Trees

What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees

What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees? If you’ve noticed neat rows of small holes running up and down your tree trunk, you’re not alone. This pattern is most commonly caused by the Yellow-bellied sapsucker, a type of woodpecker found throughout Wisconsin and the Coulee Region. Sapsuckers drill evenly spaced holes in horizontal or vertical lines to access the tree’s sap. They return to these same rows repeatedly, feeding on both the sap and the insects it attracts. While the pattern can look […]

Strategies for Harmonizing Trees and Solar Panels

Strategies for Harmonizing Trees and Solar Panels Strategies for Harmonizing Trees and Solar Panels. Trees can have a negative impact on solar panels by casting shadows over them. These shadows reduce the power output of solar panels, which depend on direct sunlight to operate at their highest efficiency. these challenges, careful planning and the use of relevant technologies can enable trees and solar panels to coexist and even complement each other. One strategy is to optimize the placement of solar panels to minimize the effects of shading from nearby trees. […]

Caring for Mature Trees

Caring for Mature Trees Caring for Mature Trees. Mature trees are valuable assets to any property—providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. Unlike young trees, they require a more thoughtful approach to care, focusing on preservation rather than rapid growth. Start with regular inspections. Look for dead or hanging branches, cracks in the trunk, fungal growth, or thinning canopy. These can be early signs of stress, disease, or structural concerns. Catching issues early allows for safer and more effective treatment. Pruning is one of the most important maintenance practices. Mature trees […]

Signs of a Stressed Tree

Signs of a Stressed Tree Signs of a Stressed Tree include premature leaf drop, yellowing or browning leaves, a sparse canopy, and early fall colors. Other indicators are wilting, leaf scorch, bark problems like splitting or flaking, reduced growth, and unusual amounts of seed or cone production. Wisconsin’s weather, from heat waves to droughts, can cause many of these issues, making trees vulnerable to pests and diseases. Leaf and canopy symptoms Premature leaf drop: Leaves fall off the tree sooner than they should. Wilting or browning leaves: Leaves […]

What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree?

What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree? What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree? Hackberry trees are tough and adaptable, but they are not immune to problems. If your hackberry is declining, the cause could be insects, disease, weather stress, or root damage. One common issue is hackberry nipple gall or witches’ broom, which can make the tree look unhealthy. These problems often look alarming, but they usually do not kill the tree on their own. More serious concerns include root injury, soil compaction, construction damage, and long periods of drought or excessive moisture. […]

Best Trees for a Small Front Yard

Best Trees for a Small Front Yard Best Trees for a Small Front Yard. Choosing the right trees for a small front yard can enhance curb appeal and offer year-round beauty. Several varieties are particularly well-suited to limited spaces and provide seasonal interest through blossoms, foliage, and fruit. Top Tree Choices: Flowering Crabapple Flowering crabapple trees are compact and produce vibrant spring blossoms. In addition to their beautiful flowers, they offer attractive fall color and bear small fruit that adds further visual interest. Serviceberry Serviceberry trees are ideal for small […]

Not Your Average Mistletoe

Not Your Average Mistletoe Not Your Average Mistletoe. Eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) is a small but highly destructive parasitic plant that primarily affects spruce trees across northern regions, including parts of Wisconsin. Despite its tiny size, this plant can have a major impact on tree health, often going unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Unlike traditional plants, Eastern dwarf mistletoe attaches itself directly to its host tree and draws water and nutrients from it. Over time, this weakens the tree, slowing growth and making it more vulnerable to […]

Spring Tree Care Guidelines for a Healthy Landscape

Spring Tree Care Guidelines for a Healthy Landscape Spring Tree Care Guidelines for a Healthy Landscape. As winter’s frost melts away and spring comes into play, trees start their seasonal revival, teeming with fresh growth and vitality. This transitional phase is the best time to focus on spring tree care, making sure your trees stay healthy and resilient all year round. Fortifying Tree Roots and Improving Soil Vitality The root network serves as the foundation for every tree, securing it in position and providing vital nutrients. To assist your trees […]

Mild Winters and Tree Health

Mild Winters and Tree Health Mild Winters and Tree Health. Milder winters across Wisconsin are becoming more common, and while they may feel like a relief compared to harsh cold snaps, they can have unexpected effects on your trees. Winter plays an important role in a tree’s natural cycle, helping regulate growth, control pests, and prepare trees for the next growing season. One of the biggest impacts of a mild winter is reduced dormancy. Trees rely on consistent cold temperatures to fully “rest.” When winters are warmer, trees may not […]

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, […]

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