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Inspecting for Emerald Ash Borer: Learn the EAB Life Cycles

Written by Stein Tree on April 28, 2021. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video.

Spring is here again, and Stein reminds residents that inspecting for emerald ash borer (EAB) is essential for Pennsylvania and Delaware residents, especially if you have ash or fringe trees in your yard. A professional knows just what to look for, but homeowners should proactively inspect their trees for signs of illness or infestation throughout the year.

Unsure what to look for? Well, the signs of emerald ash borer infestations could vary from season to season based on the emerald ash borer lifecycle. However, once the damage has occurred, you should be able to see the evidence. The emerald ash borer has three distinct life cycle phases. Stein Tree offers a look at the three seasonal stages

Emerald Ash Borer Life Phases

A key part of inspecting for emerald ash borer involves understanding and identifying the pest’s distinct life phases. Depending on the season, emerald ash borer will be in different life cycle stages, and inspecting and treatment at each stage is different. To help you better understand what to look for, below is some information on the various life phases of emerald ash borer beetle.

Spring

Adults emerge from winter slumber in the spring, about ½ an inch long. Their exit leaves D-shaped holes in the bark of the tree. The adult beetles begin consuming the canopy leaves, which could start to show signs of thinning.

Summer

During warm summer months, the emerald ash borer mates and lays eggs between the layers of the outer bark and the infested tree’s crevices. The eggs hatch within about two weeks, and the larvae begin tunneling through the bark. As the larvae tunnel throughout the tree, they feed on the phloem, the tissue that conducts nutrients to all parts of the tree.

Winter

Fully grown larvae spend the winter wrapped in a pupation cell before emerging as adults in spring. Younger larvae spend the winter months feeding in galleries within the tree. The galleries are among the most destructive aspects of the emerald ash borer’s impact and eventually lead to the tree’s death due to lack of ability to circulate nutrients and water.

The emerald ash borer has been devastating to the United States’ ash tree population as an invasive species. In order to protect our trees, we need to be aware of the signs of infestation, do regular inspections for infestation and general tree health, and take corrective measures when necessary. Certified arborists like those at Stein Tree Service are trained to know the signs, and we are certified to treat emerald ash borer.

Call Stein Tree Service for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment in Delaware and Pennsylvania

The treatment of emerald ash borer is regulated, and companies must be certified to perform the treatment. Stein Tree Service is licensed for inspecting for emerald ash borer and providing appropriate treatment in Delaware and Pennsylvania. We are also certified to work in areas that are under spotted lanternfly quarantine. Our professional tree care specialists are passionate about helping trees thrive. Contact us today for information about our tree care services or to schedule a free consultation.

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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Areas

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 EAB in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For A free consultation, contact us today.

West Chester Certified Arborist: The Right Way to Plant Trees

Written by Stein Tree on April 19, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

Planting a tree on your property is one of the best things you can do to improve your home’s resale value and curb appeal while enhancing the environment. However, the process involves more than dropping the new plant into a hole to ensure a healthy, thriving tree that lasts for generations. The best time to plant a tree is early spring, so Stein Tree Service’s certified arborist in West Chester, PA explains the right way to plant your new tree.

Tips for Planting New Trees

The right way to plant trees sounds simple on paper, but both you and arborists have to consider plenty of factors to ensure the proper conditions before and during planting. Before you start digging in your yard and planting the tree saplings, here are a few tips to help your planting go smoothly to ensure optimal tree growth.

Before You Dig

The key to the long-term health of your new tree is proper planting and care. Before you even dig a hole, you need to make sure the area is suitable for the tree you are considering. Make sure to consider the height and diameter of the mature tree’s canopy and root system. The taller your tree will be when fully mature, the farther away you should plant from your house.

Next, you need to ensure that the type of soil and pH levels on your property are compatible with the type of tree. You may need to correct the soil accordingly by adding nutrients. A certified arborist can test your soil and advise you if you need to make adjustments.

Whether you are planting the tree personally or hiring a trained professional, you should clearly mark any underground utilities, to avoid hitting the lines with your shovel and to keep the roots from interfering. Call 811 a few days before your planned dig to have someone come out and mark the locations in your area.

