Author: Stein Tree

What Is Beneficial Insect Release And How Do Beneficial Insects Work?

Written by Stein Tree on February 10, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Maintaining healthy landscaping, trees, shrubs, and other plants often requires work and labor from either the owner or a tree and plant health care specialist. But one method is to let insects do the job instead. Beneficial insect release has become an increasingly popular method for homeowners to maintain their gardens and landscapes in a natural, sustainable way.

What Are Beneficial Insects?

Beneficial insects are insects that perform valuable tasks to sustain an ecosystem, such as pollination and pest control. Many people perceive all insects as pests, but insects are vital to their ecosystems. In addition to pollination and pest control, many insects provide soil fertilization or food for other insects and animals.

For example, bees pollinate flowers, collecting the nectar, and using that nectar to produce honey. A farmer can take advantage of this by using bee boxes and creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both him and the bees.

Pest Control

Mature Birch Leafminer | beneficial insect release | Stein Tree Service

Using insects as a form of natural pest control has become more prevalent in recent years. Organic farmers and gardeners commonly use this form of biological pest control, as do tree and plant health care specialists as part of integrated pest management plans. An example of beneficial insects used for pest control is the ladybug.

Ladybugs are predators to aphids, which are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage plants and leaves. If a gardener is having trouble with aphids, a pest control specialist can distribute ladybugs to control the aphid population, without using chemicals that might cause more harm to the gardener’s plants. Other insects, such as green lacewings and praying mantises, are also used for pest control. A special kind of wasp, parasitoid wasps, which are natural predators of emerald ash borer (EAB) in their native Asia, has been released in some areas to fight the EAB invasion.

Benefits of Beneficial Insect Release

Leafminer Larva | beneficial insect release | Stein Tree Service

One of the primary benefits of using beneficial insect release is that the process avoids chemical pest control methods such as pesticides. While pesticides are effective at controlling and eliminating pests, some plants and beneficial insects like bees can be affected negatively. Beneficial insects are a natural, organic, and environmentally sustainable way to control pests. Many insects have also shown to have growing resistance to pesticides. Predator creatures avoid that issue entirely.

Beneficial insects also fit into the larger goal of integrated pest management: to control pests while preserving the natural environment and ecosystem as much as possible. Nature has many self-regulating elements, and predator insects are one element from which humans and landscapes can benefit.

How to Use Beneficial Insects

Taking proper advantage of beneficial insects involves much more than only releasing them into a landscape.

Choose the Right Species

The first step to utilizing beneficial insect release is to determine what pests are affecting a landscape, the location of the pests, the extent of the damage, and any other information a pest management specialist needs to create the best plan. The pest management specialist uses this information to determine what species of insects would lead to the best results. Different pests have different natural predators. Selecting the best species for the job is a crucial first step.

For example, the Tetrastichus planipennisi parasitoid wasp is too small to be effective against EAB in mature trees. A larger specimen, the Spathius agrili, can penetrate the thicker bark of mature trees.

Maintain the Environment

Beneficial insects need to be in an environment that allows them to thrive. For example, Delaware’s yearly climate tends to be moderate, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 76 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a proper beneficial insect release plan needs to select insects that thrive in these temperatures. Humidity is another factor that affects which insects will thrive.

Choose Optimal Timing

When the pest management specialist and the property owner are ready to distribute the insects, timing is key. If, for example, parasites are being released into a landscape, a host (the organism attacked by the parasite) must be available. Some releases are dependent on the life cycles of the pests. Beneficial insects should also be released when food sources are plentiful, allowing the insects to survive for longer periods.

