Author: Stein Tree

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Was Your Tree Removed Without Stump Grinding Service?

Written by Stein Tree on September 3, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video.

Did your tree removal company leave the stump? Some smaller companies can remove a tree but lack the equipment to remove or grind the stump and thus leave the area potentially unsafe and unattractive for the homeowner. Stein offers stump grinding services that can include hauling away of chips/sawdust, addition of topsoil, and reseeding of the area upon request (Cost varies depending on these requests).

Watch to Learn 5 Reasons To Get Tree Stump Removal Service

What is Stump Grinding?

Basic stump grinding service includes removing tree stumps from your yard with a stump grinder. Stump grinders are heavy-duty machines that use rotating teeth, chains, or blades to grind down tree stumps to a small size that prohibits regrowth of the tree. Stein’s professionals grind the stump until the remainder is 6-10″ below ground level.

Stump Grinders

A stump grinder is an engine with a blade that rotates to chip away at the tree stump. Stein uses a large self-propelled stump grinder that has “turf-friendly” rubber tracks. We bring the grinder to the job site on a trailer, unload, and then steer to the stump. The grinder can fit through a 36” wide gate, making the process relatively easy on most landscapes.

Stump Grinding vs. Removal

At first glance, tree stump grinding services may seem to be the same as stump removal. Stump removal can simply involve pulling the stump from the ground. However, this method is mostly for trees with small-diameter trunks. A common estimate is that the roots of a tree could spread out one foot for every inch in tree trunk diameter, and tree professionals would more likely choose stump grinding as the method of removal. Tree stump grinding involves using a machine with a spinning blade to grind away at the stump.

What to Do With the Sawdust or Chips From Stump Grinding

Tree stump chips or sawdust are byproducts of the stump grinding process and can be used as a soil amendment for your lawn or garden. An arborist or tree removal professional may refill the hole left by the stump or take them away if requested.

Benefits of a Stump Grinding Service

Removing your tree stump has several benefits.

Improved Aesthetics: Tree stumps are unattractive unless the homeowner is able to use them in specific landscaping plans.
Increased Safety: Tree stumps are trip hazards to residents and visitors.
Convenience: Stumps can act as obstacles for lawn maintenance tasks like mowing. Keeping the stump makes lawn maintenance more difficult and could result in damaged mower blades.
Pest Prevention: Stumps can also attract pests like termites, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and even mice during colder seasons when food sources are scarce. If the stump becomes infested, the pests could eventually end up in your home.

Call Stein for Stump Grinding Services

Activities involving tree care can be dangerous and require the use of expensive equipment. Our tree care specialists know the proper, safe procedures for stump grinding services and other tree care services. We own and are trained to use the necessary vehicles, machinery, and tools. In addition, we are fully licensed and insured, so you will be protected from liability in the unlikely event of injury. Contact Stein Tree Service for a free consultation.

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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Areas

Stein has a permit to work in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Tree Service Companies have to be trained in proper moving and disposal of materials to avoid spread of the spotted lanternfly and Stein has completed the training courses.

Emerald Ash Borer Inspection

In the spring, destructive ash borer (EAB) adult beetles begin to emerge. These invasive pests can destroy your ash trees. Our specialists are certified to treat for EAP in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For A free consultation, contact us today.

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Stein Tree Service Discusses When Tree Removal May Be Necessary

Written by Stein Tree on August 1, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Removal.

Homeowners love their trees for many reasons: trees are beautiful, provide shade, add interest, and so much more. Tree care is essential to maintaining healthy trees, but any tree can have cause to struggle. At Stein Tree Service, we are passionate about trees and do what we can to promote or restore tree health. However, sometimes tree removal may be necessary or the only option.

Learn About Tree Removal Services

Insect Infestation

You need to be aware of several threats from the insect world in order to keep your trees safe. In the last decade, homeowners in Delaware and Pennsylvania have dealt with several, including bagworms, emerald ash borer, and the spotted lanternfly. Knowing your trees’ general health and regularly inspecting them can help you identify these infestations early. Then, an arborist may be able to treat them. In some cases, tree removal may be necessary for the health of the surrounding trees.

