Maier Tree & Lawn News

Extreme heat, extreme cold, and during these last months of summer, extreme storms are all part of the Minnesota living experience. For Winona, MN, tree owners, such extreme weather can mean sudden, unexpected storm damage that leaves their trees injured or damaged beyond repair. However, storm damage doesn’t have to be a death sentence for any of your trees. With effective first aid, tree health can be preserved even after storm damage occurs. Maier Tree and Lawn’s tree health professionals can help you take action and start your trees on their road to recovery.

Storm damage to your trees can come in many forms, ranging from mild to severe. Sometimes hail and wind just knock some branches loose or shake some leaves to the ground, but in more extreme cases, you may be dealing with extensive tree injuries. Major damage to the tree trunk, large amounts of snapped or loose branches, or even uprooting can be consequences of intense weather. Yet, even if the damage looks deadly at first glance, you should know that it’s always a good idea to request a tree health consultation for a professional opinion. Depending on the type of tree in question and its condition prior to the storm, the tree still may be salvaged and restored to health.

Trees are more resilient than most people tend to realize. There are, of course, conditions that render them more vulnerable, but once they are grown and healthy, they can withstand a lot of what Mother Nature has to offer. If your tree was healthy prior to a storm occurring, it will more likely bounce back from minor storm damage. But it’s important to remember that without professional expertise, trying to treat a storm damaged tree on your own can result in further injuries to the tree—and maybe even yourself.

Minor tree injuries can sometimes heal without intervention, and trimming or sawing when it’s not needed can cause a tree undue stress. Plus, damaged trees can pose a physical hazard due to their heavy, unstable branches falling or their risk of tipping. If any of your trees were injured during a storm, our tree health professionals can help.

Our tree health experts examine each storm damaged tree, determine the best course of action, and employ appropriate measures and first aid in order to preserve the health of your trees for as long as possible. First aid may include careful, precise trunk cutting; stabilization’ strategic trimming; and more. But regardless of the steps needed, the health of your trees and the safety of your property are our primary goals.

If you’re looking to save a tree on your property that has sustained any amount of storm damage, contact Maier Tree and Lawn today. Winona, MN, area residents invested in tree health and tree recoveries can call us at (507) 454-7000 or contact us online for more information.

Maintaining a healthy ecosystem on your Rochester, MN, property requires a healthy foundation. Effective plant healthcare is only possible when the conditions of your yard are suited to consistent growth, and without proper soil care, those vital conditions become much more difficult to realize. The plant healthcare experts at Maier Tree and Lawn have the tools and knowledge to help your plants thrive year-round with in-depth soil assessments and treatments.

Great soil is truly the foundation of every great lawn and healthy plant. Indeed, the quality and health of just about everything growing on your property relies on the proper care of your soil. Soil care may feel secondary to other types of plant healthcare, but if your soil is inadequately cared for, your plants will have a much more difficult time putting down sturdy roots. If the soil is packed too tightly, devoid of essential nutrients, or otherwise unsuited to the plants you want to grow, you’ll likely run into gardening difficulties.

Healthy soil is earth that provides the necessary groundwork for the growth of all of your plants. Depending on the type of property you’re managing, the components of its ground may change based on the time of year, the types of plants you’re trying to grow, and how the soil was treated in the past. All these factors mean that proper soil care varies from yard to yard. Ultimately, proper soil care ensures that the plant healthcare process is never impeded by unseen factors below the surface.

Plant healthcare means adjusting your care to the needs of the plants in question. A professional consultation to develop a soil care plan my include lawn aeration, tree root enhancement, and/or soil amendment and is the first step in providing your landscape with solutions to growing in the urban environment.

If you’re struggling with building a strong foundation for your Rochester, MN, lawn and plants, Maier Tree and Lawn can help. For soil care assistance, consultations, and maintenance plans, call us today at (507) 286–8733 or contact us online for more information.

