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adult spotted lanternfly on a tree

Stein Discusses Treating for Spotted Lanternfly in Delaware and Pennsylvania

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

Treating for spotted lanternfly has become a more significant concern among homeowners as the invasive pest continues to spread and be a nuisance in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Controlling the spotted lanternfly population can be done by knowing how to identify the pest and preventing further spread. Homeowners can take preventive measures, such as purchasing firewood locally and scraping off egg masses on their property, as well as ensuring that none of the insects are hitching a ride on their vehicles when they travel. Here are a few tips on how to identify and treat for spotted lanternfly on your property.

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Identifying Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly with wings open | invasive species in Delaware | Stein Tree Service

Treating for spotted lanternfly requires identifying their presence. Regarding the insects themselves, spotted lanternfly are small planthoppers with black heads, gray-brown forewings, and black spots on their forewings. The adults also have red hindwings underneath their forewings. Spotted lanternfly can also be detected and identified in their other life stages:

  • Early nymphs are tiny (⅛ to ½ inch) and can be challenging to find due to their size. The nymphs are all black with white spots.
  • Late nymphs are around ½ inch long, and have red bodies with black stripes and white dots.

Adult spotted lanternfly is the easiest to identify, thanks to their bigger size and distinct body coloration.

Spotted lanternfly will typically lay eggs on trees in the fall, although any hard surface (decks, rocks, houses) can be a potential spot for laying eggs. Egg masses are usually around 1 to 1½ inches long and make items appear to be covered in mud. These egg masses can also typically be found in the late fall.

Treating for Spotted Lanternfly

If you see spotted lanternfly on or around your property or trees, the best solution is to contact a professional, certified arborist. An arborist can closely examine the situation and determine the best treatment options for your trees. Also, homeowners can do a couple of things to help keep their trees safe from the spotted lanternfly’s dangers.

Prevent Transporting Spotted Lanternfly

spotted lanternfly young on plant

One of the significant reasons spotted lanternfly has become such a big problem is how easily the pest can move from one region to another, often through human activity. If you plan on going camping soon or transporting firewood, keep your firewood at home and purchase firewood locally instead. Hopping on firewood and moving from county to county is one of the primary reasons spotted lanternfly has been able to spread so quickly. Be sure to check your wheel wells and under your car for any egg masses or insects, too. Parking away from infected trees, keeping items away from those trees, and rolling your windows up when you are parked are effective ways to prevent spreading the pest.

Scrape Egg asses from Trees

If you see any spotted lanternfly around your property, check your trees, deck, car, and any outdoor surface on your property for any of their egg masses. After finding one, scrape off the egg mass with plastic cards or a putty knife. Make sure to scrape the egg mass into a bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Some eggs may be unreachable, resting at the tops of trees or well-hidden.

Tree Traps

Another effective means of treating for spotted lanternfly, particularly nymphs, is to use bands or tree traps to catch them. Sticky bands around trees where spotted lanternflies feed (such as the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)) can catch nymphs. To prevent other animals or insects from being caught on the traps, only apply the tape if you know you have an infestation, reduce the band’s surface area by cutting, and use a wire or mesh around the band.

Call a Professional, Certified Arborist

Some of the other tactics for controlling spotted lanternfly involve insecticide or pesticides. You should use these options with caution due to the effect chemical controls may have on the rest of your plants and local ecosystem. If you want the best results for getting rid of spotted lanternfly, contacting a certified arborist who will inspect your property and advise you on the solution is ideal.

Contact Stein Tree for Spotted Lanternfly Treatment & Tree Care

If you see this invasive species on your property and want to keep your trees safe, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein performs commercial and residential plant and tree care services, including plant health care (PHC), tree removal, trimming, and pruning. Our team of tree care specialists is certified to treat in areas of spotted lanternfly infestation in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Contact us for a free consultation.

Stein Tree Service Discusses Why Your Contractor Should be Insured

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Service.

Tree Care Professional Should be Insured - SteinTree Service staff next to large oak tree with wedge cut

People often ask if we are insured. Why is it such a big deal whether your certified arborist or tree care professional should be insured? If someone is working at your house or on your property, you as the owner of the property are the one who is ultimately responsible for the safety of any “guests” who come onto your property, even if they are uninvited. If someone walks onto your yard and slips and falls, YOU are responsible for their injuries.

