Tag: tree care

Many homeowners or business owners have certain ideas about tree care that are tree care myths. Some myths relate to specific techniques and applications when planting new trees, such as staking or pruning. Others involve general tree care practices, such as tree topping or applying mulch around trees. And some are misguided ideas, like filling up a tree with concrete. Here are 5 tree care myths and the reality behind each one of them.

1. You Need to Stake a Newly Planted Tree

One of the most common tree care myths is that you need to stake a newly planted tree. While some trees do benefit from staking, the practice is optional and may even have consequences. Trees need to develop strong root systems and good trunk tapers for long-term health, both of which can be hindered by staking. The qualities that indicate a tree needs staking are the following:

• Abnormally small root systems
• The stems bend excessively without support
• A very windy planting site that can uproot trees

The tree needs to become accustomed to the environment in which it lives, and be able to withstand the conditions of that environment.

2. Prune a Tree Heavily When First Planted

Another one of the famous tree care myths regarding planting trees is that you need to prune the tree heavily when planting. Trees need a full crown to produce food and plant hormones, which promotes root growth and health. and a healthy crown helps. Some pruning helps promote good shape and growth when done properly, but large or improper cuts leave wounds that may be hard for the tree to heal while using its energy to recover and grow in its new space. For newly planted trees, pruning should be structural or to remove damaged branches, and the crown should remain full.

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3. If A Tree Is Too Large, Topping Is Required

Tree topping is one of the worst possible ways of pruning a tree, despite the fact that many people engage in this practice. Topping removes a large part of a tree’s canopy, which has numerous downsides such as:

• Significantly reducing the ability of the tree to collect sunlight and create nutrients
• Causing great stress
• Creating many wounds that will be hard for the tree to heal

All of those downsides increase the chance of the branches becoming diseased and infected, or breaking and falling off. Tree topping is a poor practice often used when trees are growing out of their provided space, and should be replaced with careful pruning or assessment from a certified arborist.

4. Mulch Should Be Piled Up Against the Tree

One of the most common tree care myths for homeowners is that mulch has to be piled right up against the tree. Though mulching is good for trees, a typical mulching practice is to stack the mulch up against the tree trunk, which is also known as “volcano mulching.” Volcano mulching creates a pest-friendly environment and increases the chance of girdling roots. The mulch should be applied in the shape of a doughnut rather than a volcano. Avoiding volcano mulching can go a long way to improving a tree’s health and growth.

5. Tree Cavities Should be Filled with Concrete

Filling tree cavities with concrete was a common practice in the past, but we now know this to be a poor practice. The idea behind filling a cavity with concrete was that the concrete could strengthen a tree. Trees move with the wind and continue to grow, so the concrete ends up irritating the tree instead. Hurting the tree in this way can lead to further harm such as decay and disease. The real solution to tree cavities depends on the tree, and contacting a certified arborist is the best course of action.

Contact Stein for Tree Care Services

If you are looking for tree and plant care services for your landscape, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein’s ISA certified arborists and other tree care professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional plant and tree care services. We have been in business for over 35 years, serving many communities in Delaware and Philadelphia. Our equipment is state-of-the-art, and our staff is ready for emergency dispatch. For more information on tree care myths, or a free consultation, contact us today.

Water is critical for the growth and health of all trees. Trees have developed ways to absorb, store, and use water to grow and maintain health. The process of receiving and using water is called transpiration. Transpiration in trees is a fascinating, self-sustaining process.

What is Transpiration?

Transpiration is the way water moves through plants. The tree roots absorb water from the soil, and then the water is pulled up the tree, eventually reaching the leaves. As the water reaches the leaves, the sun heats the water, converting from a liquid into vapor, which is called evaporation. The water vapor passes through tiny pores called “stomata” on the leaves, evaporating into the air, where the rest of the water cycle repeats. Transpiration is a critical process for a plant or tree’s health.

The two main purposes of transpiration are cooling a plant and providing water to leaves for photosynthesis. Only a small amount of water, roughly 5 percent, is used by the plant for growth. The rest of the water is used to help the plant or tree regulate temperature. But the leaves need a good amount of water for photosynthesis. The stomata need to be open for the leaves to take in carbon dioxide. However, the tree needs to prevent too much water from evaporating through the open stomata. Transpiration is, in essence, a balancing act between the right amount of water for growth, photosynthesis, and cooling off.

