Author: Burkholder PHC

Deer are a common sight in Pennsylvania, and residents enjoy seeing deer. However, their presence can be a problem for homeowners, as deer cause damage to gardens and trees. Deer create different types of damage depending on their behavior in a residential area. This article will give you examples of deer damage to trees with photos to help you identify the problems.

One example of deer damage to trees is antler-rub. A deer rubs their antlers on a tree because the rubbing is a form of communication. Antler-rub is a way for deer to mark territory and attract mates and is done during winter. The antlers are covered with a velvet-like substance (a soft tissue that grows from the bone) during this time, and rubbing removes the velvet to make way for a new cover in spring. In addition, bucks use their antlers to push apart tree branches as they walk through them and rub against trees to create scratch marks, called “horizontal forehead marks.” If a buck has no other way to communicate his presence in an area, he will make these marks on trees using his antlers as tools.

Below are images of what antler-rub looks like:

In these images, the tree bark has been scratched away due to antler-rub, leaving the stem exposed. Specifically, the cambium, the layer that resides between the inner and outer bark, is exposed after antler-rub. Cambium helps nutrients move throughout trees. So, when the layer is exposed, weather, pests, and diseases can harm the tree.

To mitigate antler-rub, we can apply a stem guard on trees. Stem guards are metal or plastic sleeves or wraps that encircle tree trunks to keep them safe from antler-rub without restricting the tree in other ways. If a deer rubs their antlers on a tree with a guard, the guard blocks the antlers from making contact with the bark, preserving the tree’s health and inner layers, as seen in the images below.

Deer have a diverse diet and are herbivores, which means that deer damage to trees can be extensive and affect other plants in your yard. Some deer eat plants, including leaves, twigs, the bark of trees, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Their feeding habits vary depending on what is available at the time, but the damage caused is generally consistent. As deer eat plants in residential neighborhoods, they tear grass and are constantly stomping and compacting soil, looking for food. This is “browsing,” and you can see the aftermath of this behavior in the images below.

If you want to prevent deer damage to trees on your property, contact Burkholder PHC. Our team has experience helping homeowners protect their yards from deer and other pests and diseases. In addition, our plant health care team is highly knowledgeable about all aspects of plant health care issues and solutions. We will work with you, inspecting your property to determine the ideal solutions to keep your plants healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Mr. Wright has extensive knowledge and practice in the field of plant health care, beginning with a degree from the University of Massachusetts in agroecology. Mr. Wright’s experience includes

• serving for 8 years as the field coordinator of the University of Massachusetts Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
• developing and testing biologically based management techniques for key native and invasive pests of tree fruit with the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station with USDA-Agricultural Research Service in West Virginia
• authoring and co-authoring over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on integration of biological, cultural, and chemical management of tree health
• working with Bartlett Tree Experts in Dublin, Pennsylvania as a Plant Health Care Specialist, Arborist Representative, and Local Office Manager
• working as Plant Health Care manager for Burkholder PHC in Malvern, PA

See Burkholder Plant Health Care 2022 Discoveries and Achievements

Burkholder Plant Health Care is a sister company to Burkholder Landscape, a local company that has been a full-service landscape designer caring for plants and landscapes since 1996. The company has a staff of plant specialists that is educated, trained, experienced, and certified to manage all insect and disease pests, soil chemistry, and plant physiological problems to deliver genuine, lasting results. Burkholder PHC’s program emphasizes proper diagnosis and precise treatment, along with state-of-the-art, research-backed methods and equipment. The team strives to maintain a close relationship of open and reliable communication with all clients, building partnerships that will promote the development of beautiful, long-lasting, healthy landscapes. For more information about recent plant health care discoveries or the company, visit their website at https://www.burkholderphc.com/ or call 610-426-1662.

During the winter, while the tree leaves have fallen and the colors of your backyard may seem to have faded away, a complex world of plant life awaits spring’s arrival. Ensuring robust plant health throughout these months requires specialized care. Winter plant health care services are essential for keeping your plants vibrant and healthy for spring.

