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Ready to transform your garden? Here’s why you shouldn’t skip mulching this summer!

Mulching is the process of covering the base of a tree with a layer of organic material known as mulch. It is an essential part of the tree care routine that ensures trees’ longevity and health. Skipping this essential step can compromise trees’ well-being. Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t skip mulching this summer.

Preserves Soil Moisture

• Mulch acts as a protective barrier for the soil around your tree, maintaining the essential moisture levels it needs to thrive. This is particularly crucial for young trees that are still establishing their root systems. By applying a proper layer of mulch, you effectively shield the soil from the intense sun, preserving its necessary moisture even during the warmest summer days.

However, it’s important to avoid piling mulch into a volcano-like shape around your tree’s trunk. This can trap moisture against the bark, potentially causing trunk rot or disease. Instead, spread an even layer of mulch around the base of your tree to help retain soil moisture without risking its health.

Mulch Enhances Soil Quality Over Time

• The use of high-quality mulch around your trees promotes the gradual decomposition of organic matter, enriching the soil beneath it with essential nutrients. This natural process nourishes your trees with organic elements, reducing the need for frequent root fertilization and allowing you to appreciate your landscape fully.

Opting for low-quality or rubber mulch may introduce harmful heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the soil surrounding your trees. For expert assistance in mulching your trees, rely on certified arborists to ensure proper care for your trees.

Improves Nutrient Supply

• The organic materials used in mulch, including bark, leaves, or straw, contain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for tree growth. As the mulch decomposes, it releases these nutrients into the soil, which the tree roots take up.

Thus, mulching improves the tree’s overall health and growth and reduces the need for additional fertilization. It also improves the soil structure and fertility, which further helps provide nutrients to the tree. However, the quality and composition of the mulch used will affect the amount and type of nutrients it provides.

Mulching Regulates Temperature

• Maintaining consistent soil temperatures is crucial for trees’ well-being, and mulching plays a significant role in achieving this balance. By insulating tree roots, mulch protects them from the adverse effects of extreme heat or cold. During the hot summer months, mulch acts as a barrier against the sun, minimizing soil heat absorption and preventing root exposure.

In winter, mulch provides insulation, safeguarding roots from freezing temperatures. This reduces the stress induced by sudden temperature shifts. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of mulch in insulation varies depending on its type. Organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, offers superior insulation compared to inorganic mulch, like gravel or stones.

Minimizes Disease Risks

• Mulching helps support the growth of beneficial fungi known for their disease-suppressing abilities. These fungi can act as a protective barrier, preventing harmful disease pathogens from reaching and affecting your tree. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all fungi are friendly to your tree’s health.

Distinguishing between beneficial and harmful fungi can be challenging. If you’re uncertain about the type of fungus growing in your soil or on your tree, seeking professional help is advisable. Contact a certified arborist to ensure your tree receives a thorough risk assessment and a tailored care plan, ensuring its continued health and growth.

If you need more information about mulching or suspect your plants and trees are experiencing a nutrient deficiency, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Call us at (973) 774-6091 and let our nutrient management experts help you bring your garden back to life.

Tree care 101 – Discovering the importance of pruning for trees and its benefits

Pruning is a comprehensive preventive technique for young plants and mature trees. It is an essential part of a long-term maintenance strategy to keep shrubs and trees healthy and thriving. Pruning offers several advantages by keeping the trees and plants around them safe. Keep reading to learn the importance of pruning for tree health.

Enhances Tree Growth and Structure

• Tree pruning can significantly influence the growth pattern of a tree. A tree can be guided to develop a specific arrangement of limbs and branches, which is more beneficial for its overall structural integrity. This careful maintenance reduces the risk of limb breakage and falling branches.

In addition, it ensures that the tree maintains a safe branch structure and even weight distribution to avert disasters in the tree’s later years. Moreover, structural pruning can enhance the tree’s visual appeal. If aesthetics are a priority, proper pruning can direct the tree to grow in the desired, aesthetically pleasing manner.

Identification of Infections and Diseases

• Besides the aesthetic benefits, tree trimming gives you an idea of tree health. Regular trimming reduces the number of overgrown branches, allowing you to assess the tree’s physical health better. In addition, you can quickly detect a disease or insect infestation and tell if something is wrong with the tree.

