Safari Tree, Author at Safari Tree

How Do Trees Survive Winter?

Below-freezing temperatures. Layers of snow and ice. Blustering winds. In Southeast Michigan, homeowners are accustomed to the harsh conditions of wintertime — and with the season just a few weeks away, many are in the midst of preparing for what’s ahead. In combination with tasks like cleaning out gutters and sealing pavement cracks, there’s also the need to give trees a little extra attention as well so they can weather the storm and emerge healthy once spring arrives.

Continue reading “How Do Trees Survive Winter?”

What’s the Best Way to Find Tree Care Services Near Me?

Homeowners tend to look for tree care services too late. It’s often when a tree turns brown, loses its leaves or even dies that homeowners take to the internet and select whichever company can get to their property the fastest.

From the shade they offer in the summer to the protection they provide from winds in the winter, trees are a valuable addition to homes — and it’s important that homeowners do what they can to support them.

Recognizing the value of caring for your trees, you’ve done your research on the benefits of professional tree care services, and you’re ready to invest. Now the next step is to find a local tree care service provider that can tackle the job. This search tends to go one of two ways: you have trouble finding experienced providers in your area or you find too many experienced providers in your area, leaving you unsure of which to choose.

The good news is you can find answers right outside your door (literally). Asking your neighbors for referrals can streamline your search for a local tree care service provider — and ensure you get the results you want.

Benefits of Neighbor Referral for Tree Care Services

Located Within the Provider’s Service Area

Whether your referral comes from a neighbor right next door or a few houses down the street, you’ll know you’re within the boundaries of their tree care provider’s service area. That’s one less step on your end (either in the form of a phone call or website research).

An added bonus: Familiarity with your area also translates into a stronger knowledge of specific tree pests and diseases that are more prevalent, including how to control and treat them.

Can See the Quality of the Work Up Close

While it’s great to see photos of a tree care service provider’s work, the value of seeing their work firsthand can’t be understated. Consider the marks of an unhealthy tree, for instance. A lack of leaves and broken branches are more apparent signs — but at a close glance, cracks in the trunk, peeling bark or mushroom growth around tree roots can also be an indicator of health problems. Having the opportunity to peek around your neighbor’s yard can provide you with a better feel of how healthy their trees are — which of course reflects their tree care services.

(Note: In some cases, your neighbor may have before photos of their yard they can share. This can provide an even more concrete comparison of how their tree health has improved with the help of professional care.)

Hear About the Overall Experience of the Customer

Beyond the effectiveness that tree health treatments provide, there’s always a question of the level of service they received. Does the tree service company maintain good communication? Is the crew professional while on-site? Do they arrive and leave in a timely manner? These are all service-related questions that your neighbor can directly answer for you.

One More Thing to Consider…

If you have a chance, take a drive over to the company’s local branch. Seeing the types of trucks and equipment they use, as well as how their building is maintained, can tell you a lot about the business. If they take pride in their buildings, equipment and trucks, chances are they take that same pride in the work that they do.

As a provider of professional tree care services, Lush Lawn & Safari Tree knows the importance of combining high-quality work with optimal customer service. That dedication has helped us grow a long list of satisfied customers throughout Southeast Michigan — one we aim to continue growing over time, with the help of our loyal customer base. If your neighbors use our tree care services, we encourage you to connect with them and learn more about their experience working with us.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment: Help Your Trees Bounce Back

It has been about 18 years since an exotic beetle known as the emerald ash borer (EAB) was first discovered in southeast Michigan. Thought to have arrived in the U.S. via cargo ships or flights, this invasive species of beetle has become known for more than its bright, metallic green look. In southeastern Michigan alone, emerald ash borers have killed over 30 million ash trees since 2002.

At Lush Lawn & Safari Tree, we want to empower southeast Michigan homeowners to preserve their ash trees and save on costly repairs. This begins with sharing insights on how to first spot a potential ash borer issue and then offering emerald ash borer treatment that gets you results.

