Fertilization and Bug Problems

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:40:21 +0000

Here is an excerpt from an article written by Professor Dan Herms, Ohio State University Extension, and published on the International Society of Arboriculture’s web site. An important point to keep in mind; when most “mainstream” institutions discuss “fertilization”, one might presume they are referring to conventional, synthetic fertilizers, that are relatively high in nitrogen, not natural, organic products. By their nature, organic fertilizers are fairly low in nitrogen.

International Society of Arboriculture

The Resource Allocation Trade-Off (page 5) (by Professor Dan Herms, Ohio State University Extension)

Fertilization and Tree Resistance to Insects

Fertilization commonly is considered to enhance the insect resistance of trees. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. To the contrary, the overwhelming majority of published studies strongly support the generalization that fertilization decreases tree resistance to insects. Fertilization has been shown to decrease tree resistance to sucking arthropods, including aphids, adelgids, scales, psyllids, plant bugs, lace bugs, and spider mites. Fertilization also has been shown to decrease tree resistance to chewing insects, including caterpillars, sawflies, leaf beetles, leafminers, and shoot and stem borers, as well as browsing mammals, including deer, moose, and hares.

The general pattern that fertilization decreases tree resistance to insects has emerged in spite of great variation among studies in their experimental methodology, which includes the use of deciduous and evergreen species; mature and immature trees; and great variation in formulation, rate, and timing of fertilizer applications. Furthermore, similar patterns have been documented in forests across naturally occurring gradients in soil fertility. These findings suggest that fertilization influences insect resistance via general responses of trees to increased nutrient uptake, rather than through specific effects of particular formulations or timing of application.

Fertilization decreases insect resistance by increasing the nutritional quality of the plant for the insect and by decreasing concentrations of defensive chemicals known as secondary metabolites, or allelochemicals. The nutritional quality of plants plays a central role in their resistance to insects. As an essential component of protein, nitrogen generally limits the growth and reproduction of insects, as it does in plants. The nitrogen content of insects ranges from 7 to 14 percent dry weight, while that of plants averages about 2 percent. Because of this discrepancy, the growth and reproduction of plant-feeding insects are almost always limited by the low nitrogen content of their hosts and almost always increases as the nitrogen content of the plant increases. Increased nitrogen content is virtually a universal response of plants to fertilization. Hence, fertilization almost always increases the nutritional quality of plants for insects.

To protect themselves from their natural enemies, plants produce toxic defensive compounds known as allelochemicals, or secondary metabolites. Thousands of such compounds have been isolated, including phenolic compounds such as tannins, terpenes (found in pine resins and many herbs), alkaloids (for example, nicotine and morphine), and cyanogenic compounds (cyanide-producing compounds) found in the foliage of cherries and other plants. The defensive role of these compounds against insects, pathogens, and mammals is well documented. Many studies have shown fertilization to decrease concentrations of allelochemicals in trees, and substantial evidence indicates that this decrease is the result of a trade-off between growth and defense. Slower-growing plants have been shown to have higher concentrations of defensive compounds and to be more resistant to insects.

Compacted Soil Solutions

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:39:56 +0000

Heavy, compacted clay is great for building foundations, but then we plant trees in the same soil afterward, and expect them to grow! How realistic is that?

Deep Soil Aeration for Compacted Root-Zones

Using compressed air moving at over 1300 m.p.h., the shaft of the Air Knife can be driven up to 30 inches into the ground, providing deep aeration, by fracturing the soil, and introducing oxygen, and space for roots to grow.

Due to the “one-time” nature of most Air Knife projects, in addition to our normal service area of Norwalk, Sandusky, and Lorain County, we provide Air Knife services throughout Northern Ohio, including the whole Cleveland Area, Akron, and Toledo.

Common Example Images

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:39:35 +0000

Here is what a proper “Root Flare” should look like. Though this is obviously an older tree, a good flare should be visible on young trees as well.

The photos below illustrate typical scenarios where there are no visible root flares. The first set shows the sequence of decline in trees that have had excessive mulch and/or soil around the trunk for many years. The first tree exhibits early fall coloration over a portion of the canopy. By the time a tree shows this symptom, successful surgery may become questionable. Excavation and stem-girdling root removal were performed on the middle tree in the series, in 2006. The mass of girdling roots was severe, and, as of summer of 2009, the tree is continuing to decline. It’s looking less likely that it will ever recover.

