Tag: tree care

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4 Tips to Prepare Trees for Winter

Written by Stein Tree on September 27, 2023. Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

The weather will soon get colder, so the time to prepare trees for winter is near. Your trees can risk being damaged during winter, especially during winds or snow and ice. Take care of your trees before winter, and help them withstand the cold weather better. And a few specific methods, such as watering, pruning, and wrapping, can keep your trees healthy and ready to bloom next spring. Stein offers a few tips to help prepare your trees for winter.

Why You Should Prepare Trees for Winter

With winter comes risks to your trees’ health and safety. The cold temperatures can cause stress and damage to tree roots and tissues. Strong winds and storms can break off branches and damage the surroundings. At the same time, snow and ice can add unexpected weight, potentially causing branches to snap. Even the sun and radiant heat can cause issues.

All these factors contribute to a challenging season for trees, making winter preparedness vital to minimize harm and preserve tree health. Below are 6 tips to help your trees during the winter season.

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1. Tree Inspections

Winter is coming, and there is no better time to inspect your trees. Just like an annual health check-up is advisable for you, regular inspections are essential for the welfare of your trees. Inspections enable early detection and treatment of any existing or potential issues and assist in preparing the trees to withstand the harsh winter.

An experienced arborist can comprehensively evaluate tree health, assessing risk factors such as damaged limbs, signs of disease, pest infestation, or structural instability. Keeping your trees in check and taking proactive measures can enhance their winter readiness.

2. Water

Watering is one of the essential ways homeowners can prepare trees for winter. Water helps provide nutrients to trees and acts as an insulator, protecting the tree’s cells from cold weather damage. If the soil beneath a tree has adequate water, the soil stays warmer during the winter. Newly planted or young trees are even more susceptible to winter damage, so providing enough water before the ground freezes is especially important. Ensuring that your trees have had enough water before the cold weather kicks in will go a long way to keeping them healthy during winter.

3. Trimming & Pruning

Once fall is in full effect and after your trees have gone dormant, pruning and trimming will prepare them for the cold winter. Trimming and pruning trees before the winter minimize potential damage during winter winds or heavy snow. When trees lose their leaves in the late fall and early winter, identifying and removing unsafe branches is significantly easier.

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 by disease or insects. So to better prepare trees for winter and keep them healthy and your property safer, contact your arborist for pruning and trimming services.

4. Reflective Tree Wraps

Although cold damage is most common during winter, tree bark can also get damaged from the bright sun, which a reflective tree wrap can alleviate. When the winter sun shines directly onto and warms a tree trunk, the heat triggers a growth response, which results in new growth tissues that are susceptible to damage (called “sun scald”) once the temperature drops. Tree wraps work by reflecting sunlight, thereby preventing the tree trunk from absorbing excessive heat. The resultant controlled temperature inhibits that unexpected growth response in trees.

While reflective tree wraps can benefit certain species, tree-wrapping practices vary based on species, location, and tree health. Check with your arborist to see if this method is recommended for your trees.

5. Mulch

Many people think of mulch in the spring, but at any time of year, mulch can help prevent moisture loss from the soil and regulate soil temperatures. Add a thick layer beneath the tree’s drip line in late fall or early winter.

6. Stump or Tree Removal

Sometimes, despite all efforts, a tree or stump must be removed. Removal might be necessary if a tree is dead, in severe decline, disease-infested beyond recovery, or posing a risk to the surroundings. Winter storms could exacerbate weak conditions, turning the tree into a hazardous liability.

While tree removal is always a last resort, when necessary, hiring professional tree removal services ensure the process is conducted safely and effectively. With their abundance of knowledge, experienced tree specialists can provide an effective removal plan that minimizes harm to surrounding flora and structures.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

If you want to prepare trees for winter so your landscape remains healthy and beautiful, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein offers a wide range of plant and tree care services to keep your landscape in top shape before winter and all year round. We are the oldest independently owned tree care service company in Delaware, and our team of highly experienced tree care professionals will provide exceptional services. For more information on our services, contact us today.

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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.

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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.

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What Kind of Tree Care Can Be Done in the Winter?