Early Signs of Emerald Ash Borers in Trees

When emerald ash borers have infected an ash tree, one of the early signs you’ll see is small, D-shaped exit holes in either the tree’s trunk or its branches — or potentially both. Approximately ⅛ inch in diameter, these holes are created by adult emerald ash borers as they bore out of the tree. It’s often the case that balls of sap will ooze out of these exit holes, bringing further attention to them.

Research indicates that early detection of emerald ash borer tree infections has a considerable impact on the ability to save infected trees. (To put this into perspective, many infestations are detected when they are several years old — and by that point, the canopy and bark loss is often so significant that it’s too late for any type of emerald ash borer treatment to be effective.)

Consider the ripple effects of a case where an infected ash tree goes unnoticed for two years and subsequently dies. You could spend anywhere between $250 and $1,800 to have the dead ash tree removed, and if you opt to have the tree replaced, spend another $200 on a new tree, with the potential for added transport costs as well as professional planting costs.

An Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Plan That Works

If you notice early signs of EAB in your trees, it’s critical to take immediate action to avoid tree removal and replacement. In order to be effective, EAB treatments cannot be a one-time task. Instead, they must be a part of a strategic year-round program to eliminate existing infestations and prevent them from making a come back. That’s what we’ve developed at Safari Tree.

Our treatment program begins in spring with a dormant oil and fertilizer application. While the oil helps minimize early infestations, the fertilizer feeds the tree’s roots and strengthens it. Then, in the summer, three rounds of insecticides sprays are applied to kill EABs (and other hazardous insects) dwelling in your trees before they are able to reproduce and spread. The program ends with a fall fertilizer application and an anti-desiccant spray to help trees stay healthy and strong throughout the winter and be less susceptible to EAB attacks in the future.

Interested in getting a quote for our pest control services? Simply fill out this form and we’ll send you a free estimate.

Mosquito Control Chemicals: Are They Safe?

Every homeowner dreams of a mosquito-free yard in the summer. While professional solutions may seem viable to keep these pests at bay, it’s natural for there to be concerns over the safety of mosquito control chemicals — especially if you have children or pets.

So, are mosquito control chemicals safe? When EPA-registered mosquito control chemicals are applied based on label instructions and at low levels, the answer to this question should be yes.

There are households with increased sensitivities to chemicals, whether it’s tied to allergies, sensitive skin or compromised immune systems. In these scenarios, mosquito control chemicals deemed safe by the EPA and properly applied can still have adverse effects. This can come in the form of skin, eye and bronchial irritation.

If you’re worried about the chemical sensitivity of your household, it’s probably best to swap the traditional mosquito control chemicals with a more natural route.

Natural Mosquito Control for Sensitive Households

As the name implies, natural mosquito control eliminates the use of chemicals and instead uses organic materials to ward off mosquitoes. These all-natural recipes come with no negative side effects for children and pets (or the environment for that matter), which translates to stress-free mosquito control for even the most sensitive households.

Just as is the case for mosquito control chemicals, some natural mosquito control solutions are more effective than others. Whereas as citronella, for instance, evaporates quickly and provides defense against mosquitoes for only a short period, cedar oil — a natural protectant for cedar trees against mosquitoes and other pests — evaporates more slowly and provides longer, more effective protection. (Pair cedar oil with a hint of peppermint, an aroma that mosquitoes can’t stand, and you’ll have an added layer of defense in place.)

Safari Tree Offers Conventional & Organic Mosquito Control

While every home deserves safe and effective mosquito control, we realize this doesn’t always come in the form of a single solution. Conventional applications of mosquito control chemicals will fulfill the needs of some homeowners, while others will require (or prefer) a more organic approach. That’s why to best serve Lush Lawn & Safari Tree customers, we offer conventional and organic applications for mosquito control.

Even though our conventional and organic mosquito control programs use different products — the former uses safe synthetic chemicals while the latter uses cedar and peppermint oils — both treatments are highly effective at driving away living mosquitoes and preventing mosquito larvae from maturing. Each conventional and natural application lasts for about 21 days, after which another spray is needed to provide full protection. (Note: Natural mosquito control sprays can be applied more than their synthetic counterparts since they have no negative side effects.)