Learn About Emerald Ash Borer

Major Weaknesses

Some trees develop disease, are damaged, or fail to thrive due to other issues. These problems can cause weak branches or trunks, which could result in damage to your property or people nearby if they fail. For example, trees that have survived storms can end up with large branches vulnerable to breaking. So be vigilant with your tree care and do your best to spot any problems early.

Fungus growing on the tree, dead branches, or early leaf fall can indicate more serious issues. If you act quickly, a tree care specialist may be able to take remedial action in time to save the tree. An arborist can safely remove the tree for you if necessary.

Overgrowth

Overgrowth is one of the more common reasons tree removal may be necessary, as overgrown trees can pose a danger to your property or residents of the home. If a tree is the wrong size for a given area, tree pruning may be insufficient to mitigate the risk of damage to sidewalks, structures, or contact with power lines. In that case, tree removal will be necessary.

Root Defects

Roots are a tree’s lifeline, and when roots are damaged or diseased, a tree will have trouble maintaining health for long. Root defects can affect the health and well-being of your trees if left untreated. Here are some common ones:

Root Rot

Rot is caused by fungi that invade the root system and can kill portions of the plant above and below ground. Rot often affects one side of a tree’s root mass or one part of its system. So even if you do not see any signs on top, root rot could lurk beneath the ground.

Girdling Roots

Girdling roots occur when the root system of a tree is constricted and cannot grow outwards away from the tree, cutting off a tree’s vascular system and preventing the flow of water and nutrients. A tree with girdling roots may look like a telephone pole instead of having the base flair outwards. You may also see roots sticking out of the ground, late leaf development, small yellow leaves or needles, early leaf drop, and dieback.

Learn 6 Signs of Tree Problems

Structural Problems

Structural problems can present significant issues for a tree, as the following issues can lead to future problems such as branches of the tree breaking or falling off.

Leaning or falling over
Splitting or cracking
Visible rotting
Growing in the wrong direction

Stein Tree Offers Professional and Safe Tree Removal

We love trees, but sometimes we have situations where tree removal may be necessary. In such a case, Stein’s tree care professionals have the experience and equipment to perform the job safely. Our compact spider lift offers little impact on your landscape. The spider lift allows us to easily remove even tall, large trees from a confined space. Contact us today for tree removal services or a free consultation!

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Do You Need to Worry About Tree Cavities?

Written by Stein Tree on June 3, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

Trees commonly have knots, splits, hollows, and even cavities in their trunks or branches. These features are part of the visual interest trees provide and are produced during growth that follows some sort of injury to the tree. Battle scars, you might say, often result from the tree growing around or over a wound to heal and strengthen the area. But do you need to worry about tree cavities?

The answer depends on numerous factors, such as the location and size of the cavities.

Location of Tree Cavities

One of the significant factors for whether you need to worry about your trees having cavities is the location of the cavities. Trees with cavities are often just as strong as ever, but certain areas can indicate significant risks.

If the cavity is near the tree’s base, then the tree may be at risk of falling over.
If the cavity is at a branch attachment (where the branch is connected to the trunk) the branch could fall in severe winds or when carrying extra weight, such as ice or snow.

If you see a tree cavity in these areas of your tree, call a professional arborist to examine them.

Size of Tree Cavities

Another issue that can signify the risk of cavities in trees is their size. If a cavity is small, you may be able to leave the tree alone as the cavity is too small to compromise the tree’s structural integrity. On the other hand, a large cavity is a cause for concern. For example, if the diameter of the tree cavity is too big in relation to the trunk’s girth, the cavity may cause weakness resulting in the tree falling. To ensure that your home and its occupants are safe, have any worrisome tree cavities or splits checked out by a tree care professional.

Tree Care for Abnormalities

Some tree abnormalities need no special attention. The tree has healed and compensated for the weakness from the injury. Other abnormalities require treatment to ensure the tree’s continued stability and health. Some trees with abnormalities need to be removed for the safety of surrounding property or people.

