Joseph Skibbie | Advanced Tree Care Services

Summer Tree Care Tips: Keep Your Trees Healthy and Happy During the Heat

June 22, 2024 by Joseph Skibbie

“Summer days” are legendary for vacations, hours spent outside, and enjoying the shade of a nice tree. But while you are soaking up the sun or going to the neighborhood pool, your trees might be suffering from the heat. Summer can be a great time for trees to grow and thrive, or it can be very damaging.

Read on for summer tree care tips to keep your beloved trees healthy and happy during the heat.

Summer Hazards for Trees

Summer provides specific hardships for your trees. These include:

● Drought and heat waves. Higher temperatures for extended periods or too many weeks without rain can dry the soil out, dehydrating your tree and causing yellow/brown curling leaves. A dehydrated tree is more susceptible to disease and damage.

● Storms. Whether you live in the Midwest with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, or on the coasts with the potential for hurricanes, your trees can take a pretty intense beating during the summer storm season.

● Pests. Everything is more alive in the summer, including rodents, and insects. These creatures are nesting and building colonies during summer, and it’s easy for them to gain a foothold in your tree, damaging it inside and out.

● Disease. Tree disease and fungus are alive and thriving during summertime and looking for an opening into your tree.

Tips To Keep Your Trees Healthy This Summer

Your trees can “enjoy” summer as much as you do if you follow these easy tree care tips.

Water
Watering your trees regularly during summer is one of the simplest ways to keep them healthy and strong. Test your soil moisture weekly, four to six inches below the surface to determine how much water your tree needs.

Lawn irrigation systems are not a proper solution for watering trees, as lawn irrigation only soaks into the first few inches of the soil. You need to deep water your trees, focusing your watering efforts on the tree roots and getting that water deeper into the soil. Research how to properly deep water your tree based on your tree’s age, type, and growing region. If you need further help, consult a certified arborist.

Prune
While extensive pruning is best done when the tree is dormant (in fall and winter), there is some recommended pruning to do in summer to keep your tree in good shape. Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches from your tree. Summer is also a good time to prune your flowering trees now that they have finished their spring blooming. If you have specific pruning questions or want your tree to be pruned by an expert; call a certified arborist.

Mulch
Mulch is a key part of helping your tree retain moisture and protecting it from pests and disease. Lay three to five inches of mulch down one to two feet out from the tree (creating a circle of mulch). Be sure to leave a few inches of free space between the base of your tree and the mulch.

Strength
Strengthening your trees will help them withstand summer storms. To protect young trees, stake them down to help them remain upright and keep their newer root systems firmly in place. Bury stakes a few feet out on either side of your tree and tie the tree to the stakes using landscape fabric (leave some space around the trunk to allow growth).

Older trees will be less easily moved by storm winds, but you can prevent damage and broken branches by removing excess weight ahead of time.

Pest control
Use environmentally safe sprays, horticultural oils, and nest removal to protect your trees from damage by pests. Watch your trees carefully so you can spot the signs of pests: bits of sawdust, bare bark spots, and damaged or spotted leaves.

Conclusion
Trees are such a vital part of the happy summer experience, from the sound of leaves rustling in a summer breeze to enjoying their shade on a hot day, summer wouldn’t be the same without trees. Taking care of your tree and employing these summer tree care tips can help you, and your trees, have a wonderful summer.

Looking for help in caring for your trees this summer? Schedule a quote with our team. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Can It Be Saved? Strategies for Reversing Dying and Diseased Trees

May 22, 2024 by Joseph Skibbie

Looking out into your yard to see beautiful, leafy trees is one of the greatest joys of being a
homeowner. On the flip side, the sight of diseased or damaged trees can cause great concern.
How to save damaged or diseased trees is not common knowledge, and many of the general
populace have no clue where to start. In this article, we will cover how to spot the signs of tree
damage/disease, how to care for your trees, and when it’s time to call a tree removal service.

Signs that your tree is in trouble

Knowing how to spot your tree’s distress will enable you to respond quickly before the problem
gets worse. Signs that your tree is diseased or dying may include:

● Visible fungal growth or discoloration.
● Dead branches.
● Peeling bark.
● Lesions on the branches.
● Cracks and splits where limbs join the trunk.
● Wilting and yellowing leaves.

