Here is a list of 5 trees with catkins, learn how to recognize them

A catkin is a slim and cylindrical flower cluster. It is responsible for reproduction in plants. It is usually devoid of petals or has inconspicuous petals. Most catkins are wind-pollinated, while some are insect-pollinated. Catkins enable the female flowers to be pollinated as pollen from the male flowers is carried over to the female flower.

Read more below to know which trees have catkins and how they can be identified.

Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• The alder tree has both male and female flowers simultaneously. The catkins having male flowers can grow up to 6cm long. When the catkins are young, they have a greenish color. As they mature, the color changes to yellow.

The female flower is comparatively small. It is about one cm in length and is red in color. Its surface is covered with hair-like structures. After pollination, its color changes to brown. It becomes the alder cone that houses the seeds. The alder tree with its cones is a pleasant sight which is why it is a preferred garden tree. A professional tree pruning service can be hired to prune the tree so that it grows perfectly.

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

• Hazel is a flowering shrub. Although it has male and female flowers simultaneously on the same plant, it cannot self-fertilize. Hazel catkins appear similar to alder catkins, and also have male flowers on the catkins.

The female flower has a bud shaped like a small vase with red filaments sticking out. When pollination occurs successfully, these buds become hazel nuts during the autumn season.

Silver birch (Betula pendula)

• Silver birch is perhaps the most common and popular tree that has catkins. It is monoecious which means male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Male catkins are four-five cm in length and have a yellow-brown color. At the end of shoots, these male catkins hang in groups of two-four, looking like lambs’ tails. If you are allergic to pollen, then you must avoid planting this tree in your garden.

Female catkins are comparatively smaller and shorter than male catkins. Before maturing they are short, bright green, and erect. After pollination occurs they get thicker, and their color changes to dark crimson. The seeds of silver birch appear to have small wings. These are produced in masses and look as if they are flying on a windy summer day.

White willow (Salix alba)

• The white willow is a dioecious tree. Dioecious means that male and female flowers grow on separate trees. In early spring, the catkins start appearing. The male catkins have a length of about four-five cm while the female catkins have a length of three-four cm. The female catkins are narrower than their male counterparts.

Pollination usually occurs by insects, and the female catkins grow in length. They develop seeds that are enclosed in tiny feathery cases. These feathery attachments help the seeds travel to far-off places with the help of the wind.

Pedunculate oak  (Quercus robr)

• Oak trees are the most recognizable trees, particularly due to the acorns they produce. It might come as a surprise to most people but oak trees also have catkins. They are less densely packed compared to other trees.

Male catkins are six cm in length, are yellow, and grow length-wise hanging down from the branches. The female flowers are comparatively much smaller and have long filaments to catch the pollen. After pollination occurs, these turn into acorns.

American Tree Experts Inc is a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. We look after your trees in the best way possible. Contact us at 973-774-6091 today and get a free quote for all your tree-related needs.

Here is the list of the top 10 endangered trees

Due to climate change, deforestation, and over-exploitation it is estimated that almost 1,000 species of trees will face extinction within the next decade. When a tree becomes extinct, it also affects the ecosystem negatively. It is our duty to promote conservation and reforestation efforts to minimize this number.

Let us take a look at the top ten endangered trees below.

Araucaria Araucana (Monkey Puzzle)

• A large number of trees are commonly known as Araucaria. They are popular garden trees. They are evergreen conifers and can grow in a variety of environmental conditions. They are particularly preferred in gardens due to their appearance, low maintenance, and adaptability. If you have an araucaria in your home, you can enhance its beauty by hiring a professional tree pruning company.

The Monkey Puzzle Conifer is native to Argentina and the lower slopes of the Andes in Chile. The Monkey Puzzle is one of the endangered trees because it has lost a considerable area of its natural habitat to fire, deforestation, and volcanic eruptions. The tree’s seeds are edible, its resin has medicinal properties, and its wood is used as a building material. The monkey puzzle conifer has been known to exist since the time of the dinosaurs.

Magnolia Officinalis (Magnolia)

• There are about 245 species of Magnolia trees. However, about 131 of them are classified as endangered trees and vulnerable. They are on the verge of extinction unless protective measures are taken to protect them. The Magnolia tree is native to the temperate mountains and valleys of China.

