Understand the challenges of pest management and learn their prevention methods

A pest is an insect or animal that feeds on plants and crops and causes considerable damage to them. Pest infestation has dire economic consequences. Pest-infested plants become weak, diseased and their ability to bear fruit is severely effective, resulting in a low and substandard crop yield. Effective and proactive pest management and control are needed to prevent your trees from infestation. Let us take a look at some important dos and don’ts of pest management and control.

1. Do Adopt A Proactive and Preventive Approach

The best way to protect your plants from pests is by taking proactive and preventive measures. The following precautionary measures should be adopted to prevent pests from invading your garden and trees:

• Insects hide in dark and damp places such as pipes, drainage systems, and crevices. They find plenty of food and shelter in these hidden areas. Most of the time, pest infestation starts in these areas. Inspect these sheltered areas during the start and end of all seasons and spay them with pesticides as a precautionary measure. Don’t let stagnant water accumulate in your backyard.
• Prevent the entry of insects by sealing up any holes or cracks in the walls of your fence.
• Clean your lawn regularly and don’t throw leftover food near your plants.
• Mow the grass regularly, especially during the summer season. Bugs hide and multiply in tall and bushy patches of grass.

2. Don’t Leave Dangerous Pesticides in The Open

• Unattended pesticides and traps are a health and safety risk to children and pets. Don’t leave them out in the open where unknowing children or pets can reach them. If you have recently sprayed your lawn or backyard with pesticides, then alert all members of the family so unnecessary exposure can be avoided.

3. Do Identify The Problem At Hand Before Taking Any Action

• There are hundreds of pests in nature, all of which vary in their mode of attack, the extent of damage they cause, and treatment for removing them. For effective pest management, it is important to first identify the problem at hand and then decide on the removal solution. The control and removal solution that works for earwigs will not work for fungus gnats. Using the wrong removal solution can do more harm than good.

4. Don’t Use Outdoor Pesticides inside Your Home

• A pest infestation can occur for indoor plants as well. Indoor pest infestation is an even bigger nuisance as the pests pose a threat to human health as well. For indoor pests, special pesticide solutions are formulated which are not as harsh and toxic as the more potent outdoor chemical solutions. Using outdoor removal treatments inside your home can pose a health emergency as they comprise dangerous and toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health.

5. Do Nip An Infestation in The Bud

• Pet infestation does not occur all of a sudden, rather it starts with a couple of bugs that grow and multiply in no time. If you find a few pests wandering over your trees, take immediate action and use the appropriate pet removal method. A smaller infestation is easier to control and remove. If you feel that you cannot handle the pest infestation on your own, then call in professional help and let them nip the infestation in the bud.

In most cases, pest infestation can be challenging to deal with on your own. Most homes are not equipped to tackle a serious pest infestation. Hence, for the protection of your plants and trees, contact American Tree Experts, Inc. We provide effective pest management solutions for all types of pests and bugs. Call us at 973-744-6091. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey.

Here are 5 tips to ensure the health of your trees for years to come

Trees are a crucial part of our ecosystem. They provide habitat and shelter for multiple organisms. Trees are the earth’s lungs as they absorb carbon dioxide and give us an unlimited supply of oxygen. They also add beauty and grace to a landscape and a house surrounded by well-groomed and healthy trees has a higher selling price. To keep your trees healthy and disease-free, follow these important tips.

Anchor An Immature Tree Using Two-Stake System

• Young trees usually lack the strength to stand on their own. They need extra support to grow in a straight and erect manner. Use a two-stake system for an immature tree and anchor the stakes to the ground using cables or flexible ties. This will give strength to the trunk and keep it erect.

Cables and braces can also be used for fastening loose branches that may sway during storms.

Protect Your Tree From Growing Grass

• Remove any strands of stray grass that grow up against your trees’ trunks. The reason being that this grass grows in the same place from where the tree derives its nutrients and water. The grass competes for air, water, and nutrients and causes a strain on the tree’s resources. Young trees, in particular, wilt away if long grass is allowed to grow against their trunks.