Getting to the root cause of the problem will help you direct your efforts to heal and restore the
tree. Some common causes of tree disease and death include:

● Under-watering. Under-watering is common as many people do not realize that their
trees need to be watered (even during the winter). Signs that you are underwatering
include brown, curling leaves, discoloration in your tree canopy, undersized leaves, and
leaves that change color or drop too early in the season.

● Overwatering. Trees can also suffer from being overwatered, and some people
accidentally overwater in their zeal to avoid underwatering. If you are overwatering, the
soil around the base of your tree will remain saturated for long periods. You may also
notice pale, yellowish growth near the base of the tree, withering new growth, and new
leaves that break easily.

● Damaged or dead limbs. Damaged limbs may show signs of breaking, big cracks, or
lesions in the bark. Dead tree limbs will look withered and dry and fail to grow new
leaves.

● Insect infestation. Insects can destroy your tree from the inside out. You may have
insect infestation if you notice chewed leaves, discoloration, abnormal growths, and bark
damage.

● Bacterial or fungal infection. By the time you see visible fungal growths, the infection
has been brewing for a while. Strange masses or spots, rotting leaves or roots, broken
or peeling bark, and draining liquid from the tree can all be signs of infection.

● Lack of nutrients. Trees need nourishment just like people or animals do. If your tree
lacks proper nutrition, it may have stunted growth with short twigs, poor flower or fruit
production, unusual foliage shape or coloration, or early leaf dropping.

Five ways to save your tree

Healthy trees can last for decades, and many trees can be spared from early death if you
respond promptly to any signs of disease or distress. Here are five ways you can help your tree:

Set a regular watering schedule. Trees have individualized watering needs—make a
watering schedule that caters to your tree type, age, and climate to prevent over-
watering and underwatering. Pay attention to the signs your tree shows and adjust as
needed.
Remove damaged limbs. Removing damaged limbs quickly and cleanly can prevent
tears, breaks, and additional stress for your tree. If you remove any diseased branches
or limbs, clean your tools to kill any fungal spores or bacteria (this avoids spreading the
disease to other trees in the future). Remove the pruned branches and dispose of them.
Take a soil sample before adding fertilizer. DIY soil sample kits can be found at home
and garden stores and will give you information on the soil your tree is currently growing
in and what needs to be added to nourish your tree.
Remove pests. Send the insects packing! If you are concerned about the harmful effects
of chemical sprays, there are plenty of eco-friendly options such as soap sprays,
horticultural oils, and more to kill insects and free your tree from invasion.
Add mulch. Adding mulch around the base of your tree helps to lock in moisture around
the tree’s root system. Mulch will protect any exposed roots and keep pests and weeds
away from your tree. Be sure you lay the mulch down a few inches away from the base
of the trunk.

When is my tree too far gone?

If at least 50 percent of your tree appears to be dead, visibly covered all over with infection or
infestation, has large cracks or splits forming on the branches or trunk, or is leaning more and
more to one side—it’s time to call an expert tree removal service. Tree removal can be a
hazardous job and is better left to the professionals who have the training and equipment to
handle the job safely.

Trees are beautiful when healthy and cared for—learning how to spot distress in your tree will
give you the tools necessary to save your tree and enjoy it for years to come.

Looking for guidance on how to save your dying or diseased trees? We can help. Advanced
Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to
provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine
counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and
efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced
Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Green Assets: How Trees Affect Property Value and Sustainability

April 22, 2024 by Joseph Skibbie

Have you ever stepped out into the yard to the soothing sound of leaves fluttering in the
breeze? Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed watching a family of baby birds grow up in a nest perched
on the branches of a tree by your window. Do you look forward to the brightly colored foliage of
autumn?

Trees are amazing—they provide oxygen, shade, shelter, beauty, fun, food, and a home for
many living creatures. Trees are assets in every way; in this article, we will cover some of the
specifics of how trees add value to your wallet, community, and personal life, and how to best
care for them.

