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Stein Discusses Tree Care and Tree Cities

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

Trees provide numerous benefits, making them a vital part of a community. These benefits encourage us to properly maintain and even increase a city’s trees. The Arbor Day Foundation, a conservation nonprofit and the largest nonprofit dedicated to tree planting and tree care, has a program just for this mission: Tree City USA.

What is Tree City USA?

Sidewalk lined with trees | Tree City | Stein Tree Service

Tree City USA is a program started by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1976. The program gives communities the tools and support network they need to preserve, manage, and expand their publicly owned trees. Over 3,400 recognized communities and 143 million people live in or near a tree city. Below are some of our local cities that have qualified as Tree Cities.

  • Wilmington, DE
  • Newark, DE
  • West Chester, PA
  • Malvern, PA
  • Media, PA

What are the Benefits of Tree Care and Being a Tree City?

In addition to the beauty of trees, many of the benefits of a town or city becoming a tree city have to do with the natural impact of numerous healthy trees. Studies have shown several health benefits people get from living near parks and forests, such as improved immune systems, increased mood, reduced stress, and an improved ability to focus, even in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Plenty of economic benefits exist as well. Trees, and good landscaping in general, increase property values, with mature trees increasing values by up to 20 percent. Trees also act as natural air conditioners. More than just adding shade, when water evaporates from the leaves, the conversion to air vapor removes heat energy from the air. The U.S. Forest Services says “strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs.”

How to Make Your Community a Tree City

The Arbor Day Foundation outlines 4 standards that must be met in order for a community to become a registered tree city. The city must

  1. Maintain a tree board or department
  2. Have a community tree ordinance
  3. Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
  4. Celebrate Arbor Day.

The Arbor Day Foundation also has several resources online that include checklists, worksheets, and applications, that must be submitted in order to qualify and begin the process.

Trees are more than a pleasing sight; they provide many tangible benefits to entire communities, both rural and urban. Whether you live in a tree city or just want to enjoy trees in your landscape, planting new native trees and learning about good tree care are great ideas.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Experienced Tree Care in Pennsylvania and Delaware

Stein Tree Service has been a trusted tree care service company for over 33 years. Our certified arborists and other tree specialists are conscientious about preserving the tree and plant health in Pennsylvania and Delaware landscapes. For tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, pest infestation treatment and storm clean up services, or information about tree care, contact us today or explore our website.

storm clean up Wilmington DE

What is the Connection Between Tree Response and Storm Clean Up in Wilmington DE?

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

During spring and summer months, violent, windy storms often cause a need for storm clean up in Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas. Residents often wonder why some trees are affected even though they seem strong and sturdy. As Certified Arborists with Stein Tree Service, we know that many of these trees have been weakened in response to injuries or environmental impacts.

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rhododendron plants infected with sudden oak death pathogen shipped to PA - Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Warns of Sudden Oak Death Potential in PA

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in News & Announcements, Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Wilmington, Delaware—Aug 3, 2019—Professional tree service company Stein Tree Service warns that the pathogen that causes the tree and plant disease known as sudden oak death has been found in rhododendron plants that were shipped to 28 states, including Pennsylvania. Residents should be wary, whether they have purchased these rhododendron plants or have plants and trees impacted by the spread.

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adult spotted lanternfly on a tree

What You Need to Know About the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in Delaware

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

The spotted lanternfly has become quite a large problem in Delaware and other states across the country. Late spring’s rising temperatures signal the time when nymphs hatch, so we want to make awareness a priority. These insects easily spread to new areas and leave a huge path of destruction in their wake. Beginning in March, the government of Delaware enacted an emergency spotted lanternfly quarantine to help control the damage caused by the insect spreading. If you see evidence of spotted lanternflies on or around your property, contact a professional right away.

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Stein Tree Care Service Cautions PA and DE Homeowners About New Ticks

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

Last summer Stein Tree Care professionals advised caution in outdoor activities because of ticks. The same advice holds this year, and the number of ticks in PA seems to be on the rise. WPXI notes that sources are debating whether PA will have a tough tick season, but the state health department has issued an alert about steady increases in tick bite-related visits to emergency departments. The biggest problem with ticks is the potential they have for carrying disease, and we want everyone to be extra cautious this time of year.

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tree care in pennsylvania picture of green leaves on a tree branch- stein tree service

Stein Discusses Common Problems In Pennsylvania Tree Care

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video.

Mother nature creates such beautiful flora and fauna, but also creates problems that can destroy them. If you are a homeowner in Pennsylvania, tree care can be a frustrating experience at times. You may run into one of the more common issues that can do damage to your beloved trees. Your biggest weapon to combat these issues is knowledge and preparedness.

Stein tree care specialists have the years of experience, knowledge, and training to help you deal with anything from common issues like minor tree disease to some of the rarer issues you might come across. You can trust us to get the job done, and we even offer free consultations.

4 Common Pennsylvania Tree Care Issues to Look Out For

Some common but worrisome Pennsylvania tree care problems to look out for include:

  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
  • Spotted Lanternfly
  •  Anthracnose
  • Ash Leaf Rust

Emerald Ash Borer

EAB is an issue that continues to spread and we are certified to treat for the pest. You may be dealing with EAB if:

  • The crown of your ash tree is declining or thinning.
  • You notice D-shaped holes in the trunk or bark of the tree
  • You find s-shaped galleries or trails under the bark

The main indications are very noticeable and are a very common problem throughout the country, not just in Delaware and Pennsylvania tree care. If you notice any of these signs be sure to give us a call.