The damage that lawn fungus can cause ranges from a minor inconvenience to comprehensive devastation for lawns. Whether your Winona, MN, property is commercial or residential, maintaining healthy and inviting turf makes a big impact on the value and perception of your property. If left untreated, lawn fungus can grow and flourish across the expanse of your lawn. At Maier Tree and Lawn, our fungus control professionals can help you treat your property and prevent lasting damage to your turf.

Lawn fungus can manifest in quite a few different forms. In some cases, you may find yourself contending with unassuming dry patches, circles of discolored grass, or oddly colored shapes and streaks, while in other cases, you may even be able to spot webby mold or full-fledged mushroom circles. But regardless of the form that it takes, lawn fungus can post a very real threat to the health of your lawn. Without proper fungus control, lawn fungus can spread and effectively kill an entire lawn.

Preventing fungus growth and turf diseases is in many ways just an extension of proper turf care. Aeration and irrigation, proper fertilizing, regular mowing and general turf maintenance may be enough to prevent quite a few types of fungus. However, once a fungus has appeared, the method of treatment should quickly shift to fungus control rather than general maintenance. Depending on the fungus in question, its spread may be gradual, but can be expedited by rain, mowing, wind, and more. 

At Maier Tree and Lawn, our fungus control methods are fast and effective in order to preserve the lasting health of your turf. Lawn fungus can be resilient and stubborn, and if you don’t remove it completely, it can return with a vengeance. With our expertly applied fungicides and careful mechanical treatments, you can rest assured that your lawn will be rendered fungus-free in short order.

If you’re in need of fungus control on your Winona, MN, property, contact our lawn fungus experts today for additional information on mitigation, lawn care, and complete fungus removal. Winona, MN, area residents can call us at (507) 454-7000 or directly online.

Like people, trees are susceptible to illness and disease. And like human diseases, tree diseases can quickly spread from tree to tree. While some trees manage to escape the worst of a disease, others prove more vulnerable. Protecting your Winona, MN, trees from diseases requires a fair amount of vigilance, especially if the disease in question is a fast-moving fungal one such as oak wilt. Our tree disease experts at Maier Tree and Lawn urge homeowners to keep their eyes peeled for signs of oak wilt so that if it occurs our tree health experts can step in and ensure a full recovery.

What trees are at risk for oak wilt?

As the disease’s name implies, oak trees are the primary targets for this particular fungal strain. Red oaks are the most vulnerable, but white oaks can also be afflicted with oak wilt. Depending on the species of oak, the apparent symptoms may vary slightly or even quite significantly. Oak trees that are growing close to each other may also be at risk of spreading oak wilt depending on their underlying root structure. Staying on top of any visible signs is especially vital if you have a tree grove or a lot of trees on your property.

What are the signs of oak wilt?

Oak wilt is transported primarily via the internal water transport systems of your trees. This means that it can spread very quickly and lead to wilting and discoloration. The wilting can occur as quickly as in four to five weeks. The tree’s leaves may turn brown or bronze starting from the outside and then inward. The leaves may also begin to drop as the tree becomes more ill.

What should you do if you spot symptoms of oak wilt?

As soon as any symptoms are spotted, it’s important to act. Tree diseases such as oak wilt kill thousands of trees a year, and depending on the proximity and species of the trees on your property, it may spread rapidly among more than a single tree. Plus, oak wilt can also be transmitted via insects, which means that homeowners should not prune during the growing season. Immediately calling a tree disease professional after identifying a symptom of oak wilt is the best way to protect all of your trees.

If you’re concerned that an oak tree on your Winona, MN, property has been impacted by oak wilt, call Maier Tree and Lawn today. Our tree disease experts can help evaluate and treat your trees, no matter their current condition. Call us at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website for more information.

There are so many factors that influence the overall health of your Winona, MN, lawn, and pinning down exactly what sort of lawn care might serve you best can be difficult, especially if the problem exists beneath the surface. Unhealthy or undernourished turf may be suffering due to poor soil conditions, and when the soil isn’t doing well, your whole lawn suffers.

Maier Tree and Lawn’s lawn care professionals offer a wide range of soil management options, such as aeration, that are carefully tailored to your lawn’s specific needs. But first, you’ll need to be able to spot some symptoms of compacted soil.

