Self Help

From blight to bark beetles – The definitive guide to identifying the 6 reasons why your tree is dying

Trees show extraordinary resilience in defending against stressors threatening their roots, trunk, limbs, and leaves. However, several factors can adversely affect the tree, causing premature death. Understanding these factors is crucial for effectively safeguarding the health and longevity of your tree. We have outlined the common factors that can lead to tree death. Keep reading to gain insights.

Unfavorable Environmental Conditions

• The conditions of the ground and site where a tree lives play a substantial role in determining the environmental challenges it faces. A tree’s susceptibility to stressors is linked to its ability to adapt to its surroundings. For instance, if a tree sensitive to drought is planted in a dry environment during drought conditions, it may succumb due to insufficient water.

Additionally, it becomes vulnerable to other life-threatening factors. Environmental stressors for trees include various conditions, including poorly draining soils, saline soils, arid soils, air and ground pollution, intense sun exposure, cold spots, etc. When planting trees, it is crucial to consider the genetic tolerance of the species to specific environmental conditions.

Invasive Pathogens

• Virulent diseases like Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight have destroyed entire North American forests, causing sudden and widespread tree death. However, the more insidious diseases, such as Armillaria root rot, oak wilt, and anthracnose, quietly contribute to substantial tree losses, affecting forest and yard trees. These diseases infiltrate trees through leaves, roots, and bark wounds, compromising the vascular system if left untreated.

Therefore, it is crucial to identify the invasive pathogens and address them to save your landscape. Some insects attack trees weakened by environmental issues or diseases. In addition to directly causing tree death, these insects facilitate the spread of harmful fungi, posing a double threat to surrounding trees. These pests include pine beetles, the gypsy moth, and emerald ash borers.

Emerald Ash Borer Attack

• Another prevalent pest is the emerald ash borer. This invasive wood-boring insect poses a significant threat by infesting and harming native North American ash trees.

These borers affect the tree’s vascular system, but the damage they cause is often harder to detect. Observable symptoms include canopy dieback and D-shaped exit holes in the bark, typically near the base of the affected tree.

Catastrophic Events

• Catastrophic events pose risks, damaging or destroying properties, including trees. Forest fires, tornado-strength winds, heavy ice deposition on sensitive tree species, slow-receding floods, and prolonged droughts contribute to significant tree losses.

Even when not immediately fatal, such events affect a tree’s health, making it susceptible to insect infestations and diseases.

The Aging Process

• Trees that endure external challenges and mature into old age succumb to the natural dying process, often spanning centuries in long-lived species. Modular compartmentalization helps trees survive damage and infections, but as growth slows post-maturity, the tree’s ability to self-sustain diminishes.

Insufficient foliage for hydration and nourishment, along with epicormic sprouts, signals the slow decline of an old tree. Ultimately, it crumbles, contributing to the nutrient pool and topsoil for future generations of trees.

Improper Mulching

• Many individuals pile mulch against their tree trunks, thinking it’s beneficial. However, this practice can lead to adverse effects. The mulch retains moisture, creating a damp environment against the tree trunk. Unfortunately, this persistent moisture becomes a breeding ground for rot and decay in the tree’s bark layer.

We can treat and prevent your trees from becoming infected and help already infected trees. At American Tree Experts, Inc., we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services protect your trees from pests throughout the year. Our most sought-after services are pruning, bracing, pest, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at (973) 744-6091 for a free quote.

Learn to protect your tree treasures – A guide to recognizing and defeating 3 common parasitic plants

While most plants get their energy through photosynthesis, a few take a more cunning approach and steal their nutrition from other plants. Around 4,000 species of flowering plants have embraced parasitism as their survival mechanism. Read on to learn about parasitic plants that can harm your trees.

Harmful Parasitic Plants

• Trees are an essential component of our natural landscapes, offering numerous benefits, from providing shade fruits to enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of our surroundings. However, they face potential harm from parasitic plants that often go unnoticed. Failure to identify and eliminate these intruders can result in severe damage, hindering a tree’s growth and making it susceptible to diseases, pests, and structural failure.