Tree Cavities and Hollows

Tree cavities and hollows are sunken or open areas in a tree that typically occur when the tree has suffered some injury, followed by decay. In some cases, the decay goes too far, and the tree is unable to survive. However, the healthy tree tissue surrounding the decay is protected in most cases. As a result, the tree survives, leaving a hollow area or hole.

Some sources estimate that a tree can lose up to 70% of a cross-section of wood and still safely support itself. This is because the tree tends to heal itself, and the buildup of the tree trunk around the wounded area reinforces the stability. However, if the wood is weak, or other factors exist, such as insects attracted to the decay and spreading out, the tree could be at risk of falling. A certified arborist or other tree care specialist can assess the risk and advise you if the tree has a moderate or significant chance of failing.

If the tree is stable, no treatment is necessary. However, some homeowners choose to have the tree filled, either for aesthetic purposes, to keep young children from playing in the tree, or keep animals from nesting inside. If you choose to fill the tree, use a foam filler. Concrete was a standard filler in the past. However, trees move with the wind and continue to grow, so the unyielding concrete acts as an irritant that can cause even more damage to the tree.

Forks or Splits

Sometimes branches fork off from the tree trunk at sharp angles. As the tree matures, the branches get thicker and heavier and are more prone to breaking off. If the fork occurs in the early formation of the tree, two main tree branches can seem like separate trunks of the tree.

Either way, forks such as this can cause tree branches to break off under pressure. V-shaped forks are the riskiest and should be monitored if a large tree is near power lines or structures. A certified arborist can fortify the connection by cabling and bracing the tree in many cases. This service utilizes cable lines and bracing rods to redistribute structural stress and help prevent structural damage.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree Care

Stein Tree Service strives to provide excellent service to homeowners in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Our services include tree inspection, insect infestation prevention and treatment for emerald ash borer, tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, and cabling or bracing. In addition, we are available 24/7 for emergency tree services, and we offer free consultations. For information about tree care, visit our website, or contact us at 302-478-3511.

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What is Involved with Tree Removal and Tree Stump Removal?

Written by Stein Tree on April 1, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Stump Removal and Grinding, Tree Removal.

One of the big requests we get from homeowners this time of year is tree removal and tree stump removal. As residents prepare for winter, they want to ensure that their trees pose no threat to their properties or to people. If trees look dead, are leaning precariously, or are too close to power lines or structures, homeowners should consider the decision to remove the trees. Usually, residents will also choose to remove the stumps simultaneously.

The Tree Removal Process

Part of the challenge of tree removal for a professional tree care service company is safely removing the tree and impacting the surrounding area as little as possible. For example, if the tree is large, a specialist may climb the tree and remove bigger limbs before felling the tree. Occasionally, professionals will use ropes to lower branches or swing them away from objects to avoid damage.

Then the professionals will safely cut down the large tree trunk. If a professional deems a tree too large to cut all at once, they will cut the trunk in sections and carefully lower each one. Both of these tasks have a significant potential for personal injury or property damage, so hiring a professional is highly recommended. Once the tree is cut and down, all that is left is an unsightly large stump.

Why Should I Remove a Tree Stump?

If you want to remove a tree from your property, you should consider tree removal and tree stump removal. Several good reasons exist for removing tree stumps, the most understandable one being to improve the appearance of your landscape.

Stumps Present Tripping Hazards

Tree stumps in the ground present tripping hazards for pedestrians, especially in areas where people travel often, or children tend to play. In addition, grass and weeds grow around and obscure the stump, increasing the chances of someone tripping over it. Finally, the stump’s presence can cause problems when mowing, as visibility is affected by high grass. Lawnmowers can get damaged by driving over a stump or the exposed root system.

Decay and Insects

Dead trees tend to decay, which can cause fungal growth. As a result, the combination of fungus and wood can attract unwelcome pests like termites or carpenter ants. These types of insects can be destructive if they get into your home or other structures on your property. In addition, a decayed tree stump is unsightly.

Unappealing Regrowth

Sometimes a stump can begin sprouting. Growths from the stump are unsightly and can also lead to new tree sprouts establishing in the area. These new tree sprouts are inconvenient to remove, so leaving a stump can lead to more hassle for you in the future.

How is Tree Stump Removal Performed?