Don’t Construct in Nearby Areas

• Before you decide to construct a new driveway or a shed, take a look at the nearby trees. The roots of the trees usually cover quite a lot of area underground. Hence, there is a possibility that the heavy machinery used for compacting the soil can interfere and damage the roots of the tree. As a rule of thumb, remember that the roots usually expand twice or thrice more than the branches. Hence, for a mature tree, the roots may extend up to 60 feet from where the tree is planted.

If construction is inevitable, then carry out a reconnaissance of the area and mark a safe territory within which the heavy equipment should operate. Areas extending up to 10 feet from the dripline of the tree should be excluded from any type of machinery.

Regular Watering is a Must

• Trees derive water from underground but mostly it is not sufficient. Hence, they need to be watered from time to time. This is especially true for young trees whose roots don’t penetrate deeply into the soil. But even mature trees need to be watered when rainfall is low and groundwater levels have sunk as well. The root zone of mature plants should be watered deeply after every few days. The root zone is usually 2 – 3 feet below the surface and it should be watered to an extent that it becomes well-saturated with moisture.

Rewater when the soil becomes partially dry. For deep watering, use the drip irrigation method. Lawn sprinklers are not effective for deep saturation of the soil.

Prune Periodically

• Pruning is the process of cutting off branches, buds, and spent flowers selectively. It is done to improve the structure of the tree, adding strength to it and getting rid of diseased parts of the plants. The proper way to prune is to make thinning cuts and remove the branches right at their origin. Head cutting which involves cutting along the length of the branch can result in the formation of holes from where the pests can get in.

Pruning should be performed by a skilled arborist. Contact American Tree Experts to get your trees pruned properly. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey and we provide tree pruning, cabling, bracing, and pest management services. Call us at 973-744-6091 and get a free estimate of our services.

Here’s part 2 of our list of common plant diseases and their treatment by experts

Most plant diseases are caused due to the growth of parasitic organisms such as fungi, nematodes, and pests on the plants. In this article, we will explore three common plant diseases, their symptoms, and their treatment. 

3) Black Knot

• Black Knot is a fungal disease caused by Apiosporina morbosa, Dibotryon morbosum or Plowrightia morbsum. This disease is common in fruiting and ornamental trees of plum and cherry. The fungus sets in during the winter season. It can be identified easily as telltale signs include the growth of hard, uneven, black galls that wrap around twigs and branches. 

This disease develops slowly and usually takes one season before growing and manifesting itself. It spreads through the production of fungal spores. To nip this disease in the bud, it is important to identify and treat it before it grows rapidly. If the fungus is not kept in check, it attacks new growth by strangling the branches and sucking the life out of the tree. Plants infected with Balck Knot result in poor fruit production and low yield. 

How To Treat Black Knot?

• Carry out inspection during winter seasons to check for signs of the disease. Cracks, discoloration, and swelling are the first signs of infection.
• If galls caused by the disease are detected, remove them using a pruning knife. 

4) Downy Mildew

• Downy mildew is caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, which is is an oomycete or a type of algae. This disease infects cucurbits such as cucumber, melon, and pumpkin. Downy Mildew manifests as pale yellow patches on the upper side of older leaves. On the underside, patches of white to gray cotton-like fungi appear. This disease-causing algae thrives in wet weather and usually appears after rain or heavy dew. 

Downy mildew is caused during early spring or late fall when the temperature is in the range of 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It develops on plant debris and the spores are carried by insects, garden tools, wind, or rain. 

How to Treat Downy Mildew? 

• Regular pruning will result in improved air circulation. 
• Water plants in the morning so the plant will have ample time to dry during the day. 