The best advice is to excavate and remove girdling roots EARLY, while the tree is young. Depending on the variety of tree, after about 10 to 15 years in the ground, removal becomes risky. Also, depending on how advanced the girdling roots are, the tree may experience some shock from the surgery, and show further decline for one or two years, before improvement becomes visible. As the third tree indicates, waiting too long can get to a point of no return.

The next set of photos show how the Air Knife is used to excavate around a trunk. After excavation (a different tree), the center photo reveals several roots wrapping around the trunk. One root is visibly digging into the bark. This cuts off the tree’s “plumbing”, restricting flow of water and nutrients, eventually killing the tree. The third photo is of the same tree after stem-girdling roots have been removed.

Our commitment at Organic Air is to continually look for additional ways to keep our customers informed, and educated about tree health.

Burlap and Wire Baskets

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:39:14 +0000

What About Wire, Burlap and Twine?

There is some disagreement within the landscape industry about whether the wire basket, burlap, and twine should be removed, or left on. One of the main reasons some say they prefer to leave the burlap and basket on, is because they believe it needs to hold the root ball together, and it is believed that the burlap disintegrates soon enough that it does not interfere with root development.

With the advent of tools like the Air Knife, we can now see the results of not removing the “packaging materials”.

This ball was planted in a raised mound and excavated after two years. Note, there are no new roots growing out of the ball yet. Unsurprisingly, this young crabapple had partial dieback of the canopy.

Another tree, this time, planted in the ground: it had been mulched several inches up the trunk, covering the undecayed rope, still tied around the trunk, and burlap. It also had been planted two years before. NOTE: in both photos, natural, not synthetic, burlap and twine were used.

The bottom line: In order for burlap to decompose, it must have oxygen and moisture. Often, there’s one, but not the other. The ball planted above ground had plenty of oxygen, but it was constantly drying out. The in-ground ball had some moisture, but too much mulch above, restricting oxygen. In either case, had the burlap been removed in the beginning, roots would have had a better chance of forming, and the plants would have suffered less stress.

What do “Experts” say about removal of burlap. wire, and rope?

Here is an excerpt of a Forestry Extension web page from Utah State University:

Do I remove root ball packing materials? What do the experts say?

by Michael Kuhns, Extension Forestry Specialist, Utah State University and Brook Lee, Community Forester,Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands

For trees in wire baskets, cut and remove wire.
Cut away strings & burlap or plastic, exposing root ball. Don’t remove soil from ball.
If tree is container grown, cut and remove container.
See http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/pubs/urbanforestry/plant_trees/planting_trees.htm

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) says

Cut and remove the string and wire from around the trunk and top 1/3 of the root ball.

National Arbor Day Foundation Says

After placing the tree, remove wires or mesh.

Alex Shigo in Modern Arboriculture Says

Don’t use non-biodegradable strings and other (root ball packing) materials.
It is best to remove the string and pull back the burlap.
It is wise to remove burlap to examine the roots, or to see if there are roots.

Dr. Larry Kuhns of Penn State University says:

Basket and burlap must be removed.

To read the entire web page, please follow this link:

http://extension.usu.edu/forestry/HomeTown/Planting_RootBalls.htm

In summary, burlap, if left on the ball, acts as a barrier to normal root growth. Even if roots do grow through the burlap before it breaks down, they tend to be finer, so they can get through the mesh, and not as well able to anchor the tree. As a result, it’s not unusual to see trees lean or blow over.

Air Knife

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:38:53 +0000

What is an Air Knife and what is it used for?

How do Stem-girdling Roots kill trees?

How can we correct problems caused by planting too deeply and over mulching?

Watch a video of an Air Knife demonstration and learn about root flares, stem-girdling roots, and soil aeration.

Afterward, follow the next three links to three other videos, which go into greater detail about root flares, planting too deeply, and the “repair” process. Organic Air would like to give special thanks to Tyson Woods, of Moore Tree Care, in Dallas, TX, for allowing us to refer to their outstanding presentations.

