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Windy Winter Weather May be Wounding your Woods

Posted on February 12, 2016 - 4:35 pm by

Temperatures may have eased in southeastern Minnesota this last week, but to the dismay of folks eager for spring, blizzard conditions and high wind speeds are revisiting the region. While winter winds scatter our trash bins and stray shopping bags, they dole out blustery punishment to our trees as well.  Though we haven’t endured the heavy snowfall experienced by our friends out east, upper Midwest snowstorms bring variant winds powerful enough to break branches and topple saplings. When wind damage goes beyond cosmetic to causing damage that requires attention, the professional arborists at Maier Tree & Lawn can help.

A few broken branches may be no big deal, but too much damage can be bad news for your beloved boughs. If wind damage occurs, there are a few things to consider as you decide whether to call in the pros. Broken, hanging branches large or small can be a hazard to people and structures. If the tree is young, there’s a good chance it can recover from wind damage. Young trees are surprisingly resilient, and a little bit of roughhousing doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Regardless of age, wind damage such as trunk splitting or loss of major branches may be the end … or the beginning of the end. Check out this visual guide on tree health if you’re not sure which category your wind damaged tree falls into.  Don’t be afraid to involve a tree health professional from Maier Tree & Lawn if you’re not sure.

Wounds from storm damage can expose wood to decay. Depending on the location of the wound on the tree, decay might lead to significant structural problems down the road. Your tree can deal with a broken branch or two among the upper limbs, but a major split or wound on the trunk can introduce decay to the extent that the tree will become hazardous in the future. Consider the position of the tree in your landscape. If this year’s storm damage introduces significant decay, what is at risk when the tree fails in three years? Some homeowners will elect to keep a low risk tree just long enough to get something else started, then schedule the removal before decay makes the tree hazardous.

Winter is winding down, but there may still be a few chilly challenges left for your trees. Wind damage can be treatable and is to be expected now and then. If you’re in the Rochester area and notice that your trees look a little windswept, contact Maier Tree & Lawn at 507.286.8733 for a consultation, or check out our website for more details.

Tackling Tiny Mighty Spider Mites in Your Winona Spruce Trees

Posted on December 26, 2015 - 11:47 am by

It’s tough to imagine a positive scenario that includes the words spider mite. “Congratulations! You just won a year’s supply of spider mites!” wouldn’t inspire much enthusiasm in the average person. True to their name, spruce spider mites are deceptively destructive and troublesome for tree owners around Winona. They feed, creep and infest, and the tree care specialists at Maier Tree & Lawn will tell you that they’re simply a pain. Dealing with spruce spider mites means watching for infestations and practicing a little preventative tree care on your own.

Like many types of pests, spruce spider mites thrive on conifers that have been planted too closely together. This allows the mites to transfer between food sources easily and quickly. Spider mites feed by puncturing the surface of the foliage and sucking nutrients. This contributes to dehydration, which in turn can lead to tree stress.

Short of tearing up your landscape and starting over, you should consider other preventative options.  Make sure that you’re watering your trees adequately and with enough frequency, especially during dry periods. If you’re not sure about the proper amount to water your trees, it may be wise to consult a professional arborist. Organic mulch also helps by moderating soil temperatures, conserving water, and providing nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Proper watering and mulching will raise your tree’s defenses, which can make it less susceptible to mite infestations.  It’s a win-win!
Spruce spider mites are most active in the cooler months of spring and autumn, but they are dormant in the winter. If you’ve had mite problems before or have concern about the coming season, winter can be a great time to get prepared. Use their dormancy to brush up on your mite warning signs and make a game plan. Spider mite feeding causes small dots (called “stippling”) to appear all over the foliage, and mites make small webs in areas where they concentrate. As the weather warms in the spring you can detect an early infestation by tapping a branch over a sheet of white paper and looking for tiny mites. If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, it might be time to call in a professional.

