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3 Killer Fungal Tree Diseases in Winona, MN and How to Spot Them

Posted on November 9, 2018 - 2:44 pm by

As fall creeps closer, trees in Winona, MN are heading towards change. Say you spot a discolored bunch of leaves, some odd spots on the trunk, or an unusual amount of browning a little too early. Do these signs necessarily mean trouble, or is it just nature in action? The tree care experts with Maier Tree and Lawn know that tree diseases can be silent killers, and when the seasons change, sometimes signs of trouble can blend in more than ever.

 

Anthracnose is an umbrella term you may hear now and again in the world of tree care that refers to several kinds of fungal tree diseases.  Anthracnose can present with the browning and curling of leaves, discolored spots, and occasionally twig death. It’s common among many tree types, but the good news is that if you spot signs of anthracnose in your oak tree, that particular strain won’t spread to other tree species in your yard. If you favor one species around your property, however, this could spell trouble. Unlike some common Minnesota tree diseases, anthracnose isn’t necessarily an outright death sentence. If left untreated for too long, however, it can weaken your tree significantly and make it susceptible to other pests.

 

Apple Scab is an extremely common tree disease that, as the name indicates, can seriously impact the health of your apple trees. As fall begins, infected leaves can drop prematurely which may be difficult to detect unless you happen to be watching for signs. Without treatment the fruit can be discolored, fuzzy, undersized, and more. When the seasons change it can be difficult to tell if your apple tree is just reacting to the weather or showing symptoms of a tree disease. When in doubt, consult tree care professionals.

 

Oak Wilt is a name that many tree care enthusiasts are familiar with in recent years. It can affect every species of oak tree and, in severe cases, cause tree death in as little as a year. Oak wilt is a tree disease that can be difficult to detect during routine tree care as the symptoms can be subtle or understated. As indicated by the name, watch for wilting leaves and uniform discoloration. If you have suspicions, contact tree care professionals for a consultation immediately.

 

If you have questions about fungal tree diseases common in the Winona, MN area, contact us today for additional information at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here. When caught early enough, tree diseases don’t have to be the end of your trees.

The Ins and Outs of Tree Stump Removal in Rochester, MN

Posted on November 1, 2018 - 2:14 pm by

Trees are a beautiful addition to pretty much every type of Rochester, MN property. They can be elegant or grand, provide color and pop to dull yards, and they’re generally very, very long-lasting. Tree stumps, however, are a totally different story. Having a stump in your yard can be a real pain in the neck, and knowing how to deal with stump removal, or judging if it’s really necessary, can be a difficult decision for homeowners. Leaving a tree stump in place can lead to additional problems later on that the tree stump removal experts at Maier Tree and Lawn would like to help you avoid.

 

Removing a tree stump might become a necessity during the course of updating or renovating your yard to maintain the aesthetics or health of your yard. If the stump is diseased, infested, or in danger of interfering with something beneath the surface, tree stump removal might be the healthiest choice for other plants or trees that reside in your yard. Our professionals can evaluate the risk factors and provide the most effective stump removal method possible for your situation.

 

Stump removal is a task that seems simple on the surface but can hide complications just beneath the soil. Not only are there multiple methods of tree stump removal, but depending upon the location of the stump, it may be interfering with power lines, public roads, or perhaps even the foundation of your home. Rather than risking expensive or frustrating damage from an unmanageable stump or a botched tree stump removal, rely on tree stump removal professionals to dispose of the stump as necessary.

 

Tree stump removal can be tricky, but a little expertise can simplify and expedite the process. For assistance with stump removal on your Rochester, MN property, call Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000 or visit us here for additional information.

Signs of Tree Death and Where Tree Care Can Intervene in Rochester, MN

Posted on October 1, 2018 - 12:06 pm by

Residents of Rochester, MN are likely very used to living life surrounded by trees. With trees throughout the city and healthy, vibrant parks around city limits, it’s harder to avoid trees than it is to find them. But just because you’re familiar with trees on a basic level doesn’t mean that you’ll always see trouble coming when one of your trees isn’t doing so well. The tree health professionals with Maier Tree & Lawn urge tree care enthusiasts to watch for early signs of health trouble in your trees before a spiral downward becomes a tailspin your tree can’t escape.

 

If something seems off about one of your trees but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is, start looking from the bottom and evaluate upwards. Some major signs of declining tree health near the base of your tree may include fungal growths, signs of major pest damage at the foot of the trunk, or any unusual discoloration of the bark itself. Issues like fungal growths may be obvious to note during routine tree care, but other signs of impending issues could be a little subtler.