When we work for a commercial enterprise we are labeled as a subcontractor. The “contractor” or owner makes sure we are have liability and workers compensation because the business owner knows that they would be liable for bodily injury, injured employees, or property damage if something happened during routine tree work because of an accident caused by us. If we are insured, the burden is taken from the contractor. Our business insurance protects the commercial enterprise from injury or property damage liability.

Most homeowners are unaware that they are “contractors” as well. If they allow someone on their property then they are the ones responsible, so homeowners need proof of insurance (such as a certificate of insurance) from everyone who works for them, including painters, roofers, certified arborists/tree service professionals, electricians, and other general contractors.

Real Stories that Prove Your General Contractors or Tree Care Professional Should be Insured

Working for a tree care company is a dangerous job that must be respected by those practicing. Tree trimming, removing a tree, as well as other tree care industry tasks can result in tree falls or other injuries. When you hire a tree professional, you feel that he should be able to come in and do his job correctly and safely, but sometimes the situation ends badly.

Here are two real case scenarios that actually happened to people who tried to save a few bucks rather than hire an insured company professional:

  1. A homeowner hired a painting contractor to paint the inside of his home. A worker fell off a ladder and broke his back and was paralyzed. The worker sued his boss who had no insurance. When he was unable to collect damages from his boss he sued the homeowner. The homeowner was found to be negligent for hiring an uninsured contractor and therefore was liable for the worker’s injuries.
  2. A homeowner hired an uninsured fly-by-night tree service company with no general liability insurance to prune a tree in their back yard. The company dropped a large limb onto the high voltage wire, which caused a power surge that fried all the electrical appliances of their neighbors up the street. The neighbors sued the contractor, but all he had was a pickup and some hand tools. They then had no choice but to sue their neighbor for the damage to their appliances. This cost the homeowner tens of thousands of dollars to repair the damages.

So yes, Stein Tree Service’s Certified Arborists and plant health care professionals are fully insured–to both protect our business and employees and to protect your business or home! Be proactive and investigate: always keep in mind that any contractor, and certainly a tree care professional should be insured.

Call Stein Tree Service for Licensed and Insured Certified Arborists in Wilmington

We have over 35 years of experience serving residents and businesses in Wilmington, Newark and surrounding areas in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. For skilled tree care services you can count on by licensed insured professionals, contact Stein Tree today at 610-723-8072.

Tree Care in Wilmington, DE: Protect Trees When Adding Holiday Lighting

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Right after Thanksgiving is a common time in the holiday season for homeowners to begin holiday decorations, and many of them love to string lights around their trees. Did you know that holiday lighting displays can be used for more practical uses than simply festive outdoor lighting and decor? Properly wrapping certain types of outdoor lights around your tree trunks and large branches is one method of winter tree care in Wilmington, DE to keep vulnerable trees warm and protected from frost damage. The following is a quick guide to tree holiday lighting: what works best and how to protect your trees from damage while integrating those lights into your winter tree landscape.

How to Add Holiday Lighting to Trees

Tree Care in Wilmington, DE -tree decorated for the holidays

1.Get the right lights. The best type of holiday lighting to use around your trees if you are attempting to warm them is the kind with non-LED light bulbs, as LED light sets emit too little heat. Older lights are typically good for this task. Be sure to choose a plug-in option with a timer and ample extensions.

If you are only considering ease of use, the best type of holiday lights to use around your trees is rope lighting, consisting of LED mini lights that are ensnared in the plastic rope. This style of exterior lighting is easy to bend and wrap around your trees and the waterproofing provides durability and safety. Net lights are also great for shrubs and evergreen trees. LED lights present less of a fire hazard and can be found with more natural colors, like warm white, than were available a few years ago.

2.Begin high and wrap down. Start with one end of the strand of lights set high in a crook between the tree trunk and a large branch. Use a large zip tie to secure this end to the branch and then, once secured, begin wrapping the lights slowly down the tree to its base, securing periodic loops in place with zip lines on other large branches or similar spots. Take care to avoid wrapping wiring, zip ties, and lights too tightly around your live trees as this can damage the bark and sensitive tissue underneath.

