Although Michigan doesn’t have an official state color, the primary color of the flag is blue. And it’s tough to walk around (especially near Ann Arbor) and not hear someone utter “Go Blue!”
Continue reading “What Are Some Naturally Blue Trees?”
If you’re wondering about natural mosquito control, you know it’s almost that time of year again when those biting bugs will be buzzing about your yard at dusk. Natural mosquito repellants are safe. And they’re a reliable way to chase away mosquitoes.
Continue reading “How To Implement A Natural Mosquito Control Program At Your Home”
In general, most soils in Michigan can provide an adequate nutrient reserve to meet the needs of most trees and shrubs. But it doesn’t hurt to put together a complete tree care plan each year to ensure that they’ll continue to thrive all year round.
Continue reading “A Complete Tree Care Plan Starts In March”
One of the great things about living in Michigan is that we have a variety of trees to plant in our yards. But the Eastern Cottonwood probably isn’t one of them. And it’s not because it’s the fastest-growing tree in North America.
Fast growth and great shade are reasons enough to love cottonwoods. But these trees have many other endearing qualities that make them worth planting…not at your house, but in the wild.
So, let’s take a look at one of the many types of trees in Michigan, the Eastern Cottonwood, and why you may want to think twice before planting one near your home.
The Eastern cottonwood is a large-canopied tree with upright limbs that arch at the tips, creating a vase-shaped outline. They’re common trees in Michigan and even up into Canada. The scientific name for cottonwood trees is Populus deltoids.
We already mentioned that it’s fast-growing. A young tree can add 6 feet or more in height each year. The trees can grow to well over 100 feet tall. In fact, some species climb to almost 190 feet. The canopy of a mature tree spreads about 75 feet wide, and the diameter of the trunk averages about 6 feet, once it matures.
In the wild, cottonwood is one of the fastest trees to colonize unplanted areas. That makes them a good choice for areas prone to flooding and soil erosion. They’re also hardy trees. You’ll find them in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.
The leaves of the Cottonwood trees are simple and are about 3-5 inches long. They’re triangular-shaped leaves, with coarse, curved teeth and a flattened petiole. And because of their size, cottonwood trees make good shade trees when planted in the right location.
Planting cottonwood trees in home landscapes typically leads to issues. One of the problems with the rapid growth of the Eastern Cottonwood is that it leads to weak wood that is easily damaged. Cottonwood branches break off easily, especially during storms or periods of high wind.
In addition, their massive size makes them hard to fit in all but the largest landscapes. And their aggressive root system seeks out moisture. That means you’ll want to avoid planting near septic systems. That’s because the roots will seek it out and can damage the system. This can create an expensive repair for you. You also don’t want to plant the tree close to your home’s foundation or a sidewalk as the roots can lift the area and cause damage.
Another problem is cotton flying in the breeze. The winds can carry the cotton seeds right to window screens where they’ll stick. They can also block your AC unit, or end up floating in your swimming pool.
These messy trees not only have weak wood, but they’re also prone to disease. They include:
Signs your tree is infected include:
If you notice one or more of these characteristics, your tree may be in trouble and need to be treated.
As you can see, Eastern Cottonwood trees can be a little difficult to take care of. They’re beautiful, no doubt, but have to remain under your watchful eye.
The good news is that Safari Tree has plenty of experience taking care of many types of trees in Michigan, including cottonwood. Our tree care and pest control services will keep your trees thriving all year long.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help to keep your yard looking beautiful, contact us today.
ir The paper birch is a uniquely elegant tree that has a rich and useful history. Long before it became an ornamental tree, Native Americans used its wood to make baskets, canoes, and baby carriers, and the thin, white bark was used as paper to write on and send as messages.
Today, these lovely trees are one of the most prevalent types of trees in Michigan and they can be found in every county in the state, including the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Let’s discuss how you can identify a paper birch on your property, and how to take care of it so it will thrive.
The paper birch, otherwise known as the white birch, silver birch, and canoe birch, is a lovely tree with white, papery bark. It’s considered to be a pioneer species. This means that it’s a hardy tree that often grows in environments that have been disturbed in some way.
Paper birch trees are easy to spot by their smooth, white bark. As the bark ages, it begins to curl up and peel off of the tree, creating a beautiful effect.
In the springtime, paper birch trees produce oval-shaped leaves that come to a tip. Their serrated edges alternate on the branches of the tree. When autumn arrives, the leaves turn a radiant shade of yellow before falling off of the tree. Since they lose their leaves each autumn and grow them again in the spring, paper birch trees are classified as deciduous.
Along with new leaves, the paper birch produces pretty yellow flowers, called catkins, each spring, making them a perfect ornamental tree to compliment your home’s landscape.
If you’re curious about identifying the tree species in your yard, the paper birch makes it easy to do. It’s one of the easiest types of trees in Michigan to identify. You can’t miss the telltale white, smooth bark of a paper birch tree. In fact, it’s the white bark that allows them to grow in northern climates like ours.