Spotted Lanternfly

These colorful little insects can cause a lot of problems to certain types of trees. If you are concerned about spotted lanternfly you should look out for the following signs:

  • Black or grey wounds around leaves, stems, roots, and trunk
  • Yellowish mold growing near the trunk which may have a bad smell
  • Areas that look like there is sap being secreted

The spotted lanternfly likes trees such as willows, poplar, maple, as well as a variety of different fruit bearing trees. Because of the secretions that are left behind, depending on the stage of growth, a spotted lanternfly infestation can attract even more pests that can do damage to your trees. Our certified arborist can determine whether you have this issue, and we are certified to treat trees in all spotted lanternfly quarantine areas.

Anthracnose

Shade trees are vulnerable to anthracnose, a disease caused by a fungus. The disease attacks frequently in the spring, after the fungus sits in the dead twigs during the winter. In spring when conditions are wet, spores spread and cause lesions on the leaves.

Ash Leaf Rust

Ash leaf rust is an early spring fungus that has been rampant this year because of the cool wet spring. Affected white and green ash trees will develop yellow-orange spots on their leaves. Trees can lose their leaves prematurely and deformities can occur. This fungal infection can be treated using fungicidal sprays.

Stein Tree is Passionate About Tree Care

Whether you are in Delaware or Pennsylvania, tree and plant health care is an important part of your property maintenance. Whatever tree care issues you face, we are here to help. Our team of experts is looking forward to taking care of your tree care needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.

banner image - trees uprooted -tree inspection is part of good tree care - Stein Tree

Stein Gives Tips on How Tree Inspection Can Identify Dangerous Trees

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Removal.

tree inspection can help identify dangerous trees - fungus on tree base

Trees are everywhere, lining streets, around parks and in our own yards. They provide many benefits, but sometimes, they pose a danger to the safety of structures or passersby. How can you tell if a tree is dangerous? Stein offers some tips on how tree inspection can determine if homeowners have any cause for concern.

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when should i prune a flowering tree cherry blossom tree in bloom - stein tree service

Stein Addresses the Question: When Should I Prune a Flowering Tree?

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

As professional tree care specialists, we get this question often. Annual tree trimming and pruning does offer benefits to trees and shrubs. These benefits include the encouragement of new growth, shape retention, and safe removal of dead branches. Pennsylvania and Delaware residents often want to trim trees and shrubs early in the season so that their landscapes look their best for the season. For many trees and shrubs, early pruning, especially during dormant times, is the best practice. However, the timing to prune a flowering tree is different. Flowering trees really need to wait to be trimmed until after they complete the flowering process.

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good neighbor tree care manicured yard with trimmed trees all around the perimeter - stein tree service

Stein Tree Discusses What To Do if a Neighbor’s Tree Care is a Problem

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

What can you do if your neighbor’s trees are encroaching on your property? We have seen cases where scenic views are blocked by neighbors’ trees, and also where large trees overhanging a homeowner’s property or fence can threaten damage to property or even to people. As tree care specialists, we have a little insight on situations like these.

In Delaware and some nearby states homeowners have the right to prune encroaching limbs and roots to the property line AS LONG AS THE TREE IS NOT HARMED in the process. Harm only means, in this case, the physical health of the tree rather than the aesthetics. If the situation ever came down to a court case the landowner would have to prove harm from the neighboring tree. Trees blocking a view is a totally different set of circumstances.

Arbor Pro Mini Lift allows for easier and safer tree care - Stein Tree Service

In a book called Arboriculture and the Law by Victor Merullo and Michael Valentine, cases are cited that back up this right by the courts. The tricky part in some cases where the tree owner refuses to allow pruning, is getting to the branches without climbing the tree. As a tree care service company, we like to have both parties on board if we can. Otherwise, we often have to use the bucket truck, which in some cases is tough due to the accessible area. However, we now have our spider lift which can give us access to the trees in tight areas.

As certified arborists, our job is to prune the tree in such a way that provides relief for our customer without harming the tree. Sometimes we need to compromise with the customer about how much we can take off without hurting the tree in the process.

Be a Good Neighbor with Regular Tree Care

Taking care of your trees helps with more than just aesthetics. The homeowners association in some communities will require that trees be trimmed back from the sidewalk, or that they be kept to a certain size. Even if no official rules exist, however, keeping your trees in shape is worth your effort. In the event of storms, if your tree has weak branches they may break and cause damage to your neighbor’s property, or even to a person.

No one wants any kind of harm to take place, but in some cases, you could even be held financially liable for damages. Stein urges regular trimming, pruning and inspection to ensure that problems with trees are caught and addressed before this kind of issue takes place. As an added benefit, in some cases, records of regular tree care have enabled a homeowner or institution to prove that due diligence had been observed, and allowed them to be absolved of fault.

Stein Tree Service Provides Skilled Tree Care to Pennsylvania and Delaware Residents

Stein has been a trusted tree care service provider in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland for over 30 years. Trees are our business and we are passionate about proper care. We perform tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, stump grinding, and insect treatment, such as for emerald ash borer. We are certified to perform tree care in all areas that are under spotted lanternfly quarantine as well. For information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.