Johnson Ops Tree Care Blog

Industry news, tree health tips, recent projects, and more.

Keeping Up with Electrical Hazards

Keeping Up with Electrical Hazards Keeping Up with Electrical Hazards, It’s surprising to learn that nearly 50% of electrocution deaths occur due to indirect contact! Even something as common as a streetlamp circuit or a phone line can carry enough electricity to be deadly. You might not think about these facts often, but they are crucial for tree care professionals who frequently work near power lines. This is why ongoing training, such as our recent EHAT session, is essential! Our employees participated in the Electrical Hazard Awareness Program Online […]

Backyard Composting

Backyard Composting Backyard composting is a great way to recycle organic materials by creating a pile or bin in your yard. Check out these tips to help you with your composting journey: Materials Use a ratio of two to three parts brown materials (dry leaves, twigs, straw) to one part green materials (grass clippings, kitchen scraps). The terms “brown” and “green” refer to the material’s nature, not its color. Chop Break up large pieces of fruit and vegetable waste, and twigs, to increase the surface area and speed up […]

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting Vermicomposting uses worms to break down organic matter into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. In this type of home composting, the worms consume organic matter and excrete castings (which is like highly fertile worm manure). Vermicomposting is a convenient way to compost food waste in small spaces, like apartments or homes with small outdoor spaces. Not only that, vermicomposting is typically quicker than backyard composting, as the worms speed up the process! If you want to buy a vermicompost system, it can be purchased at most gardening and home improvement stores. […]

The Bokashi Method

The Bokashi Method The Bokashi Method, Bokashi is a unique approach to recycling organic waste that utilizes anaerobic fermentation with microorganisms to decompose food scraps. This method is an ideal small-scale composting solution for your countertop, producing nutrient-dense, valuable soil-enhancing materials. It’s a fantastic option for those eco-conscious individuals who want to minimize their environmental footprint and contribute positively to soil regeneration. Here are a few useful suggestions to get started: Prepare a bin: Get a bin and bokashi bran, which is a mixture of bacteria and yeast. Add […]

Helpful hints for encouraging your trees to break out of dormancy.

Helpful hints for encouraging your trees to break out of dormancy. We’ve just made it through another winter in Wisconsin! Is there anything I can do to assist my trees as they wake up from dormancy? Here are some Helpful hints for encouraging your trees to break out of dormancy. Trim & Prune before Budding Spring is an ideal season for pruning trees and shrubs in Wisconsin. By cutting back dead or unnecessary branches now, you can effectively shape the growth of new ones. While most species thrive with a […]

How frequently should I perform maintenance on my trees?

How frequently should I perform maintenance on my trees? How frequently should I perform maintenance on my trees? For most established trees, a solid guideline is to carry out maintenance tasks, such as pruning, every 3 to 5 years for general care. In contrast, younger trees often require more regular attention, typically every 2 to 3 years, to encourage proper growth. Additionally, fruit trees can greatly benefit from annual pruning to enhance their yield. Here are some important reminders: It’s best to prune young trees more often, about every 2-3 […]

The Benefits Of Pruning Your Trees

The Benefits Of Pruning Your Trees The Benefits Of Pruning Your Trees. Pruning plays a crucial role and can greatly influence the health and development of trees. Pruning offers significant advantages by clearing away unproductive branches, which helps to redirect essential nutrients, resources, and space toward healthier growth. When you eliminate dead, weak, insect-ridden, or diseased limbs, the tree can concentrate on developing stronger and more vibrant foliage. This practice enhances the tree’s overall health and minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities. Cutting away these compromised branches gives your trees a […]

Tree benefits often surpass the challenges they may cause

Tree benefits often surpass the challenges they might cause Tree benefits often surpass the challenges they might cause. Trees can sometimes be considered more trouble than they’re worth including: weeping willows (due to aggressive root systems), Bradford pear trees (brittle branches prone to breaking in storms), silver maples (fast growth leads to weak wood), white mulberry trees (messy, lots of pollen, invasive roots), Leyland cypress (rapid growth but susceptible to disease and wind damage), female Ginkgo trees (strong-smelling fruit), and black walnut trees (can inhibit other plant growth with their […]

Exploring drought-tolerant trees in the Midwest

Exploring drought-tolerant trees in the Midwest Exploring drought-tolerant trees in the Midwest can be both fascinating and rewarding, especially for those looking to create a sustainable and resilient landscape. With changing climate patterns, the need for trees that can withstand dry spells has become more pressing than ever. Fortunately, the Midwest offers a variety of robust options that can thrive despite challenging conditions. One of the top contenders for drought tolerance is the Bur Oak. Known for its adaptability, the Bur Oak can handle dry soil and still […]

Exploring the Admiration Oak

Exploring the Admiration Oak Exploring the Admiration Oak- This impressive hybrid oak tree stands tall and strong, showcasing a unique pyramidal shape as it grows. Its dark green lobed glossy leaves and the peeling bark on older trees add a striking visual element. It’s a perfect choice for providing shade in residential gardens and is known for its remarkable toughness and adaptability. This tree features a lush, deciduous structure with a unique and elegant pyramidal shape. Its texture harmonizes with the surroundings, but incorporating one or two trees or shrubs […]

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