Keeping your yard mosquito-free doesn’t have to come at the expense of feeling safe. With conventional and natural mosquito control programs to choose from, Lush Lawn & Safari Tree provides you with the options you need to feel comfortable in your outdoor environment. Talk to us about your mosquito control needs and we’ll set you up with the services you need to feel safe year-round. It all starts with requesting a free quote.

Your Guide to Oak Wilt & How to Defend Against It

Strength, beauty, longevity. These are the types of positive attributes often used to describe oak trees. Yet, like other trees, the unique qualities of oaks are paired with unique susceptibilities — an example of which is oak wilt.

What Is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt (or Bretziella fagacearum) is a fungal disease that infects the vascular system of oak trees, and — as the name suggests — causes leaves to wilt, become discolored, and eventually die.

Oak wilt transmission happens in one of three ways:

Insect transmission: Beetles and other insects feed on the fungal spores on infected trees and carry these spores to healthy trees.
Root graft transmission: As the roots of two oak trees meet and merge together, the disease can move from infected trees to healthy ones.
Firewood transmission: Moving firewood from an infected tree to a new area, spreads the fungal disease.

Among the oak species, red oak trees are most susceptible to oak wilt, often dying within 1-2 months of being infected. Red oaks are often the site of fungal spores, and their symptoms are not always as apparent.

Arborists first discovered oak wilt in Wisconsin in 1944 and declared it a harmful disease. Michigan is now one of 24 states reporting confirmed cases. According to researchers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 61 Michigan counties are dealing with infestations.

How to Put a Stop to Oak Wilt Before It Appears

With the majority of red oaks unable to recover from oak wilt, the need for proactive measures is clear. Here are some simple yet effective ways to prevent the spread of this damaging disease.

Prune Your Trees in the Winter

Trimming away weak or dead branches from trees — otherwise known as pruning — is one of the most effective ways to keep them strong and healthy. Like other trees, only prune oak trees during the winter months. Not only is it easier to identify branch patterns during this time, but there is also less insect activity and subsequent infections to worry about.

In the case of sap beetles, these insects are most likely present between mid-April and mid-July. (Note that some types of beetles can be active during the summer and into the early fall.) Avoid pruning during these because the risk for infection is highest

Keep Firewood in One Place

Avoid moving firewood many miles from its original location, whether it’s to a vacation property or a campsite. With this transport comes an assumed risk that the firewood may carry a disease that can harm subsequent trees.

If you’re cutting a tree infected with oak wilt to use for firewood, make sure it remains in one area to avoid transmission to healthy trees.

And throw a tarp with no holes over the wood to cover it. This will keep beetles from feeding on the sap of the wood and picking up fungal spores.

Safari Tree’s Tree Care Program Can Help

At Safari Tree, we recognize that trees have unique needs and face unique threats. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive care program that ensures trees can effectively resist and recover from any number of health issues (oak wilt included).

If you’re a Michigan homeowner in the market for tree care, we encourage you to reach out to the Safari Tree team and request a free quote.

Locust Tree Insects and Diseases

Locust trees are beautiful structures to have in your landscape. The locust tree was naturalized in the Appalachian Mountains, but now, it can be seen throughout North America. It has a reputation for rapid growth and developing robust thorns. It requires a lot of maintenance, and you need to watch out for the numerous insects and diseases that can overpower the foliage. Locust tree insects and diseases will run rampant if you are not careful, so here are the pests you should keep an eye on. At the first sign of trouble, do not hesitate to contact tree care experts such as Safari Tree to save your locust tree.

Insects

Honeylocust plant bugs tend to infest trees in late spring. This is a damaging type of plant bug that tends to be green in appearance. You can tell you have an infestation of these bugs when there is brown or yellow spotting on the leaves, and you may also notice injured foliage. Leaves may become twisted, so your main course of action is to apply chemical controls.

