(VIRGINIA BEACH, Va) – As you get ready to tackle spring cleaning jobs, don’t forget your trees. Keeping trees and landscaping green takes constant commitment; and, as they say, timing is everything.
As we turn away from the harsh winter months and head toward the growing season, here are some tips from expert tree care professional Mark Chisholm and STIHL to help keep your trees and plants healthy. Chisholm is a third-generation arborist with the Aspen Tree Expert Company in New Jersey and a two-time winner of the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) International Tree Climbing Championship. STIHL is a leading manufacturer of handheld outdoor power equipment for both professionals and consumers.
PREPARE TO PRUNE
The best time to prune trees and shrubs varies depending upon species and desired results. Pruning during the “dormant season,” or when the trees have no leaves, is usually best. This is the time to prune young trees for future structure, remove live limbs that are too low or close to the house, and remove limbs that might have been damaged in winter storms. Keep in mind, though, that dead and damaged limbs can be pruned any time throughout the year.
Visit stihlusa.com/information for Chisholm’s instruction guide on how to prune properly.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MULCH
Trees and landscape beds respond well to being mulched. Remove competing grass away from the trunks of trees and plants to help them flourish. Just remember that, in this case, more is not better. Keep mulch thickness down to just a few inches and pull it back near the trunk to avoid contact as if mulch is piled around the trunk, it holds moisture and heat. This can cause developments of cankers and other ailments. It also encourages a secondary roots system to develop above the primary one, which could include girdling roots.
CHECK IRRIGATION
Now is the time to make any necessary adjustments to your sprinkler system. Watch to see if there is any water pooling around trees and provide a remedy if there is. Watch to ensure that plants that are prone to fungal problems are not sprayed directly with sprinklers, which could result in a severe issue if left as is. For example, if your sprinklers are spraying the foliage of a dogwood tree, it may be more likely to host powdery mildew and anthracnose. A mugo pine battling with diplodia tip blight will have more trouble defending itself with the extra watering. Be sure to look into the needs of each species within the sprinkler’s reach
REMOVE LEAF LITTER
If the trees in your landscape are susceptible to certain fungal problems (such as dogwood or sycamore anthractnose and pines affected by diplodia tip blight), removing leaf and needle debris will help reduce this effect.
STUDY YOUR SOIL
A soil sample can alert you to any nutrient deficiencies in your trees. Have a specialist come out and take a sample before you start a fertilization program of any kind. Prescription programs are much more precise than blanket programs and they can help you to save money if fertilizer and additives are not needed.
TALK WITH A PRO
Get in touch with an ISA Certified Arborist or a Board Certified Master Arborist now to discuss your specific landscape needs. They can spot problems that need your attention before they develop or advance too far. They can also make sure that you are in tune with how to best care for your trees and provide accurate advice so that you can keep them green on your own.
For more tips from Chisholm and STIHL, visit www.stihlusa.com. For more information on how to find a certified arborist and other tree tips, visit the ISA Web site www.treesaregood.com
REGISTER TO WIN PRIZES
Lawn and Garden Webvision has been an enthusiastic supporter of Chisholm and the green industry. On May 20, 2009, Lawn and Garden Webvision (LGWV) will launch its new innovative approach to delivering lawn and garden media. Registered members will be rewarded for their attention and participation while learning about the green industry both on a professional and consumer level.
The LGWV Video Section has how-to videos and quick-tips provided by trained professionals and offers free user-upload video capabilities up to 100MB. Share with your family, friends, and other individuals that may be interested in what you have to offer.
For more details, visit http://www.lawnandgardenwv.com/signup/friend_STIHLUSA/.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on STIHL's Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
STIHL is also pleased to support the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).
About Mark Chisholm
One part acrobat, one part expert rope climber, one part tree physiologist, and several parts competitor and thrill seeker, Mark Chisholm is a third-generation arborist with his family-owned Aspen Tree Expert Company in New Jersey. His expertise in tree care has made him a sought after consultant and industry spokesperson for the world of arboriculture, and he regularly travels the globe to consult with international arborist associations.
Chisholm has won every International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) New Jersey Chapter Tree Climbing Championship for the last 16 years and has conquered the wider tree-climbing world on two occasions, most recently in 2001, when he won his second ISA International Tree Climbing Championship. He will compete for the 2009 New Jersey Tree Climbing Champion title in June 2009. Chisholm currently holds the world record in the 50-foot secured footlock climbing event, with a time of 13.8 seconds.