Please upgrade your browser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liD7BfPRseY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65HwbclhEMA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxkVebO9czk&NR=1

A Solution for Compacted Soils and Invisible Root Problems

The Air Knife uses compressed air to inject oxygen directly into the soil, giving plant roots a much-needed breath. It is also used to excavate soil from around trunks of trees or to find troubled roots that may need to be removed, such as those growing into a home’s foundation.

Have you ever noticed a branch on a tree turning to its fall colors earlier than the rest of the tree? Or how about an entire tree turning earlier than others of its kind? This is usually a sign that the tree is, for some reason, unable to transport nutrients from the soil up to the leaves. Often, it’s an indication that the roots are under stress from soil compaction or poor drainage, and are starving for oxygen. As they die back, they are less able to pull up the minerals the tree needs for proper function. Another cause for this type of tree decline is stem-girdling roots. The Air Knife can be used to excavate soil from around the trunk to expose the problem and remove the destructive roots, without harming other important roots, or cutting into the main trunk.

The roots shown at right, wrapped around this trunk, are called “stem-girdling roots” and are much more of a common problem than people realize. They are the result of planting a tree too deeply, or piling too much mulch around the trunk. As these roots continue to grow, and the trunk gets larger, the girdling roots squeeze like a noose, cutting off the flow of nutrients, and eventually, kill the tree.

Over-Mulching: “Too much of a good thing”

An example of mulch piled too high against the trunk of a tree. With no visible “root flare”, the end result could be called ”Telephone Pole Syndrome”

Here is an extreme example of excessive mulching. Unfortunately, however, these “Mulch Volcanos” are not an uncommon sight. It’s not unusual for trees to die during their first year after planting, when mulched this way. If the tree survives past the first year, and the practice continues, over time, stem-girdling roots develop and, eventually, kill the tree.

Here’s a link to an incredible website that expands on these ideas:

http://www.tlcfortrees.info/mulching_staking.htm

More links to web sites warning of the dangers of planting too deeply:

Correct Tree Planting: “The Perils of Planting Trees Too Deeply”

Ohio Department of Natural Resources feature article, ODNR Division of Forestry

http://ohiodnr.com/forestry/urban/features/treeplanting/tabid/5462/Default.aspx

Deep Roots of Landscape Trees

Benefits of Root Collar Excavation, and problems associated with deep planting, Article from Morton Arboretum, Chicago

http://www.mortonarb.org/deeptreeroots/land_established.html

The Word Archives

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:37:29 +0000

The Word: 1

Jos 4:20 - 4:24 At Gilgal Joshua set up the 12 stones they had taken from the Jordan. He said to the people of Israel, “In the future when children ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ The children should be told that Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. The LORD your God dried up the Jordan ahead of you until you had crossed, as he did to the Red Sea until we had crossed.

The LORD did this so that everyone in the world would know his mighty power….

When we face a challenge in life, we can have the strength that comes from our faith, knowing the great things the Lord has done for us in previous times of difficulty.

The Word: 2

Rom 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isn’t it comforting to know that God is “the Man with the Plan”? No matter what life throws at us, His ultimate plan for us is good.

The Word:3

Isa 53:5 He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds.

When these words were written, they were not “history” — yet. They came 600 years BEFORE the person they describe was born. They were a part of a prophecy (just one of 333 Old Testament prophecies) about the coming savior. Every year in December, the tabloid magazines are full of psychics’ predictions about the coming year. How many of those come true? What would be the odds of just 8 Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled by one specific individual? Imagine a stack of quarters two inches thick. Then cover the entire state of Texas with these stacks. One of the quarters has an ”X” on it. Finding that exact quarter on your first try has about the same odds! Jesus fulfilled ALL 333 prophecies! Not bad for a humble carpenter. Just another man? Like no other “man” this world has ever known.

The Word: 4

Rev 3:20 Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Joh 10:28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.