Horticulture is characterized by fluctuating seasons and plant metabolisms, where quality soil is a constant vitality force. In winter, a well-nourished soil bed with a prudent blend of nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, guarantees healthier, more robust plants equipped to endure winter climates.

As part of our soil amendment services, we use soil test kits to analyze nutrient composition. Once the testing is complete, our team reviews the results to ascertain the type and number of amendments necessary for each landscape.

Regarding the specific amendments, our team uses specific fertilizers during the fall and winter to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. These fertilizers ensure that essential macro and micronutrients are available for absorption and storage, vital for the initial spring growth period.

Doing so will promote healthy growth, protect against insect and disease infestations, and help your plants and trees endure harsh environmental conditions throughout the year.

During fall and winter, the prospect of damage to your plant life from deer feeding and antler rubs heightens because food becomes scarcer in their natural environments. Such activities severely threaten the health and growth of your plants. However, some methods can prevent such damage through the judicious use of deer repellents, effectively mitigating or eliminating the risks posed by deer activity. These methods are selectively used depending on the deer-related problems your landscape is facing:

• Antler-Rub Damage: Metal or plastic trunk sleeves can protect newly planted trees from antler rubbing in winter. Odor deterrents can also deter deer from unprotected trees.
• Feeding or Browse Damage: We use area and contact repellents to protect plants from deer feeding on them during dormancy. Area repellents create a boundary around a property or bed to prevent deer from entering. Contact repellents change the taste and texture of the plant, making them less desirable to deer. Over time, this helps deer learn to avoid protected plants.

The period between December and February presents a suitable time for homeowners and arborists to undertake the crucial dormant and structural pruning process. This process is a carefully orchestrated measure to optimize trees’ and shrubs’ health, appearance, and longevity.

• Dormant pruning entails the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches while the tree or shrub is dormant, both to prevent the spread of pests and diseases and reduce stress on the plant.
• Structural pruning focuses on making specific pruning cuts to shape the plant for proper growth and development. This includes eliminating crossing or rubbing branches, which can create wounds and provide entry points for pests and diseases.

By performing these specific winter plant health care services, arborists can redirect the plant’s energy to the most vigorous branches, thus encouraging healthy growth. In addition, dormant and structural pruning enhances light and air penetration, which is critical for the plant’s overall health and vitality. Pruning also offers an opportunity to eliminate unwanted growth or deadwood, which can detract from the plant’s aesthetic appeal.

Removing trees and shrubs is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution, particularly during winter, when weather conditions can be challenging. However, removing trees and shrubs becomes necessary in certain situations, such as disease infestations or safety threats.

The removal process begins with thoroughly inspecting the site to determine which trees or shrubs need to be cut down and removed and how large each is. We then use various tools to remove the tree or shrub, including chainsaws, telescoping poles, and buckets. Once the trees or shrubs have been removed, we use specialized equipment like stump grinders to smooth out the area.

An important note is to seek professional advice before any DIY work. Removing shrubs and trees is complex and challenging, especially if trees are close to other structures like houses or power lines. Our team of professionals is available to provide guidance and advice on tree and shrub removal so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

During the winter season, trees are prone to experiencing water loss, commonly called tree desiccation. This phenomenon occurs when the rate of water loss exceeds the tree’s capacity to absorb water, ultimately leading to tree damage or death. To prevent this, we provide anti-desiccant and anti-transpirant treatments that act as protective barriers against water loss. We meticulously administer these treatments to mitigate winter stress, promote enduring plant health, and reduce the risk of tree damage or death.

Burkholder PHC offers comprehensive winter plant health care services to maintain the natural rhythm of your garden’s life cycle. Our experts are committed to sustaining the health and vibrancy of your green spaces. We invite you to entrust the care of your garden to us to ensure its vitality and longevity. Contact Burkholder PHC to discuss how we can provide our expertise and services to help you maintain the health of your garden throughout the winter season.

