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Taking Steps to Tackle Oak Wilt in the Rochester, MN, Area.

Posted on May 11, 2021 - 3:09 pm by

As members of the Rochester, MN, community, it’s part of our responsibility at Maier Tree and Lawn to protect the trees that surround our city. Sometimes this means providing basic care or implementing damage mitigation after storms. However, other times, it means collaborating to ensure that dangerous tree diseases like oak wilt don’t spread in our area. Maier Tree and Lawn is committed to providing tree disease consultations and disseminating information to ensure that all of our local trees live long and healthy lives.

What does oak wilt do to trees?

True to its name, oak wilt prompts extreme and rapid wilting of leaves among oak trees. Signs of the disease include everything from wet-looking, wilted leaves to necrosis (death) of the leaf tips, especially throughout the tree crown. With enough leaf damage and leaf loss, the trees may lose their ability to adequately gather and process essential nutrients. This disruption can quickly lead to tree death.

Which trees are impacted?

Oak trees are, appropriately, the most vulnerable tree category when it comes to oak wilt, with red oaks being the most visibly and dramatically impacted by the tree disease. In fact, a red oak that has been infected can wilt completely in as little as six weeks! Though any oak species is susceptible, the signs and symptoms may vary slightly based on the specific tree type in question. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a tree disease professional like Maier Tree and Lawn when tree health begins to wane.

Once a tree contracts oak wilt, it can quickly spread the disease to surrounding oak trees. This is especially true in heavily forested areas that have a high density of oak trees and intricate, interconnected root systems.

How can I do my part?

It’s important to remember that oak wilt is highly contagious. It can be spread by insects, by root grafting, or via exposure to diseased wood. Part of keeping your trees and Minnesota forests safe means staying educated and aware of the progression of this tree disease as well as other risk factors that surround it. Some simple steps you can take include limiting firewood transport and learning to recognize common signs and symptoms of oak wilt before trimming or disposing of branches.

Rochester, MN, area residents can take steps today to ensure that local forests and trees survive tomorrow. When it comes to tree diseases, it’s difficult to underestimate the power of education. If you suspect that oak wilt or another tree disease is impacting your local trees, call Maier Tree and Lawn now at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website here for additional details.

What Not to Do to Help Your Healthy Lawn Thrive

Posted on April 5, 2021 - 10:33 am by

There is endless advice out in the world and on the Internet about the best steps to take to ensure you have a beautiful, healthy lawn. While this wealth of information is great in theory, in practice, sifting through all the lawn care information can be overwhelming for Rochester, MN, lawn novices. Sometimes it can be simpler to just nail down what not to do and go from there. And if your experimental lawn care techniques ever end in failure, Maier Tree and Lawn is here to help. 

One of the simplest tenets to remember about lawn care is to beware of providing excessive care. While watering, mowing, and fertilizing your lawn are all good for maintaining a healthy lawn, if you take any of these steps too far, you can end up doing more harm than good. Over-watering can essentially drown your lawn’s roots, over-mowing or mowing the grass too short can cause undue stress to the grass blades and inhibit their growth, and over-fertilizing can lead to burning out your lawn. It’s important to provide care in moderation, and with enough time in between for your lawn to absorb and recover.   

While over-care can do damage to a healthy lawn, it only makes sense that under-care can make a similar impact. It’s possible to be too hands-off for your lawn care, especially in cases where a lawn care concern is going untreated in the process. While a lot of nature is fairly self-sufficient, it’s a mistake to think that everything will work itself out every time without intervention. Healthy lawns can be seriously damaged by health concerns like molds, pests, or diseases. In some cases, these issues will run their course and your lawn will indeed recover, but in other cases, you may end up with dead patches of grass or widespread discoloration in your lawn.

And, finally, it’s important to remember that you should not expect that your lawn will be immune to repeated physical trauma. It’s possible to kill grass and do damage by introducing consistent friction or weight to your lawn. Some examples include repeatedly walking on the same path to your car, parking a vehicle on the grass to make space in your driveway, or even installing a trampoline in your backyard. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use your lawn for outdoor activities, but repeatedly putting pressure on the same spots in your lawn can weaken and kill the grass in those areas. If you’re hoping to avoid car-shaped brown spots, you may want to consider alternative parking options.

