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Category Archives: Tree Care and Tree Health

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Tree Fertilization in Rochester, MN

Posted on July 27, 2022 - 4:46 pm by

Caring for the trees on your Rochester, MN, property is a long-term affair, and unlike perennials and grasses, if effective, tree care can be a bit more subtle. Too much TLC can be detrimental to your trees, while a hands-off approach can be inadequate. But while trees can be sturdier than many smaller species of plants, they still need a little extra support now and again, especially in the early and late stages of their life. This may come in the form of pruning, tree cabling, or some carefully applied tree fertilization. Regardless of what your trees need, for lifelong tree care services, Maier Tree and Lawn can help.

Tree Fertilization

Fertilizing your trees can seem less essential than fertilizing fast-growing plants and flowers, especially if the results of tree fertilization aren’t immediately visible. But trees need nutrients too, and with the right combination of fertilizer, you can help new trees flourish and even support all the trees on your property. Tree fertilization is especially important for new growth that may be trying to sprout in nutrient-deficient soil. Without the right mix of nutrition, growth may be slow and the endurance of your tree’s systems can be compromised.

Slow-Release Fertilizer

Davey Tree’s proprietary fertilizer, Arbor Green PRO®, is a slow-release fertilizer. This means it can be it can be applied anytime the ground is not frozen and provide nutrients for a full year. Contact Maier Tree and Lawn to discuss tree care support catered directly to your trees and your Rochester property. Rochester, MN, residents can contact us today at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website here to find out more information about comprehensive tree care support year-round and tree fertilization tips.

 

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.

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.

Winter Tips for New Tree Owners in Winona, MN

Posted on October 31, 2019 - 2:43 pm by

With fall rolling in, winter is just around the corner in Winona, MN. Though last year’s winter wasn’t as brutal as it could have been, that doesn’t mean the northern states aren’t in for a doozy this time around, and that includes their trees as well. Trees are notoriously able to withstand extreme weather, but for Winona area residents new to tree care, watching your beloved trees get pummeled by freezing rain, sleet, and wet, heavy snow isn’t exactly a fun way to spend a season. Here are a few Maier Tree and Lawn recommended methods for preparing your trees for the wintery madness.

 

Winter tree care isn’t terribly different from tree care throughout the rest of the year thanks to the self-sufficient qualities that hardy, regional trees possess. These trees are naturally prepared for extended periods of dormancy, so even significant leaf-loss and exposure to ice aren’t necessarily a detriment to their systems. However, as their tree care advocates, there are still plenty of things you can do to support them until spring. For instance, many tree consulting services recommend performing winter maintenance on your trees such as pruning and examinations.

 

Because of the natural cycle of trees, winter is the best time to really get a good look at them. A lack of foliage allows you to get up close and personal to the branches and trunk in a way that you can’t always do in other seasons. They might not be as pretty around this time, but it’s an opportunity to spot tree defects such as weak branch unions or areas that could use some winter pruning. If there are any discolored patches, dead branches, buggy-nests, or other signs of damage, they’ll likely be much easier to spot. The best thing you can do for your trees is report these issues as soon as you spot them. Relying on a tree consulting service during the winter is a great way to ensure your trees will be sturdier come spring.

 

If you’re trying to maximize the benefits of tree care, all you really need to do is take action and stay vigilant. It’s all too easy to be dormant yourself just because you know that your trees happen to be resting. Don’t be afraid to schedule some trimming while the shape of the tree is especially obvious. Request an overall checkup from a tree consulting service as soon as those leaves are done falling.

 

Winona, MN, residents looking for assistance from a tree consulting service can contact the tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000, or visit our website for more information.

Reacting to Tree Damage After Severe Winter Weather

Posted on October 21, 2019 - 1:38 pm by

Winter in Winona, MN, can be tough on your trees, sometimes even in ways that you don’t expect. Being a tree owner in the winter months can feel like a bit of a vacation from more hands-on spring, fall, and summer tree care, but the reality is that your trees are just as susceptible to tree damage if not more so in the midst of winter storms.

 

Maier Tree and Lawn’s tree care professionals are experts at identifying and rectifying severe and moderate tree damage. Your job as a tree owner is to understand when you can take measures yourself and when it’s time to ask for help.

 

Physical damage from wind is a very real possibility during the winter months just as it is in other seasons with turbulent weather. Though you may not have to contend with tornadoes during the snowy seasons, there are still plenty of high-powered storms that pack a hefty punch. Your trees may lose bark, branches, or even sustain significant trunk damage. Even if you aren’t dealing with a full-fledged blizzard, winter winds still have enough push and pull to do some serious damage.

 

Winter tree damage is possible even without strong winds thanks to extremely low temperatures and ice buildup. Both of these can contribute to damage to the flesh or roots of the tree or lead to excessive dryness and breakages. Though trees do achieve some level of dormancy (depending upon the species), that doesn’t make them entirely invulnerable to severe weather. This type of tree damage can occur rather suddenly as the temperatures drop, and can be intensified by the addition of heavy snow.

 

While snow may appear soft and fluffy, it’s easy to forget how much sheer water weight it can contain. A light dusting won’t have much of an impact on your tree care needs, but once it starts to pile up, tree damage can occur rather quickly. Brittle branches can bend quickly under increasing weight, and smaller trees can even sway or fall under extreme snow conditions. Spotting these symptoms early is vital for keeping all of your trees upright and healthy.

 

If your Winona, MN, area trees have been impacted by winter tree damage or you’re in need of expert cold-weather tree care, contact Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website for more information today. Breaks and cracks aren’t necessarily a death sentence for trees, but getting them the tree care they need can help ensure they survive until spring returns.