Evergreen trees are at the forefront of this holiday season, and we do get a lot of questions about browning in conifers at this time of the year, especially pines, cypresses, junipers, and cedars. Most of the time, this is caused by seasonal needle drop, which is not damaging at all, but can be alarming. If you have concerns about the late-season condition of your evergreens, give us a call! Regularly inspecting the tree for any signs of discoloration, wilting, or unusual growth patterns can help you detect problems early. , Below we explore the symptoms and causes of 4 evergreen tree diseases.

Evergreen trees are susceptible to a fungal disease called Rhizosphaera Needle Cast. This disease can cause coniferous trees to lose their needles prematurely, turning them brown before they fall off. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen, leading to severe defoliation and even tree death.

• Discoloration: Infected needles may turn yellow or brown, starting from the lower branches and gradually moving up the tree.
• Tri-colored girdled needles: Needles may have green, brown, and yellow sections, with the brown area strangling the needle.
• Pycnidia: Tiny black fruiting structures that reproduce spores.
• Thinning foliage: The tree starts to lose needles, leading to a visually sparse appearance. In severe cases, branch dieback can occur, where entire branches wither and die.

Rhizosphaera Needle Cast is caused by the Rhizosphaera fungus and can spread rapidly if left untreated. The fungus spreads through the release of spores from fruiting bodies. These spores can be transferred to other trees and plants, leading to further infection. To prevent the spread of Rhizosphaera Needle Cast, thorough inspection of foliage and careful removal of infected branches is required.

Cytospora canker is a highly destructive fungal disease that affects evergreen trees and is known to infect weakened trees. The fungus enters the tree through wounds, causing the bark to crack and ooze a resin-like substance. The infection can spread rapidly, causing the branches to die off and eventually killing the entire tree if left untreated.

• Lower branch dieback: Infected trees often exhibit a gradual decline in the health and vitality of their lower branches. These branches may show signs of wilting, turn brown or gray, and eventually die.
• Poor growth: Trees affected by Cytospora Canker may appear stunted or have reduced vigor compared to healthy trees. The result is thin, sparse foliage and a general lack of vitality.
• Needle discoloration: Faded or brown needles are common signs of this fungal disease. The needles may lose their vibrant green color and become discolored or brown. This symptom is often more noticeable in older needles than new growth.
• Resin: Sticky, amber-colored resin may appear to ooze from cankers or cracks in the branches, serving as a defense mechanism for the tree.

Cytospora Canker is caused by the fungus Leucostoma kunzei. This fungal infection primarily targets spruce trees. The fungus can spread through different means, such as rain, wind, and insects. When

raindrops hit an infected tree, the fungal spores can be carried by the raindrops to nearby healthy trees, which can cause the disease to spread. Additionally, wind can transport these spores over long distances, affecting a much larger population of spruce trees. Furthermore, insects, including beetles, can carry the spores on their bodies.

Mature spruce trees are prone to contracting Cytospora Canker disease, especially when stressed due to drought or poor care. When a tree lacks sufficient water or proper tree care, that tree becomes more vulnerable to fungal infection. The fungus exploits the tree’s weakened state, resulting in development of Cytospora Cankers.

Cedar Rust Disease is an evergreen tree disease and fungal infection that affects various plants, including cedar trees, junipers, and apple trees.

• Spores: Powdery red or orange spores on the leaves give the infected tree a distinct “rusty” appearance. The spores may appear as small, raised bumps on the leaf surface, often forming in circular patterns.
• Wilting: Infected leaves may turn yellow or brown and become dry and lifeless before dropping from the tree, which can lead to a noticeable thinning of foliage.
• Cankers/Witch’s Brooms: Cankers are sunken or swollen areas on the bark, often accompanied by cracked or discolored wood. “Witch’s brooms” are dense clusters of twigs and branches that form in abnormal shapes resembling a broom.

Cedar rust disease is caused by a rust fungus that thrives in humid and rainy climates. The disease mainly affects evergreen trees and spreads due to environmental factors such as leaf moisture. The moisture provides the ideal environment for the rust fungus to grow and spread.

