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Stein Provides Shrub Trimming Tips for Residents

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

One of the first thoughts that likely comes to mind when you think of “good landscaping” is properly, regularly trimmed plants. Shrubs are beautiful when trimmed and well-maintained, but can quickly look overgrown. Overgrown shrubs affect the aesthetics of the rest of a lawn, and can even damage the siding of homes in some instances. But with a few shrub trimming tips, your shrubs can look both beautiful and healthy. Below are some of our suggestions for trimming shrubs.

When to Trim Shrubs

Photo of hedge trimmer used for tree trimming and shrub pruning | Shrub Trimming Tips | Stein Tree Service

Most shrubs benefit from annual trimming and pruning, but some shrubs require specific timing. For instance, spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia should be pruned after flowering to promote pollination and maintain the blooms. Other shrubs are best pruned during dormancy in late winter. Trimming in winter or early spring helps stimulates growth and ensures the next growth is more lush and vibrant. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches is a good practice for any time of the year. Overall, the best time to prune or trim shrubs depends on which species of shrub you have.

Learn About Our Shrub Trimming Services

How Often To Trim Shrubs

Another one of our shrub trimming tips is knowing how often to trim. The trimming frequency depends on the species, but some rules of thumb still apply. Generally, formal evergreen shrubs should be trimmed around 2 to 3 times a year during the growing season, while some fast-growing conifers such as leylandii may need to be trimmed about 4 or 5 times a year. Trimming too little will obviously lead to overgrowth but do so too often, and the shrub’s growth can be stunted. Arborists take the current season into account. Once again, trimming frequency depends on the species, but for most shrubs, 2 to 3 trimmings a year is ideal.

The Importance of Having a Professional Arborist Trim

Photo of shrub | Shrub Trimming Tips | Stein Tree Service

One final tip is that having your shrubs trimmed by a professional arborist is most effective. First, a professional arborist has the knowledge and experience to identify dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and make the proper cuts accordingly. Their cuts are also more likely to maintain the shrub’s health and best promote new growth or pollination. And their training, plus their access to specialized trimming and pruning tools, means that hiring a professional arborist is safer. So if you are looking to keep your shrubs healthier and better looking, hire a professional arborist.

Contact Stein for Shrub Trimming Services

The many factors to consider when trimming shrubs are the reason many homeowners in Pennsylvania and Delaware call Stein Tree Service. Stein is a professional, licensed tree and plant health care business that has served many communities in Pennsylvania and Delaware for years. We provide a full range of plant and tree care services such as shrub trimming and pruning, plant health care, and treatment for insect infestation. Our arborists are certified and highly experienced with a long history of crew and property safety. For more information on shrub trimming tips or our services, contact us today.

Red Oak or quercus-rubra- tree and plant health care - Stein Tree Service

Tree and Plant Health Care: Non-Native Plant Impacts on Local Ecosystems

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

Much has changed since Native Americans roamed this part of the United States and it was settled by early colonists. Today, cars zip down ordered, tree-lined streets where once wooded groves stood and sprawling cities have overtaken what were once rural villages and untamed spaces. Many suburban lawns feature plants and grasses not native to the region (in fact, most every type of ‘traditional green lawn’ is comprised of grasses not indigenous to North America). However, while some outsider plants have a beautiful and sometimes even functional use in our yards, native plants are more beneficial. Beyond that, non-native species can harm our local ecosystem. Stein’s tree and plant health care specialists offer some reasons that homeowners might want to choose native plants when designing their landscapes.

Why Using Native Plants in Your Landscape is Important

We all have plants or shrubs that we love the look of, and they may fit in well with our individual landscapes. However, keep in mind the overall health of your yard and that of your community when choosing to redesign your landscape. Stein offers 4 advantages that native plants have over non-native in relation to tree and plant health care.

Wildlife

Using native plants as well as proper tree and plant health care is extremely beneficial to local wildlife. Monarch, swallowtail, tortoiseshell, and other unique butterflies that serve as key pollinators for our region are all dependent upon very specific native plant species. When you choose to plant the native species they require, you give them vital habitat and food sources and encourage their return to your yard. The presence of native species of insects will invariably draw in native birds and encourage a more holistic ecosystem. On the other hand, without those native plants, and their related insects, birds and other animals will be absent without their chosen food source.

The ecosystem’s natural cycles are disrupted when too many non-native species are introduced. Native oak or red oak can have 300 types of insects that are beneficial to the ecosystem, while non-native Japanese maple may attract no native insects.

