Author: Stein Tree

COVID-19 Update for Stein Tree Service Customers

Written by Stein Tree on March 30, 2020. Posted in News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

With the order mandating shelter in place restrictions until May 15th in Delaware and until further notice in Pennsylvania, many businesses considered non-essential are closed during the COVID-19 crisis. Stein Tree Service has been classified as essential due to some of the types of tree care work that we do.

These essential tree care services fall under the following categories.

Infrastructure Protection
Public Safety
Protection Against Spread of Invasive and/or Injurious Pests

Tree and plant roots | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

How to Ensure Tree Root Health

Written by Stein Tree on March 20, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

The roots of a tree serve many vital functions. Roots are responsible for anchoring the tree in place, absorbing and distributing water and nutrients, and even acting as a storehouse for essential food reserves during winter. The importance of tree root systems is what makes good tree root health critical to ensuring the overall health of the tree. We will teach you what causes root problems, how to identify these symptoms, and how to keep both the roots and tree healthy.

How Tree Roots Become Unhealthy

Problems caused by poor tree root health are generally due to either injury or disease.

Root Injury

Tree trunk with roots | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

For trees in urban areas, a common cause of root injury is heavy clay subsoil and soil compaction. The reduced pore space from heavy clay and soil compaction reduces the amount of water and oxygen that the tree roots can uptake. Compacted soil may be caused by construction, foot traffic, car and other machine traffic, soil preparation, and more.

Improper watering is another cause for poor tree root health. Overwatering restricts oxygen uptake while underwatering provides inadequate root development. Improper fertilization can also damage tree roots, and those roots may face competition from other plants such as bushes, grass, and other trees.

Root Diseases

Injury is just one way for tree roots to become less healthy. Disease from fungi is another threat to the overall health of the roots. Fungal diseases will generally affect one of the 2 types of roots in a tree. Most diseases will affect the feeder roots, the small, thin roots responsible for absorbing water and minerals from the soil surface. Other fungal diseases will affect the woody roots, the large roots responsible for anchoring the tree.

Some of the symptoms of tree root disease include the following:

Small, yellow, foliage
Reduced growth
Leaf scorch
Tufted leaves at the end of branches
Branch dieback

While all of these symptoms may indicate root disease, a direct examination by a certified arborist or plant health care specialist will confirm the condition of the roots.

How to Keep Tree Roots Healthy

Tree with large roots above ground | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

The best way to ensure tree root health is to prevent the roots from being damaged or diseased. A tree needs a space that is both deep and wide enough for adequate root growth. Proper fertilization and the right amount of watering also keep the roots healthy. Add a layer of mulch, preferably mulch made of organic matter. For mature trees, the mulch layer should be a maximum of 3 to 4 inches.

Maintain the right soil conditions by avoiding soil compaction, changing the soil depth as little as possible, and keeping the tree’s root zone free from competing plant life. Pruning and trimming injured tree limbs is another way to ensure roots remain healthy by reducing the risk of infection.

Once a tree becomes infected and the roots become diseased, restoring the health of the tree can be difficult. Calling an arborist to provide an in-depth examination and analysis of the tree health will give you a better understanding of what the issue is and how to improve the tree’s health.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree and Plant Health Care Services

Stein Tree has provided the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas with high-quality, reliable tree care services for decades. We have state-of-the-art equipment that is ready for immediate and emergency responses. Our certified and insured arborists have the passion, knowledge, and experience to ensure tree root health for any landscape, from residential to municipal.

For a free consultation, contact us at (302) 478-3511 today!

Image of coronavirus molecule on blue background - Stein Tree Service

Note to Stein Tree Service Customers About the Coronavirus

Written by Stein Tree on March 12, 2020. Posted in News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog.

The entire world is concerned about Coronavirus right now and we want you to know that safety is our #1 Priority. We also want you to know that we are still available to work, and we are taking precautions to prevent unnecessary exposure for our staff and our customers, both on the job site and in house. All employees are monitored for health on a daily basis.