Fungi belonging to the Gymnosporangium family play a crucial role in developing and transmitting cedar rust disease. The fungus generates spores that can travel long distances through the air, are carried by wind currents, and can easily infect nearby evergreen trees. After landing on susceptible trees, spores penetrate leaves and form orange or rust-colored lesions as visible indicators of infection.

Diplodia Blight is a common fungal disease that affects various types of trees, including pines, spruces, and firs. Caused by the fungus Diplodia pinea, this blight can devastate these trees’ overall health and appearance.

• Stunted needles: Infected trees often exhibit wilted and discolored foliage, which can be easily noticeable. Young needles may turn a tan color but remain attached to the tree.
• Pycnidia: Small, black fruiting structures often found on infected needles, stems, or branches are responsible for spreading the disease by releasing spores.
• Infected branches: Widespread infection can lead to significant tree decline if not treated promptly.
• Cankers: Resinous cankers may form on the tree, creating recessed areas that exude resin. These cankers are visible evidence of the disease’s progression and can cause further damage to the affected tree.

As noted above, Diplodia Blight is a fungal disease caused by Diplodia pinea, an opportunistic pathogen. This pathogen can infect trees through various means and cause significant damage if not appropriately managed. Species such as pines, spruces, and Douglas firs are highly susceptible to this disease, providing an ideal environment for the fungus to establish and spread rapidly.

Environmental conditions are a crucial factor in the rise of infection rates. Diplodia Blight thrives in warm and humid climates, especially during extended periods of rainfall. Moisture accumulating on tree bark creates an ideal environment for the fungus to grow and invade the tissues, ultimately resulting in an infection.

Additionally, wounds or injuries to tree branches and trunks serve as entry points for Diplodia pinea. Mechanical damage caused by improper pruning or accidental injuries can allow the fungal pathogen to invade the tree’s defenses and initiate infection.

Diplodia Blight is more likely to occur in already stressed or weakened trees. Other factors, such as drought, nutrient deficiencies, or insect damage, can make the trees more susceptible to this fungal disease. When the tree’s ability to resist the pathogen is compromised, the likelihood of infection increases.

Are your evergreen trees looking less than healthy? Burkholder PHC is here to help. Our team of certified arborists and plant specialists is well-versed in identifying and treating evergreen tree diseases, staying up-to-date with the latest research, and utilizing the most effective treatment methods. Get a free tree care consultation from Burkholder PHC today.

We all love reindeer, but when local deer begin destroying property, some deer repellent action may need to be taken. The deer population in Pennsylvania is estimated to be around 1.5 million. You have probably seen deer around your neighborhood, especially if you live in a rural or suburban area. And as much as we enjoy seeing deer in nature, the damage to your lawn and property by those same deer can be costly.

Late fall and winter is the time period that we focus on deer suppression to protect valuable plants and trees from deer damage. Burkholder PHC will outline a few ways deer can damage your yard and how particular repellent methods can help keep deer out of your garden beds and landscape.

Deer damage lawns in two primary ways: feeding and antler-rub. These methods damage properties in different ways and may require other solutions to resolve.

Feeding is one of the more common ways deer can damage properties, and homeowners should utilize deer repellent. Deer can and will eat various plants and trees in one’s yard: grass, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and leaves; deer will even eat twigs and bark. While deer eating your plants is an obvious problem, a byproduct of their feeding is another type of damage called “browsing.” Browsing is the damage that deer cause by tearing, stomping, and compacting soil when scavenging for food.

During winter, male deer rub their antlers on trees to scrape off the velvet-like cover on their antlers to make way for a new cover in spring. The result of antler-rub is vertical scrapes and shredded bark on trees. This damage exposes the cambium, the layer that resides between the inner and outer bark. Cambium helps nutrients move throughout trees, and having this layer exposed to weather, pests, and diseases can harm your trees.

To make sure that your property is safe from feeding, browsing, and antler-rub damage, some level of deer repellent may be necessary. Below are some methods we can use to prevent deer from intruding on and damaging your property.