Hardiness

While Delaware rarely suffers from extensive droughts, water conservation is still important to our community. Native plants, because they have adapted to the local environmental conditions, are quite hardy and will be more likely to survive the local climate, even in more extreme conditions, than non-indigenous plants. Homeowners will spend less time and money keeping these plants healthy.

Invasive Species

burning bush - invasive species - tree and plant health care - Stein Tree Service

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some non-native plants adapt too well to Delaware’s soil conditions and easily spread out and choke out beautiful native species. For example, barberry is an invasive species that is currently taking over many of the region’s forest areas to the detriment of native plants and animals. One may be tempted to think that a single tree or shrub in a contained environment, like a backyard, is no threat. However, burning bushes, which many prize for the bright beautiful red fall foliage, have choked out native plants. The seeds are carried out of a yard by birds, and they proliferate, filling in the forest understory and keeping away plants that deer might eat.

Natural Beauty

Finally, while plenty of non-native species certainly add a unique and beautiful touch to landscapes, there will always be something special about using the region’s plants to create a natural landscape at home. Especially as Delaware, Pennsylvania, and other neighboring states, have a broad spectrum of vibrant flowering trees, shrubs and other plants that provide lawns with brilliant seasonal changes, from bright green buds in spring to colorful reds and purples in autumn.

Stein Tree Service Offers Professional Tree and Plant Health Care

If you are concerned about keeping your landscape healthy, using native plants is one factor that can help. Proper tree and plant health care is also important. Stein Tree Service’s certified arborists and other tree care professionals are dedicated to the health and vitality of our community’s landscape. For a free consultation, contact us today.

Tree care by certified and insured arborist - Stein Tree Service

Why Does It Matter If Your Arborist Is ISA Certified?

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

When you are looking for an arborist to take care of your trees, be sure that your arborist is ISA certified. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the leading certification body of arborists in the world. Getting certified is an important step in becoming a reliable, professional arborist and also communicates to everyone that an arborist is properly experienced and knowledgeable. Hiring a certified arborist helps ensure the best care for your trees with the most up to date best practices.

Certified arborist inspecting a tree | arborist is isa certified | Stein Tree Service

What It Takes To Become an ISA Certified Arborist®

Becoming an ISA certified arborist® takes a certain amount of training and education. The ISA says that arborists must have met all requirements to be eligible for the exam, which includes

  • “3 or more years of full-time, eligible work experience in arboriculture, or
  • A degree in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute.”

Arborists also have to take continuing education courses and follow a code of ethics to ensure their credibility and reliability as arborists. Becoming an ISA certified arborist takes time, knowledge and skill, and hiring one for your tree care offers many benefits.

Proper Safety & Tree Care

If your arborist is ISA certified, you are working with a professional with the required knowledge and training for the necessary tree care. Tree trimming and pruning, for example, require careful, methodical cuts to ensure the tree’s health and overall function. Tree removal is another process that requires careful cuts and a studied process to maintain safety. These tasks often require complex equipment that a certified arborist has the training to safely utilize. Tree care is complicated and dangerous work, so the best solution is to hire a certified arborist to work with your trees.

See Our Tree Trimming Services

Certified arborist trimming a tree | arborist is isa certified | Stein Tree Service

Certified Arborists Can Treat for Tree Diseases & Pests

Another part of tree care certified arborists are better suited to handle is treating diseases or pests. Trees can become infested with various pests, including emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly, or infected with disease following infestation or tree injury. Treating for these diseases and pests requires knowing what to look for in a tree, awareness of how the pests and/or diseases can affect the rest of the landscape, and understanding of the available solutions. A certified arborist will know how to properly treat trees for pests and diseases while maintaining the health of the surrounding landscape and plant life.

Certified Arborists Can Handle Storm & Emergency Tree Damage

If a large, mature tree is damaged or knocked over in a storm, certified arborists will be able to handle and resolve the situation. Tree removal can be dangerous, especially in the aftermath of storms where trees can interfere with other structures such as power lines or homes. Damaged or toppled trees that obstruct roads, businesses or homes also cost the owners income, making timely evaluation vital. A certified arborist has the experience, education, and skills needed to handle storm damage and provide emergency tree services while protecting others’ safety.

Stein Provides Emergency Tree Services

Contact Stein Tree Service for Your Tree Care Needs

If you have any tree care needs or questions, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein has been in business for over 35 years, serving many communities in Delaware and Philadelphia. We have state-of-the-art equipment that is ready for emergency dispatch. When you work with Stein, your arborist is ISA certified and highly experienced to ensure exceptional service. For more information on our services, contact us today.

