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Category Archives: Tree Consulting Service

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.

Consulting Disease Management Experts to Control Emerald Ash Borer Outbreaks

Posted on August 31, 2020 - 2:02 pm by

Winona, MN area tree enthusiasts are likely familiar with the emerald ash borer thanks to its consistently troubling presence in Minnesota. Maier Tree and Lawn’s comprehensive forestry services include precise disease management techniques to help lessen the impact the emerald ash borer infestation has on homeowner’s trees.

Emerald ash borers can tear through a community’s ash trees quickly. They eat away at the bark of trees, burrow into trunks, and divert the necessary nutrients that ash trees need to survive. In this manner they can quickly kill trees and then spread to other ash trees nearby. Because of the devastation they can cause, quarantines on wood and tree transport are frequently in effect across Minnesota. If emerald ash borers have already been identified in your area, disease management support may be the next best step. 

Planning, planting, and tree maintenance programs need disease management in order to mitigate the impact emerald ash borer has on local trees. Disease management may include tree injections, tree removal, and other risk-reducing care methods. Each step is catered to the environment to best preserve every level of the ecosystem. Once an infested tree has been identified, the proper steps are taken to ensure the health and safety of surrounding plants and trees.

If any of your Winona, MN area trees have been impacted by emerald ash borers or other tree diseases, the disease management teams at Maier Tree and Lawn can help. Call us today at (507) 454-7000 or contact us online for additional information.

Surviving the Long Winter: When Winter Weather Puts Rochester, MN, Tree Health at Risk

Posted on February 10, 2020 - 4:41 pm by

During the great freezing season of February, frigid temperatures are a given in Rochester, MN. Even if you’ve done everything right and received all the help you can before winter set in, it can still be disconcerting to see your beloved trees encased in ice and snow for the foreseeable future. The presence of these winter byproducts may not always be a death sentence, but they can still wear down even the toughest trees the longer winter weather continues. Maier Tree and Lawn’s tree health team recommends watching for signs of tree damage in the winter months, so your trees can emerge from the cold intact and ready to bloom again in the spring.

 

Snow and ice aren’t always an inherent danger when it comes to trees. If the trees on your property are native to Minnesota, they’re likely suited to surviving the cold temperatures. Trees that die at the touch of cold wouldn’t survive the winter with or without freezing storms, so if your trees are local, you’re already off to a good start.

 

But even local trees can be impacted by winter weather. In fact, native or not, the shape of your trees can have a significant impact on how vulnerable they are to winter tree damage. If you’re noticing that certain branches are beginning to bow under the weight, a tree health consultation may be wise.

 

Once ice has begun to accumulate on your trees, trying to manage this without the assistance of a tree health specialist could be dangerous. The risk of slipping and cold weather aside, you may also be dealing with some unexpectedly heavy branches and tree debris. But leaving weather-damaged branches until spring isn’t ideal either. Strong winter winds can jostle already-loose branches and lead to further damage to your tree or property. Instead of standing outside with a hairdryer after every snowstorm, contact tree damage specialists to facilitate safe branch removals.

 

Despite the fact that Minnesota trees are sturdier than you might expect, they aren’t completely invincible. If your Rochester, MN, trees have been impacted by winter weather tree damage contact the tree health professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 286-8733 or by visiting our website here.

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.

Protect Your Trees from Winter Damage with Preemptive Tree Consulting Services in Winona, MN

Posted on September 16, 2019 - 4:22 pm by

Native Minnesota trees are generally a hardy bunch having flourished in the harsh, fast-changing weather of the north. Even the sturdiest trees, however, can fall victim to the wide variety of environmental risks a true Minnesota winter offers. With winter looming, protecting your trees is as much about thinking ahead as it is reacting to issues as they arise. The tree care professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn want your trees to be ready for anything that winter in Winona, MN, can throw at them, and with professional tree consulting services, you can prepare for the worst and work to ensure the best.