• To protect plants from deer feeding, agents that change their taste/texture profile can condition deer to stop eating and avoid your plants entirely. Deer have heightened senses of smell and taste, so these deer repellent sprays/agents use smells and tastes that deer generally avoid.
• For browsing, physical barriers can prevent deer from entering certain areas of a property, like a flower bed or the boundaries of the property itself.
• Metal or plastic trunk sleeves or wraps around trees can help stop antler-rub, especially young or newly planted trees, along with special soaps and odor deterrents to push deer to other unprotected trees.

Each of these measures also changes depending on the season. For example, the tactics for deterring deer in fall and winter may differ from spring and summer, when controlling deer behavior can be more manageable.

Burkholder PHC has a specialty program to help property owners protect their landscapes. If you are interested in our program, reach out to us today.

If you need deer repellent and want to keep your property safe from deer, contact Burkholder PHC. We have experience helping homeowners protect their yards from various pests, including deer, insects, and many plant diseases. Our plant health care team is highly qualified and knowledgeable about all aspects of plant health care issues and solutions. We will work with you, inspecting your property to determine the best course of action to keep your plants healthy and beautiful. Contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help you.

For homeowners who aspire to maintain their landscape’s health and visual appeal, knowing the right time to prune trees is helpful. Late fall to early winter marks the ideal time to prune river birch trees for several reasons, such as minimizing sap flow and preventing infestations that can lead to diseases. By adhering to this pruning schedule, you can reduce the risk of attack by pests such as birch tree borers, ensuring the longevity of your trees.

Pruning birch trees is essential for maintaining their health and promoting optimal growth. By selectively removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, pruning stimulates the development of new, healthy branches and enhances the tree’s overall structure.

Regular pruning improves the tree’s health and helps prevent the spread of diseases. If one of the branches is infected, that infection can spread to the rest. So, by selectively pruning infected branches, arborists can protect the rest of the tree from further harm. In addition to removing diseased branches, pruning promotes good airflow and sunlight penetration among trees.

Accident prevention is another vital reason to prune river birch trees. Dead or weak branches can easily break and fall, especially during extreme weather conditions such as storms or snow, and these branches pose a risk to people and property. Pruning removes these potential hazards, making your surroundings safer.

Furthermore, pruning birch trees can improve the view by enhancing their natural shape and structure. Removing overgrown and crowded branches allows you to create a more visually appealing landscape.

Knowing when to prune is just as crucial as understanding the reasons for pruning. This guide will cover essential factors, such as trimming season, birch tree age, and disease, to ensure your birch trees receive appropriate care.

As mentioned, the ideal time for trimming birch trees is late fall to early winter. Pruning birch trees during the spring should be avoided, when possible, as the spring season is when the trees produce heavy sap flows. Pruning during spring or summer can lead to excessive sap bleeding that can weaken the tree.

The age of a river birch tree is also important when determining when and how to go about pruning or trimming the branches. Young birch trees can grow rapidly, reaching impressive heights of up to 90 feet, with their branches spreading to 60 feet.

If you want your river birch tree to achieve a desired structure, pruning needs to begin early in the tree’s life. By pruning young birch trees, arborists and plant health care experts can guide their growth and promote a healthy and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Younger trees may require more frequent pruning to manage their growth and establish a strong structure, while older trees may only need pruning to remove dead or diseased branches.

Tree diseases can threaten the health and vitality of river birch trees. Fungal diseases can cause discoloration and spotting on the leaves. These diseases thrive in moist, humid conditions and can spread rapidly if untreated.

Bronze birch borer is an insect that can infest river birch trees, causing damage to the tree’s vascular system. Infestation by these borers can result in browning of leaves, dieback of branches, and even tree death if left untreated. Regular inspection of river birch trees will help to identify the presence of bronze birch borers and allow appropriate action.

For expert guidance and assistance with pruning river birch trees, contact Burkholder Plant Health Care (PHC) today. Our team of horticultural and arboricultural professionals can help you maintain the health, longevity, and beauty of these magnificent trees. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

In previous articles we have been discussing invasive species and plants. One example we mentioned is burning bush. Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a species of flowering plant native to central and northern China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is popular in landscapes for vibrant red foliage during the fall. However, burning bush is an invasive plant species that Pennsylvania nurseries are now prohibited from selling. The shrub was first introduced in the United States around the mid-1800s, and was later deemed invasive in the 1970s.