Some tree removal companies will dig the stump out, but others, like Stein, use stump grinding. The stump removal process involves a grinding tool to grind the stump and tree roots into small, mulch-sized wood chips. These pieces can help fill in the hole in the ground level when the stump is removed. In nearly every case, we can remove the entire stump. However, if any root pieces remain, they are typically 6-10 inches deep below the surface. Therefore, the remaining stump pieces will usually decay with no further issues.

Hire Stein Tree Service for Tree Removal and Tree Stump Removal or Grinding

Stein Tree Service has over 35 years of experience. Our arborists are committed to excellent tree care and to causing as little impact to other plants and trees as possible. Our stump grinding machine, for example, has turf-friendly tracks and can fit through a 3 foot-wide gate. The size of the machinery and these special tracks allow us to avoid traumatizing or compacting the area around the tree stump.

We are experienced, fully insured, and licensed. So you can feel confident that you are receiving tree removal and tree stump removal services from highly qualified professionals while being protected in the case of an accident on your property. Whether you need tree removal, tree stump removal, trimming, or another tree care service, contact us today for a free consultation or to learn more.

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Certified Arborist in Wilmington – What is Tree Topping and Why is Tree Topping a Poor Practice?

Written by Stein Tree on March 4, 2022. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

Ask any arborist or tree care specialist in Wilmington or anywhere else, and they will tell you that tree topping is a bad practice.

Tree topping, a pruning method that cuts off the top branches, is sometimes practiced by tree maintenance services or homeowners. Still, experienced arborists know tree topping is one of the worst possible ways of pruning a tree. Those who perform tree topping may think the practice is a quick and easy method of dealing with trees that have grown too large, but the procedure causes much damage.

What is Tree Topping?

As stated earlier, tree topping is a particular pruning practice that cuts the top off the trunk and upper main branches. People will set an arbitrary maximum measurement for the tree’s height during tree topping to make the tree shorter. Then the trunk and all branches above that height are chopped off in a roughly straight horizontal plane. Often, little to no regard is given to the function of the branches people are cutting or how these cuts will affect the tree’s growth afterward.

Why Is Tree Topping Is a Bad Practice?

Tree topping is a bad practice because it has numerous downsides that negatively affect the long-term health of the tree, along with the property and people around it.

Tree Topping is Bad for Tree Health

One of the main reasons tree topping is a poor tree care method is the many negative impacts on the tree’s health. For example, topping removes part of the tree’s canopy, significantly reducing its ability to collect sunlight and create nutrients. Or, the sunlight the tree does collect will be more likely to damage the bark via sunscald. Tree topping also causes significant stress, creating wounds that make trees far more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Tree Topping Makes Trees Unsightly

In addition to the reduced health, a topped tree will begin sprouting new foliage from all the stumps that remain. Rather than a single neat canopy, these multiple shoots, known as “water sprouts,” will form an unattractive new shape.

While many homeowners like their trees because of the increased property values they bring, an unsightly topped tree may decrease property values. In addition, the potential damage tree topping brings can also reduce your property value, along with other issues.

Tree Topping Can Be Dangerous

Another reason that tree topping is a bad practice is the danger factor. Between the direct damage from the pruning cuts and the high chance of disease, the tree will now be far more likely to have new branches prone to breaking and falling off. As a result, the tree becomes more hazardous than before, potentially opening the owner up to storm damage and other danger due to brittle branches.

What are the Alternatives to Tree Topping?

Although the best scenario is that homeowners plant trees with a maximum growth height of less than the space available (due to power lines or other obstacles), plans can go awry, and mistakes can be made. If a tree must be kept smaller than its intended height, careful pruning when young will allow for healthy growth with proper shape. If a tree must be cut to make way for power lines or other trees, a skilled, certified arborist can assess and handle the job properly in a way that will allow continued healthy growth.

Can Topped Trees Recover?

If you have a tree that has been topped, consult an arborist. With proper nurturing and pruning over several years, a tree can recover and be reshaped to an extent.

Trust Your Tree Pruning to a Certified Arborist in Wilmington

In short, tree topping is a bad practice, an unhealthy form of tree maintenance. For sustainable and healthy options in tree pruning, contact Stein Tree Service today. Our team of arborists will do what is best for you and your trees.

