At Wachtel Tree Science, we believe one of the keys to thriving trees and shrubs is what is below ground. That’s why we offer Compost Tea, an organic soil treatment that improves soil health and supports stronger, more resilient plants...Continue Reading
That time after summer and before winter might just be my favorite season of the year. The cooler days and nights after the heat of summer, the memories of picking apples from an orchard with family, and the disappearance of mosquitos are especially welcome this time of year...Continue Reading
This spring, winter damage manifested in an abundance of ways...Continue Reading
This is an adage I have heard many times growing up and it may help to frame the discussion I wish to present. I have documented the tree stresses that have resulted from the last several years in previous issues of this newsletter: record wet weather years alternating with years of drought. In 2024 both extremes happened in the same year.Continue Reading
Plants naturally resist infections through a process called Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). This is similar to our own immune system. The understanding of this phenomenon is quite complicated, involving numerous hormones, proteins and other compounds inside and outside of the plant...Continue Reading
As we navigate the shifting landscapes of our environment, it becomes increasingly vital to address the challenges our trees face. One more pressing concern is the impact of drought on our green companions. Continue Reading
The winter of 2023-2024 was Wisconsin’s warmest on record, worrying many whose properties had endured recent Spongy Moth outbreaks, as a warmer winter can improve pest survivability, leading to another year of heavy defoliation...Continue Reading
The big snowstorm in January and its after math certainly dominates the big picture and has laid down a few hair-pin turns as we navigate a new year’s tree and landscape season..Continue Reading
Trees have had their share of problems this year: • Diminishing root systems due to recent alternating drought and wet conditions. Root rots have taken advantage of this weather pattern favoring their development and advance...Continue Reading
At its core, science is about asking testable questions and exploring potential answers. As an ISA Certified Arborist, I find this approach invaluable in our quest to understand and care for trees more effectively...Continue Reading