The value of trees by the numbers

Did you know that trees increase your home’s property value? According to an article from The
Arbor Day Foundation, trees can:

● Reduce the need for heating and cooling in your home (sometimes up to 30 percent for
air conditioning, and 20-50 percent for heating when trees are properly placed around a
building).
● Can increase property values by as much as 20 percent.
● Have an appraised value between $1000-$10,000 when mature and healthy.

Studies have shown that home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with trees. Even a
home without trees but with proximity to public spaces with trees (such as parks) can be sold for
a higher value. People like trees, and they are willing to pay for them!

The value of trees for the environment

Trees are a vital part of environmental health and sustainability. Trees:

● Absorb carbon dioxide from the air, store the carbon in their biomass, and release the
oxygen into the air.
● Help regulate temperature and precipitation.
● Purify the air.
● Are home to millions of species that keep our environment in balance and protect us
from disease.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a single acre of forest can absorb six tons of
carbon dioxide and release four tons of oxygen, which is enough to meet the annual oxygen
needs of 18 people.

The personal value of trees

Many people have happy memories or experiences connected to trees: a childhood tire swing or
treehouse, jumping in autumn leaf piles, apple picking, or resting in the shade provided by a tree
during the heat of summer.

Studies have shown an increase in satisfaction for members of the workforce who were able to
work within view of trees. Areas of cities with more tree growth and greenery have lower rates of
vandalism, graffiti, and littering.

Research reveals that people living in areas of higher tree density reported fewer health
complaints and felt healthier and younger overall.

Six ways to care for your trees

Our trees take such good care of us, it’s only fair that we take care of them in return. Here are
six ways to care for your trees.

Water them. Trees need to be watered in all seasons (even winter). Be sure to research
how much water your tree will need depending on type, season, and your climate
conditions.
Use mulch. Mulch is an excellent way to protect the base of your tree from harmful
plants and rodents, and to help the tree retain moisture in the soil by its roots. Place your
mulch a few inches out from the base of the tree.
Prune. Pruning is a vital part of tree health; ideal pruning seasons are fall and spring.
Consistently pruning your trees prevents damage that can lead to disease and
infestations.
Strengthen and protect. Small or young trees often need support while they are growing
their root system. Place stakes out to the side of the tree and secure them with
landscape fabric (always leave some space extra around the tree trunk so it can grow).
Use fertilizer. Trees need nourishment just like humans do, especially after long seasons
of dormancy like winter. Research what fertilizers to use and how much to apply (too
much fertilizer can be damaging).
Control pests. Protect your trees from harmful insects (like carpenter ants) and rodents
using eco-friendly pest deterrents such as horticultural oils, soap sprays, and
diatomaceous earth.

Trees are superheroes in our world. They add to our health, wealth, and happiness every day. Taking care of your trees will add to the value of your home, community, and environment. Looking for guidance on how to best care for your trees? We can help.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

2024 Cicada Brood XIII Arrival and What You Need to Know

March 27, 2024 by Joseph Skibbie

Cicada brood XIII photo and what to know

About Cicadas

Sometime in mid-May Northern Illinois will see the emergence of periodical cicadas which only happens once in 17 years. The cicada invasion generally lasts about 4 weeks, so by the end of June it will be all over. Cicadas prefer delicious trees like elm, chestnut, ash, maple, hawthorn, redbud, Oak, but fruit trees, ornamentals and shrubs are also at risk. They pose the largest threat to small, weak trees, shrubs and ornamentals. Cicadas do not eat plants and will do no harm to flowers and new leaves.

Generally, entomologists anticipate about 133,00 cicadas per acre. When millions of cicadas are active at the same time, there are too many for predators like squirrels, skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and many kinds of birds to eat. Periodical cicada fly only a short distance, less than ½ mile from where it emerges from the soil.

Cicada Emergence 2024 – What to Expect

Eastern United States is the only place in the world where periodical cicadas occur, and there are 15 broods, each with a specific emergence year and geographical location of emergence. In Illinois, there are members of 5 cicada broods. In 2024 we will see a remarkable natural phenomenon. There will be the emergence of the Northern Illinois Brood XIII, the Great Southern Brood XIX and a 2028 emergence group, the Mississippi Vally Brood XXIII, that may contain a small number of cicadas that emerge in 2024 called stragglers. They will be primarily in far southern Illinois.