Parasitic plants are incapable of producing essential nutrients independently. They latch onto other vegetation, particularly trees, to sustain themselves. Many lack chlorophyll, the crucial element for photosynthesis, making them reliant on healthy trees for essential nutrients. Therefore, identifying the presence of parasitic plants becomes crucial.

Let’s discover some of the most prevalent parasitic plants to help you identify and address these threats to ensure the well-being of your trees.

Dodder

• Dodder, also known as Cuscuta californica, is a distinctive twining plant belonging to the Morning Glory family. Commonly referred to as chaparral dodder, this species typically displays a light orange-brown hue. Its unique appearance is often similar to spaghetti or silly string, characterized by a dense mass of vining stems.

Dodder cannot produce chlorophyll and has no typical green coloring. It extracts nutrients from its host plants. It can quickly proliferate without proper management, enveloping entire canopies and compromising the health of the host tree. This unchecked growth weakens the tree and renders it susceptible to other pests, parasites, and diseases.

Oak Mistletoe

• Oak mistletoe, scientifically known as Phoradendron leucarpum, is a prevalent parasitic plant frequently found on numerous trees. The term “phoradendron” refers to “tree thief” due to the plant’s parasitic nature. It exhibits a distinctive appearance resembling green balls or clusters of leaves on tree branches. Oak mistletoe can grow into unsightly masses, reaching three feet tall. It poses a serious threat to the health of your tree.

This parasitic plant can affect over 100 different tree species, with a particular fondness for oaks. Oak mistletoe extracts nutrients and water from the host tree, gradually weakening it. If you detect any growth indicative of oak mistletoe, contacting an arborist for professional maintenance is crucial.

Dwarf Mistletoe

• Dwarf mistletoe, referred to as Arceuthobium, is another noteworthy parasitic plant. Its vibrant orange-yellow hue distinguishes this parasitic intruder. Unlike oak mistletoe, dwarf mistletoe is more spiny and less circular, exhibiting a unique and intricate structure. This parasitic plant can induce structural changes in trees, with one common manifestation being the occurrence of branch brooms, also known as witch brooms.

These anomalies resemble abnormal clusters of twigs sprouting from a singular branch, altering the tree’s natural architecture. The harmful effects of dwarf mistletoe on trees are far-reaching. Extracting vital nutrients from the host weakens the tree and increases its vulnerability to other harmful parasites and diseases. Therefore, remaining vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing dwarf mistletoe is essential for the health and longevity of trees in affected areas.

Signs of Parasitic Growth

• The common signs of tree infection include the peculiar occurrence of branch brooms, unusual bole swelling, and the emergence of tree cankers. If you observe these signs in a tree, quick action is imperative. Contacting an arborist can mitigate the potential consequences.

Concerned about potential parasites affecting your trees and plants? Waste no time and reach out to American Tree Experts. Our team specializes in Proactive Disease Management for the well-being of your plants and trees. Call us today at (973) 744-6091 for a complimentary estimate of our services. We operate in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Who should you trust for expert tree care? Find out here!

In today’s information-rich world, distinguishing fact from fiction can be challenging for homeowners, especially in complex fields like tree care. Several baseless practices and outdated myths exist within this industry, posing risks to trees and the people near them. This article dispels the common myths to reveal the ultimate truth about tree care. Read on to update your knowledge and protect your green companions .

Cutting More Adds More Value

• While it is commonly believed that cutting more of the tree adds more value, excessively pruning a tree can harm its health and longevity. Removing excessive branches in one go puts significant stress on the tree, potentially resulting in health decline, structural weaknesses, susceptibility to insects, and increased risk of disease.

This harmful practice, often known as topping, involves the removal of numerous large branches or even the entire tops of trees. It is outdated, detrimental, and ultimately leads to the tree’s death.

Anyone Who Cuts Trees Is An Arborist

• Another misconception is that anyone who cuts trees is are arborist. However, not all individuals who trim or cut trees are qualified arborists. Many untrained and uncertified individuals may falsely represent themselves as arborists. A genuine arborist, particularly ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified, has received specialized training in arboriculture and adheres to American National Standards Institute standards when performing tree work.

