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Certified Arborist in Wilmington – What is Tree Topping and Why is Tree Topping a Poor Practice?

Written by Stein Tree on March 4, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

Ask any arborist or tree care specialist in Wilmington or anywhere else, and they will tell you that tree topping is a bad practice.

Tree topping, a pruning method that cuts off the top branches, is sometimes practiced by tree maintenance services or homeowners. Still, experienced arborists know tree topping is one of the worst possible ways of pruning a tree. Those who perform tree topping may think the practice is a quick and easy method of dealing with trees that have grown too large, but the procedure causes much damage.

What is Tree Topping?

As stated earlier, tree topping is a particular pruning practice that cuts the top off the trunk and upper main branches. People will set an arbitrary maximum measurement for the tree’s height during tree topping to make the tree shorter. Then the trunk and all branches above that height are chopped off in a roughly straight horizontal plane. Often, little to no regard is given to the function of the branches people are cutting or how these cuts will affect the tree’s growth afterward.

Why Is Tree Topping Is a Bad Practice?

Tree topping is a bad practice because it has numerous downsides that negatively affect the long-term health of the tree, along with the property and people around it.

Tree Topping is Bad for Tree Health

One of the main reasons tree topping is a poor tree care method is the many negative impacts on the tree’s health. For example, topping removes part of the tree’s canopy, significantly reducing its ability to collect sunlight and create nutrients. Or, the sunlight the tree does collect will be more likely to damage the bark via sunscald. Tree topping also causes significant stress, creating wounds that make trees far more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Tree Topping Makes Trees Unsightly

In addition to the reduced health, a topped tree will begin sprouting new foliage from all the stumps that remain. Rather than a single neat canopy, these multiple shoots, known as “water sprouts,” will form an unattractive new shape.

While many homeowners like their trees because of the increased property values they bring, an unsightly topped tree may decrease property values. In addition, the potential damage tree topping brings can also reduce your property value, along with other issues.

Tree Topping Can Be Dangerous

Another reason that tree topping is a bad practice is the danger factor. Between the direct damage from the pruning cuts and the high chance of disease, the tree will now be far more likely to have new branches prone to breaking and falling off. As a result, the tree becomes more hazardous than before, potentially opening the owner up to storm damage and other danger due to brittle branches.

What are the Alternatives to Tree Topping?

Although the best scenario is that homeowners plant trees with a maximum growth height of less than the space available (due to power lines or other obstacles), plans can go awry, and mistakes can be made. If a tree must be kept smaller than its intended height, careful pruning when young will allow for healthy growth with proper shape. If a tree must be cut to make way for power lines or other trees, a skilled, certified arborist can assess and handle the job properly in a way that will allow continued healthy growth.

Can Topped Trees Recover?

If you have a tree that has been topped, consult an arborist. With proper nurturing and pruning over several years, a tree can recover and be reshaped to an extent.

Trust Your Tree Pruning to a Certified Arborist in Wilmington

In short, tree topping is a bad practice, an unhealthy form of tree maintenance. For sustainable and healthy options in tree pruning, contact Stein Tree Service today. Our team of arborists will do what is best for you and your trees.

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Stein has a permit to work in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Tree Service Companies have to be trained in proper moving and disposal of materials to avoid spread of the spotted lanternfly and Stein has completed the training courses.

Emerald Ash Borer Inspection

In the spring, destructive ash borer (EAB) adult beetles begin to emerge. These invasive pests can destroy your ash trees. Our specialists are certified to treat for EAP in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For A free consultation, contact us today.

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6 Signs of Tree Problems to Look Out For

Written by Stein Tree on January 19, 2022. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

One of the most effective methods of keeping your trees healthy and vibrant is detecting any signs of tree problems early. Your trees can suffer from various issues, including external damage (insects and weather), internal diseases, or issues that began during planting. Detecting these issues early on will allow you to take action and resolve any problems earlier, but you need to know what to look for. Below are 6 signs of tree problems to look out for and keep in mind.

