Tree Care Information from Experienced Certified Arborists

Explore the top 10 expert-recommended ash tree replacement alternatives to combat the emerald ash borer’s impact in Wisconsin. Learn more.

Did you know that mulching the root zone of your trees is one of the best ways to improve their health? Properly applied mulch offers numerous benefits, including weed suppression, moisture retention, temperature regulation, and nutrient addition. These benefits enhance the soil ecosystem, creating healthier conditions for tree roots to grow. Applying woodchip mulch to your yard can significantly improve soil quality and tree health over time.

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.

To fully understand and appreciate trees, we as humans must slow down and attune to ‘tree time.’ It’s easy to forget the old majestic Oak once began as a small sapling, slowly adapting to environmental challenges throughout its life. High winds, drought, site changes, and pest issues all influence the way trees grow and thrive in their unique environment. However, when the stress on a tree overwhelms its natural ability to adapt, defects and weakness can form within the tree, often hidden under the bark or high in the crown. Unlike humans, trees do not heal their wounds; instead, they seal them off, preserving (and often hiding) evidence for the duration of its life. By uncovering the tree’s history, we can gather a clear snapshot of what the tree has gone through and forecast its future.

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...

Wachtel Tree Science is committed to innovation in keeping your tree(s) healthy and happy. This year we are celebrating 90 years of doing so! Employee education through industry-related conferences keeps us up to date with research and opinions on tree care that may be outside our normal professional circles. It was at just such a conference that I was introduced to the research of Professor Dirk Dujesiefken, and how we may assist a tree’s response to surface level wounding.

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.

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...

Homeowners often want to know, “What is a low maintenance, fast-growing shade tree for my yard?”. An honest arborist would respond with a few ideas, but there would be hesitation regarding the “low maintenance” part of the initial question...

In 2025, Wachtel Tree Science celebrates a significant milestone: our 90th anniversary! Since 1935, we have been dedicated to keeping trees healthy and beautiful, a mission inspired by our founder Larry Wachtel's passion for scientific tree care...

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..

It’s very common for a homeowner to wait for an issue to develop before taking action. Unfortunately, waiting until a problem becomes visible can wind up being very costly and destructive...