Written by Stein Tree on December 9, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video, Tree Removal, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

With bare-branched trees and frosty morning grass, you may think winter is a poor time for tree care. However, many tree care services can and should be performed in the winter. Stein Tree Service’s team is often very busy with winter tree care services, including tree trimming and tree removal.

Tree Removal

One example of tree work we have done during winter was removing a large red oak tree with an enormous cavity in the center. The trunk measured 27 feet in circumference. These are just a few pictures of the tree and a picture of the large chainsaw we needed to cut the trunk.

The tree had a large open wound and mushrooms, which made diagnosis easy. However, in some cases, the signs are more subtle. We have to use a resistograph (a device that drills into the tree to measure density or structural integrity) or other methods to determine the tree’s health. Some signs are more visible in the winter, and we can more easily determine them and other potential issues with trees.

Either way, with winter weather ahead, removing this large tree before heavy snow could cause the tree to fall and damage property or residents was a relief for the homeowners.

Right of Way Clearing

Right-of-way clearing is another one of the winter tree care services we provide. Roadways and access areas must be clear for traffic or repair crews, particularly if power is disrupted. We have the equipment needed and have performed right-of-way clearing and tree maintenance services for local municipalities, businesses, and even residents who have areas on their properties with trees that block access.

Tree Trimming and Pruning

Winter is a good time for trimming and pruning because the trees are dormant. As mentioned, the bare branches reveal more clearly if branches are dead, misshapen, or weak. These types of branches can cause damage if those branches break off during winter storms. Unfortunately, this scenario happens frequently in our area because heavy snow or ice accumulation weighs down the already struggling branches. As a result, the winter months are an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs to help make the surrounding area safer.

Our mini lift, affectionately nicknamed “the Spider,” (shown above) makes these services quicker, safer, and more efficient. View our video above to see how we can trim and remove trees from tight areas with homes nearby.

Winter Desiccation Treatment

Winter desiccation is a type of injury that trees and shrubs can experience during winter. This injury occurs when a tree loses more water than the tree absorbs from the roots. As the ground freezes during winter, tree roots have a more challenging time absorbing water from the frozen ground while losing water due to transpiration.

Desiccation primarily affects evergreen trees, more so than deciduous trees, because evergreens transpire (give off water vapor) at a higher rate than deciduous trees.

The solution for this type of tree care is anti-desiccant sprays to help reduce moisture loss, which must be applied at specific times of the year and require careful application.

Emergency Storm Clean Up

Stein Tree quickly responds when trees or branches fail in winter storms. For these concerns, we are available 24/7 and can reach most homes to evaluate within two hours. Quick response and clean-up are essential to someone whose house has just been struck by a tree.

Call Stein Tree for Winter Tree Care Services

Winter can be difficult for young trees and mature trees, presenting new issues for homeowners. Hire a professional tree care service company to keep your trees healthy and your property safe during winter. Stein Tree Service is fully insured, and our tree care specialists are passionate about providing exceptional winter tree care services. For any tree care concerns you have this winter, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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Do You Need to Worry About Tree Cavities?

Written by Stein Tree on June 3, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

Trees commonly have knots, splits, hollows, and even cavities in their trunks or branches. These features are part of the visual interest trees provide and are produced during growth that follows some sort of injury to the tree. Battle scars, you might say, often result from the tree growing around or over a wound to heal and strengthen the area. But do you need to worry about tree cavities?

The answer depends on numerous factors, such as the location and size of the cavities.

Location of Tree Cavities

One of the significant factors for whether you need to worry about your trees having cavities is the location of the cavities. Trees with cavities are often just as strong as ever, but certain areas can indicate significant risks.

If the cavity is near the tree’s base, then the tree may be at risk of falling over.
If the cavity is at a branch attachment (where the branch is connected to the trunk) the branch could fall in severe winds or when carrying extra weight, such as ice or snow.

If you see a tree cavity in these areas of your tree, call a professional arborist to examine them.

Size of Tree Cavities

Another issue that can signify the risk of cavities in trees is their size. If a cavity is small, you may be able to leave the tree alone as the cavity is too small to compromise the tree’s structural integrity. On the other hand, a large cavity is a cause for concern. For example, if the diameter of the tree cavity is too big in relation to the trunk’s girth, the cavity may cause weakness resulting in the tree falling. To ensure that your home and its occupants are safe, have any worrisome tree cavities or splits checked out by a tree care professional.