6) Early Blight

• Early Blight is a common disease caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. This disease affects tomato and potato plants all across the USA. when the fungus attacks, the lower and older leaves are the first ones to manifest symptoms in the form of small brown spots that are decorated with concentric rings. The disease grows in an outward fashion and turns the leaves yellow. The infection spreads to the rest of the plant quite quickly and damages the crop. 

The ideal conditions for the spread of disease include:

• High temperatures of 80 -85 degrees Fahrenheit
• Rain and humidity
• Rain, irrigation, seeds, and garden tools spread the disease from one plant to another. 

Early blight does not necessarily occur during the early part of the growing season rather it can occur at any point during summers. 

How To Treat?

• For the successful treatment of early blight, adopt a proactive approach. Apply copper-based fungicides on the tomato and potato plants, two weeks before the start of summer. A rough estimation of the ideal time for the application of fungicides is before the start of a long period of wet weather. This will keep Early Blight at bay. 

If you fear that your trees and plants are suffering from plant diseases, then waste no time and contact American Tree Experts. We provide effective and proactive Disease Management for plants are 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. 

Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for some of the most common plant diseases.

Like all living beings, plants are susceptible to catching diseases. 85% of plant diseases are caused by fungal organisms. However, viruses and bacteria also attack plants and can compromise the health of the plant. A visible sign of a diseased plant is the presence of pathogens like fungus or nematodes on the plants.

The disease affects the health of the plant and results in low yield and eventual death of the plant. In this article, let us explore the common plant diseases and their treatment.

Apple Scab

Apple scab is a fungal disease that is common in apples and ornamental crabapples. Also known as Venturia inaequalis, this disease attacks the leaves and fruits. Common symptoms include:

• The development of pale yellow spots on the leaf’s upper side
• Development of dark velvety spots on the lower side of the leaf.
• Deformation and early dropping of infected leaves.
• Infected fruits develop scabby spots which are indented inside the fruit and may have velvety spores in the middle.
• Infected fruits become deformed and cracks appear in the fruits, which allows the entry of secondary organisms into the fruit.

The following conditions are most suitable for the development of Apple scab:

• Cool and wet weather of spring and early summer.
• The fungal spores are carried by wind or rain.
• The disease is most prevalent during temperatures of 55 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is another fungal disease that is caused by a fungus that belongs to the Colletotrichum genus. This disease is most prevalent in the eastern part of the United States. Anthracnose is a common plant disease that affects many species. The severity of the disease is so quick that it can turn a strong plant into organic waste within a few days. Symptoms of anthracnose disease include:

• Development of dark, water-soaked lesions on stem, fruit, or leaves.
• Presence of pink, gel-like spores in the center of the fruit.

This disease spreads during the winter season. Optimal conditions for its spread and development are:

• Cool wet weather. The fungus germinates in the presence of moisture.
• Spores grow at a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The spores are spread through wind, rain, insects, and garden tools.

Bacterial Canker

As the name indicates, it is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. This bacterium enters the tree through a compromised or injured bark. Injury may have occurred due to frost damage, or during the pruning process.  Bacterial canker commonly affects cherries and plums but can also cause disease in apricots, peaches, and other types of stone fruits. The common symptoms of the development of bacterial canker are:

• The appearance of the sunken, or gummy lesions on the trunk or twigs of the plant.
• Oozing of sour-smelling sap from the punctured areas of an infected tree during the spring season.
• The infected parts of the bark became darker with the appearance of a reddish-brown tinge. Those parts are moist when touched.

The bacterial canker infection is spread during the fall, winter, and spring seasons when the weather is cool and wet. Rain, water and pruning tools are the carriers of the bacterium.

If you fear that your trees and plants are suffering from plant diseases, then waste no time and contact American Tree Experts. We provide effective and proactive Disease Management for plants are 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.

Here are 4 sure-shot signs your tree need cabling and bracing for support

Deeply rooted and mature trees are quite powerful and do not budge easily. However, some trees can become structurally weak due to disease or prolonged exposure to strong winds and other damaging environmental factors. Such trees need a little extra support to gain structural integrity and not be a risk to nearby properties and people.