God created all of humanity to be his children. He loves each and every one of us, just as we love our earthly children. He loved us so much that he created us, not as mindless robots, forced to love him back, but as individuals, with our own minds, and freedom to choose to love him back. Jesus came for all of us, but He plainly told us that we must choose to open the door to him, and allow him to come in. He distinguishes between his sheep, and those that have chosen not to listen to his voice. Still, as much of humanity openly rejects Him, and mocks Him, He’s always standing by, listening for all of us, and he always checks his knee-mail.

The Word: 5

1Cor 2:9 But as Scripture says: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”

No matter what you’re encountering in life, the best is yet to come!

The Word: 6

Act 1:3 After his death Jesus showed the apostles a lot of convincing evidence that he was alive. For 40 days he appeard to them and talked with them about the kingdom of God.

Throughout the world, wherever people claim Christianity as their “religion”, holidays such as Easter and Christmas are times that bring many together, but, also, they have increasingly become times of division. While many Christians celebrate the Risen Christ, and the Virgin Birth, there are many skeptics who look for ways to disprove these fundamental tenets of Chrisianity. After all, it does seem pretty far-fetched to think anyone could rise from the dead after three days! So, why is it that nearly a billion people on this Earth (many of whom are generally pretty rational, otherwise) cling to this seemingly nonsensical belief? To put things into perspective, how many people believe that JFK was killed? Except, perhaps, for a few paid writers of some weekly tabloids, most people accept JFK’s death as fact, because, if for no other reason, there are still plenty of people alive today who were alive when it happened, and many were eye witnesses! Then what about Lincoln’s assassination? No live witnesses anymore, but plenty of written accounts by eye witnesses or reporters who interviewed the eye witnesses. All these are accepted without much further thought. The credibility of these writers in not questioned. What is the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection based on? EYE WITNESSES! Who wrote about it? Most scholars agree, that the man who wrote The Book of Acts was Luke (the same Luke who wrote the Gospel, and a man who is accepted as a very credible historian). How do we know Luke was not just some biased wacko pushing an agenda? Follow the link below, and see for yourself.

http://www.harvardhouse.com/Luke_date-written.htm#archaeological%20evidence%20for%20Luke

If you have ever come into the Easter Season questioning, wishing it was all true because you really want to know God, but just can’t trust anything you’ve read or seen, do some more research. Don’t just listen me, or to what others tell you. Find out for yourself. Follow the path of other famous men such as Simon Greenleaf, a one-time Harvard law professor, and a man accepted, still today, as one of the greatest authorities ever on the subject of Evidence. After years of researching the evidence for the Resurrection, Greenleaf concluded that there was no other rational choice but to BELIEVE it! Did Jesus say “I am A Way, A Truth, and A Life”, or “…THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. No one comes to the Father, except through ME”. (John 14:6) If Jesus really did rise from the dead, and he really is who he claimed to be, how do these truths affect that soul that has been searching for God, but wonders if he can ever find Him?

In a nutshell, it all comes down to believing in the validity of The Bible. No other major religion can claim its holy scriptures to accurately fulfill so many prophesies, or to have the originator of their faith openly claim to BE GOD. Try as they may, no skeptical archeologist or scholar has ever disproven any of the events described in the Bible. To the contrary, numerous events, people and places written about in the Bible, which were once thought to be mythical, have been found to be historically true. Some of the thanks actually goes to those same archeologists who originally had set out to discredit the Scriptures.

ATTENTION: Armillaria Root Disease

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:36:51 +0000

Armillaria Root Disease: The newest OLD tree disease that hardly anyone has ever heard of, including most tree professionals.

These days, there aren’t many people who have not heard of Emerald Ash Borer. We’ve all read plenty of articles in the news about this devastating new pest that is threatening to destroy all our Ash trees. But there is another threat to many mature trees in existing landscapes that is not just after one or two species of trees. It’s called Armillaria. The truth is, most people have seen trees with this disease. Many homeowners have had trees die from it, and never knew what actually killed the tree. Wherever there may have once been a forest, and now there are houses, chances are, there are trees with Armillaria.

These photos are a common sight in many back yards, front yards, and parks.

The most visible indications are cracks in the bark, surrounded by black, moist-looking ooz. As the disease progresses, decay takes place under the bark, and bark starts to fall off or peel off very easily. Usually, there is decay right at the soil line. A common culprit is soil or mulch piled up too high, covering the flare.

