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Category Archives: Tree Services

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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.

Why Professional Tree Care IS Important.

Posted on June 21, 2016 - 12:00 pm by

Maier Tree and Lawn - Professional Tree Care - Facebook

We have all been duped into buying some sort of snake oil in our past and it leaves a pretty bad taste in our mouths. We would do nearly anything to avoid it. So when someone has something to offer (a.k.a. sell) that we don’t fully understand, our immediate reaction is to say, “No”.  Let’s take tree care for example. One “expert” may tell you that if you put this product on the roots or leaves, it will make your tree healthy. The next “expert” may tell you the exact opposite. This leaves you: a) confused and b) not sure who to believe.

A great place to start your research is from peer-reviewed sources. When an unbiased source gives you information on a particular subject or product, and that information was generated from research in accredited universities, rest assured you are on the right track. From there, good practitioners will build programs that are consistent with that information.

For arboriculture, many universities have programs in forestry, urban forestry, horticulture, biology, grounds maintenance, or others like that which work well as a foundation for the science.  There is new research every year from great scientists around the country. From there, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or Board Certified Master Arborist (the pinnacle of the profession), like the pros at Maier Tree & Lawn, will use this science and listen to your needs to come up with the very best recommendations for you and your trees.

If you sense that you are getting snake oil from your tree guy, ask him or her where they got their information. If it is from a credible source, you are well on your way to avoiding that bitter snake oil. Tree care skeptics beware, there are many things that your urban trees need that nature is not providing. Invest in the right company with the right arborists for your professional tree care needs, and you will come out the winner every single time.

6 Horrible Mistakes You Are Making With Your Trees

Posted on June 7, 2016 - 12:00 pm by

Maier Tree and Lawn - 6 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Trees

Taking care of your trees might seem simple enough, but a few honest mistakes might be preventing your trees from thriving. Once you take the right steps to tree maintenance, the rest is easy. The folks at Maier Tree & Lawn are known around Minnesota, as some of the best tree care practitioners. Leave it to us to help you correct some common mis-steps.

Don’t plant your trees too deep.

Roots go in the ground and stems/trunks stay above ground. The first root should be right at the soil line.

Don’t mulch your trees too deep.

Mulch turns into soil, so see number 1. There should be 2-4” of mulch over a root system and at the trunk it should taper to zero.

Avoid planting trees so close to each other.

Evergreens should have 16’ spacing and deciduous trees twice as much. If you are planting species that don’t get very big, you can plant closer. Keep in mind spacing to your house as well. Trees look small when they are small, however try to see their potential when you plant them.

Don’t prune your trees randomly. 

Every pruning cut should have a purpose and be calculated. Without a plan before pruning, you run the risk of getting carried away and trimming away too much. It is best to have a professional prune your trees based on your desired objectives.

Avoid putting wrap on the trunk of your trees.

If you need to protect your trees against deer or rabbits, use a fence material placed away from the trunk supported by a stake. Wrap does not prevent sun scald. It is best to plant and prune properly to avoid it.

Stop adding fertilizer to your trees. 

Fertilizer purchased at garden centers or superstores contains a quick release Nitrogen that is most often harmful to your trees.  There are only a very few tree and shrub fertilizers that add benefit. Maier Tree & Lawn has one such fertilizer with Davey’s ArborGreen Pro. This is by far the best fertilizer on the market with a 12-month slow release fertilizer that mimics the carbon structure of natural forest soils.

Here is the great news, Maier Tree & Lawn can help you! We love knowing and doing the right things for your trees.

Increase Your Property Value By Selecting the Right Trees & Shrubs for Your Tree Care Program in Rochester & Winona, Minnesota

Posted on September 23, 2015 - 10:03 am by

Have you ever purchased a home with landscape that looked unkempt? Chances are, if you did, you expected to pay less than the asking price. The better a property’s landscape looks, the higher the perceived value is in the eye of the buyer. A solid, coherent landscape plan will only appreciate over time. That’s why you should select the right trees and shrubs for your tree care program in Rochester and Winona, Minnesota. Consult the arborists at Maier Tree & Lawn to help you create that sophisticated design buyers crave.

Many people concentrate more on the inside of their homes and address the curb-appeal aspect later. When they do start to focus on landscaping, they may plant a tree here and a shrub there, as the budget allows. Eventually, the yard develops a haphazard look.