Since spruce spider mites spread quickly, proper tree care means reacting quickly as well. Hiring the tree care specialist from Maier Tree & Lawn to treat your trees safely during active mite season can save your spruces – and other conifers — from some serious damage. The spruce spider mite prefers spruce trees, but it will infest other conifers as well including arborvitae and pine. In areas like Winona where conifers have been planted, these mites can become more than just a minor annoyance. Discuss your concerns with the knowledgeable professionals at Maier Tree & Lawn through their website or via phone at 507.454.7000 to keep your landscape spider mite free.

How to Spruce Up your Sick Spruces in Rochester, MN Maier Tree And Lawn Offers Information About Tree Disease

Posted on December 19, 2015 - 12:28 pm by

Tis’ the season for spruce in Rochester. The holidays are winding down and all around southeastern Minnesota people are admiring the evergreens in their landscape with a fresh coating of snow. Spruce, fir and pine get a lot of attention around the holiday season because of their pleasant scent, lush green appearance, and distinctive shape. Though their popularity peaks in the winter months, these trees are an attractive addition to Midwestern lawns all year round.

That is, of course, if they’re healthy! Maier Tree and Lawn has been educating clients regarding the fungal disease Rhizosphaera needle cast on Colorado blue spruce due to its destructive nature and prevalence in Minnesota. Another fungal disease, Lirula needle blight, is becoming more and more common on white spruce and the sub-species Black Hills spruce. If you’re a spruce owner in the Midwest, here is what you need to know to keep your spruces in tip top condition!

If you’re trying to spot Rhizosphaera needle cast in your Colorado blue spruce, you’ll first have to consider the time of year. The appearance of the disease changes depending upon what stage the disease itself is in as well as the season. In the summer, look for yellowing needles or odd, patchy areas that weren’t there before. If you’re taking a look now, during the winter months, keep your eyes peeled for purplish needles or brown areas.  Those of you with incredibly good eyes (or a magnifying glass) should also watch for black dots along needles that appear to be infected. This is a sign of fungus!

Lirula needle blight in white spruce and Black Hills spruce behaves similarly. Infected needles that are two or three years old will become discolored purplish-brown. With a magnifying glass you may see rows of black spots, particularly on the underside of the needles. Infected needles may persist on the tree for a year or two. For both needle diseases, fungal spores spread to new needles as they expand through rain splash in early summer. This is why evidence of the disease is most common in the lower portion of the tree.

Once you spot signs of Rhizosphaera needle cast or Lirula needle blight, take action! Leaving your tree alone with the fungus won’t just cause color changes among the needles. Long term consequences include losing all of the needles along the bottom of the tree, branch death, and potentially the death of the entire tree.

Unlike some tree diseases, Rhizosphaera and Lirula aren’t necessarily a death sentence.  Without treatment the tree may survive, but it will likely look several steps beyond scruffy. If you’re looking to prevent the fungus from forming in the first place it can be helpful to plant your trees apart from each other to give them breathing room. It also helps to avoid over-watering or any type of shearing. However, if it’s too late for this early tree care, chemical steps can be taken as well. Fungicide treatments can be very effective at controlling both diseases and helping your trees return to good health. The trees will need to be treated two or three times a year at the proper timing, and you should expect to repeat the treatment for at least 3 years running.

If you are interested in applying fungicides or any other type of chemical to your spruces to help their recovery, make sure you do so only after consulting tree care professionals.  Without the proper equipment and tools, spraying or treating your trees can do more harm than good. With proper treatment your spruce can recover and continue to brighten your lawn!

Residents of southeastern Minnesota can contact the tree care specialists at Maier Tree and Lawn with any questions about Rhizosphaera needle cast and Lirula needle blight or for more information regarding a spruce treatment plan and fungicide options.  Give us a call at 507.286.8733 or contact us through our website here!

Identifying and Coping With Oak Wilt in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on December 11, 2015 - 4:33 pm by

Once winter sets in Rochester and Winona, MN, you may think it’s time to take a break from yard work for a few months. Temperatures are dropping, morning dew is becoming morning frost, and a few hours outside with trimming shears suddenly sounds much less appealing. Unfortunately, the year-round workers at Maier Tree and Lawn can attest to the fact that some yard issues don’t take the season off. Winter is a good time to address some particular types of tree care that you may have set aside in the warmer months, such as addressing oak wilt.

