Author: Stein Tree

Stein Discusses Pennsylvania Tree Ordinances

Written by Stein Tree on December 30, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

Pennsylvania, translated from Latin to mean “Penn’s Woods,” was both a fitting and accurate name for this region. Approximately 58 percent, or roughly 16.8 million acres, of land in Pennsylvania, is a forest. Trees have played a vital role in the lives and communities of Pennsylvania, and that was planned from the start with tree ordinances.

What Is A Tree Ordinance?

town sidewalk with trees, tree ordinances

A tree ordinance is a document that helps protect and manage a community’s trees. The ordinance can regulate tree planting, maintenance, and removal on both public and private property within that municipality. The ordinance can also specify tree requirements, such as the size, spacing, quality, quantity, location, and even the type of trees allowed to be planted in certain areas.

Willian Penn drafted the first tree ordinance in America while he was planning early settlements near Philadelphia. One effect of his action was that colonists planted trees along streets to emulate the European cities they came from. Tree ordinances became more detailed around the 20th century. In 1907, Pennsylvania authorized municipal tree commissions, which oversee tree ordinance administration and other urban forestry actions.

Types of Tree Ordinances

According to the International Society of Arboriculture a tree ordinance usually falls into 3 basic categories:

Street tree ordinances, which focus on the planting and removal of trees within public rights-of-way.
Tree protection ordinances, which focus on the protection and maintenance of native species or historically significant trees.
View ordinances, which focus on conflict resolution between property owners that arise when trees block views or sunlight.

Other ordinances that are indirectly related to the community aspect of trees also exist. A municipality may use a timber harvest ordinance, which can regulate the commercial and industrial use of trees for wood products. Ordinances regarding subdivision and land development can also address trees.

Creating a Tree Ordinance

Developing and drafting a tree ordinance can take a lot of time and effort. Those interested in creating a tree ordinance for their community will need to define what the purpose of the ordinance will be, setting the jurisdiction of the local government, policies carrying out the various ordinance provisions, and many more.

A tree ordinance is an effective tool that communities use to enhance and preserve their trees and all of the benefits that come with them. More than 100 municipalities in Pennsylvania have tree ordinances, and those ordinances keep those trees and communities looking beautiful.

Trust Stein for Your Tree Care Needs

Stein Tree Service has been providing skilled tree care services to residents, businesses, and municipalities for over 35 years. We care about trees, and tree ordinances help communities maintain proper tree care. For a free consultation about tree care services such as tree trimming, tree removal, emergency storm clean up, and more, contact us today.

Stein Discusses How Trees Benefit Businesses

Written by Stein Tree on December 20, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

We have previously talked about the benefits of trees and the importance of tree care, and most people understand that trees provide long-lasting positive impacts on themselves and their communities. Trees give us beauty and allow us to appreciate nature even in an urban environment. And of course, everybody knows the environmental benefits. But the impact of trees goes beyond personal, social, and even environmental benefits. Stein Tree discusses how trees benefit businesses and why tree care is a good investment.

People walking in park, with snow and trees

Stein Tree Discusses How to Care For Trees in Winter

Written by Stein Tree on December 6, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

When people think about tending to their trees, watering, pruning, and general care, they tend to think about spring and summer unless a tree breaks or falls. After all, the warm spring and summer are times when we can see trees grow and become the beautiful landscape features we want them to be. But tree care can occur at any time of the year, so below are some tips on how to care for trees in winter.

How to Care For Trees in Winter

Below are 4 areas in which you can provide care for trees in winter.

Pruning

One of the first things you should know about how to care for trees in winter is that winter is a great time to prune. Pruning helps maintain a tree’s aesthetic and functional value. The most important reason to prune in the winter is that the tree is dormant. During dormancy, pruning causes less stress on the tree and the wound is less likely to attract insects. Another significant reason that winter is ideal for pruning is that the lack of leaves makes the arborist’s job much easier. He can more easily see the structure of the tree, and spot problems in the tree, such as dangerous branches that need to be removed or signs of disease that may be treatable.