In addition:

We are self-contained in our trucks and in our customer’s yards.
We can have as little interaction with customers as they are comfortable with.
Our estimates can be made when no one is home and then emailed to you.
The work can be performed without customer interaction (if you choose) and the invoice can also be emailed.
We will always be compliant with all local and national regulations and will always do our part to keep the public safe.

adult spotted lanternfly - stein tree service offers tree care services in all spotted lanternfly quarantine areas

Stein Discusses Invasive Species in Delaware

Written by Stein Tree on March 6, 2020. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

One threat that the Delaware environment faces is damage by invasive species. An invasive species is a non-native plant, insect or animal that is introduced into a region and causes some harm. That harm can affect plants or humans, and the damage can be economic or environmental. Many people have likely heard of some invasive species in their regions, but may be unaware of the harm caused by these species. Stein discusses a few of the invasive species in Delaware.

Adult Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly-Invasive Species Awareness- Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Encourages Action during Invasive Species Awareness Week

Written by Stein Tree on February 25, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

Emerald Ash Borer on a branch | Invasive Species Awareness | Stein Tree Service

spotted lanternfly on a tree with egg mass

Many people have heard of the dangers of invasive species. An invasive species is introduced to a region rather than being native and damages the environment or human health. As a result of these invasive species, National Invasive Species Week has emerged to spread invasive species awareness and encourage people to stay vigilant. National Invasive Species Week 2020 is February 24 through February 28. Events take place all week in different locations to help increase awareness of invasive species. Notably this year, a webinar presented by NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association) on the 25th includes the manager of “Don’t Move Firewood,” LeighGreenwood, and she will discuss the possible deregulation of EAB Quarantines.

Man in compact spider lift using arborist saw on a tall tree - tree removal and tree trimming and pruning - Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Discusses How to Safely Trim Tall Trees

Written by Stein Tree on February 20, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Tall trees on your residential or business property add much value: shade, aesthetics, property value, and even reduced heating and cooling costs. But the size of these trees makes maintaining them more difficult and dangerous. Experienced arborists have the training and knowledge to keep you and your property safe. Here are the risks associated with tall tree trimming and pruning, and how to safely trim tall trees.

Why and How an Arborist Should Trim Tall Trees

We want to emphasize that the best method to trim tall trees is to contact a certified arborist. The safest methods and techniques of cutting tall trees involve specialized training and equipment that most people lack. Climbing up the tree and trimming branches should be left to certified and licensed professionals for the best results.

Climbing a Tall Tree

Lift truck with tall tree | trim tall trees | Stein Tree Service

The first risk that comes with trimming tall trees is reaching the top. Pruning the branches of tall trees involves a much greater falling risk, and the chance of serious injury becomes more significant. The climbing method also needs to be safe, and any climbing equipment needs to be secure and stable. Experienced arborists know how to safely tether themselves to prevent a fall.

Equipment such as pruning shears or chainsaws are brought up to cut the branches. Careful cuts that ensure the safety of the trimmer, the people below, the property, and the health of a tree, need to be performed. The method arborists use to cut branches allows the tree to heal correctly and makes the actual cutting safer for the arborist. Numerous tree branches, larger branches, and other interfering objects such as power lines, create awkward and uncomfortable working angles.

Professional arborists will have access to specialized equipment and the proper training and certification to safely trim a tall tree. Stein Tree Service professionals use a spider lift or a lift truck to safely reach high branches.

Arbor Pro Mini Lift | trim tall trees | Stein Tree Service

A spider lift allows the arborist to work safely and access the tree from different angles. For close pruning, professionals use cordless top handle chainsaws, also called arborist chainsaws. These tools are lighter and easier to control than a standard chainsaw.

For trimming and shaping, tree care professionals often use powered long-handled or telescoping hedge trimmers. These tools, along with blowers, vehicles, lifts, and chippers, allow arborists to effectively and safely trim tall trees.

Call Stein for Quality and Reliable Tree Trimming Services

Stein Tree Service has been in business since 1983 and has a long history of crew, property, and tree safety. Our staff and state-of-the-art equipment are ready for immediate response. We have provided tree care services to thousands of customers throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. If you need to trim tall trees or have other tree care needs, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is Beneficial Insect Release And How Do Beneficial Insects Work?

