Fertilization, Soil Management, & Root Care

Healthy soil is essential to healthy trees. Urban and suburban soils are often lacking certain characteristics that are found in the forest where trees naturally thrive. At McCullough Trees Service, we visually inspect the tree for signs of compacted soil or symptoms of root problems hidden below the ground. Compacted soil is the leading cause for stress and eventual death of trees in urban and suburban environments.

We use a tool called an Air Knife which uses highly compressed air moving at very high speeds through a patented nozzle. This loosens the soil to improve aeration and reduce soil compaction. By using air, there is no negative impact on the root system that you would have if you tried to mimic this process using a shovel or auger.  The Air Knife is also handy for exposing and treating various other root problems such as stem-girdling roots, trees that have been planted too deeply, or over mulching.

Trees planted at the proper level will flare out where the roots begin to meet the soil. When mulching around trees, avoid piling mulch against the stem of the tree as this often promotes rot or rodent activity.  Trees planted too deep are much more susceptible to poor root structure, and increased risk of decay at the base

After using the Air Knife to excavate the soil from around the trunk and exposing the root system, it becomes clear if a tree has girdling roots which inhibit the proper flow of nutrients and water to the tree. If recognized early enough, it is possible to prune the root system to promote healthy root structure. If left to run its course, the tree would most likely show signs of stress in the canopy such as small or discolored leaves before eventually starving to death from lack of nutrients.

What is a Forest?

Ohio has 20 state forests, exceeding 183,000 acres spanning 21 counties.  Ohio has 1 state forest nursery.  Between 5 and 7 million tree seedlings are produced, sold and planted each year from these nurseries for reforestation in Ohio.  Thirty percent of the state is covered by trees.  

So what makes a forest?   By definition, a forest is a large tract of land covered with trees and underbrush.  There are three types of forest in the world: tropical, temperate and boreal.  Temperate forests exist in the Northeast part of the United States because of the moderate climate and a growing season of 140-200 days before the four-six frost free months.  

Are forests protected?  Not always.  State forests and the wildlife that live on them are not guaranteed to be safe from construction and land development, but with the help of caring organizations,  such as the Society for the Protection of Trees, and thousands of volunteers, millions of acres of land in Ohio are protected by preserving natural habitats and permanent sanctuaries.  

State forests are managed by certified arborists and professional foresters, wildlife biologists, ecologists and recreational specialists.  Forests and other associated wildlife offer many benefits for those who get to enjoy them.   Some of the benefits include forest products such as lumber and cordwood; recreational trails,  wildlife tracking and viewing, hunting and fishing,  clean water and clean air, and protection of unique areas such as mountain tops or areas supporting unique wildlife or  vegetation.

When’s the last time you visited your local state park and enjoyed nature?  Summer is a great time to do it.  Take the time to go out and explore Ohio wildlife.  You’ll be glad you did!

Fun Forest Facts*

•    94 percent of Ohio's forests are owned by private woodland owners.

•    There are 332,600 private woodland owners in Ohio.

•    1,850 woodland owners are Tree Farmers.

•    Tree farmers manage 383,647 acres of Ohio woodlands.

•    Ohio ranks fourth nationally in maple syrup production, averaging 100,000 gallons annually.

•    Ohio maple syrup producers gather about 4,200,000 gallons of sap each year.

•    Ohioans produce about 750,000 Christmas trees each year.

•    Since 1977, the Division of Forestry has planted over 980 row miles of windbreaks in northwest Ohio on nearly 1,248 separate sites.

Fall Web Worms

Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is a moth in the family Arctiidae known principally for its larval stage, which creates the characteristic webbed nests on the tree limbs of a wide variety of hardwoods in the late summer and fall.  It is well-known to the certified arborists at McCullough Tree Service.

LIFE CYCLE
Fall webworms pupate overwinter in tightly woven cocoons under soil debris or tree bark. Adults emerge in May to June and lay eggs in masses covered with hairs on the undersides of leaves. The eggs hatch in a few days. Groups of larvae feed together through June and July (4 to 6 weeks) inside the web, which extends as the foliage inside is eaten. The last-stage larvae wander all over the tree, then pupate in soil debris. Expect one or two generations per year.

PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
Many deciduous, forest, shade, fruit trees and shrubs. Preferred host plants include hickory (Carya), walnut (Juglans), birch (Betula), ash (Fraxinus), oak (Quercus), cherry (Prunus), and crabapple (Malus).

Control
Larvae chew on leaves and spin large, unsightly, dirty white webs over the ends of branches; sometimes several branch tips are enclosed by one web.  If you would like help with pruning and destroying branches with  unsightly fall web worm, give us a call!

Tree Top Glossary

Forest (noun)
A large tract of land covered with trees and underbrush

Turf (noun)
Grass and the part of the soil beneath it held together by the roots.

Girdling tree roots
Those that wind up growing around the trunk of a tree rather than out into the surrounding soil.

August Plant Health Care checklist

• Water landscape plants as need.  Infrequent deep watering is better than frequent light watering.
• Inspect and treat all landscape plants for warm season mites.
• Inspect and treat trees for defoliating caterpillars.
• Inspect and treat for Japanese beetles and aphids on all landscape plants.
• Remove any dead trees.
• Prune deadwood from trees; prune shrubs.
• Sit back and enjoy the view.