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

Stein Discusses Ways to Recycle Removed Trees

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

As more homeowners are becoming concerned about the environment, many are looking to recycle removed trees. Homeowners invest a significant amount of money into their trees, but sometimes they must be removed. Below are some ways to recycle removed trees and continue benefitting from your trees.

What You Need To Know To Recycle Removed Trees

Photo of a tree stump | recycle removed trees | Stein Tree Service

When you want to recycle removed trees, you will need to know a few things first. You can recycle a tree as long as the tree is cut before rotting sets in, or the tree becomes infested with insects. An important note is that preparation of the wood for recycling may not be offered by tree care service, so you may have to opt to have the tree left on the property for your disposal. You can ask if the arborist can help cut a particular way if you already have plans for using the remains of the tree. However, such a request may cost more for the difficulty, or the arborist may reject cutting the tree as requested for safety reasons. Once you have decided to recycle your tree, think of some ideas of what you can do.

Recycle Trees into Mulch & Firewood

One of the most straightforward uses of recycling trees is by turning the tree into mulch or firewood. Mulch provides protection and moisture to trees and plants and reduces weeds. If you use firewood in your home, for a firepit, or elsewhere such as on local camping trips, you can easily add a surplus of wood by having your removed tree cut to create smaller logs. Remember, don’t move firewood from one area to another or you could spread emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly or other invasive species to unaffected areas.

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Use Recycled Trees in Landscape Design

If you are looking for more creative ways to recycle removed trees, incorporate them into your landscape design. For example, you can create fences or corner posts in your landscape with the remaining wood. Walkways made up of either logs or crosscut slices of the trunk are another excellent use for recycled trees. Live trees help prevent erosion and keep the soil in place, adding functionality to visual appeal. Removed trees can still provide ways to enhance the aesthetics of your landscape.

Give Recycled Trees to Wildlife or Disposal Centers

Two parties that can make good use of your removed trees are wildlife and your local tree disposal center. A removed tree can be converted into a shelter for birds, squirrels, or other animals. If you live near a lake or pond, you can contact local officials to have your tree be used as both a fish feeder and a way to protect fish from predators. Or, you can check with a local disposal or composting center. Plenty of other people, or animals, could make use of your recycled trees.

Contact Stein for Your Tree Care & Removal Services

If you have any trees that need tree care or removal, contact Stein Tree Service. Stein has a team of highly experienced, knowledgeable, and certified arborists to take care of your trees. Our state-of-the-art equipment is ready for immediate response. We have been in business for decades, providing numerous tree care services in Delaware and Philadelphia. For more information on how to recycle removed trees or our tree removal services, contact us today.

Man in compact spider lift using arborist saw on a tall tree - tree removal and tree trimming and pruning - Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service Discusses Tree Pruning Practices

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

If you have overgrown or misshapen trees on your property, the solution is tree pruning. Tree pruning helps make your trees safer, healthier, and more beautiful. But proper pruning requires careful examination of the tree and knowledge of the different tree pruning practices. Below are three different tree pruning techniques and what makes each of them useful.

3 Types of Tree Pruning Practices

Close-up photo of pruning shears on tree | tree pruning practices | Stein Tree Service

Each method of pruning has a specific purpose and focuses on different areas of the tree. Some approaches focus on improving the aesthetics of a tree, while others focus on safety. All pruning types involve altering the “crown” of the tree, which is all aboveground parts of a tree (leaves, branches, or stems.)

1. Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is the process of removing smaller branches to create a more even, symmetrical shape or appearance. Other tree pruning practices focus on altering the crown’s size, whereas thinning focuses on improving the crown’s shape. For example, if a tree has a lot of little branches that give the crown an uneven appearance, an arborist will thin the tree to make the crown more uniform. Removal of dead or diseased branches and increasing sunlight penetration and air movement are other benefits of crown thinning.

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2. Crown Reduction

Crown reduction alters the size of the tree, usually by removing branches from the top or sides. Often, crown reduction is performed on large trees that are at risk of touching nearby buildings or power lines. Crown reduction is also useful for reducing stress on individual branches or the entire tree. While all types of tree pruning practices should be left to professionals, crown reduction is a particularly advanced type of pruning, needing careful cuts to preserve the tree’s health. Reduction is a useful pruning technique that makes trees more stable and safe for people while maintaining their structural integrity.