You also need to watch out for honeylocust borers. These look like beetles that are long-horned or metallic in appearance. They tunnel into the bark of these trees during their larval stages. They usually lay their eggs in June, and they will only attack trees that are already stressed from disease or drought. Borers will find existing cankers to make their way further into the tree, and you will need to apply supplemental insecticidal controls to manage the rapidly growing population.

Blister beetles will attack locust trees in droves. They are ash-gray in appearance, and they will cause extreme defoliation over various components of the tree. Infestations usually occur at the end of June or the beginning of July. Similar to any of the other insects, the best way to deal with these is with insecticides. Other common types of insects to protect your locust tree against include:

Cottony maple scales
Eriophyid mites
Honeylocust spider mites
Honeylocust pod gall midges

Locust Tree Diseases

Locust trees are susceptible to several different diseases. The fungus can impact any tree, and with locust trees, you really need to look out for verticillium wilt. This is a fungus that enters the tree through the roots. The main issue with this disease is that it remains asymptomatic at first. However, over time, you will notice leaf curling, yellow or red leaf coloring, and wilting branches. Wilting generally occurs on only one side of the tree, and it may even die suddenly.

Locust trees can sustain serious damage from the formation of cankers. These are easy to spot because dead spots will appear all of the bark of the trunk and branches. Cankers kill bark in all of the affected areas, and they can threaten the tree’s life. Cankers decay wood, which means the tree becomes more vulnerable to ice, heavy snow, and extreme winds. The best way to avoid cankers is with preventative measures, such as annual fertilization, maintaining suitable soil moisture, and proper watering.

Finally, wet wood is a serious disease that is associated with several different varieties of bacteria. Once a locust tree has this disease, the wood will turn into a yellow-brown color. Additionally, this area will feel wetter than usual. It is also possible for it to ooze slime. During the winter, the wood will crack, and the interior of the tree will sustain damage, resulting in splitting and warping. There is no way to effectively treat wet wood.

Protect Your Locust Trees

You can avoid these pests and diseases by having the experts at Safari Tree take care of any locust trees on your property. Contact us right away if you have any questions or concerns about your trees. Our goal is to keep your landscape as beautiful and healthy as possible.

Oak Tree Diseases and Oak Tree Health Tips

Oak trees are beautiful structures. They are found in numerous locations around the world, including right here in Michigan. There are over 400 different varieties of oaks from the deep, mysterious Black Oak to the majestic Red Oak primarily found in the American Northeast.

Oaks are incredibly durable trees that require well-drained soil. With proper care, they can last for decades with plenty of room for growth. Unfortunately, these glorious trees can come down with diseases, so it is paramount to understand oak tree health if you have one on your property.

Typical Oak Tree Issues

There are numerous oak tree diseases you need to watch out for. Some of the most common you will find include:

Leaf blister
Bacterial leaf scorch
Fungus
Canker disease
Root rot
Powdery mildew
Anthracnose

Even if your oak tree does not have a disease, it is still possible for it to come down with complications due to an insect infestation. There are plenty of bugs that will set up shop in your tree, and the ones you have to watch out for most include:

Twig pruners
Leaf miners
Lace bugs
Caterpillars
Borers
Aphids
Scales
Galls

Any of these complications will weaken the tree and most likely lead to premature death. It is possible to stop the issues, but you need to be aware of the symptoms your tree has a problem. You should pay attention to white coating, wet patches or discolored foliage on your oak tree. Dead branches falling off should be a reason for concern, and you should also pay attention if your tree has a thinning canopy. If you act quickly, by contacting an expert tree care service such as Safari Tree, you can reverse these symptoms and continue enjoying your oak tree for many years to come.

How To Take Care of Your Oak Tree

There are many ways you can maintain your oak trees to keep them in fantastic condition. Having a tree care service fertilize, prune and water your tree on a routine basis is recommended. Through these three actions, your tree will be able to better tolerate stress and better resist insects. If you have just planted a new oak tree on your property, then your tree care service should use a first-class biostimulant fertilizer to aid in its establishment. This special type of fertilizer promotes root growth, so it has better grounding.