Whether you are trying to protect your trees or just decorate for the holidays, you will want to be careful to protect your trees from damage. A few tree holiday lighting tips to keep in mind are:

  • Avoid compacting the soil around trees.
  • As already mentioned, avoid wrapping too tightly and constricting trunks or branches. If you damage the tree, especially in the winter, you will make it more susceptible to disease.
  • Use tree lights that are rated for outdoor use and in good, high-quality condition, especially the wiring.
  • Avoid using too many strands of lights together or using extension cords unrated for outside use.
  • Avoid stapling or putting holes in the tree. These can damage the trunk or limbs and open the tree up to infection. Instead use tree clips.

Contact Stein Tree Service for More Tips on Winter Tree Care in Wilmington, DE

Tree holiday lighting is a festive way to enjoy your trees in the winter. For more information on how to protect your trees and other plants when the cold and snow arrive this winter, contact us today. We are dedicated to excellent tree care in Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas and offer a variety of tree care services including trimming, pruning, removal, and emergency tree removal.

commercial-tree-service business landscape

What Is Commercial Tree Risk Assessment and What Are the Benefits?

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Commercial and Municipal, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Service.

If you own a business and have trees on your commercial property, a commercial tree risk assessment is a good way to protect your investment. Trees provide beauty and value to businesses, but poor maintenance and health can lead to hazards and risks for both the company and anyone nearby. By having a certified arborist provide a risk assessment to determine your trees’ condition, you can make your property safer and more appealing to you, employees, and potential customers.

What Is Commercial Tree Risk Assessment?

Commercial tree risk assessment is when an arborist evaluates the condition and health of the trees on commercial properties. The review process is thorough because of the many hazards trees can pose to nearby people and property. Assessing a tree can involve three main stages:

  1. The arborist will ask questions and interview the tree owner for pieces of vital information, such as when the owner planted the tree, how long has the tree resembled the current state, and if any construction has occurred near the tree.
  2. Next, the arborist will examine the current state of the tree, checking for any signs of disease, damage, or interference with nearby property (such as power lines).
  3. Finally, the arborist will compile all of the information into a report for the tree owner. The report will detail the findings, evaluations on the tree’s current state, and recommended solutions for any issues.

The Benefits of a Commercial Tree Risk Assessment

Infographic | Benefits of Commercial Tree Risk Assessment | Stein Tree Service

Business owners benefit greatly from tree risk assessments. Risk assessments and follow-up with any recommended services can reduce your chance of having any problems, and from being financially liable for potential costs from property and personal damage. You can also increase your business’s value and your customers’ perception through tree maintenance.

1. Reduced Liability for Personal Injury

You are responsible for maintaining your business’s property so that employees, customers, and passersby are safe. For example, suppose your trees are in poor condition, and the branches are at risk of falling. In that case, you have a greater chance of liability if those branches injure someone below (especially if your property gets a lot of foot traffic.) What is the best way of knowing if your tree branches are at risk of falling? By scheduling a commercial tree risk assessment. With a proper tree risk assessment, you can significantly reduce the potential risk of someone getting hurt and your chances of being financially liable in the unfortunate event that someone is injured.

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2. Prevent Property & Personal Damage

Emergency Tree Removal Service Wilmington DE- Storm Aid

The damage that hazardous trees can cause to the surrounding property and passerby is costly. Broken gutters, smashed roof or windows, wrecked cars, and snapped power lines are just a few of the many risks and damages that can cost you. Bodily injury is another unfortunate outcome that poorly maintained trees can cause. The most effective solution is to have regular tree risk assessments from certified arborists so that all of these potential damages and costs can be prevented.

3. Aesthetics, Value, & Appeal To Customers

Another outcome of tree risk assessments is that your trees can maintain their natural beauty and aesthetics. A thriving, healthy tree noticeably improves your property appeal, while unhealthy or damaged ones can decrease your property value. One of the most critical tasks when trying to attract new customers is making a great first impression, and a well-maintained landscape does just that. The first thing your customers may see is your landscape and entranceway, and people are more willing to spend their time and money on businesses with trees nearby.

