Advice from A Year Round Tree Expert

Just a reminder, next month we will be celebrating our two most favorite holidays: Arbor Day (first Wed. in April for MD) and Earth Day (April 22nd)! This Earth Day will mark its 40th Anniversary!!

Now on to more tree news that has been growing right before our eyes… (please excuse a tree expert’s poor attempt at humor)!

Local: Researchers at the University of Maryland and Bowie State University have received $3.2 million in grant money from the National Science Foundation to create a poplar hybrid in the next four years that could be transformed into gasoline for cars. The trees are to be grown and harvested on plantations. Poplar trees are normally used to make paper and timber but hopefully will join the rank of corn as a new bio-fuel that we could use one day….

A 70-year-old cherry tree that famous gangster Al Capone gave to Baltimore’s Union Memorial Hospital suffered major damage during the snowstorms that occurred this winter.   The tree split in half under the stress of the storm and lost an important limb, the damage and health of the tree will be assessed, states the hospital.

National:  A 101-year-old man lost an old elm tree in Yarmouth, Main that he helped reach the age of 240 years. Frank Knight cared for the tree, named Herbie, by spraying, trimming and “coddling” it for over five decades, said his wife. Because of Frank, Herbie was able survive 14 bouts of deadly Dutch Elm disease, which is a fungus that has been destroying elms across the country for the past 70 years. Herbie died last month but has been cut up and distributed to woodworkers across New England to be fashioned into furniture and sold at auction, whose profits will go toward planting thousands of new trees… an ending that makes Frank smile.

Sources:

Picture courtesy of CBSnews.com

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Poplar-Trees–The-Next-Biofuel-.html

http://www.examiner.com/x-8386-Baltimore-Gardening-Examiner~y2010m2d10-Landmark-Baltimore-cherry-tree-damaged-by-storm

The weather is getting warmer and once the snow has all melted away, many homeowners are discovering they have damage to their plants and trees. A Year Round Tree Expert Company and the Professional Landcare Network would like to offer you some tips for dealing with the damage the snow may have caused:

- Prune broken limbs. If a limb of a shrub, bush, or tree is broken, prune it as soon as possible. Make a clean cut that will make it harder for insects and diseases to enter the stressed plant.

- Remove fallen debris. By removing fallen debris and limbs from around your plants, insects and diseases won’t be attracted to that area.

- Look for signs of salt damage. In the spring, look for signs of salt damage. Grass near the road may be stunted and yellow, and trees and shrubs might display yellow leaves with brown leaf margins. The only way to get rid of extra salt is to flush it out with plenty of water. You can also add organic materials to flowerbeds to counteract salt damage.

- Cut off dead limbs. Some plants may have partially survived. In the spring, assess your plants and prune dead limbs.

Sources:

http://www.landcarenetwork.org/cms/home.html

http://njtoday.net/2010/03/12/tips-for-dealing-with-snow-damaged-plants/

While we’ve been busy digging out from the snow all winter, scientists around the world have been elated with the new discovery that trees have been growing faster in response to global warming.

The study, published by the National Academy of Sciences,  reviewed growth of 55 forests in the eastern United States for over 20 years and part of it was conducted right here in Maryland, centering on mixed hardwood trees on the western edge of the Chesapeake Bay.

The trees are growing two to four times faster than normal because of  higher temperatures and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This translates to a  faster rate now than they have grown in the past 200 years!

Is this good news or bad? Trees are now known to play a vital role in fighting global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, reports the New York Times. It appears that local forests are adapting to the rise in carbon dioxide by absorbing more of it but it is unclear as to whether trees can sustain this trend. Many scientists don’t think the increased carbon dioxide absorbtion can persist for too long because of other  factors such as water availability and soil nutrients.

Some worry that although trees have adjusted well to global warming’s higher temperatures and longer growing seasons, other species such as waterfowl, are in danger as wetland habitats dry up and disappear.

Our response: Wow! Science never ceases to amaze us…even the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that occured in Chile last month has effected our earth by slowing the speed of rotation by a microsecond.

Sources:

Picture courtesy of Live Science.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/science/earth/02trees.html

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/global-warming/Global-warming-helping-trees-grow-faster/articleshow/5536203.cms

http://www.livescience.com/environment/trees-growing-faster-100202.html

http://www.urdunewsmagazine.com/news/2010/02/04/global-warming-good-for-trees-bad-for-ducks/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/02/AR2010030201377.html

Digging out has been anything but pleasant for all of us so, what we want to know is, how did you fare the storm? According to news agencies (and anyone looking out their window!) the snow fall in the Baltimore/Washington area threatened those in the record books. According to the Baltimore Examiner this season we have had 54.9 inches!