3. Crown Raising

Crown raising involves removing the lowest branches of a tree, rather than the highest branches as in crown reducing, to “raise” the crown. The primary purpose is to create more clearance for anything traveling underneath, such as pedestrians or cars. Crown raising is often done to improve safety, such as removing low, or dead branches overhanging a busy sidewalk. Removing low-hanging branches also helps grass underneath capture more light. Like other tree pruning practices, proper crown raising requires careful skill and experience.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree Pruning Services

If your trees need pruning, call Stein Tree Service. Our certified arborists are highly experienced and have a long history of crew and property safety. We have state-of-the-art equipment and are ready for immediate and emergency response. We have served thousands of customers throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland since 1983. To learn more about tree pruning practices or our tree pruning services, contact us today.

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4 Reasons Why You Should Remove a Dead Tree

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

Maintaining a landscape involves many tasks, and one that is important for several reasons is to remove a dead tree. Trees may die from many causes, including disease and injury. When they die, especially on homeowners’ properties, those trees can bring problems, including expenses if trees fall and cause harm.

Do You Really Have to Remove That Dead Tree?

Homeowners may choose to wait to act when a tree dies, but doing so could make things worse, especially if the tree is close to a dwelling. Below are three reasons why you should remove dead trees from your landscape.

Photo of tree damaged by storm | remove a dead tree | Stein Tree Service

1. Dead Trees Are Dangerous

A significant reason to remove a dead tree from your yard is that dead trees are dangerous in numerous ways. The rotted wood and reduced strength mean that the tree branches are more likely to fall during strong winds or storms. Even without wind or storms, dead branches are more likely to fall at any given time, risking injury and damage to anyone nearby. In addition to the branches, the entire tree could fall, which can cause immense damage to your house, car or even a person. Removing dead trees keeps everything and everyone on your property safe.

2. Dead Trees Attract Pests

Pests are often found in dead trees. Dead trees are prime targets for all types of pests, such as termites and other wood-boring insects. In addition, animals, such as rats, may attempt to use dead trees as shelter. When a dead tree is diseased or becomes infested, all other plants and structures nearby could be affected. Removing these risks can help keep your remaining plants and trees healthy.

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3. Dead Trees Spread Disease

If a tree is diseased, the infection can spread while the tree is alive or after dying. Mold, fungus or disease can be spread to other healthy trees and cause them to lose vitality. Disease makes trees vulnerable to pests and less able to heal when injured. Having a professional tree service remove the tree and inspect the others is a good idea, because a professional can let you know if other trees have been impacted and need treatment.

4. Dead Trees Are Unattractive

A dead tree will make your landscape less attractive and reduce curb appeal. The dead or rotting wood of a dead tree can stick out in otherwise well-maintained and pleasant looking landscapes. Homeowners put time, work and money into ensuring that their landscapes are beautiful so they want their own homes, and neighboring homes to show that they are cared for. Some homeowner associations will even require that dead trees and plant life be removed to maintain the overall good impression to neighborhood visitors.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree Removal Services

If you need to remove a dead tree, call Stein Tree Service for professional tree removal service. Stein has been providing tree care services in Wilmington and Philadelphia area communities for decades. Our certified arborists and state-of-the-art equipment can provide services from emergency clean-up to plant health care. For more information about tree care or our services, contact us today.

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What is Transpiration in Trees? How Trees Use Transpiration

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

Water is critical for the growth and health of all trees. Trees have developed ways to absorb, store, and use water to grow and maintain health. The process of receiving and using water is called transpiration. Transpiration in trees is a fascinating, self-sustaining process.

What is Transpiration?

Close-up photo of leaf with water on it | Transpiration in Trees | Stein Tree Service

Transpiration is the way water moves through plants. The tree roots absorb water from the soil, and then the water is pulled up the tree, eventually reaching the leaves. As the water reaches the leaves, the sun heats the water, converting from a liquid into vapor, which is called evaporation. The water vapor passes through tiny pores called “stomata” on the leaves, evaporating into the air, where the rest of the water cycle repeats. Transpiration is a critical process for a plant or tree’s health.

The two main purposes of transpiration are cooling a plant and providing water to leaves for photosynthesis. Only a small amount of water, roughly 5 percent, is used by the plant for growth. The rest of the water is used to help the plant or tree regulate temperature. But the leaves need a good amount of water for photosynthesis. The stomata need to be open for the leaves to take in carbon dioxide. However, the tree needs to prevent too much water from evaporating through the open stomata. Transpiration is, in essence, a balancing act between the right amount of water for growth, photosynthesis, and cooling off.