 

Working your way upwards, look for signs of rot or major cankers in the flesh of the tree. Depending on the type of tree you own, rot and other health issues could be harder to detect with the naked eye. Don’t be afraid to consult a tree health expert if you can’t put your finger on what looks “wrong.” If you catch some problems early enough, proper tree care and a little extra elbow grease may be able to reverse some symptoms.

 

After evaluating the trunk, try to identify tree health symptoms at the crown. Some obvious signs of poor tree health here may include unusual discoloration, cracked branches, or significant leaf loss. Or, some subtler signs of trouble may include underdeveloped fruit, unusually small leaves, or general wilting. If you notice any of these signs continuing for one or more seasons, it may be time to consult a tree health professional.

 

Sometimes when tree health has declined especially dramatically, there’s nothing that can be done. In these cases, even extra tree care may be a little too late. Act as soon as you notice tree health concerns to prevent losing a tree that could have been saved. For assistance in Rochester, MN providing tree care for your sick boughs, call us at Maier Tree & Lawn at (507) 286-8733, or visit our website here for additional information.

How to Spot Signs of Drought During Your Winona, MN Lawn Care

Posted on September 19, 2018 - 12:07 pm by

Summer lawn care can feel like an uphill battle for states with widely varying temperatures like Minnesota. Winona, MN residents dedicated to lawn care are likely used to fighting back against blistering summers and frigid winters with all the resources at their disposal, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re helping or hurting your lawn in adverse weather conditions. The lawn care professionals here with Maier Tree & Lawn can spot healthy grass in every season, and with a careful eye you can learn to judge when your lawn is just playing it safe or when it’s really in danger from the elements.

 

Grass, like any other plant, goes through cycles of growth. There may be times of the year when your grass looks a little duller, feels a bit different, or grows at different rates. But even with minor variations, healthy grass is still usually pretty easy to spot with the naked eye. A vibrant green color, thick coverage, and no obvious signs of discoloration are great starting points for lawn care enthusiasts. But this game of I Spy gets a little tougher in the summer when everything is hotter and drier.

 

When it comes to healthy grass in the summer it can be difficult to differentiate between what is some unavoidable summer wear and tear and what’s an actual risk factor. Large brown spots are an obvious worry, but what about a little yellowness or a few brown patches here and there? If you’re having a tough time visually, don’t be afraid to test the soil by hand. If it feels dry with the grass rooted to it deeply, you may be dealing with drought conditions.

 

The obvious solution would be to water more, but maintaining healthy grass isn’t always that simple. You may need to devise a watering schedule that is more effective based upon the weather, or you may not be watering slowly and deeply enough on a regular basis. Ultimately, if you’ve already increased your watering amounts during your lawn care routine and are still finding trouble spots, it may be a great time to consult a professional.

 

Drought conditions can be a lawn killer in Winona, MN, especially if you don’t treat the symptoms when you see them. If you’re committed to keeping healthy grass and are interested in receiving professional lawn care assistance, call us today at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here.

Reacting to Tree Health Concerns After a Tree Transplant in Winona, MN

Posted on September 19, 2018 - 12:02 pm by

For Winona, MN residents perfecting their personal landscaping goals, tree transplanting may be on your major to-do list, and thanks to the work of the modern tree health professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn, tree transplanting isn’t necessarily a death wish for your trees that need relocation. However, that doesn’t mean the process is foolproof.

Knowing what “transplant shock” looks like after moving a tree can help you ensure your newly relocated tree lives well and has the chance to take root.

After a tree has been transplanted in its new location, it’s always wise to watch it a little more closely. It’s difficult to transplant a healthy tree without inducing some measure of stress, and the same care your older trees get might not be enough for a young, transplanted tree. Signs of degrading tree health should be nipped in the bud quickly to prevent a slow decline from spiraling out of control.

Signs of declining tree health due to transplant shock include wilting leaves, premature coloring, stunted floral growth, and browning leaves and leaf tips. These signs may come on quickly after tree transplanting, and if they’re not treated, they could get worse. In some cases, optimal tree health may not be regained for several years after the transplant. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it can be a long journey.

If you notice signs of transplant shock, contact tree health specialists to evaluate the next steps to help your tree revitalize itself in its new home. The solution may be more direct care such as additional watering or mulch installation. But, in some cases, it may require replanting the tree entirely. If the chosen spot doesn’t suit your tree’s nutritional needs, a better location could be the solution your tree needs in the end.

