Author: Stein Tree

Tree care specialist using spider lift to trim large tree - Stein Tree Service

Tree Pruning is Important But When Is Tree Pruning Essential?

Written by Stein Tree on May 6, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Tree pruning is important for tree care, but some homeowners may wonder why pruning could be considered an essential service. Tree pruning is essential because this process makes your trees safer, in addition to making them healthier and more beautiful.

Why Tree Pruning Is Important

Pruning shears up-close view | tree pruning | Stein Tree Service

Tree pruning involves removing certain parts of a tree, such as branches or roots. Pruning can be performed on any plant and may be done for several reasons:

Aesthetics, space, reducing competition, and safety.

Aesthetics – Homeowners may wish to nurture a tree so that a certain shape or size is maintained. In addition, removing dying or damaged branches enhances the visual beauty of a tree, even allowing the tree to fit a given space better. The improved beauty and appearance of the tree also help increase property values and create a positive impression for potential customers.
Space – Different types of trees require different size areas to grow in, but sometimes a tree can safely be maintained within a space if the pruning begins early and is done regularly.
Reducing Competition – When trees are growing closely together, they may have to fight to get enough sunlight. Trimming to remove some of the branches allows more sunlight to the remaining branches and allows better airflow.
Safety – Safety is one of the essential reasons for trimming and pruning. This pruning is done to protect nearby people, structures or power lines.

When Is Tree Pruning Essential?

Tree Pruning is Essential - Stein Tree Service Infographic

Tree pruning is important, but sometimes pruning is also essential. Trimming and pruning in fall also reduce the risk of damage during winter snows.

Tree Disease or Death

If your trees have dead, decaying branches, those trees should be pruned. These branches pose a safety hazard to nearby buildings or people. Of course the important thing is to protect people and property, but also, if branch from your tree injures a person or personal property, you could be financially liable. If you are wondering if your trees need pruning, contact a certified arborist to perform an inspection.

Pest Infestation

Pests like emerald ash borer can infest your trees. When this happens, treatment varies based on the pest. Sometimes, trimming only the affected branches can take care of the problem and your tree can become healthy again. Failure to get proper treatment can cause valuable trees to die, and pests can spread to other trees or property.

Insufficient Air Flow

If branches are too close together, air flow is impeded. When strong storms come, the wind may be unable to pass through and may cause the tree to break and fall. Pruning to thin out the branches can reduce the chance of trees or branches falling onto people or structures.

Branches Overhang Power Lines

If a branch falls onto a power line, you could lose power. You could also get a fire or electrical damage or shock. None of these options is desirable, so if you see branches getting too close to power lines, call a certified arborist to trim them safely back.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Residential and Commercial Tree Pruning

Home and business owners in Pennsylvania and Delaware often call Stein for their annual tree pruning and shrub trimming, as well as a variety of other tree and plant care services. Our certified, experienced arborists strive to provide reliable, exemplary tree care for our clients. To learn more about why tree pruning is important or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

tree inspection can identify dangerous trees - tree cavity - stein tree service

What Causes Tree Stress and How to Prevent Stressing Trees

Written by Stein Tree on April 28, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Many societies and cultures throughout human history have associated trees with resilience, sturdiness, and longevity. While trees are undoubtedly resilient, they are still vulnerable to harmful factors that can cause stress or damage. Tree stress is can result from certain adverse factors, and if left untreated, that stress can eventually lead to the tree’s death. Fortunately, many organizations, such as state departments of natural resources or conservation, are studying trees to help determine and alleviate current threats.

Current Threats to Trees and Factors of Tree Stress

Tree stress can result from several different factors. Biological elements such as insects, pests, and diseases can cause stress, as well as mechanical or human-caused factors such as improper planting, chemical use or construction.

Insects and Diseases

Fungus on tree trunk | Tree stress | Stein Tree Service

One of the more severe threats to trees is insects and diseases. Specific insects and diseases can have genuinely devastating impacts on the health and sustainability of trees in both forest landscapes and urban areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) monitors Pennsylvania’s forests for insects and diseases, protecting trees when necessary.

Current insect and disease threats to Pennsylvania trees include the following:

Emerald ash borer
Spotted lanternfly
Gypsy moth
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Beech bark disease
Oak wilt

Emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, gypsy moth, and hemlock woolly adelgid are all invasive species, and have caused severe damage to Pennsylvania trees. Diseases such as oak wilt and beech bark disease each threaten specific species of trees.