When You Plant

Improperly planting your trees can cause several problems. One common issue is a root-bound tree. To prevent this problem:

Inspect the root ball before buying and avoid those with tight root spirals.
Gently remove unhealthy roots or girdling roots (plant roots growing around the trunk or near the soil surface, which can choke the tree by inhibiting nutrients from reaching the rest of the tree).
Aim for a tree with a root ball of 10” to 12″ diameter per every one inch of trunk diameter.

Ensure that the hole is deep enough, and allow a few inches of loosened dirt under the root ball. The soil level should come to the top of the first level of main lateral roots. Pack the soil around the base of the tree and water well (watering can help eliminate air pockets, which inhibit root growth and water movement.) Place a generous layer of mulch around the tree, with a 1-inch depth at the base of the trunk, gaining depth outwardly up to 4 inches.

Stein Tree’s Certified Arborists Will Help West Chester Trees Thrive, from Planting to Maturity

Depending on the type and number of trees you want as well as the type of soil in your area, planting trees can seem complicated. To guarantee the best start for your newly planted trees and protect them for years to come, you may want to hire a certified arborist in West Chester for tree care services. Stein Tree Service’s team of extremely knowledgeable and experienced arborists have helped residents and business owners care for their trees and shrubs for over 37 years. For more information on the right way to plant trees or to request a free consultation, contact us today!

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Top 10 Things to do This Spring for your Trees, Shrubs & Plants

Written by Stein Tree on April 8, 2021. Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog.

Spring is here, and while many people focus on spring cleaning their homes, the trees, shrubs, and other various plants that make up your landscape need some TLC as well. We have put together a list of the top 10 things you need to do this spring to keep your landscape beautiful and valuable. Be sure to contact us if you any questions or to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our ISA Certified Arborists.

Prune & Trim – Dead or broken branches on your trees and shrubs are future breeding grounds for disease and pests, and one way to prevent this problem is pruning and trimming. Pruning and trimming can enhance your plants’ health while maintaining their appearance.
Monitor for Pests – In spring, many common pests, such as emerald ash borer, become active and spread to nearby plants. To prevent damage to your trees or the landscape surrounding your property, monitor your landscape for early signs of pests and contact a certified arborist if you suspect an infestation.
Beware of Brown Leaves – Spring is when green leaves grow back. If your tree’s leaves are turning brown or curling up, you may have a problem that an arborist must treat.
Fix Winter Damage – Winter storms, ice, and cold temperatures may have damaged some of your trees. Make sure to inspect your trees for signs of winter weather damage (for example, broken branches, bark splitting, or sun scald) and resolve any issues before they become fatal.
Fertilize – Spring is a perfect time to fertilize your trees, shrubs, and plants to keep them healthy for the year.
Clear the Base – As we mentioned, your plants can benefit from spring cleaning the same way your house does. Be sure to clear away old mulch and debris that may have piled up around the base of your trees and shrubs over the winter.
Water When Dry – If it is a dry spring, be sure to keep your trees and plants healthy by regularly watering your landscape.
Don’t Prune Prunes – While some trees benefit from pruning in the spring, fruit trees should ideally be pruned during winter.
Get an Inspection – You want your landscape to bloom and look beautiful throughout spring and summer, right? Spring is a great time to call us for a landscape inspection to ensure your trees are healthy and present no potential risks.
Schedule Your Preventive Maintenance – Be sure to schedule maintenance for trees that are susceptible to insects and disease, or that seem to be struggling. Pests like Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Sycamore Anthracnose, Bacterial Leaf Scorch, and Japanese Beetles can be caught early and prevented with proper maintenance. Spotted lanternfly is a common pest as well, and we are certified to work in all areas of spotted lanternfly infestation.

Why Choose Stein Tree Service?

Our staff is the best in the business and has hundreds of years of combined experience. We have ISA Certified Arborists, Certified Tree Risk Assessors, and other tree care specialists.

Our equipment is state-of-the-art and radio dispatched for immediate response. The company fleet consists of several aerial lift trucks, a spider lift, chippers, chipper trucks and stump grinding machines as well as various pieces of machinery for right of way work.

We have provided tree care services to thousands of customers throughout the Delaware Valley and maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction. The vast majority of our business comes to us via referrals from past customers. Contact us today!

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Pipeline Right of Way Clearing

Written by Stein Tree on March 26, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Removal, Tree Service, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Pipelines serve a crucial role for businesses and government agencies, both local and national, and the safety and integrity of such infrastructure is vital. Pipeline right of way clearing (ROW clearing) is an important service that helps keep the areas surrounding pipelines free of excessive vegetation. Removing overgrown brush or trees around a pipeline is a careful process that helps prevent any damage to the pipeline itself. Overgrown brush and trees can present a few risks to the pipeline and surrounding area, infrastructure and crew safety, accessibility, and monitoring.