Burning bush has a distinctive appearance with crucial aspects that can help homeowners and plant health care experts quickly identify the plant.

Size: The shrub typically grows around 15 to 20 feet tall and is often as wide or slightly wider than tall.

Leaves: The leaves have an elliptical shape, almost like a football, and are usually between 1 and 2 inches long but can be up to 3 inches long. Leaves reside on opposite sides of the branches and have smooth or finely-toothed edges or margins, which taper off at the tips.

Color: Notably, the leaves turn brilliant crimson in the fall (which is why the plant is called a “burning bush”). In the summer, the leaves are green to dark green.

Flowers: The green or green-yellow flowers have around 4-5 petals, each less than 1 inch across. Flowers begin emerging in early spring and bloom in May-June.

Fruit: Smooth, red-orange fleshy fruit appear within red capsules, which can make them blend in with the fall foliage. The berries ripen in the fall and are attractive to birds, who eat and spread the seeds.

Stems: The stems are vibrant green with distinctive raised, tan or brown corky ridges (often called “wings.”) These “wings” may follow the branch lengthwise or be whorled or twisted slightly, and their height varies.

While the distinctive red color appeals to homeowners, the burning bush is an invasive plant that can cause significant damage to landscapes. An important issue is that burning bush can create extremely dense thickets and complex root systems. These thickets and root systems crowd out many native plant species by taking up space, sunlight, and nutrients. This process causes the burning bush to overtake a landscape, reducing plant diversity.

Burning bush has spread for numerous reasons. One of which is that due to its aesthetic appeal, homeowners were buying the plant from nurseries. However, as the damage the plant caused was more understood, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture designated the shrub as a noxious weed, preventing PA garden nurseries from selling the plant.

Another reason for the shrub’s spread is animals. As mentioned earlier, the fruits burning bush produces are appealing to birds, who, when eating the fruit, transport the seeds to new locations. In addition, birds pass the seeds together with other droppings, which are released into the soil, allowing new plants to grow.

In addition, burning bush has qualities similar to other invasive species that allow the shrub to spread quickly:

• Seed Production: Burning bush produces a large number of seeds.
• Self-Fertilization: Individual plants can contain male and female reproductive structures, allowing the plant to self-fertilize and create a whole colony of offspring.
• Vegetative Reproduction (Sprouting): When a burning bush stem is cut or broken, the plant will grow more branches to replace the broken ones.
• Predator Avoidance: No known natural predators feed on burning bushes, so the plant can keep growing and reproduce without any threat of predation.

Plant health care specialists can use numerous control methods to mitigate or remove burning bush invasive plant populations, depending on the time of year and the conditions of the plant and landscape.

Foliar treatments occur during Mid-May to the onset of the plant’s fall color. A foliar treatment involves applying an herbicide directly to the leaves. Because the herbicide is applied to the plant leaves, this treatment option reduces the potential risk to other nearby plants because those plants do not absorb the mixture through the soil. Foliar treatment is especially good for landscapes with low to moderate plant density.

Another option is stem treatments. These steam treatments require an herbicide of a specific mixture applied to the plant. However, the mixture is applied to the stem or bark rather than the leaves in this instance.

A plant health care expert may recommend cutting or trimming the canopy for burning bush plants that are particularly large or dense. The plant can also be pulled from the ground, and the pulled plant (or cut stems) can be later chipped or burned. Cutting or trimming by itself can lead to resprouts. As a result, a plant health care expert will follow up with herbicide applications.

The burning bush invasive plant can overtake landscapes and prevent native species of plants from growing or blooming. As a result, we recommend a professional evaluation to help remove the plant and control any adverse effects. Our evaluation is free, and the proper treatments can help improve the health of your landscape plants. Contact Burkholder PHC today for a free consultation.