Contact Stein Tree Service for Tree and Plant Health Care Services

If you have issues with pests in your landscape, call Stein Tree Service. We have provided quality service in areas such as Wilmington and Philadelphia for over 35 years and we are certified to treat for EAB and to work in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas. Our certified arborists have decades of knowledge and experience, and our equipment is state-of-the-art. For a free consultation, contact us today.

row-of-trees-what-is-a-windbreak-stein-tree-service

What Is A Windbreak, And How You Can Plant One

Written by Stein Tree on January 31, 2020. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

Winter weather typically brings winter winds, and that means turning up our heating systems to stay warm indoors. But with windbreaks, you can stay warm and reduce your heating and even cooling costs. Even though you might have seen one, you may be curious and ask, “What is a windbreak?” As tree care specialists, Stein Tree discusses how windbreaks work, the benefits of having one, and how to plant one.

What Is A Windbreak?

A windbreak, sometimes called a shelterbelt, is a planting, usually of multiple rows of trees or shrubs that are planted specifically to provide shelter from the wind. Windbreaks are also used to protect soil from erosion. An example would be a hedgerow around the edges of a farm or a row of trees separating farm fields from one another.

Windbreaks can also act as barriers for snows, keeping snow from drifting onto nearby roads or yards. That barrier works both ways, as sometimes farmers use them to keep snow on farmland, which provides water for crops when the snow melts. Although we personally prefer trees and shrubs, non-plant barriers such as gates with fabric, glass barriers, or plastic fences can be wind barriers, too.

How Does a Windbreak Work?

As a gust of wind approaches the windbreak, the air pressure builds up on the windward side (the side towards the wind) and decreases on the leeward side (the side away from the wind). The trees force the wind to flow up and over, and eventually, the air pressure pushes the wind back down and to the original level.

Say a house has a row of trees in the backyard, and the wind is 35 mph. The aerodynamics of the trees reduce wind velocity in both the back and front yards, becoming only 10 mph and 15 mph respectively. That results in less cold air moving into the house, keeping the warm air inside; the reverse happens in summer (cool air stays inside while hot air stays outside.)

Another segment of air affected by a windbreak is a layer of still air near a building called the boundary layer. Boundary layers in winter consist of warmer air from the house, which gets swept away with the wind, causing the home to get colder. The trees prevent most of the wind from reaching the house and retains that boundary layer, keeping the walls, windows, and house warm.

All of this results in lower heating costs during the winter and lower cooling costs during the summer. Well planted trees in the right spots can help you reduce your heating costs up to 30%. Trees and shrubs use less energy which means the house and utility company use fewer fossil fuels, which means less carbon dioxide emissions.

How to Plant a Windbreak

Shrubs, what is a windbreak, Stein Tree Service

So now that we know the answer to “what is a windbreak?” and “how does a windbreak work?” the next step is knowing how to plant one. First, where the trees get planted is important, because each region has different prevailing winds. In Delaware, for instance, the wind tends to blow from the northwest, while in winter winds in Pennsylvania are primarily from the west and northwest. For distance, the trees should be planted a maximum of one or two tree heights from the house. Ideally, the trees should also be around a one or two tree-height distance from the rooftop and driveway to prevent snow from accumulating too close to the house.

The simplest windbreak is a single row of trees planted far enough away that, once mature, the trees can block wind effectively. Two staggered rows of trees is another effective pattern. Irregular spacing and placement can also work if you want a more unique landscape.

The type of trees or shrubs planted also matters. For trees, ones that are sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and that grow fast are ideal. Trees with a conical shape and a lot of branches close together are highly effective at blocking the wind. Evergreen trees such as the Douglas Fir and White Spruce species are great choices. Pines trees such as the Eastern Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar also make good choices.

Contact Stein Tree for Quality Tree and Shrub Services

While farmers most commonly use windbreaks, anybody can have one in their landscape. To learn more about trees and their benefits, contact the experienced certified arborists at Stein Tree Service. Since 1983, Stein Tree has been providing Delaware and Pennsylvania residents with high quality, comprehensive tree services. For a free consultation, contact us today.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Written by Stein Tree on January 22, 2020. Posted in Pests & Diseases, Stein Tree Service Blog.