Written by Stein Tree on February 10, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Maintaining healthy landscaping, trees, shrubs, and other plants often requires work and labor from either the owner or a tree and plant health care specialist. But one method is to let insects do the job instead. Beneficial insect release has become an increasingly popular method for homeowners to maintain their gardens and landscapes in a natural, sustainable way.

What Are Beneficial Insects?

Beneficial insects are insects that perform valuable tasks to sustain an ecosystem, such as pollination and pest control. Many people perceive all insects as pests, but insects are vital to their ecosystems. In addition to pollination and pest control, many insects provide soil fertilization or food for other insects and animals.

For example, bees pollinate flowers, collecting the nectar, and using that nectar to produce honey. A farmer can take advantage of this by using bee boxes and creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both him and the bees.

Pest Control

Mature Birch Leafminer | beneficial insect release | Stein Tree Service

Using insects as a form of natural pest control has become more prevalent in recent years. Organic farmers and gardeners commonly use this form of biological pest control, as do tree and plant health care specialists as part of integrated pest management plans. An example of beneficial insects used for pest control is the ladybug.

Ladybugs are predators to aphids, which are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage plants and leaves. If a gardener is having trouble with aphids, a pest control specialist can distribute ladybugs to control the aphid population, without using chemicals that might cause more harm to the gardener’s plants. Other insects, such as green lacewings and praying mantises, are also used for pest control. A special kind of wasp, parasitoid wasps, which are natural predators of emerald ash borer (EAB) in their native Asia, has been released in some areas to fight the EAB invasion.

Benefits of Beneficial Insect Release

Leafminer Larva | beneficial insect release | Stein Tree Service

One of the primary benefits of using beneficial insect release is that the process avoids chemical pest control methods such as pesticides. While pesticides are effective at controlling and eliminating pests, some plants and beneficial insects like bees can be affected negatively. Beneficial insects are a natural, organic, and environmentally sustainable way to control pests. Many insects have also shown to have growing resistance to pesticides. Predator creatures avoid that issue entirely.

Beneficial insects also fit into the larger goal of integrated pest management: to control pests while preserving the natural environment and ecosystem as much as possible. Nature has many self-regulating elements, and predator insects are one element from which humans and landscapes can benefit.

How to Use Beneficial Insects

Taking proper advantage of beneficial insects involves much more than only releasing them into a landscape.

Choose the Right Species

The first step to utilizing beneficial insect release is to determine what pests are affecting a landscape, the location of the pests, the extent of the damage, and any other information a pest management specialist needs to create the best plan. The pest management specialist uses this information to determine what species of insects would lead to the best results. Different pests have different natural predators. Selecting the best species for the job is a crucial first step.

For example, the Tetrastichus planipennisi parasitoid wasp is too small to be effective against EAB in mature trees. A larger specimen, the Spathius agrili, can penetrate the thicker bark of mature trees.

Maintain the Environment

Beneficial insects need to be in an environment that allows them to thrive. For example, Delaware’s yearly climate tends to be moderate, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 76 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a proper beneficial insect release plan needs to select insects that thrive in these temperatures. Humidity is another factor that affects which insects will thrive.

Choose Optimal Timing

When the pest management specialist and the property owner are ready to distribute the insects, timing is key. If, for example, parasites are being released into a landscape, a host (the organism attacked by the parasite) must be available. Some releases are dependent on the life cycles of the pests. Beneficial insects should also be released when food sources are plentiful, allowing the insects to survive for longer periods.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Tree and Plant Health Care Services

If you have issues with pests in your landscape, call Stein Tree Service. We have provided quality service in areas such as Wilmington and Philadelphia for over 35 years and we are certified to treat for EAB and to work in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas. Our certified arborists have decades of knowledge and experience, and our equipment is state-of-the-art. For a free consultation, contact us today.

row-of-trees-what-is-a-windbreak-stein-tree-service

What Is A Windbreak, And How You Can Plant One

Written by Stein Tree on January 31, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Winter weather typically brings winter winds, and that means turning up our heating systems to stay warm indoors. But with windbreaks, you can stay warm and reduce your heating and even cooling costs. Even though you might have seen one, you may be curious and ask, “What is a windbreak?” As tree care specialists, Stein Tree discusses how windbreaks work, the benefits of having one, and how to plant one.

