Education

Unexpected Pollinator Tree: Lindens!

Crystal Wessel Education
Unexpected Pollinator Tree: Lindens!

When we think of planting for pollinators, butterfly gardens filled with blooming shrubs and flowers come to mind. If we think of trees at all, it’s typically smaller ornamental species such as dogwoods and serviceberries. However, larger shade trees can play an important role as well, providing food for pollinators along with increased environmental benefits such as stormwater and pollution absorption. Linden trees thrive in New Jersey, and are a great option as a pollinator-friendly shade tree. Learn more about Lindens here!

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Caught in a Web-How to Identify and Manage Webworm & Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Meredith Brown Education, Tree Care, Tree Pests
Caught in a Web-How to Identify and Manage Webworm & Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Ever notice tiny web tents throughout your street trees in the late spring and summer? Those are called webworm, and they are a common problem for street trees in New Jersey. There are two types of webworm: a spring variety, which is called eastern tent caterpillar, and fall webworm. These worms can defoliate your trees and look very unsightly. For the most part, webworm will not kill your tree outright, but it will eat up a good portion of the tree’s leaves. In extreme cases or on very young trees affected by webworm, the tree can die, so proper diligence and removal will help to reduce the burden of webworm on your street trees. 

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All About Anthracnose!

Crystal Wessel Education, Tree Care
All About Anthracnose!

Spring is here, and your trees are finally leafing out for the year – but wait, what are those blotches on the leaves? Why are some of the leaves becoming distorted and curled, and even falling from the tree? Leaves aren’t supposed to drop until the fall! When people see their tree exhibiting these symptoms, it’s naturally a cause for concern, leaving tree owners worrying that their tree may be severely diseased or dying. One of the most common reasons for mottled or falling leaves is anthracnose, a fungal disease. While the symptoms seem bad, anthracnose is actually not as dangerous as one would think! Read on to find out more about this common shade tree affliction.

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Getting Burned: Everything you need to know about Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Meredith Brown Education, Tree Care
Getting Burned: Everything you need to know about Bacterial Leaf Scorch

When assessing the health of our street trees, keeping an eye out for signs of trouble is key. One of the more common diseases that affect larger growing tree species is bacterial leaf scorch. Bacterial leaf scorch will eventually affect leaf growth, and can possibly be fatal. There is no cure for the disease, but being on the lookout for noticeable changes in your trees, especially oaks, and calling in experts to test for the disease, can keep your trees happy and healthy in the long term. 

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