If you have a tree on your Winona, MN property that you’d like transplanted, or if you’re seeing signs of poor tree health after a tree transplant has been completed, call Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 for tree care assistance. For additional information, visit our website here.

Should You Fertilize Your Rochester, MN Lawn in the Summer?

Posted on August 17, 2018 - 1:23 pm by

Fertilizing is one of those lawn care processes that seems like it should be simple but tends to conceal complex layers under the surface. For instance, for Rochester, MN lawn care novices, it may seem simplest to just fertilize your lawn every season to make sure it soaks up all the nutrients it possibly can! But unfortunately, it’s not quite that straightforward. Sure, nutrients are great, but if applied at an inopportune time, the fertilizer may not be helping as much as it could. The lawn care professionals here at Maier Tree & Lawn encourage personalizing the timing of your fertilizing to match your lawn and maximize your lawn care effectiveness.

Some property owners never make the effort to keep their lawns fertilized because they find it tedious, messy, or overly time-consuming. What they don’t realize is that they’re missing out on a very effective way to cut down how much care and repair your lawn will need over time.  Living in a harsh climate like Minnesota means that sometimes your lawn may need a little boost, and fertilizing is a great way to get a jump-start on year-round health.

Depending upon the type of grass you’re growing, it may benefit from early spring fertilizing, late spring fertilizing, summer fertilizing, or fall fertilizing. But it might not get the same boost from all of them. Generally, early spring and fall fertilizing are a great choice because they build the grass up after winter and prepare it for the freeze respectively.

It’s important to remember that when it comes to fertilizing, what works for your lawn care routine may not work for someone else’s. If you think you missed the perfect window to fertilize this spring, don’t fret! The lawn care professionals with Maier Tree & Lawn can help you analyze your Rochester, MN lawn and decide on a fertilizing routine that suits you perfectly. For questions about personalized lawn care or fertilizing techniques, call Maier Tree & Lawn at (507) 286-8733 or visit our website here for additional information.

Helping Your Winona, MN Trees Recover from Drought Stress in the Summer Heat

Posted on August 10, 2018 - 9:00 am by

The time of year for record heat is upon us in Winona, MN, which means sweltering temperatures have arrived for people and plants alike. Local residents may be eager to spend time in the cool shade of their trees, but don’t forget that those trees are bearing the brunt of that heat all summer long. Even the sturdiest trees can suffer ill-effects from hot weather, and without proper attention, too much heat can become deadly. If your trees are suffering from drought stress, contact the tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn for assistance to ensure your trees survive and thrive.

 

Some symptoms your trees may exhibit when suffering from drought stress include wilting leaves, fading colors, extreme browning and dry spots, and foliage loss. Some, if not all of these symptoms can be mistaken for early signs of tree death, but that’s not always the case! If you notice any of these signs during your tree care routine, your trees may be suffering from drought stress and require immediate attention.

 

As you may have guessed, providing adequate water is a big part of fighting back against drought stress. A little bit of sprinkling here and there, however, might not be enough to reverse the damage. Start by making sure you’re watering at the most effective times. Watering your trees during the peak heat of the day may seem like the best time, but due to the high temperatures, much of that water will evaporate before it has a chance to help. Watering during cool times of the day such as early morning or late evening are best and making sure to water the area around the tree thoroughly can help tremendously to maintain adequate moisture retention.

 

You can also help your tree by ensuring it’s not overworking itself to get nutrients and water. If mulch surrounds the tree, saturate it so the water will be available to your tree throughout the day. If there are lots of other plants surrounding the drought stressed tree, consider moving them to prevent competition. If your attempts to aid the tree aren’t helping, reach out for professional tree care assistance. The best way to fight back when your tree is showing serious signs of drought stress is to contact tree care professionals quickly before the damage becomes worse.

 

If you notice your Winona, MN trees are exhibiting signs of drought stress or other worrying symptoms during your tree care process, call Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website here for more information.

Practicing Effective Tree Care in Extreme Heat in Rochester, MN

Posted on July 18, 2018 - 1:17 pm by

It’s not just humans that suffer during extreme summer heat in Rochester, MN. The recent influx of high temperatures in the northern states spells trouble for just about everyone and everything spending time in the great outdoors, and that includes your trees. During periods of high temperatures, our tree health experts here at Maier Tree and Lawn encourage tree care enthusiasts to pay careful attention to their trees, especially if you seek to prevent serious summer damage from settling in anytime soon.