Every landscape and home face the problem of pests. Usually, the solution for most is to eliminate a pest problem when the issue is discovered. But this is a short-term solution that can lead to damaging an affected area and its surroundings without careful consideration. Stein certified arborists and plant health care management specialists emphasize and promote Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, for any pest-related issues. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process that pest control specialists use to eliminate pests while minimizing any risk to people and the environment. This process can be used in any environment, too: urban, suburban, rural, agricultural, natural areas, and more.

The Goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The purpose of having an integrated pest management system is to focus on long-term prevention of any damage caused by pests. The specific plan is based on the ecosystem of the affected area and uses a combination of biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural control, and using resistant varieties of plants and/or crops. Rather than a single method of eliminating a pest infestation, integrated pest management (IPM) is a whole system of comprehensive pest management practices.

Reducing risks to both humans and the environment is a major goal of IPM practices. Preserving the sustainability of the local habitat and environment while managing pests is what separates IPM from other (often short term) pest control methods. Resolving the root cause of pests also provides economic benefits in the long-run.

What Are Pests?

Wine leaf with mite and smallpox infestation – Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Stein Tree

When an arborist is developing an integrated pest management plan for you, what constitutes pests is vital. Generally speaking, a pest is any organism that interferes with or damages our desirable plants and homes, as well as human and animal health. Some pests may carry diseases that can affect you or your plants, while others may just be annoying to deal with. Usually, people think of pests as insects such as termites or ticks, but even organisms as big as birds and rodents, and as small as weeds and bacteria, can be pests.

Every environment deals with unique pests, and plant health care specialists need to be aware of how the environment allows these pests to thrive. Knowing pest populations, life cycles, and more, is crucial to creating effective, sustainable IPM programs.

How Does Integrated Pest Management Work?

As we mentioned, IPM is about finding long-term solutions to pests, and that involves creating and modifying the environment to be unfavorable for those pests. Growing healthy crops, using disease-resistant plants, or sealing cracks in a building are all ways that prevent pests from thriving and can help control the issue.

Farmer on tractor using pesticides - Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Stein Tree

Monitoring the environment, including identification of the pests and the damage caused is the first step in determining what level of action is necessary. Knowing about the pests and the conditions that allow them to thrive gives pest control specialists the information to create the best plan for your needs.

After the initial monitoring of the environment and the pests, the issue needs to be evaluated as either tolerable or a problem needing to be solved. A few weeds scattered throughout a garden may be a small issue that can be solved by simply pulling them out from the ground, while a large infestation of disease-carrying insects is a major problem.

IPM and other pest control methods should be used in conjunction with one another, as opposed to being used separately. Some of the methods involved in integrated pest management (IPM) include the following:

Biological control – Using natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors, to control pests.
Cultural controls – Reducing pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. An example of a cultural control would be changing irrigation practices because too much water can increase root disease and weeds.
Mechanical and physical controls – Killing pests directly, blocking pests out, or making the environment unsuitable for pests. Examples of mechanical or physical controls include traps for rodents or some type of barrier or screen to keep birds and/or insects out.
Chemical control – Using pesticides and other chemical-based solutions.

We all know about farmers using pesticides on their fields, and while pesticides are effective, some cause health and environmental concerns. Usually, pesticides are used only in combination with other methods, chosen carefully, and used conservatively. Examples of pesticide applications in IPM would be using a selective pesticide to only target organisms that are causing the issue, or spraying pesticides in selected areas rather than a whole field.

Call Stein Tree Service for Pest, Plant, and Other Tree Services

If you are having issues with pests and need integrated pest management (IPM) in areas such as Wilmington or Philadelphia, call Stein Tree Service. Our certified arborists have decades of experience, our equipment is state-of-the-art, and we have been dedicated to quality service for over 30 years. For a free consultation, contact us at 610-723-8056 today!

Young leaf, what is plant health care, Stein Tree Service

What is Plant Health Care (PHC) and Why Is PHC Important?

Written by Stein Tree on January 6, 2020. Posted in Plant Health Care (PHC), Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care Video.

