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Fall Tree Care Tips

November 16, 2024 by admin

The air is getting nippy, the leaves are changing, and your porch is the proud new home for a large display of pumpkins and mums: fall has arrived.

But with great sweater weather comes great responsibility, your trees also know its fall, and they are preparing for a long winter. You can help your trees thrive over the upcoming winter months by following these fall tree care tips.

Water

Many people mistakenly believe that their trees only need watering in the hot summer months, but the truth is that trees need watering all year round. During the fall, deciduous trees (trees that go dormant in the winter) are shedding their leaves to conserve water and energy through the frigid winter months.

Your tree can thrive during the long winter if you maintain a regular watering schedule to avoid dehydration. Research how much water your tree needs based on its type and your growing zone. Consult a certified arborist if you need expert advice.

Mulch

Mulch does more for your trees than you probably realize. Mulch helps your tree retain moisture in the soil, maintain warmer temperatures during the cold winter, and protect your trees’ precious roots.

Apply mulch in a circle three to five inches out from the base of your tree, leaving a little space around the trunk. This will protect your tree without causing damage from insects and rodents who like to burrow in the mulch.

Fertilize

Choosing the right fertilizer for your tree is like picking out a snack, just what does your tree want to munch on while its dormant over the cold winter? Carefully research what nutrients your tree needs based on its type, age, and growing zone.

Choosing a slow-release fertilizer will help your tree replenish the nutrients it lost over the growing season and stay healthy and hearty during winter.

Prune

Fall is the ideal time for pruning your trees, a vital part of maintaining tree health. Remove any branches that appear dead, diseased, or in danger of breaking.

For larger pruning jobs, call a professional tree service who will have the training, certification, and expertise required to prune your trees safely.

Managing leaves

Leaves fall in the fall, and the whole world appears to be one big, messy leaf pile. While jumping in leaf piles is a happy childhood memory for us, your trees do not want to be surrounded by the dead leaves they just shed. Leaving piles of wet leaves around the base of your tree creates a breeding ground for mold and fungal diseases.

Remove the leaves and spare your trees.

Pest and disease check

Look over your tree to check for any signs of infestation or disease. Peeling or discolored bark, bite marks, sawdust, and dead limbs are indicators that something is wrong.

If you spot signs of disease or infestation, address it immediately, you do not want your tree to worsen or weaken over the long winter. Consult a certified arborist on how to properly address the problem.

Fall is a happy and beautiful time of year, and you can make it even happier for your trees by following through on these fall tree care tips. Water, mulch, fertilize, prune, rake, and check on your trees. They’ve given you shade through the hot summer months and are now delighting you with a brilliant display of colors, caring for them is the least you can do.

Looking for expert advice on how to prep your trees for fall? 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!

Filed Under: Preventive Tree Maintenance

2024 Cicada Brood XIII Arrival and What You Need to Know

March 27, 2024 by admin

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.

2024 Illinois cicada brood map

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.

Periodical cicada emergence holes
Periodical cicada emergence holes
Newly molted adult periodical cicada

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.


Damage from cicada egg laying
Cicada accumulation at tree base

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.

Filed Under: Preventive Tree Maintenance Tagged With: cicada brood XIII, how to prepare for cicada brood

Springtime Maintenance Checklist For Your Trees

March 1, 2024 by admin

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!

Filed Under: Preventive Tree Maintenance

5 Tree Care Tips to Help Your Trees Thrive During Winter

January 29, 2024 by admin

Old Man Winter has been breathing down your neck with ice, snow, wind, and extended periods of below-freezing temperatures. You can defy the cold with warm coats, hot beverages, and fluffy slippers—your trees, however, are exposed to the elements and may need some extra care to survive.

Here are five tree care tips that you can use to help your trees thrive during the remainder of the winter season.

1. Winter watering
Many trees go dormant during winter months, but that doesn’t mean they are dead. Winter is a dry season, and many trees can get brittle and dry without additional watering.

It’s best to water your trees a few times a month, ideally when the soil is dry and the temperature is at least 40 degrees. You should water between the tree trunk and the drip line. Give your tree a good drink, but do not leave the soil soggy, as this creates a risk of root rot or suffocation. Water earlier in the day to let the water soak into the soil, which makes a protective layer of warmth during night-time freezing.

2. Insulated covering
Just like you, your tree will stay warmer if it’s given a coat. Giving your tree an insulated covering is a great way to trap warmth in the earth near the tree roots, protecting your tree from damage that comes with freezing temperatures.

For coverings, you can use burlap, old sheets, tarps, or insulated coverings you can purchase from garden centers. Make sure the covering is large enough to extend from the tree trunk to the ground to trap heat in. You’ll also want to be sure that your insulated covering is not interfering with the tree’s foliage.

Another benefit of insulating your trees is to protect them from sun scalding and the harsh winter winds that dry out and strip away the bark. Properly insulating your trees will go a long way to keep your trees healthy during winter and thriving when the growing season returns.

3. Mulching
Maintaining a nice layer of mulch around the base of your tree will protect the roots and help retain moisture and warmth. Leave a few inches of space from the tree trunk to the edge of your mulch—this discourages rodents from building nests at the base of your tree and then chewing on the bark. Winter wind and snow can erode your mulch pile, so keep some fresh mulch on hand to replenish it as needed.

4. Pruning
Pruning your trees is a vital part of tree maintenance. The ideal time for pruning is toward the end of the tree’s dormant season (November to April). You can remove any limbs damaged by the winter weather, and the lack of foliage will make it easier to determine what to prune.

