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forest tree ordinances

Stein Discusses Pennsylvania Tree Ordinances

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

Pennsylvania, translated from Latin to mean “Penn’s Woods,” was both a fitting and accurate name for this region. Approximately 58 percent, or roughly 16.8 million acres, of land in Pennsylvania, is a forest. Trees have played a vital role in the lives and communities of Pennsylvania, and that was planned from the start with tree ordinances.

What Is A Tree Ordinance?

town sidewalk with trees, tree ordinances

A tree ordinance is a document that helps protect and manage a community’s trees. The ordinance can regulate tree planting, maintenance, and removal on both public and private property within that municipality. The ordinance can also specify tree requirements, such as the size, spacing, quality, quantity, location, and even the type of trees allowed to be planted in certain areas.

Willian Penn drafted the first tree ordinance in America while he was planning early settlements near Philadelphia. One effect of his action was that colonists planted trees along streets to emulate the European cities they came from. Tree ordinances became more detailed around the 20th century. In 1907, Pennsylvania authorized municipal tree commissions, which oversee tree ordinance administration and other urban forestry actions.

Types of Tree Ordinances

According to the International Society of Arboriculture a tree ordinance usually falls into 3 basic categories:

  • Street tree ordinances, which focus on the planting and removal of trees within public rights-of-way.
  • Tree protection ordinances, which focus on the protection and maintenance of native species or historically significant trees.
  • View ordinances, which focus on conflict resolution between property owners that arise when trees block views or sunlight.

Other ordinances that are indirectly related to the community aspect of trees also exist. A municipality may use a timber harvest ordinance, which can regulate the commercial and industrial use of trees for wood products. Ordinances regarding subdivision and land development can also address trees.

Creating a Tree Ordinance

Developing and drafting a tree ordinance can take a lot of time and effort. Those interested in creating a tree ordinance for their community will need to define what the purpose of the ordinance will be, setting the jurisdiction of the local government, policies carrying out the various ordinance provisions, and many more.

A tree ordinance is an effective tool that communities use to enhance and preserve their trees and all of the benefits that come with them. More than 100 municipalities in Pennsylvania have tree ordinances, and those ordinances keep those trees and communities looking beautiful.

Trust Stein for Your Tree Care Needs

Stein Tree Service has been providing skilled tree care services to residents, businesses, and municipalities for over 35 years. We care about trees, and tree ordinances help communities maintain proper tree care. For a free consultation about tree care services such as tree trimming, tree removal, emergency storm clean up, and more, contact us today.

trees along sidewalk and brick wall

Stein Discusses How Trees Benefit Businesses

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

We have previously talked about the benefits of trees and the importance of tree care, and most people understand that trees provide long-lasting positive impacts on themselves and their communities. Trees give us beauty and allow us to appreciate nature even in an urban environment. And of course, everybody knows the environmental benefits. But the impact of trees goes beyond personal, social, and even environmental benefits. Stein Tree discusses how trees benefit businesses and why tree care is a good investment.

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large tree uprooted in a yard - winter prep such as tree trimming and pruning to prevent damage - Stein Tree Service

Prepare for Winter Tree Damage and Storm Clean Up in 2019

Written by Stein Tree on . Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Storm Clean Up, Tree Removal.

A few weeks ago in Lusby, Maryland, a tree crashed through the roof of a home while the family was watching TV. In August, a tree fell onto a home in Lake Hickory, NC. Fortunately, these incidents resulted in no physical injuries, but the damage to those homes caused considerable expense. Unfortunately, this type of occurrence is fairly common and can result in the need for immediate action and storm clean up. Stein discusses how residents can help reduce the chance for winter tree damage to their homes and property.

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

Stein Discusses Tree Care and Tree Cities

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

Trees provide numerous benefits, making them a vital part of a community. These benefits encourage us to properly maintain and even increase a city’s trees. The Arbor Day Foundation, a conservation nonprofit and the largest nonprofit dedicated to tree planting and tree care, has a program just for this mission: Tree City USA.

What is Tree City USA?

Sidewalk lined with trees | Tree City | Stein Tree Service

Tree City USA is a program started by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1976. The program gives communities the tools and support network they need to preserve, manage, and expand their publicly owned trees. Over 3,400 recognized communities and 143 million people live in or near a tree city. Below are some of our local cities that have qualified as Tree Cities.

  • Wilmington, DE
  • Newark, DE
  • West Chester, PA
  • Malvern, PA
  • Media, PA

What are the Benefits of Tree Care and Being a Tree City?

In addition to the beauty of trees, many of the benefits of a town or city becoming a tree city have to do with the natural impact of numerous healthy trees. Studies have shown several health benefits people get from living near parks and forests, such as improved immune systems, increased mood, reduced stress, and an improved ability to focus, even in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Plenty of economic benefits exist as well. Trees, and good landscaping in general, increase property values, with mature trees increasing values by up to 20 percent. Trees also act as natural air conditioners. More than just adding shade, when water evaporates from the leaves, the conversion to air vapor removes heat energy from the air. The U.S. Forest Services says “strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs.”

How to Make Your Community a Tree City

The Arbor Day Foundation outlines 4 standards that must be met in order for a community to become a registered tree city. The city must

  1. Maintain a tree board or department
  2. Have a community tree ordinance
  3. Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
  4. Celebrate Arbor Day.