They have undergone a rigorous examination that covers all aspects of arboriculture, demonstrating their expertise in caring for trees. Hiring an uncertified arborist puts your trees at risk of potential harm rather than benefiting them.

All Insects Are Bad For Trees

• While some insects are fatal for the trees, not all pose a threat to them. Some insects are beneficial and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment for trees. These insects are named as beneficial insects.

Ladybugs, for instance, are beneficial insects that feed on harmful pests like aphids, offering natural pest control for trees. Some programs even release these beneficial insects as a chemical-free alternative to combat harmful pests, promoting a balanced and eco-friendly approach to tree care.

Dead Branches Will Naturally Fall

• While it is true that dead branches may eventually drop from trees on their own, it’s essential to consider the potential risks, especially in densely populated areas. In such environments, allowing dead branches to fall without intervention can lead to property damage or pose a significant risk of injury to people. These dead branches, often called hangers, are inherently unsafe and should be promptly removed to mitigate the risk of accidents or damage.

Trees That Appear Healthy are Immune to Falling

• While a tree may appear healthy, it should not be considered entirely immune to falling. In many instances, trees that do fall often have underlying root structure problems that may not be visible outside. These root issues can compromise the tree’s stability, making it susceptible to falling, even if it looks healthy above ground.

This emphasizes the significance of regularly inspecting your trees by a qualified Arborist. Such assessments can uncover potential root structure issues and other hidden concerns that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Regular tree examinations conducted by professionals are a proactive measure to ensure the safety and integrity of trees, even those that seem healthy on the surface.

Steer clear of these common misconceptions about tree care and well-being. For comprehensive tree care services in Montclair, New Jersey, trust American Tree Experts, Inc. Reach out to us today at (973) 744-6091 to ensure your trees receive the expert care they deserve.

Empower your landscape – 5 must-know tips to fortify your home’s surroundings with expert tree care

Hiring the perfect tree service company is challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. While professional services can play a significant role in saving your trees and enhancing your landscape, finding the correct service is a task that requires thoughtful considerations. This article walks you through the essential tips for finding the right tree care services for your garden.

Look For Social Proof And Referrals

Although reading online reviews is a great way to determine the reputation of a tree care service, it does not provide complete information. Contact friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors for unbiased, honest discussions about their experiences with tree companies. This will help you better understand the services your potential tree care company offers. Once you select a company, reach out to them by mentioning the referrer to establish a sense of accountability for the company. In addition, once they know you have established expectations, they will strive harder to meet them and ensure they do not disappoint the person who made the referral.

Plan Ahead For Quality Care

• Book a tree service company that schedules at least two weeks out. This is essential for ensuring quality and reliable service. Companies desperate to fill their schedule sooner may give poor advice, compromising the care they provide to customers. Therefore, feel free to ask the company about their booking availability when inquiring about their service. 

Reputable companies can give you a rough idea of their schedule. Good companies typically keep their schedule 80-90% full, leaving room for emergency and storm damage work. For non-urgent services, expect a waiting period of at least two weeks, indicating a well-managed and professional tree service company.

Commitment To The Long-Term Care

• Consider a tree service that comprehensively tracks your tree’s well-being and identifies areas needing support. Ask whether they engage in tree planting, as companies prioritizing planting trees demonstrate their commitment to the future. Unlike tree removal or pruning, tree planting may not yield the same profits. 

Hence, those invested in planting genuinely look beyond financial gain and focus on nurturing our environment. Choose a tree service that shares your vision of sustainability and lasting care.

Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage

• When selecting a tree service provider, confirm the insurance coverage to protect yourself and your property. Here’s what you need to ask:

Liability Insurance

• • Ask the tree service company about their liability insurance, including their aggregate liability coverage and coverage per occurrence. Look for a minimum of $2 million aggregate coverage and $1 million per occurrence for projects involving large trees near your home. This ensures adequate protection, even in cases where the company has previously handled claims.

