White Pines, Colossal in Many Ways, Now at Risk
White Pines, Colossal in Many Ways, Now at Risk
By Paul Hetzler
The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) isn’t a crop-bearing tree, but it has borne priceless “fruit” for Western democracy. Physically as well as culturally massive, there are credible accounts from the early 1800s of white pines over 200 feet tall, and unverified claims of giants up to 300 feet.
Preparing Your Trees for Spring
Preparing Your Trees for Spring
By Kelby Fite, PhD, Plant Physiology
After winter ends, your trees and shrubs will be working hard to establish spring growth. If your soil lacks nutrients (which most urban and suburban soils do), the overall health and appearance of those plants – their growth, color, and foliage – will suffer. In addition to provide proper nutrients to your plants, mulching provide many benefits for trees and shrubs. Properly applied mulch will moderate soil temperatures, reduce soil moisture loss, reduce soil compaction, provide nutrients, improve soil structure, foster beneficial microbial communities, and keep mowers and string trimmers away from the trunk. These benefits result in more root growth and healthier plants.
Scouting for Spotted Lanternfly in Winter
Scouting for Spotted Lanternfly in Winter
By Laura Sarzaba
It's winter, and you finally have all the time you wished you had during the growing season to scour your clients' properties for plant health care concerns. Of course, it's a bit trickier this time of year, but kind of a fun challenge!
Spotted lanternfly is on a lot of minds downstate. Ailanthus is living up to its reputation as the preferred host, but we have seen infestations on Maples (especially Silver, Norway and Red) and Willows as well. Honeydew dripping from infested trees during the growing season can get very heavy, which is of particular concern for trees overhanging structures, gathering places and parking areas.
US Department of Labor launches program to stem fatalities, promote workplace safety in tree, landscape services industries
US Department of Labor launches program to stem fatalities, promote workplace safety in tree, landscape services industries
NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a multi-year program to reduce worker fatalities and injuries in the tree and landscape services industries in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 222 workers in these industries suffered fatal workplace injuries and illnesses nationwide. The causes include falls from trees and elevated work platforms, being struck by falling trees, branches and vehicles, electrocution, heat and chemical exposures.
Proper Distance for Electrical Safety
Proper Distance for Electrical Safety
By Kasey Chambers
Working around electrical units can be accomplished when field arborist are trained and given proper tools and information to complete their projects safely.
Once the arborist has identified the electrical hazard, and made a determination of the maximum potential voltage of an electrical hazard, then the arborist must ensure that the minimum separation or minimum encroachment distance set forth in 29 CFR 1910.269 is maintained at all times while working. It is important to remember that these are the absolute minimum approach distances. In most circumstances, the arborist should stay away an even greater distance. Remember too that these distances apply also to non-insulated tools. Finally, regarding minimum approach distance, it is important to remember too that vehicles must also comply with approach distances. The minimum approach distance for all mobile equipment - excluding electric operating mobile equipment (bucket trucks or other trucks with insulated and tested booms) - is 10 feet up to 50 kV.