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6 Signs of Tree Problems to Look Out For

Written by Stein Tree on January 19, 2022. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

One of the most effective methods of keeping your trees healthy and vibrant is detecting any signs of tree problems early. Your trees can suffer from various issues, including external damage (insects and weather), internal diseases, or issues that began during planting. Detecting these issues early on will allow you to take action and resolve any problems earlier, but you need to know what to look for. Below are 6 signs of tree problems to look out for and keep in mind.

1. Leaf Color and Other Signs of Damage

Leaves can show many signs of tree problems, and one of the most noticeable signs is their color. Check to see if your trees’ leaves have a deep, vivid color. A pale or off-color can signify pest damage, disease, too much or too little water, or a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Other signs of insect damage include a spider-web appearance or holes on the leaves. If your tree has smaller than typical leaves, you may have issues with the soil or roots. The tree may also have vascular damage in the trunk or branches and other issues like pests or drought. If your trees appear to be developing leaves noticeably later or dropping them earlier than expected they may be under stress and need to be examined by a professional.

2. Stress Cracks

A crack in a tree can be a significant indicator that the tree is unstable and is at risk of falling over. Cracks, which can be horizontal or vertical, are typically signs of structural failures or stresses within the tree. The tree is more likely to fall during strong winds, leading to property and personal damage. Severe winds or storms, heavy canopy growth, or weak branch unions splitting are all potential causes of stress cracks. If your trees have cracks, you need to get an arborist to inspect them to prevent any possible damage nearby.

3. Girdling or Circling Roots

One of the more common signs of tree problems is girdling roots. Girdling roots occur when the root system of a tree is constricted and cannot grow outwards away from the tree, cutting off a tree’s vascular system and preventing the flow of water and nutrients. A common sign of girdled roots is a tree that has been planted like a telephone pole instead of having the base flair outwards. You may also see roots sticking out of the ground, late leaf development, small yellow leaves or needles, early leaf drop, and dieback.

4. Branch Dieback

Dieback is the death of branches, twigs, or roots beginning at the tips and eventually working inward to the rest of the tree. Branch or twig dieback is due to poor growing conditions, physical damage and injury to the tree, or pests and diseases. Dieback can be difficult initially to detect with an untrained eye and typically start in the upper canopy: a general growth reduction, early fall yellowing, and defoliation are all signs of tree problems with dieback. As the dieback progresses, you can spot more extensive branch mortality, cankers on the branches, and an increased insect borer presence.

5. Pests & Diseases

One of the significant issues that trees face is pests and diseases. Some pests, such as the emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly, can cause massive, even fatal, damage to your trees, which makes them vulnerable to other pests or diseases. Keep in mind that your trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases if they are unhealthy or have been damaged. So the best defense against harmful pests and diseases is to maintain healthy trees.

6. Fungi

Tree fungus can appear in many forms, from mushrooms to polypores (large fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside), and while some are safe, others can be harmful to trees. For example, a mushroom in the trunk or on the branches can signify internal decay, while fungus near the roots can indicate root problems. Because of the wide variety of fungi (along with pests and diseases), the best course of action is to contact an arborist who can inspect your trees.

Contact Stein Tree Service to Inspect Your Property for Signs of Tree Problems

Do you want your trees to be healthy and beautiful? Call Stein Tree Service to inspect your property for signs of tree problems. Our team of certified arborists and plant health care specialists provides plant and tree care services to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy. For a free consultation, contact us today.

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Tree Trimming and Pruning or Tree Removal Can Be Hazardous

Written by Stein Tree on December 17, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Many homeowners have experience with shrub or tree trimming and pruning. Some even have experience with a chainsaw. However, tree care can be dangerous, even for professionals, which is why we recommend hiring well-trained, licensed, and insured professionals to perform hazardous tree care tasks.

According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which relies on media reports for this information, 118 tree care-related incidents occurred in 2020. Forty-eight of these were fatal. Most of these injuries were caused by falls, being struck, or contact with electrical wires or current. These are tragic accidents, and if they occur even among trained professionals, they can occur among untrained residents.