How Do Trees Use Transpiration?

Transpiration in trees works in the same general way as other plants. Tree roots absorb water through the soil, while the tree moves the water up, against gravity, to the leaves, cooling off and transpiring most of the water. A large oak tree can transpire up to 40,000 gallons of water per year. That large quantity of transpired water is partly due to the tree’s size, the number of leaves, and overall greater potential for water loss.

While transpiration is a self-sustaining process, trees can face problems that disrupt their sustainability. For instance, trees may struggle to provide enough nutrients to the leaves through water if the soil is dry and lacking moisture. If a tree faces both a lack of water and scorching temperatures, the stomata of the leaves will close to conserve water, preventing growth. Dropping leaves is another, more drastic way of trees conserving water. Providing enough water to trees is important, especially during the hot summer months.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Your Tree Care Needs

Stein provides the services needed for tree health. Stein Tree has been in business for over 35 years, providing quality residential tree service to many communities in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Our staff of professional, certified arborists has experience, skills, and a passion for keeping trees healthy and strong. For more information on transpiration in trees or our services, contact Stein Tree Service.

Many societies and cultures throughout human history have associated trees with resilience, sturdiness, and longevity. While trees are undoubtedly resilient, they are still vulnerable to harmful factors that can cause stress or damage. Tree stress is can result from certain adverse factors, and if left untreated, that stress can eventually lead to the tree’s death. Fortunately, many organizations, such as state departments of natural resources or conservation, are studying trees to help determine and alleviate current threats.

Current Threats to Trees and Factors of Tree Stress

Tree stress can result from several different factors. Biological elements such as insects, pests, and diseases can cause stress, as well as mechanical or human-caused factors such as improper planting, chemical use or construction.

Insects and Diseases

One of the more severe threats to trees is insects and diseases. Specific insects and diseases can have genuinely devastating impacts on the health and sustainability of trees in both forest landscapes and urban areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) monitors Pennsylvania’s forests for insects and diseases, protecting trees when necessary.

Current insect and disease threats to Pennsylvania trees include the following:

• Emerald ash borer
• Spotted lanternfly
• Gypsy moth
• Hemlock woolly adelgid
• Beech bark disease
• Oak wilt

Emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, gypsy moth, and hemlock woolly adelgid are all invasive species, and have caused severe damage to Pennsylvania trees. Diseases such as oak wilt and beech bark disease each threaten specific species of trees.

Natural and Environmental Factors

In addition to insects and diseases, other natural occurrences and environmental properties can cause tree stress. One of the significant issues with environmentally-caused stress is that affected trees, even young and healthy ones, are more susceptible to diseases and invasive insects.

• External factors that can stress trees include:
• Drought
• Excessive moisture
• Pollution
• Abnormal or extreme temperatures
• Wind damage

New trees can replace those that are stressed by these environmental factors. However, invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly alter the natural reforestation cycle.

Improper Planting and Maintenance

Human-made causes of stress can be attributed to improper planting and poor or neglectful maintenance. Improper planting can range from picking the wrong tree for the local soil conditions, to planting a tree too close to a road, to having too little mulch. Poor maintenance includes inadequate watering or pruning techniques.

Another factor is injuries caused by mechanical means, such as construction or lawn-related damage. A lawnmower or trimmer cutting the bark or compacting the soil can cause tree stress. Heavy construction equipment can also stress trees, with most of the damage occurring in the root system due to soil compaction and disruption.

How to Prevent Tree Stress

One of the ways to effectively prevent stress is to be watchful for pests and other signs of stress. Look for bark dieback, wilting leaves, tree cavities, and other symptoms that a tree is injured or damaged to some extent. Insects can be hard to see, so you have to look at the overall tree health. can blend into trees. Check your trees, outdoor equipment and furniture, gardens, and similar areas for invasive species such as emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly.

If you are unsure whether a tree is stressed or damaged, contact a certified arborist. Arborists and tree care specialists have the knowledge and experience to identify threats to a tree’s health and know what measure to take for proper care. The most effective method to treat for tree stress is to stop whatever is causing harm as soon as possible.

Call Stein for Quality and Reliable Tree Care Services

Stein Tree Service has been in business since 1983 and has a long history of serving the Pennsylvania area. Our experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment are ready for immediate response for emergency tree care services. If you want to learn more about tree stress, or how your landscape could benefit from tree care services, contact us today for a free consultation.