For Rochester, MN, property owners looking to keep a healthy lawn, following these tenets may get you started, but they can’t guarantee that you’ll never run into lawn care trouble. If you’re struggling with keeping your lawn looking its best or are contending with other problems, Maier Tree and Lawn is waiting for your call. Property owners in need of lawn care assistance can call today at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website here for more information.

Common Questions about Proper Tree Pruning for Your Winona, MN, Property

Posted on March 25, 2021 - 9:21 am by

Pruning is an essential component of regular tree care that tends to fly under the radar a bit in terms of property maintenance. Though tree pruning is not required every day, it’s still a key part of keeping your Winona, MN, area trees healthy and looking good. Understanding why and how pruning can help your trees will ensure a longer life and higher value for your trees. Maier Tree and Lawn’s professionals eagerly provide assessment of all your property’s trees and help you take action to keep them in the best shape possible.

Why is pruning good for trees?

The obvious benefits of tree pruning tend to center around the tree’s structure and branch integrity. If a tree is growing into a shape that isn’t fitting for your property, for its location, or for the sake of the tree’s health, then doing some careful pruning can help put the tree structure back in order. Similarly, if a tree has a variety of branches and boughs that may be damaged, sick, or loose, pruning may help alleviate some health concerns for the tree. Ultimately, pruning is good for trees because it addresses all these potential issues and more. When done properly, tree pruning can help manage all manner of tree care problems quickly and safely. 

Why should pruning be done semi-regularly?

One-time tree pruning is only going to get you so far. Since healthy trees keep growing, any amount of pruning that you do will likely need to be maintained after more growth has occurred. With proper, continuous pruning, you may be able to sculpt your trees into a maintainable shape, but even then that doesn’t mean that the need for tree pruning will completely disappear. Like most forms of tree care, pruning isn’t an everyday necessity, but it is still an essential component of regular grooming and growth.

Why does the season matter?

Tree pruning, when done properly, is planned and scheduled around the annual cycles and dormant periods of your trees. Tree pruning during the trees’ dormant periods allows for safe cuts and also ensures that their growth cycles are not interrupted, other tree species may respond better when pruned during the growing season. If you’re not sure when to prune your trees, our tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn can offer species-specific advice.

If your Winona, MN, trees are in need of pruning or other forms of tree care, Maier Tree and Lawn’s care experts provide carefully timed and executed tree pruning. Contact us at (507) 454-7000 or via our website here for information on how to determine which trees are ready to prune or to schedule an evaluation today.

Storm Damage that Goes Beyond Branch Breakage

Posted on March 10, 2021 - 4:16 pm by

Storms can damage your trees in a matter of minutes, and depending upon the damage in question, you may find yourself struggling to identify how exactly your tree was impacted until it’s too late. A lightning strike can burn, winds can tear, and ice can snap branches, and all of the above can leave your Rochester, MN area tree vulnerable to further damage. Luckily, preventing lasting tree damage is possible thanks to the tree care professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn.

When property owners envision tree damage after a storm, it’s reasonable to think of downed or broken branches. Strong winds can indeed do a number on a tree in a relatively short period of time, but not all forms of storm damage are quite so straightforward. Storm damage can do more than bend and break, it can also lead directly or indirectly to vulnerabilities in the health of your trees.

Any tree damage that breaks the surface of your trees can be a gateway to further injury. Tears and cracks can make your trees vulnerable to pests, decay, breakage, or even total structural failures. The trick is to resist underestimating tree damage even if it doesn’t look impressive on the surface. For instance, patches of loose or missing bark could be the precursor to new problems. Staying on top of your tree’s health after storm damage means paying close attention to all aspects of the tree’s condition.