Natural and Environmental Factors

Tree damaged by storm, aftermath | Tree stress | Stein Tree Service

In addition to insects and diseases, other natural occurrences and environmental properties can cause tree stress. One of the significant issues with environmentally-caused stress is that affected trees, even young and healthy ones, are more susceptible to diseases and invasive insects.

External factors that can stress trees include:
Drought
Excessive moisture
Pollution
Abnormal or extreme temperatures
Wind damage

New trees can replace those that are stressed by these environmental factors. However, invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly alter the natural reforestation cycle.

Improper Planting and Maintenance

Human-made causes of stress can be attributed to improper planting and poor or neglectful maintenance. Improper planting can range from picking the wrong tree for the local soil conditions, to planting a tree too close to a road, to having too little mulch. Poor maintenance includes inadequate watering or pruning techniques.

Another factor is injuries caused by mechanical means, such as construction or lawn-related damage. A lawnmower or trimmer cutting the bark or compacting the soil can cause tree stress. Heavy construction equipment can also stress trees, with most of the damage occurring in the root system due to soil compaction and disruption.

How to Prevent Tree Stress

One of the ways to effectively prevent stress is to be watchful for pests and other signs of stress. Look for bark dieback, wilting leaves, tree cavities, and other symptoms that a tree is injured or damaged to some extent. Insects can be hard to see, so you have to look at the overall tree health. can blend into trees. Check your trees, outdoor equipment and furniture, gardens, and similar areas for invasive species such as emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly.

If you are unsure whether a tree is stressed or damaged, contact a certified arborist. Arborists and tree care specialists have the knowledge and experience to identify threats to a tree’s health and know what measure to take for proper care. The most effective method to treat for tree stress is to stop whatever is causing harm as soon as possible.

Call Stein for Quality and Reliable Tree Care Services

Stein Tree Service has been in business since 1983 and has a long history of serving the Pennsylvania area. Our experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment are ready for immediate response for emergency tree care services. If you want to learn more about tree stress, or how your landscape could benefit from tree care services, contact us today for a free consultation.

The History of Arbor Day And How You Can Celebrate

Written by Stein Tree on April 20, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

At a time when more of us are appreciating the beauty of the trees and our landscape, we would like to examine the history of Arbor Day. Celebrated this year on April 24, 2020, Arbor Day is a national holiday where people all across the country celebrate the role of trees in our world. As a tree care service company, we are passionate about tree care and promote the observance of this holiday.

The Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Has Been Expanded in PA: What You Need to Know

Written by Stein Tree on April 13, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog.

In Pennsylvania, the spotted lanternfly quarantine has been expanded to include 12 new counties in advance of the hatching that occurs in spring. So far, these counties have a few municipalities with a known infestation, rather than complete contamination. Still, the spotted lanternfly has done enough damage to Pennsylvania’s environment and various industries to warrant such caution. In addition, the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and the TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) have designated that taking care of invasive pests including the spotted lanternfly are considered essential services under the shelter in place restrictions for Pennsylvania and Delaware. Below is everything you need to know about spotted lanternflies and the expanded quarantine.

Quarantine Guidelines

The quarantine has been established to limit the spread of spotted lanternfly, which is a “hitchhiker” and tends to catch a ride to other areas on vehicles or things being transported. Trucks carrying loads from outside the quarantine area into the area, or through the area if they are stopping inside, must acquire permits. Businesses, such as landscapers or professional tree care companies, must be certified to work in quarantine areas. Fines may be assessed for noncompliance with the quarantine.

The additional counties bring the number of counties under quarantine in Pennsylvania to 26. The newest counties added are:

Allegheny
Beaver
Blair
Columbia
Cumberland
Huntingdon
Juniata
Luzerne
Mifflin
Northumberland
Perry
York

Spotted Lanternfly Facts

Spotted lanternfly with wings open | spotted lanternfly quarantine | Stein Tree Service

The first recorded spotting of the spotted lanternfly in the United States was in 2014, and the pest is found mostly in states along the east coast, particularly Pennsylvania.

Adult lanternflies have black heads, and are about one inch long. Their most distinctive feature is gray wings with small black spots. When flying, the bug shows smaller bright red wings, which are hidden during rest. Younger lanternflies look more like larvae and have black spots, slowly gaining a red color with age.

Spotted lanternflies can quickly expand their presence, flying or hopping onto vehicles or transported materials, including:

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

The Tree of Heaven is the preferred host for the spotted lanternfly, but other trees such as fruit and pine trees may also be affected.