Watering

Even when the weather is cold, making sure that trees have enough water is important. Water is an insulator for your trees and soil. If your soil has enough water, that soil will stay warmer. Plant cells that have plenty of water are also more resistant to cold weather damage. The best way to ensure that trees have enough water through the winter is thoroughly watering in the fall. You should also water only when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the area around your trees lack snow or ice. Also, if your area tends to have strong winter winds, you may have to water your trees more frequently.

Mulch

Mulching is important for maintaining the health of your trees, and you can mulch in winter. A layer of organic mulch helps the soil prevent moisture loss and regulates soil temperatures during the year. Mulch also protects the tree from damage, whether the damage is from diseases or from landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers or weed trimmers.

In late fall and early winter, you should add a thin layer of mulch beneath the tree’s drip line. The layer should be a maximum of 2 inches deep. Keep the mulch away from the trunk, too. Piling the mulch up to the tree trunk too much is known as volcano mulching. Volcano mulching causes too much moisture to build up around the trunk, which can lead to fungus, rotting, and decaying.

Get Advice From an Arborist about How to Care For Trees in Winter

House and yard covered in snow with trees and shrubs.

Pruning, watering, and mulching are all good tasks to keep trees healthy during the winter, but you can do even more. Consult a certified arborist, as he can determine the best course of tree care action. He may recommend cabling and bracing, which reduces the chances of trees falling or experiencing other structural failures.

Knowing how to care for trees in winter is important. Doing so will help your trees remain healthy and allow them to really flourish next spring. So, put in the time and effort this winter to properly care for your trees.

Call Stein Tree for Winter Tree Care Services

Stein Tree Service provides many tree care services to communities near Wilmington and Philadelphia. We know how to care for trees in winter, as we have been caring for trees and shrubs for over 30 years, and our certified and licensed arborists have decades of experience. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and is capable of immediate response, especially for emergencies. Contact us today for information or a free consultation.

large tree uprooted in a yard - winter prep such as tree trimming and pruning to prevent damage - Stein Tree Service

Prepare for Winter Tree Damage and Storm Clean Up in 2019

Written by Stein Tree on November 15, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Storm Clean Up, Tree Removal.

A few weeks ago in Lusby, Maryland, a tree crashed through the roof of a home while the family was watching TV. In August, a tree fell onto a home in Lake Hickory, NC. Fortunately, these incidents resulted in no physical injuries, but the damage to those homes caused considerable expense. Unfortunately, this type of occurrence is fairly common and can result in the need for immediate action and storm clean up. Stein discusses how residents can help reduce the chance for winter tree damage to their homes and property.

City street lined with yellow trees in Autumn - tree city - Stein Tree Service

Stein Discusses Tree Care and Tree Cities

Written by Stein Tree on September 23, 2019. 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

Maintain a tree board or department
Have a community tree ordinance
Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
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.

Emerald Ash Borer infestation - Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Notes That Emerald Ash Borer Problem Has Spread in Delaware

Written by Stein Tree on September 10, 2019. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Stein Tree Service Blog.

Delaware residents may have heard of the proposal to deregulate emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantines. However, this is no indication that we have eradicated the pest. In fact, this destructive insect is still spreading its presence in our state. The first time EAB was discovered in Delaware was in 2016. Since then, additional infestations have been found in Middletown and Seaford, according to an article on Delaware.gov. The deregulation of quarantines is actually just an effort to move funding from quarantine services to research on how this threat can be eliminated.

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

Written by Stein Tree on August 31, 2019. 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.

Jeff Stein consulting with clients while inspecting a tree - summer tree care -

Stein Tree Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Tree Care

Written by Stein Tree on August 15, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

If you are a homeowner with a yard, you are more than likely going to carry out some form of summer tree care. Delaware is full of many different varieties of flora and fauna, including a host of wonderful tree species. As tree care professionals, we hear a lot of questions, and below are a few of the most common.

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 August 7, 2019. 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.

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

Written by Stein Tree on July 16, 2019. 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.