If you’ve noticed any new damage after a storm, it’s important to reach out to a tree damage specialist quickly. Our goal at Maier Tree and Lawn is to prevent tree removal whenever possible by treating and restoring your trees. While some instances of storm damage might require just a bit of cleanup and some trimming, more severe forms of damage could leave your trees in need of more detailed care. Acting fast before damage can worsen is a great way to protect your trees now and in the future.

If your Rochester, MN property has been impacted by storm damage, our tree damage professionals are available for consultations, care, and beyond. Property owners can reach out to us at (507) 286–8733 or contact us online for additional information.

Forest Management for Communities in Search of Comprehensive Forestry Services

Posted on January 27, 2021 - 12:05 pm by

Maintaining a group or forest of trees doesn’t always mean leaving them to their own devices. Even developed areas have a unique ecosystem that needs to be kept in good condition in order for trees to flourish. At Maier Tree and Lawn, our forestry professionals provide in-depth forestry services risk assessments and all the tools you need to ensure your Rochester, MN area trees are healthy, managed, and looking their best year-round.

If you don’t have access to a staff forester, knowing what actions to take to best benefit your trees can be a complex and nuanced process. Even decisions that seem simple, such as tree removal or pruning, may ultimately have adverse effects if they’re not done with the health of the surrounding trees and plants in mind. In situations like these, our professional forestry consultants can offer their expertise in order to help all of your trees to thrive. The tree management team at Maier Tree and Lawn pinpoints and addresses problem areas in each ecosystem through careful assessments and tree risk management.

It’s important to remember that a tree doesn’t have to be totally and visibly rotted for it to be a risk. A wide range of factors may influence whether or not a tree is considered risky to a property or the trees around it. Risk assessments, inventory, and management completed by forestry service experts allows you to plan for the health and safety of your entire property or an entire forest region. After assessments are made, our forestry consultants can also assist you in selecting the appropriate treatment or the next steps you can take.

Depending upon what is discovered during risk assessment, treatment may be a possibility. In some cases, careful pruning, soil care, or other treatments such as fungicides or insecticides can remove the risk from the area and make it safe for trees and people alike. But in other cases, our assessments may recommend tree removal, aggressive pruning, or other large-scale changes. No matter the condition of the tree, our forestry service professionals can help guide you towards a decision that will benefit the forest and its ecosystem as a whole.

If your forest or local ecosystem would benefit from professional forestry services, contact Maier Tree and Lawn today for information on our tree risk management and more. Rochester, MN area residents can reach us at (507) 286–8733 or online for additional details on our forestry services and forestry consulting options.

Prioritize Root Care for Comprehensive Tree Health

Posted on December 30, 2020 - 4:02 pm by

The idea of comprehensive tree care tends to mean different things to different people. Some Winona, MN, residents may consider fertilizing, pruning, and watering to be the absolute pinnacle of tree care. But truly comprehensive tree care doesn’t end with these actions. Maier Tree and Lawn understands that proper tree care has to be done both above and below the surface. This means that while aesthetics and general health is certainly considered, our tree professionals also consider unseen factors such as soil quality and root care.

The roots are, in many ways, the heart of a healthy tree. If they’re compromised, it’s possible that the health of your trees will be compromised in turn. Well-rounded tree care plans involve prioritizing root health when necessary. This may include treating soil compaction, actively mitigating water stress, or managing other factors that may inhibit essential nutrients from proper uptake from the root system. 

Soil compaction is a common impediment of urban tree care. Compacted soil is essentially what it sounds like; it occurs when soil is pressed too tightly together. This can be caused by excessive foot traffic, construction and machinery, and just about any other force-exerting factors over time. As soil is pressed more tightly, it makes it difficult for water to soak into it. This, in turn, prevents tree roots from getting the best access to food and water. Even in less-traveled areas, it’s still possible for your trees to be impacted by poor soil quality or other root care complications such as water stress.