All of this record making sure comes at a high cost though, causing collapsed roofs, power outages, missed work and school, canceled travel plans, bare pantry shelves and lots of “cabin fever”. Sales of shovels, groceries and alcohol were up but millions in revenue was lost by airlines and department stores due to the blizzards.

The Associated Press reported hundreds of thousands of utility customers lost power in the Mid-Atlantic region. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley said once 28 inches was reported at Baltimore-Washington International Airport that the  “magical” number triggered significant federal assistance. The new Baltimore Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, issued a phase III emergency plan, which meant no one other than authorized emergency vehicles were permitted on Baltimore city roadways. She said that 100 city trees toppled during the storm.

Many homeowner faced even more challenges because they were forced to anticipate the dangers that the heavy snow created on roofs and branches. Homeowners can find tips from the Baltimore Neighborhood Housing Service on how to respond to storm damage. Since we’re in the tree business we can confirm that the trees and other plants in our area received quite the beating this year. There is no set weight limit for how much snow a tree and it’s branches can bear so it’s always best practice to clear as much of it off as possible to save your plants and to keep a safe distance from ones that you can’t clear yourself because there is often no warning sign right before you hear a cracking sound. Evergreens trees with shallow roots are especially prone to tipping under the weight of the tree and snow.

If you have storm damage from your trees please give us a call before doing it yourself because often times the “cleanup” can be a lot more dangerous than it appears at first glance. Our number is 410-335-8675 and we have been serving the Baltimore area for more than 29 years so you can be sure you will be getting quality and experienced service!

Sources:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/weather/bal-md.damage08feb08,0,4382934.story

http://www.examiner.com/x-29076-SF-World-Travel-Examiner~y2010m2d10-Slideshow-New-record-set-snowiest-winter-in-Washington-DC-history-blizzards

http://mddailyrecord.com/2010/02/10/phase-iii-implemented-no-driving-in-city-nearly-10000-md-residents-powerless/

http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=45531&zoneid=2

http://www.nhsbaltimore.blogspot.com/2010/02/dealing-with-damage-to-your-home-after.html

One of us Americans favorite activities when the New Year roles around in January is to reflect on our shortcomings and promise ourselves that this year is going to be different. Whether or not we succeed in our future endeavors, A Year Round Tree Expert Company won’t argue the good effects self reflection can have.

We came across a really great article in B’More Green (the Baltimore Sun’s blog) that highlights this last decade’s biggest stories regarding Maryland and the environment. We pulled out some events that this Tree Expert found significant but check out the original article for more fun (remember those crazy snakehead fish?!):

-“Development continues to sprawl through Maryland’s countryside, gobbling up farms and woodlands despite nationally acclaimed Smart Growth laws enacted in late 1990s. Nearly three quarters of land on which new homes were built fell outside designated growth areas. Small towns on Eastern Shore and elsewhere are torn by debates over growth, as developers propose annexing farmland to build thousands of new homes. Gov. Martin O’Malley vows to overhaul Smart Growth, but pushes through only modest legislative reforms by decade’s end. “

- “Severe thunderstorm in June 2002 destroys 460-year-old Wye Oak, Talbot County tree once identified as the largest white oak in the nation. It stood 96 feet tall with a trunk more than 31 feet around. Once felled, its massive bulk was carved into a desk for the governor’s office, court gavels, benches and other ceremonial articles. Scientists succeeded in cloning it before it toppled, however, so its impressive girth may once again tower over the landscape.”

What a great flashback and worthwhile reflection, thanks B-More Green!

The Baltimore area has been experiencing temperatures in the high teens and low 20s but the wind has made it feel closer to zero. When  winds reach more than 40 mph power outages and felled trees in your yard are more likely.

The heavy wind has already knocked down trees and tree limbs throughout the area, leaving numerous neighborhoods without power. If your own trees or branches have been toppled or you have an emergency tree removal that needs to be done please call your Baltimore tree expert at 410-335-8675.

Sources:

http://www.baltimoresbesttreeservice.com/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/03/AR2010010301058.html

http://weatherextremes.blogspot.com/2010/01/coldsnowthaw.html

So it looks like we’re having a white Christmas after all! All of the snowfall that we’ve had this weekend got us thinking about last minute preparations we can make for the holiday season as well as the weather when it blows in storms like the one we just had:

If you haven’t purchased your Christmas tree yet, you’d better get moving. In case your curious as to the difference between the types of trees available for purchase, here is a quick guide. The Douglas Fir has soft-thin-green needles that don’t shed and smells wonderful. The Nobel Fir has a good shape, blue-green needles and spacing between branches (good for hanging ornaments!) . The Fraser Fir is the most popular because of the space between its branches and is always chosen by the White House.