Stein Tree Service ensures that our tree care professionals are trained in the proper safety procedures so that no accidents occur. We enforce those safety practices, which is why you will always see our professionals wearing hard hats for protection. We take safety seriously, both our staff’s and yours. If an accident should occur, we are fully licensed and insured for the protection of our staff and clients. An unlicensed tree care worker who is injured on your property could be a financial liability for you if they are uninsured.

What Kinds of Tree Care Should Be Performed By a Professional Tree Care Specialist?

Anything that involves potentially falling limbs or any kind of climbing is best left to professionals. Below is a list of three hazardous activities that Stein provides for residential and commercial clients.

Shrub and Tree Trimming and Pruning

Professionals are recommended for these tasks for two main reasons.

1. Safety and Convenience

A tree care professional has (and is experienced in using) all the proper equipment for tree trimming and pruning, both mechanized and otherwise. Ladders and even lift trucks are sometimes needed for tree trimming, depending on the size. Trained professionals will know how to handle trees that are near electrical lines or overhanging your home to avoid personal or property damage. Tree care professionals will also be practiced in climbing trees in a way that will prevent damage to them.

2. Knowledge

Arborists and other tree care professionals know how to trim a tree or shrub for its health. If you want a particular shape or the tree needs to fit into a limited area, we can accommodate, but we will do so in a way that will enable the tree to continue to thrive. We also know how to avoid over-pruning, and if heavy tree pruning is necessary, we can make recommendations for a long-term plan to achieve the desired final result.

When a trained, certified arborist performs tree trimming and pruning, he/she may be able to identify problem areas in the tree, such as diseased, insect-infested, or weakened areas (such as tree branches) that may be treatable or may require tree removal to maintain safety and minimize safety hazards.

Tree Inspection

Homeowners should inspect their trees regularly for changes, but with the emerald ash borer and spotted lantern-fly threats in our area, having a professional inspect your trees is a good idea. An insect infestation can cause irreparable damage to the trees in your landscape before you realize that anything is happening.

Inspections can also catch weakened or broken branches that are at risk of falling onto your home or onto a family member, neighbor, or passing pedestrian. Being proactive with regular inspections, tree trimming, and removing dead branches can provide a measure of safety from liability in some cases.

Tree Removal

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous tree care activities, especially if the tree is large. Trained tree care professionals will know how to fell the tree without damaging your property. Also, if heavy equipment is required, they will help ensure that surrounding trees and plant life remain unharmed by soil compaction.

Stein Tree Service’s Trained Professionals Will Safely Care for Your Trees

We all love our trees and want the best care for them. For family and property safety, homeowners should call Stein for regular and hazardous tree care activities. We offer residential and commercial shrub and tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal, inspections, insect treatment (including emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly) in Delaware, and Pennsylvania. For a free consultation, contact Stein today!

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Five Common Questions about the Emerald Ash Borer in Wilmington

Written by Stein Tree on November 19, 2021. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Stein Tree Service Blog.

An invasive insect species that made its way to the United States years ago is causing significant damage to the nation’s forests. Already discovered in 35 states, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a substantial threat to residents and businesses in Delaware.

FAQs about the Emerald Ash Borer in Wilmington

Certified Arborists in Wilmington, and across the country, are deeply concerned about the rapid spread of the emerald ash borer, so we at Stein Tree Service have put together a small FAQ to let people know about this new insect threat.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The EAB is a small species of beetle native to Asia but accidentally brought to America sometime in the late 1990s. The insect is about the length of a dime, around 8.5 millimeters or 1/3 of an inch, and notable for its extremely brilliant metallic green shell and wings.

EABs lay their eggs (around 60 to 90 eggs a lifetime) beneath the bark of ash trees, which hatch into larvae that quickly begin consuming the flesh of the tree underneath. As the larvae feed on the ash tree and grow into adults, the beetles make their way to the exterior of the tree before mating and laying more eggs. The end result is an unhealthy, or even dead, ash tree, and more beetles that can spread quickly throughout a forest or urban environment.

Why Should I Care About The EAB?

