Plant Healthcare

Caring for Mature Trees in Wisconsin

Caring for Mature Trees in Wisconsin Caring for Mature Trees in Wisconsin.Mature trees are one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural treasures. They provide shade, increase property value, support wildlife, and create a sense of beauty that only decades of growth can achieve. But as trees age, their needs change — and proper care becomes essential to keeping them healthy, stable, and thriving for years to come. Understand the Needs of Aging Trees Wisconsin’s climate exposes trees to harsh seasonal shifts, from frigid winters to humid summers. Mature trees often face stress […]

How to Properly Prune Hydrangeas

How to Properly Prune Hydrangeas How to Properly Prune Hydrangeas. To prune hydrangeas, identify your hydrangea type as pruning methods vary significantly. For panicle and smooth hydrangeas, prune in late winter or early spring by cutting back old or weak stems to encourage new growth. For bigleaf, mountain, and oakleaf hydrangeas, prune only dead stems in spring or remove spent blooms after they fade to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers, which form on old wood. Always use clean, sharp secateurs to make cuts above a bud or node, or […]

Will a Woodpecker Damage your Trees

Will a Woodpecker Damage your Trees Will a Woodpecker Damage your Trees? Yes, a woodpecker can damage your trees, but it’s usually not the woodpecker itself that is the main cause of the problem; instead, their activity can indicate and worsen an underlying issue like an insect infestation or disease. A healthy tree can typically withstand the damage, but repeated pecking or heavy activity from a species like the sapsucker can create openings for disease and pests to enter, potentially causing structural weakness and death to a stressed tree. […]

Boost your Curve Appeal

Boos your Curve Appeal Boost your Curve Appeal. Can an Arborist Boost your Curb Appeal?, Yes! by pruning trees , removing low-hanging branches that block views, and planting new, appropriate trees.They can also remove hazardous or decaying trees to open up space and eliminate eyesores, and they can add mulch around trees for a clean, finished look. Pruning and tree care Prune for health and aesthetics: An arborist can trim and prune your trees to improve their health, remove weak or crossing branches, and give them a more balanced […]

What is this Powdery Mildew on my Tree?

What is this Powdery Mildew on my Tree? What is this Powdery Mildew on my Tree? Powdery Mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on leaves, stems, and buds. Symptoms also include distorted or curled leaves, which can turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. To treat it, remove infected parts and dispose of them properly (burning is safest), improve air circulation through pruning, and apply a fungicide like potassium bicarbonate spray or a horticultural oil like neem oil. […]

What is Apple Scab

What is Apple Scab What is Apple Scab? Apple scab is a fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis that appears as olive-green to brown spots on leaves and fruit. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and spreads via spores from overwintering leaves. Management involves early-season fungicide sprays, sanitation to remove fallen leaves, and planting scab-resistant varieties. What is Apple Scab: Cause: A fungus called Venturia inaequalis. Appearance: Olive-green, velvety spots that darken and become bumpy on leaves and fruit. On fruit, lesions may eventually crack. Hosts: Affects […]

Understanding Leaf Scorch

Understanding Leaf Scorch Understanding Leaf Scorch, Leaf scorch is a condition that manifests as browning, yellowing, or withering of leaves. This phenomenon can result from a range of different factors. It is important to recognize the appearance of leaf scorch in order to identify and address the underlying causes effectively. Drought: Lack of water causes the plant to dehydrate, leading to leaf scorch. Heat stress: Excessive temperatures can damage leaves and prevent them from getting enough water. Strong winds: Winds can dry out leaves and cause them to […]

What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD)

What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD), a fungal disease that affects conifers, is present in approximately 30 Wisconsin counties and most commonly impacts red and white pine plantations. The fungus, Heterobasidion occidentale, can live in dead tree stumps and spreads to other hosts through root grafts. Symptoms include a quick decline in health, discolored leaves, branch dieback, and mushroom growth on the trunk or roots. Cause: A native soil-borne fungus called Heterobasidion occidentale. Hosts: Primarily affects red and white pine in Wisconsin, but […]

What is Verticillium Wilt

What is Verticillium Wilt? What is Verticillium Wilt? Its’ a fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers. This disease poses a significant threat to plant health because it can infect many different species. It is caused by two soilborne fungi: Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae. These pathogens reside in the soil and attack susceptible plants, resulting in symptoms commonly associated with wilt and plant decline. Symptoms The symptoms vary depending on the plant species and the severity of the infection. Some of […]

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 […]

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