We spend a lot of time talking about insects, but did you know that there is another nasty pest that causes problems in the garden. Today we are talking about mites! But Susan, Are mites’ insects? Mites are not insects. They are different animals all together. Mites are part of the arachnid family (Yes, […]
What in the world… are mites? Read More »
Is your tree healthy? Is it safe? How do you know when to ask for help? Here are some signs that we look for as arborists at Port City Tree Care to tell if a tree deserves some love and attention. Does the tree have as many leaves as its neighbors? At this point
How do I know if my tree is healthy? Read More »
This year, there have been several instances of Boxwoods displaying significant infestations of Boxwood Psyllid. Although treatment is typically not recommended, some situations have warranted it due to the severity of the infestation. Homeowners have been given the choice regarding whether to pursue treatment. What is Boxwood Psyllid and what impact does it have
Boxwood Psyllid – Should you be concerned? Read More »
What is resistance drilling? Resistance drilling has been around for several decades (nearly 40 years) and has been used to determine the strength of wood. It uses a very small diameter drill bit (about 1.5mm) spinning at incredibly high resolutions. While it is drilling into the tree it measures the resistance that the wood provides.
Resistance Drilling and how it provides tree owners with more information Read More »
Earth day is 55-years this year and I have grown up relatively mindful of Earth Day. It is generally the same week as my birthday and Arbor Day. I have always wondered, Is Earth Day intentionally so close to Arbor Day? What manifested these marked dates into existence? And as a society, do we still
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons, hollies, and boxwoods add beauty and greenery to the winter landscape. Come spring, many homeowners are alarmed to see brown, scorched-looking leaves and damaged foliage. What happened? In many cases, the culprit is winter burn—a common but preventable form of cold-weather stress. What is winter burn? Winter burn is a
What’s going on with the Rhododendrons this year in New England? Read More »
Buck rub on young sapling trees indicates that a male deer (buck) has used the tree to rub its antlers. These rubs serve purposes such as marking territory, strengthening neck muscles, and removing velvet from new antler growth. Characteristics of a buck rub include: Stripped bark: The outer bark is often peeled or scraped away,
Buck rub and Young Trees Read More »
Root zone excavation (also called air spading or root collar excavation) is a method used to safely expose and inspect a tree’s roots—especially around the trunk—without damaging them. It’s often done to address soil compaction, poor drainage, root girdling, or to prep for construction near trees. How do I know if my tree needs to
Root zone excavations explained Read More »
