Caring For Your Ash Tree(s)
Urban Foresters offers several options to combat the devastating Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). We have utilized foliar sprays, trunk insecticide injections and soil insecticide injections to suppress this exotic pest. Management recommendations vary depending on the tree and it's location. In addition to preventative treatments, we recommend maintaining a good growing environment for your tree(s) by watering, mulching and fertilizing as needed.
We will continue to revise our treatment recommendations as new information becomes available from researchers. Remember that the current treatment options are the best we can offer at this time. Even by utilizing treatments in combination, your Ash tree(s) may still not survive. Preventative treatments are likely to be required for many years, until there is no longer a threat of attack by the EAB. The final decision on whether to go ahead with treatments always lies with the customer.
Tree Climbing Competition—Each year, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) sponsors an International Tree Climbing Competition. Qualifiers to this event are those individuals who won their regional chapter competitions. Our climbers are constantly working at their craft by participating in Michigan’s competition where they learn new techniques and demonstrate their skills in the trees. For the past two years, an UF employee has won this event, and this year three of our arborists finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th overall. Our company is committed to supporting our climbers in this event because the training associated with the event directly benefits the safety, efficiency, and quality of the work we do for our clients here in the Ann Arbor area. To learn a little bit more about this event, click on the following link: http://itcc.isa-arbor.com.You may also find coverage of the MTCC by visiting the Ann Arbor News.
Dominick’s—This past fall, we were called out to remove one of the signature large Bur Oaks that shade the back patio of Dominick’s restaurant. Unfortunately, the health of the tree had declined to a point where safety concerns dictated that the tree be removed. The removal was technically challenging due to the close proximity to power lines and the building itself, but with the use of our crane and climbers we removed the tree safely in one day. You may have seen the article in the Ann Arbor News.
Air Spade—Problems below ground often lead to plant death and failure. In fact, these problems account for the majority of tree decline and death, especially in the urban area where the soils are less fertile and often compacted. Recent technology has given arborists a better way of addressing these problems. Through the use of supersonic air pressure, we can now discover girdling roots, aerate compacted soil, and mix in organic matter without harming even the finest of roots. This service is a great improvement in the tree care industry, and we are excited to be able to perform this work to help improve your trees’ health. For more information contact sales@urbanforesters.com.
Ice Storm Clean Up—Back in mid-January, our area experienced a significant ice storm which left many of our trees in rough shape. The extra load of ice put too much strain on many of these trees. We are now in the process of restoring the crowns of as many storm-damaged trees as we can. Our arborists can come out to your property and evaluate damaged trees and make recommendations for their care or removal. In addition, we can check out other trees which may have structural defects and propose pruning and support systems which will minimize the risk of any further damage to your landscape investment.
EHAP—Two of our crew members have recently become EHAP certified. EHAP stands for Electrical Hazard Awareness Program and is the certification recommended for non-utility tree service companies to provide the necessary training to work within close proximity to power lines. The program consists of a written test, CPR and first aid, aerial rescue practice, and a video on working around electric lines. Many of our clients’ trees are in close proximity to power lines, so we are devoted to providing the training necessary to perform our work safely on your property. Since contact with power lines is often fatal, please choose your tree care service carefully and ask them to provide documentation of the EHAP training.
