May 2020

Right Plant for the Right Site Investing in a tree takes careful consideration, planning, and commitment. With our summers getting hotter and utility bills going up there is no better time than the present to have a tree planted for shade and comfort. So whether planting to enhance your property or replace a damaged tree we recommend working with our arborist. We will take care of plant installation, health of the tree (PHC Program), and maintenance.

Site Considerations • Available space above and below ground • Water availability • Drainage • Soil texture and pH • Sunlight levels/exposure Planting Estimate

Weather & Environmental Considerations • Growth rate, Mature size and form of the species selected • Hardiness – ability of a plant to survive low temperatures • Heat tolerance and drought tolerance • Pest resistance • Maintenance issues

Why "Topping" Hurts Trees Many home and business owners are unaware of the harmful effects topping can cause. Topping is done to reduce the size of the tree if it has become too large for the property. Topping is not a viable method of height reduction and will not reduce future risk. Topping trees causes stress, leads to decay, and sunburning. When leaves are removed, the remaining branches and trunk are suddenly exposed to high levels of light and heat. A topped tree can be expensive. New shoots develop profusely below a topping cut. These shoots are prone to limb failure which causes hazards. This will lead to increased maintenance costs. If the tree dies it will need to be removed. If the tree lives it will require a lot of corrective pruning. A tree that has been topped can never fully regain its natural form. This can decrease your property's value. There are alternatives to topping when height or spread needs to be reduced. Hiring a professional will save you money in the end. Our trim crew is experienced with the recommended branch reduction techniques. Preserving the natural form and preventing future hazards are Autumn Tree's top priority.

Pruning Estimate

Bronze Birch Borer (BBB) Native to North America, damage caused by the BBB dates back to the late 1800s and continues to present day. The is is known to attack all native and non-native species of birch. The BBB is opportunistic and thrives in birch trees that are weekended or stressed by drought, soil compaction, root injury, other insects and old age. With frequent stress cause by dehydration, high temperatures, and compacted soils, landscape birch trees are commonly attacked by this pest. Early symptoms of the BBB include yellow leaves, branch dieback, and an overall thin appearance to the upper part of the canopy. Larvae feed underneath the bark and disrupt the flow of water to the canopy. Wound tissue forms around these disruptions, creating a serpentine lump underneath the bark. Eventually the symptoms progress downward to the lower branches and trunk.

The BBB is most recognizable by the metallic brown wings, although adults are rarely seen. The best protection from the BBB is prevention. Maintain tree health by watering during drought, mulching, and minimizing damage to the root zone that could cause root injury and stress.

BBB Treatment You can take steps to protect your tree. We currently offer insecticide technology, Xytect, to protect your tree from BBB and other insects, including the birch leafminer. With our recommended soil treatments your tree will have year long protection.   Treat important trees first: specimen trees, trees shading your home, patio trees, etc. These trees should be healthy and vigorous. Research trials have shown systemic insecticide treatments are highly effective at protecting birch trees. Once treatments begin, you will need to treat your tree yearly to maintain protection.

Beneficial Plant Spotlight Coneflower (Echinacea)

Echinacea is an attractive plant indigenous to the North American plains that is well-loved not only for its beauty and its  ability to attract butterflies , but also for its medicinal value. It has become one of the top-selling herbs of all time; that’s because regular use of echinacea is beneficial for immune support and overall health. There is considerable evidence suggesting that phytochemicals in echinacea have the capacity to reduce virus infections and tumors. This powerful herb contains a compound called that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. Some more echinacea benefits include its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve skin problems, treat upper respiratory issues and improve mental health.

Beautiful Garden Tours

Spring is finally here, and while we may not be able to enjoy public spaces right now, there's no better time to take a virtual tour of some of the world's most beautiful  gardens . Take a visual journey through some of the most impressive gardens with your feet up.

Fort Green Park Tree Walk Kew Gardens The Orchid Show Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Chicago Botanic Garden RHS Garden Wisley

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