The Arbor Day Foundation also has several resources online that include checklists, worksheets, and applications, that must be submitted in order to qualify and begin the process.

Trees are more than a pleasing sight; they provide many tangible benefits to entire communities, both rural and urban. Whether you live in a tree city or just want to enjoy trees in your landscape, planting new native trees and learning about good tree care are great ideas.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Experienced Tree Care in Pennsylvania and Delaware

Stein Tree Service has been a trusted tree care service company for over 33 years. Our certified arborists and other tree specialists are conscientious about preserving the tree and plant health in Pennsylvania and Delaware landscapes. For tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, pest infestation treatment and storm clean up services, or information about tree care, contact us today or explore our website.

storm clean up Wilmington DE

What is the Connection Between Tree Response and Storm Clean Up in Wilmington DE?

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

During spring and summer months, violent, windy storms often cause a need for storm clean up in Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas. Residents often wonder why some trees are affected even though they seem strong and sturdy. As Certified Arborists with Stein Tree Service, we know that many of these trees have been weakened in response to injuries or environmental impacts.

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rhododendron plants infected with sudden oak death pathogen shipped to PA - Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Warns of Sudden Oak Death Potential in PA

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

Wilmington, Delaware—Aug 3, 2019—Professional tree service company Stein Tree Service warns that the pathogen that causes the tree and plant disease known as sudden oak death has been found in rhododendron plants that were shipped to 28 states, including Pennsylvania. Residents should be wary, whether they have purchased these rhododendron plants or have plants and trees impacted by the spread.

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adult spotted lanternfly on a tree

What You Need to Know About the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in Delaware

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

The spotted lanternfly has become quite a large problem in Delaware and other states across the country. Late spring’s rising temperatures signal the time when nymphs hatch, so we want to make awareness a priority. These insects easily spread to new areas and leave a huge path of destruction in their wake. Beginning in March, the government of Delaware enacted an emergency spotted lanternfly quarantine to help control the damage caused by the insect spreading. If you see evidence of spotted lanternflies on or around your property, contact a professional right away.

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Stein Tree Care Service Cautions PA and DE Homeowners About New Ticks

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

Last summer Stein Tree Care professionals advised caution in outdoor activities because of ticks. The same advice holds this year, and the number of ticks in PA seems to be on the rise. WPXI notes that sources are debating whether PA will have a tough tick season, but the state health department has issued an alert about steady increases in tick bite-related visits to emergency departments. The biggest problem with ticks is the potential they have for carrying disease, and we want everyone to be extra cautious this time of year.

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tree care in pennsylvania picture of green leaves on a tree branch- stein tree service

Stein Discusses Common Problems In Pennsylvania Tree Care

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

Mother nature creates such beautiful flora and fauna, but also creates problems that can destroy them. If you are a homeowner in Pennsylvania, tree care can be a frustrating experience at times. You may run into one of the more common issues that can do damage to your beloved trees. Your biggest weapon to combat these issues is knowledge and preparedness.

Stein tree care specialists have the years of experience, knowledge, and training to help you deal with anything from common issues like minor tree disease to some of the rarer issues you might come across. You can trust us to get the job done, and we even offer free consultations.

4 Common Pennsylvania Tree Care Issues to Look Out For

Some common but worrisome Pennsylvania tree care problems to look out for include:

  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
  • Spotted Lanternfly
  •  Anthracnose
  • Ash Leaf Rust

Emerald Ash Borer

EAB is an issue that continues to spread and we are certified to treat for the pest. You may be dealing with EAB if:

  • The crown of your ash tree is declining or thinning.
  • You notice D-shaped holes in the trunk or bark of the tree
  • You find s-shaped galleries or trails under the bark

The main indications are very noticeable and are a very common problem throughout the country, not just in Delaware and Pennsylvania tree care. If you notice any of these signs be sure to give us a call.

Spotted Lanternfly

These colorful little insects can cause a lot of problems to certain types of trees. If you are concerned about spotted lanternfly you should look out for the following signs:

  • Black or grey wounds around leaves, stems, roots, and trunk
  • Yellowish mold growing near the trunk which may have a bad smell
  • Areas that look like there is sap being secreted

The spotted lanternfly likes trees such as willows, poplar, maple, as well as a variety of different fruit bearing trees. Because of the secretions that are left behind, depending on the stage of growth, a spotted lanternfly infestation can attract even more pests that can do damage to your trees. Our certified arborist can determine whether you have this issue, and we are certified to treat trees in all spotted lanternfly quarantine areas.

Anthracnose

Shade trees are vulnerable to anthracnose, a disease caused by a fungus. The disease attacks frequently in the spring, after the fungus sits in the dead twigs during the winter. In spring when conditions are wet, spores spread and cause lesions on the leaves.

Ash Leaf Rust

Ash leaf rust is an early spring fungus that has been rampant this year because of the cool wet spring. Affected white and green ash trees will develop yellow-orange spots on their leaves. Trees can lose their leaves prematurely and deformities can occur. This fungal infection can be treated using fungicidal sprays.

Stein Tree is Passionate About Tree Care

Whether you are in Delaware or Pennsylvania, tree and plant health care is an important part of your property maintenance. Whatever tree care issues you face, we are here to help. Our team of experts is looking forward to taking care of your tree care needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.