Errors And Omissions (E&O) Insurance

• E&O insurance focuses on professional advice rather than the work performed on your property. This coverage protects you if the arborist’s advice leads to unforeseen issues with your tree. For instance, the company tells you that your tree is perfectly safe, but it fails shortly after by a factor that the arborist should have taken care of.

Workers’ Safety Insurance (WSIB)

• Inquire whether the tree service company and its workers are covered under WSIB. Some companies may use subcontractors, making it difficult for homeowners to determine individual insurance coverage. Ask if all workers are covered under WSIB to simplify matters and to ensure proper protection for you and the workers.

In addition, don’t hesitate to request proof of insurance from the arborist during the quoting process. Reputable companies will readily provide the necessary documentation, demonstrating their commitment to professionalism and accountability.

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 with your pruning and other queries, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

 

Learn how to use 6 plants as organic pest control for your yard

Whether you want to safeguard your yard from insects or protect your vegetable garden from harmful pests, there are natural ways to do so. These natural methods eliminate pests without the use of pesticides. Learn how organic pest control can keep pests away from your yard.

Lavender

• Lavender is well-known for its pleasant fragrance and is often used in perfumes and laundry detergents. However, its ability to repel undesirable pests such as flies and mosquitoes makes it one of the natural solutions for pest control.

Cultivating lavender plants in sunlit areas and near entryways can help keep unwanted pests away and protect your garden. In addition, you can also place tied bouquets of lavender around your home to discourage the entry of these bothersome insects.

Marigolds

• Marigolds have vibrant red and orange flowers but offer more than just aesthetic appeal to your garden. These flowers possess the remarkable ability to repel mosquitoes, black flies, aphids, and even rabbits. Their distinctive fragrance is a natural repellent, making these pests uncomfortable around the area.

If you have a vegetable garden, consider planting marigolds alongside your crops to repel unwanted pests like the tomato hornworm. Marigolds can enhance your yard’s beauty while protecting your plants from various pests.

Petunias

• Petunias offer more than their captivating purple hue that brings a vibrant touch to your garden. These charming flowers act as natural repellents, repelling pests that feed on your vegetables. They effectively repel tomato hornworms, aphids, leafhoppers, squash bugs, and asparagus beetles.

In addition, petunias require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient choice for your yard. You can incorporate them into garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers, adding beauty and pest protection to your outdoor space.

Pitcher Plants

• One effective solution to eliminating unwanted pests is to consider growing plants that eat these pests. Pitcher plants are a perfect solution due to their predatory nature. These plants keep your yard free of insects by eating them.

The key feature of pitcher plants is their specialized leaf structure, known as a pitcher. The pitcher lures bugs inside to trap them. The insects cannot escape, eventually drowning in the water within the pitcher. Next, the pitcher plants digest their captured prey.

Chrysanthemums

• Chrysanthemums add color to your yard while serving as effective guardians against unwanted pests. They belong to the Pyrethrum genus, and extracts derived from these flowers can repel and eliminate various insects.

Roaches, ants, beetles, ticks, lice, fleas, and mites are among the pests that find chrysanthemums highly repelling. In addition, these potent flowers are frequently incorporated as key ingredient in residential insecticide products. Incorporate chrysanthemums into your garden or use products derived from them to control common pests effectively.

Nasturtiums

• Nasturtiums, often called trap crops, possess a unique characteristic of attracting pests to their leaves rather than repelling them. This fascinating quality makes nasturtiums highly effective in attracting insects like cabbage moths and aphids, so they focus on nasturtiums instead of valuable crops such as cabbages, tomatoes, and beans.

Plant nasturtiums along the borders of your vegetable garden to create a natural trap that entices pests, effectively protecting your desired crops from their unwanted attention. For this reason, nasturtiums have gained popularity among gardeners, offering a practical and organic approach to pest management.

If you suspect your plants are infested with pests or need help maintaining a healthy landscape, don’t hesitate to contact American Tree Experts. We provide professional pest management services in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.

