Topping hurts trees.
Topping trees is very stressful for the tree. If more than 50% of the leaf-bearing crown is removed, a tree can be temporarily starved, compromising […]
How to prune your apple tree.
Getting the most out of your apple tree will depend on how well you prune the tree. Apple trees benefit hugely from a good prune. […]
Getting the balance right.
Trimming trees promotes healthy growth, improves aesthetics, and improves safety. A crucial aspect of trimming trees is to obtain balance. Not only does a balanced […]
Choose a citrus tree as your stunning garden specimen tree.
Citrus are underrated specimen trees that offer a massive bang for little effort or expense. They are evergreen, offering gorgeous waxy green leaves, great fragrant […]
Windthrown trees
As NZ experiences extreme wild weather, so too is it more likely there will be severe tree damage. It is essential that the homeowner understands […]
Why and how to remove sucker growth?
Trees are often grafted onto rootstock for several reasons. They include: Improved Growth Characteristics: Certain rootstocks are selected for their desirable growth traits, such as […]
Is a leaning tree always dangerous?
Often people assume that a leaning tree poses a danger to the safety of their house or their family and therefore the tree needs be […]
Shaping leaves.
Trees have adapted ways to maximize how the leaf captures the sunlight without compromising tree health. Trees that grow in the lower canopy often have […]
Winter Nudity
What’s going on in winter under a naked tree? As the final month of winter approaches, it signals trees to start forming buds for the […]
Tree pruning for surviving storms
Good tree pruning can greatly reduce the risks of trees suffering damage during wind gusts and storms. A good visual assessment of trees will identify […]
Stake it right, save its life!
With the weather starting to deteriorate it’s a great reminder to check on your trees that are currently staked and any other young trees that […]
Phytophthora?
Phytophthora root rot is one of the most common causes of root and stem decay in trees and shrubs and removal of the infected plant […]
Lichen on your trees?
Worried about lichen on your plants? Don’t panic they are not detrimental to your tree’s health. They are simply using your tree as an anchor […]
Ringbarking damage on trees.
When this tree was hit by a car it lost substantial cambium and bark, crucial for the transport of water and food required for its […]
Trees or veggie garden?
There is something utterly satisfying about eating food you have grown, but if you don’t have room for both, consider and compare the effort and […]
Curley leaf?
Curley leaf, or Taphrina deformans, is a common unattractive fungal disease that affects peaches and nectarines. The spores overwinter in the bark of trees and […]
Outsmart the possums with a tree guard!
Possums are an introduced pest and eat new foliage, flowers, bark, and fruit from your trees, and of course, they decimate our bird population by […]
Dead and dangerous.
A dead tree presents major risks to property and people. As the fibers break down, the tree’s structural integrity is compromised and becomes brittle and […]
Stake out?
When is the right time to remove your supportive tree stakes? A lot depends on the tree species and how fast it grows. Other factors […]
Feeding your trees.
Just like people, in order for trees to be healthy, they need good food and water to be their very best. A lack […]
Magnificent Magnolias
Magnificent Magnolias. The magnolias have been on the earth for more than 90 million years. While they were here with the dinosaurs, bees had not […]
Cuppa-tree-no?
Coffee for you and your trees! When you enjoy a barista-made coffee from your favorite café grab some of the used coffee grinds, and recycle […]
Fungi on your trees?
Have you seen these on the trunks of your trees? Commonly known as Bracket fungi, arborists generally refer to them as Ganoderma (genus). They are […]
How to plant trees.
How you plant your trees will have a massive impact on how well they thrive. Some trees will experience planting stress and so careful handling […]
Adding the wow factor
Landscaping around your trees can create a bit of magic. If you lift the crown of your trees, it offers a glimpse at a handsome […]
Slime Flux?
Have you noticed a stinky weeping spot on the bark of your tree? This is a common symptom of Bacterial Wetwood or Slime Flux. The […]
Is your tree protected?
When a tree is protected there a number of rules that apply to specify what can be done to the tree without applying for resource […]
Does your tree have a virus?
Trees are precious, and one with a virus can present an emotional dilemma for the owner. The virus will not usually kill your tree, but […]
When to prune pip and stone fruit trees.
Knowing when and how to prune deciduous fruit trees is essential for good fruit production. Autumn is the optimum time to prune pip and […]
How to prune your tree.
When you are pruning your trees, it’s important to use the correct techniques. One of the biggest mistakes I see is the incorrect use of […]