Think Twice Before Pruning Your Trees This Summer

If you've noticed leaves that appear chewed, lace-like, or partially skeletonized this summer, June beetles may be the culprit.  The good news? In most cases, treatment is not necessary. What Is Leaf Skeletonization? Skeletonization occurs when insects consume soft tissue between leaf veins, leaving behind a network of visible veins. June beetles and other leaf-feeding insects can create noticeable cosmetic damage, especially during peak activity periods. When Is It a Problem? Healthy, established trees can typically tolerate moderate feeding without significant long-term impacts. Treatment is usually unnecessary when: Damage is limited to portions of the canopy Trees are otherwise healthy Defoliation is light to moderate When Should Homeowners Act? A professional evaluation may be warranted when: Large portions of the canopy are affected Complete defoliation is occurring Young trees are being impacted Multiple years of severe feeding have occurred Repeated, severe defoliation can weaken trees and increase vulnerability to other stressors. Seeing insect activity can be alarming, but not every pest problem requires treatment. The best approach is often monitoring the situation and determining whether the damage is truly affecting tree health. If you're unsure whether June beetles or other insects are causing serious harm, Xylem Tree Care can provide an expert assessment and recommend treatment only when necessary. Call us today at 833-544-8733 (TREE) to schedule a free consultation and estimate.

Not every pest treatment has to work the same way. In tree care, the best solutions are often targeted, strategic, and designed around the pest’s life cycle. One tool arborists may use in the right situation is an insect growth regulator (IGR).  These products do not always kill insects on contact. Instead, they disrupt development, helping prevent immature insects from becoming damaging adults. When used properly, insect growth regulators can be an effective part of an integrated plant health care plan. What is an insect growth regulator? An insect growth regulator is a product designed to disrupt the growth and development of certain insects. Depending on the active ingredient and target pest, an IGR may prevent immature insects from molting properly, maturing into adults, or reproducing successfully. In simple terms, it interrupts the pest’s life cycle. Timing is especially important. IGRs are often most effective when applied during specific stages of insect development. Why Arborists Use IGRs Some tree pests can cause significant damage if left untreated. However, not every situation requires the same treatment approach. Insect growth regulators may be recommended when arborists want a more targeted option as part of a broader pest management strategy. Potential benefits include: Targeted control: IGRs are typically designed for specific insect types and are often used when a pest issue is known. Life cycle disruption: By targeting immature stages, IGRs can reduce future pest pressure rather than addressing only what is visible at the moment. Useful in integrated care plans: IGRs can be one component of a broader plant health care program that may also include monitoring, soil care, pruning, and other treatments. Why proper diagnosis matters Not every insect issue warrants an IGR. The pest must be correctly identified, and the timing must align with the insect’s biology. That is why professional evaluation matters. An arborist will consider: Which pest is present The life stage of the insect The level of infestation The overall health of the tree Whether an IGR is the right fit for the situation Treating too early, too late, or for the wrong pest can reduce effectiveness. Part of a bigger tree health strategy At Xylem Tree Care, we take a thoughtful approach to plant health care. That means looking beyond quick fixes and recommending treatments grounded in science, timing, and the specific needs of the tree and property. Insect growth regulators can be a valuable tool in certain cases, especially when used as part of a proactive strategy to protect tree health and reduce pest pressure over time. The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis — and a plan designed for long-term tree health.