 

During a heat wave it’s wise to watch for signs of heat damage during your regular tree care routine to help ensure your trees survive the summer scorch. The most obvious sign of heat trouble is wilted leaves. Wilt is generally caused by a lack of adequate water, and with extreme temperatures, your normal watering schedule may not be enough. Wilting can lead to browning, and browning leads to leaf-loss and, unsightly trees. It’s wise to add a tree health check to your daily routine just to keep an eye out for wilt or browning during the summer months.

 

Even if your trees are looking plenty healthy, you should consider implementing preventative measures. This may include introducing temporary shade to your lawn, adding mulch or other materials to absorb heat more effectively, or simply increasing your watering schedule temporarily. The proper tree health solution will depend on the type of tree you own and the extent of the damage that has already been caused. To prevent heat damage to your trees this summer, consult the tree health experts at Maier Tree and lawn to find out the proper tree care plan for your property.

 

If your trees survived the brutal Rochester, MN winter in one piece there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to power through a little extra heat. For more information on summer tree care or emergency summer tree health tips, contact Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting us here.

Predicting your Plant’s Growth with Growing Degree Days in Winona, MN

Posted on June 27, 2018 - 11:13 am by

Winona, MN residents with a ‘green thumb’ are at least somewhat in tune with the growth of their plants year-round. The cyclical nature of familiar plants can be predicted merely with exposure. With a little experience, predicting their next stage of plant growth becomes fairly simple. However, living in a heavily varying climate means that plant growth doesn’t always go as expected. The horticultural experts at Maier Tree and Lawn don’t just understand the natural cycles of your plants, but they also utilize growing degree days in order to schedule and apply care whenever and however it’s most effective. This means happy plants, happy gardeners, and a beautiful looking lawn all throughout the growing season.

Growing degree days are a way to calculate the pace at which your plants will grow. GDDs are calculated using an equation that takes into account average temperatures, predicted temperatures, and the temperatures at which plants are most predisposed towards growth. This means that even if temperatures are different than predicted, or different from previous years, your plants’ growth can still be predicted and thus catered to appropriately.

Using growing degree days, our experts can determine when and how to best cultivate plant growth and sustain long term health for a variety of plant types. By predicting a plant’s next step, we can step away or give extra care as needed rather than relying solely on guesswork. For some plant life, this can be the difference between thriving and shriveling young.

Along with promoting general plant health, the horticultural experts with Maier Tree and Lawn utilize growing degree days in order to apply insecticides and other preventative measures and treatments. Since insect activity also related to the stage that your plants are currently in, growing degree days allow professionals to apply treatment at the right moment to maximize effectiveness.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of growing degree days in Winona, MN, or are looking for advice on sustaining consistent plant growth on your property, contact the horticultural professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here for more information.

Aiding Your Lawn With Spring Lawn Aeration in Rochester, MN

Posted on June 20, 2018 - 4:25 pm by

The best-known basics of lawn care pretty much include watering, fertilizing, and weeding. Beyond that, many Rochester, MN residents new to the process (or even veterans who stick with the tried and true) may not be familiar with what else they can do in order to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn. The lawn care professionals with Maier Tree & Lawn stand by the power of the basics, but if you’re looking to bump your lawn care to the next level, lawn aeration may be a great next step.

Lawn aeration isn’t a particularly rare form of lawn care in the Midwest, but even if you’ve seen it in progress, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily familiar with all of the benefits it presents. Lawn aeration promotes root growth, breaks up soil compaction, reduces thatch, and allows more oxygen and water to make its way down to needy roots. It’s also great to have as an option when you live in a state that suffers from intense, drawn-out winters.

Residing in the Northern Midwest makes lawn aeration all the more essential. Long, intense winters can do a real number on even the sturdiest lawn, and a season spent under heavy snow can contribute to soil compaction. Come spring, your lawn may be more than ready for a little TLC. Aeration could be the difference between slow, arduous growth and lush lawns.

Lawn aeration is best done during major growing seasons, which means that early spring is a great time to get on board. While you’re easing back into your warm-weather lawn care, consider introducing lawn aeration into the mix. If you’re interested in taking the next step for your Rochester, MN lawn, contact Maier Tree & Lawn today for additional information. Call us at (507) 286-8733 or by visiting our website here.

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