Types of Pipelines

Pipeline right of way clearing involves removing excessive vegetation both above and below ground. Overgrown trees with branches hanging over a pipeline are the most visible signs of risk, but trees can cause damage to underground components of a pipeline, too. For example, the roots of a tree can be too close to an underground pipeline and can interfere with the operations.

Some of the types of liquid and natural gas pipelines arborists will work on to help maintain a clear right of way include the following:

Gathering lines: These lines collect and move products from their sources to storage or processing areas. The storage facilities must have cleared perimeters as well.
Transmission lines: These lines transport large quantities of natural gas or hazardous liquids over long distances and most are underground.
Distribution lines: Some distribution lines move gas to industrial customers and other smaller ones connect businesses and homes. These lines are typically located in easements along streets underground.

Because most pipelines are underground, arborists need to be keenly aware of potential issues unseen above ground, such as with roots as mentioned above.

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Why Pipeline Right of Way Clearing is Important

Pipeline right of way clearing is important for numerous reasons. Safety is a major concern for pipeline infrastructure and workers, and overgrown vegetation can compromise that safety. A clear right of way makes the pipeline work site more accessible and allows workers to be more productive. And right of way clearing is important for monitoring the area for potential risks.

Safety

One of the most important reasons for right of way clearing is to keep the surrounding people and infrastructure safe. For example, weak or damaged branches (or an entire tree) can fall onto a pipeline and cause significant damage. Overgrown trees or brush prevent inspectors from finding damage or potential safety hazards. Trees and brush can cause damage to underground components of a pipeline, too, such as when roots damage pipeline surfaces. Pipeline right of way clearing helps ensure the safety of both the pipeline and workers.

Accessibility

Right of way clearing helps keep infrastructure clear from obstacles that may interfere with travel or productivity, and businesses who own pipelines are responsible for maintaining them. Dense trees and overgrown brush can block work crews and vehicles from getting to their pipelines or utilities, preventing them from doing their work. Safety inspectors or pipeline technicians need a clear right of way, too. If technicians need to repair a vital pipeline component, especially in an emergency situation, waiting for someone to clear a path wastes time and money. A clear right of way allows workers to easily access and work on the pipeline and surrounding infrastructure.

Monitoring

All underground gas pipelines in the United States are protected under the Homeland Security Agency. Pipeline companies use aircraft to fly over their pipelines each week to ensure that no tampering with the utilities is occurring. Pipeline companies can also use patrols to spot potential issues or problems in the infrastructure. A pipeline working area covered with dense vegetation and overgrown trees or brush makes monitoring difficult to impossible. Keeping the ROW clear ensures that the pipeline area can be easily monitored.

Choose Stein Tree for Pipeline Right of Way Clearing Services

Stein Tree Service offers many tree care services to businesses, municipalities and residential clients. Our right of way clearing services are comprehensive, and we use state of the art practices and equipment, such as our spider lift and lift trucks, to perform the work that our clients depend on. Licensed and insured in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, our certified arborists and professional crews will maintain a safe environment for your commercial business while managing and maintaining your right of way clearing project. Contact Stein Tree Service at 302-478-3511 for answers to all your questions about pipeline right of way clearing services today.

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What Does Dormancy Have to do With Good Tree Care in Wilmington, DE?

Written by Stein Tree on March 19, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Plant dormancy is a state of “sleep” or inactivity for plants and trees in the winter. This aspect of trees’ life cycle helps them survive the harsh winter weather, such as the freezing temperatures and frigid wind. Those who specialize in tree care in Wilmington, DE, are well versed in the subject of dormancy because often, trees must be pruned or inspected during winter dormancy for best results.

You might be surprised to learn that some activity does occur during the colder months. Processes such as plant growth are typically slowed down, so plants require less nutrients and water to survive. Root growth and some other internal processes still take place.

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Preparing for Dormancy

Dormancy occurs when trees begin receiving less light and experience temperature drops. These changes in environmental conditions allow trees to “know” that winter is coming and begin to prepare. Trees take their remaining nutrients and begin to seal themselves off from their leaves before dropping them in the fall. Leaves in certain plant species (such as deciduous trees) fall due to plant hormones producing chemicals that signal the leaves to break off. These hormonal chemicals also prevent cell division and cause trees to stop growing.