This tree has medicinal properties and has been used extensively for making traditional medicines. The bark of this tree has been used as medicine since ancient times. The medicines made from the Magnolia tree help treat stress, anxiety, colds, coughs, and allergy symptoms. Tree reforestation not only helps prevent extinction but has several other benefits as well.

Taxus Brevifolia (Pacific Yew)

• Pacific Yew is used as a key ingredient in paclitaxel which is a cancer drug. Due to over-exploitation, this tree is on the verge of extinction. In the 1960s around 15,000 plants were chosen for testing due to their medicinal properties. About five made it to advanced testing and only one made it to the pharmacies which is the Pacific Yew.

Pacific Yew was once considered a weed tree. It looked scrawny and insignificant, however, its true potential was realized only when it succeeded in medicinal testing. Now it is one of the endangered trees of the world.

Caesalpinia Echinata (Pau Brasil)

• The Pau Brasil tree is also classified as highly vulnerable and is one of the endangered trees at the risk of extinction in the near future. The wood from this tree was used in making cellos, violas, and violins. Its wood is considered top quality due to its resonance, beauty, and flexibility. It was also used to make high-quality stringed instrument bows.

The Pau Brasil is only found in Brazil, which exacerbates its endangered status. The bark of this tree was used to create pigments. The tree was specially imported into Europe in the 1800s. Realizing this tree’s vulnerability, bowmakers in Europe and North America are promoting Pau Brasil’s reforestation and conservation efforts.

Swietenia Macrophylla (Big Leaf Mahogany)

• The Big Leaf Mahogany is native to Central America. Since the 1950s this tree’s population has declined by 70% and is now considered one of the endangered trees. This is due to weak regulations for the prohibition and prevention of deforestation. The wood of this tree is famous for making fine quality furniture since the 16th century. The main qualities of this tree’s wood include resistance to rot, durability, and exceptional strength.

The tree has a massive buttress. Its roots are able to support trunks reaching 200 feet in height. It has huge leaves that are made up of several leaflets. This is why it has the name Big Leaf Mahogany.

American Tree Experts Inc provides professional tree pruning and nutrient management services. Contact them today at 973-774-6091 and find out how they can help your trees thrive and grow.

Read on to learn about the most frequent nutrient deficiencies in trees, as well as how to diagnose and correct them

An adequate supply of nutrients helps plants grow properly and protects against various diseases. A plant absorbs a majority of the nutrients via roots in the soil. Therefore, the soil must be regularly mixed with fertilizers and compost. Read below to identify the most common nutrient deficiencies in plants.

Nitrogen Deficiency

• Nitrogen is a core nutrient for plants, as it helps with the growth of leafy foliage. The plant absorbs most of the nitrogen through the soil via its extensive roots. Nitrogen is highly water-soluble. If there is a long rain spell during the winter season, nitrogen is at risk of being washed out of the soil.

This situation will result in a nitrogen deficiency in the soil and, consequently, a deficiency in the plant itself. Following the winter season, the plant would require an adequate nitrogen supply for growing its new shoots and leaves for the spring season.

• If a plant experiences nitrogen deficiency, its leaves turn yellowish and sometimes have pink dots. The plant’s growth is stunted, and it appears spindly. If your plant has yellow leaves during the spring season, it is experiencing a nitrogen deficiency.

A nitrogen deficiency can be cured by thoroughly mixing manure or compost in the soil. You can also add nitrogen fertilizers by yourselves or hire the services of a professional tree nutrient management company.

Potassium Deficiency

• Potassium is essential for managing the water uptake process from the plant’s roots and regulating photosynthesis. Photosynthesis allows the plants to utilize sunlight and convert it into energy.

Potassium also aids in promoting the plant’s flowering, hardiness, and fruiting. A plant experiencing potassium deficiency will have yellow leaves with brown edges. The plant will also exhibit less than normal amounts of flowers and fruits.

• If the soil is sandy and chalky, then a potassium deficiency is highly likely as this type of soil is unable to hold potassium. To cure a plant suffering from potassium deficiency, consider using sulphate of potash (fertilizer) or compost made using tomato feed and sugar beet.

Phosphorus Deficiency

• Phosphorus deficiency causes a plant to have slowed growth in addition to dull yellowish foliage. It also affects the plant’s roots thus affecting water and nutrient uptake. This results in more nutrient deficiencies for the plant.