Tree cabling and bracing is a proactive and preventive technique that involves the use of flexible steel strand cables to provide structural stability to the tree. As a result, the tree becomes less susceptible to damage from high winds, ice and snow. The tree remains upright and sturdy.

If you are wondering whether your tree needs cabling and bracing, look out for the following telltale signs. These signs are usually indicative that your tree is in need of extra support.

1. Storm Damage

• The force of the winds in a heavy storm can cause the branches or crotch of trees to split. A dangling branch is a safety hazard. It can be fixed with the help of brace rods and cables that can hold the damaged sections of the tree together. This extra support will enable the tree to heal and prevent trunk failure. Cabling a dangling branch will also restrict its movement during high winds. Hence, a tree that has suffered from considerable storm damage is an ideal candidate for getting cabling and bracing.

2. Presence of A V-Crotch Stem

• A v-crotch stem is a type of tree alignment in which two large stems come out of the same trunk, making a V-like shape. Due to the division of the trunk into two stems, there is little tissue to support either of the stems and both stems are structurally weak. Heavy winds can cause either or both stems to fall off.

To prevent the stems from falling off, cabling and bracing can be used to support the v-crotch stem. The tension from the cables provides additional support to the off-shoot stems and keeps them in their place when winds are blowing.

3. Severe Lean

• As trees mature, they may develop a natural lean towards the right or left side. Trees usually tilt on the side where they gain more exposure to sunlight. Trees with a severe lean present a safety hazard. Due to the shift in their center of gravity, they become less stable and a branch or stem may snap and fall on nearby property.

Soil erosion or storms weakens the trees anchorage into the soil. This can also cause trees to lean on one side. This is a particularly dangerous situation as trees can now fall on a nearby structure with a little push. Cabling and bracing the tree in the opposite direction can bring a balance to the three and make it more stable.

4. Overextended Limbs

• As trees mature, their vertical growth stops and they only expand horizontally. As a result, the limbs can sometimes outgrow the trunk and become too heavy to bear. Overextended limbs are wobbly and dangling and may snap during a windy season. Cabling and bracing can provide support to these overextended limbs and prevent them from breaking off.

If you spot these warning signs in your trees and plants, contact American Tree Experts for cabling and bracing services. Our experts will conduct a thorough survey of the trees and propose the right methodologies for bracing your plants. Call us at 973-744-6091 to get a free estimate of the services. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Experts reveal the secrets about plant fertilizers and their advantages and how they affect the growth

Soil is the major source of nutrients for plants. Even though most types of soils have optimum levels of nutrients for growing plants and crops, over time their level decreases. When soil becomes deplete of nutrients, it becomes barren and cannot produce healthy plants. Hence to replenish the soil and improve its fertility, fertilizers are added to the soil.

Fertilizers are basically add-on nutrients that are supplied to the plants to enhance their productivity. Fertilizers not only replete the levels of nutrients in the soil but also improve the water retention capacity of the soil and enhance its fertility. Let us take a look at the types, advantages, and importance of fertilizers to understand them better.

Types of Fertilizers

Fertilizers are categorized into the following major types:

1) Inorganic Fertilizers

These are industrially processed fertilizers that are made from chemical means. Inorganic fertilizers can be divided into the following subtypes:

a)Nitrogen Fertilizers

• • Nitrogen is the most important component for the development of plants. Chlorophyll – the green pigment found in chloroplasts – requires nitrogen for carrying out photosynthesis in plants. Nitrogen is also a component of amino acids and helps in protein building. Nitrogen fertilizers supply the requisite levels of nitrogen to plants.

b)Phosphorus Fertilizer

• • Phosphorous is a chemical compound that is found in the protoplasm of cells. It plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation. Optimal levels of phosphorous are needed for the growth of healthy roots of the plants. Phosphorous fertilizers compensate for the deficiency of this important component.

c)Potassium Fertilizer

• • Potassium improves the immune system of plants and enables them to resist disease. It enhances the fruit yield and strengthens the root system. Potassium protects the plants during harsh weather and prevents them from wilting. Potassium fertilizers deliver the optimum levels of potassium to plants.

