Feeding your trees and shrubs is a critical component of an effective landscaping plan because trees and shrubs, similar to the human body, require essential minerals and nutrients to grow, stay healthy and thrive.  These minerals and nutrients also help them fend off disease, insects, withstand drought and encourage longevity.

In their natural forest environment, the decomposing leaves and wood provide these necessary nutrients.  However, on our residential and commercial properties we have the tendency to remove this “debris” – and literally withhold from our trees & shrubs these much needed nutrients.

Root System Stress

In addition to the reduced levels of minerals & nutrients being absorbed by root systems, stress is negatively impacting their growth and overall health.  This stress may be induced by compacted soils, air pollution, road salts, poor drainage, competition with turf grasses or external barriers such as streets, foundations or sidewalks.

Root Zone Fertilization

Providing supplemental nutrients — as a natural food replacement — to confined root zones, helps trees develop better root systems to deal with these adverse impacts.   Root Zone Fertilization is perhaps the most effective method to fertilize trees. This process injects a water and fertilizer mixture — under high pressure — approximately 4-8 inches below the soil surface.

There are many advantages to root zone fertilization.   Injecting to this depth bypasses much of the turf grass roots and places the nutrients into the root zone where most of the absorbing roots grow.  The high pressure injection forces the water & fertilizer mix throughout the root zone, which not only feeds all the roots, but also reduces soil compaction and encourages additional root zone aeration.

As your tree and shrub experts, we strongly recommend fertilizing your trees and shrubs on a regular, programmed plan.  At Arbor Tree Services we use organic fertilizer that slowly releases its nitrogen over an entire growing season, thereby maximizing the health of your trees.  Please contact us with any questions you may have.  We will be happy to help!

They're more than a nuisance.  They can restrict the flow of water and nutrients in your trees.  They can cause damage to the branches and trunks, a wilting of the leaves, defoliation, decline and even death.   Whether on commercial or residential property, insects and diseases can significantly threaten overall tree health.

Common species of insects that frequently cause problems in southeast Michigan include aphids, black vine weevils, bronze birch borers, emerald ash borers, and Japanese Beetles to name just a few.  There are many species of insects that can do signifcant damange to many different tree species throughout our state.

Arbor Tree Service — Michigan Certified Arborists

Arbor Tree Service is dedicated to protecting the environment and we believe the best approach to plant health care is to proactively manage insect and disease related issues.  If these issues are treated early, then the amount of chemical intervention is minimal.  If insect and disease problems have gotten out of hand, Arbor Tree Service will always recommend the least invasive treatment program needed to get your situation under control.

The most effective means to ward off insects and disease is to maintain a tree in good health.  However, even healthy trees can develop pest-related problems.  With certified arborists on staff, Arbor Tree Service will work with you to first accurately identify the pests – and then, once identified, will recommend the best treatment option.

What You Can Do — Visual Inspections

As you mow the lawn or work in the yard this summer, perform a visual inspection of each of your trees.  Your trees, afterall, are likely your most precious landscaping assets.  If you notice any abnormalities in the appearance of your trees, please contact Arbor Tree Service to assess the problem and make treatment recommendations.

With wild fires currently devastating thousands of acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s a reminder (albeit a tragic reminder) that Michigan is home to abundant natural beauty – in the form of lakes, beaches – and, of course, trees.

First, an update on the wildfires:

Citing “cooler temperatures,” the Michigan Department of Natural Resources states that significant progress is being made in the battle against a wildfire that has consumed over 21,000 acres in the UP.  As you can imagine, however, the damage is extraordinary.  Out of the 132 structures burned in Luce Country as of Wednesday afternoon, 46 of them were homes, making it the third worst fire in Michigan history.  "The buildings are one thing, but then when you look at the landscape and all the trees and the total devastation, the total change of scenery, that's what's really going to be the long-lasting thing," said Richard Robinson who lost both his motel and home in the wildfire.

Michigan Timberland – 5th Largest in USA

Here's a statistic that may surprise you.  According to the Michigan DNR, Michigan is a state rich in forest resources.  Its 19.3 million acres of forest land cover 53 percent of the State, with 18.6 million considered timberland.  Timberland acreage is the fifth largest in the United States.  I bet you didn't know that!

Trees Aboundant in the UP

In a 1998 article entitled “Questions Fourth Graders Ask about Trees,” Bill Cook of Michigan State University writes that there are approximately 5.7 Billion trees in the Upper Peninsula (according to a 1993 forest inventory) – or put another way, one tree for every person in the world!
The Upper Peninsula has between 37 and 90 native tree species, with the most common tree being the Sugar Maple. 

