In years when food is scarce for squirrels (such as last year when the maple trees did not produce many seeds due to a late frost), they can resort to eating bark to meet their nutritional needs. If this is happening, we recommend offering an alternative food and water source, such as nuts and seeds, to deter them from stripping the bark. Stripping bark can expose the xylem of the tree, leaving it susceptible to insects and diseases. They can also potentially girdle a tree and cause long term damage.

Research indicates that bark stripping has a higher occurrence following a "mast year" where trees produce a bumper crop of fruits and seeds, which may correlate with a higher population of juvenile squirrels.  Here is an excellent article from Ohio State University about bark stripping.
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Yes, they might be called "evergreens," but not even conifers keep their needles forever. Why are they called evergreens? Because the tree holds onto its needles for longer than a year before letting them go. With new needles coming in, the tree appears to always be keeping its needles. It's not unlike your hair. Your hair is constantly falling out, but new hairs are also constantly growing in (thank goodness!) Needle drop sometimes happens without us even noticing, since it's the inner needles that fall. Needle drop in Eastern White Pines, like the one pictured above, tends to be more obvious than other species.

Here is a handy chart from the University of Nebraska's Backyard Farmer of how long common pine trees grown in Nebraska hold onto their needles:
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If a tree is stressed from things like drought, root damage, insects or diseases, needle drop will be exacerbated and you'll want to work to reduce those stressors. That's what we're here for! A Certified Arborist can diagnose the issue or simply give you the reassurance you're looking for that your tree is healthy and happy just doin' it's thang. 

If your tree is starting to look like the photos below, you'll definitely need to investigate further. The trees below are suffering from Diplodia tip blight and Dothistroma needle blight - both of which can be remedied with a series of fungicide sprays in the spring. If you aren't sure, it never hurts to set up a free consultation to put your mind at ease when you're trying to protect your trees.
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Now that the Emerald Ash Borer has made its way to Omaha, homeowners with ash trees have an important decision to make: remove the tree, or preserve the tree. The solution isn't always simple, and we have conversations with each of our clients, taking into account each of their unique circumstances and needs. During these conversations, we find our clients' plans fall into one of these four categories:

1. Treat the tree indefinitely. 
   Is the tree in a good location? Is the tree in good health? Not too old, or too young (and easily replaceable?) Does the tree add significant value to your property or hold sentimental value? 
2. Treat the tree to delay its death, with plans to remove it later.
   Plant a new tree now so that by the time the ash tree needs to be removed, you have a well-established tree acting in its place. Or perhaps you have several ash trees and cannot afford to remove them all at once. 
3. Remove the tree now. 
   Take the tree down now if the tree isn't worth saving or you do not wish to invest in preserving your tree.
4. Wait until the tree dies, then remove it. 
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   HOLD UP!
   
   ​Waiting until your ash tree dies may seem like a reasonable solution. You invest no money in its preservation, and might get several more years out of it before you have to say your goodbyes. But please...
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Tree removal is a risky business. In 2016 alone, 92 fatalities were reported to the Tree Care Industry Association. This number has increased every year since 2013, and it is no coincidence that as EAB sweeps across the U.S., dead and dying ash trees are changing the scene and increasing risk for tree care companies and their workers.  

This risk is not limited to the tree care company - it could extend to the homeowner, as well. That's why it is ESSENTIAL that the tree care company you hire carries liability insurance AND worker's compensation insurance, so that if an injury or fatality were to occur, you are protected. Always ask to see current insurance certificates before hiring a tree care company, and understand that a company providing a low-ball bid may not be adequately covered by insurance. If you are collecting bids and one is significantly lower than the others, consider it a red flag and ask questions. ​
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Arbor Aesthetics uses a macro injection system to flush iron (and/or manganese, depending on the species) directly through your tree's vascular system via injection sites at the root flare. These treatments are performed in the fall and can provide up to three years of green, happy leaves for your tree! 
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​What trees are at risk?
Apple, Crab Apple, Pear, Hawthorn, Serviceberry and other fruit trees.

What should I look for?
Yellowish-orange colored lesions on the leaf, developing into darker spots in advanced stages. The infected leaves drop from the tree prematurely in the summer. Also look for lesions appearing on fruit later in the season. 

How does this harm my tree?
Because the infected leaves drop prematurely in the summer, the tree spends extra energy trying to replace the lost leaves. Repeated seasons of premature leaf-drop weaken the tree, making it susceptible to other diseases, and can eventually lead to its death.

Can I prevent it?
Yes! We offer preventative spray treatments that begin in early March. They must be applied before the buds open, so don't delay!

Where can I learn more?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has a detailed write-up here, including a list of disease resistant species.

Conclusion...
Okay, so your tree probably isn't "doomed," but it's important to know and be aware of symptoms of distress, like those listed above, so that you can take action to slow or prevent the death of your tree. Trees generally die a slow death, and more often than not, due to a number of factors. If in doubt, consult with an arborist for peace of mind!