What we see on oak trees, and other trees, that looks like black mold is actually a fungus called sooty mold. Maybe that’s bandying semantics, but black mold is what’s found inside homes and buildings, and sooty mold grows on secreted honeydew from insects. This is a common disease of oaks and several other trees…. Read more »
Posts Categorized: Tree Care
Powdery Mildew on Maple Trees
This is a common fungus problem for maple trees. In our area this year (2022) we had a tremendous outbreak of powdery mildew on Big Leaf Maples, as we’re sure nearly everyone saw. Powdery mildew can affect other trees as well. It’s caused by a range of different fungi, different for each species, but the… Read more »
Autumn Is Upon Us
Well, after a wild & woolly summer ~ the like of which many of us haven’t seen and wouldn’t care to see again 😉 ~ we’ve come into the Fall. For many Washingtonians, the Autumn is their favorite season due to often glorious summer-like weather we can have (obviously not this year). Or for the… Read more »
Conked Out? Your Trees Could Be!
These interesting-looking, almost attractive projections from the tree have a lovely name in the common vernacular ~ Artist’s Bracket. They’re so named because the material is firm enough for artists to etch pictures into the white pore side, which then bruises brown; these creations can last a remarkably long time when dried. Conks, despite their… Read more »
Are My Trees Safe?
This particular question is often the reason many customers call us. Perhaps you have just purchased a new home and want to be sure your investment doesn’t leave you with an unwelcome surprise. It may be that you’ve noticed a tree that just doesn’t seem to look as healthy as it should. Whatever the reason,… Read more »
Prepare for Fall/Winter Pruning
Most deciduous trees and shrubs are well along in the process of losing their leaves and preparing for dormancy. Now is a fantastic time to contact us for an always free cost estimate. Enough leaves have fallen that we can get a good look at the pruning cuts that need to be made to keep… Read more »
Drought Stress
Fall has arrived decisively this year. No extended Summer happening here! A very common concern over this past 3 Summers is that they have been warmer than normal and with less rainfall. Most of us know we need to water our lawns, flowers and ornamentals, but in some cases well established trees also need a… Read more »
A tree stump that should be dead is still alive; here’s why ~
Occasionally, we’ll feature articles of interest here and we think this one is Really Interesting! Within a shrouded New Zealand forest, a tree stump keeps itself alive by holding onto the roots of its neighboring trees, exchanging water and resources through the grafted root system. New research, publishing July 25 in iScience, details how surrounding… Read more »
Avoiding the Peak Season Wait
It’s the end of September and you know the Fall winds are on the horizon. As you begin packing up the back-yard bar-b-q equipment, your eyes settle on that giant maple tree that drops its leaves all over your roof and yard. This year, you’ve decided you’re done with raking leaves every other day, it’s… Read more »