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Johnson Ops Tree Care Blog

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

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 […]

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Understanding Leaf Scorch

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 […]

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What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD)

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 […]

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How do I Care for my Variegated Maple

How do I Care for my Variegated Maple

How do I Care for my Variegated Maple How do I Care for my Variegated Maple , choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, ensuring well-drained soil and protecting it from harsh elements.Water deeply once a week (more in summer for containers or new trees), avoid overwatering, and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. Fertilize sparingly or not at all, especially with high-nitrogen products, and prune only when necessary in late summer or fall, after the leaves have fully […]

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Verticillium Wilt

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 […]

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Best Trees for Attracting Bees and other Pollinators

Best Trees for Attracting Bees and other Pollinators

Best Trees for Attracting Bees and other Pollinators Best Trees for Attracting Bees and other Pollinators. Selecting the right trees is essential for attracting bees and other pollinators. Properly chosen tree species can provide important sources of nectar and pollen, supporting pollinator populations throughout the year. Recommended Tree Species Several tree species are particularly effective for attracting pollinators. Basswood, maple, oak, serviceberry, and hawthorn are excellent choices. These trees offer a rich supply of nectar and pollen, which are vital for the health and activity of bees and other pollinating […]

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Attract Pollinators to your Garden

Attract Pollinators to your Garden

Attract Pollinators to your Garden To Attract Pollinators to your Garden, plant a variety of native flowers that provide blooms from early spring to late fall, group flowers together, and avoid pesticides. Also, provide nesting sites like patches of bare ground, dead wood, or bee boxes, and offer water sources or “mud puddles”.   Plant selection and arrangement Prioritize native plants: Choose flowers that are native to your region, as pollinators have co-evolved with them. You can find suggestions using tools from the National Wildlife Federation or National Audubon Society.    […]

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The Impact of Ivy on Trees

The Impact of Ivy on Trees

The Impact of Ivy on Trees The Impact of Ivy on Trees. Ivy can pose several threats to the health and stability of trees, particularly when it spreads into the canopy and climbs the trunk. One major concern is that ivy can block sunlight from reaching the tree’s leaves, which is essential for photosynthesis. In addition, the ivy competes with the tree for vital resources such as water and nutrients found in the soil. Physical Damage As ivy grows and thickens, its weight can become substantial enough to cause branches […]

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Best Practices for Preserving Trees in Construction Zones

Best Practices for Preserving Trees in Construction Zones

Best Practices for Preserving Trees in Construction Zones Best Practices for Preserving Trees in Construction Zones. Trees provide essential environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits. During construction projects, existing trees are often at risk due to soil disturbance, root damage, and changes in environmental conditions. Implementing effective tree protection measures is critical to ensure that trees survive and thrive throughout and after the construction process. Why Protect Trees During Construction? Environmental Value: Trees improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife. Property Value: Mature trees enhance the beauty […]

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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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