1. Leaf Color and Other Signs of Damage

Leaves can show many signs of tree problems, and one of the most noticeable signs is their color. Check to see if your trees’ leaves have a deep, vivid color. A pale or off-color can signify pest damage, disease, too much or too little water, or a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Other signs of insect damage include a spider-web appearance or holes on the leaves. If your tree has smaller than typical leaves, you may have issues with the soil or roots. The tree may also have vascular damage in the trunk or branches and other issues like pests or drought. If your trees appear to be developing leaves noticeably later or dropping them earlier than expected they may be under stress and need to be examined by a professional.

2. Stress Cracks

A crack in a tree can be a significant indicator that the tree is unstable and is at risk of falling over. Cracks, which can be horizontal or vertical, are typically signs of structural failures or stresses within the tree. The tree is more likely to fall during strong winds, leading to property and personal damage. Severe winds or storms, heavy canopy growth, or weak branch unions splitting are all potential causes of stress cracks. If your trees have cracks, you need to get an arborist to inspect them to prevent any possible damage nearby.

3. Girdling or Circling Roots

One of the more common signs of tree problems is girdling roots. Girdling roots occur when the root system of a tree is constricted and cannot grow outwards away from the tree, cutting off a tree’s vascular system and preventing the flow of water and nutrients. A common sign of girdled roots is a tree that has been planted like a telephone pole instead of having the base flair outwards. You may also see roots sticking out of the ground, late leaf development, small yellow leaves or needles, early leaf drop, and dieback.

4. Branch Dieback

Dieback is the death of branches, twigs, or roots beginning at the tips and eventually working inward to the rest of the tree. Branch or twig dieback is due to poor growing conditions, physical damage and injury to the tree, or pests and diseases. Dieback can be difficult initially to detect with an untrained eye and typically start in the upper canopy: a general growth reduction, early fall yellowing, and defoliation are all signs of tree problems with dieback. As the dieback progresses, you can spot more extensive branch mortality, cankers on the branches, and an increased insect borer presence.

5. Pests & Diseases

One of the significant issues that trees face is pests and diseases. Some pests, such as the emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly, can cause massive, even fatal, damage to your trees, which makes them vulnerable to other pests or diseases. Keep in mind that your trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases if they are unhealthy or have been damaged. So the best defense against harmful pests and diseases is to maintain healthy trees.

6. Fungi

Tree fungus can appear in many forms, from mushrooms to polypores (large fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside), and while some are safe, others can be harmful to trees. For example, a mushroom in the trunk or on the branches can signify internal decay, while fungus near the roots can indicate root problems. Because of the wide variety of fungi (along with pests and diseases), the best course of action is to contact an arborist who can inspect your trees.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Inspect Your Property for Signs of Tree Problems

Do you want your trees to be healthy and beautiful? Call Stein Tree Service to inspect your property for signs of tree problems. Our team of certified arborists and plant health care specialists provides plant and tree care services to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy. For a free consultation, contact us today.

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Tree Trimming and Pruning or Tree Removal Can Be Hazardous

Written by Stein Tree on December 17, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Many homeowners have experience with shrub or tree trimming and pruning. Some even have experience with a chainsaw. However, tree care can be dangerous, even for professionals, which is why we recommend hiring well-trained, licensed, and insured professionals to perform hazardous tree care tasks.

According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which relies on media reports for this information, 118 tree care-related incidents occurred in 2020. Forty-eight of these were fatal. Most of these injuries were caused by falls, being struck, or contact with electrical wires or current. These are tragic accidents, and if they occur even among trained professionals, they can occur among untrained residents.

Stein Tree Service ensures that our tree care professionals are trained in the proper safety procedures so that no accidents occur. We enforce those safety practices, which is why you will always see our professionals wearing hard hats for protection. We take safety seriously, both our staff’s and yours. If an accident should occur, we are fully licensed and insured for the protection of our staff and clients. An unlicensed tree care worker who is injured on your property could be a financial liability for you if they are uninsured.

What Kinds of Tree Care Should Be Performed By a Professional Tree Care Specialist?

Anything that involves potentially falling limbs or any kind of climbing is best left to professionals. Below is a list of three hazardous activities that Stein provides for residential and commercial clients.