Contact Stein Tree for Commercial Tree Risk Assessment

If you want to keep your commercial property safe and valuable, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein has provided residential and commercial tree care services to business owners in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland for decades. Our certified arborists have hundreds of years of combined experience and knowledge to care for commercial properties. We work to ensure your trees are healthy, safe, and beautiful. For more information on our services or to get a commercial tree risk assessment, contact us today.

tree branch with yellow leaf, fall and winter are the best times for tree trimming, stein tree service

Predicted Snowy Freezing Winter Means Tree Inspection Time

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in News & Announcements, Tree Care.

October 15, 2020 – Wilmington, Delaware – Winter is just around the corner, which means that homeowners should get tree inspection services to ensure their trees are prepared. The Farmer’s Almanac released their forecast for the 2020-2021 winter season, saying that the U.S.’s eastern region will be cold and snowy. Because the estimates predict heavy snowfall and storms, trees are at risk of being damaged, which can lead to property being damaged.

The Farmer’s Almanac Forecast

House and yard covered in snow with trees and shrubs.

Compared to 2019’s relatively snow-free winter, this year’s winter is expected to be the opposite. The Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a blizzard hitting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states around early February. The blizzard could bring roughly 1-2 feet of snow to the east coast, from Maryland up to Massachusetts. A storm in late March is expected to bring significant snowfall to the east coast, originating from the Midwest and sweeping to New England. Overall, states like Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland are expected to be “Seasonably cold, wet, and white,” which could damage trees.

How Winter Can Damage Trees

While trees become dormant during the winter, cold temperatures and snowstorms can damage and stress trees, increasing safety risks. Heavy snowfall can weigh down branches (especially already weak or damaged ones), causing them to break and fall. Strong winds can also break off branches. Falling branches pose a serious risk to property, such as houses, cars, power lines, and anybody standing below or near them. The best solution to ensure the safety of everything and everyone around is to call for tree inspection before the weather becomes severe or dangerous.

Preparing Trees for Winter

winter tree care in West Chester PA - winter yard - Stein Tree Service

The first step to making sure trees are prepared to withstand the winter weather is to get them inspected by a certified arborist. A certified arborist has the training and experience to inspect trees for any signs that point to issues like vulnerability of branches or the possibility of the entire tree toppling over due to strong winds or heavy snowfall. Once trees have been inspected, a certified arborist will be able to develop the right plan to maintain the tree’s health and the safety of those nearby. Preparations for winter include trimming and pruning branches, wrapping a tree to prevent sunscald, and watering before the ground freezes.

About Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently owned tree care company in Delaware and has provided plant and tree care and tree inspection services for residents in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland for over 35 years. The professional team of certified arborists has hundreds of years of combined experience to ensure that trees and plants are healthy, safe, and beautiful. For more information on Stein Tree or their services, contact the company at 302-478-3511 or visit https://www.SteinTree.com today.

tree removal - homes on a public street with trees and sidewalk -- stein tree service

Stein Discusses 5 Tree Care Myths

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Many homeowners or business owners have certain ideas about tree care that are tree care myths. Some myths relate to specific techniques and applications when planting new trees, such as staking or pruning. Others involve general tree care practices, such as tree topping or applying mulch around trees. And some are misguided ideas, like filling up a tree with concrete. Here are 5 tree care myths and the reality behind each one of them.

1. You Need to Stake a Newly Planted Tree

pruning-shears - Tree trimming and pruning in Wilmington DE - Stein Tree Service

One of the most common tree care myths is that you need to stake a newly planted tree. While some trees do benefit from staking, the practice is optional and may even have consequences. Trees need to develop strong root systems and good trunk tapers for long-term health, both of which can be hindered by staking. The qualities that indicate a tree needs staking are the following:

  • Abnormally small root systems
  • The stems bend excessively without support
  • A very windy planting site that can uproot trees

The tree needs to become accustomed to the environment in which it lives, and be able to withstand the conditions of that environment.

2. Prune a Tree Heavily When First Planted

Another one of the famous tree care myths regarding planting trees is that you need to prune the tree heavily when planting. Trees need a full crown to produce food and plant hormones, which promotes root growth and health. and a healthy crown helps. Some pruning helps promote good shape and growth when done properly, but large or improper cuts leave wounds that may be hard for the tree to heal while using its energy to recover and grow in its new space. For newly planted trees, pruning should be structural or to remove damaged branches, and the crown should remain full.

