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 Pine Tortoise Scale

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pine tortoise scale

 Pine Tortoise Scale

 Pine Tortoise Scale  Pine Tortoise Scale (Toumeyella parvicornis) is found in Wisconsin and is considered a pest of pine trees, particularly impacting young plantations, Christmas tree farms, and seed orchards. Infestations lead to reduced tree growth, impaired appearance, and can even cause tree mortality. The scales secrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, making infested branches look black and decreasing the commercial value of trees.   Hosts and Symptoms Host Trees: Primary hosts in Wisconsin include jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), though it can […]

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Spring Brings the Outdoors to Life

Spring Brings the Outdoors to Life

Spring Brings the Outdoors to Life Spring Brings the Outdoors to Life. As winter begins to loosen its grip, many of us start looking forward to the simple joys of Wisconsin spring. Warmer sunshine, longer days, and the chance to finally step outside and enjoy the fresh air again. After enduring months of cold temperatures and snow, it’s a season we truly appreciate. Spring brings renewed energy to everyday life. Homeowners begin planning flower beds, preparing vegetable gardens, and spending more time outdoors with family and friends. It’s a refreshing, […]

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High Quality Mulch Made Locally

High Quality Mulch Made Locally

High Quality Mulch Made Locally High Quality Mulch Made Locally in Holmen, Wisconsin. Got mulch? We do! At Johnson Ops Tree Care, we proudly produce high-quality mulch—both natural and color-enhanced—right here at our facility in Holmen, Wisconsin. Whether you’re refreshing flower beds, improving curb appeal, or starting a brand-new landscape project, our mulch is crafted to give your yard the beauty and protection it deserves. We supply mulch throughout Holmen, La Crosse, Onalaska, and the surrounding Coulee Region, offering a local, dependable source you can count on. Our Mulch Options-High […]

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Cedar-Apple Rust

Cedar-Apple Rust

Cedar-Apple Rust Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease caused by Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle: juniper species (like eastern redcedar) and apple/crabapple trees. It appears as brown, kidney-shaped galls on cedars that develop bright orange, jelly-like horns in wet spring weather, releasing spores that infect apple trees, causing yellow spots on leaves and fruit. While it’s not very harmful to junipers, it can cause significant damage to apples, leading to premature defoliation and poor fruit quality.     Life Cycle of the Fungus On […]

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Reasons for Stump Grinding after Removing a Tree

Reasons for Stump Grinding after Removing a Tree

Reasons for Stump Grinding after Removing a Tree Reasons for Stump Grinding after Removing a Tree, Stump grinding is performed after tree removal  to eliminate tripping hazards, prevent pest infestations and disease, improve the aesthetic appeal of a yard, and prepare the area for replanting or construction.By converting the stump into small wood chips, grinding helps to reclaim the space, and the resulting mulch can enrich the soil for new plants.    Reasons for Stump Grinding after Removing a Tree Safety: A leftover stump is a significant tripping hazard that […]

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choose the right tree for your yard

Choose the Right Tree for your Yard

Choose the Right Tree for your Yard Choose the right tree for your yard, first assess your site conditions, including soil type, drainage, and sunlight exposure, by checking your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.Next, determine your goals for the tree, such as shade, privacy, or aesthetics, and consider its mature size and form to ensure it fits the space without root or canopy issues. Finally, select a tree that is well-suited to your region, avoiding species that are invasive or particularly susceptible to local insect and disease problems, and consult local […]

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What to Expect After Stump Grinding

What to Expect After Stump Grinding

What  to Expect After Stump Grinding, roots will not continue to grow aggressively but will instead slowly die and decay, a process that can take years, depending on the tree species and root system. Most of the damage from stump grinding stops the tree’s nutrient supply, which prevents future growth. However, the remaining root system can still produce new sprouts, especially in robust species like oak, maple, or willow, and you may need to fill the resulting depression in the ground with soil as the roots decompose.     What […]

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Bur Oak Blight (BOB)

Bur Oak Blight (BOB)

Bur Oak Blight (BOB) Bur Oak Blight (BOB) is a fungal disease that causes leaves to develop wedge-shaped, brown lesions and remain on the tree into winter. Treatment involves fungicide trunk injections by a qualified Arborist, and leaf litter removal can reduce fungal spores.Preventative measures like maintaining tree health and proper watering also help, but BOB is best managed with professional diagnosis and treatment.     What is Bur Oak Blight? Cause: A fungal disease that primarily affects bur oak trees in the Midwest.    Symptoms: Purple-brown lesions along the […]

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Home Care Practices That Could Be Detrimental to Your Trees Johnson-ops-tree-care

Home Care Practices That Could Be Detrimental to Your Trees

Home Care Practices That Could Be Detrimental to Your Trees Home Care Practices That Could Be Detrimental to Your Trees. While caring for trees at home is essential, certain activities can unintentionally cause harm, especially in Wisconsin’s unique climate and environment. Awareness of these potentially damaging practices is key to maintaining healthy trees. Overwatering or Under-watering Watering is a common home care activity, but both overwatering and underwatering can stress trees. Overwatering may lead to root rot and fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause dehydration and poor growth. Improper Pruning […]

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Is it Advisable to Stake my New Tree?

Is it Advisable to Stake my New Tree?

Is it Advisable to Stake my New Tree? Is it Advisable to Stake my New Tree? Proper planting techniques play a significant role in determining whether a young tree will require staking. In most cases, when trees are planted correctly, their root systems are robust enough to provide the necessary support for both their size and weight. This natural stability often eliminates the need for additional staking. However, there are situations where staking becomes necessary. If a young tree’s roots are not yet sufficiently developed to stabilize the stem and […]

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