In one sense, Delaware is lucky: we have relatively few ash trees, only around 2% of the population. However, while ash trees make up a small portion of Delaware’s native forests, urban areas can have ash trees as the prominent large street tree. So if you own any ashes – or white fringe trees – you absolutely should care because EABs can be deadly to any American ash species.

How Does The EAB Spread?

Like many infesting insects, emerald ash borer in Wilmington spreads via firewood, timber, or transplanted saplings. One of the sea venues likely brought them to America in the first place. The insects also have wings and are capable of migrating under their own power. While EAB can spread to other trees by flying, its rapid spread along the east coast is mainly due to being transported by those external means mentioned earlier.

How Do I Spot Signs Of EAB Infestation?

An emerald ash borer infestation can take a long time to show visible signs. Here are the main symptoms of an EAB infestation to look for:

Unexplained die-off on the upper canopy
Small tufted shoots on the trunk, called epicormic branching
Distinctive D-shaped holes left by emerging larvae
Vertical bark splits
Excessive woodpecker damage, from woodpeckers eating larvae

How Can My Trees Be Saved If They Have EAB?

Left untreated, EAB will eventually be fatal to ash or white fringe trees. If more than 30-40% of the tree’s canopy is already gone, chances are the tree is too damaged to survive. Otherwise, it can be possible to save the tree. Sustained pesticide usage is the normal course of action, and advance use of treatment may prevent an infestation.

Call Wilmington’s Stein Tree Service for Professional Tree Care and Emerald Ash Borer Concerns

Stein Tree Service has been providing skilled care of trees in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland for over 35 years. If you believe you have seen emerald ash borer in Wilmington, or signs of damage, contact one of our tree care specialists immediately to discuss your options.

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Can You “Train” a Tree? Stein Tree Service Discusses Tree Training

Written by Stein Tree on October 15, 2021. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

Many people believe that trees should be able to thrive just fine without human interference, such as trimming shrubs and trees in Newark, DE landscapes. After all, trees and other plants have been doing so for centuries. However, when people add trees to their home and business properties, some expect them to flourish in less-than-hospitable environments. On average, for every 100 trees planted along town streets, only 50 will survive to 13-20 years. One method that can help ensure tree health if done is tree training. When you train or practice trimming shrubs and trees to guide their growth and well-being, you enhance their appearance and improve their health and lifespan.

What is Tree Training?

Tree training is a process that helps trees or shrubs grow into specific shapes. Through careful, selective pruning cuts, one can have more influence over how a tree grows to the benefit of themselves and the tree. Training a tree can help make a tree more aesthetically pleasing and attractive, but also prevent future health issues such as helping branches grow farther apart to prevent blocking each other out.

What Is The Difference Between Pruning And Training?

You may think training a tree is the same as pruning, but training a tree is slightly different in the approach compared to pruning. While pruning can be used to enhance the beauty of a tree, pruning is most often used to maintain tree health and appearance. For example, pruning would be making pruning cuts to sides of a tree because the branches are too close to a building.

Tree training, on the other hand, is about altering the shape of a tree rather than adjusting or maintaining the shape when problems arise. Tying branches down or propping them up from the ground are examples of techniques used to train trees.

Common Tree Training Methods

The following is a quick look at some different types of training methods and recommendations:

Pollard

Pollard is when upper tree branches are removed to create a fuller topping of foliage and smaller branches. This encourages more vigorous growth at the top, and helps maintain trees at a specific and desired height.

Espalier

This trimming technique trains trees and shrubs to grow up trellises, walls, and other flat surfaces. You may have seen apple and pear trees against walls or fences on farms. While often used for decorative purposes, espalier is also helpful for increasing production on fruit trees as the process exposes plants to more sunlight (and makes fruit picking a lot easier).

Pleach

Pleaching is a technique that weaves branches together to create a seemingly cohesive wall. Pleaching is a time-intensive process that makes hedges stronger and thicker, a good option for protection, privacy, and animal control.

Topiary

You have likely seen this tree training technique in people’s houses or gardens. Topiary is a popular pruning technique that involves training plants and trees by clipping foliage and twigs to create defined shapes. If you have ever seen a hedged transformed into animals or a a maze, you have seen an instance of topiary.