Continue reading to learn more about how to graft fruit trees

Tree grafting is a simple procedure that is popular among many homeowners. A piece of an existing tree (a scion) is connected to a part of another tree (receptive rootstock). When the combined components grow, it forms a new tree.

Grafting helps to combine the properties of two trees into one and is more commonly performed for flowering and fruit trees. While grafting isn’t supposed to produce exotic fruits and flowers, it is nevertheless beneficial to the overall health of a garden. This guide will explain how beginners can graft trees in the comfort of their homes.

Gather The Necessary Tools

• Before starting the grafting project, it is imperative to have the right tools. To graft apple trees, an apple rootstock will be required. Similarly, to graft pear trees, a pear rootstock will be needed. Persimmon and cherry trees can be grafted as well. For excellent results, make sure the rootstock is suited to your local climate and region. An extension agent might help you with this.

To cut the scion, sharp shears or any cutting tool in excellent condition will be required. If it is difficult to get a tool in the right shape, you can contact a professional tree pruning service. They can cut the scions in a professional manner. In addition, grafting tape, crafting knives, and grafting sealant will be required.

Select The Right Tree

• Selecting the right tree for grafting is of paramount importance. To know which tree will grow well in your region, help can be taken from the plantation department. You should know if any tree pests are found in your area as they pose a threat to your selected tree.

You can also search online and read up on other people’s grafting experiences in your locality. Some trees are easier to graft than others. Therefore, it will take a couple of grafts before you can complete the entire process smoothly. If you have an open garden, a grafted fruit tree will attract a lot of wildlife such as deers.

Preparing For Grafting

• Tree grafting is only successful if it is performed at the right time. Therefore, it is important to plan for the grafting project. Fruit trees are best grafted from late winters to early summers.

It is essential to have the rootstock at hand, and an already cut scion. The scion should be cut before the sap rises and buds begin to emerge.

• Don’t collect water sprouts that grow from the base of the tree. Instead, hard branches should be collected that have around four to six buds and are 10 – 12 inches long. The scion should have the same width as the rootstock.

To cut the scion, use a sharpened tool. Make clean cuts and place the scion in water to avoid it from drying out. A dried-out scion leads to poor grafting, which in most cases leads to the scion dying out.

Modified Cleft Graft

• The first type of graft is called a modified cleft graft. The outer layer of scion and rootstock is known as the cambium layer. This layer is responsible for transporting nutrients and water across the tree.

The union in grafting will occur within this layer. To ensure a successful graft, the cambium of scion and rootstock must be in contact with each other.

• Cut the rootstock about three inches from the ground line. Split the rootstock down the middle by about one and a half inches. Make a wedge in the scion that is equal to the wedge in the rootstock.

Insert the scion wedge in the rootstock. It is important not to rush this step and make sure the two layers touch each other. Use grafting tape and sealant to make sure the union is complete.

• Tree grafting might seem like a daunting task for beginners. We, at American Tree Experts Inc, can help you with your project. We offer a variety of tree pruning and nutrient management services. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and get your quote now!

Read on to learn about the trees that require a lot of water – Which trees can thrive in the climate of Montclair, New Jersey?

If you are located in an area that receives a lot of rainfall, then don’t let this predicament discourage you from planting trees in your garden. Read more below to learn about the five most water-intensive trees that can add to the beauty of your garden.

Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

• The Atlantic white cedar is native to the East Coast of the USA. It is a famous wetland tree that grows excellent in moist soil. This tree is particularly found in areas where water has penetrated deep into the soil, eliminating any air pockets.

This tree has a very long life, over a few centuries. Because of its extensive root system and adaptation to wet soil, it is known to act as a water purifier. It regulates the flow of nutrients in the soil. Its roots are usually shallow, but if the soil is aerated then they will grow deeper thus forming a strong foundation for the tree.

Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

• The Black gum tree is native to USA and Mexico. It is a famous ornamental tree due to its beautiful autumn foliage. It is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of about 50 meters when it is fully matured. It requires slightly acidic and highly moist soil to grow properly.

Most homeowners tend to grow Black gum trees as a group. If properly maintained by a professional tree pruning service, they can look stunning. Its leaves are dark green during the spring and summer. They change their color to a mixture of red, yellow, purple, and orange during the autumn season.