When an arborist is tasked with removing or trimming a tree, he needs to evaluate the health of the tree first. And he does this through a thorough assessment, followed by the creation of personalized Plant Health Care (PHC) programs. What is plant health care? Plant health care is both a proactive approach and a holistic approach to maintaining tree, shrub, bush, and general landscaping health. Certified arborists and plant health care specialists focus on preventive care to increase the plant’s ability to thrive. But plant health care is about more than simply making sure your trees are healthy. Many factors go into caring for and maintaining plant health.

Stein Discusses Pennsylvania Tree Ordinances

Written by Stein Tree on December 30, 2019. 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.

Stein Discusses How Trees Benefit Businesses

Written by Stein Tree on December 20, 2019. 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.

People walking in park, with snow and trees

Stein Tree Discusses How to Care For Trees in Winter

Written by Stein Tree on December 6, 2019. Posted in Stein Tree Service Blog, Tree Care.

When people think about tending to their trees, watering, pruning, and general care, they tend to think about spring and summer unless a tree breaks or falls. After all, the warm spring and summer are times when we can see trees grow and become the beautiful landscape features we want them to be. But tree care can occur at any time of the year, so below are some tips on how to care for trees in winter.

How to Care For Trees in Winter

Below are 4 areas in which you can provide care for trees in winter.

Pruning

One of the first things you should know about how to care for trees in winter is that winter is a great time to prune. Pruning helps maintain a tree’s aesthetic and functional value. The most important reason to prune in the winter is that the tree is dormant. During dormancy, pruning causes less stress on the tree and the wound is less likely to attract insects. Another significant reason that winter is ideal for pruning is that the lack of leaves makes the arborist’s job much easier. He can more easily see the structure of the tree, and spot problems in the tree, such as dangerous branches that need to be removed or signs of disease that may be treatable.

Watering

Even when the weather is cold, making sure that trees have enough water is important. Water is an insulator for your trees and soil. If your soil has enough water, that soil will stay warmer. Plant cells that have plenty of water are also more resistant to cold weather damage. The best way to ensure that trees have enough water through the winter is thoroughly watering in the fall. You should also water only when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the area around your trees lack snow or ice. Also, if your area tends to have strong winter winds, you may have to water your trees more frequently.

Mulch

Mulching is important for maintaining the health of your trees, and you can mulch in winter. A layer of organic mulch helps the soil prevent moisture loss and regulates soil temperatures during the year. Mulch also protects the tree from damage, whether the damage is from diseases or from landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers or weed trimmers.

In late fall and early winter, you should add a thin layer of mulch beneath the tree’s drip line. The layer should be a maximum of 2 inches deep. Keep the mulch away from the trunk, too. Piling the mulch up to the tree trunk too much is known as volcano mulching. Volcano mulching causes too much moisture to build up around the trunk, which can lead to fungus, rotting, and decaying.

Get Advice From an Arborist about How to Care For Trees in Winter

House and yard covered in snow with trees and shrubs.

Pruning, watering, and mulching are all good tasks to keep trees healthy during the winter, but you can do even more. Consult a certified arborist, as he can determine the best course of tree care action. He may recommend cabling and bracing, which reduces the chances of trees falling or experiencing other structural failures.

Knowing how to care for trees in winter is important. Doing so will help your trees remain healthy and allow them to really flourish next spring. So, put in the time and effort this winter to properly care for your trees.

Call Stein Tree for Winter Tree Care Services

Stein Tree Service provides many tree care services to communities near Wilmington and Philadelphia. We know how to care for trees in winter, as we have been caring for trees and shrubs for over 30 years, and our certified and licensed arborists have decades of experience. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and is capable of immediate response, especially for emergencies. Contact us today for information or a free consultation.

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 November 15, 2019. 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.

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 September 23, 2019. 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

Maintain a tree board or department
Have a community tree ordinance
Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
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.

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

Written by Stein Tree on August 31, 2019. 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.