Our arborists recommend that you develop a master plan that incorporates the following:

  • Do you have a spot that needs a plant to keep the soil intact? If you have alkaline soil, perhaps a hardy creeping juniper, crimson pigmy barberry, lilac, or viburnum will work for you. Black chokeberry, red osier dogwood, dwarf bush honeysuckle, and lilac can all thrive in clay soil.
  • You will want to consider what the mature size of the tree or shrub will be before you plant it. Trees and shrubs need room to grow properly. Unnecessarily crowding your shrubs and trees will make it difficult to adopt a good tree care program in Rochester and Winona.
  • Border identification. Instead of a fence, perhaps you’ll want to outline an area with shrubs.
  • Visual variety. Shrubs normally don’t exceed 15′ in height. You can vary the heights of trees and shrubs, leaf color, the widths, and pruning methods to get the shapes and look you want.
  • Wildlife cover and food. Many shrubs provide homes and food for a variety of animals. If you don’t want deer munching on your shrubs, plant deer resistant varieties like crimson pigmy barberry, Japanese barberry, Chinese juniper, or lilac, provided all other factors accommodate your overall plan.

Any tree care program promotes both tree and shrub health, the best deterrent to harmful insects and disease.

Now would be a great time to create your master plan, take advantage of shrub and tree sales, and increase your property’s curb appeal. Contact the arborists at Maier Tree & Lawn to find out what the optimal tree care program should be for you in Rochester and Winona, Minnesota.

The Importance of Regular Tree Pruning in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on September 1, 2015 - 10:13 am by

Minnesota is comprised primarily of three things: lakes, snow, and trees. If you live near Rochester, or by the Winona Bluffs, then you probably have more trees around than you can shake a stick at… not for a lack of sticks of course! This alone makes tree control and maintenance a vital part of living in our state, whether you’re in northern forest territory or not.  Precise tree pruning, like that done by businesses such as Maier Tree and Lawn, is the best way to keep Minnesota properties looking up-to-date and well maintained. And even beyond the aesthetic benefits, tree pruning also promotes neighborhood safety and keeps your trees healthy so they can live long, happy tree lives.

When it comes to the fickle nature of Minnesota’s weather, trees can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Entire trees can uproot under the weight of snow or be blown over in gale-force winds. Sometimes in our state you just have to cross your fingers and hope that you parked your car on the lucky side of the driveway. And yet, trees are also a great complement to any yard and a key part of a healthy, natural environment.

So if you want to make sure your trees are as safe as they can be, keep an eye out for stray branches that could catch power lines in the wind, or for any branches that are rotted and hanging that could break away and hit a window. Having an unkempt tree seems like a minor problem, but without care it can become dangerous to you and to your neighbors. Regular tree pruning will keep your trees neat and contained so they don’t get away from you when the rougher weather comes through.

Pruning is also important for the long-term health of your trees. Even though it seems like a cruel way to show your love, maintaining the shape of your tree with precise tree pruning will keep it stable in windy weather and rid it of any dying branches. Tree pruning can also prevent long term weight balance issues, manage foliage distribution, and of course, keep your lawn looking well-kept.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that less means more when it comes to tree pruning. Too much cutting at once can hurt or even kill a tree, but the right amount at the right times will keep it standing tall (or short, if you’re taking a little off the top) for a long, long time.

It’s fine to do some minor snipping on your own when your trees are getting unruly, but consulting a professional is the safest way to prevent doing any damage to yourself or to your tree. Pruning can be dangerous, especially if you’re working with large branches or uneven ground. Make safe choices, and if you’re in Rochester or Winona, MN and need some help, contact Maier Tree and Lawn today to set up a pruning appointment for your property.

Schedule Winter Pruning with Maier Tree and Lawn Services in Rochester and Winona, MN

Posted on August 18, 2015 - 10:54 am by

When the weather forecasts routinely announce a high of 80 degrees, as they have these last several days in Rochester and Winona, MN, the last thing on your mind is winter. Even further away is the thought of hiring tree pruning service when the world is cold and snow-covered. But in fact, pruning during the winter is actually a common practice and an excellent way for you to be proactive about the health and aesthetics of your trees. By calling Maier Tree and Lawn Services today, you’ll beat the rush!

What are the advantages to pruning trees in the winter?

Most people think about getting their trees pruned during spring or early summer when trees are so lush and full that it’s obvious to see that their natural shape is getting a little out of hand. While some trees are best trimmed right after they finish blooming, others species such as oaks, apple trees, elms and ash benefit more from winter pruning.

Here are four reasons to consider scheduling pruning service for winter.

• Less foliage and workers can easily see the branch structure of the tree
• Less vulnerability to insects and diseases through the raw, open cuttings
• Protects landscapes from damage caused by trucks or equipment
• Results in burst of desirable growth come spring

Though winter pruning seems counterintuitive at first, it can help your trees stay healthy and look their best. Maier Tree and Lawn Services provides tree maintenance including pruning, tree removal, and bracing during the winter months as well as the spring and summer. Call now to schedule an appointment with one of our consulting arborists and be proactive about caring for the trees in your yard.

Summer Storms and Your Trees

Posted on June 30, 2015 - 9:46 am by

Thanks to generous spring rains, Rochester, Winona, and Southeast Minnesota are bursting with new growth and lush shades of green everywhere! While rain is beneficial for all things growing, the high winds and dangerous lightning that accompany severe thunderstorms can cause serious and permanent damage to trees.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider about wind and lightning damage is prevention. Of course it’s impossible to prevent high winds and lightning from occurring, but there are steps that can be taken that may prevent significant tree damage.

