Best Practices for Pruning Trees Starts with the Right Tools To prune properly, start by choosing the right tools for the job. Protect yourself by using proper safety equipment—working without it can be just as risky as using a dull blade. Include your safety gear in your toolkit so you use it every time you […]
Pruning Best Practices for NH and MA Trees and Shrubs Read More »
January marks peak apple tree pruning season—a productive and thoughtful task when other plant care is limited. Proper pruning in winter is vital for apple tree health, just like fertilization. This article covers why dormant-season pruning matters, what to look for when cutting, how much to remove, and how to encourage your apple trees to
Pruning Apple Trees in Winter Read More »
Why is my tree dripping? Why is my car covered in sap or sticky substance? Trees can drip sap, but in all likelihood it is not sap that your tree is dripping. It is likely that your tree is dripping a substance called, Honeydew. Let me be clear, honeydew is just a lovely bow on
Why is my tree dripping a sticky substance? Read More »
Yuuuuuppppp, that’s me! Now, you may be wondering what I’m doing working on the Sunday after the 4th of July. Well, let me tell you how a complete obsession with doing real-life science led to my plan to make sure this Holly Scale infestation saw its last fireworks show. Nobody LOVES pesticides, but we
Treatment timing is often the Key to the Successful Control of an Insect Read More »
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 »
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 »