Early detection enables you to prune the affected branch or treat the disease before it spreads to the entire tree. However, if left unchecked, infestation or diseases can cause severe damage to your tree, possibly resulting in tree removal. Therefore, regular tree trimming is one of the best approaches to determining the tree’s health and disease severity.

More Fruit Yield

• Since the large trees with excessive branches struggle to obtain the required nutrients, trimming the unwanted branches will result in healthier fruit production. In addition, the decreased competition for nutrients and energy strengthens the fruit-bearing branches of the tree. Thus allowing the tree to produce nutrient-rich and flavorful food.

Stimulates Energy Production

• Sunlight is crucial for a tree’s growth. The photosynthesis process can only occur in the presence of sufficient sunlight. The energy a tree produces through photosynthesis is determined by the sunlight reaching its leaves. In addition, the number of leaves also affects photosynthesis.

However, the tree cannot produce enough energy if overgrown branches block the sunlight. The amount of sunlight that reaches the leaves can be improved by trimming the unwanted branches. This way, sunlight will reach the leaves previously shaded by overgrown branches. And the tree’s energy production capacity will increase, enabling it to grow to its full potential.

When is the Best Time to Prune Trees?

• Pruning trees at the right time is crucial for their health and development. Late winter is often the preferred season for pruning because fresh wounds remain exposed briefly before new growth occurs, promoting faster healing. In addition, pruning during the dormant phase simplifies the process as there are fewer hindrances from leaves. It’s advisable to conduct late winter pruning to reduce the risk of certain diseases.

For example, oak trees should be pruned between November and March to prevent Oak Wilt disease. Furthermore, when it comes to pruning, specific tree species may require distinct and precise trimming techniques. If you are uncertain or in doubt, it’s advisable to seek the expertise of a certified arborist. Taking a cautious approach ensures the safety and well-being of the tree while minimizing risks.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Experts in your area talk about the causes and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in plants

Plant nutrients are certain mineral elements that are needed by the plants for their optimal growth. Plants derive these elements through the soil or can be supplemented through fertilizers. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are elements that plants need in large quantities at different stages of plant development.

When the plant’s access to nutrients becomes limited, nutrient deficiency can occur. Nutrient deficiency can disrupt the development of plants, resulting in stunted growth. A plant that lacks one or more nutrients exhibits multiple internal and external signs that indicate a nutrient deficiency.

In this article, let us explore the different causes and symptoms of nutrient deficiency in plants.

Causes of Nutrient Deficiency in Plants

Some of the common causes of nutrient deficiency in plants are as follows:

• Inadequate or damaged root structure leads to poor nutrient absorption, despite its presence in the soil.
• Excessively high concentrations of nutrients in the ground lead to disrupted absorption by plants.
• Highly alkalinity or salinity of the earth.
• Insufficient or poor drainage structure of the plants.
• Low or high pH of the soil.
• Low water content can impact the transportation of nutrients to different parts of the plant.
• Unavailability of the required nutrient at a specific phase of the plant’s developmental cycle. For E.g., plants need a high concentration of nitrogen during the active growth stage, whereas potassium and phosphorous are necessary for high concentrations during seed and fruit formation.

Nutrient management is the key to the timely identification, prevention, and curing of plant nutrient deficiencies. Let us now take a look at some typical signs of nutrient deficiencies in plants.

Telltale Signs of Nutrient Deficiency in Plants

Nutrient deficiency usually manifests as discolored or damaged foliage of the plant. The following telltale signs indicate the lack of different nutrients in plants.

Nitrogen Deficiency

• The green color of the plants is due to the presence of a pigment called chlorophyll. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll. When a plant lacks access to nitrogen, the leaves turn pale green and yellowish in color. Due to this visible sign, nitrogen deficiency is the easiest to identify.

If nitrogen deficiency prolongs, the plant starts to manifest the following signs of damage:

• Poor structure of secondary shoots
• The appearance of purple stripes in the stem
• Stunted growth

Phosphorus Deficiency

Phosphorous is an essential nutrient that contributes to protein synthesis for plants. It is needed in optimal quantities to manufacture buds, seeds, and flowers. Phosphorous deficiency usually manifests through the following signs:

• Appearance of bronze, purple or red hues in fully-developed foliage, typically in the lower areas.
• A more severe and prolonged phosphorous deficiency appears in the form of brown dots and necrosis.
• For crops such as wheat etc., phosphorous deficiency results in inadequate tillering.

