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Poison Ivy: What to Know

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Poison Ivy: What to Know

Poison Ivy: What to Know

Poison Ivy: What to Know Poison Ivy: What to Know. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is one of the most common plants homeowners encounter—and one of the most irritating. Found along fence lines, wooded edges, and even in landscaped yards, it can quickly become a problem if left unmanaged. The easiest way to identify poison ivy is the saying, “leaves of three, let it be.” Each stem typically has three leaflets that may appear glossy or dull green in summer and turn red or orange in fall. It can grow as […]

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Wood Decay in Trees

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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Everyday Sustainable Living Tips

Everyday Sustainable Living Tips

Everyday Sustainable Living Tips Everyday Sustainable Living Tips. Living sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional choices each day can make a big impact on your home, your community, and the environment—especially here in Wisconsin where we see the effects of changing seasons firsthand. Start by reducing waste. Choose reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags. Composting yard waste and food scraps is another great step, turning what would be trash into valuable soil. Next, be mindful of how you care for your landscape. Mulching around […]

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Why is my Arborvitae Turning Brown?

Why is my Arborvitae Turning Brown?

Why is my Arborvitae Turning Brown? Why is my Arborvitae Turning Brown?Arborvitae can turn brown due to issues like drought stress, winter burn, or root problems caused by poor drainage.   To fix it, ensure consistent watering (about 1 inch per week), improve soil drainage, and protect the plant from winter winds and sun. Other causes include fungal diseases, pests like spider mites, or insufficient sunlight.    Watering problems Drought: Inadequate watering is a major cause of browning. New plants are especially vulnerable because their root systems aren’t fully developed.  […]

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What Causes Rows of Holes in 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 […]

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Strategies for Harmonizing Trees and Solar Panels

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. […]

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Caring for Mature 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 […]

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Signs of a Stressed Tree

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 […]

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What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree?

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. […]

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Best Trees for a Small Front Yard Johnson-ops-tree-care

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 […]

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