Tree Care for Abnormalities

Some tree abnormalities need no special attention. The tree has healed and compensated for the weakness from the injury. Other abnormalities require treatment to ensure the tree’s continued stability and health. Some trees with abnormalities need to be removed for the safety of surrounding property or people.

Tree Cavities and Hollows

Tree cavities and hollows are sunken or open areas in a tree that typically occur when the tree has suffered some injury, followed by decay. In some cases, the decay goes too far, and the tree is unable to survive. However, the healthy tree tissue surrounding the decay is protected in most cases. As a result, the tree survives, leaving a hollow area or hole.

Some sources estimate that a tree can lose up to 70% of a cross-section of wood and still safely support itself. This is because the tree tends to heal itself, and the buildup of the tree trunk around the wounded area reinforces the stability. However, if the wood is weak, or other factors exist, such as insects attracted to the decay and spreading out, the tree could be at risk of falling. A certified arborist or other tree care specialist can assess the risk and advise you if the tree has a moderate or significant chance of failing.

If the tree is stable, no treatment is necessary. However, some homeowners choose to have the tree filled, either for aesthetic purposes, to keep young children from playing in the tree, or keep animals from nesting inside. If you choose to fill the tree, use a foam filler. Concrete was a standard filler in the past. However, trees move with the wind and continue to grow, so the unyielding concrete acts as an irritant that can cause even more damage to the tree.

Forks or Splits

Sometimes branches fork off from the tree trunk at sharp angles. As the tree matures, the branches get thicker and heavier and are more prone to breaking off. If the fork occurs in the early formation of the tree, two main tree branches can seem like separate trunks of the tree.

Either way, forks such as this can cause tree branches to break off under pressure. V-shaped forks are the riskiest and should be monitored if a large tree is near power lines or structures. A certified arborist can fortify the connection by cabling and bracing the tree in many cases. This service utilizes cable lines and bracing rods to redistribute structural stress and help prevent structural damage.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree Care

Stein Tree Service strives to provide excellent service to homeowners in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Our services include tree inspection, insect infestation prevention and treatment for emerald ash borer, tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, and cabling or bracing. In addition, we are available 24/7 for emergency tree services, and we offer free consultations. For information about tree care, visit our website, or contact us at 302-478-3511.

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6 Signs of Tree Problems to Look Out For

Written by Stein Tree on January 19, 2022. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

One of the most effective methods of keeping your trees healthy and vibrant is detecting any signs of tree problems early. Your trees can suffer from various issues, including external damage (insects and weather), internal diseases, or issues that began during planting. Detecting these issues early on will allow you to take action and resolve any problems earlier, but you need to know what to look for. Below are 6 signs of tree problems to look out for and keep in mind.

1. Leaf Color and Other Signs of Damage

Leaves can show many signs of tree problems, and one of the most noticeable signs is their color. Check to see if your trees’ leaves have a deep, vivid color. A pale or off-color can signify pest damage, disease, too much or too little water, or a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Other signs of insect damage include a spider-web appearance or holes on the leaves. If your tree has smaller than typical leaves, you may have issues with the soil or roots. The tree may also have vascular damage in the trunk or branches and other issues like pests or drought. If your trees appear to be developing leaves noticeably later or dropping them earlier than expected they may be under stress and need to be examined by a professional.

2. Stress Cracks

A crack in a tree can be a significant indicator that the tree is unstable and is at risk of falling over. Cracks, which can be horizontal or vertical, are typically signs of structural failures or stresses within the tree. The tree is more likely to fall during strong winds, leading to property and personal damage. Severe winds or storms, heavy canopy growth, or weak branch unions splitting are all potential causes of stress cracks. If your trees have cracks, you need to get an arborist to inspect them to prevent any possible damage nearby.

3. Girdling or Circling Roots

One of the more common signs of tree problems is girdling roots. Girdling roots occur when the root system of a tree is constricted and cannot grow outwards away from the tree, cutting off a tree’s vascular system and preventing the flow of water and nutrients. A common sign of girdled roots is a tree that has been planted like a telephone pole instead of having the base flair outwards. You may also see roots sticking out of the ground, late leaf development, small yellow leaves or needles, early leaf drop, and dieback.

