Spring Check up for Tree Care Should Include Emerald Ash Borer Inspection

Your trees have weathered the winter. Now they may need some special care to be their healthiest and most beautiful. With the threat of the Emerald ash borer, spring inspection and care is more important than ever.

Tree Care Spring Checklist

Spring Cleaning

•   Rake leaves, twigs or other debris from around trees.
•   Remove any protective wraps you have used during the winter and make sure no roots or other items are wrapped around the trees. Leaving the tree constricted in any way can cause girdling, which cuts off the flow of nutrients and water and can weaken the tree trunk.

Mulching

Adding a 3 inch layer of mulch around trees helps retain moisture, and discourages weed growth. Be careful to avoid mulching too close to the tree or the conditions could allow disease to attack the tree.

Pruning

Though winter is the best time for pruning, trees may still be dormant in spring and allow for late trimming and pruning. Remember that in Pennsylvania and Delaware, windy conditions and storms are common in the spring and summer, so thinning out branches will reduce the potential for damage. Hiring a professional to do this type of pruning is recommended to avoid over-pruning or improperly pruning, which can damage the appearance or overall health of the trees.

Inspection

•   Inspect all elements of your landscape to prepare for the summer.
•   Make sure irrigation systems are working properly and set to avoid spraying on trees that are susceptible to fungus.
•   Check for any damage that may have occurred. If tree limbs have been weakened, they may be susceptible to breakage, which could cause property damage. Damage to bark could also leave trees open to infection or insect infestation.
•   Look for the presence of fungus or other tree disease. Mushrooms growing on tree surface could indicate tree death, which will make the tree trunk weaker and necessitate removal.
•   Inspect for pests, particularly the emerald ash borer (EAB). Last year the EAB was discovered in Delaware. This pest has devastated the ash tree population in the United States since its arrival in 2002. A certified arborist will be able to identify the signs of emerald ash borer and recommend treatment options.

Call Stein Tree for Spring Tree Care and Emerald Ash Borer Inspection

Maintaining your landscape should an important part of your home spring cleaning routine. Stein Tree Service has been providing excellent tree care, including tree removal, trimming and pruning, and other services, to the residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland  for over 33 years. We are also licensed to treat for the emerald ash borer in Delaware and Pennsylvania. For a free consultation or to learn about our services, contact us today!

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Emerald Ash Borer Inspection
In the spring, destructive emerald 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.