2) Organic Fertilizers

These are natural fertilizers that are derived from organic sources i.e. plants and animals. Organic fertilizers have a different mode of operation. They add carbonic compounds to the soil. These compounds enhance the organic matter of the soil, promote a healthy soil ecosystem and improve the physical and chemical properties of soil. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and are healthier than inorganic fertilizers.

Following are the most common sources of organic fertilizers:

• • Agricultural Waste
  • Municipal sludge
  • Industrial waste

Why Are Fertilizers Important for Plants?

Fertilizers are important for plants due to the following reasons:

• There has been an increased demand for the production of fruits and vegetables. To meet the demands of a growing population, it is important to replenish the soil with important nutrients so a healthy and hefty yield can be obtained.
• Fertilizers strengthen the immune system of plants and help them fight different diseases and pests. This reduces their need for insecticides and herbicides. This improves the overall quality of plant yield.
• Fertilizers result in healthier and stronger plants that are aesthetically appealing.
• They increase the depth of the roots, which leads to a stronger hold and greater access to the soil’s natural resources. Fertilizers also increase the water retention capacity of plants.
• Fertilizers result in stronger straws and stalks of the plants.
• Due to fertilizers, seed development is improved which results in better fruit production.

We have now understood the types and advantages of fertilizers. If you want to have healthier and disease-free plants in your garden, contact American Tree Expert. We provide customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers to meet the nutritional demands of your plans. Call us for a free estimate at 973 744-6091. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Important 5 advantages of organic fertilizers and their benefits you need to know

Organic fertilizers are made from the decomposition of organic waste i.e. plants and animals. Processed fertilizers that have a compost or manure base are also termed organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers deliver important nutrients to the soil, improve its fertility and help achieve quality yield. They have been a part of agriculture for ages. However, they were replaced (to a major extent) by inorganic and commercial fertilizers after the industrial boom in the 19th century.

As the advantages of organic fertilizers have become more obvious, the world is once again shifting towards the use of organic fertilizers. Let us take a look at the different benefits of organic fertilizers.

Benefits of Organic Fertilizers

Deliver Nutrients Slowly and Steadily

• Organic fertilizers break down slowly and steadily. They take time to leach in the soil, decompose and deliver the desired nutrients. This way, the plants are not overfed and they draw the nutrients according to their need. Contrary to this, inorganic nutrients behave artificially and decompose quite quickly. The overdose of nutrients can damage the plants and may burn them.

Because they decompose so fast, inorganic nutrients do not add much fertility to the soil either.

Improve The Health of The Soil

• Alluvial and loamy soils are naturally rich in nutrients and minerals. However, they lose some of their fertility due to over vegetation. The purpose of adding fertilizers is to replenish their depleted fertility. Organic fertilizers play a crucial role in improving the texture of the soil. They make the soil more porous which enables it to retain a greater volume of water and improves the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. The overall health of the soil is improved.

The reason why inorganic fertilizers don’t contribute much to the health of the soil is because of the lack of carbon in their chemical composition. Carbon is needed for microbes and bacteria to derive energy and thrive. The chemical composition of organic fertilizers is similar to that of microbes. They contain all the important elements such as carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and nitrogen that are needed by microbes to exist in an environment.

They Are Safer For Human Consumption

• Organic fertilizers do not contain harmful chemicals. The plants that grow on these fertilizers are safer to consume. Inorganic fertilizers may contain certain harmful chemicals such as zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. Through a process known as bioaccumulation, these harmful substances can deposit in larger quantities inside our bodies and cause certain diseases.