Compacted soil basically means the soil is pressed together so tightly that water and other nutrients may not be able to penetrate it. This may seem minor on the surface, but as a consequence, those essential lawn care components may be unable to reach the root systems of your turf. Without the necessary food, it’s very possible for turf to wither and die due to soil compaction.

A few symptoms of compacted soil that you can test on your own are soil “toughness,” drainage quality, and turf texture. If you find it difficult to break ground on your lawn with a trowel or shovel, this could mean that the soil is too tightly compacted. Similarly, standing water after a rainstorm or routine watering could indicate that your lawn is unable to drain or absorb water efficiently enough to be beneficial.

Turf texture is a little bit more complex. The texture of your turf can be an indicator of poor lawn health and soil compaction. If your turf is excessively dry or overly spongy, it’s possible that the soil isn’t effectively providing the nutrients necessary in order for your lawn to thrive. This can be caused by more than a single independent factor, but soil compaction is a frequent contributor to these familiar lawn care concerns.

Lawn aeration is a simple and effective way to give your turf room to grow. By systematically perforating the soil in your lawn, aeration increases water, and oxygen penetration, decreases soil compaction and thatch, and encourages root growth.  Aeration means better drainage, more effective nutrient absorption, and an overall healthier lawn.

If your Winona, MN, lawn needs expert aeration or you have other lawn care concerns, our team can help. Contact the professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 454-7000 or through our website and make a positive change to your lawn.

Summer storms are picking up across Rochester, MN, and with them comes heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes, tree damage. Following such storms, it’s hard to resist the urge to try and restore your trees to their previous state by tidying up loose branches, cutting off broken limbs, and sawing away at torn bark. It’s important to remember, however, that the full extent of the damage may not be obvious to the untrained eye. The expert arborists with Maier Tree and Lawn recommend requesting a comprehensive tree evaluation on the potential hazards of storm damaged trees.

Storms aren’t always strong enough to pull trees out by the roots, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t damaged your trees. When it comes to trees, serious damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye. Cracks, splitting, and even partial uprooting might not be immediately obvious, and any of this damage can be worse than you realize for both your safety as well as the health of the tree. Because of the subtle nature of some forms of damage, having a proper tree evaluation after storm damage occurs is an important step in preserving your trees.

Even if you can see damage such as branches that have been cracked or partially broken, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should try to manage storm damage on your own. Storm damaged branches are a potential hazard in more than one way. A lot of damaged branches can put undue stress on the tree, lead to other forms of worsening damage, and pose a hazard to people who walk beneath the tree. The real dangers of storm damage to your trees lie in that sheer unpredictability.

Consulting with a professional arborist can help diagnose potentially deadly forms of storm damage before they kill your tree or hurt a person. Requesting a tree evaluation may help you make a first aid plan for your tree, plan for a tree removal, or simply restore peace of mind.

If your Rochester, MN, trees suffer storm damage, don’t leave the health of your trees to chance. Contact the professional arborists at Maier Tree and Lawn immediately at (507) 286–8733 to request a tree evaluation or visit our website for more information.

The common conception of what types of plants fall into the “weed” category varies from region to region and from lawn to lawn, but even while the categories are inconsistent, the reaction is universal: Ultimately, weeds are undesirable plants that are interfering with your lawn care and need to be eradicated. For many Winona, MN, residents, these natural visitors can range from simply being irritating to becoming outright invasive and damaging to your lawn. Practicing effective weed control is a necessary part of any comprehensive lawn care routine, and Maier Tree and Lawn’s weed control experts can help. 

Weeds need a certain amount of nutrients in order to thrive as well as viable conditions in which to grow. This means that without weed control, weeds will draw nutrients away from desirable turf and grass, and then potentially spread and overtake a lawn. Some common Minnesota weeds like crabgrass are fast growing and stubborn, which can be tough to manage without the help of lawn care experts.

Weeds may also be a sign of an inadequate lawn care routine. Weeds are largely opportunistic: If there’s room to grow, then they will. Keeping a lawn weed-free means keeping your turf healthy, your fertilizer consistent, and your watering regular. As soon as the health of your turf begins to diminish from a lack of consistent care, weeds take the opportunity to put down roots.

