When a home owner fears that a tree is too large and may fall on their home, often they hire a tree service to reduce the tree’s height by topping it. However topping destroys a tree’s natural architecture, reduces it’s food-making capacity, and creates large wounds that are vulnerable to insect invaders and severe fungal decay. The […]
Tree Root Structure
Tree root structure is often misunderstood. Roots do not grow deep underground as some mirror image of the tree’s crown. Our urban soils are generally compacted and without the necessary pore space for optimal water and oxygen infiltration. Since roots must respire, they cannot function normally without oxygen. Roots grow where conditions are best, and […]
Nutrient Management Basics for Trees
The trees in your landscape are not growing in ideal conditions. When new properties are developed, often the topsoil is removed. What remains is low in organic matter and often deficient in essential elements for tree growth. Furthermore, the repeated removal of leaf litter and grass clippings interrupts the natural recycling of nutrients back into the urban soil. […]
Soils and Tree Health, Part I
Most people have never given any thought to the dirt that they walk on. But soil is a critical component of our landscapes. It’s a complex mixture of weathered minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, water, and soil air. The majority of tree health problems in Hampton Roads are not caused by insects or disease, they are caused […]
Tree Roots and Pavement
Whether sidewalks and driveways are installed too close to trees or trees are planted too close to hardscaping, the results can be less than optimal for both. Trees can be stressed, roots can be damaged and pavement can be cracked and lifted. The best solution is to plan ahead. Implementing good design and planting practices […]
The Top 10 Reasons for Removing Trees
Removing trees from your property keeps chainsaws revving and brush chippers roaring. But is it always necessary? Why do people want trees removed? The answers vary, but by considering alternatives, objectives can often be met without removing trees. The following list is anecdotal and based on my personal experience. The reasons are in no particular order […]
The Truth about Storm Damaged Trees
After every local windstorm, there will be no shortage of dramatic footage and photographs of storm damaged trees. News crews will rush to the scene of greatest damage and broadcast the destruction to every tuned-in television in Hampton Roads. But as an arborist with more than twenty years of experience—I’ve worked hurricanes from Florida to […]
The Danger of Codominant Stems
Codominant stems with included bark are responsible for many of the catastrophic tree failures that litter our lawns and damage our homes after a wind storm. By recognizing visible defects prior to inclement weather, we can take corrective actions and preserve otherwise healthy trees. What’s The Problem? Many of our mature landscape trees were not pruned […]
Preventing Mistletoe Infestations
Mistletoe on your mantle makes a lovely holiday decoration, but the mistletoe in your tree is a parasite. Your landscape trees will be healthier without it. Prevent mistletoe infestations by inspecting and pruning your trees as necessary. What’s The Problem? Mistletoe has root-like structures that invade twigs and stems, sapping moisture and nutrients from your tree to support its […]
Training Young Trees
Training young trees for proper structure and form is essential for the continued health, beauty and long-life of our landscape trees. Many tree structural failures can be traced back to improper care of young trees. Training young trees, or formative pruning, can reduce and eliminate many structural defects, decreasing future storm damage, and improving the […]