They Are Environmentally Safe

• As mentioned before, organic fertilizers decompose slowly and do not leach out when water is applied. They don’t run off with water, hence they don’t pollute water bodies such as rivers and oceans. Some Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers (EEFs) take in carbon dioxide to produce organic matter. This way, they reduce the concentration of CO2 which is the most abundant greenhouse gas.

Organic fertilizers also increase species biodiversity by 30%, leading to a healthier ecosystem.

Offer Great Value For Money

• Even though organic fertilizers are costlier, compared to commercial fertilizers, they are needed in much less quantity. They can result in considerable cost savings as they contain important nutrients i.e. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) in abundant quantities and there is no need for additional supplements. If you use organic fertilizers, you may not require pesticides, which will save money.

We specialize in nutrient management at American Tree. Call us at (973) 744-6091 to get customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers for your plants to meet all their nutrient requirements. We provide services in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Tree Experts in New Jersey reveal the 5 most dangerous disease-causing plant pests

Gardening is a fun and productive hobby. It not only brings you closer to nature but also gives you fresh, home-grown fruits and vegetables. Disease-causing plant pests are the biggest threat to your garden. They not only destroy the product but can also cause several diseases to the plants. To save your garden from a pest attack, it is important to take precautionary measures and remain on the outlook of telltale signs of a pest infestation and the diseases caused by them.

To do so, educate yourself about the most dangerous disease-causing pests and how to identify them.

Aphids

Top of the list is aphids. They are small pear-shaped insects. They have long antennae on the front and two tubes on the rear side that come out from their abdomen. Aphids attack fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, flowers, and shade trees in North America. They damage the plants in the following ways:

• Alphids suck the plant sap that damages the leaves and foliage of the plant.
• They excrete honeydew on leaves that promotes the growth of sooty mold. This accelerates the spread of viral diseases.

If you fear an aphid infestation has taken place, do the following:

• Wash plants with high-pressure water
• Introduce predators of aphids such as lacewings, lady beetles, and aphid midges to the plant.
• Spray the plant with hot pepper or garlic sprays.

Cabbage Maggots

These parasites infest crops that belong to the cabbage family, such as Chinese cabbages that are grown in North America. The maggots are found in the roots, and they destroy the plant by eating it away. Cabbage Maggots also create passages for disease organisms. To deal with their infestation, do the following:

• Apply floating row covers over the plants
• Leave certain parasitic nematodes around the roots of the plant. They feed on Cabbage Maggots.
• Burn the roots of an infected plant to prevent the further spread of the parasites.
• Place wood ashes or red pepper dust around the stems.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies. They destroy the leaves and fruits by chewing on them. Their distinctive features are a harder head capsule, six legs in the front, and false legs on the end. Caterpillars thrive on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. To control their infestation on your plants, do the following:

• Introduce native predators and parasites
• Cover the trees with floating row covers

Colorado Potato Beetle

These beetles attack several vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, petunias, and cherry tomatoes that are grown in North America. Colorado Beetles have distinct yellow-orange bodies that are decorated with ten black stripes on wing covers. These beetles defoliate plants and kill the young plants. They also reduce the harvest of plants. To deter these pests:

• Apply floating row covers
• Introduce native parasites
• Spray the plants with neem oil

Mexican Bean Beetle

These beetles feed on cowpeas, snap beans, soybeans, and lima beans. Mexican Bean Beetle is commonly found in Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Nebraska. They are a quarter an inch long, oval in shape, have yellow-brown bodies, and their wing covers are decorated with 16 black spots. Mexican Beetles chew on the leaves of plants from underneath and leave a lacy appearance behind. To deter their growth:

• Apply floating row covers
• Handpick the produce
• Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Plant soybean nearby that acts as a trap crop

These home remedies for controlling pests have their limits. If a serious pest infestation has taken place then contact American Tree Experts. They provide professional pest management services in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.