Tag: tree care

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 July 30, 2020. 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.

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 July 14, 2020. 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.

Learn About Our Tree Pruning Services

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.

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

4 Reasons Why You Should Remove a Dead Tree

Written by Stein Tree on July 6, 2020. 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.

Learn About Our Emergency Tree Services

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.

irrigation system watering trees-proper watering - tree care -Stein Tree Service

What is Transpiration in Trees? How Trees Use Transpiration

Written by Stein Tree on June 25, 2020. 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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.