Twin Cities Tree Talk

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PLANTING:

A. Select Your Species:

Make sure your soil conditions and environment are appropriate for your tree species of choice. University of Minnesota Extension has many great resources such as this article:

https://extension.umn.edu/.../replacements-ash-trees...

Look at nearby tree species thriving in your area planted in similar locations....this is a quick snapshot compared to using more advanced tools such as soil testing.

B. Planting Timing:

The MOST DANGEROUS ANIMAL in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

As winter recedes, anticipation builds for spring strolls in the woods, gardening endeavors, and preparation for summer fun on the lakes. Gatherings around campfires spark conversations about anything and everything to do with the great outdoors. A classic topic is the timeless debate about what is the most dangerous animal that lurks outside the cabin. Unfortunately, someone very close to me has had a life changing interaction with what I would argue is the most dangerous animal by a wide margin.

Inevitably, an inordinate amount of time is spent discussing the intimidating predators of the landscape. How to respond to a bear encounter, how to fend for yourself with a pack of wily wolves on your trail, and of course your weapon of choice to deter a prowling mountain lion. Most of us have heard these predators are a surprisingly miniscule threat…

Your magnolia has been declining for quite sometime possibly years. An ashy black soot covers all of the leaves and it appears a swarm of sweat bees, wasps, etc. has taken up residence in your declining tree.

These are classic magnolia scale symptoms you may have encountered last year.

Go look at your tree now…you may see white/orange blotches over all of the branch tips that resemble mold patches…these are actually an insect pest called magnolia scale. Arguably the most effective method to control these pests is dormant/horticultural oil application in early spring (now) and again in late fall after leaves drop. Dormant oil smothers scale…and can harm the plant if applied during growing season.

Call a professional at Green Goddess LLC to help you save your prized flowering magnolia!

It’s time to call out predatory tree services. Do not waste thousands of dollars/kill trees with subpar tree services!

Telltale signs of predatory tree treatment companies:

1. No treatment price warranty for the life of the treatment. Fly by night companies will use cheaper products and inferior application methods to save money and move quickly. They have no financial stake in your tree’s future. 

2. Urging the necessity of treatments on most/all of your trees…or they will surely perish. 

3. Never discussing whether certain heavily damaged trees are removal candidates…only treatments are recommended. Dealing in absolutes noting that treatments are the only option never removals or alternatives to treatment. 

4. No insurance/history of quality work.