If you need a shovel or any other home improvement tool, or if your still looking for a great gift idea, take a look at the Sears Coupons our neighboring blog, One Project Closer, has put together for the holidays. There are Holiday Gift Card Specials, tools, appliances and more!

Sources:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/gardening/2009/12/the_perfect_tree.html

http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/

Trees can be pruned in the winter:

Now that the leaves have dropped and the winter storms are moving in, you should definitely start thinking of weather-proofing your yard to avoid major damage to your home, property and electrical outages. “The second winter storm in four days smacked the tri-state area Tuesday night with several inches of snow topped with a thin coat of sleet and freezing rain,” said the Cumberland Times News of Maryland.

Winter is a good time to remove deadwood and hanging branches and stabilize the tree for both the weight of snow and ice and high winds. It is also a good time to remove that precarious or dead tree to avoid property damages, in case the tree falls due to the weather. “Good pruning is something of an art, as with a good haircut,” wrote the Naples News in an article written about pruning done badly. You can be sure that here at AYRTE your tree pruning and tree removal, even the most dangerous, are in good hands. We also handle all aspects of communicating with your utility company, if necessary, and will safely care for your tree and have your services restored the same day.

“Conifers are able to ignore snow, ice, and harsh cold because their leaves, or needles, have a small surface area and the cells contain an antifreeze,” said Jeffrey A. Simmons, an environmental scientist at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “Maples, oaks, birches, hickories, and such, on the other hand, have broad leaves that would be severely frost-damaged by repeated freezing and thawing.”

Sources:

A Year Round Tree Expert Company (Maryland Tree Expert Lic# 000197) – http://www.baltimoresbesttreeservice.com

http://audubonmagazine.org/features0909/greenDesign-FallFoliage.html

http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_344003449.html

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/nov/19/never-give-your-tree-crew-cut-and-other-words-warn/

Local: Maryland’s State Highway Admin. has begun planting approximately 15,000 trees on the Eastern Shore. And don’t forget the prizes that Gov. Martin O’Malley is giving away for planting your own tree as part of the state’s Tree Initiative.

Local: Politicians want to protect Loch Raven Reservoir water supply and nature lovers trying to protect the right to enjoy the public area. Most recently a law against mountain bikers and hikers has been created on creating illegal trails and rangers have been patrolling and ticketing those ignoring the warnings.

Local: Md Dept. of Agriculture has put out a Maryland Christmas Tree Fact Sheet! Did you know it can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as 4
years, but the average growing time is 7 years?

Sources:

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/21402149/detail.html

http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=81091

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/outdoors/bal-sp.thomson13dec13,0,1181092.story

http://www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/christmastreefacts.pdf

It’s a familiar icon, the Christmas tree. And whether you celebrate the holidays with a tree of your own or not, it can’t be denied that this American symbol has come to mean a lot to many people right here in Maryland.

In fact, the Maryland State Fairground in Timonium is hosting the annual Festival of Trees, one of the largest holiday events on the East Coast! There are more than 500 trees showcased this year all decorated with a variety of themes. The Festival of Trees is a main staple for Maryland and has been ongoing for more than two decades. It has raised more than $12 million for Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Center, a hospital that helps children with disabilities.

The Christmas tree also causes quite a stir for people that are die-hard “real tree” versus “fake tree” fans. Each group has their own reasons for choosing real versus fake during the holiday season, whether economic or environmental.

Maryland’s governor Martin O’Malley is a real-tree supporter and has emphasized how buying real trees contributes to local farmers and the economy. There are aproximately 200 Christmas tree farmers in Maryland but O’Malley has stated that as more families have opted for fake trees over the years that it is hurting the tree farming industry.

Fake-tree supporters argue that they aren’t taking a tree away from its natural enviroment and that it saves their family money in the long run to use the same tree every year and not have to buy a new one. Real-tree supporters respond that plastic trees are not biodegradable and toxic to produce. Real-tree supporters also point out that people can buy a potted live tree and then replant or donate it to replant. Cut trees can also be recycled at the end of the season to remulch and like other crops they clean the air.

We’re not going to argue either way here at AYRTE, we’re just good old-fashioned tree lovers. The only thing we will say is that we love any season that glorifies trees!

Sources:

Photo courtesy of WJZ.com

http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=90882

http://www.sustainabilityninja.com/eco-news/real-or-fake-which-christmas-tree-is-more-eco-friendly-88529/

http://wjz.com/local/festival.of.trees.2.1337249.html