Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

When it comes to the long list of things to care for in regards to your home during extreme weather, trees don’t always make it to the top of the list. However, taking good care of your trees can equate to a decrease in damage and an increase in savings whenever storms with high winds whip through your neighborhood.

In addition to adding value to your home, your arboreal assets play an important role in purifying the air, soaking up storm water that might otherwise burden drain systems, and helping cool your home through the shade provided naturally.

However, if not cared for properly, the trees on your property can potentially cause a lot of damage. Gutters can be clogged by leaves and other tree debris. Overgrown trees can create easy access to homes for carpenter ants, termites, and other pests through branches that touch the rooftop.

When it comes to protecting your arboreal assets, maintenance is key.

Here are a few tips on maintaining your trees:

Checkups – By having an ISA Certified Arborist look at your trees on an annual basis, you will avoid potential costly hazards that can come from overgrowth and debris.

Environment – Trees need a good environment in order to live strong and healthy. Trees that are street-side have more potential threats to their health through the work that may be done on power lines, water lines, and other space limiting units that may hinder root growth or damage roots.

Soil Damage – Construction near the tree can potentially compact the surrounding soil. Compacted soil can cause damage to root systems. The strength of the tree will rely on the root system.

Call an Embark Certified Arborist today to begin your tree maintenance schedule. Healthy and well maintained trees can be one of your best property assets.

Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

On August 2, 2010, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) named August as “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.” The goal of the APHIS is to increase understanding in the harm that invasive plant pests and diseases can cause to natural resources and agriculture.

APHIS Administrator Cindy Smith reported, “Preventing foreign pests and diseases from entering the United States is my agency’s number one priority. These destructive pests can jeopardize the livelihood of our farmers, ranchers and foresters, and they can forever alter our natural landscape. We’re dedicating the month of August to raising public awareness about these threats, and we’re asking every American who can to help us fight invasive pests.”

The potential for these potentially harmful organisms to enter the country are present in arriving cargo on foreign ships and through Americans returning home from foreign travel. Such pests and diseases have been found to impact the economy by $1 billion annually. Such pests spread rapidly and through invading native species, and reducing the biological diversity of plants and trees. Certain invasive plant and tree pests have been to be harmful enough to kill plants and trees.

Here are some tips from the APHIS on keeping your area invasive plant pest and disease free:

Living Plants and Fruit – Invasive pests can be easily transported through live plants and fruit. Be sure to keep foreign plants and fruit separate from your landscape until inspected by a pest professional.

Firewood – Keep firewood local. Many pests can be transported through firewood, wood packing materials, and lumber. If the long range transport of these materials is avoided, the spread of invasive pests will decrease.

Clean Equipment – If you like to hike, camp, or if you work in forestry, you can help decrease the spread of invasive pests through cleaning your equipment, boots, and gear before returning home.

Protecting your landscape from invasive plant pests and disease can be easy with the right information. If you notice a strange decline in the health of your plants call an Embark Pest Specialist right away so that we may help in the fight against invasive pests.