 

Professional tree consulting services can cover any number of topics. It may be that one of your trees is looking a little droopy or discolored. Perhaps you’re tired of your trees not making it through the winter, or frustrated with local wildlife munching away at bark and low hanging branches all year long. Regardless of the specificity of your concerns, an effective tree consultation session will leave you with a much better sense of how you can keep your trees intact and healthy in every season. Preparing for harsh weather is an excellent reason to schedule a professional tree consultation.

 

You may have a variety of trees on your property that ranges from different species and ages to different levels of overall health. Even if the trees in question are well suited to winter, they may still be in danger of unexpected winter damage. New, young trees are especially susceptible to environmental damage such as freezing, wind damage, or snow-related breakage, but this type of damage is not exclusive to trees in the early stages of growth. Our tree care professionals are trained to help you pinpoint the support that all your trees will need to make it through the freezing months ahead.

 

If you’re concerned about the trees on your Winona, MN, property, contact our tree care professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn today for tree consulting services. For additional information on effective winter tree care, please give us a call at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here.

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.

Tree Damage and Care After a Storm in Winona, MN

Posted on June 13, 2018 - 11:44 am by

Winona, MN has had some unseasonably wild April weather already this year. Along with the heavy snow, there’s also been a fair share of high winds. Though most residents can avoid the worst of this by bunking down under the covers, trees don’t have such a luxury. After a storm hits your area, our tree care experts with Maier Tree & Lawn encourage all tree lovers to perform a welfare check after the storm clouds clear away to make sure your trees are in tip-top shape.

 

Storms can be bad news for tree care even if they aren’t especially strong. A single gust can take down unsteady limbs, which can lead to further damage down the tree. Because of this, you should never walk underneath your trees during a major storm. It may seem like a refuge from heavy snow or rain, but in the right circumstances, it could be extremely dangerous. Tree damage can be hard to identify in clear conditions, let alone rough weather. Instead of leaving it to chance, keep a wide berth and wait for the winds to settle.

 

After the storm passes and it’s no longer risky to go outside, perform a welfare check from a safe distance. A basic welfare check for tree damage should be purely visual. Take note of obvious damage and breaks and make a note of things you’d like to ask a tree care professional. Tree damage may not always be obvious to the naked eye, but often a visual check is enough to tell that something is seriously wrong.

 

If your tree has been broken or is leaning in a precarious manner after a storm, call for tree care assistance immediately. Unfortunately, tree removal may be your only option in some cases of major tree damage, but there may be more options if the tree is mostly intact. If the tree is still in a dangerous state, then keep your distance until further assistance can be contacted.

 

If a tree on your Winona, MN property has been impacted by significant or minor tree damage, contact the tree care professionals with Maier Tree & Lawn to discuss options for your tree. Call today at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here for more information.

The Necessity of Early Spring Checkups for Tree Health in Rochester, MN

Posted on June 4, 2018 - 9:19 am by

Winter tree care in Rochester, MN can be a challenge because of how intense and long Minnesota winters can really be. There are many “tree hacks” that people employ to protect their trees through the icy months, but there’s no guarantee that even the best preparations can help once the deep freeze settles in. The question is, since maintaining overall tree health is so tough in the winter, how can you tell if your winter efforts actually paid off come spring? The tree care professionals with Maier Tree & Lawn advocate for an in-depth spring checkup for any trees that you have lingering concerns about; even after the temperature begins creeping above freezing.

 

Tree care as a process is generally pretty hands off because trees are fairly self-sufficient organisms that usually fare pretty well on their own. However, because people tend to plant trees with aesthetics in mind instead of core tree health, sometimes even the sturdiest trees can suffer from a life planted in an unfamiliar habitat. Spring checkups are a great way to involve yourself in the health of your trees without becoming a full-time arborist.

 

Some signs that your trees may need a checkup include discoloration, slow growth, and other physical signs of distress. For instance, trees have a natural rhythm to regaining their foliage, if one tree is far behind the others it may be a cause for concern. Dead branches and irregular growth can be cause for concern as well. You don’t have to be a tree health professional to sense that something looks a little wrong, so take your concerns seriously and direct them to the people who are trained in tree health.