What Is A Windbreak?

A windbreak, sometimes called a shelterbelt, is a planting, usually of multiple rows of trees or shrubs that are planted specifically to provide shelter from the wind. Windbreaks are also used to protect soil from erosion. An example would be a hedgerow around the edges of a farm or a row of trees separating farm fields from one another.

Windbreaks can also act as barriers for snows, keeping snow from drifting onto nearby roads or yards. That barrier works both ways, as sometimes farmers use them to keep snow on farmland, which provides water for crops when the snow melts. Although we personally prefer trees and shrubs, non-plant barriers such as gates with fabric, glass barriers, or plastic fences can be wind barriers, too.

How Does a Windbreak Work?

As a gust of wind approaches the windbreak, the air pressure builds up on the windward side (the side towards the wind) and decreases on the leeward side (the side away from the wind). The trees force the wind to flow up and over, and eventually, the air pressure pushes the wind back down and to the original level.

Say a house has a row of trees in the backyard, and the wind is 35 mph. The aerodynamics of the trees reduce wind velocity in both the back and front yards, becoming only 10 mph and 15 mph respectively. That results in less cold air moving into the house, keeping the warm air inside; the reverse happens in summer (cool air stays inside while hot air stays outside.)

Another segment of air affected by a windbreak is a layer of still air near a building called the boundary layer. Boundary layers in winter consist of warmer air from the house, which gets swept away with the wind, causing the home to get colder. The trees prevent most of the wind from reaching the house and retains that boundary layer, keeping the walls, windows, and house warm.

All of this results in lower heating costs during the winter and lower cooling costs during the summer. Well planted trees in the right spots can help you reduce your heating costs up to 30%. Trees and shrubs use less energy which means the house and utility company use fewer fossil fuels, which means less carbon dioxide emissions.

How to Plant a Windbreak

Shrubs, what is a windbreak, Stein Tree Service

So now that we know the answer to “what is a windbreak?” and “how does a windbreak work?” the next step is knowing how to plant one. First, where the trees get planted is important, because each region has different prevailing winds. In Delaware, for instance, the wind tends to blow from the northwest, while in winter winds in Pennsylvania are primarily from the west and northwest. For distance, the trees should be planted a maximum of one or two tree heights from the house. Ideally, the trees should also be around a one or two tree-height distance from the rooftop and driveway to prevent snow from accumulating too close to the house.

The simplest windbreak is a single row of trees planted far enough away that, once mature, the trees can block wind effectively. Two staggered rows of trees is another effective pattern. Irregular spacing and placement can also work if you want a more unique landscape.

The type of trees or shrubs planted also matters. For trees, ones that are sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and that grow fast are ideal. Trees with a conical shape and a lot of branches close together are highly effective at blocking the wind. Evergreen trees such as the Douglas Fir and White Spruce species are great choices. Pines trees such as the Eastern Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar also make good choices.

Contact Stein Tree for Quality Tree and Shrub Services

While farmers most commonly use windbreaks, anybody can have one in their landscape. To learn more about trees and their benefits, contact the experienced certified arborists at Stein Tree Service. Since 1983, Stein Tree has been providing Delaware and Pennsylvania residents with high quality, comprehensive tree services. For a free consultation, contact us today.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Written by Stein Tree on January 22, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

Every landscape and home face the problem of pests. Usually, the solution for most is to eliminate a pest problem when the issue is discovered. But this is a short-term solution that can lead to damaging an affected area and its surroundings without careful consideration. Stein certified arborists and plant health care management specialists emphasize and promote Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, for any pest-related issues. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process that pest control specialists use to eliminate pests while minimizing any risk to people and the environment. This process can be used in any environment, too: urban, suburban, rural, agricultural, natural areas, and more.

The Goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The purpose of having an integrated pest management system is to focus on long-term prevention of any damage caused by pests. The specific plan is based on the ecosystem of the affected area and uses a combination of biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural control, and using resistant varieties of plants and/or crops. Rather than a single method of eliminating a pest infestation, integrated pest management (IPM) is a whole system of comprehensive pest management practices.

Reducing risks to both humans and the environment is a major goal of IPM practices. Preserving the sustainability of the local habitat and environment while managing pests is what separates IPM from other (often short term) pest control methods. Resolving the root cause of pests also provides economic benefits in the long-run.

What Are Pests?

Wine leaf with mite and smallpox infestation – Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Stein Tree

When an arborist is developing an integrated pest management plan for you, what constitutes pests is vital. Generally speaking, a pest is any organism that interferes with or damages our desirable plants and homes, as well as human and animal health. Some pests may carry diseases that can affect you or your plants, while others may just be annoying to deal with. Usually, people think of pests as insects such as termites or ticks, but even organisms as big as birds and rodents, and as small as weeds and bacteria, can be pests.

Every environment deals with unique pests, and plant health care specialists need to be aware of how the environment allows these pests to thrive. Knowing pest populations, life cycles, and more, is crucial to creating effective, sustainable IPM programs.

How Does Integrated Pest Management Work?

As we mentioned, IPM is about finding long-term solutions to pests, and that involves creating and modifying the environment to be unfavorable for those pests. Growing healthy crops, using disease-resistant plants, or sealing cracks in a building are all ways that prevent pests from thriving and can help control the issue.

Farmer on tractor using pesticides - Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Stein Tree

Monitoring the environment, including identification of the pests and the damage caused is the first step in determining what level of action is necessary. Knowing about the pests and the conditions that allow them to thrive gives pest control specialists the information to create the best plan for your needs.

After the initial monitoring of the environment and the pests, the issue needs to be evaluated as either tolerable or a problem needing to be solved. A few weeds scattered throughout a garden may be a small issue that can be solved by simply pulling them out from the ground, while a large infestation of disease-carrying insects is a major problem.

IPM and other pest control methods should be used in conjunction with one another, as opposed to being used separately. Some of the methods involved in integrated pest management (IPM) include the following:

Biological control – Using natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors, to control pests.
Cultural controls – Reducing pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. An example of a cultural control would be changing irrigation practices because too much water can increase root disease and weeds.
Mechanical and physical controls – Killing pests directly, blocking pests out, or making the environment unsuitable for pests. Examples of mechanical or physical controls include traps for rodents or some type of barrier or screen to keep birds and/or insects out.
Chemical control – Using pesticides and other chemical-based solutions.

We all know about farmers using pesticides on their fields, and while pesticides are effective, some cause health and environmental concerns. Usually, pesticides are used only in combination with other methods, chosen carefully, and used conservatively. Examples of pesticide applications in IPM would be using a selective pesticide to only target organisms that are causing the issue, or spraying pesticides in selected areas rather than a whole field.

Call Stein Tree Service for Pest, Plant, and Other Tree Services

If you are having issues with pests and need integrated pest management (IPM) in areas such as Wilmington or Philadelphia, call Stein Tree Service. Our certified arborists have decades of experience, our equipment is state-of-the-art, and we have been dedicated to quality service for over 30 years. For a free consultation, contact us at 610-723-8056 today!

Young leaf, what is plant health care, Stein Tree Service

What is Plant Health Care (PHC) and Why Is PHC Important?

Written by Stein Tree on January 6, 2020. Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video.

When an arborist is tasked with removing or trimming a tree, he needs to evaluate the health of the tree first. And he does this through a thorough assessment, followed by the creation of personalized Plant Health Care (PHC) programs. What is plant health care? Plant health care is both a proactive approach and a holistic approach to maintaining tree, shrub, bush, and general landscaping health. Certified arborists and plant health care specialists focus on preventive care to increase the plant’s ability to thrive. But plant health care is about more than simply making sure your trees are healthy. Many factors go into caring for and maintaining plant health.