Shrub and Tree Trimming and Pruning

Professionals are recommended for these tasks for two main reasons.

1. Safety and Convenience

A tree care professional has (and is experienced in using) all the proper equipment for tree trimming and pruning, both mechanized and otherwise. Ladders and even lift trucks are sometimes needed for tree trimming, depending on the size. Trained professionals will know how to handle trees that are near electrical lines or overhanging your home to avoid personal or property damage. Tree care professionals will also be practiced in climbing trees in a way that will prevent damage to them.

2. Knowledge

Arborists and other tree care professionals know how to trim a tree or shrub for its health. If you want a particular shape or the tree needs to fit into a limited area, we can accommodate, but we will do so in a way that will enable the tree to continue to thrive. We also know how to avoid over-pruning, and if heavy tree pruning is necessary, we can make recommendations for a long-term plan to achieve the desired final result.

When a trained, certified arborist performs tree trimming and pruning, he/she may be able to identify problem areas in the tree, such as diseased, insect-infested, or weakened areas (such as tree branches) that may be treatable or may require tree removal to maintain safety and minimize safety hazards.

Tree Inspection

Homeowners should inspect their trees regularly for changes, but with the emerald ash borer and spotted lantern-fly threats in our area, having a professional inspect your trees is a good idea. An insect infestation can cause irreparable damage to the trees in your landscape before you realize that anything is happening.

Inspections can also catch weakened or broken branches that are at risk of falling onto your home or onto a family member, neighbor, or passing pedestrian. Being proactive with regular inspections, tree trimming, and removing dead branches can provide a measure of safety from liability in some cases.

Tree Removal

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous tree care activities, especially if the tree is large. Trained tree care professionals will know how to fell the tree without damaging your property. Also, if heavy equipment is required, they will help ensure that surrounding trees and plant life remain unharmed by soil compaction.

Stein Tree Service’s Trained Professionals Will Safely Care for Your Trees

We all love our trees and want the best care for them. For family and property safety, homeowners should call Stein for regular and hazardous tree care activities. We offer residential and commercial shrub and tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal, inspections, insect treatment (including emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly) in Delaware, and Pennsylvania. For a free consultation, contact Stein today!

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Five Common Questions about the Emerald Ash Borer in Wilmington

Written by Stein Tree on November 19, 2021. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Stein Tree Service Blog.

An invasive insect species that made its way to the United States years ago is causing significant damage to the nation’s forests. Already discovered in 35 states, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a substantial threat to residents and businesses in Delaware.

FAQs about the Emerald Ash Borer in Wilmington

Certified Arborists in Wilmington, and across the country, are deeply concerned about the rapid spread of the emerald ash borer, so we at Stein Tree Service have put together a small FAQ to let people know about this new insect threat.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The EAB is a small species of beetle native to Asia but accidentally brought to America sometime in the late 1990s. The insect is about the length of a dime, around 8.5 millimeters or 1/3 of an inch, and notable for its extremely brilliant metallic green shell and wings.

EABs lay their eggs (around 60 to 90 eggs a lifetime) beneath the bark of ash trees, which hatch into larvae that quickly begin consuming the flesh of the tree underneath. As the larvae feed on the ash tree and grow into adults, the beetles make their way to the exterior of the tree before mating and laying more eggs. The end result is an unhealthy, or even dead, ash tree, and more beetles that can spread quickly throughout a forest or urban environment.

Why Should I Care About The EAB?

In one sense, Delaware is lucky: we have relatively few ash trees, only around 2% of the population. However, while ash trees make up a small portion of Delaware’s native forests, urban areas can have ash trees as the prominent large street tree. So if you own any ashes – or white fringe trees – you absolutely should care because EABs can be deadly to any American ash species.

How Does The EAB Spread?

Like many infesting insects, emerald ash borer in Wilmington spreads via firewood, timber, or transplanted saplings. One of the sea venues likely brought them to America in the first place. The insects also have wings and are capable of migrating under their own power. While EAB can spread to other trees by flying, its rapid spread along the east coast is mainly due to being transported by those external means mentioned earlier.