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3. If A Tree Is Too Large, Topping Is Required

Tree topping is one of the worst possible ways of pruning a tree, despite the fact that many people engage in this practice. Topping removes a large part of a tree’s canopy, which has numerous downsides such as:

  • Significantly reducing the ability of the tree to collect sunlight and create nutrients
  • Causing great stress
  • Creating many wounds that will be hard for the tree to heal

All of those downsides increase the chance of the branches becoming diseased and infected, or breaking and falling off. Tree topping is a poor practice often used when trees are growing out of their provided space, and should be replaced with careful pruning or assessment from a certified arborist.

4. Mulch Should Be Piled Up Against the Tree

One of the most common tree care myths for homeowners is that mulch has to be piled right up against the tree. Though mulching is good for trees, a typical mulching practice is to stack the mulch up against the tree trunk, which is also known as “volcano mulching.” Volcano mulching creates a pest-friendly environment and increases the chance of girdling roots. The mulch should be applied in the shape of a doughnut rather than a volcano. Avoiding volcano mulching can go a long way to improving a tree’s health and growth.

5. Tree Cavities Should be Filled with Concrete

Filling tree cavities with concrete was a common practice in the past, but we now know this to be a poor practice. The idea behind filling a cavity with concrete was that the concrete could strengthen a tree. Trees move with the wind and continue to grow, so the concrete ends up irritating the tree instead. Hurting the tree in this way can lead to further harm such as decay and disease. The real solution to tree cavities depends on the tree, and contacting a certified arborist is the best course of action.

Contact Stein for Tree Care Services

If you are looking for tree and plant care services for your landscape, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein’s ISA certified arborists and other tree care professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional plant and tree care services. We have been in business for over 35 years, serving many communities in Delaware and Philadelphia. Our equipment is state-of-the-art, and our staff is ready for emergency dispatch. For more information on tree care myths, or a free consultation, contact us today.

City street lined with yellow trees in Autumn - tree city - Stein Tree Service

Tree Care 101: Keeping Your Trees Healthy

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Your trees are likely the most eye-catching, valuable part of your landscape. As such, trees need to receive the proper amount of care to keep them healthy. Tree care can involve many different tasks and goals. So to help your keep your trees healthy, Stein is offering a few tree care 101 tips for residents.

Mulching

tree care in Newark DE - Stein

Mulching is an integral part of tree care, and proper mulching goes a long way to keep your trees strong. Organic mulch is ideal because the added nutrients aid in tree health. Apply the mulch in the form of a doughnut around the tree, rather than a volcano covering the trunk. A good rule is the “3-3-3” rule: a 3-inch deep ring, in a 3-foot radius around the trunk, leaving a 3-inch space around the trunk.

Tree Trimming and Pruning

Regular trimming and pruning is important. Generally, the best time to trim and prune trees is during dormancy in the fall and winter to encourage the next flowering. However, some trees should be pruned right after their flowering period ends, such as flowering dogwood or eastern redbud. In addition, light trimming and pruning may be done safely during most seasons, and if a tree has dangerously hanging branches, pruning must be done when needed for safety. Tree trimming and pruning are vital if a tree is at risk of falling or has damaged, dead, or weak branches, so always keep a close eye on the tree condition. Being vigilant about your tree’s health will help prevent damage to both the tree and anything surrounding it.

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Watering

As with any other plant, watering is an essential part of tree care 101. If you are planting new trees, focus on watering the root ball area. You can water more of the tree once the roots spread out. If you have more mature trees in your yard, you may be able to water less often. But be proactive and water when your area has gotten less rainfall than usual, or the tree shows signs of distress. Water thoroughly once a week (or more in summer) instead of small amounts frequently, about 5 minutes of hose watering at medium water pressure. With proper watering, your trees can remain vigorous even during the hot summers.

Regular Inspections

One final piece of advice, and an often overlooked aspect of tree care 101 is routine inspections. Tree care is a long-term process, so regular inspections are an essential part. Hiring a professional, certified arborist to inspect your tree means that any issues such as new signs of disease or damage are spotted and resolved earlier.