Tree Care Tips: How to Identify Tree Pests in the Autumn in Rochester, MN

Posted on August 29, 2019 - 11:46 am by

Autumn can be a tough time to identify risks to your Rochester, MN area trees. The transitional nature of autumn means that colors will be changing, leaves will be dropping, and everything will be getting a bit brown. If your trees also happen to develop a tree pest problem, you might miss the signs without even realizing there are signs to miss. Maier Tree and Lawn’s tree care professionals offer these autumn tips to spotting tree pests even when everything in your yard is in a state of fall flux.

 

There will indeed be a lot of changing colors and dropping leaves in the autumn, but the rapidity in which your tree is transitioning can sometimes be cause for concern, especially if that transition is paired with rapid leaf loss. If you notice that leaves are browning and dropping at an alarming rate, it may be a sign of declining tree health or stress. However, depending upon your familiarity with the tree in question, you may not notice if the rate of transition is any faster or slower than previous years. If you’re still not sure, start to watch for other signs of potential tree pests.

 

If everything looks good in terms of leaves, the next tree care stop is the bark and trunk. Discolored bark, odd “bald” spots, and visible rot are all signs that something is amiss, but collections of small holes or burrows should be cause for alarm as well. Borers are a category of tree pest that, true to their name, bore into trees. Trees infected with certain types of borers, such as the emerald ash borer, may not survive longer than five years after infection. If you happen to spot some oddities in the bark of a tree, don’t hesitate to reach out to tree care professionals for a second opinion.

 

Regardless of the autumn signs you spot, you should never feel afraid to ask for a second opinion. Autumn in Rochester, MN is a time of change, and it can feel like it goes by in a blink. If you think you may have a tree with declining health, the tree care professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn are here to offer their expert eyes. Rochester, MN locals can call us at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website.

Caring for Different Tree Types in the Varying Climate of Rochester, MN

Posted on July 24, 2019 - 3:26 pm by

Trees are fairly low maintenance when it comes to the wide world of gardening and yard care, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a certain level of technique required in order for your boughs to really flourish. Living in Rochester, MN, means dealing with harsh, rapidly changing weather, and for certain tree types, these conditions plus poor care can result in tree death. Sometimes, getting a little tree care advice from the professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn is all you need to help your Minnesota tree species grow up big and strong.

 

There are a wide variety of popular tree types in the Midwest, and getting good tree care advice is only possible if you know what you’re dealing with. Some trees with a long history flourishing in Minnesota can often be left to their own devices while other less common trees require a little more awareness. The success of your trees also depends on the age of the tree, the abundance of pests in your area, and any unexpected damage from storms and wind.

 

Tree care advice isn’t always universal, even among the same species. There is a lot of variation in a simple seeming designation such as elm. Elm trees include plenty of subtyping such as the Patriot Elm or the Cathedral Elm, and depending on what you’re growing, there may be minor subtleties in what tree care advice applies. Plus, the soil quality, how crowded your yard is, and the availability of water can also dictate whether or not a tree thrives. But even with this variety, tree owners can learn to spot trouble for all sorts of tree types with a little bit of training.

 

Wilting leaves, rotting trunks, discoloration, and significant foliage loss are all fairly universal warning signs that anyone interested in tree care can watch for. Sometimes these warning signs can be subtle, or they may manifest in different ways depending on the tree type. Regardless, in the event of these signs, contacting professionals for follow up tree care advice can help put your boughs on the road toward recovery.

 

If you are dealing with a specific tree health issue or would like tree care advice for any of the tree types that you have on your Rochester, MN, property, contact us today for more information. Call Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website for hands on tree care advice.

Providing Winter Tree Care & Coping with Ice in Rochester, MN

Posted on January 2, 2019 - 11:44 am by

Ice is a quintessential part of a Rochester, MN, winter. Though the natural environment is well prepared for most of what Minnesota winters can offer, your home landscaping, particularly with significant quantities of ice, is less flexible. Luckily, our tree health experts at Maier Tree and Lawn are trained to answer all of your winter tree care questions, even if you’re struggling with an icy tree challenge.

 

Some trees are better at handling winter weather than others, but that doesn’t mean these trees are immune to the tree health risks that ice can pose. Ice damage can come in the form of cracks, bark damage, and broken branches from excess weight. It also may not occur overnight, but instead over the course of several days or even weeks. If your property is largely unprotected and annually experiences high levels of wind and ice, you may want to consider preventative tree health measures.

 

Trying to tend to your compromised tree manually can be a fast way to make an ice problem worse. Part of becoming effective at winter tree care is knowing when to intervene and when to let nature be nature. However, if ice or snow has damaged your tree in such a way that it now poses a threat to your home or property, then intervention is definitely recommended. This means that a branch or tree is in danger of falling, and in such a case, a professional pruning or tree removal team should be contacted. Trying to prune an otherwise undamaged tree yourself may do more harm than good, along with putting you in danger.

 

Winter tree care and dormant tree care is difficult in general because it’s hard to judge when you should step in and when you should just wait for a good thaw. Hardy transplanted trees, young trees, and native spruces can all suffer during excessively icy weather, and it can be tough for homeowners unfamiliar with the intricacies of tree health to know when a tree is in trouble or simply bearing down for winter. When in doubt, consulting a tree health professional is an excellent first step.

 

Winter tree care may be fairly hands off for homeowners, but we have the tools necessary to intervene when one of your trees is at risk.  If you’re concerned that your Rochester, MN, trees are in danger of winter damage, consult with one of our tree health professionals today. Contact Maier Tree and Lawn for additional information at (507) 286-8733 or by visiting our website here.

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.

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.

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