How Do I Spot Signs Of EAB Infestation?

An emerald ash borer infestation can take a long time to show visible signs. Here are the main symptoms of an EAB infestation to look for:

Unexplained die-off on the upper canopy
Small tufted shoots on the trunk, called epicormic branching
Distinctive D-shaped holes left by emerging larvae
Vertical bark splits
Excessive woodpecker damage, from woodpeckers eating larvae

How Can My Trees Be Saved If They Have EAB?

Left untreated, EAB will eventually be fatal to ash or white fringe trees. If more than 30-40% of the tree’s canopy is already gone, chances are the tree is too damaged to survive. Otherwise, it can be possible to save the tree. Sustained pesticide usage is the normal course of action, and advance use of treatment may prevent an infestation.

Call Wilmington’s Stein Tree Service for Professional Tree Care and Emerald Ash Borer Concerns

Stein Tree Service has been providing skilled care of trees in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland for over 35 years. If you believe you have seen emerald ash borer in Wilmington, or signs of damage, contact one of our tree care specialists immediately to discuss your options.

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Can You “Train” a Tree? Stein Tree Service Discusses Tree Training

Written by Stein Tree on October 15, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

Many people believe that trees should be able to thrive just fine without human interference, such as trimming shrubs and trees in Newark, DE landscapes. After all, trees and other plants have been doing so for centuries. However, when people add trees to their home and business properties, some expect them to flourish in less-than-hospitable environments. On average, for every 100 trees planted along town streets, only 50 will survive to 13-20 years. One method that can help ensure tree health if done is tree training. When you train or practice trimming shrubs and trees to guide their growth and well-being, you enhance their appearance and improve their health and lifespan.

What is Tree Training?

Tree training is a process that helps trees or shrubs grow into specific shapes. Through careful, selective pruning cuts, one can have more influence over how a tree grows to the benefit of themselves and the tree. Training a tree can help make a tree more aesthetically pleasing and attractive, but also prevent future health issues such as helping branches grow farther apart to prevent blocking each other out.

What Is The Difference Between Pruning And Training?

You may think training a tree is the same as pruning, but training a tree is slightly different in the approach compared to pruning. While pruning can be used to enhance the beauty of a tree, pruning is most often used to maintain tree health and appearance. For example, pruning would be making pruning cuts to sides of a tree because the branches are too close to a building.

Tree training, on the other hand, is about altering the shape of a tree rather than adjusting or maintaining the shape when problems arise. Tying branches down or propping them up from the ground are examples of techniques used to train trees.

Common Tree Training Methods

The following is a quick look at some different types of training methods and recommendations:

Pollard

Pollard is when upper tree branches are removed to create a fuller topping of foliage and smaller branches. This encourages more vigorous growth at the top, and helps maintain trees at a specific and desired height.

Espalier

This trimming technique trains trees and shrubs to grow up trellises, walls, and other flat surfaces. You may have seen apple and pear trees against walls or fences on farms. While often used for decorative purposes, espalier is also helpful for increasing production on fruit trees as the process exposes plants to more sunlight (and makes fruit picking a lot easier).

Pleach

Pleaching is a technique that weaves branches together to create a seemingly cohesive wall. Pleaching is a time-intensive process that makes hedges stronger and thicker, a good option for protection, privacy, and animal control.

Topiary

You have likely seen this tree training technique in people’s houses or gardens. Topiary is a popular pruning technique that involves training plants and trees by clipping foliage and twigs to create defined shapes. If you have ever seen a hedged transformed into animals or a a maze, you have seen an instance of topiary.

Bonsai

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and pruning a tree or shrub in a pot to have the specimen stay small but mimic the tree’s mature form. A beautiful example is the Copper Beech tree that makes for a colorful addition to anyone’s private bonsai collection. However, this delicate tree can also be planted outside and allowed to grow to its mature size as long as the tree is carefully and gradually pruned by a professional with a long-term plan in mind.

