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Winter Work at Johnson Ops

Johnson Ops Tree Care Blog

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

Winter Work at Johnson Ops

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 […]

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Hypoxylon Canker

Hypoxylon Canker

Hypoxylon Canker Hypoxylon canker is a serious disease of aspen and other trees, often killing stressed or weakened trees.It’s characterized by the appearance of large, black or grey, spore-bearing mats (stromata) on the bark, usually in areas affected by drought or other severe stress. There is no direct treatment for the fungus once symptoms appear; however, managing tree health by watering and preventing stress can help, and pruning out infected branches can prevent further spread in less severe cases.    What is it? Hypoxylon canker is caused by a fungus […]

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Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis)

Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis)

Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis) Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis) is a parasitic, shelf-like fungus that causes heartwood rot in hardwood trees, particularly maple trees.There is no known cure for the infection, but trees can be managed by maintaining their health, avoiding wounds to the trunk, and having a certified arborist perform a risk assessment to determine if the tree needs removal.     What it is A parasite: The fungus enters trees through wounds and lives in the central heartwood.    Visual identification: It forms large, overlapping clusters of […]

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Meet Maverick

Meet Maverick

Meet Maverick Meet Maverick: Our Chief Security Officer. Every great team needs someone dedicated to safety, loyalty, and morale—and at our place, that role is proudly filled by Maverick, our Chief Security Officer. Maverick is a 3.5-year-old Brittany with a sharp eye, a strong sense of duty, and a whole lot of personality. Maverick’s workday starts bright and early with a full perimeter check of the yard. His top priorities include monitoring for suspicious squirrels, keeping birds in check, and ensuring no unexpected critters cross into restricted territory. These intruders […]

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Are your Lawn Mowing Practices Damaging your 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 […]

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La Crosse Rotary Lights: A Holiday Tradition

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 […]

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Recent Tree Health Threats

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 […]

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Mother Trees: The Pillars of Forest Ecosystems

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 […]

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How do Trees Survive the Wisconsin Winters

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 […]

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Spruce Tree Issues in La Crosse County

Spruce Tree Issues in La Crosse County

Spruce Tree Issues  in La Crosse County Spruce trees issues in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, commonly face issues from fungal diseases, insect infestations, and environmental stressors.  These problems are often compounded by recent droughts and improper planting practices, which leave trees weakened and more susceptible to damage.  Fungal diseases Rhizosphaera Needle Cast: This is the most common fungal disease affecting Colorado blue spruce in Wisconsin and can also impact native white spruce. Symptoms: Older, inner needles turn purple or brown before dropping off, while the new growth at the branch […]

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