Oak wilt is a tree fungus common to areas of Minnesota. As the name suggests, the fungus impacts only oak trees. Oak wilt can be spread from tree to tree and, infection through the roots or through insect activity can lead to the death of the tree. For owners and growers of many varieties of oak, this can be a devastating way to lose a long-standing tree.

Some signs of oak wilt that you may be able to spot on your oak include browning leaves and rapid loss of leaves. If you notice signs of your tree dying or dropping leaves before fall, it may be an indication that something is wrong. It is spread from tree to tree and oaks growing in groves are likely to become infected in groups. One tree will be symptomatic and within two weeks all of the neighboring trees are looking sick too.

When it comes to preventing a tree fungus, timing can be very important. If your oak has been infected and is beyond treatment, the winter months can be a great time to remove the tree. Pruning  a living oak in the winter, as opposed to summer, can prevent the tree from becoming infected. If you’re looking to save your tree from oak wilt instead of removing it, contact the professional arborists at Maier Tree and Lawn for a specialized consultation. Oak wilt is preventable, though it is very dangerous if left unchecked.

Winter is a good time for tree-owners to evaluate the health and status of their trees, and if something looks off, it’s also a good time to ask for help. Oak wilt may not be dangerous to humans, but in a densely wooded area it can become a big problem very quickly. If you have any questions about oak wilt or tree care, contact Maier Tree and Lawn at 507.286.8733 (Rochester) or 507.454.7000 (Winona), or visit our website!

Practicing Fall Lawn Care in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on November 30, 2015 - 11:27 am by

Fall is well underway in Minnesota, and the residents of Winona and Rochester are likely enjoying the colorful expanse of autumn leaves that have appeared in recent weeks. But, as all Minnesotans know, once the leaves start to fall, winter is just around the corner. It’s time to store the rakes and lawnmowers and break out the shovels and snow blowers!

Right?

Ask youself one question – have you done all you can to prepare your lawn for the transition into winter? As the lawn service experts at Maier Tree and Lawn will tell you, lawn care is a year round endeavor. It may feel like it’s time to stow those lawn tools as soon as it gets chilly, but chill or no chill, some pre-winter preparation can do wonders for your lawn come spring.

Fall lawn care is probably similar to your regular warm-weather routine, but the main difference is the objective. In the warm months the objective is keeping the lawn looking great and growing consistently. In the fall, however, it’s all about making sure it will be able to withstand the winter without consequence. Or rather, it’s all about resilience as opposed to aesthetics.

Why is the objective of fall lawn care so different from the rest of the year? The biggest answer for us Northerners is snow.  Snow is heavy, wet, and everywhere. It can smother your grass, prevent the ground from freezing (which can lead to snow mold), and trap dead leaves underneath which can also contribute to fungus growth or disease (yuck!).

If you want to make sure that you’re ready to get back into the swing of things when spring rolls around, then follow these simple tips for keeping your lawn autumn-healthy!

  • Keep watering your lawn! Until the water on the ground is actively freezing, you can continue to water your grass on your normal schedule. Even if things are getting a little brown or brittle, you should still keep up that hydration. Hydrated grass is healthy grass, no matter what season it is!
  • Don’t put that mower away quite yet! It’s wise to keep mowing until snow is just on the horizon. Keeping your grass at a reasonable length is important to prevent it from folding down upon itself once the snow packs on. Long, folded grass packed underneath snow is a potential breeding ground for fungus, and that’s no fun-for-us!
  • Rake, rake, and rake again! Yes, in Minnesota, maintaining a leaf-less lawn is more or less impossible, but you want that surface as clear as possible before things start getting icy. Rotting leaves won’t only increase your chances for lawn disease, they can also be a pain to clean up when they’re all stuck together in big, rotting bunches. It’s better to deal with them when they’re easy to corral!