4. Branch Dieback

Dieback is the death of branches, twigs, or roots beginning at the tips and eventually working inward to the rest of the tree. Branch or twig dieback is due to poor growing conditions, physical damage and injury to the tree, or pests and diseases. Dieback can be difficult initially to detect with an untrained eye and typically start in the upper canopy: a general growth reduction, early fall yellowing, and defoliation are all signs of tree problems with dieback. As the dieback progresses, you can spot more extensive branch mortality, cankers on the branches, and an increased insect borer presence.

5. Pests & Diseases

One of the significant issues that trees face is pests and diseases. Some pests, such as the emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly, can cause massive, even fatal, damage to your trees, which makes them vulnerable to other pests or diseases. Keep in mind that your trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases if they are unhealthy or have been damaged. So the best defense against harmful pests and diseases is to maintain healthy trees.

6. Fungi

Tree fungus can appear in many forms, from mushrooms to polypores (large fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside), and while some are safe, others can be harmful to trees. For example, a mushroom in the trunk or on the branches can signify internal decay, while fungus near the roots can indicate root problems. Because of the wide variety of fungi (along with pests and diseases), the best course of action is to contact an arborist who can inspect your trees.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Inspect Your Property for Signs of Tree Problems

Do you want your trees to be healthy and beautiful? Call Stein Tree Service to inspect your property for signs of tree problems. Our team of certified arborists and plant health care specialists provides plant and tree care services to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy. For a free consultation, contact us today.

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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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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.

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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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.

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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.

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Recycling Christmas Trees in Delaware

Written by Stein Tree on December 30, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

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Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has encouraged all residents to recycle their Christmas trees rather than throwing them away. Yard waste (branches, trees (including Christmas trees), grass) was banned for disposal from all Delaware landfills as of 2007, in an attempt to get more residents to recycle their yard waste. Residents recycling Christmas trees is one of the results.

Why You Should Recycle Christmas Trees

One reason for recycling Christmas trees is due to the above-mentioned yard waste ban in landfills, but recycling your yard waste comes with other benefits, as well. Yard waste takes up valuable and limited space in landfills, which can cause these landfills to be overcrowded and stress their effectiveness. Also, yard waste in landfills produces methane gas during decomposition, contributing to air pollution. These issues can be avoided by recycling yard waste instead, and you can benefit from recycling your Christmas tree.

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The Benefits of Recycling Your Christmas Trees & Yard Waste

You and your landscape can continue to get the value of your old Christmas tree or yard waste after the holidays. For example, an old Christmas tree can be ground and used on your property to help the soil retain water. Another option is to compost your yard waste, turning the plant material into a non-chemical fertilizer to improve your tree and plants health. Recycling Christmas trees provides the benefit of preserving Delaware’s environment while also enhancing your own property’s health and value.

Other Uses for Recycled Yard Waste

In addition to improving your plant and tree health care, here are a few other uses for your recycled Christmas trees and yard waste.

Create firewood for your outdoor firepit or fireplace. Be sure not to transport your firewood to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, and other invasive species.
Use tree pieces in your landscape design, for example, as a plant bed border.
Removed trees can be shelters for birds and squirrels or fish feeders in your lake or pond.

How to Recycle Christmas Trees & Yard Waste

While recycling Christmas trees comes with many benefits and uses, some residents can find recycling big, heavy trees to be a hassle. If you are having trees removed, the professional tree care company can take away your yard waste after performing tree care services, or use the ground remains of your tree to re-fill the hole left by the tree. By hiring a tree care company to remove or grind your trees, you save time and hassle.

Contact Stein for Your Tree Care & Removal Services

We hope you find this information about recycling Christmas trees to be timely and helpful. If you need tree removal services or other tree care, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein’s team of certified arborists and tree care specialists are highly experienced and knowledgeable and can take care of your tree removal needs. We have been providing various plant and tree care services to Delaware homeowners and businesses for decades. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and ready for immediate response. For more information on our tree care and removal services, contact us today.