Weeds may be an inevitable part of lawn care, but the long-term impact they have on your lawn varies, depending heavily on weed control and careful intervention. Proper weed control takes more than a one-time treatment; it requires continual lawn upkeep and lawn care. With professional aeration, fertilizing, and seeding, you can create an environment in which your turf will thrive and any weeds will fail.

If your Winona, MN, area lawn could use some expert weed control, contact Maier Tree and Lawn Today at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website for more information.

Part of being a homeowner with outdoor property in Rochester, MN, means managing the health and safety of the trees on your lot. Much of the time, this is a low-risk and high-reward experience, but sometimes the possibility of damage from trees arises. Damaged and diseased trees are dangerous for a multitude of reasons, and understanding what to do with them may take the expertise of a certified arborist. If you have a hazard tree on your property, Maier Tree and Lawn can definitely help.

What Is a Hazard Tree?

A hazard tree is any tree that may pose a health or safety threat to your property or those on it. This definition can mean a dead tree that is a fall risk, a diseased tree that may be contagious to the other trees around it, or a damaged tree that has broken branches from a storm that may be fall hazards. Hazard trees are named as such because they are dangerous and can lead to significant property damage, injury, and in severe cases, death. 

How Can You Identify Whether a Tree Is at Risk?

Since the term hazard tree encompasses more than one type of risk factor, there are a many characteristics that may be indicative of a health or safety problem. Some are visually obvious such as broken branches, tipping trunks, or external rot. But internal rot and insect problems may be harder to identify without evaluation by a certified arborist. Diagnosing a hazard tree is easier with the assistance of a certified arborist who is trained to identify common and uncommon issues among any tree species.

Can Homeowners Take any Steps to Prevent Hazard Trees?

Mitigating the dangers of hazard trees is best left to certified arborists, but keeping an eye on your trees, maintaining semi-regular professional checkups, and ensuring that any concerning areas are investigated as soon as they arise are simple ways of circumventing serious risks down the road. Because of the potential health and safety risks, however, self-managing any hazard tree is not recommended.

If your Rochester, MN, property has a hazard tree that needs to be evaluated, treated, or removed, contact Maier Tree and Lawn’s certified arborists today. Homeowners can call us at (507) 286–8733 or visit our website today.

Your lawn is part of a complex urban ecosystem. The particulars of each individual system varies, but it may be made up of any number of interconnected processes and organisms, including your trees, turf, soil, and everything in between. Through symbiotic support, each level of the system interconnects and sustains the others. In particular, the soil in your lawn functions to redirect and absorb runoff, sustain plant life, and to harbor animals, insects, and microorganisms essential to a healthy lawn and healthy shrubs and trees. Maier Tree and Lawn takes a unique approach to lawn care services that considers the entire urban ecosystem, and for Rochester, MN, residents, this can mean excellent lawn health that lasts a lifetime.

Remember that every part of your lawn’s ecosystem is vital when administering effective lawn care services. Too often in lawn maintenance, factors like turf roots are addressed without also considering the roots of shrubs and trees as well. Without attending to all aspects of your turf, you may be neglecting areas that need attention or missing opportunities for better comprehensive lawn health. An ecosystem that promotes great lawn health does so by treating all components as equal contributors to a healthy whole.

Our first consideration when it comes to tree, turf, and lawn health is soil building. Maier Tree and Lawn’s lawn care services utilize green techniques to build the soil beneath your lawn and improve the growing conditions for your grass, trees, and shrubs. Our recommendations and lawn care services are proven to improve the soil that all vegetative roots need to thrive. Through proper nutrition, the right seed, green practices, and education, we can help create the right conditions for optimum growth of your lawn.

Promoting the healthy and beautiful growth of your Rochester, MN, turf, lawn, trees, and shrubs is our ultimate goal at Maier Tree and Lawn. If you’re interested in improving lawn health or are looking into other lawn care services, contact us today at (507) 286-8733.