Stump Removal vs Stump Grinding – Learn the differences between them

When a tree is cut or felled, extra care is taken to ensure its trunk is cut as close as possible to the ground. The remaining portion of the tree is known as the tree stump. It has active roots in the soil. One may observe tree rings on the stump, which can be used to estimate the tree’s age.

Why Is Stump A Nuisance?

• Stumps are generally considered a nuisance because they can regrow. In some instances, a stump may allow the growth of several trees around it. This is because the stump has an active root system below the ground.

Quite often, deciduous trees have stumps with the ability to regenerate. The regenerated trees are sometimes considered a healthy part of the natural ecosystem as a way for the forests to recover from deforestation.

• However, the majority of the trees that sprout from stumps are susceptible to disease. They also have weaker structures as they rely on the already existing support structure of the stump. If you have stumps in your yard, you should contact a professional tree pruning service for their removal.

Why Should Stumps Be Removed?

It is generally advisable to remove tree stumps at the earliest. Even if you are sure that they won’t regenerate, they are an unpleasant sight. A stump might get an infestation and start to rot. It takes several months to a year for a stump to completely decompose away.

• Since a stump is accompanied by its well-developed root structure, it becomes challenging to plant new trees in your yard. The existing root structure will make it difficult for your newly planted tree’s roots to flourish and increase competition for nutrients.

There are several ways to remove stumps from the ground. The two most popular methods are stump removal and stump grinding. Their pros and cons are mentioned below.

Stump Removal

• The most common stump removal method is excavation. A hole is dug around the stump, and the roots are cut. The hole is made several meters deep until it reaches the base of the stump. The stump is then removed by hand. This is a labor-intensive process.

Another popular method for stump removal requires the use of chemicals. The stump is first prepared by using a chainsaw to remove as much of it as possible. 12-inch deep holes are then drilled around the circumference of the stump. The spacing between the holes is kept at 6-8 inches.

• A few more holes are drilled around the rim of the stump, nearer to the ground. These holes are drilled at a 45-degree angle. Take about 100 – 150ml of tree stump removal chemical and pour it into the holes in granule form. Fill the gaps with water so that the granules can get soaked.

After about 4-6 weeks, you’ll notice the chemicals have accelerated the rotting process in the stump. To confirm this, you can touch the stump, and it will feel soft and spongy. Now take a sharpened felling ax and use it to remove the rotting stump.

Stump Grinding

• Stump Grinding is a quicker process as compared to stump removal. Unless you are specifically trained and have previous experience, we would not recommend doing it as a DIY project. It is best to hire a professional company.

Arborists use a specialized machine to shred the stump, leaving its roots behind. As the machine works, it leaves behind chips that can be used as mulch for the plants in your yard.

• Stump grinding does not help remove the roots. Although when the stump is fully ground, the roots will start to decay. The roots span about 8-12 feet beyond the stump across your yard for a fully grown tree. The decaying process will take around 10 years until the roots are entirely broken down.

If you have a stump in your yard and are worried about its removal, then why not get in touch with us? We at American Tree Experts Inc are a team of tree specialists. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and get your free stump removal quote now.

5 Common Trees with Catkins & How to Identify Them

What Are Catkins? Understanding Their Role in Trees

Have you ever noticed long, tassel-like flower clusters hanging from trees in spring? These are catkins, which play a vital role in tree reproduction. Catkins are slim, cylindrical flower clusters that typically lack petals or have inconspicuous petals. Most are wind-pollinated, while some rely on insects to transfer pollen from male to female flowers.

Catkins allow female flowers to be pollinated as pollen from male flowers is carried over. After successful pollination, these flowers often develop into seeds, nuts, or cones, contributing to tree regeneration.

Below, we explore five common trees with catkins, how to recognize them, and their key characteristics.