 

Regardless of whether you’re new to tree care or a long-time hobbyist, being able to thoroughly evaluate the health of your trees is best left to tree health specialists. Despite the simplistic nature of trees, there are still many subtle and intricate signs that may indicate various health concerns. Take note of any issues that you see, but don’t feel like you have to solve the puzzle of what’s wrong on your own.

 

Rochester, MN residents who are concerned with post-winter damage to their trees can contact the tree care professionals here with Maier Tree & Lawn today. Call us at (507) 286-8733 or by visiting our website here for additional information on tree health and tree care.

 

Determining if Your Tree is a Hazard From the Tree Care Experts in Winona, MN

Posted on May 11, 2018 - 10:43 am by

Spring is a great time for tree care hobbyists in Winona, MN to evaluate the health of their trees. These tree care evaluations can include anything from eyeing them for a little trimming all the way to removing trees entirely. Though it can be a tough call to make, it’s possible that the rough Minnesota winter has rendered some trees hazardous and because of this, it would be safer to have them professionally evaluated and removed. If you’re starting the spring tree care season with some reservations about your hazard trees, the tree care experts with Maier Tree & Lawn have a few pointers of what to look for when deciding who should stay and who should go.

 

When you’re trying to identify hazard trees, start by looking for obvious structural damage. If you see branches hanging askew or entire sections looking lopsided, make a note and keep an eye on the spot. Depending upon the size of the tree it can be difficult to determine what makes a hazard tree and what is just a few damaged limbs but making notes of these things is useful for tree care professionals as well. Always be sure to play it safe though and avoid walking beneath the loose looking sections.

 

If there’s no obvious damage, the next step is to check for unusual leaning or swaying. Hazard trees are often identifiable by their lack of sturdiness in adverse weather. If you have a big old tree that seems to be shifting in the breeze, be sure to contact a tree care professional with your concerns ASAP. A wiggly tree is one thing; a downed tree on your car is another.

 

If you can’t quite pinpoint the issue and you’re concerned that the damage is more internal, you could also do a simple knock test to check for hollow or soft spots. This process can be difficult to do without experience and sometimes problem spots can be subtle. As soon as you feel like something is off during the tree care process, consider contacting a professional familiar with signs of hazard trees.

 

Hazard trees can be unpredictable, and with the windy spring weather coming into Winona, MN soon, be sure to deal with it sooner rather than later! If you’ve noticed an odd spot, hanging branches, or other signs that a tree on your property may be hazardous, contact Maier Tree & Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here for more information.

Winter Tips for New Tree Owners in Winona, MN

Posted on October 6, 2016 - 11:36 am by

With fall rolling in over the last several weeks, winter is just around the corner in Winona, MN. Though the winter last year 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 able to withstand extreme weather (if not, the Winona bluffs would be looking a lot sparser these days), but for those new to tree care, watching your beloved little stems getting pummeled by sleet and 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 the rest of the year. Trees are perfectly prepared for extended periods of dormancy so all that leaf-loss isn’t at all a detriment to their systems. However, as their tree care advocates, there are still plenty of things you can do to aid them in the long run. For instance, many tree consulting services recommend performing winter maintenance on your trees such as pruning, examinations, and even fertilizing before ground freeze.

Because of the nature of trees, winter is probably the best time to really get a look at them. The lack of foliage allows you to get up close and personal to the branches and trunk in a way that you often can’t in other seasons. They might not be as pretty around this time, but they’re certainly showing weak branch unions their weaknesses (if there are any.) If there are any discolored patches, dead branches, buggy-nests, or other signs of damage, they’ll likely be much easier to spot. Relying on a tree consulting service in the winter is a great way to ensure your trees will be a little sturdier come spring.

Don’t be afraid to schedule some trimming (while the shape of the tree is especially obvious) and do an overall checkup as soon as those leaves are done falling. Tree care isn’t necessarily an everyday affair, but nipping problems in the bud is much easier if the tree is effectively sleeping. Winona, MN, residents interested in a tree consulting service can contact the tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn. They can be reached by phone at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting their website here for more information.