Red maple (Acer rubrum)

• The Red maple tree is native to the eastern USA. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree. It is loved by homeowners because of its bright red leaves in the autumn season. Its red flowers start to grow once the tree is at least eight years old. This tree can grow to a height of 120 meters when it reaches full maturity.

Due to fewer branches growing at its trunk, it forms a beautiful crown shape which is ideal for shade in the summers. It is a highly water-intensive tree, that grows best in moist soil. One tree absorbs about five gallons of water each week.

River birch (Betula nigra)

• The River birch is native to the eastern USA and is recognizable due to its peeling bark. When the tree is young, its bark is smooth. As it matures, the bark turns flaky and starts peeling off. When this tree is fully matured, it blooms to produce catkins. If you have a pollen allergy then this tree is not ideal for your home.

This tree lives for about 70 years and is fast growing. It can reach a height of 80 meters when fully matured. It is known as a River birch because its roots are adapted to survive a stream bank. If there is poor soil drainage in your garden, then this tree is the best for you to grow.

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

• The red elderberry is native to Asia, Europe, and the USA. It is a tree shrub that produces small fruits. These trees attract a lot of birds and small wildlife. It is a fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 12 meters when fully matured. It is often planted for its beautiful flowers and its attractive appearance.

This tree requires a lot of water to grow properly. It requires moist soil as well as humid conditions. If you have a rain garden, then this tree will add to the beauty of your garden.

• If you are worried about pruning a tree without damaging it permanently, then contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a highly qualified team of tree cutting and pruning professionals based in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-774-6091 for a free quote.

Learn proven ways to prevent diseases in trees and keep them healthy

Making sure plants are protected from diseases is the main worry for every gardener or farmer. To most people, plants are like children and they take caring for them very seriously. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the type of diseases common in your area and how to best tackle them if the onset occurs. However, since prevention is key, we will look at some more ways to prevent diseases in plants.

Top Ways To Prevent Diseases in Plants

Some more ways to prevent diseases in plants are as follows:

Know Your Seasons and Their Requirements

• Being mindful of the seasons is very important if you’re going to keep your plants free of diseases. Many disease-causing pests lay their eggs during the winter and they hatch in the spring.

Springtime maintenance is very important for plants and can make a big difference in their health and immunity. Similarly, as seasons change you should know when to trim your plant’s branches and leaves for better growth and flower production etc.

Balance The Garden Soil

• The soil of your garden plays a big role in determining the nutrients that your plant uses for its growth. A lack of certain nutrients like Nitrogen, Magnesium, Potassium, etc, can cause various diseases.

You also need to make sure the soil is neither too acidic nor too basic. Depending on the type of plants you are growing and the area you live in, you can control soil conditions such as acidity and salinity.

Choose The Right Plants

• Choosing the right plants for your garden is also very important towards ensuring they do not get infected with diseases. Some plants easily catch diseases and can transfer them to others.

In other cases, some plants strip the soil of its nutrients causing neighboring plants to face various issues like excessive yellowing or weak flowers. Therefore always choose the right plants and place complementing varieties with each other.

Find Ways To Compromise

• Sometimes, diseases in plants are inevitable and there is nothing you can do about it. If you try to treat the cause too actively, you may ruin the rest of your plants in the process. So where you can ignore the disease simply because it ‘looks’ different but is causing no real harm to your plant’s health, you should look the other way.

Not only will this be easy on your own conscious but it can prevent you from over-tending your garden and causing distress in the plants.

Do Not Over Water or Mulch

• When you are passionate about caring for your plants and protecting them from diseases, it can be easy to water them too much or add a lot of mulch. The general attitude is ‘more is better. However, many plants have very specific watering requirements and too much water can cause them to rot, especially from the roots.

Extremely moist conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for disease. Therefore whatever you do for your plants, make sure it lies within their needs and you do not go overboard. It will save your plants and garden in the long run.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services make sure that your plants are protected against pests and diseases. 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.