Arbor Tree Service

Located in Attica, Michigan, Arbor Tree provides residential and commercial tree service for customers throughout Oakland County, Michigan.  With certified arborists on staff, Arbor Tree offers university-trained certified arborists and horticulturists to inspect and diagnose the condition of your trees and shrubs and propose a program specifically for your needs.

Don't take our landscape and beauty for granted.  Enjoy and explore it everyday.  Afterall, our state is a gem of natural beauty.
 

Arbor Day – a holiday in which groups and individuals are encouraged to plant and care for trees — has, pardon the pun, strong Michigan roots.  Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by Michigan native, Sterling Morton.  On that day roughly 140 years ago, approximately one million trees were planted to commemorate the occasion.  Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder, has proclaimed Sunday, April 22 through Saturday, April 28, 2012 as Arbor Week, and Friday, April 27, 2012 as Arbor Day in Michigan.

Michigan Tree Facts

According to the official Michigan government website (www.michigan.gov), Michigan is home to “more than 100 species of trees” and has a 3.8 million acre state forest system, the largest in the United States.” 

Tree City USA

Many Michigan communities have additionally been classified as a “Tree City USA”.  In fact, in 2011, 121 Michigan cities were recognized as Tree City USA communities.  The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To become a Tree City USA, a community must satisfy four requirements: (1) a tree board, commission or department, (2) a tree ordinance which establishes policies for tree planting, maintenance and removal, (3) a community forestry program, and (4) an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Celebrating Arbor Day

There are many different ways to celebrate Arbor Day.  First and foremost, you could plant a tree.  You could help your local community organize an Arbor Day Event.  Perhaps you have the opportunity on this day to visit a local, state or national park.  You could spend some time with your kids or grandkids taking a walk through a local park and photographing your favorite trees.

How do you plan to spend Arbor Day in Michigan?

Perhaps the tree roots on your residential or commercial property are threatening sidewalks or foundations.  Perhaps you want to prevent the infestation of bees, wasps or hornets.  Whatever the case, tree removal (and stump grinding) may be necessary.

Once a tree has been removed and a stump is left behind, it will likely result in an unsightly and inconvenient addition to your landscaping. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get rid of the stump is to grind it down using a stump grinder.

If a stump is too large, it may have to be trimmed down before the stump grinder is applied to the remaining stump.  This can be done with a chain saw.

Stump Grinders

Some people attempt to grind the stump themselves by renting a stump grinder for the day.  This is a popular option.  However, it must  be noted that a stump grinder is difficult to operate without proper training.

Others pay a landscaping company to do the work for them.  Here at Arbor Tree Service, we have several different stump grinding machines.  We have self propelled portable stumpers for fenced in areas such as back yards.  We also have "pull behind" grinders for easy access to front yards, and LARGE stump grinders for land and lot clearings.

Most stumps are ground to 6 inches below the soil line.  When done properly you should be able to plant where the stump once was.

With winter landscaping tips already given — and spring still a few months away — we wanted to make sure that we highlight a few of our specialized services so that when spring finally does arrive, you will know where to turn for your tree service needs.  Additionally, in the spirit of year-end reviews, we wanted to share with you a sampling of our blog posts from 2011, specifically those that deal with winter care.

Servicing Oakland County – Including Rochester Hills, Bloomfield & Birmingham

Located in Attica, Michigan, Arbor Tree provides residential and commercial tree service for customers throughout Oakland County, Michigan.  With certified arborists on staff, Arbor Tree offers university-trained certified arborists and horticulturists to inspect and diagnose the condition of your trees and shrubs and propose a program specifically for your needs. 

Services

Arbor Tree Service specializes in tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding, storm damage repair, cable and bracing, root zone fertilizing, lot and land clearing, and insect and disease management.  Arbor Tree Service is both licensed and insured and offers 24-hour emergency storm damage repair service.

2011 Year-in-Review

Michigan Winter Tree Care (November, 2011)

As Michiganders know all too well, winter (and Michigan winters in particular) brings with it cold temperatures, icy winds and snow.  These elements create substantial stress on your trees.  Therefore, it is imperative to give your trees some extra TLC in the winter – and by doing so, you will be rewarded with healthier trees come spring.

Prepare your Trees, Shrubs & Bushes for the Michigan Winter (October, 2011)

With the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays quickly approaching, our team at Arbor Tree Services wanted to share winter preparation best practices that will result in the continued health of your trees, shrubs and bushes during the cold, blustery winter.

Tree Care – Don’t Forget About Watering in the Fall (September, 2011)

Because your plants and trees likely represent substantial investments in your landscaping budget, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect these investments from the winter elements.   Not surprisingly, it all begins with watering in the fall.  Such a simple strategy will go a long way in protecting your trees and shrubs from the scorching winter sun and wind.