Community News

Attract Pollinators to your Garden

Attract Pollinators to your Garden To Attract Pollinators to your Garden, plant a variety of native flowers that provide blooms from early spring to late fall, group flowers together, and avoid pesticides. Also, provide nesting sites like patches of bare ground, dead wood, or bee boxes, and offer water sources or “mud puddles”. Plant selection and arrangement Prioritize native plants: Choose flowers that are native to your region, as pollinators have co-evolved with them. You can find suggestions using tools from the National Wildlife Federation or National Audubon Society. […]

Wood Decay in Trees

Wood Decay in Trees Wood decay in trees is a process caused by fungi and bacteria that break down wood, leading to reduced structural integrity and potential failure. Key types of decay include white rot, which makes wood soft and spongy, and brown rot, which causes brittle, crumbly wood. Decay typically starts at entry points like wounds from construction, logging, or lawn equipment. Types of wood decay White Rot: This decay is caused by fungi that break down both cellulose and lignin, leaving behind a soft, stringy, or […]

Why are Siberian Elms considered Invasive

Why are Siberian Elms considered Invasive Why are Siberian Elms considered Invasive, Siberian elms are considered invasive due to their ability to quickly grow, spread easily by wind-borne seeds, and outcompete native vegetation in disturbed areas like prairies and along roadsides. They thrive in a wide range of conditions, including poor soils and drought, and can form dense stands that reduce overall biodiversity and alter habitats. Key Characteristics of Siberian Elm Rapid Growth and Spread: Siberian elms germinate easily and grow quickly from their abundant, wind-dispersed seeds, […]

Local Materials for Better Landscapes

Local Materials for Better Landscapes Local Materials for Better Landscapes. When it comes to improving your landscape, using quality materials can make all the difference. Whether you’re refreshing garden beds, planting new trees, or starting a backyard project, choosing the right materials helps create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and long-lasting. At Johnson Ops Tree Care, we take pride in offering materials that come from right here in our local community. One of the things that makes our operation unique is that many of the products we offer are […]

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 […]

Winter Work at Johnson Ops

Winter Work at Johnson Ops Winter Work at Johnson Ops, From Milling Lumber to Making Mulch and Nurturing our Nursery Trees. Wisconsin winters can bring tree work to a standstill. With freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and heavy snow, many outdoor tree care operations temporarily pause for safety and tree-health reasons. But at our company, the work doesn’t stop—we simply shift our focus. Instead of pruning and removals, winter becomes our time to create, build, and prepare for the coming year. We’re Proud to Be a Green, Sustainable Tree Care Company-Winter […]

La Crosse Rotary Lights

La Crosse Rotary Lights La Crosse Rotary Lights: A Holiday Tradition that Shines Bright. Each year as the holiday season unfolds, Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin transforms into one of the most magical winter wonderlands in the Midwest — the Rotary Lights display. Now celebrating its 31st year in 2025, this cherished community tradition draws tens of thousands of visitors from across the region to experience the sparkle and joy of the season. The heart of the event is the breathtaking display of over three million lights that illuminate […]

The Role of Bee Pollination in Food Gardens

The Role of Bee Pollination in Food Gardens The Role of Bee Pollination in Food Gardens. Bee pollination is highly advantageous for many food gardens, enhancing crop productivity and quality. Bees are essential for the cross-pollination of various fruits and vegetables, notably cucurbits such as squash and pumpkins, as well as tree fruits like apples and pears. Certain berries also depend on bees for optimal pollination. Plant Pollination Methods While some plants are capable of self-pollination or utilize wind to disperse pollen, the activity of bees in the garden […]

A Decline in Pollinator Health

A Decline in Pollinator Health A decline in pollinator health greatly affects both trees and farming by hindering plants’ reproductive capabilities, which results in diminished crop yields, fewer fruits, and possible disturbances to entire ecosystems. Many plants depend on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds to move pollen for effective seed production. This situation can ultimately jeopardize food security and biodiversity. Key impacts on trees and agriculture: Reduced fruit and seed production: With fewer pollinators visiting flowers, fewer fruits and seeds are produced, directly impacting crop yields for fruits, […]

Composting offers numerous advantages Johnson-ops-tree-care

The Numerous Advantages of Composting

The Numerous Advantages of Composting The Numerous Advantages of Composting for both the environment and individuals. By converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, composting reduces landfill waste and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. This process enriches the soil, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Gardeners and farmers benefit from healthier plants and increased crop yields as a result of improved soil quality. Furthermore, composting is an excellent way to recycle kitchen and yard waste, turning it into a valuable resource. It supports biodiversity by […]

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