Contact Stein for Professional Tree Care Services

Give your trees the care and nurturing they need to thrive with Stein Tree Service. Stein’s staff of certified arborists and tree care professionals have hundreds of years of combined experience. We have provided quality plant and tree care services to Delaware and Pennsylvania communities for over 35 years. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and can be radio dispatched for immediate response. For more information on our tree care 101 tips, or our services, contact us today.

Your trees are likely the most eye-catching, valuable part of your landscape. As such, trees need to receive the proper amount of care to keep them healthy. Tree care can involve many different tasks and goals. So to help your keep your trees healthy, Stein is offering a few tree care 101 tips for residents.

Is It Unsafe To Have Large Trees Near My House?

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

When looking for a new home with mature trees in the yard, many homeowners ask themselves, “Is it unsafe to have large trees near my house?” This question is understandable, as people want the benefits of large trees without worrying if their house will be safe. The answer varies from house to house and depends on many factors, such as the distance between the house and trees, tree health and condition, and external forces like storms. Here is a breakdown of whether large trees near your home are safe or unsafe.

3 Factors to Consider if You Have Large Trees Near Your House

Since many homes in Delaware and Pennsylvania do have large trees nearby, clients ask the question all the time. If I have large trees near my house, do I need to have them removed?” Below are 3 factors we consider when making the determination.

1. Tree Height and Distance From Structures

Emergency Tree Removal Service Wilmington DE- Storm Aid

Determining how safe having large trees near your house is requires knowing critical information about the tree. First, how much distance is between the house and the tree? If a large tree is closer than 15 feet to your home, the tree may be too close. Some larger species of trees need additional space, but at least 15 feet away applies to most species of trees. Branches that are touching or scraping the house is also a sign the tree is too close.

2. Tree Health

Tree health is also an important factor that affects how safe your property is. Healthy trees with secure, developed root systems are safer than dead or damaged trees. If a tree is dead, being knocked over during strong winds or storms is more likely, which can damage a home or even cause personal injury. In a scenario where a large dead tree is close to a house, the best course of action should be to remove the tree. Having regular inspections if you have large trees near your home is smart, because you may be unable to tell just looking at the tree if a problem exists. Issues like pests or disease might be difficult to spot on the surface if they are new, but an arborist knows how to tell if trouble is ahead.

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3. Storm Damage

Our communities have faced particularly strong storms this past summer, and we have responded to a lot of emergency tree care requests this summer due to the storm damage. Storms damage trees by breaking small and large branches, splitting the trunk, removing the bark, and more. So even if a tree is healthy and still upright after storms, damage can weaken the tree. After a storm, you may wish to call an arborist, to inspect since the storm damage may have made the tree more dangerous. An even better idea is to be proactive and get inspections done as well as regular trimming and pruning of tall trees. Thinning of branches can allow better air flow so strong storms may be less likely to pull down branches or trees.

Contact Stein for Tree Care Services

If you have ever asked yourself, “Are the large trees near my house safe?” and want to ensure that you and your home will be safe, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein’s ISA certified arborists and plant care professionals provide plant and tree care services, emergency tree removal services, and more. Our team has served many residential and business communities in Delaware and Philadelphia for over 35 years. We have state-of-the-art equipment that is ready for emergency dispatch if needed. For a free consultation or more information on our services, contact us today.

trees and landscaping in front of office building

What Does A Tree Care Company Do?

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Service.

Homeowners want to ensure that their trees are healthy and beautiful and often call a tree care company for help. These companies help care for the tree to maintain its health and aesthetic value to the homeowner. But some may wonder what exactly does “tree care” mean, and what a company specializing in tree care does. Tree care is the collection of various arboricultural methods that aims to improve or maintain the physical appearance and health of trees. A tree care business is a company that offers those tree care methods as services. Below are some examples of the many services tree care businesses provide.

Plant & Tree Care Services by a Tree Care Company

The services a tree care company offers encompass different methods to keep trees healthy. Routine trimming and pruning dead or weak branches to increase a tree’s aesthetic appeal and overall health is one example. Another service is cabling and bracing, where arborists insert special rods and cables to increase support for vulnerable branches. Tree removal may be necessary for various reasons, such as tree death or to remove the risk of a tree falling on structures, power lines or people. Other services, such as fertilization and soil management, are additional ways of enhancing the health of trees and the entire landscape.