Water stress occurs when a plant or tree is not getting access to enough water. This may be due to the aforementioned soil compaction, but it could also simply be due to a drought or underwatering. Regardless of the cause, water stress can have a serious impact on the growth and longevity of just about every species of tree. Roots that aren’t absorbing adequate water may lead to trees that suffer from leaf loss, wilting, stunted growth, and more. If your tree is growing in an area with tight soil and dry conditions, the detrimental impact can be even more enhanced.

If you suspect that your tree has been impacted by environmental damage to the roots or is not receiving adequate nutrients, our tree care professionals can help. Maier Tree and Lawn offers root care treatment to mitigate tree health concerns from damaging environmental conditions. Winona, MN, residents can call us today at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website here for more information.

The Role of a Certified Arborist in Your Tree Care Plan.

Posted on December 9, 2020 - 2:47 pm by

Getting the best care for your Rochester, MN trees sometimes means relying upon expert services in order to serve your property’s needs. In some cases, this may mean consulting a certified arborist to get the inside scoop on how to properly treat certain tree conditions, address injuries, and manage problem trees on your land. Maier Tree and Lawn serves our surrounding areas by employing highly trained certified arborists to help your trees thrive. 

In order to become a certified arborist, arborists must train and be approved by the International Society of Arboriculture. To accomplish this goal, tree care specialists must first effectively prove they are knowledgeable in all of the key aspects of arboriculture. This requirement is generally met with a combination of university studies and practical experience. Once those standards are fulfilled, arborists are then tested and asked to agree to a code of ethics prior to becoming certified.

The ISA certification process allows tree care professionals to prove their abilities and become familiar with necessary industry standards that enhance their level of care. Ultimately this gives them the knowledge and tools required to effectively assess and treat any type of tree suffering from health issues or injuries.

The ISA certification process even includes specialized areas such as municipal specialties, utility experts, and more, giving you access to experts with the proper knowledge whenever your trees need assistance. Certified arborists are an essential resource when it comes to proper, carefully catered tree care. When you enlist the help of an ISA certified arborist, you can trust that your trees are in good hands.

At Maier Tree and Lawn, our certified arborists are ISA certified and familiar with all the tree varieties local to Rochester, MN, and the surrounding areas. This ensures specialized care that is perfectly catered to your trees and their needs. If you have a tree in need of assistance, contact us today at (507) 286–8733 or online for additional information.

Utilizing Forestry Services to Preserve Ecosystems of Every Size

Posted on November 22, 2020 - 2:35 pm by

Understanding how an ecosystem functions is an essential first step in the world of forestry services. A single tree can compromise the health and integrity of the entire system, and without careful attention, even a flourishing ecosystem can suffer from improper forestry management.

Forestry services can be applied to a wide variety of locations and needs including large-scale forests and small-scale urban projects. For Winona, MN residents, business owners, and city planners, Maier Tree and Lawn is proud to offer forestry services that are suitable for every occasion and location. 

Large Ecosystem Tree Care

Managing the many moving “parts” that make up a large forest ecosystem can be a challenge. This is especially true for cities and property managers who don’t have the budget or resources to support a large forestry services department. It’s important to remember that even if large ecosystems appear to be doing fine without intervention, there are some steps that should be taken to ensure longevity and safe growth. Our forestry services for large ecosystems include disease and inventory management, risk assessments, and on-site tree care such as pruning or planting.

Small Ecosystem Tree Care

Small forests and tree-heavy ecosystems often need just as much specialized tree care as larger environments. In fact, native areas such as wetlands and prairies generally need a special touch in order to preserve the health of local trees as well as other flora and fauna. Restoring and maintaining small native landscapes can be expensive or delicate. Leaving these areas in the hands of certified arborists and tree care professionals can help preserve the land and allow it to flourish unimpeded.

Specialty Urban Tree Care

Tree preservation for construction sites, city trees, and trees on public property such as parks and city buildings all need a certain kind of care. Unlike forests or native lands, urban trees have to be cared for in a manner that makes their presence unobtrusive and safe. This means strict disease control, environment-aware pruning, aesthetic sculpting, and beyond. If you’re looking to keep trees and residents safe within city limits, Maier Tree and Lawn has the urban forestry services and resources you need.