Bonsai

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and pruning a tree or shrub in a pot to have the specimen stay small but mimic the tree’s mature form. A beautiful example is the Copper Beech tree that makes for a colorful addition to anyone’s private bonsai collection. However, this delicate tree can also be planted outside and allowed to grow to its mature size as long as the tree is carefully and gradually pruned by a professional with a long-term plan in mind.

Trimming Shrubs and Trees in Newark, DE? Call Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service focuses foremost on tree health, but we often do train trees to keep their proper shapes and stay within desired boundaries (i.e., keeping a mature tree from growing its branches into electrical lines). Proper planting is important, which includes choosing the right specimen to ensure the tree or shrub has room to mature to its natural full size.

We are eager to help ensure your trees reach their full potential. For more information about tree training and other best tips and practices for trimming your shrubs and trees, contact us today.

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Spotted Lanternfly Facts That You Need To Know

Written by Stein Tree on September 15, 2021. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

One of the fastest spreading insects in Pennsylvania has been the spotted lanternfly. This insect was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, many households in multiple counties have reported seeing this insect on their properties and the resulting damage. To keep residents informed about this destructive pest, we have many spotted lanternfly facts that you need to know to keep your trees safe, healthy, and beautiful.

Spotted Lanternfly Facts: Appearance & Behavior

As a homeowner, you will need to keep an eye out for these insects on or around your property. To do so, you need to know what spotted lanternfly looks like and what their behavior is. Here are spotted lanternfly facts to help you identify their presence on your property.

What Are Spotted Lanternflies & What Do They Look Like?

As said earlier, spotted lanternflies feed on the sap from various plants, though again, their preferred choice of plant is the tree of heaven. That sap provides much-needed nutrients to trees, and by feeding on that sap, the spotted lanternfly makes trees weaker and more vulnerable to other harmful insects or diseases. In addition to feeding on the sap, spotted lanternflies also excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which can attract other insects and promote a fungus called sooty mold.

What Is The Impact of Spotted Lanternfly?

The overall impact of spotted lanternflies has been enormous. In Pennsylvania alone, their damage to trees could cost the state roughly $325 million annually. As of March 2021, 34 Pennsylvania counties are in quarantine for the spotted lanternfly, primarily the eastern, southeastern, and south-central PA counties. One reason why spotted lanternflies have been so devastating to many peoples’ trees is the way the pest spreads and migrates from tree to tree.

How Does Spotted Lanternfly Spread?

The spotted lanternfly has spread across the United States for many reasons. These insects can lay eggs on nearly any surface, from trees to wooden decks and patios to even cars or pipes. This ability to lay eggs on different surfaces means that some people can inadvertently transport the eggs across counties or even states. Below are some of the objects spotted lanternfly has been known to lay eggs on:

Firewood
Construction or landscaping materials
Outdoor equipment or furniture
Crates or boxes

Because the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species, none of the natural predators that would keep its population in control in its native environment are present in the U.S. This factor means the insect can spread more quickly.

What Can You Do To Help?

As a homeowner, you can do a few things to help slow down the spread of spotted lanternfly to keep your trees safe and beautiful:

Be diligent and watch for any signs of spotted lanternflies, whether they are adults, nymphs, or egg masses.
Take measures to prevent transporting any of the items listed previously that spotted lanternfly lay their eggs on, and always check for egg masses before traveling.
Reach out to a professional, certified arborist who can examine your property for any signs of this invasive species and who can advise you on the best course of action to keep your trees healthy and safe.

Contact Stein Tree for Spotted Lanternfly Treatment & Tree Care

If you are interested in more spotted lanternfly facts or want to keep your property safe, call Stein Tree Service. Stein provides various plant and tree care services for commercial and residential properties, including plant health care (PHC), tree removal, pest control, and more. Our team of arborists and plant health care specialists is certified to treat in areas of spotted lanternfly infestation in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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In the spring, destructive ash borer (EAB) adult beetles begin to emerge. These invasive pests can destroy your ash trees. Our specialists are certified to treat for EAB in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For A free consultation, contact us today.