Learn About Our Tree and Plant Health Services

Other services are more specialized, focusing on resolving specific issues related to a tree or property. Lightning protection is one of these specialized services, which involves installing a lightning protection system to reduce the risk of a lightning strike. Emergency tree removal may be necessary after storms, when a tree may be blocking a road or may have fallen onto someone’s house or car. Pest management may be necessary when a tree has become infested with an invasive pest, such as emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly.

Services for Homeowners, Businesses or Municipal Customers

Another significant component of tree care company services is to provide unique services based on each customer’s needs.

  • Residential tree services can include routine trimming and fertilization, but can also include services such as construction management for those looking to add onto, or even build, their homes.
  • Commercial tree services can revolve around ensuring a business’ landscape makes an excellent first impression and is safe for customers, so landscape management and planning are often necessary.
  • Municipal tree services are focused on schools, parks, municipal buildings, and more. Some of these services include lot and right of way clearing, or ordinance review and development.

Each tree and property is different, and part of proper tree care is understanding each customer’s needs and goals and developing a comprehensive plan of plant and tree care services to meet those goals.

Contact Stein for Professional Tree Care Services

If you are looking for a tree care company to keep your trees healthy and looking beautiful, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein is a fully licensed, professional tree care company, and has served thousands of customers in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Our staff of highly experienced, certified arborists and tree care specialists will work with you to develop a plan to keep your landscape in top shape. We also have state-of-the-art tools and are equipped to handle emergency dispatch. For more information about our services, contact us today.

Plant Health Care Services with Stein Tree Service

3 Benefits of Proactive Tree Maintenance

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Storm Clean Up, Tree Care.

The best way to keep your trees healthy and beautiful is with proactive tree maintenance. Proactively maintaining and caring for your trees keeps them healthier for longer. More vigorous trees are also more beautiful trees and make your property more valuable. And performing routine maintenance helps reduce the number of potential issues and risks to your trees in the future.

Why Should You Practice Proactive Tree Maintenance

Below are three benefits of proactive tree care and maintenance.

1. Improved Tree Health

Photo of tree trunk | Proactive Tree Maintenance | Stein Tree Service

Proactive tree maintenance is an excellent way to maintain your tree’s long-term health. For example, waiting to prune a diseased branch increases the chance of the disease spreading throughout the tree. Whereas carefully monitoring the tree and pruning at the earliest signs of illness halts the spreading and preserves the rest of the tree’s health. The same goes for damaged branches and pest infestations such as emerald ash borer. By taking a proactive approach to tree care and maintenance, you can give your tree the best conditions to thrive and remain healthy.

See Our Tree & Plant Health Care Services

2. Enhanced Aesthetics & Property Value

In addition to your tree’s health, proactive care also improves and maintains your trees’ appearance. In the example of a diseased branch, waiting too long to prune the diseased branch could lead to an unsightly looking tree, or even one that is beyond saving and has to be removed. When your trees, plants, and landscape are healthy, your curb appeal and property value is higher. Preventive, proactive tree care ultimately makes your trees and landscape more valuable and appealing.

3 Benefits of Proactive Tree Maintenance Infographic | Stein Tree Service

3. Reduces Health & Safety Risks

Proactive tree maintenance has the benefit of reducing potential health and safety. Routine check-ups and maintenance allow arborists to spot signs of damage or disease earlier, making more drastic practices like possibly removing the tree unnecessary. Routinely inspecting and pruning damaged branches reduces the risk of further damage, such as the tree falling over or the branches falling off during storms or strong winds. In addition, you will save money in the long-run by minimizing these risks, since the damage from these sorts of events is often costly and uncovered by homeowner insurance policies. Keep your property and residents safe with a proactive approach to tree care and maintenance.

Contact Stein for Tree Care Services

If you are looking for proactive tree maintenance services, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein’s ISA certified arborists and plant care professionals have been providing exceptional plant and tree care services, such as pruning, removal, and pest infestation treatment for over 35 years. We have served many residential and business communities in Delaware and Philadelphia. For a free consultation or more information on our services, contact us today.