If you’re looking for tree care support for public property near Winona, MN or are in need of specialized or large-scale tree care, Maier Tree and Lawn has the tools and knowledge required to lend their support. For more information on our forestry services, call us today at (507) 454-7000, or contact us online for additional details.

Responsible Tree Management and the Prevention of Oak Wilt

Posted on November 13, 2020 - 3:10 pm by

Since the 1950s, oak wilt has devastated nearly every oak species. Transferring quickly from oak tree to oak tree, the contagious nature of oak wilt has prompted statewide actions such as the halting of firewood transportation throughout the state in order to limit the spread. Here at Maier Tree and Lawn, our tree care professionals provide careful pruning and treatment to Rochester, MN, trees suffering from oak wilt and other tree diseases to help limit this spread and curb the damage to oak trees nationwide.

Oak wilt is a fungal tree disease that can quickly spread and dispatch oaks in a relatively short period of time. The fungus works its way into the water transport systems within the tree and can spread rapidly throughout the tree’s internal system. This leads to wilting leaves, leaf loss, surface discoloration, and a decline in overall health that some oak trees, once infected, will only survive between one and four months.

Oak wilt can be spread by a surprising number of different avenues. Insects, root connections, and firewood transport can all disseminate the fungal spores across the state and to other areas that may not yet be impacted. During the months of active growth and active insects, the spread tends to increase. Because of this, pruning and treating trees suffering from oak wilt is best done by tree care professionals during dormancy, or more specifically, November through March of every year.

Timing the treatment of your trees that are impacted by oak wilt is important because it limits the potential spread. This treatment may include the aforementioned pruning, but it can also involve other tree disease treatments such as root cutting, tree removal, or fungicidal application. The best course of action can be determined following a consultation by a tree care expert. But, in general, taking action on your own without expert input is not recommended as the contagious nature of oak wilt can be unintentionally exacerbated.

If your Rochester, MN, oak trees have been impacted by a tree disease such as oak wilt, the tree care professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn can help. Residents or land owners can call us at (507) 286–8733 or contact us online for more information.

Preventing Winter Damage to Healthy Trees

Posted on October 23, 2020 - 1:06 pm by

It’s easy to think that healthy trees in the Winona, MN area are perfectly suited to their natural environment. They can grow independently around the lakes, flourish without intervention on the bluffs, and of course, survive cold, harsh Minnesota winters.

Unfortunately, while some trees are indeed able to pull off this trifecta with very little help, it’s still entirely possible for your trees to sustain damage from extreme winter conditions. Luckily the arborists with Maier Tree and Lawn have the tree care techniques that you need to get your trees safely to spring.

Tree care tends to be a little more hands-off during winter compared to the rest of the year. This is because many tree species are experiencing some level of dormancy. Even a healthy tree, however, may need a bit of help once winter sets it. Cold and ice damage can happen to trees and roots, and hands-off tree care may not be enough to prevent it.

Cold damage can manifest as a gradual sapping of the overall health of a tree in the winter, or it can occur due to a sudden onslaught of ice and snow. You may notice conifers browning rapidly, cracking or scarring bark, branch or leaf loss, or breakage from the weight of overwhelming heavy snow. These tree injuries may happen overnight or lead to a slow decay that damages your trees after snowmelt. Luckily there are actions that can be taken to prevent cold damaged to otherwise healthy trees.

Depending upon the type of damage in question, there are a variety of solutions that can serve to preserve the health of your trees. In some cases, carefully tying up weak or young trees may be all you need to ensure they survive the winter, but on occasion more intervention may be needed. Winter tree care performed by a professional arborist may include expert pruning to reduce snow stress cabling or bracing of branches to protect weak branch unions. No matter what your tree needs may be, our tree care professionals can help.

If your healthy trees in the Winona, MN area have been impacted by ice or snow damage and are in jeopardy, contact Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000. For additional information on tree care and winter tree maintenance, you can also contact us online.

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