If your trees are struggling, the answer may lie underground. Yellowing leaves, poor growth, thinning canopy, or general decline can all indicate stress. Before treating the symptoms, it is important to understand the cause. That is where soil sampling comes in.  Soil sampling gives arborists a clearer picture of what is happening below the surface and helps guide smarter, more effective tree care decisions. What is soil sampling? Soil sampling is the process of collecting soil from around a tree or a landscape area and analyzing it for key characteristics that affect plant health. Depending on the test, results may include information about: Soil pH Nutrient levels Organic matter content Salts or chemical imbalances Soil texture and composition This information helps determine whether the soil is supporting healthy root function or creating hidden stress for the tree. Why soil testing matters Trees can decline for many reasons, but poor soil conditions are often overlooked. For example, a tree may appear to need fertilizer when the real issue is a pH imbalance, compaction, limited nutrient availability, or excessive salts. Soil sampling helps eliminate the guesswork. Instead of applying a broad treatment and hoping for the best, arborists can base recommendations on actual site conditions. This leads to more targeted care and better long-term results. What soil sampling can reveal A soil test can uncover problems that are not visible from the surface, including: Nutrient deficiencies: Trees may lack access to essential nutrients even after fertilizer has been applied. Improper pH: If soil is too acidic or too alkaline, roots may struggle to absorb nutrients. Low organic matter: Healthy soil requires organic matter to support moisture retention, microbial life, and soil structure. Excess salts or chemical residue: Road salts, de-icing products, or previous treatments can create harmful soil conditions. A smarter approach to tree care At Xylem Tree Care, we believe the best tree care starts with good information. Soil sampling helps our team build treatment plans based on what your trees actually need, not just on symptoms that appear at first glance. That might include soil amendments, fertilization, humic acid applications, pest management, or changes to watering and maintenance practices. The goal is always the same: improve growing conditions and support healthier trees from the ground up. Because when it comes to caring for trees, the soil tells an important story.

Healthy trees start below the surface. When people think about tree care, they usually focus on what they can see: leaves, branches, canopy shape, and signs of stress. But some of the most important factors affecting tree health happen underground. Soil health plays a major role in how well trees grow, respond to stress, and defend themselves against disease and environmental pressures. That is where humic acid can make a difference. What is humic acid? Humic acid is a natural organic compound that forms as plant and animal matter breaks down over time. It is a key building block of healthy soil and helps improve the environment around tree roots.  Think of it as a soil conditioner that helps the soil function better. It does not replace proper fertilization or arborist care, but it can support healthier growing conditions and improve how trees access the resources they need. How humic acid supports tree health Trees rely on their root systems to take in water, oxygen, and nutrients. When soil is compacted, depleted, or imbalanced, roots struggle to do their job. Humic acid helps improve soil structure and encourages stronger root performance in several ways: Improves nutrient availability: Humic acid can help make nutrients in the soil more available to roots, which may improve nutrient uptake and overall tree vigor. Supports root development: Healthy roots are essential for healthy trees. Humic acid promotes a better root environment, supporting stronger growth below ground. Enhances water retention: In some soil types, humic acid helps the soil retain moisture more effectively while still allowing for better drainage and air movement. Encourages microbial activity: Healthy soil is alive. Beneficial microbes contribute to nutrient cycling and soil balance, and humic acid can help sustain that biological activity. When trees may benefit Humic acid treatments may be especially helpful for trees growing in challenging conditions, such as: Compacted urban soils Construction-disturbed areas Landscapes with poor organic matter Trees showing slow growth or stress Properties with repeated drought pressure In these environments, improving the soil can be one of the most effective ways to support tree health over time. A better foundation for long-term care At Xylem Tree Care, we know that tree health is about more than what happens above ground. Our arborists look at the full picture, including soil conditions, root health, and environmental stressors, to recommend the right care plan for your property. Humic acid can be a valuable part of that strategy, helping create a healthier foundation for stronger, more resilient trees. When the soil improves, the tree has a better chance to thrive.

Randolph Hoover, CEO of XKIG, has been named to the 2026 Board of Directors for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), bringing decades of leadership and a passion for advancing tree care nationwide. For Xylem Tree Care, part of the XKIG portfolio of companies, this recognition highlights the importance of thoughtful leadership in an industry that directly impacts the health, safety, and beauty of the communities we serve. With over 30 years of experience, Hoover has built an organization grounded in strong values, professional expertise, and a dedication to doing right by customers, communities, and the environment. As tree care continues to be essential in both residential and commercial settings, industry leadership promotes best practices, responsible stewardship, and long-term sustainability. Through his position on the TCIA Board, Hoover will support these priorities while advancing the profession as a whole. At Xylem Tree Care, we believe excellent tree care begins with strong leadership, trusted expertise, and a dedication to service. This appointment demonstrates those values in action and underscores our commitment to caring for the landscapes and communities we are proud to serve. Read the press release here: TCIA Board of Directors: Leadership Overview - Tree Care Industry Magazine