Experts believe that soil shortages of phosphorus are uncommon, but not unheard of. If your area experiences high rainfall, and majority of the soil is heavy clay then phosphorus may be deficient in your soil. Super-phosphate and bone metal fertilizers can be used to return phosphorus levels to normal in the soil.

Magnesium Deficiency

• Apples, tomatoes, grape vines, roses, raspberries, and rhododendrons are more prone to experience a magnesium deficiency. You will notice that the leaves are turning yellow, and have a reddish-brown tint near the veins. This is more prominent during the early autumn season.

It is important to differentiate the warning signs of a diseased plant from the warning signs of a nutrient deficient plant before starting the plant’s treatment. Magnesium allows a plant to have green and healthy foliage, as well as to efficiently carry out photosynthesis. If the soil in your area is light and sandy, then there might be a magnesium deficiency.

• Magnesium deficiency can be remedied by using Epsom salt and dolomite limestone. However, you should take precautions as overuse might damage your plant instead of curing it of magnesium deficiency.

Manganese and Iron Deficiency

• Manganese and iron are required for efficient photosynthesis by the plant. It aids the conversion of water and light into energy thus helping the plant grow healthily. A manganese and iron deficiency causes the leaves to turn yellow with brownish edges.

It is difficult for a plant to absorb manganese and iron from soil that is alkaline in nature. This problem is most prominent in Ericaceous plants. To get rid of this problem, simply add manganese and chelated iron treatments such as Sequestrene to the soil and near the plant roots.

If you suspect that your plants and trees are experiencing a nutrient deficiency, then why not get in touch with American Tree Experts Inc today. Call us at 973-774-6091 and let our nutrient management experts help you bring your garden back to life.

Here is the list of 5 warning signs of a dead tree as well as precautionary measures to save them

Most homeowners plant trees to improve the overall appearance of their yards and gardens. Growing a tree requires significant care and time. Sometimes trees can get affected by disease and parasites. If preventive measures are taken promptly, then the tree can be saved from being cut. Read here below about the 5 warning signs displayed by a dead tree.

Damaged Leaves

• The most prominent sign displayed by a dead tree is damaged leaves. Leaves can appear damaged in many ways. They may appear discolored, look shriveled, have abnormal growths or even fall too early. The exact nature of damage varies from tree to tree.

If your tree is in its early stages of the disease, then the damage might not be too apparent for you to notice. The best way to detect whether your tree is dead or dying is to regularly inspect your tree, its leaves, and its branches. You should familiarize yourself with what your tree looks like during normal periods.

• You can even search for images on Google to know what your healthy tree looks like. Alternatively, you can take a picture of a leaf that you suspect is damaged. You can upload this image on Google Image search and see if your tree is suffering from a disease or not.

Leaves & Shoot Grow Out From The Lower End Of Branches

• Most botanists believe that diseases in trees often start from the leaves and spread elsewhere. If you notice leaf and shoot growth from the lower end of the branches or at the lower end of the tree’s stem then there is something wrong with your tree.

Tree’s have an energy reserve that they can use for emergencies. The disease is affecting the tree’s ability to grow and flourish. The tree cannot normally grow leaves and shoot. Therefore it starts growing them in other places. This is an attempt by the tree to survive. If certain tree branches are affected by a disease, you can consider hiring a professional tree pruning service to fix this problem.

Decline In Leaf Cover & Shaded Area

• A tree that has been affected by the disease and pests will lose its leaf cover and shaded area. The general rule of thumb is that if a tree loses more than 30% of its leaf cover then it is beyond saving. The decline in leaf cover can be due to both diseases and parasites and insects.

If this problem is not rectified timely, the tree can die out quickly. This is because a tree needs leaves for photosynthesis that converts sunlight into energy. If you suspect your tree has a declining lead cover, then you should first know what it looks like during a normal spring season. An internet search will help you see this.

• Next, you should walk about a mile away from your tree and try to see if its leaf cover is appropriate according to its height. If you see through the tree’s leaves, then it means your tree is suffering from a leaf cover decline.

Too Many Dead Branches

• If you notice too many dead branches on your tree, then it means that your tree is suffering from stress. This stress can be due to disease, parasites, and even insects. This stress is causing the tree to be unable to grow any leaves or branches, thus losing its ability to do photosynthesis effectively. Similarly, if you notice a hole in the canopy, then you should immediately take measures to save your tree.

