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
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
Trees display their health through a variety of indicators seen above ground. Observations such as leaf shape/color, bark wounds, twig growth, and insect activity can all give clues to a tree’s health and possible issues...Continue Reading
Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species originating from China. Pennsylvania was the first state to detect the insect in 2014. The population of SLF rapidly spread to neighboring states and is now making its way through the Midwest...Continue Reading