Potassium Deficiency

Potassium helps plants in developing immunity against multiple diseases. This essential macronutrient performs the following functions for plants:

• Helps in sugar formation and protein synthesis
• Aids in cell multiplication and root formation

Following are some signs of potassium deficiency in plants:

• The leaf-margins turn yellow permanently
• Development of necrosis
• The midribs show signs of damage by becoming crinkled and shrinking in size.

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 a compilation of top tips to care for your trees during winter

Trees are sensitive to the environmental and climatic changes that are specific to each season. During winters, trees go in a dormant mode i.e. they don’t grow and reproduce, but they still need to be protected from the harsh environmental factors. During winters, a lot of animals hibernate on trees and they may harm the tree structure. Young trees are especially affected by the intensity of the raw cold, chilly winds, and snow and sleet.

Hence, it is important to learn the basic tips to care for trees during chilly colds. Let’s take a look.

Prune

Pruning trees during winters prepares the tree for growth and reproduction during spring and summer. Pruning is recommended during the winter season because disease-causing organisms are dormant and the risk of the spread of disease is reduced. During winters, you can remove the undesirable branches and thin the canopy of the tree. This will give the tree a uniform shape and look.

Mulch

• Mulch is usually made of organic components such as grass, hay, straw, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and kitchen scrap. It is recommended to apply a thin layer of mulch that piles up to 2 inches underneath the drip line of the tree. This is done to insulate the tree roots and the soil in which the tree has anchored from extreme weather conditions and gradual loss of moisture. To prevent the development of a mice colony underneath the mulch, apply the mulch after the ground freezes so the mice won’t be able to dig deep in the ground.

Water

• Watering the trees during winters is not recommended as the water cannot get past the frozen ground and seep into the roots. To keep them hydrated, water the trees and young plants amply during the fall season. Remove the irrigation bags around the tree trunk before the first snowfall. Water again when winters are ending and the ground starts to thaw.

Wrap The Tree Trunks

• Winters take a toll on the tree trunks and lead to the development of cracks. What happens is that when temperatures drop, the tree trunk freezes especially during nights. On sunny days, the trunk thaws from the heat of the sun. This alternate freezing and thawing damage the tree cells and causes cracks in the trunk. This condition is known as sunscald.

To prevent sunscald, cover the trunks with a tree wrap that is made from crepe paper. Start from the bottom and move up till you reach a little above the lowest branch. Remove the wrap during the spring season. Another way to protect the tree trunk is by painting it in white color or wrapping it with a white plastic rabbit guard.

Protection From Animals and Rodents

• Young trees are prone to damage from rabbits and voles as they love chewing and gnawing the soft barks of growing trees. They attack outer and inner bark which exposes inner wood. If half of the trunk has been damaged due to gnawing, then the tree is likely to fall.

To prevent this from happening, do the following:

• Build a small cage with chicken wires around the young trees. This will also keep the deers away from rubbing their heads against saplings.
• Wrap the trunks with plastic guards at least past the snow line. Start by bottom and work your way up till you reach the snow line.

American Tree Experts Inc. provides tree pruning, cabling, bracing, and pest management services at affordable rates. Call us at 973-744-6091. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey.

The complete guide to tree pruning and 5 important Do’s and Dont’s of tree trimming

Tree pruning is the practice of selectively cutting or removing certain parts of the tree such as branches, roots, or buds. It is a common horticultural technique that delivers multiple benefits for the plants. However, to gain the maximum advantage, it is important to prune the tree the right way. Below are some important dos and don’ts of tree pruning that will make all the difference in the result. So read on.

1) Do Remove Dead Branches

• The main purpose of pruning a tree is to improve its health and enhance its appearance. Over time, certain parts of the tree will dry up and become dead. These dried parts, especially the branches, are dead weight for the tree. They should be pruned and removed earliest.

Branches that may break off partly due to the blowing of heavy wind present a safety hazard. Pruning partly broken or diseased branches result in a healthier tree that does not pose any danger to nearby structures or people.

2) Do Maintain The Structural Balance of The Tree

• Whenever you prune, try to prune equally on both sides of the tree. If you take off too many branches from one side of the tree and too little from the other side, the structural balance of the canopy will be disturbed. This will cause the tree to lean on one side. In extreme cases, the tree may fall on the heavier side, if the trunk cannot handle the weight of the imbalanced tree.