Trimming Shrubs and Trees in Newark, DE? Call Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service focuses foremost on tree health, but we often do train trees to keep their proper shapes and stay within desired boundaries (i.e., keeping a mature tree from growing its branches into electrical lines). Proper planting is important, which includes choosing the right specimen to ensure the tree or shrub has room to mature to its natural full size.

We are eager to help ensure your trees reach their full potential. For more information about tree training and other best tips and practices for trimming your shrubs and trees, contact us today.

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Spotted Lanternfly Facts That You Need To Know

Written by Stein Tree on September 15, 2021. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

One of the fastest spreading insects in Pennsylvania has been the spotted lanternfly. This insect was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, many households in multiple counties have reported seeing this insect on their properties and the resulting damage. To keep residents informed about this destructive pest, we have many spotted lanternfly facts that you need to know to keep your trees safe, healthy, and beautiful.

Spotted Lanternfly Facts: Appearance & Behavior

As a homeowner, you will need to keep an eye out for these insects on or around your property. To do so, you need to know what spotted lanternfly looks like and what their behavior is. Here are spotted lanternfly facts to help you identify their presence on your property.

What Are Spotted Lanternflies & What Do They Look Like?

As said earlier, spotted lanternflies feed on the sap from various plants, though again, their preferred choice of plant is the tree of heaven. That sap provides much-needed nutrients to trees, and by feeding on that sap, the spotted lanternfly makes trees weaker and more vulnerable to other harmful insects or diseases. In addition to feeding on the sap, spotted lanternflies also excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which can attract other insects and promote a fungus called sooty mold.

What Is The Impact of Spotted Lanternfly?

The overall impact of spotted lanternflies has been enormous. In Pennsylvania alone, their damage to trees could cost the state roughly $325 million annually. As of March 2021, 34 Pennsylvania counties are in quarantine for the spotted lanternfly, primarily the eastern, southeastern, and south-central PA counties. One reason why spotted lanternflies have been so devastating to many peoples’ trees is the way the pest spreads and migrates from tree to tree.

How Does Spotted Lanternfly Spread?

The spotted lanternfly has spread across the United States for many reasons. These insects can lay eggs on nearly any surface, from trees to wooden decks and patios to even cars or pipes. This ability to lay eggs on different surfaces means that some people can inadvertently transport the eggs across counties or even states. Below are some of the objects spotted lanternfly has been known to lay eggs on:

Firewood
Construction or landscaping materials
Outdoor equipment or furniture
Crates or boxes

Because the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species, none of the natural predators that would keep its population in control in its native environment are present in the U.S. This factor means the insect can spread more quickly.

What Can You Do To Help?

As a homeowner, you can do a few things to help slow down the spread of spotted lanternfly to keep your trees safe and beautiful:

Be diligent and watch for any signs of spotted lanternflies, whether they are adults, nymphs, or egg masses.
Take measures to prevent transporting any of the items listed previously that spotted lanternfly lay their eggs on, and always check for egg masses before traveling.
Reach out to a professional, certified arborist who can examine your property for any signs of this invasive species and who can advise you on the best course of action to keep your trees healthy and safe.

Contact Stein Tree for Spotted Lanternfly Treatment & Tree Care

If you are interested in more spotted lanternfly facts or want to keep your property safe, call Stein Tree Service. Stein provides various plant and tree care services for commercial and residential properties, including plant health care (PHC), tree removal, pest control, and more. Our team of arborists and plant health care specialists is certified to treat in areas of spotted lanternfly infestation in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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In the spring, destructive ash borer (EAB) adult beetles begin to emerge. These invasive pests can destroy your ash trees. Our specialists are certified to treat for EAB in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For A free consultation, contact us today.

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Emerald Ash Borer Infestation in the United States

Written by Stein Tree on August 18, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

The emerald ash borer (EAB), a metallic green insect accidentally brought to the United States (likely from wood packing materials) in 2002, has been found in 35 states as of 2021. The insect was found in Pennsylvania in 2007 and Delaware in 2016. Since its discovery as an invasive species, the emerald ash borer infestation has grown to several states in the U.S. and caused massive damage to tens of millions of ash trees in North America.