What is Armillaria, and where does it come from?

Armillaria is God’s clean-up crew in the forest. Its job is to break down dead tree roots and stumps. Unfortunately, it also will infect live root tissue, especially of trees that might already be in stress or decline. The fungus is present in almost all soils that at one point had many trees growing in them. Research has shown that former prairies, and long-established farm fields have little or no active Armillaria. The range of hosts is very broad, but in our urban settings, Oaks are particularly hard hit, and Maples often fall victim as well.

Below is an excerpt taken from a fact sheet on Armillaria from University of Massachusetts Extension:

Armillaria root disease Several Armillaria species invade roots and basal stems of a number of woody plants. Some Armillaria species are more aggressive pathogens than other species.

Host Plants:

Most hosts are woody plants and hundreds of trees and shrubs are susceptible. The vitality and age of host plants influences their ability to resist infection. In addition, seedling trees growing close to stumps of larger trees serving as a nourishment source for the fungus are vulnerable to infection.

Description:

The above ground symptoms of Armillaria root disease on affected trees are those commonly associated with the sudden or moderate decline of weakened trees. These include progressive dieback of branches, reduction in shoot elongation and the size of leaves, pale colored foliage, premature fall color change, and the sudden browning of leaves in mid to late summer. Young trees are killed relatively soon after initial infection. However, Armillaria root disease may infect well-established trees for many decades without showing significant symptoms of infection until weakened by insect defoliation, persistent water shortage, competition for light and soil minerals, or other diseases. In addition to the symptoms noted above on broadleaf trees, infected conifers can develop chlorotic and reddened needles, as well as exude excess resin into the bark and wood from the root collar and lower stem.

Signs include the presence of dark brown to black, flattened, string-like structures called rhizomorphs, and masses of flattened, white, cotton-like growth just under the bark. These signs are often evident at the base of the stem, in the roots, and in the soil around the roots of infected trees.

Disease cycle:

The fruiting structures of Armillaria root disease are golden tan, gilled mushrooms that form in late summer and fall at the base of infected trees. The wind blows spores (basidiospores) from these mushrooms to nearby wounded stems or root collars. Yet the primary way Armillaria root disease spreads is via rhizomorphs and mycelia that pass from tree to tree directly through the soil and via root graft connection. Once the tree dies the fungus lives as a decomposer (saprophyte) on the wood and roots from the killed tree. From this food base the fungus produces rhizomorphs that grow outward into the surrounding soil to infect roots of other trees. The fungus can also produce fruiting structures that push up through the soil surface and disperse basidiospores.

Management strategies:

Complete control is difficult; susceptible trees with strong vigor compartmentalize infections and generate new roots to compensate for those killed by the fungus. Maintain tree vitality with once or twice weekly soaking irrigation during extended dry periods, fertilization as low soil mineral levels warrant it, minimization of soil compaction in the root zone, and maintenance of a two to three-inch layer of well composted mulch over as much of the root zone as possible. Remove infected stumps and roots from sites where Armillaria root disease is a problem since they serve as a source of sustenance for the fungus. Little experimental evidence supports the effectiveness of fungicidal treatments, other than fumigating infested soil before replanting high value sites. There is evidence that conifer grown from seeds on a site where Armillaria was a problem had a higher rate of survival than similar sites with bare root transplanted seedlings, especially if water shortage was a problem. In addition, replanted trees growing outside their natural range may be more susceptible to the local species or strains of Armillaria, which they have not encountered before, or their increased susceptibility results from stress in environmental conditions to which they are not accustomed to growing. Renovate a site with local trees well adapted to growing on the site.

Daniel H. Gillman, Plant Pathologist UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program Fall 2005
What can Organic Air do to help? The UMass article makes it clear that ”complete control is difficult”. However, it also says that the disease can be managed if stress factors such as soil compaction and lack of water can be minimized. The emphasis is on helping to build and maintain a strong root system to counter any damage the decay fungus might bring about. This fits in perfectly with the entire philosophy at Organic Air. By aerating the root zone with the Air Knife, we address the compaction issue. Then, our root-feedings add organic matter to the soil to help promote populations of beneficial soil organisms. A healthy root environment, teaming with life, will enhance drought tolerance, and keep the damaging fungi at bay, allowing the tree to continue being a viable part of the landscape for many years. The key, as with any disease, is to catch it early. Trees that are at greater risk are ones where there has been damage to roots or trunks from construction, especially compaction caused by machinery.

