952.922.3810
Drought Stressed Trees
Need Watering
The Twin Cities are experiencing a fourth year of drought conditions. That means our trees have been
receiving less than adequate water for four straight years. Four years of significant summer drought
conditions will weaken even the hardiest of trees. Without enough water, trees are unable to create new
growth. When this happens, root development is reduced and wound formation restricted. As trees reach
this stage, they start to shut down and become targets for diseases and insects that can kill them.
So what can a homeowner do? Water your trees! All of your trees, including the big ones! Even mature trees need watering. Over the last decade significant changes in climate patterns are impacting entire ecosystems. Our urban landscapes are not immune to these changes. In fact, trees in urban areas are more prone to drought damage and death than natural stands of trees.
There are two soaking techniques that are recommended when watering with a hose. The first method is to use one of those nifty soaker hoses. Wrap the hose around the base of the tree at least 1-2 feet from the trunk. Turn the water on in the morning when you leave for work and turn it off when you get home.
The other method is to turn your hose on to a trickle. A trickle is more than a drip and less than a gurgle. Visually divide the area around your tree into 4 sections. Place the hose about 2-3 feet from the trunk in section one and let the water soak into the ground for two hours, move the hose to another section until you have fully watered all four quadrants over the period of a day.
How to Evaluate Qualifications When Comparing One Tree Service Company To Another
Making the right decision when selecting a tree care company can be confusing. A request for pruning a mature oak tree can mean something different to each company you talk to. What you think of as a simple estimate comes back as proposals of work that vary by hundreds of dollars and recommend different things. How can there be such a wide range of estimates for tree work? Which one is the smart choice and how do you know what you are getting when you hire a Minnesota tree care company?
Decreasing The Potential For Infestation
When trees die due to disease or insect infestation it is imperative that the infected materials be removed from the site or destroyed. Infested trunk and branch tissues can harbor the disease pathogens, bark beetles, and other boring insects that can infest other trees in the neighborhood and continue the pattern of decline throughout the region. This is especially the case with Dutch Elm Disease (DED) infected elm trees and with pine and spruce bark beetles.
Proper Pruning For Trees
Sponsored by the
Minnesota State Horticultural Society
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
$15 MSHS Members, $25 Non-MSHS Members
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: MSHS Classroom
1755 Prior Ave No., Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Pruning alters the form and growth of a plant. Based on aesthetics and science, pruning can also be considered preventive maintenance. Many problems may be prevented by pruning correctly during the tree’s formative years. Now is a good time of year for pruning oaks and elms. We will send you home with a great handout for future reference.
Instructor: Kent Honl, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Consulting Arborist for Rainbow Treecare.
Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required.
To Register for classes please call 651-643-3601 or 800-676-6747, ext. 211
For more information please go to www.northerngardener.org/classes.asp