The Northern brood will be emerging in the northern half of Illinois, but also in Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and possibly Michigan. The Great Southern Brood will be emerging in the southern half of Illinois, but will also emerge in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. There may be a few places in central Illinois, around Springfield, where the two broods will be emerging in the same area. However, they aren’t expected to overlap to any great extent. This is the first time this has happened since 1803 and it won’t happen again until 2245. The map shows where periodical cicadas broods are expected to emerge.

Cicada Life Cycle

Cicadas spend the majority of that time living underground, feeding on tree roots. Once the soil warms enough in the spring to 64 degrees Fahrenheit at 8 inches deep they will begin to emerge. They emerge from the soil in the evening and will climb up trees or other objects and molt, leaving behind a cicada molten skin. After the adults emerge, they are white, soft and squishy but will darken and harden overnight. Male cicadas will start singing 4 to 5 days after they emerge to attract females to mate.

Cicadas are well known for the sound they make which is a rather repetitive clicking. They are one of the loudest insects in the world. The chirping noise serves as a mating call from the males to the females. The volume needs to be high enough for females to hear the males from a great distance. The sound can travel about 1 mile. Each cicada species has its own distinctive sound to avoid attracting the wrong cicada. Male cicadas generally only make these mating calls during daylight house and the quiet down by nightfall. If temperatures are below 72 degrees Fahrenheit cicadas ease up on the noise because their diaphragms lose elasticity. Females lack structures to produce sound.

After mating, females will lay their eggs in the new growth of woody plants. They prefer branches the width of a pencil or a little larger (up to ½ to 1 inch in diameter). They will use their saw-like organ (ovipositor) to cut into branches and lay 10-20 eggs before moving further down the branch. In total, each female will lay 500-600 eggs. After about a month, the adult cicadas will begin to die. Large piles accumulate under trees and can smell rather unpleasant. Their decaying bodies will serve as fertilizer for plants. Six to 10 weeks after the eggs are laid, they will begin to hatch. Tiny cicada nymphs will fall to the ground and begin feeding, often on grass roots. Over time they will dig down into the soil 8-12 inches deep and feed on tree roots for the next 13 to 17 years. Periodical cicadas are among the longest-lived insects on the planet.

How are Periodical Cicadas Different Than Cicadas We see Every Year?

Annual cicadas are often called dog-day cicadas and appear every summer (July-September) in Illinois. They typically take 2 to 5 years to complete their development because they have overlapping generations and are not synchronized. Annual cicadas are about 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches long and have tree and brown pattern to green and black pattern with a mostly white underside. Periodical cicadas are smaller around ¾ to 1/1/2 inches long. They have black bodies with orange wing veins and red eyes. Cicadas are sometimes mistakenly called locusts. They are not at all related to locusts, which are a kind of grasshopper.

Tips On Protecting Young and Other Vulnerable Trees and Shrubs From Potential Damage

Young, unhealthy older or stressed trees, shrubs and ornamentals could suffer serious damage from the female cicadas egg-laying process. Damage occurs when female cicadas lay their eggs in small slits on twigs. Heavily damaged twigs and small branches may wilt and break off. Some injured branches may not die the first year, but wounded areas will be weak and may eventually break off in a windstorm. On vulnerable trees, shrubs and ornamentals, the slits may not heal and could be entryways for canker diseases or other problems that could impact their future health and lead to future twig death. Healthy mature trees and shrubs can better tolerate cicada twig damage.

For smaller trees, shrubs and ornamentals, preferable after leaves emerge and harden off and before cicadas arrive, cover them with a fine protective netting. Close gaps in the netting with binder clips, clothespins. Gather the fabric around the trunk as near to the ground as possible and secure it. Once the cicada emergence is over, remove the netting. Consider waiting to plant young trees with a trunk diameter of less than 2 inches until after adult cicada activity has ceased or in the fall.