How Do Trees Use Transpiration?

Transpiration in trees works in the same general way as other plants. Tree roots absorb water through the soil, while the tree moves the water up, against gravity, to the leaves, cooling off and transpiring most of the water. A large oak tree can transpire up to 40,000 gallons of water per year. That large quantity of transpired water is partly due to the tree’s size, the number of leaves, and overall greater potential for water loss.

While transpiration is a self-sustaining process, trees can face problems that disrupt their sustainability. For instance, trees may struggle to provide enough nutrients to the leaves through water if the soil is dry and lacking moisture. If a tree faces both a lack of water and scorching temperatures, the stomata of the leaves will close to conserve water, preventing growth. Dropping leaves is another, more drastic way of trees conserving water. Providing enough water to trees is important, especially during the hot summer months.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Your Tree Care Needs

Stein provides the services needed for tree health. Stein Tree has been in business for over 35 years, providing quality residential tree service to many communities in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Our staff of professional, certified arborists has experience, skills, and a passion for keeping trees healthy and strong. For more information on transpiration in trees or our services, contact Stein Tree Service.

Tree care by certified and insured arborist - Stein Tree Service

Tree Pruning is Essential to Good Tree Maintenance and Safety

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

Tree pruning is an important maintenance task for homeowners, for safety as well as aesthetics. Spring 2020 has brought some strong storms in Pennsylvania and Delaware, causing many trees to fall, and some have fallen on homes, cars or other structures. We have received many requests for removal of trees that have fallen during these storms.

How Regular Pruning Can Help Prevent Accidents

Many of these storm-related incidents may have been preventable with regular inspection and pruning. An arborist can determine if risk factors are present and take action to protect your trees, property and physical safety.

Damaged Branches

Branches may become damaged or die without notice by a casual observer, especially if they are high in the tree. These branches are more fragile and subject to falling in strong winds or heavy snows in winter. An arborist performing tree pruning can safely remove those branches and avoid the risk of damage from their falls.

Tree Sickness

Sometimes a tree injury can allow fungus or other disease to find their way into the tree. If left untreated for too long, they undermine the integrity of the tree and make affected branches or the entire tree vulnerable to falling.

Insect Infestation

Insects can infest the tree and get a stronghold before owners are even aware. These insects may damage and weaken the tree to the point that falling is a bigger possibility. For example, the emerald ash borer, a small metallic green beetle, attacks ash trees, leaving larvae that burrow under the bark, eating the substance in the tree that transports nutrients.

The first sign a homeowner notices may be tree canopy dieback. If untreated, small trees can die within 2 years, and large ones within 3-4 years. These weakened trees are more vulnerable to falling in strong storms and should be evaluated by a professional arborist. The insect can easily spread to other local ash trees, so residents should report the issue if an infestation occurs.

Tree Branch Density

Thick tree branches resist air flow, and regular trimming and pruning can help keep the air moving more freely. A certified arborist will perform tree pruning in such a way that the aesthetics are maintained and the tree remains healthy and strong. Making groups of trees less resistant to air flow also makes them less likely to be knocked over in strong wind situations.

Tree Damage Liability

While no one wants tree damage of any kind to occur, financial liability is a big factor for residents to consider when they have trees on their properties. When trees fall into a neighbor’s yard, onto their fences or structures, or worse, onto a person, the homeowner could be held financially responsible if they are found negligent. Having regular tree inspections, tree pruning, and other tree care, and keeping records of the services, can offer some protection in a situation where a tree has caused damage in a fall.

Call Stein Tree Service for Pennsylvania and Delaware Tree Care

Stein has been providing exceptional tree care service for residents of Pennsylvania and Delaware for over 35 years. We are passionate about trees and committed to maintaining their health and vitality. We are considered an essential business because tree care helps ensure safety in communities. Contact us today for tree pruning, tree removal, and treatment for insect infestation.

Stein Discusses New Invasive Species in the U.S., the Murder Hornet

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

Invasive species in the U.S. have caused immense damage to our environment, industries, and communities. Emerald ash borer, for instance, has destroyed millions of ash trees. A species of hornet, nicknamed “murder hornet,” is a new invasive species that has recently been found in the United States. This hornet could cause significant problems for our honeybee populations, which would disrupt local ecosystems. Stein Tree provides you with the information you need to know about “the murder hornet.”

What Is The Murder Hornet?

 

Photo of Asian giant hornet | invasive species in US | Stein Tree Service

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), or “murder hornet,” is a species of hornet from Asia and is the largest species of hornet in the world. Although native to Asia, the murder hornet recently appeared on the west coast, making it a potential new invasive species in the U.S. These hornets are approximately 1.8 inches in body length and have orange heads and bodies, with black bands around the body. Their behavior is similar to other hornets: these hornets are highly protective of their hives, but mostly ignore humans or other animals, unless said humans or animals are aggressive. Although the murder hornets look and behave similarly to other hornets, this species is more dangerous.

The dangers of murder hornets are twofold: the dangers inherent with any hornet, wasp, or bee, and the dangers presented by any invasive species. Murder hornets’ stingers are longer than those of honeybees and can pierce some thick clothing. Murder hornets feed on honeybees and could decimate honeybee populations if the hornets are great enough. Honeybees are responsible for plant growth, food sources, and many more products people buy every day. The biggest risk of murder hornets is the potential damage that honeybee populations, and therefore our environment, could suffer.

The Threat of Invasive Species in the U.S.

Thankfully, murder hornets have yet to migrate or expand to the east coast of North America and we have other invasive species that are already impacting our area. As previously mentioned, emerald ash borer is prevalent all across the U.S. This pest has caused immense and expensive damage in many states since its discovery in 2002. The spotted lanternfly is another threat to our trees, targeting fruit trees and other plants. Because of the risks these species possess to our environment, we encourage you to take action, be watchful for evidence of emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly, and contact a certified arborist to inspect and treat the affected trees.

Contact Stein Tree for Invasive Pest Services

If your trees have any issues with invasive species, including emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly, call Stein Tree for solutions. Our certified arborists are licensed to treat invasive species in Delaware and Pennsylvania and have years of experience in tree pest control as well as other tree and plant health services. For more information on invasive species in the U.S. or our other services, contact Stein Tree Service today.

galleries are one of the signs of emerald-ash-borer-infestation - stein tree service

Emerald Ash Borer FAQs

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

The emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to be a significant problem for Pennsylvania and Delaware, and residents should be more aware to help protect their trees. To educate our customers and community about the dangers the emerald ash borer presents, Stein Tree has gathered some Emerald Ash Borer FAQs.

How Does EAB Kill Trees?

Emerald ash borer up-close view | Emerald Ash Borer FAQs | Stein Tree Service

An adult beetle lays eggs within the bark of an ash tree, which hatches about two weeks later. Once hatched, the larvae begin feeding on the bark, eating the inner tissue layers of the tree. The tissues that EAB larvae feed on are responsible for transporting nutrients and water. How long a tree takes to die after becoming infected depends on the size of the tree and the EAB population. Generally, infested small trees may die within 1-2 years, while large trees can be killed in 3-4 years.

Do All Ash Trees Get Emerald Ash Borer?

Almost all ash trees are at risk if the emerald ash borer continues to spread. American mountain-ash, or Sorbus americana, is one species of ash tree that has yet to be affected by emerald ash borer, as the species is not considered a true ash tree. EAB prefers ash trees that are stressed by disease or drought, but the pest will attack healthy trees as well.

Do Emerald Ash Borers Eat Other Trees?

Emerald ash borers almost exclusively feed on ash trees. In North America, the beetle has also been found to attack white fringetree, which is a non-ash species. However, the only widespread reports of trees damaged by EAB are about ash trees.

Cost of Treating Trees for Emerald Ash Borer

The cost of treating trees for emerald ash borer varies depending on how early the treatment begins and the severity of the damage. Price also depends on the size and the number of trees that need treatment.

How Can I Detect EAB?

The signs of an infestation can take a significant amount of time to be visible but can be spotted with diligence. Below are some of the main signs used to determine an EAB infestation:

  • 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 We Get Rid of EAB?

The best method of getting rid of EAB is to be diligent of any signs or symptoms in your area and call a professional arborist to take care of the problem. First, professional arborists will be able to identify infestations accurately. Professional arborists who are certified to treat for EAB also have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to properly control and get rid of emerald ash borer while maintaining tree health.

Call Stein for Answers to Emerald Ash Borer FAQs, Inspection and Treatment

If you are concerned about emerald ash borer damaging your trees, contact Stein Tree Service. Our arborists, certified in Delaware and Pennsylvania for the treatment of EAB, know the best and safest preventive methods to help keep your trees safe. If you would like a free consultation or have any other emerald ash borer FAQs, contact Stein Tree Service.