ALERT: Are Your Evergreen Trees Dying?
Here in the Midwest, we know what is causing the demise of our native ash trees and its selected varieties. The emerald ash borer has been invading our ash trees that have been planted around our homes, as street trees and throughout commercial properties and parks over the years. The emerald ash borer continues to wreak havoc killing numerous ash trees and its impact on our landscapes has been devastating. Now we appear to be facing a new problem that may be self-inflicted.
Unfortunately we are now seeing several young and mature evergreen trees, mostly spruce and pine, that appear to be dying at an alarming rate. The trees exhibit yellowing, distortion and dieback of terminal growth with a generalized wilting condition. In some cases, more extensive injury causes needle browning on older growth and complete tree death is occurring. At first many arborists, horticulturist, landscape technicians and extension specialist thought that this condition may have been caused by some unusual environmental factors. As time has passed, and notes have been compared, it is looking like the problem may be linked to something caused by man.
DuPont introduced a new herbicide broadleaf weed herbicide used in turf areas, called Imprelis, which has been used on sites where these symptoms are seen. Root absorption and translocation of Imprelis to new growth would explain these symptoms. Injury may not be noticed for several weeks after application. Heavy spring rains may have been a contributing factor in delivering the herbicide deeper into the soil thus causing more problems for trees.
Although it is not definitive yet as to whether or not Imprelis is the culprit of this calamity of dying evergreen trees around the country, The Ohio State University’s June ‘Buckeye Yard & Garden Line” newsletter states the common denominator in all samples of affected trees seems to be from lawn applications that used the herbicide Imprelis.
Below are images of trees suspected of Imprelis herbicide damage.
If you think that your trees have been affected, contact your professional lawn service provider and ask if Imprelis has been used on your property. You should have been given a record of what was applied to your turf areas as well.
Buck & Sons Landscape Service, Inc. customers can rest assured that we have not used this new product on any of their properties. If you have concerns or questions, we’re here to help.
Did you Contribute to Arbor Day 2010?
Arbor Day 2010
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated holiday occurring annually the last Friday in April. It is a holiday that encourages groups and individuals to plant trees. Arbor Day began in Nebraska in 1872. What quickly started as enthusiasm for agriculture and a love of nature, J. Sterling Morton encouraged groups to plant trees. Not only did they act as windbreaks but they were used for buildings, to keep soil from eroding and provided much needed shade from the hot sun.
Morton proposed a tree planting holiday called “Arbor Day” to the State Board of Agriculture. Prizes would be offered to individuals and groups who planted the most trees. It was estimated that on the first Arbor Day, over 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska. By 1885, Arbor Day was declared a legal holiday in Nebraska. Other states followed and began passing their own legislation to promote Arbor Day in their part of the country.
Throughout the years, Buck & Sons Landscape, Inc. has continued in J. Sterling Morton’s footsteps and has planted trees on this celebrated holiday in April. This year, Buck & Sons Landscape planted a tree at Washington Townships’ Homestead Park in Hilliard, OH.
A scarlet oak was planted along with an engraved granite boulder that was dedicated not only to Arbor Day itself, but to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces. The project featured a plant bed encompassing a Scarlet Oak and granite boulder. The Scarlet Oak represents strength, courage, and durability. The fall red color represents passion, the red stripes of our national flag which represent the blood shed in the battle for freedom. An engraved granite boulder, also depicting strength and longevity was placed at the base of the dedicated tree. 
Buck & Sons Landscape, Inc. also made a trip to a local elementary school to donate a lacebark elm tree.
The tree was planted in front of the elementary school. Local officials were on hand to officially dedicate the tree for Arbor Day. Local celebrity Tom McNutt explained the importance of Arbor Day and also provided insight as to why we celebrate this special day to the students.
Arbor Day is a wonderful holiday. Everyone should do their part to plant a tree on this day in April.
Homestead Park is located on Cosgray Road in Hilliard, OH. To visit the park and for more information visit their website: http://www.wtwp.com/parks/homestead.asp
Britton Elementary school is part of the Hilliard School District. For more information visit their website: http://www.hilliard.k12.oh.us/schools/esBritton.cfm