This process allows the tree to conserve energy and lowers its need for water and nutrients. Mulching in the fall helps insulate a tree and reduce moisture loss during winter dormancy.

During Dormancy

For most trees, this time of rest is the best time for pruning. Trees are less likely to be “shocked” by the activity and wounded limbs. Pruning also helps prevent potential dangers that weak or damaged branches pose, especially during strong winter winds. Any wounds from trimming and pruning will heal more quickly since the tree is expending no energy on new growth, so the tree will be less likely to become infected from disease or insects. In addition, since the ground is frozen, less trauma due to compaction occurs.

Inspection during winter and spring dormancy is a great idea because tree professionals can more easily see the tree structure and unobscured bark. Areas of decay or injury will be more easily recognized.

Evergreen trees experience dormancy as well but in a different way. Their needles become coated with a heavy waxy substance that prevents them from losing moisture. In addition, they have a chemical inside that helps them resist freezing.

Post Dormancy

As the winter nears its end, trees are exposed to warmer temperatures, even in short interludes, and they begin to have increased activity. Sometimes you will see budding and may worry about early blooming. However, trees are equipped to handle warming during these brief periods of time before the actual advent of summer. As days become longer and the air and ground begin to warm, trees are able to recognize that their growth period has arrived again.

Trust Stein Tree for Your Tree Care in Wilmington, DE

Stein Tree Service performs inspections, tree pruning or removal, pest treatment, and other tree care in Wilmington, DE area and Pennsylvania. Our certified arborists and tree care specialists take great care to make sure your trees thrive after their dormancy. For information about our services or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

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APHIS Removes EAB Quarantine Regulations

Written by Stein Tree on March 10, 2021. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog.

March 10, 2021 – The United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an organization that is part of the Department of Agriculture, has removed emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine regulations. APHIS originally proposed deregulation in 2018, and the proposal was open for public comments for some time. APHIS published a ruling to eliminate federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations on December 15, 2020, and the ruling became effective on January 14, 2021. The removed regulations are related to APHIS’s domestic regulatory actions, such as issuing permits, making site visits, and conducting investigations of suspected violations.

APHIS noted that the domestic quarantine “has not proven effective in stopping [EAB] spread.” The agency also stated that they would focus on identifying “more effective and less intrusive methods and will direct available resources toward non-regulatory options for management and containment of the pest, such as rearing and releasing biological control agents.” Some people and organizations opposed the proposal, feeling that the EAB quarantine helped bring awareness of the problem and kept the invasive species from spreading even more quickly. As a result, residents in states affected by EAB will need to be more vigilant in watching for signs of EAB on their properties and continue to raise awareness.

Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Presence

While regular inspections are recommended, homeowners can keep an eye out for these signs of infestation. If a homeowner notes any of these issues, they are advised to call a certified arborist or tree care specialist to treat the pest as soon as possible.

Thinning leaves at the top of the tree
S-shaped galleries under the bark
D-shaped exit holes
Splitting bark
Excessive sprouting around base of tree
Unusual woodpecker presence

Licensed vendors, such as Stein Tree Service, will sometimes need to use chemical applications to treat EAB and perform tree removal.

About Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently owned tree service company in Delaware. The company has been serving residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland since 1983. Stein Tree Service is licensed to treat for emerald ash borer in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For more information about available services or the EAB quarantine, contact Stein Tree Service at 302-478-3511 or visit their website directly at www.steintree.com.

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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Areas

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.

Tree Care in Newark, DE: Winter Tree Problems

Written by Stein Tree on February 26, 2021. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Tree care in Newark, DE is an all-year activity. During winters in the Northeast, many species of trees and shrubs go dormant and stop producing new branch and leaf growth. In some ways, this dormancy is similar to certain mammals, such as grizzly bears that hibernate throughout the coldest months and wait for the spring to jump back into activity. However, trees are unlike these animals in that they are unable to move to a safe and snug hideaway and are often exposed to the most intense of weather conditions, which can lead to winter tree problems.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is Feb 22-26, 2021

Written by Stein Tree on February 19, 2021. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog.

