungus, you can restore your tree’s health and vitality. Read this guide to identify and mitigate the impact of tree fungus to keep your trees healthy and thriving.

What is Tree fungus?

• Fungi are diverse spore-producing organisms and thrive on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. These fungal species grow across North America and worldwide. Fungal infections can occur in several ways. For instance, mushrooms on a tree trunk often indicate the presence of wood decay fungi.

These infections can impact any part of a tree, resulting in infected branches, discolored tree bark, or dead wood. However, many fungi play beneficial roles, actively participating in decomposition and nutrient cycling within diverse ecosystems. Additionally, these fungi contribute to carbon dioxide fixation in the soil, preventing climate change.

Types of Fungi

• While many fungi establish friendly relationships with trees in symbiosis, certain types of fungi can pose a threat and cause substantial damage. Two particularly hazardous types of fungus are root rot and collar rot, each capable of wreaking havoc on trees. Let’s explore these menacing varieties:

1. Root Rot

• Root rot targets the roots of trees and indoor and outdoor plants. Infected tree roots transform, becoming slimy and mushy, hindering their ability to absorb water, oxygen, and nutrients.

Various fungi contribute to root rot, including:

Armillaria (Shoestring Fungus)

• They affect various plants, including palms, succulents, and trees. Initial signs include dropping leaves, yellowing, and upper limb dieback.

Phytophthora

• They typically infect trees and plants in poorly drained areas, leading to rapidly wilting and dying leaves and branches, especially in heat.

Pythium

• Often linked to grass die-off but can also infect conifers and hardwoods, causing leaf, branch, and limb loss or stunted growth.

Fusarium

• Commonly associated with stressed or injured trees, causing wilting, yellowing leaves, and decayed roots in various tree species.

Rhizoctonia

• Primarily impacts seedlings and young trees, while rot symptoms in older trees may be attributed to another fungus.

Thielaviopsis (Black Root Rot)

• Particularly threatening to palms, this fungus consumes the plant from the inside out, ultimately leading to its collapse.

They are typically associated with areas of poor drainage or persistent moisture. Addressing the issue promptly with expert guidance can often save the tree from irreversible damage.

2. Collar Rot

• Collar rot is a fungal infection that targets the collar. The collar is the portion right above the ground that widens beneath the trunk and above the root flare. The collar requires its place above ground to receive essential light nutrients and, crucially, to remain dry. Excessive water exposure or burial in the soil creates a favorable environment for collar rot. While Phytophthora is a common cause, several other species, both host-specific and more general, can contribute to collar rot.

Fruit trees, in particular, face increased vulnerability. Recognizing collar rot involves identifying symptoms such as cankers on the trunk between the soil line and crown roots, scattered yellow leaves appearing mid-season, a reddish or purple tint in the foliage by late September, and sparse foliage coupled with reduced vigor.

If you fear that your trees and plants are suffering from fungus, then waste no time and contact American Tree Experts. We provide effective and proactive Disease Management for plants and trees. Call us at (973) 744-6091 to get a free estimate of our services. We operate in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

The pros and cons of treating nutrient deficiencies in trees – Making informed decisions

Nutrient deficiencies commonly occur when plants do not receive a sufficient supply of essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development. Without these nutrients, plants will fail to grow, become susceptible to diseases, and show symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. Keep reading to explore signs that indicate your tree needs prompt nutrient supply.

Signs of Nitrogen Deficiency

• When trees lack nitrogen, a noticeable yellowing of leaves becomes apparent. This is known as chlorosis. Also, leaves may exhibit more vibrant fall colors and premature drop, and the tree might produce small fruit.

Addressing nitrogen deficiencies involves fertilization, either through surface broadcasting or, preferably, deep-root fertilization. This treatment ensures nitrogen reaches the tree’s roots, subsequently being absorbed. It’s advisable to periodically address nitrogen deficiency in the soil for sustained tree health.

Signs of Phosphorus (P) Deficiency

Phosphorus is the second key element in fertilizers, and plants absorb it primarily in phosphate. This nutrient plays a crucial role in various processes, including:

• Promotes photosynthesis
• Facilitates protein formation
• Supporting seed germination
• Stimulates blooming
• Expedites the budding phase

Furthermore, phosphorus leads to faster plant maturity. Plants experiencing a deficiency in phosphorus show distinctive signs, such as a purple or bronze discoloration on the undersides of older leaves. This coloration results from the accumulation of the pigment Anthocyanin. Affected plants exhibit slow growth and stunted development compared to their healthy counterparts.

Signs of Iron Deficiency

• When trees and shrubs lack iron, the yellowing of leaves occurs. However, this yellowing is inconsistent across the leaf or the entire tree. The veins remain dark in iron-deficient leaves, while the surrounding tissue transitions to light green or yellow. Some trees may display symptoms on a single branch while the rest of the tree appears unaffected.

Treatment options include surface applications, deep root injection, and foliar sprays. High soil pH can exacerbate iron deficiency, rendering it unavailable for plants. This is often observed in soil around new buildings contaminated by lime in mortar from block, brick, or stucco, raising the pH and limiting iron availability. In such cases, addressing soil pH is crucial to making nutrients accessible for optimal plant health.

Signs of Manganese Deficiency

• Trees experiencing a shortage of manganese display symptoms similar to iron deficiency, with yellow leaves featuring green veins. Additionally, these leaves may appear wilted, and the fruit may be smaller than usual.

Treatment options involve foliar sprays and soil applications. Like iron, manganese becomes less available in soils with high pH, necessitating attention when pH limits manganese availability.

Signs of Potassium (K) Deficiency

• Potassium is another major component in fertilizers and is needed by plants to support sugar formation for protein synthesis, cell division, and root development. Additionally, potassium makes plants more resistant to diseases and pests.

A deficiency of potassium appears in the form of leaf edge chlorosis on newly matured leaves. If the deficiency is not promptly addressed, necrosis spreads from the leaf edge to the midrib. The chlorosis associated with potassium deficiency is irreversible even if potassium is supplied to plants.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiency

• It’s essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by factors such as pests, diseases, or environmental stress. So, it’s advisable to have a professional, such as an arborist, evaluate the tree and conduct a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies and develop a proper treatment plan.

To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized plant healthcare program and look after your trees as best as possible. Call us at (973) 774-6091 today for a free quote for all your tree-related needs.