The emerald ash borer attacks ash trees, and has destroyed the ash population in many of the states where infestation has occurred. Agencies have been working to fight the EAB infestation through measures such as EAB quarantines, but the insects continue to be discovered in new areas. Some treatments are available, and Stein Tree Service is licensed to apply the necessary insecticides in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Our infographic highlights how much of an impact the emerald ash borer has had on peoples’ trees, how far it has spread, and what you can do about it.

Preventing Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

One of the methods of preventing or halting the spread of emerald ash borer infestation is early detection. Homeowners should be vigilant and keep an eye out for potential signs of emerald ash borer presence or infested trees. Some of these signs and symptoms of an emerald ash borer infestation include the following:

Thinning tree canopy
D-shaped exit holes in bark
S-shaped grooves in the tree under the bark
Unusually high woodpecker presence

If you notice any of these signs, have a professional inspect your trees to determine whether you need treatment to save your trees, or if tree removal may be necessary to protect your remaining trees.

Call Stein Tree for Inspection and Treatment for the Emerald Ash Borer

Stein Tree Service has been providing exceptional tree care for over 35 years and our certified arborists are trained to identify the emerald ash borer and other threats to your trees. For more information or a free consultation, call 610-723-8056.

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Tree Care Tip: Proper Watering is Important All Year and Especially in Summer

Written by Stein Tree on July 2, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

As part of good tree care, proper watering is important, especially during the summer months when less rain falls and other seasonal growing plants compete for the available water. Stein Tree Service offers some watering tips for optimal tree health.

Proper Watering Tips for Ideal Tree Care and Health

Watering best practices vary with the season and with a tree’s growth phase. A newly planted tree needs to be handled differently than an established tree; they may require a different watering schedule or need different amounts of water. Other factors, such as climate, soil, and the type of tree can all determine the best methods and times to water. For example, leaves can get scalded by the sun if one waters during the wrong part of the day.

Generally, the only parts of a tree that need water are the roots. While you can directly water your flowers or a vegetable garden, tree root systems absorb water from the soil and distribute it throughout the rest of a tree. A good practice is to water deeply and slowly, giving the roots enough time to soak up enough water.

Checking for soil moisture is a good way to see if your trees need watering. However, merely looking at the surface soil is inadequate. Check for moistness by feeling the soil about two inches under the surface. You can use a spade or your hands to push topsoil away for this purpose. If the soil feels dry, you need to water.

Thorough, proper watering once a week (or more often in summer) is better than small, frequent watering. A good guideline is about 5 minutes of hose watering at medium pressure. Too much water is as bad for tree health as too little, so be careful to avoid over-watering your plants and trees.

Watering Newly planted trees

If you have newly planted trees in your landscape, be aware that those trees need special nurturing, so proper watering is crucial. For the first few months, you only need to be sure the area around the root ball is kept moist. Once the roots begin to spread out, you will want to spread out the watering circumference. The area within the tree’s dripline (the area from the tree trunk to the ends of its branches) should be sufficient.

For new trees that are still being established, check the soil condition often. Regular watering should be done for at least the first two growing seasons, including fall, as this time helps prepare trees to survive the winter. Mulch can help hold in the moisture, aiding in healthy tree growth.

Watering Established trees

Trees that have weathered at least two growing seasons should be established enough that you can somewhat relax your vigilance. The tree will become accustomed to the area’s normal precipitation levels and adjust accordingly. However, when an area has a drought period or even a shorter period where rainfall is less than expected, you may need to water trees to maintain health. Be proactive, and water before the tree begins to show signs of distress. If watering is necessary, water the soil within the tree’s dripline and keep the soil moist up to 12” deep. This watering is required for the duration of a drought, every 10-14 days.

Stein Tree Service is Passionate About Good Tree Care and Health

Stein Tree Service has been nurturing trees in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland for over 25 years. We know how to care for trees, and we encourage residents to learn about proper watering and other best practices to keep a healthy landscape. For information about our services, such as tree trimming and pruning, tree removal and pest management, contact Stein Tree Service today. We offer free consultations.