Your tree care service will also need to focus on pruning your tree every once in a while. It is vital to remember that pruning is different from cutting. You can still prune a young oak tree to help the branches grow in a healthier manner. As the tree ages, you need to prune it to get rid of any broken or dead branches. It helps promote the structural integrity of the tree. Additionally, if you spot the symptoms of an oak tree disease on just a single branch, then your tree care service can prevent it from spreading any further.

It is recommended your tree care service prunes your tree at least once a year. Even if everything seems all right, it will still help with bud development. You always want to leave the branch collar of the tree in place, which is where new branches begin to emerge. A flush cut will permanently stop a branch from growing back.

Hire Professionals To Keep Your Oak Tree in Great Condition

Naturally, oak tree care and disease prevention require some time and skill, this is where Safari Tree can help. You can contact us online or by phone to get a quote. With Safari Tree’s help, you can be confident your oak tree will remain beautiful and vibrant for many more decades.

Tree Fungus Treatment and Prevention

Tree owners beware – you may just have some unwanted guests living in your trees! Tree boring insects are bad news for your property. Left to themselves, they can do serious damage to your trees.

Early last week, one of our rover tree technicians diagnosed and uncovered the larvae of boring insects in multiple trees during his property visits. What caught his eye was seeing a large sap ball on the outside of a tree, and when he cut into it, it revealed the larvae that was living and sustaining on the bark of the tree! So who are these critters invading the valuable assets on your property?

Emerald Ash Borer

Common to southeast Michigan is the Emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle that was discovered near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult version of these tree boring insects tend to feed (nibble) on the actual foliage, but causing very little damage and impact to the overall health of the tree itself.

However, the larvae of these beetles can cause severe damage to the tree. That’s because it feeds on the inner bark. This disrupts the ability of the tree to carry nutrients and water from its roots. Immediately diagnosing and treating infestations is extremely important. Waiting could kill your tree and cause the infestation to spread to the other trees on your property!

You’ll not only lose your tree, but also the cost of removing it. There’s also the exterminating fee and the price you’ll pay to replace the trees.

Contact Safari Tree

At Safari Tree, not only do we have top professional tree and shrub healthcare technicians on staff that have been trained to diagnose problems like tree boring insects, but we have a great Wedgle insecticide treatment plan that can eliminate and prevent these pests from infiltrating your trees all season long.

Contact Safari Tree today and request a Free Estimate! Don’t let unwanted pests invade your property!

Maple Tree Diseases and How to Prevent Them

Maple trees are elegant additions to any home. From a single, simple red maple to acres of sugar maples, protect your maple trees with proper prevention and pruning. If you suspect an issue with your maple trees or are looking for ways to promote healthy growth, here are some common maple tree diseases to watch out for.

Tar Spot

One of the most distinct maple diseases is tar spot. If you notice tar-like spots on the leaves of your maple tree, it could be infected with this fungal disease. These large spots damage your maple leaves and create an unpleasant look.

The best way to prevent this fungal disease from occurring or spreading is to take care of your fallen leaves. Rake your maple leaves consistently to keep the fungus contained and avoid further spread among other maple trees.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

There are many insects that can cause damage to your trees if left to their own devices. One of the worst maple tree bark diseases is actually caused by a beetle infestation. Asian long-horned beetles eat the sapwood under the bark layer of your maple tree. This damage dramatically reduces the transportation of nutrients and water throughout your tree.

It’s very difficult to remove Asian long-horned beetles, and an infestation typically causes your tree to die within two years. A professional tree service provider can assist you in identifying and preventing the spread of these pesky beetles.

Anthracnose

While frost damage can cause your maple tree to lose foliage and experience shoot dieback, these symptoms shouldn’t appear when your tree hasn’t been exposed to a frost. Frost-like symptoms can also be signs of anthracnose. This damaging disease causes defoliation, twig death, and shoot dieback.