According to Northern Woodlands Magazine, ecologists believe paper birch trees have white bark to protect their core temperatures during the winter months. White objects reflect the sun’s rays. You can also identify a paper birch by its oval-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers in the springtime. Ornamental trees surround many homes. You can also find them near rivers and along the side of the road.
If there’s a paper birch tree on your property, you’re in luck. Their elegant, contrasting colors bring vibrancy to your home landscaping, but they’re also very easy to maintain. Paper birch trees aren’t fussy and they don’t need a lot of extra attention. They’re hardy trees that have learned to adapt and thrive in all kinds of conditions. Your paper birch will grow best in well-drained soil. They also need full to partial sun in order to grow.
Paper birch trees also grow pretty quickly. If you’ve got a young tree on your property, you can expect it to grow from 13 to 24 inches each year until it reaches a mature height of 30 to 65 feet tall. Regularly prune your paper birch tree and keep an eye out for pests like bronze birch borers or birch leafminers, since they can cause your tree to become weak and more susceptible to disease.
Paper birch trees are a great asset to your property and one of the most prevalent types of trees in Michigan. So it’s important to keep them healthy and strong. Here at Safari Tree, we’re here to help you with all your tree needs. Contact us today for more information.
Tree suckers are vegetative growths that stem from your tree’s root system. Suckers grow from rootstock and divert nutrients away from the top of your tree and will slow its growth.
Essentially, suckers are a tree’s attempt to grow more branches, often in response to some kind of stress or injury. A tree sucker will sap the energy away from the healthier and more desirable branches on top.
Here are some ways you can eliminate suckers and/or keep them under control.
Continue reading “How to Keep Tree Suckers Under Control”
Leaf spot fungus occurs in warm weather. It typically affects plants, but it also occurs in home lawns and golf courses. It causes spotted-looking leaves and wilted grass.
So, before your yard falls victim to it, let’s find out what causes leaf spot fungus and how you can prevent it.
Continue reading “What is Leaf Spot Fungus?”
When it comes to summer tree care, there are some common misconceptions homeowners have. From watering trees to pruning to how much insecticide to use—the questions can be endless.
So, let’s take a look at some care tips and debunk a few common myths around summer tree care.
Continue reading “Debunking Common Myths Around Summer Tree Care”
If you’re wondering how to get rid of beetles in a tree, the answer is simple. You have to know what type of beetle you’re dealing with. There are some sure-fire ways to get rid of them, so you can make your beetle problem go away.
If you have a beetle infestation in your tree, they’re there to feed. Most beetles are herbivores, eating only plants. This includes roots, stems, leaves, seeds, nectar, fruits, or even the wood of the plant itself.
So, let’s take a look at how to get rid of beetles in a tree before they do permanent damage.
Continue reading “How To Get Rid Of Tree Beetles”
Spring is here — and among warming temperatures and flowers blooming, that means it’s time for tree planting season. Planting trees in the early spring, right as the ground starts to thaw and plants are still dormant, gives new trees ample time to establish their roots and develop their leaves before the harsh conditions of summer and winter arrive.
This still leaves the question of which trees to plant. Ideally, you’ll want to find trees that not only add beauty to your outdoor space but ones that are also native to your climate. That way, you’ll get the aesthetics you want without all the added time, maintenance and costs. Not to mention, native plants are also beneficial to the environment, as they require fewer pesticides and less water to maintain.
With those elements in mind, here are three trees we recommend planting in your Michigan yard.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outdoor space, the Eastern Redbud is an ideal fit. This native tree is recognized for its pink and purple flowers that line its branches in early spring, and the heart-shaped leaves that emerge as the temperature warms. Eastern Redbuds also attract a variety of wildlife, from butterflies to songbirds, inviting the soothing sights and sounds of nature into your yard.
Source: Getty Images
Most homeowners crave a mix of sun and shade in their outdoor space. This can come from the addition of structures, but it can also come from the trees you plant. The white oak is a perfect example. Between their majestic size and sprawling branches, white oaks offer ample shade to Michigan yards on sunny days. They also produce acorns that attract the likes of white-tailed deer, squirrels, and other small mammals. In the fall, these native trees also grace yards with pops of burgundy and red colors that create a dynamic, beautiful look.
Source: Getty Images
The crabapple tree is a native tree that checks a lot of boxes. White or pink blossoms in the early spring set the scene for bees to pollinate. Once pollination is complete, fruits begin to grow on the tree and are ready to pick by early fall. Crabapple trees make a visual impact year-round. This is especially true in the winter months when the red fruit sits against the backdrop of snow-covered branches.
Source: Getty Images
As a tree care expert with branches across Southeast Michigan, Safari Tree is passionate about helping local homeowners plant the right trees and keep them healthy and beautiful. Learn more about our tree care services here.
Copyright © AGS Holdings. Lush Lawn® trademarks of AGS Holdings. All rights reserved.