Feb 19, 2021 – Wilmington, DE – As a local tree care company, Stein Tree Service reminds Delaware and Pennsylvania residents that next week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). The week, held this year from Feb 22-26 and organized by the nonprofit NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association), encourages awareness of invasive plants and insects. Multiple webinars are being offered by NAISMA, and many areas also have local events to encourage awareness.

Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly- Stein Tree — Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly- Lanternfly image courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The term “invasive species” refers to any non-native plant, insect or animal that is introduced into a region and causes some type of damage.

Invasive plants such as the colorful Japanese barberry, English ivy, or periwinkle, can disrupt or destroy a local ecosystem by choking out native plants that are food sources or habitats for insects or animals in the area. Those creatures may be a food source or a producer for others in the area and when one piece of the ecology is disrupted, others may follow.

Invasive Insects

Delaware and Pennsylvania have a number of common invasive insects. Events such as the NISAW help increase awareness of these dangerously destructive creatures, which is critical to saving affected trees and preventing their spread.

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer, which was just discovered in Delaware for the first time in 2017 has moved rapidly through areas across the United States since its first sighting in 2002. The emerald ash borer primarily attacks ash trees, which flourish in Delaware and Pennsylvania climates, but has recently been found to be attracted to fringe trees as well.

The emerald ash borer can cause such damage to an ash tree as to completely destroy it within a couple of years. The beetle consumes the nutrients of the tree, beginning with the inner wood under the bark as larvae, and then as adults, from the tree’s canopy.

If the emerald ash borer is discovered early enough, a professional tree care company may be able to save the affected trees. The key is to be vigilant, looking for any signs of the insect or of loss of vigor in your trees.
Signs of the emerald ash borer include:

Galleries under the bark are formed as the emerald ash borer larvae moves and eats under the surface.
D-shaped holes in bark which are created as larvae emerge from under the bark
Excessive woodpecker activity may indicate EAB presence because woodpeckers feed on the EAB larvae. The birds damage trees further by stripping the bark off to get to their prey.
Crown Thinning occurs during an extended infestation because the nutrients and water supply to the top of the tree are disrupted.
Epicormic Sprouting can occur when EAB is present or as indication of some other sort of sickness or infestation. Even if the culprit is something other than EAB, you should have a professional inspect the tree.

Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly presence has grown tremendously in Delaware and Pennsylvania. The insect spreads easily through transportation on vehicles or on items carried from one place to another.

The spotted lanternfly threatens local agriculture by causing damage to hardwood trees, grapes, apples and more. The insect is attracted to trees such as the tree of heaven (Ailanthus alitissima), another invasive plant species commonly found in local areas.

The insects are easy to spot when their wings are spread because they have small but bright red wings with white spots. When they are at rest however, they are a brownish gray color with black spots. You may see them gathered on tree trunks, or you may see the egg masses. These masses look like a smear of mud or rows of seeds. Hatching season is late April and early May, so now is the perfect time to look for them.

The NISAW encourages all types of invasive species awareness, but the emerald ash borer and the spotted lanternfly are definite local threats that homeowners should be aware of. Spring is a good time to schedule an inspection of the trees in your landscape to ensure that they are healthy and free of problematic issues.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Invasive Species Awareness and Treatment

Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently owned tree care service company in Delaware. We are licensed to perform inspections and treat for emerald ash borer in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and to work in any spotted lanternfly quarantine areas. Our professional certified arborists and specialists are dedicated to exceptional tree care. For more information about invasive species awareness or our services, call 302-478-3511 or visit the company website at: www.SteinTree.com.

winter tree care in West Chester PA - winter yard - Stein Tree Service

Winter Tree Care Reminders for West Chester, PA Residents

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

Winter is here in all its chilly glory and we have already had some snowy weather. While you may be tempted to stay indoors this season, remember that your trees are subject to winter’s harshness and cold temperatures, and protecting them is part of good winter tree care in West Chester, PA. Such protection is especially needed in a winter such as the one we are experiencing, which promises to bring more snow and ice our way. The inclement winter weather can cause stress on trees, particularly young, newly planted, or recently transplanted trees. The following are some reminders of important winter tree care tips we recommend for our West Chester, PA neighbors.

Important Winter Tree Care Tips

If you want to protect your trees and shrubs during winter, you should know a few helpful winter tree care tips. These tips will help your trees remain healthy, better withstand the winter weather, and look beautiful once the warmer weather of spring arrives.