1. Alder (Alnus glutinosa) – The Tree with Cone-Like Catkins

The alder tree is unique because it produces both male and female flowers simultaneously. Here’s how to identify them:

Male Catkins:

✅ Size: Can grow up to 6 cm long

✅ Color: Green when young, turning yellow as they mature

✅ Growth Pattern: Hang in long clusters from branches

Female Flowers:

✅ Size: Small, about 1 cm in length

✅ Color: Starts as red, turns brown after pollination

✅ Feature: Develops into small woody alder cones that house seeds

Why Alders Stand Out:

Alders improve soil health by fixing nitrogen and are popular ornamental trees. Their cones add visual appeal, making them a favorite in landscaping. To keep them thriving, consider professional tree pruning services.

2. Hazel (Corylus avellana) – The Nut-Producing Shrub with Catkins

The hazel tree is a flowering shrub that features both male and female flowers on the same plant, though it cannot self-fertilize. Here’s what sets hazel apart:

Male Catkins:

✅ Appearance: Similar to alder catkins

✅ Function: Produces pollen for fertilization

Female Flowers:

✅ Shape: Buds are small vase-like structures

✅ Distinct Feature: Red filaments extend outward

✅ After Pollination: Buds turn into hazelnuts in autumn

Why Hazel Trees Are Special:

Hazel trees are valued for nut production and wildlife support. If you grow hazels, consider pruning and nutrient management for better yields.

3. Silver Birch (Betula pendula) – The Popular Landscape Tree with Catkins

One of the most common and beloved trees, the silver birch is monoecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on the same tree.

Male Catkins:

✅ Size: 4-5 cm long ✅ Color: Yellow-brown ✅ Growth Pattern: Hang in groups of 2-4, resembling lambs’ tails

Female Catkins:

✅ Size: Shorter and smaller than male catkins ✅ Color: Bright green before pollination, turns dark crimson afterward ✅ Seeds: Have small wings that help them disperse in the wind

Why Silver Birch Is Unique:

Silver birch is low-maintenance but can trigger pollen allergies. If you have birch trees, consult tree care professionals to manage pollen exposure.

4. White Willow (Salix alba) – A Dioecious Tree with Unique Catkins

Unlike the previous trees, white willow is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate trees.

Male Catkins:

✅ Size: 4-5 cm long

✅ Color: Light yellow-green

✅ Appearance: Fluffy and soft

Female Catkins:

✅ Size: 3-4 cm long

✅ Color: Narrow and light green

✅ Pollination Method: Primarily by insects

✅ Seed Feature: Tiny feathery seed cases that help seeds travel long distances

Why White Willow Matters:

This tree is a favorite for riparian zones, wetlands, and erosion control. Regular pruning and pest management can keep willows healthy.

5. Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) – The Mighty Oak with Surprising Catkins

The oak tree is widely recognized for producing acorns, but few know that it also has catkins.

Male Catkins:

✅ Size: 6 cm long

✅ Color: Yellow

✅ Growth Pattern: Hangs down from branches

Female Flowers:

✅ Size: Much smaller than male catkins

✅ Feature: Long filaments to catch pollen

✅ After Pollination: Develop into acorns

Why Oak Trees Are Valuable:

Oaks provide habitat and food for wildlife. Regular tree pruning keeps them strong and disease-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trees With Catkins

Q: What trees have catkins?
A: Some common trees with catkins include alder, hazel, silver birch, white willow, and pedunculate oak.

Q: Are all catkins wind-pollinated?
A: No, while most catkins rely on the wind to spread pollen, some trees, like white willow, are insect-pollinated.

Q: Do oak trees have catkins?
A: Yes! Oak trees produce male catkins in spring that release pollen before acorns develop.

Q: Can trees with catkins cause allergies?
A: Yes, birch, alder, and oak catkins release pollen, which can trigger seasonal allergies in some people.

Enhance the Health of Your Trees with Professional Care

At American Tree Experts Inc, we specialize in tree pruning, nutrient management, pest control, and tree care. Whether you want to maintain healthy growth, shape trees, or protect against pests, our experts are here to help.

Call us today at (973) 744-6091 for a free consultation or visit our website to learn more about our services!

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.