Advanced Tree Care Strategies to protect your trees:

Protective Netting: Consider covering young trees with fine mesh netting to prevent cicadas from laying eggs in their branches. Be sure to secure the netting tightly at the base of the tree to prevent entry points for the insects.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your trees to deter cicadas from laying eggs in the soil. Mulch not only helps retain moisture and suppress weeds but also acts as a barrier against egg-laying females.
Irrigation: Keep trees well-watered, especially during periods of cicada emergence. Adequate hydration can help trees withstand stressors and recover more quickly from any damage caused by cicada feeding.
Pruning: Trim any dead or damaged branches before cicadas emerge to minimize their impact on tree health. Avoid heavy pruning during the cicada season, as it may attract egg-laying females to freshly cut surfaces.
Fertilization/Mycorrhizae Root Injections: Consider fertilizing trees before and after cicada emergence to promote healthy growth and recovery. Consult with our certified arborist to determine the appropriate fertilization regimen for your trees.
Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your trees throughout the cicada season, checking for signs of stress or damage. Early intervention can help mitigate potential issues and preserve tree health.

Ensure that susceptible trees and shrubs are healthy. Consult your Advanced Tree Care arborist to provide you an evaluation of your trees, shrubs and ornamentals. Some of your best defense is proper fertilization treatments to provide trees with important macro-nutrients that support health and vitality. a Mycorrhizae treatment to stimulate new root growth and improve nutrient, mineral uptake and water absorption. Proper tree care along with mulching, watering and addressing any disease problems can help ensure that trees and shrubs stay robust enough to sustain cicada damage.

Springtime Maintenance Checklist For Your Trees

March 1, 2024 by Joseph Skibbie

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring. After the long winter months, your trees are awakening from their dormant stage and starting a new growing season. You can help your trees thrive by working your way through this springtime tree maintenance checklist.

Clean up
Winter is a messy season. As the snow melts and the sun warms, you will find leftover debris from winter storms, ice, and snow. Clear the ground around the base of your trees by removing fallen sticks, scattered mulch, piled leaves, and anything else left behind. Not only will this make your next steps easier, but it will also protect your tree from pests, fungal growth, and more.

Prune
Pruning is a vital part of tree maintenance. The ideal time to prune your trees is February to March while your trees are still dormant or just starting to wake up. The lack of foliage will make pruning much easier, and you can maximize the growing season for your trees by pruning damaged, diseased, or poorly growing limbs and branches. Consult a licensed arborist if you need further information, or hire a professional tree care service near you to handle larger pruning jobs safely.

Water
Your trees may be dehydrated after the long and dry winter. Watering your trees at the beginning of spring can jumpstart their growth as they wake up from dormancy. For newly planted or still-growing trees, deep watering is essential for establishing a strong root system, but even mature trees can be dried out and need watering. You want to water specifically on the tree’s root zone, so the water gets down to the thirsty roots and soaks in.

Fertilize
Everyone needs a good meal after a long nap, and your trees are no different. Fertilizing your trees in the early springtime gives them essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Research the best fertilizers for your tree type and how much fertilizer to put on (an over-abundance of nutrients can be harmful).

Mulch
Protect your tree’s roots and trunk with a fresh layer of mulch spread a few inches out from the base of the trunk. Leaving a few inches of space between your layer of mulch and your tree trunk will prevent trapped moisture from creating fungus and rot and discourage rodents from building nests at the base of your tree and chewing on the bark. The layer of mulch will hold in moisture, regulate the ground temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Support
Springtime comes with thunderstorms and heavy winds. A more mature tree with deeper roots can withstand much higher winds than a young tree. Support your tree with two small stakes driven into the ground opposite each other (at least a foot and a half away from the trunk) and secure your tree to the stakes with soft canvas strips or tree staking strips. Do not tie the strips too tightly; leave space for the trunk to grow.

Pest control
Insects (such as carpenter ants) and rodents can damage your tree, leaving it weak and vulnerable to disease and fungus. Keeping your tree clear from ground foliage, wood piles, and mulch laid up to the very base of the trunk will discourage pests from setting up shop by your tree. You can also apply natural pest repellents such as soap spray, horticultural oils, diatomaceous earth, and other things to protect your tree from insects and rodents. Always thoroughly research what products are safe for your trees.

In addition to the rest of this checklist, be sure any irrigation or watering systems you have put in place in your yard are working and ready for the busy growing season, as too much or too little water can damage your trees.

Spring is an exciting time for your trees—follow this springtime tree maintenance checklist and help your trees thrive!

Looking for guidance on preparing your trees for springtime? We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s our purpose!