In the second part of our tree planting blog series, we're tapping into the knowledge and wisdom of horticulturist and owner of Great Plains Nursery, Heather Byers. Great Plains Nursery, located in Weston, NE, focuses on growing high quality plants that are native or especially suited to our climate. They start their trees from locally-collected seeds and grow them with love!  Here are three things Heather advises you to look for when shopping for a tree.

The Emerald Ash Borer hasn't officially been detected in Omaha, but it's wise to know what to look for. Here is a great instructional video on how to identify EAB damage before it's too late. To summarize, here are a few things to look for:

• A thinning canopy
• Woodpecker damage
• Cracking branches and vertically splitting bark
• D-shaped exit holes that measure 1/8"
  
  

​As always, consult a certified arborist if you suspect infestation, as these symptoms can also be caused by other insects. The earlier we can detect it, the higher the survival rate!

The Nebraska Forest Service has issued a press release (3/8/16) warning homeowners of scammers surfacing in Nebraska to sell EAB treatments. 

'The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) is encouraging homeowners to beware of solicitors promoting tree services and products related to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Unconfirmed reports have surfaced from around the state of person(s) providing misinformation, or claiming they will eradicate the invasive insect through treatment or removal of ash trees. These “companies” may be uninsured, unlicensed or request payment upfront—all possible indications of a scam.

“If the treatments seem too good to be true, that’s likely the case,” says NFS Forest Health Specialist Jennifer Morris. “Familiarizing yourself with EAB and what options are out there is an excellent way to sniff out possible scams.” 
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Read the full press release here.

Welcome, March! Spring is finally near, which means it's a good time to think about tree planting. This blog post is Part 1 of a series of 3 posts that will help guide you in planting a new tree this year! NOW is the time to start researching!

We recently had the pleasure of assisting a customer select a replacement tree after we removed one from their front yard. There were many factors we and the customer had to take consider before ultimately selecting a Ginkgo Biloba tree. 
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This is often the most overlooked factor when selecting a new tree. You'll need to envision the planting site in 5, 10 or 20 years to consider the tree's mature height, canopy spread and root space. Sure, you can prune the tree as it grows to keep it properly elevated over sidewalks, driveways or your home, but it's best to select the right tree from the get-go so you won't need to rely on pruning in the future. But hey - when you need that pruning, give us a call, won't you?

Location considerations:

• Power lines
• Existing trees
• Buildings, decks & gazebos
• Driveways, streets & sidewalks
• Space available for root spread (consider container/planter size or easement size between street and sidewalk)

At the nursery, those young canopies all look the same! Ask for assistance or do your research so you know what canopy shape you'll be dealing with when the tree matures. To the right, the US Forest Service illustrates common canopy shapes.

We cannot stress enough the importance of selecting a tree that is genetically inclined to thrive in our climate!

• Soil & Drainage - Is your soil sandy, clay-y (is that a word? I'm using it...) or a combination of both? Sandy soils will require more water, and clay-y soils will require less water (no more often than every 7 days in the summer). An easy method to determine the drainage of a site is to dig a 12x12x12 hole in the planting site. Fill the hole with water. If the water drains in fewer than three hours, the drainage is excellent, and plants suited for dry locations will perform well. However, this method should be done only when the soil is already moist or the test will yield false results.
  
  Also consider that high traffic areas generally yield compacted soil, which means poorer drainage. 
  
  Lastly, each tree species has a tolerance range related to acidity and alkalinity. If you're unsure of your soil pH, you can have a simple and affordable soil test performed by Midwest Laboratories here in Omaha.
  
  
• Pests & Diseases - Research common pests and diseases for the trees you've got your eye on, and consider their long term care requirements and the costs and effects of repeated pest or disease treatments. You might consider a disease-resistant variety, like the Valley Forge Elm which is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease (vs. American Elm). Some trees are naturally resistant to most pests, like Ginkgo, Bur Oak and Goldenrain Tree. 
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• Climate & Hardiness Zones - Omaha, Nebraska is in Hardiness Zones 5-6. Click the button for a comprehensive list of trees suggested for our hardiness zones from Arbor Day:

The truth is, every tree flowers and fruits to some degree. The planting site of your tree and your own personal tolerance for "tree litter" will help you determine what kinds of trees to avoid. Some people have a lower tolerance for "messy trees," and some of the following examples may not bother you at all! At any rate, here are a few examples:

• A Bur Oak will drop large acorns, so you may not want to plant over your driveway or street.
• Crabapples, female Ginkgos and Walnuts produce messy fruit that you may not want to scrape off your sidewalk or driveway (or the bottoms of your shoes!) These trees may be better to plant over a grassy or mulched area.
• Lindens, tulip trees and maples produce samaras (Helicopters? Whirly-gigs?) that may clog gutters. 
• Kentucky Coffee Trees and Catalpas produce large seed pods that you may need to rake up periodically if you prefer a clean and tidy lawn.