If you keep these three things maintained throughout the autumn, when all that snow finally (finally) melts away, you should be left with a healthy, mold-free lawn!

Unfortunately, even with these precautions, nature has a way of following its own prerogative. If you think your lawn might be at risk for mold or disease, or you just have some questions regarding fall lawn care or lawn services, contact Maier Tree and Lawn today at 507.286.8733 (Rochester) or 507.454.7000 (Winona.) The lawn service specialists at Maier Tree and Lawn can help you with your lawn while you prepare for some good-old-fashioned-Minnesota-style hibernation. Rest assured that your lawn will be in good hands, even if those hands happen to be wearing mittens.

When the Leaves Must Leave: Properly Disposing of Autumn Leaves in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on November 27, 2015 - 11:55 am by

As the fall season continues to march towards winter, Minnesotan trees are quickly losing their vibrant colors in favor of stark, bare branches. Soon these branches will be adorned with frost and snow, but for a little while, they will have to cope with being a bit under dressed. Lawn owners in densely tree populated areas such as Rochester and Winona probably have a veritable quilt of leaves blanketing their yard.  Fall lawn care professionals, like those employed at Maier Tree and Lawn, can tell you that it’s not always a good idea to leave those leaves untouched until the snow comes. That can lead to mold and other turf health issues, but then, where are all of the leaves supposed to go?

Luckily, there are several options for efficient (and environmentally friendly) leaf disposal!

The first option, which is a true classic, involves simply raking the leaves into a bag and bringing them to your local leaf disposal site! If you live in Winona, you can find more information here on how and where to dispose of your leaves. Rochester residents can visit this page for details as well. The nice thing about this fall lawn care tradition is that once you drop them off, you’re done for the season. It’s easy, quick, and you can trust your local composting site to deal with the waste properly.

Another fairly “hands-off” technique, leaf blowing, works best if you live somewhere near a wooded area. This technique requires simply using a standard leaf blower to re-locate the leaves to a forest or nature preserve. Dying leaves are an important part of the decomposition process, which can be fantastic for forests, but not-so-fantastic for a well-maintained lawn. Some amount of dead leaves can be used for a fall fertilizer, but too much of a good thing can still lead to rot!

Speaking of that fall fertilizer, the third option for your leafy-lawn includes two variations on the same idea; composting and mulching. If you are already a composter, then some leaves can be a great addition to your compost collection! They are full of nutrients and break down easily in a fall composting environment. In a similar vein, mowing or chopping up your excess leaves can be an easy way to give your lawn some nutrients without smothering it! The only caveat is that if you’ve never done much fertilizing on your own, it would be wise to consult a Maier Tree and Lawn professional first. The timing, amount, and type of fall fertilizer that will work best for your lawn may vary based upon different factors. Plus, even if the leaves seem infinite, you still want to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to end of season lawn care!

Finally, please remember that burning your leaves shouldn’t be your first choice. Not only do you need a permit, but working with fire can be dangerous and hazardous to your health or to the health of those around you. There are many other ways to dispose of leaves that don’t require an open flame!

Winter is creeping ever closer, so it’s the perfect time to decide what to do with your leafy lawn. If you have any questions about fall fertilizer or fall lawn care, please contact Maier Tree and Lawn at 507.286.8733 (Rochester) or 507.454.7000 (Winona.) The big freeze is just around the corner, so be sure to get your lawn spruced up before it strikes!

Dealing with Tree and Stump Removals in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on November 20, 2015 - 11:54 am by

If you’re a resident of Rochester or Winona, MN, it’s likely that you have trees on your property. In fact, if you’re a born-and-bred Minnesotan, you probably love them too! It’s difficult to avoid getting attached to the towering variety of leafy-goodness that are Midwestern trees, but sometimes even a healthy tree can become a problem for your lawn.

The question is: how do you know when a tree has got to go?

There are three “H’s” you should consider when determining whether a tree removal or stump removal is necessary: health, hazards, and help.

