Depending on where you live, the landscape may already be bursting with flowering trees and shrubs. Or, maybe you’re still anxiously awaiting for signs of the season. Whichever is the case, trees and shrubs that flower are often some of the earliest harbingers of spring. At The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum, we have a fully equipped diagnostic laboratory, scientific test plots, an education center and an arboretum with over 15,000 plants. Throughout the year, the arboretum’s specimens showcase their beauty. Of course, in spring, they put on a particularly spectacular show ..read more

Tree topping is a method often used to reduce the size or height of a tree. With this method, the top of some or all of the branches from a tree’s crown are cut straight off, leaving large stubs. Unfortunately, tree topping hurts trees, causing stress and irreparable damage. Given the harm it can cause, this is not a practice we recommend. An Unhealthy and Unappealing Approach Industry standards agree that tree topping is harmful. It destroys the natural shape and growth habits of a tree, which can never fully recover. Above all, a topped tree simply does not look good and the practice results ..read more

Frost cracks are vertical cracks in a tree that are caused by temperature changes. They occur during winter when the daytime sun warms the bark causing tissue expansion. Later, when the sun goes down and the temperature drops quickly, the outer layer cools and contracts faster than other portions. This expansion and contraction results in vertical cracking. Cracks can be several feet long and a few inches wide. Imagine being outside and exposed to cold temperatures all winter. Sure, trees are adapted to outdoor living. However, they are not always well suited to being alone in the open. Exposu ..read more

We all know the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, but if you see this plant in your trees and shrubs beware. Mistletoes are parasites. These organisms live on trees and shrubs at the expense of their hosts. Especially this time of year, mistletoe is steeped in history and tradition. Druids believed it had the power to protect loved ones from evil. Ancient Greeks used it is a medicinal cure for a myriad of disorders. And, even today, this plant is one of great symbolism. Stand underneath it at Christmas time and you might just get a kiss! While this plant certainly has a notable history ..read more

Tree fertilization and soil care in autumn dramatically improve growing conditions for your trees and shrubs.  In fact, you might be surprised to learn that soil conditions in urban and suburban environments are often inhospitable to trees. That’s right. The suburban/urban growing environment is vastly different than the ideal conditions found in nature. As such, trees growing in landscapes on residential or commercial properties often lack adequate nutrients and organic matter. Compacted soil, restricted root zones and competition with turf for nutrients are just a few of the stresses th ..read more

Down a dark path, by a haunted house is a ghastly garden filled with spooky plants for Halloween! While not all of them are native to North America, it’s still entertaining to see the sorts of peculiar species that will make your bones rattle. SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PLANTS   Ghost Plant Ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora) is known for its complete lack of chlorophyll. Though it is not commonly encountered, its native range spreads across the U.S. and Canada.  However, there are gaps in its range. For instance, ghost plant does not live in the southwest and some parts of the Rocky mountains. I ..read more

Roses are one of the most popular garden plants in the world. In caring for roses, it’s important to understand the best conditions for growing them. A working knowledge of the pests and diseases that commonly impact these plants will also help in maintaining healthy, beautiful roses. Growing Conditions Roses grow best in full, all-day sun. You’ll need at least six hours of direct sunlight for them to flower well. However, during summer weather, partial afternoon shade will provide the flowers a respite from the heat and help them last longer. Well-drained soil is important for roses. It will ..read more

A girdling root is a root that circles around at least one side of the main trunk.  You’ll usually see them at or slightly below the soil surface.  These roots wrap tightly around the trunk, putting pressure on it. As result, movement of water and nutrients to the leaves is restricted. A girdling root circles the trunk, making it hard for nutrients and water to reach the leaves.What causes girdling roots? Incorrect planting is a major problem.  Roots take the path of least resistance in growth. Therefore, girdling roots are more common in situations when the planting hole has no ..read more

Plant the right tree in the right place is a common mantra in the tree care industry.  However, how does a homeowner actually go about tree selection and why is it important anyway? Giving thought to the type of tree you’re planting and where it will live will ultimately make life easier for you — and your tree!  Selecting a tree that will thrive in the conditions where you are planting means that tree will be healthier and easier to maintain. .The First Step in Tree Selection Before even stepping foot in a nursey, first consider why you are planting a tree.  Are you looking for ..read more

Tree borers and wood boring insects make their homes in the bark, trunks and branches of trees.  Living up to their name, these larvae ‘bore’ in trees, laying eggs and feeding inside roots, trunks and branches and tunneling beneath the bark.  As a result of their activity, trees sustain serious internal damage.  Specifically, injuries restrict the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients and can ultimately kill the host plant.  Borers are some of the most destructive pests of trees and shrubs. Tree Species at Risk Some borers have specific host plants.  Dogwood ..read more