Number one is to keep your trees healthy and strong. That means following a regular plan of proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Each species of tree may have somewhat different needs, so it is a good idea to consult an arborist about how to best care for your trees. A healthy tree is able to withstand more stress and stronger winds. Should damage occur due to high wind or lightning, a healthy tree is more likely to recover. When properly cared for, trees can be remarkably resilient.

The second most important step you can take to protect your trees from wind damage is predicting what areas of a tree are most likely to break in high winds. Monitor the condition of your trees each year to locate areas of disease, insect infestation, or structural weakness. These issues weaken trees and increase the likelihood of a tree sustaining serious damage. Again, an arborist will know what to look for and can properly prune and brace branches that may present a potential hazard. The healthier a tree, the better it will be able to withstand the forces of high winds.

When a tree is struck by lightning, it experiences a violent attack. A bolt of lightning reaches temperatures as high as 50,000 degrees and can conduct up to 100,000 volts. When lightning strikes a tree it causes the sap to instantly boil, releasing steam into the wood. This rapid increase of steam pressure within the tree can literally blow the bark off a tree and chunks of wood from the trunk. However, a lightning strike does not necessarily mean certain death for the tree. If the trunk isn’t split and the damage is confined to one side of the tree, it may survive.

Surprising as it may sound, it may even be possible to prevent lightning from striking a tree. It is expensive, but in the case of very significant trees, it may be worth the price. Copper cables may be extended from the tops of major trunks to ten foot copper rods that are driven into the ground around the drip line of the tree. In case of a lightning strike, the lightning is conducted along the cable into the ground.

When it comes to keeping your trees healthy for decades to come, no one cares more about trees than Maier Tree and Lawn. We’ve been taking care of trees for years, and we appreciate their value to the environment and your property, and the pleasure they can give for generations.

Contact us at Maier Tree and Lawn whenever you have a question about anything green and growing. We are proud to serve Rochester, Winona and Southeast Minnesota. Call us at 507-286-8733 in Rochester, or 507-454-7000 in Winona.

How and When to Plant a Tree

Posted on February 24, 2015 - 4:38 pm by

In a recent Maier Tree and Lawn newsletter, we said that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago! Since that isn’t possible, the best time to plant a tree is this year! Because it takes so long for a tree to mature, and a healthy tree can have a lifespan of many decades, planting a tree is a great way to “pay it forward” for generations to come. That’s why it’s important to do it right when you plant a tree. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow for when and how to plant a tree.

When is the best time to plant a tree?

The best times to plant a tree is in April through early May and September through early October. April through early May are ideal because there should be ample rainfall and cooler temperatures that allow the young transplanted tree to establish a root system before the heat of summer. September through early October are good because the tree is, or will soon be, dormant, and even though the air may be cooling off, the soil is still fairly warm. That creates a good environment for root growth making the tree ready to really grow with the coming of spring.

Summer can be a bad time to plant a tree. Hot temperatures and direct sun will stress a newly planted tree to the point that it may not survive. Without the proper watering it requires, a new or transplanted tree can quickly fade and die during a summer dry spell.

How do I plant a tree?

Here is a list of what is important to do to plant a tree properly to give it the best chance for a long and healthy life:

  • Select a tree that is compatible with location and climate region. The best choices are trees that are native to the area.
  • Check for underground cables or utility lines before digging.
  • Prepare the hole. Ideally the hole should be 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball. This breaks up compacted soil and allows better root development and allows roots to spread as they grow.
  • Dig the hole only deep enough for the root flare (where roots change to trunk) to be just above with the finished soil. A common problem is planting a tree too deep. That will cause problems for the tree later in its life.
  • When placing the tree in the hole, place it in gently taking care not to disturb the root ball. If the root ball is wrapped in burlap, cut the burlap away after the tree is positioned on the hole.
  • When backfilling the hole, be sue not to stomp on, or compact the soil around the tree. Do not use a commercial fertilizer. It may be too harsh for the now vulnerable transplanted tree to tolerate.
  • For the initial watering, pour one gallon of water for every six inches of tree height. The tree should then be watered regularly by trickling a hose at the base of the tree.
  • It is also important to cover the area of exposed dirt with 2-3 inches of mulch. Take care to keep a space 2-3 inches wide around the base of the tree free of mulch.

Planting a tree that can be enjoyed for generations to come is a rewarding experience. To ensure you are planting a tree properly, you may want to consult a professional arborist like those at Maier Tree and Lawn. It is our pleasure to help you add to the tree population of southeast Minnesota. To be sure all your young and mature trees are healthy and have a long life, contact Maier Tree and Lawn at 507-286-8733 in Rochester, or 507-454-7000 in Winona.

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