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Emerald Ash Borer – Invasive Species Highly Destructive to Ash Trees

Written by Stein Tree on May 19, 2021. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

The emerald ash borer (EAB, or Agrilus planipennis) is a green beetle native to Asia and Eastern Russia. Outside its native region, the emerald ash borer is an invasive species, and emerald ash borer infestation is highly destructive to ash trees, having infested millions of ash trees in its introduced range. The Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in the United States in Michigan in 2002. It is believed to have been brought to North America unintentionally in ash wood used to stabilize crates during shipping. Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is May 23 -29 in 2021, so Stein Tree Service offers information about this invasive pest.

Life Cycle of the Emerald Ash Borer

A key part of emerald ash borer awareness is knowing the emerald ash borer life cycle. Understanding the life cycle will help you understand what to do when you see any activity on or around your property. Below are the different life cycle stages of this highly destructive invasive species.

Signs of Emerald Ash Borer

Adults

The adult emerald ash borer is a dark metallic green, bullet-shaped beetle, and about 1/3 inch long (8.5 millimeters), and 1/16 inch wide (1.6 mm). The body is narrow and elongated, and the head is flat with black eyes. After emergence, adults fly into the ash canopy, where they feed on leaves throughout their lives. EAB adults start mating one week after emergence, and females begin laying eggs 2–3 weeks later. A typical female will lay approximately 100 eggs during her 2-month life; 56% of these eggs, on average, will be female. EAB adults are readily observed mating and egg-laying on the trunks of ash trees on warm, sunny afternoons and evenings in the field. The adults of both sexes are strong fliers.

Eggs

A female EAB may lay more than 100 eggs in her lifetime, depositing them individually or in groups on the bark of ash trees along the trunk and portions of the major branches. Eggs are laid in areas where the bark is rough and between bark layers or in bark crevices.

Eggs are approximately 1.0 mm long x 0.6 mm wide and creamy white when laid; fertile eggs gradually turn amber after a few days and hatch after about two weeks.

Larvae

Newly hatched larvae bore through the bark to the phloem and outer layer of new sapwood, where they feed until the weather gets too cold in the fall. There are four stages of larval development (instars). As they feed, the larvae create long serpentine galleries filled with frass, which enlarge in width as they grow.

Larvae are creamy-white and dorso-ventrally flattened. When fully mature, fourth-instar larvae are 26 to 32 mm long. Their head is mainly retracted into the prothorax with only the dark brown mouth parts visible. The prothorax is enlarged, with the mesothorax and metathorax narrower. Larvae have 10 bell-shaped abdominal segments and a pair of small brown structures called urogomphi, which are characteristic of all larvae in the genus Agrilus.

Overwintering Larvae, Pre-pupae, Pupae, and Adults

In the fall, mature fourth-instar emerald ash borer larvae excavate pupal chambers in the sapwood or outer bark where they fold into overwintering “J-shaped larvae.” In the spring, the J-shaped larvae shorten into prepupae then shed their cuticle to become naked pupae. Pupae are initially creamy white, but the eyes turn red, and the bodies begin to darken as they develop.

Another critical aspect of emerald ash borer awareness is identifying signs of infestation. Adults chew D-shaped exit holes through the bark to emerge from infested trees and can immediately fly upon emergence. EAB larvae that are immature as cold weather arrives in the fall will overwinter in their larval gallery. Larger larvae complete development the following spring, whereas smaller larvae may require another summer of feeding to complete development.

Effect on trees

The most significant damage to a tree by EAB infestation occurs when the insect is in its larval stage. The larvae feed on the conductive tissue of the tree. This tissue transfers nutrients and water from the roots to the leaves, and when this is disturbed, the infested ash tree begins to die. At the onset of winter, the larvae relocate to the tree’s bark, effectively cutting off the tissue more. This ultimately results in the death of a tree. This can take place over several years, and the first noticeable sign is usually some die back in the crown of the tree. The tree will usually be dead by the following year or soon after. In areas where the insect is invasive and has no natural predators, it can and usually does have a devastating effect on the local ash tree population.