The best way to determine if your tree has too many dead branches is to position yourself near the trunk of the tree. Next, you have to look up and try to see if all the branches have adequate leaf cover. If they don’t, then you must take preventive measures to save your tree before it has to be cut down.

Leaves Changing Color Too Early

• During a normal growth lifecycle, leaves change color. They start as light green, become dark green when fully matured, and turn yellow or brown when they are about to fall. Some trees have leaves of different colors and are planted for their ornamental beauty.

If you notice that your tree’s leaves are changing color earlier than they should, then it could be a sign of an underlying problem such as a tree disease. If the tree detects it has diseased leaves, it will attempt to get rid of them. It helps the tree stop the disease at the source and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the tree.

• Experts recommend hiring a professional tree pruning service to inspect your tree and effectively cut out all the diseased branches. If you are worried your trees are affected by the disease, then contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are one of the best tree pruning and cutting services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-774-6091 for a free quote.

Read on to discover a list of fastest growing trees that improve the appearance of your yard

Not all trees are slow growers, and you don’t have to wait for decades until you can enjoy its beautiful blooming flowers and fruit. Read more below about the top five fastest-growing trees that you should consider planting in your yard. They will add beauty to your yard’s appearance and improve the fertility of the soil and attract a variety of wildlife.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

• Rowan is commonly planted in public parks and areas because of its beautiful burnt red autumn foliage. It has a distinct brownish silver bark. When it is fully matured, it grows to be 8-15m in height while its annual growth rate is about 20-40cm. The tree blooms bunches of white flowers during the spring season and then bears orange and red berries.

The fruit is edible and is often used to make rowan jelly. It is full of essential nutrients and is considered a treat by most homeowners. Rowan’s flowers and fruits attract many wildlife and a variety of insects. Caterpillars eat their leaves, while pollen and nectar attract bees and insects.

• You can expect to see redwing, mistle thrush, and blackbird eating its fruit on a usual summer day. This tree can adapt to a wide variety of soil conditions, but well-drained soil is the perfect fit for it. The beauty of this tree can be enhanced by hiring a professional tree pruning service for regular cuttings.

Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• Alder is one of the most popular trees among homeowners for their yard. Its height is about 20cm when fully matured, while its annual growth rate is 60cm. It has a pyramid shape with rounded dark green leaves.

It bears groups of pinecone look-alike fruits that stay on its branches during the winter. Alder is known to increase soil fertility due to its amazing root system. Thus it can increase the overall health of your yard’s plants. In addition to its beautiful appearance, Alder attracts a variety of birds and wildlife.

• The catkins produced by this tree are a source of food and pollen for bees and birds such as goldfinch and siskin. If you suffer from a pollen allergy, then you should avoid planting this tree. Alder can tolerate both damp and dry soil conditions. If the soil is damp, it can grow to a full tree. However, if the soil is usually dry, it grows into a bush.

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

• The hazel tree grows to about 10m in height when fully matured and has an annual growth rate of about 40-60cm. The hazel tree produces the famous hazelnuts, which can be used as an important ingredient in many recipes.

The hazel tree attracts woodpeckers, jays, squirrels, wood mice, and bank voles that feast on its nuts. This tree requires regular pruning and care. It is shade tolerant and grows well in well-drained non-acidic soil.

Common beech (Fagus sylvatica)

• The common beech tree is famous for its copper-bronze-colored leaves during the winter season. Unlike most other trees, these leaves remain on the branches until the next season when the tree grows new leaves. At maturity, this tree can achieve a height of 40m with an annual growth rate of 30-60cm.

In addition to its appearance, this tree is planted because its seeds attract squirrels and birds. This tree requires well-drained soil and can thrive in direct sun as well as partial shade. However, if the soil is damp or waterlogged, then this tree will not survive.

Silver birch (Betula pendula)

• The silver birch is known for its uniquely-shaped leaves and their changing color through different seasons. The leaves start as green, turn yellow during pre-fall, and are finally golden in the autumn season. The silver birch can grow to about 15-20m when fully matured, with an annual growth rate of 40cm.

The silver birch produces catkins. The tree attracts a variety of birds for the seeds it produces. It requires sandy and acidic soils to grow properly. It can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions and survive well.

• Effective pruning helps a tree grow properly and adds to its beauty as well. If you want the trees in your yard to look appealing, then contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a team of highly skilled tree pruning experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-774-6091 and get your free pruning quote.