It’s important to remember that there is currently no known “cure” for Armillaria. But, by following some of the steps above, we can slow the decline, and help to prolong the tree.

Our Treatment Programs

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:36:29 +0000

Many people are accustomed to having a Tree and Shrub Treatment Program that offers a “Deep Root Feeding” once each year, along with a series of sprays to “kill the bugs on my trees and bushes”. At Organic Air, we can offer you the same type of structured yearly program, but the emphasis is on making your plants HEALTHY FIRST, and only treating for insects if the situation really requires it. In reality, insects are not highly attracted to healthy plants, so there’s not much need for many controls. Our standard program consists of one yearly Deep Root Feeding and up to four Seasonal Nutrient Sprays for the foliage. The list of ingredients in these sprays is shown in detail below. If plants are struggling due to heavy soil conditions, or other root-related issues, in additon to feeding, we normally recommend our Air Knife services, as well, to overcome those concerns.

If insecticides are needed, they are usually specialized NATURAL products that are spot-sprayed on certain target plants with specific problems.

Here are some benefits of our program:

Relieve Stress & Nutrient Deficiencies
Promotes Strong-Celled Plant Growth
Increases Resistance to Disease
Aids in Establishment of Mycorrhizae

Our Concept and Our Program

At Organic Air, we use a unique combination of products, many of which were created by Green World Path. The concept at Green World Path is simply natural…they create healthy tree care products that promote the biological life of the soil in which plants live. The proprietary organic formulas of Green World Path are leading the commercial and retail green industry with over 30 years experience and efficacious organic product lines (including organic insect control products). This allows us, at Organic Air, to provide you with a common sense approach that gives you a step-by-step guide for one of the most bountiful tree and shrub care programs available (other than what you would find in a virgin forest…).

One Organic Root Feeding (Spring or Fall) and four Seasonal Foliar Sprays

work together to provide long-term tree support. Organic Root Feeding promotes strong root growth for nutrient uptake and storage, by injecting a bio-active solution into the soil that contains a proprietary blend of minerals, vitamins, plant hormones, seaweed, and beneficial soil microbes. This treatment promotes colonization of the feeder roots by beneficial microbes . Once established, mycorrhizae work with other microbes to dissolve minerals and retrieve water that is bound by soil compaction – making essential nutrients available for plant uptake. After sugars are produced by photosynthesis in the leaves, those sugars are deposited in the roots, providing a food source for mycorrhizae. The mycorrhizae then multiply and generate an ongoing supply of nutrient-rich humus to feed the tree.

Organic Air’s Seasonal Foliar Sprays are rapidly absorbed within a few hours after application, delivering the following nutrients directly into a tree’s vascular system: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Marine Algae Extracts and Liquid Humus. In addition, the instantly available nutrients also boost photosynthesis, which, in turn, sends even more sugars to the roots to feed the microbes in the soil, and EXPLODING their population. This foliar spray program provides for the nutritional demands of each growth cycle, while improving a tree’s natural defenses against disease, insects and weather stress.

As opposed to applying common pesticide sprays to control insects (which have no nutrional value), these foliar sprays strengthen the plants, and promote vigorous soil biology (while not posing health hazards to humans, animals and the environment).

Root Feeding Ingredients

Microbes: Ectomycorrhizae, Endomycorrhizae, Azotobacter, Lactobacillus, Bacillus Subtillus, Bacillus thuringensis, Various Rhizobium, Actinomycetes, Aspergillus, Yeast extracts
Elements: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Manganese, Zinc, Carbon, Iron, Copper, Iodine, Molybdenum, Cobalt, Sulfer
Humic Acids, including Fulvic Acid: These allow minerals to be absorbed and moved throughout the plant much more efficiently, to where ever they are needed most. Great for helping to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Seaweed: By supplying sugars and cytokinins for rapid microbial growth, nutrients are made available to relieve plant stress.
Hydrolized Fish and Blackstrap Molasses: Provide all the essential amino acids, as well as proteins and carbohydrates that plants need for healthy function.