How You Can Help Protect Your Trees

Though the spotted lanternfly quarantine has been expanded, the spotted lanternfly could show up anywhere. One way that you can help Pennsylvania manage this invasive pest is by being diligent and looking out for any signs of spotted lanternflies or activity. Spotted lanternfly blend in when resting on trees, so residents must be observant.

We also encourage you to look out for egg masses. Egg masses will either look similar to smears of mud or vertical rows of seed-like eggs. These will be found on trees, and because late-April and May are typically when these eggs hatch, inspecting your trees right now is especially vital.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Tree Services in Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Areas

The spotted lanternfly is a growing problem. The spotted lanternfly quarantine has been expanded for this reason. Stein Tree Service is committed to the health of our trees and helping homeowners maintain a healthy landscape. If you see the pest or evidence of activity, contact us for a consultation.

COVID-19 Update for Stein Tree Service Customers

Written by Stein Tree on March 30, 2020. Posted in News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

With the order mandating shelter in place restrictions until May 15th in Delaware and until further notice in Pennsylvania, many businesses considered non-essential are closed during the COVID-19 crisis. Stein Tree Service has been classified as essential due to some of the types of tree care work that we do.

These essential tree care services fall under the following categories.

Infrastructure Protection
Public Safety
Protection Against Spread of Invasive and/or Injurious Pests

Tree and plant roots | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

How to Ensure Tree Root Health

Written by Stein Tree on March 20, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care, Tree Care Video.

The roots of a tree serve many vital functions. Roots are responsible for anchoring the tree in place, absorbing and distributing water and nutrients, and even acting as a storehouse for essential food reserves during winter. The importance of tree root systems is what makes good tree root health critical to ensuring the overall health of the tree. We will teach you what causes root problems, how to identify these symptoms, and how to keep both the roots and tree healthy.

How Tree Roots Become Unhealthy

Problems caused by poor tree root health are generally due to either injury or disease.

Root Injury

Tree trunk with roots | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

For trees in urban areas, a common cause of root injury is heavy clay subsoil and soil compaction. The reduced pore space from heavy clay and soil compaction reduces the amount of water and oxygen that the tree roots can uptake. Compacted soil may be caused by construction, foot traffic, car and other machine traffic, soil preparation, and more.

Improper watering is another cause for poor tree root health. Overwatering restricts oxygen uptake while underwatering provides inadequate root development. Improper fertilization can also damage tree roots, and those roots may face competition from other plants such as bushes, grass, and other trees.

Root Diseases

Injury is just one way for tree roots to become less healthy. Disease from fungi is another threat to the overall health of the roots. Fungal diseases will generally affect one of the 2 types of roots in a tree. Most diseases will affect the feeder roots, the small, thin roots responsible for absorbing water and minerals from the soil surface. Other fungal diseases will affect the woody roots, the large roots responsible for anchoring the tree.

Some of the symptoms of tree root disease include the following:

Small, yellow, foliage
Reduced growth
Leaf scorch
Tufted leaves at the end of branches
Branch dieback

While all of these symptoms may indicate root disease, a direct examination by a certified arborist or plant health care specialist will confirm the condition of the roots.

How to Keep Tree Roots Healthy

Tree with large roots above ground | Tree Root Health | Stein Tree Service

The best way to ensure tree root health is to prevent the roots from being damaged or diseased. A tree needs a space that is both deep and wide enough for adequate root growth. Proper fertilization and the right amount of watering also keep the roots healthy. Add a layer of mulch, preferably mulch made of organic matter. For mature trees, the mulch layer should be a maximum of 3 to 4 inches.

Maintain the right soil conditions by avoiding soil compaction, changing the soil depth as little as possible, and keeping the tree’s root zone free from competing plant life. Pruning and trimming injured tree limbs is another way to ensure roots remain healthy by reducing the risk of infection.

Once a tree becomes infected and the roots become diseased, restoring the health of the tree can be difficult. Calling an arborist to provide an in-depth examination and analysis of the tree health will give you a better understanding of what the issue is and how to improve the tree’s health.

Contact Stein Tree for Tree and Plant Health Care Services

Stein Tree has provided the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas with high-quality, reliable tree care services for decades. We have state-of-the-art equipment that is ready for immediate and emergency responses. Our certified and insured arborists have the passion, knowledge, and experience to ensure tree root health for any landscape, from residential to municipal.

For a free consultation, contact us at (302) 478-3511 today!

Image of coronavirus molecule on blue background - Stein Tree Service

Note to Stein Tree Service Customers About the Coronavirus

Written by Stein Tree on March 12, 2020. Posted in News & Announcements, Stein Tree Service Blog.

The entire world is concerned about Coronavirus right now and we want you to know that safety is our #1 Priority. We also want you to know that we are still available to work, and we are taking precautions to prevent unnecessary exposure for our staff and our customers, both on the job site and in house. All employees are monitored for health on a daily basis.

In addition:

We are self-contained in our trucks and in our customer’s yards.
We can have as little interaction with customers as they are comfortable with.
Our estimates can be made when no one is home and then emailed to you.
The work can be performed without customer interaction (if you choose) and the invoice can also be emailed.
We will always be compliant with all local and national regulations and will always do our part to keep the public safe.

adult spotted lanternfly - stein tree service offers tree care services in all spotted lanternfly quarantine areas

Stein Discusses Invasive Species in Delaware

Written by Stein Tree on March 6, 2020. Posted in Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

One threat that the Delaware environment faces is damage by invasive species. An invasive species is a non-native plant, insect or animal that is introduced into a region and causes some harm. That harm can affect plants or humans, and the damage can be economic or environmental. Many people have likely heard of some invasive species in their regions, but may be unaware of the harm caused by these species. Stein discusses a few of the invasive species in Delaware.

Adult Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly-Invasive Species Awareness- Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Encourages Action during Invasive Species Awareness Week

Written by Stein Tree on February 25, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

Emerald Ash Borer on a branch | Invasive Species Awareness | Stein Tree Service

spotted lanternfly on a tree with egg mass

Many people have heard of the dangers of invasive species. An invasive species is introduced to a region rather than being native and damages the environment or human health. As a result of these invasive species, National Invasive Species Week has emerged to spread invasive species awareness and encourage people to stay vigilant. National Invasive Species Week 2020 is February 24 through February 28. Events take place all week in different locations to help increase awareness of invasive species. Notably this year, a webinar presented by NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association) on the 25th includes the manager of “Don’t Move Firewood,” LeighGreenwood, and she will discuss the possible deregulation of EAB Quarantines.

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

Stein Tree Discusses How to Safely Trim Tall Trees

Written by Stein Tree on February 20, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Trimming Shrubs and Trees.

Tall trees on your residential or business property add much value: shade, aesthetics, property value, and even reduced heating and cooling costs. But the size of these trees makes maintaining them more difficult and dangerous. Experienced arborists have the training and knowledge to keep you and your property safe. Here are the risks associated with tall tree trimming and pruning, and how to safely trim tall trees.

Why and How an Arborist Should Trim Tall Trees

We want to emphasize that the best method to trim tall trees is to contact a certified arborist. The safest methods and techniques of cutting tall trees involve specialized training and equipment that most people lack. Climbing up the tree and trimming branches should be left to certified and licensed professionals for the best results.

Climbing a Tall Tree

Lift truck with tall tree | trim tall trees | Stein Tree Service

The first risk that comes with trimming tall trees is reaching the top. Pruning the branches of tall trees involves a much greater falling risk, and the chance of serious injury becomes more significant. The climbing method also needs to be safe, and any climbing equipment needs to be secure and stable. Experienced arborists know how to safely tether themselves to prevent a fall.

Equipment such as pruning shears or chainsaws are brought up to cut the branches. Careful cuts that ensure the safety of the trimmer, the people below, the property, and the health of a tree, need to be performed. The method arborists use to cut branches allows the tree to heal correctly and makes the actual cutting safer for the arborist. Numerous tree branches, larger branches, and other interfering objects such as power lines, create awkward and uncomfortable working angles.

Professional arborists will have access to specialized equipment and the proper training and certification to safely trim a tall tree. Stein Tree Service professionals use a spider lift or a lift truck to safely reach high branches.

Arbor Pro Mini Lift | trim tall trees | Stein Tree Service

A spider lift allows the arborist to work safely and access the tree from different angles. For close pruning, professionals use cordless top handle chainsaws, also called arborist chainsaws. These tools are lighter and easier to control than a standard chainsaw.

For trimming and shaping, tree care professionals often use powered long-handled or telescoping hedge trimmers. These tools, along with blowers, vehicles, lifts, and chippers, allow arborists to effectively and safely trim tall trees.

Call Stein for Quality and Reliable Tree Trimming Services

Stein Tree Service has been in business since 1983 and has a long history of crew, property, and tree safety. Our staff and state-of-the-art equipment are ready for immediate response. We have provided tree care services to thousands of customers throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. If you need to trim tall trees or have other tree care needs, contact us today for a free consultation.