By pruning during the tree’s dormancy, you make room for new growth once spring begins. If you are concerned about pruning your trees without additional information, contact a licensed arborist, who will have the expert knowledge needed to advise you on how to prune your tree based on its type, age, and the season you are pruning in.

5. Clearing and protecting
Rock salt is a classic addition to Midwest winters, and while it’s great for keeping our roads and sidewalks clear, it’s not so great for your trees. Rock salt interferes with your tree’s ability to absorb water, which can dry your tree out during an already-dry season. If you need to melt the ice near your trees, look for ice-melting products that contain calcium, potassium, or magnesium chloride, which are much safer for your plants.

The inevitable accumulation of ice and snow can damage your trees by putting extra weight on the branches, leading to snapping, tearing, or splitting—which is unsafe for you and your trees! Clearing your trees of snow and ice using careful methods such as gently shaking the limbs or hosing them with warm water (not too hot) from a hot water faucet can remove the snow and ice and leave your tree intact.

Winter is not easy, but you can make it easier on your trees by following these tips. Take care of your trees during the harsh winter, and come spring and summer, your efforts will be worth it when your trees are beautiful and thriving!

Looking for guidance on how to care for your trees during winter? 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!

Filed Under: Preventive Tree Maintenance, Winter Tree Care

Plant Health Care Tips for Spring

April 4, 2023 by admin

At long last, it’s spring! Many of us have eagerly awaited the growing season, especially over the long, cold winter months. If you’re ready to get your yard ready for warmer days, this guide is for you.

Know your zone

Let’s start with a note about spring in the Midwest: as you probably already know, it can be fickle. It’s essential to know your planting zone. The US Department of Agriculture created a 13-zone Hardiness Zone Map, which helps to guide gardeners and plant professionals on when and what to plant based on where they live. Most of Northern Illinois is Zone 5B, with a frost-free date of May 1-10 and a first frost date of September 21-30. These are averages, so it’s also wise to check the Illinois Water Survey’s map of the latest spring frost dates. (Not in Illinois? Check the Hardiness Zone Map above).

Spring tree care tips

Have trees on your property? They are already starting to come out of dormancy if they are deciduous (or lose their leaves each fall). This starts as early as February, as the trees prepare for the growing season ahead. You’ll first notice small buds, then early leaf growth, and then (typically in later April and early May) the trees in full flower. 

Early spring is a great time to check on tree health with these tips: 

  • Inspect your trees before they leaf out. Look for cracked, broken, or diseased branches—and prune them to protect your trees and property. 
  • Were any of your trees damaged by winter storms, snow, or ice? If so, early spring is a good time to remove them. Contact a certified arborist and tree care professionals. 
  • Adding to your landscape? Make plans to plant new trees on your property once weather permits, to give young trees time to grow and establish a strong root system

Fun fact: this year, Arbor Day is celebrated on Friday, April 28.  

Spring lawn care tips

Early spring is the ideal time to give your lawn a strong start to the season. Take the time to give your mower a tune-up if it has been sitting in the garage over the winter. 

A solid spring lawn care checklist includes: 

  • Clean-up, raking, and evaluating bare patches
  • Preparing and seeding the soil to address bare spots
  • Mow high early to give grass time to establish a healthy root system 
  • Fertilize at the time of the first mowing, and consider applying a 3-in-1 turf builder to control weed growth

See this article for more details on spring lawn care.

Spring garden tips

Do you have flowerbeds? Plant a vegetable garden or patio containers? You’ll want to make time to prepare these as well. 

After a long winter, you might need to edge and clean up your flowerbeds, and it’s easiest to do this when the soil is soft in the spring. Use a sharp-edged garden spade to redefine the borders. Examine perennials and shrubs for signs of damage over the winter. Apply mulch to a depth of 1-3” around the base of perennials and shrubs—but not on top of them. Be sure to include your trees in mulching too—but don’t pile mulch around the bark itself. Leave a couple of inches for the tree to breathe. Mulch suppresses weed growth and helps plants and trees retain moisture better in the hot months ahead.

For vegetable gardens, turn over the soil in early spring and consider adding enhancements like compost and manure. Cold-tolerant vegetables like carrots, lettuce, and beets can be sowed directly in the soil, even before the last frost date. For flowering plants like tomatoes and peppers, and most cutting flowers, wait until after the last frost date has passed. Containers can be planted and brought into the garage or other warmer zone during frost warnings. 

Spring houseplant care tips

Even your houseplants benefit from some spring plant care. Though they haven’t braved the outdoor extremes that many plants have, they have gone through a period of dormancy. Longer days and more hours of sunshine mean it’s time to up your watering frequency. Plants that have spent the summer on your windowsill might need to be moved away from direct sunlight so that their leaves don’t become yellowed or burnt. And just as you like turning your face up to the first warm rays, your houseplants do, too—so make plans to take them outside when it’s warm enough to do so. 

Looking to get your yard ready for spring? Advanced Tree Care 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!

 

Filed Under: 24/7 Tree Removal Service, Advanced TreeCare Tips, Emergency Tree Removal Service, Preventive Tree Maintenance, Tree Inspection, Tree Pruning, Tree Services Near Me, Uncategorized Tagged With: certified arborist, chicago, emergency, Safety, safety tips, tree, tree care, Tree Services Near Me, tree trimming

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