Treatment

Prevention of the emerald ash borer infestation is possible by injecting a systemic insecticide into the base of the tree. This treatment can prevent damage to the tree for up to two years. Note that arborists must reapply application every two years. Soil injections are another option for the prevention of EAB. These insecticides are injected directly into the soil surrounding the tree’s base and are then transported through the rest of the tree via the roots. For these treatments to have the greatest effect, the soil must be moist when applied. Waterlogged or dry soils will result in less insecticide being absorbed into the tree.

Arborists can use two insecticide spray treatments. The first is a spray that is applied to the trunk and absorbed through the bark. This treatment is less invasive to the tree and soil. However, if the tree has thick bark, absorption is slow and limited. The second spray treatment is a protective cover spray applied to the branches and trunk of the tree. This treatment kills adult beetle and newly hatched larva; however, it will not kill eggs.

Contact Stein Tree Service for A FREE, No-Obligation Consultation

If you want to keep your trees safe during emerald ash borer awareness week and all year, contact Stein Tree Service at (302) 478-3511 to request your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our ISA Board Certified Arborists.

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Stein Tree Corrects Spotted Lanternfly Myths

Written by Stein Tree on May 7, 2021. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that has caused massive damage to the east coast of the United States. As home and business owners try to keep their trees safe, myths about this treehopper have formed. Some myths, such as the spotted lanternfly being luminescent, are harmless, but others can cause real damage to one’s plants and property. Other myths are about the pest’s behavior and can lead people into thinking their trees are safer than they are. Below are 3 spotted lanternfly myth debunked by the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Learn the facts and what you can do to keep your trees safe.

Myth #1: Pressure Washing Trees Destroys Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

One of the common spotted lanternfly myths among homeowners is that by pressure washing egg masses on trees, the eggs will be destroyed and prevent the spread of Spotted lanternflies on their property. This thought is false and has two major issues:

Pressure washing may remove egg masses from trees, but the eggs can still hatch.
High-pressure sprays can harm trees, remove their outer layer of bark, and damage the cells under the bark.

The better way of removing egg masses is to scrape them off trees with plastic or some other instrument that will do no damage to the bark. The egg mass can be put into a bag with rubbing alcohol, and disposed of.

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Myth #2: The Spotted Lanternfly Can Only Reproduce with Tree of Heaven

Another one of the common spotted lanternfly myths is that the pest needs Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) to reproduce, which may lead to homeowners who lack these trees in their landscape to think that spotted lanternfly will be unable to spread on their properties. Tree of heaven is an invasive species of tree native to China, introduced to the U.S. in the 1700s, and is the preferred host of the spotted lanternfly. But the pest can reproduce and spread without this tree.

Research has shown that the spotted lanternfly reproduces faster when using tree of heaven as a host, so homeowners who do have the tree species on their properties should consider removing them, if possible. The pest feeds on over 70 different plants, so if your property lacks a tree of heaven, your landscape is still at risk of spotted lanternflies feeding, reproducing, and spreading among your plants.

Myth #3: Homemade Remedies Are Safe and as Effective as Professional Methods

Some homeowners may be tempted to remove spotted lanternflies on their own through home remedies and sprays. Dish soap, glass cleaner, vinegar, and chili/cayenne peppers are a few of the ingredients people use to remove spotted lanternflies. Contrary to what some people think, these home sprays are less safe and effective than professional methods and are dangerous to trees and plants. Dish soap, for example, removes protective, natural oils and waxes on plant leaves, leaving the plant more vulnerable to damage and disease.

Other methods such as removing tree of heaven or using cards or knives to remove egg masses (as previously mentioned above) are more effective methods to manage pests. For chemical-based methods, a certified arborist and pest management specialist will have the proper training, experience, and chemicals to use if needed. As always, reach out and consult with a tree care company to remove and manage pest populations on your property.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Pest Management

If you want to keep your trees safe from spotted lanternfly, contact Stein Tree today. Our team of tree care specialists is certified to treat in areas of spotted lanternfly infestation in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Stein performs commercial and residential plant and tree care services, including plant health care (PHC), tree removal, trimming, and pruning. For more information on spotted lanternfly myths or our services, contact us today.

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