The first H—health—is fairly straightforward: evaluate the health of the tree. Is it sick, dying, or dead? Does it have a disease that it could pass to other trees? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then it may be time to consider your tree removal options. If you’re not sure, then you’re in luck! The arborists at Maier Tree and Lawn can drop by and take a look for you. It’s a great idea to consult a professional in cases like these so you don’t remove your tree unnecessarily.

The second H—hazards—is all about safety hazards. Is the tree on your property in danger of falling over? Is it bumping into power-lines whenever a stray breeze comes by? Don’t forget to consider that even stumps can be a hazard, depending on their placement in the lawn; they can wreak havoc on your lawn mowers and twist ankles if left unattended. So take a look at your problem-tree and ask yourself, “Is this dangerous?” In these cases, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A hazardous tree can cause significant damage to property and people alike.

The last H—help—is the most important to consider when you’re deciding what to do with your trees. Make sure that you solicit the advice you need when making your final decision. Tree removal and stump removal can be dangerous if handled improperly, which is why it’s important to have a company like Maier Tree and Lawn on your side.

Winona, MN residents can call Maier Tree and Lawn at 507.454.7000. The Rochester, MN number is 507.286.8733. Or, if you’re looking for more information on tree care, feel free to visit the website here. Even if you haven’t made your final decision or considered all your “H’s”, you can still contact them today for a consult regarding your specific tree-issue.

A Beginner’s Guide to Protecting Your Young Trees in Winona and Rochester, MN

Posted on October 19, 2015 - 10:31 am by

Adding a young tree to your lawn can be a great way to break in your new property or enhance any long-held homestead. With the right attention and care, a tree can even become the highlight of your yard. If you’re a tree-growing novice, however, then experts like those at Maier Tree and Lawn will tell you that it can be difficult to know what steps you have to take to keep your tree alive, let alone healthy.

If you’re looking to keep your young tree healthy through its most vulnerable early years, it’s good to start with the basics: try focusing on stability, weather protection, and wildlife awareness!

The physical stability of your young tree is an important component of healthy development. Ideally, your tree should be able to stand up on its own and grow freely without intervention, but occasionally, it might need a little help. For instance, does your tree need to be staked to keep it upright? If so, staking the tree loosel will provide it with much needed support while still allowing movement.  Or does it need some branches trimmed to reduce leaning?  This is a place to be sparing in pruning. A professional will be able to make good decisions about whether to prune or not.  Ultimately what you wantto do is foster an environment where the tree can grow uninterrupted. For instance, mulching around the base of the tree is a good way to promote nutrient absorption and prevent weeds from getting in the way… but you’re doing all that without altering the natural growth pattern of the tree! Other than that, keep a watchful eye out for trouble and  provide gentle guidance if things get off track.

Weather protection may be the hardest thing to prepare for because it can be so unpredictable, but even so, a little planning can go a long way. If you’re worried about a young tree surviving some seasonal extremes, tree wraps can be an easy and inexpensive way to reduce the potential for sun-scald or other cold-related damage. And if you know that your lawn catches a lot of wind, then make sure you go back to step one and reconsider the general stability of your sapling. If it can’t survive some run-of-the-mill windy Winona weather, then how will it survive a storm?

The local wildlife can do a number on a tree-in-training and keeping them at bay has the potential to be a bit of a headache. Deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, rabbits, and all sorts of critters may see your sapling as a tool for their own animal aspirations. These include nesting in, feasting upon, and rubbing against your young tree until it’s a shadow of its former self… or just dead. Tree cages, repellants, and special tree wraps can all be a big help in these cases, but it’s a good idea to consult a specialist before making any potentially destructive decisions.

If you have any questions regarding young tree care or tree protection, call Maier Tree and Lawn at 507.286.8733 (Rochester) or 507.454.7000 (Winona). Bringing up a new tree can be a lot of fun, but a lot can go wrong in those first few years if you don’t watch carefully! Keep your eyes open for trouble and don’t be afraid to ask for help if things aren’t going quite right. For additional information, feel free to visit Maier Tree and Lawn at their website located here.