Preventing anthracnose is difficult without professional assistance. Watering and proper drainage are critical elements of a prevention strategy. If there are already signs of anthracnose on your maple tree, use fungicides or other techniques to protect your trees from further damage. It’s best to leave this to a professional.

Verticillium Wilt

This dangerous fungus routinely kills maple trees. Commonly known as maple wilt, verticillium wilt begins at the root system and affects the entire tree. From cankers and dieback to seemingly scorched leaves and diseased branches, this fungus can cause disastrous effects.

It’s very difficult to spot the initial signs or prevent the spread of verticillium wilt. However, professional care, routine watering and fertilizer and other treatment options can improve the health of your maple tree and prevent maple wilt from completely killing it.

Other Diseases and Infestations

For less common, but no less dangerous, diseases and infestations, you need to be on guard for a variety of signs and symptoms. Maple trees can be infested with leafhoppers, boxelder bugs, gall mites, cankerworms or aphids. Each of these insects plays a role in damaging your tree and reducing its beauty and overall health.

Other common diseases include root rot and cottony scale. Many of these infestations and diseases have similar symptoms, so a professional tree service can give you more detailed information about the exact disease and how to protect your maple trees.

Safari Tree Can Help

Take advantage of local, qualified expertise to prevent maple tree diseases and promote healthy growth in all of your maple trees. Whether you have questions about these particular diseases or need professional assistance in preventing these diseases, request a quote today from Safari Tree.

Our professional team understands the common and uncommon issues with maple trees and other local tree species. Receive the expertise you need to keep your yard looking beautiful and your maple trees growing healthy year after year.

How Does Perimeter Pest Control Work?

Human beings like to think their homes are a safe harbor from Mother Nature, but without help, it’s only a matter of time until unwanted pests invade your space. If you’re tired of reacting to infestations, it’s time to take a proactive approach by arranging perimeter pest control from an experienced exterminator.

Here’s a look at how Safari Tree’s exclusive defender program and pest control service provides year-round protection from insect invaders, and the benefits of this service. If you are having problems with pests, Safari Tree also offers a tick control service, mosquito control services, ant control services, mole control for lawns, a spider control service and more.

What Is Perimeter Insect Control?

If you’re a science-fiction fan, you’ve probably heard about force fields used for defense against unwanted invaders. While energy shields might only exist in movies and books, you can erect a chemical barrier around your home to keep pests away. We’ll come out to your house five times during the insect season and spray the building’s exterior so insects have no way of getting inside.

Our technicians will take a detailed look at your property and point out any problem areas that could create an incursion point. Now you know how it works, it’s time to take a look at the benefits of this service.

You Don’t Have To Be Home

Many service companies aren’t convenient for working people, which means you often need to head home early to make your appointment. Few things are more frustrating than rescheduling because you missed the worker by five minutes. Since perimeter defense takes place outside the building, you don’t have to be present for the technician to do his or her work.

You’ll get a notification that we’re going to be stopping by, but we can get to work without disrupting your routine. If you happen to be present for the service, feel free to point out any problem areas you may have noticed since your last treatment.

Keep Chemicals Out of Your Home

If you have children or pets, chemicals in the house could create a hazardous situation. By treating the outside of your building, we can use the most effective substances available. You won’t have to sacrifice effectiveness in the name of safety. The chemical blend is odorless, colorless and won’t harm your flowers, lawn or landscaping.

It’s Easier Than Removal

Once ants, termites and other pests set up shop in your home, it can be a major undertaking to rid the building of an infestation. Instead of concentrating efforts on the removal of the unwanted bugs, we stop them from entering the building in the first place. While the chemical barrier is a major component of this service, we’ll also take a look around and caulk up any cracks or holes that make a tempting entryway for insect visitors.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Life

Now you know some of the advantages that come with perimeter insect control, your next step is to find an experienced contractor to develop a plan of attack. At Safari Tree, we’ve spent more than 15 years working with Michigan homeowners, and you can trust us to make your home a no-fly zone for insects and other unwanted pests.

To learn more about our different service offerings or schedule an appointment for a free estimate, contact us online or call our office today at 1-844-255-3920.