Before you start pruning the tree, take a holistic look at it to understand how to maintain the balance of the tree after it has been pruned.

3) Don’t Use Blunt Tools To Cut Branches

• Blunt tools can cause a deep wound to the tree. Tools that are not sharpened are not equipped to make a precise cut to the tree branches. Deep wounds caused by blunt tools can cause a hindrance in the tree’s capacity to deliver food and nutrition to the branches. As a result, several areas of the tree may decay and die.

To avoid this, always use sharp and durable tools to make a precise cut and cause minimum damage to the adjoining trunk. Sharpen your shears before pruning the tree.

4) Don’t Prune The Top Of The Tree

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  Most of the tree’s foliage is at its top, also called the crown of the tree. Avoid pruning branches from the top of the tree. The reason being that most of the photosynthesis takes place at the crown. Photosynthesis is the most important process through which trees get their food and nutrition. Hence, pruning the tree’s crown can reduce the tree’s ability to synthesize its food which can endanger the rest of the tree.

5) Don’t Prune Too Close To The Tree’s Collar

• The tree’s collar is the curved part that joins the tree’s branches to its main body or the trunk. The tree’s collar is an important junction and chopping off the branch too close to it will leave a wide opened hole or wound.

By doing so, you will attract pests and disease into your tree through the hollow holes left in the main branch whenever you cut a branch, cut at a slanted angle while ensuring that the outer bark is not cut off.

The experts at American Tree Inc understand the theory and principles of tree pruning. We will provide you the best services at reasonable rates. Call us at 973-744-6091. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey.

Here are 5 amazing tips for pruning trees that directly impact tree growth and health

Tree pruning is the practice of trimming and shaping a tree and removing extra and diseased branches, shrubs, leaves, and roots of a plant. It not only enhances the appeal of the tree but also makes it healthier, stronger, and safer. Pruning trees regularly will keep the pests and diseases at bay. However, it is important to prune the tree correctly using the right methodology and techniques. Otherwise, you may end up doing more damage than good.

In this guide, we will shed light on tips to pruning trees which include some basic yet important aspects of tree pruning.

Observe The Tree and Decide What to Prune

• Pruning a tree can be a bit like cutting hair. Before beginning the job, you have to analyze and decide which parts you want to remove, what shape you want to give the tree, and whether you want to do a light trimming or a heavy cutting of the tree. Setting your goals for the pruning session will give you a guideline to follow.

By doing so, the end result will not be drastically different than what you had anticipated initially.

Season Matters

• All four seasons impact the growth of a tree differently. If you prune your tree during winters, it will have massive growth during the spring and summer seasons. Due to an abundance of sunlight and humidity, plants experience the highest growth during these seasons.

However, if you want to slow down the growth of a few unwanted branches or make the tree more shapely, it is recommended to prune a tree during summers. Trees have a slower growth during the Autumn and Winter seasons.

Remove The Damaged Branches First

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  The goal of pruning a tree is to make it healthier. Parts of trees that have been damaged due to storms or disease should be removed first. By pruning these parts, the nutrients will be redistributed evenly to the healthy parts of the tree.

Before pruning a tree, identify the major branches of a tree that form its skeleton. Do not remove these branches as they provide support and nutrition to multiple other parts of the tree.

Prune The Clustered Areas

• Those areas of the trees that are clustered with lots of thin and unwanted branches require special attention. Remove unnecessary and extra branches so that light and air will circulate the major branches in an improved manner. Light and air are important for the growth of a tree. Clustered branches attract insects and become breeding grounds for fungus and moss.

Also, remove the branches that grow inward towards the center of the tree. These branches lead to unhealthy clutter.

Light Pruning is The Preferred Way to Go

• Always prune with light hands. Avoid heavy pruning unless the tree is heavily infested or diseased. With every cut, the tree’s immune system is compromised a little and it becomes prone to pest infestation and fungus. The rule of thumb is that you should not prune more than 25% percent of a tree’s branches in one season.

75 percent of a deciduous tree should always be covered with living branches. This is important for the supply of nutrients and for supporting the tree’s ecosystem.

Following these tips will ensure healthy and beautifully sculpted trees. If you are new to gardening, call in the pros and let them prune your trees. American Tree Experts provides tree pruning and removal services in Montclair, New Jersey, and surrounding areas. Call them at 973-834-7797 to get a free estimate of the services.