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1. Mulch Around Trees

Adding a fresh layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base underneath the drip line is advisable, but avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk. The mulch will insulate the tree’s soil and tree roots to protect against temperature extremes and cold weather. Mulch also slows water loss from the soil to help avoid moisture loss.

2. Protect Young Tree Trunks

The winter dormancy of grasses and flowering plants forces rabbits, voles, and other rodents to seek other food sources. One common winter food for these types of animals is soft tree bark. They can often be found during winter gnawing on the bark of young trees and exposing the inner wood to the elements. Protect your young or newly planted trees from these gnashing teeth by wrapping trunks with plastic tree guards. For those West Chester, PA residents who have bigger pests, like deer, you can use tall chicken wire as a tree wrap.

3. Clear Limbs of Heavy Snowfall

After a heavy snowfall, go out and clear off any accumulated snow from tree branches to help prevent the weight of snow from cracking and breaking limbs. If you have young branches with heavy icicles, you can use a garden hose connected to a hot water faucet to spray and slowly melt off the weight. If you use this method, take care to avoid burning the tree.

4. Have Trees Pruned or Trimmed

Pruning and trimming is an essential part of winter tree care that maintains tree health. Weak tree branches and canopies that are overfull can cause damage to property or people if strong storms cause them to fall. If you missed the chance to have pruning done in the fall, winter is still a great time. In some cases, winter is even better because your tree care specialist can better see the tree structure and any trunk problems that could indicate issues for your tree.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Learn More about Winter Tree Care in West Chester,PA

Have questions about winter tree care and want to protect your trees? Contact Stein Tree Service’s professional arborists today for advice. We are happy to answer your questions, and we offer a free consultation with our certified arborists. Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently owned tree care company in Delaware, and we are passionate about tree care!

Important Winter Tree Care Tips

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Shrubs that Create Interest in Winter – Enjoy the View and Get Your List Ready for Spring Planting and Tree Care in West Chester, PA

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

Winter has a delicate beauty. The deep browns of bare trees, muted greens and grays of frozen ground, and cool whites of snowfall combine to create a subdued color palette. This quieter landscape offers great inspiration for those gardeners and homeowners who want to show off a touch of flair through winter-flowering shrubs. Winter shrubs with bright blooms and sweet scents, colorful berries, and textured, glossy green foliage are perfect for sparking winter interest and creating a nice contrast to the cooler winter landscape. For those interested in tree care in West Chester, PA., take a quick look at some favorite shrubs that create interest in winter.

Winterberry. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly that loses its dark green leaves in late fall and leaves behind long, spectacular sprays of fire-engine-red berries. Sometimes called ‘sparkleberry,’ this fantastic holly specimen’s bright red berries are real attention-getters in winter.
Witch hazel. Witch hazel is another deciduous shrub with keen winter attributes. During even the harshest fall and winter weather in West Chester, PA, this shrub will dazzle passersby with its clusters of rich red and yellow flowers. But the blaze-like beauty of its petals is just half of the appeal as witch hazel shrubs also emit a lovely fragrance, a very desirable surprise during the frozen days of winter.
Red Osier Dogwood. This North American shrub, sometimes called Red Twig Dogwood, is incredibly hardy, known to grow and thrive as far north as Alaska. This dogwood features red stems and brilliant, fiery branches of gold, orange, and red in winter, an incredible array of colors that make it a great complement to evergreen landscapes. Plus, this shrub has the added benefit of attracting a host of pollinating butterflies, including the eastern-tailed blue butterfly. The richest of the dogwood’s twig colors occurs on young branches, and so part of the tree care in West Chester, PA for this species should include regular pruning between late winter and early spring.
Leatherleaf Mahonia. Mahonia is a hardy and adaptable evergreen shrub native to China but has since come to many American gardens. During the winter months, bright yellowish-green buds erupt from the tips of the shrub’s stems, and each new growth blooms into a dozen or more spires of bright yellow flowers. In warmer winters, gardeners can expect to enjoy a nice early fragrance to break up the monotony of winter. Note though that the leather mahonia is a self-sowing plant that is non-native to the Americas, so proper tree care in West Chester, PA is important to prevent the unwanted spreading of the species.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Learn More about Winter Tree Care in West Chester, PA

You can always add some shrubs that create interest in winter to your lawn for added beauty. Start planning your spring planting and tree and lawn care now. Contact us for information about tree care in West Chester, PA, winter tree trimming and pruning, or a free consultation about your tree or plant health care.