Trees

Are your Lawn Mowing Practices Damaging your Trees?

Are your Lawn Mowing Practices Damaging your Trees? Are your lawn mowing practices damaging your trees? If your tree looks unhealthy, it’s crucial to examine its surroundings to pinpoint potential issues. Start by checking if the tree is suffering from any diseases or pests, like insects or fungi, that might be affecting its health. Next, think about the tree’s water supply. Determine if the tree is getting enough water, as both insufficient and excessive watering can lead to health problems. Lastly, take a look at the soil condition. Issues with […]

Recent Tree Health Threats

Recent Tree Health Threats Recent Tree Health ThreatsWhat’s New in Tree Health & Forest Threats- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s 2025 forest-health alerts In December 2025, the DNR advised property owners to watch for woodpecker “flecking” on ash trees — a tell-tale sign that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) may be present. This invasive beetle remains “the most damaging threat to Wisconsin trees,” capable of killing ash trees over a few years if untreated. forestrynews.blogs.govdelivery.com+1 Also in late 2025: DNR foresters are continuing to monitor other invasive pests even if […]

Mother Trees: The Pillars of Forest Ecosystems

Mother Trees: The Pillars of Forest Ecosystems Mother Trees: The Pillars of Forest Ecosystems,. Mother trees are the largest, oldest, and most well-connected trees in a forest. These remarkable trees serve as central hubs for communication and nutrient sharing within the forest’s underground fungal network. Role in Forest Health Mother trees play a vital role in maintaining the health of the forest. They nurture younger trees by sharing essential resources such as carbon and water. This support helps the younger trees adapt to changing climates and contributes to the overall […]

How do Trees Survive the Wisconsin Winters

How do Trees Survive the Wisconsin Winters How do trees survive the Wisconsin winters. Trees prepare for freezing weather by entering dormancy, a rest period where they slow metabolism, stop producing leaves, and store energy. They prevent internal cellular freezing by concentrating sugars to lower the freezing point of their sap and dehydrating cells by moving water to the spaces between them. Bark provides insulation, and evergreen trees also have waxy coatings on their needles and antifreeze proteins in their sap to survive cold conditions. Dormancy and Leaf Loss […]

What is Verticillium Wilt?

What is Verticillium wilt? What is Verticillium wilt?, a fungal disease that blocks water flow to the tree’s branches, causing leaves to suddenly wilt, yellow, scorch, and drop, sometimes leading to branch death or even the entire tree dying. Symptoms often appear on one or more branches and include sparse foliage and discoloration in the water-conducting tissues. While there’s no cure, pruning infected branches and proper tree care can help, but it’s essential to dispose of infected wood properly to prevent further spread. Symptoms of Vascular Wilt (Verticillium Wilt) […]

Girdling Roots and other Root Collar Problems

Girdling Roots and other Root Collar Problems Girdling Roots, and other Root Collar Problems, Trees are fundamentally as healthy as their roots.Sadly, various issues can adversely impact the root collars of your trees– meaning the area where their roots join the trunk. Such problems include girdling roots, and improper planting How Do Girdling Roots Typically Form? Many girdling roots originate from trees that are restricted in containers at nurseries. When the roots cannot extend outward, they start to encircle the root ball, following the edges of the container. Moreover, […]

Spongy Moths Formerly Known as Gypsy Moths.

Spongy Moths Formerly Known as Gypsy Moths. Spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive species in Wisconsin, capable of causing significant defoliation of trees. They are known to have outbreaks every 10-12 years, with the most recent one occurring in 2023. The caterpillars of the spongy moth are the destructive life stage, feeding on leaves and potentially weakening trees. Key Points about Spongy Moths in Wisconsin: Invasive Species: Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar) are not native to Wisconsin and were introduced from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. […]

Tree Health Assessment

Tree Health Assessment Why do I need a Tree Health Assessment. Trees offer a variety of benefits for your property. Besides supplying oxygen, shade, and fruit, trees also capture dust, helping to maintain a clean environment in your home. However, it is essential for your tree to remain healthy in order to enjoy these advantages. If not, the tree may perish and negatively impact your property. What steps can you take to keep your tree healthy? Once a tree has matured, you might not have to do much. Still, performing a […]

The Process of Ash Tree Treatment

The Process of Ash Tree Treatment. Primarily aimed at protecting against the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), generally involves the following steps: 1. Assessment and Planning: Tree Health Evaluation: A certified arborist assesses the overall health and condition of the ash tree, including the extent of EAB infestation if any. Determine Treatment Viability: Based on the assessment, it’s determined if the tree is a suitable candidate for injection treatment. Select Insecticide: The arborist selects the appropriate insecticide, often emamectin benzoate or imidacloprid, based on factors like tree size, infestation level, […]

Lungs of the Earth

Lungs of the Earth The phrase “lungs of the Earth” is often used to describe the Amazon rainforest, highlighting its significant role in the global ecosystem. However, it’s important to understand the nuance of this description: Oxygen Production: While the Amazon rainforest does produce oxygen through photosynthesis, the popular claim that it generates 20% of the world’s oxygen supply is misleading. The rainforest consumes nearly as much oxygen as it produces through processes like cellular respiration and decomposition. Scientists estimate the Amazon’s net contribution to global […]

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