Identifying Tree Pests and Problems in your Rochester and Winona, MN yards.

Posted on October 12, 2015 - 10:28 am by

Residents of Rochester and Winona, Minnesota, who regularly watch the news may recognize the name “Emerald Ash Borer.” EAB is one of the notoriously damaging tree pests that has invaded forests in the Midwest. The borer is known for both wreaking havoc on Minnesota’s ash trees, and spreading very quickly from area to area. The problem has become so severe that the state has put emergency quarantines on certain counties to prevent the spread of the pest, and yes, Olmsted County and Winona County are included. If you have ash trees and are worried about EAB, contact Maier Tree and Lawn to answer any questions that come up. Unfortunately, if you’re seeing signs of a problem in your trees, EAB may not be the sole culprit.

Tree diseases and tree pests come in different shapes and sizes. Some can impact all tree types equally, while others, like Oak Wilt, only impact certain varieties. A good rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution and call a specialist whenever something looks “off, ” but here are some things to look for if you’re trying to decide what’s worth worrying over.

Signs of tree diseases:

  • Leaves falling out of season.
  • Unusual growths, cracks, or mounds on the trunk.
  • Dead branch tips, especially at the top of the tree.
  • Spots on the leaves.
  • Foliage turning yellow and then brown.

With tree diseases it might be helpful to think of it this way; if there’s nothing where there should be something, or something where there should be nothing, then it’s time to call a professional. Visual changes are key here! Many tree diseases can be spotted with some good old fashioned observation. There’s no need to make a diagnosis or attempt treatment on your own, but seeing the problem is the first step to fixing it. The same rule goes for pests.

Signs of tree pests:

  • Uniform holes in the trunk or branches.
  • Winding patterns on the surface of or underneath the bark.
  • Visible webs, nests, or clumps of bugs.
  • Leaves with missing sections, or missing altogether.

Not all tree pests are as hard to contain as EAB, but that doesn’t mean they can’t significantly damage your trees or even infest your neighbors’ yards as well. If something looks strange in your Rochester or Winona yards, make sure to get in touch with the specialists at Maier Tree and Lawn. A tree-health consultation can set your mind (and your trees) at ease. Tree pests and tree diseases can’t always be prevented, but with the right people involved, then they can be treated.

Maier Tree and Lawn can be contacted by phone at 507.286.8733 (Rochester), 507.454.7000 (Winona), or by visiting our website here!

Finding Your Roots in Winona and Rochester, MN

Posted on October 1, 2015 - 11:02 am by

Natives of southeastern Minnesota who’ve had the chance to visit either the Winona State University or the Rochester Community and Technical College campus may have noticed the abundance of foliage at these locations. Both campuses maintain detailed directories of their tree types, and it’s good that they do!  Minnesota happens to be a state with greatly diverse native tree types, so if the colleges didn’t keep track then it would be awfully hard to keep up! This certainly contributes to beautiful college campuses, but at Maier Tree and Lawn we can tell you that the variety also makes it difficult to settle on the perfect tree for your property.

The question is, with so many types of trees that can be grown in Minnesota, how do you find the root that suits you? Minnesota native tree types can complement a wide variety of looks and lawns, but it can be difficult to maintain proper tree care if you choose something too large or something better suited for a different region.

Luckily for all of you aspiring tree-lovers, the web has plenty of tree resources available that explain what can thrive and survive in southeastern Minnesota. If you’re just starting your search, feel free to check out these spreadsheets on the best picks for the Rochester and Winona areas:

Once you have an idea of the size, coloring, and shape you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to consult with an arborist. If the tree type you chose has any quirks or characteristics that would made it incompatible with your property, then the experts at businesses such as Maier Tree and Lawn can give you the lowdown.

Whether you’re in Rochester, Winona, or somewhere in between, contact Maier Tree & Lawn for advice, assessments, and essential lawn assistance. Call us today or visit our website for tips and tricks on maintaining proper tree health for your brand new Minnesota roots.

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