Spray Applications

Spray 1 – (Applied Early Spring, March 1 – May1)

Designed to provide the energy and nutrients to break trees out of winter dormancy, this blend produces healthy bud development and vigorous leaf production.

Spray 2 – (Applied Late Spring, May 15 – June 15)

After the bud-growth cycle, a tree’s nutrient reservoir has been spent. During this time, a tree is more susceptible to disease and insects. This treatment reinforces a tree’s natural defenses so that growth may continue without health problems.

Spray 3 – (Applied Summer, July 15 – August 15)

During extended periods of extreme heat and humidity, trees begin to suffer from stress. This application aids in total plant protection by stimulating capillary action for the absorption of essential nutrients and moisture.

Spray 4 – (Applied Autumn, August 21 – September 21)

Throughout the growing season, photosynthetic plant sugars provide the energy source for growth and the production of organic compounds essential for health and survival. During autumn, trees shift out of the growth cycle into the energy storage cycle: plant sugars are converted into long-chain-carbohydrates (starch). These carbohydrates are primarily stored in the roots to be used as an energy source the following spring.

Newer Landscapes

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:36:08 +0000

Freshly planted trees typically have their own unique set of challenges. Imagine being the tree in the above photo:

You had been comfortably growing in a nursery all your life, getting plenty of water and food. Suddenly you are experiencing the shock of having 90% of your root system cut off. What’s left has been tightly wrapped in burlap and wire. Now that you’ve arrived at your new home, someone’s front yard, you discover that the earth you are being planted in is heavy, hard clay. If you’re lucky, the man planting you is taking the time to remove that tight cover of burlap and wire from the top of your root ball, so water and air can get to those aching roots of yours. At this point, the only thing you want is to be able to re-grow your roots into the new surrounding soil, and get yourself established….

Though the scenario above may seem a bit over-dramatized, the basic points are very real. We don’t have to look very far to find new developments, where the topsoil has all been scraped away, and the poor subsoils are now at the surface. Even with older homes, the situation is not much different. In order to survive, a newly transplanted tree must re-establish its roots as quickly as possible. If the soil in the planting hole is not somehow fractured to provide pore spaces for water and oxygen to penetrate, the roots will have difficulty growing into it. This is why so many transplants die in the first year. More often, however, trees get through the first year, even if poorly planted, but, struggle for years with stem-girdling roots, or other soil-related problems, before they finally die. Statistics say that the average lifespan of a tree in a typical landscape is about 30 years! Compare that with the natural lifespans of Maples or Oaks, for example: 200, 300, 400 years!

ORGANIC AIR’S SOLUTION: If a tree was planted using a Tree Spade, like the one shown above, the first step is to aerate the potential root-zone, using the Air Knife. If the hole was hand-dug, at least twice the size of the root ball, aeration after the first year will overcome settling and provide oxygen for continued development. In either case, Organic Deep-root Fertilization, should be performed shortly after planting , to rebuild populations of beneficial microbes, that are generally lacking in compacted subsoils. Together, these services will give roots the environment they need to grow strong and fibrous, so they can access water and oxygen that they would otherwise struggle to obtain.

A landscape is an investment that adds many thousands of dollars to the value of a home. What other assets do people have, with that type of worth, that are not either insured, or somehow cared for and protected?

Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

samra — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:35:24 +0000

Typically, most industries have various professional associations that help set standards for quality and education among their workforce. One of the prominent organizations in the tree care industry, also known as the arboriculture industry, is the International Society of Arboriculture. Below, are some links to help you get to know more about the ISA, and the value of using trained arborists to help care for your valuable trees.

What is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?

http://www.treesaregood.org/faq/faq01.aspx

What is the difference between an arborist and a Certified Arborist?

http://www.treesaregood.org/faq/faq02.aspx

More great educational links to ISA

“Topping” of trees is a terrible practice.

http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.aspx

Proper Mulching Practices: Too much mulch is bad!

http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx