Trees

When working in the landscape it’s common to find a surprising treasure – a healthy little tree. Usually, they were planted by squirrels or birds so aren’t in an ideal location, but it is possible to relocate and grow them into large shade trees. First, consider which seedling trees are worth saving.

Choosing the Right Trees - Good Guys vs. Bad Guys
Not all trees are equally beneficial to the landscape. Avoid saving trees with any of these qualities.

If you catch yourself saying, "I wish we had more shade around the house," now's the time to make plans. Shade trees provide the most benefits when planted on the south or west side of your house, but that doesn’t mean you may not also need shade in additional locations.

Just as drought has caused havoc in many lawns, we’re also seeing damage in trees. Even very drought tolerant trees like eastern red cedar and Colorado spruce have extensive damage or have been killed completely.

Death of branches or a whole tree are very obvious and visible effects, but drought can also cause damage in more subtle ways affecting trees and other woody plants for several years to come.

We fertilize our lawns regularly each year, but do trees need fertilization, too? Actually, in most cases - no. Most Nebraska soils are fertile enough to support good growth of trees and shrubs without the need for additional fertilization. And in particular, trees surrounded by a fertilized lawn don't need additional fertilization.

Lancaster County ended 2022 under very dry conditions – approximately 11 inches below normal rainfall. Dry conditions continued throughout winter bringing us into spring with the entire state still experiencing drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lancaster county is currently classified with “severe drought” conditions. To find the drought conditions for your location at any time throughout the year summer, visit droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

After waiting all winter for a new growing season to start, when spring finally does arrive it seems to hit us hard and fast. Then before we know it, spring is gone and we’re in the middle of summer.

There are many tasks to accomplish in the spring landscape. To help you develop a plan and not get behind or miss your “window of opportunity”, here’s a quick rundown of common landscape projects listed in order of attack.

Every summer storms roll across the Great Plains, and this year has been no exception with high winds leaving damage in their wake, but many homeowners are unsure what to do about storm damage or the best techniques to minimize long-term effects in their trees.

Before taking your Christmas tree to the recycling center this year, consider using it to create backyard habitat for birds. To attract birds to your backyard, you must provide their three basic needs- food, water, and cover or shelter. Your old Christmas tree will provide excellent shelter for birds, providing protection from wind and predators. It can also serve as a feeding station, where you provide a buffet of food that our native birds love.

Late winter, February and March, is usually an excellent time to prune deciduous trees. Branches are easier to remove when not weighted down by leaves, and the tree's branching structure is easier to see.

However, following last season's severe drought conditions most landscape trees are stressed, so it's more important than ever to use a critical eye to assess the need for pruning this year, and, if pruning is necessary, use good pruning techniques to avoid causing additional tree stress.

In late April, many people will celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree. Using good planting techniques and providing good care during a tree's first few years are critical for getting a tree off to a good start, and ensuring vigorous growth and health throughout it's life.

Apple scab, caused by the fungusVenturia inaequalis, is one of the most important diseases of apples and crabapples in Nebraska. It causes decreased yield, lower fruit quality, thin tree canopies and reduced tree vigor. Nearly every year, the disease defoliates susceptible varieties of ornamental crabapple.

Fungicide control of apple scab on trees with a history of heavy infestation, begins at bud break, which is only a few weeks away.

Each year in late spring and early summer, homeowners begin noticing strange growths on the leaves or stems and are concerned for the health of their trees.