Putting off tree work until spring often seems easy. But, it typically has hidden costs. As temperatures rise, demand sharply increases. Scheduling windows shrink, response times grow longer, and minor issues can quickly become serious. What could have been handled calmly in winter often turns into urgent or emergency work once storms and rapid growth begin. Spring foliage also limits visibility. Structural defects that were apparent in winter may once again be hidden, reducing the chances for accurate corrections. Access becomes more challenging, and the margin for error shrinks. Perhaps most importantly, waiting increases the risk. Trees weakened by decay, cracks, or poor structure are much more likely to break during spring storms. Addressing hazards early lowers the chance of property damage, service disruptions, or personal injury. The real cost of waiting includes: Longer scheduling delays Increased failures due to storms Higher emergency service costs Missed chances for preventive care Winter provides a rare opportunity for safe access, clear assessment, and proactive solutions. Acting early isn’t just more convenient. It’s smarter, safer, and more cost-effective in the end. Treatments are more effective when done early. Start your customized tree health program today and give your trees the care they deserve. Call 1-833-544-8733 to learn more. Evaluations are free.

For commercial properties, HOAs, and facilities teams, winter isn’t a slow season. It’s the most strategic time to plan. Winter lets property managers review tree inventories, evaluate risks, and plan maintenance before spring demand increases. Instead of responding to issues as they happen, teams can create clear work scopes, align budgets, and schedule services ahead of time. Planning ahead provides better scheduling options and helps avoid the bottlenecks common in spring. It also decreases emergency work, which is usually more disruptive and expensive. Fixing known issues during winter ensures safer properties and smoother operations throughout the year. Winter planning also ensures clear documentation for boards, stakeholders, and insurance providers. Tree risk assessments, maintenance plans, and scheduled work show due diligence and proactive property management. Why winter planning works best: Predictable budgeting and cost management Prioritized scheduling before peak season Less emergency and storm response needed Clear communication with stakeholders For HOAs and commercial sites, proactive winter planning safeguards assets, manages costs, and ensures readiness for the busy months ahead. Call 1-833-544-8733 to learn more. Evaluations are free.

Storm damage rarely starts with the storm itself. In most cases, failures occur because underlying problems were already there, including weak limbs, structural flaws, or compromised trees that weren’t dealt with beforehand. Winter is the ideal time to lower storm risks before spring winds and ice events arrive. With better visibility and safer work conditions, arborists can remove deadwood, reduce canopy thickness, and fix structural issues that make trees vulnerable during severe weather. Proactive winter work greatly reduces the risk of branch or tree failure. Lowering canopy weight cuts down on wind resistance, while fixing weak attachments helps prevent breakage during ice buildup or gusts. Waiting until storm season often means reacting under pressure — limited access, unsafe weather, and urgent timelines. Winter allows crews to work carefully, safely, and cost-effectively. Effective winter storm-prep measures include: Removing dead or broken branches Reducing overly dense canopies Fixing structural issues Managing high-risk trees near buildings Prepared trees perform better during storms. Addressing vulnerabilities in winter helps property owners lessen emergency calls, safeguard structures, and enhance overall landscape resilience. Treatments are more effective when done early. Start your customized tree health program today and give your trees the care they deserve. Call 1-833-544-8733 to learn more. Evaluations are free.

Winter’s leaf-off conditions expose structural issues that can otherwise go unnoticed — until a failure occurs. Without foliage obscuring the canopy, arborists can thoroughly inspect trunks, branch unions, and overall structure. Cracks in the trunk, decay pockets, co-dominant stems, and weak attachments are much easier to spot during winter inspections. These issues are often the cause of unexpected failures during storms. Co-dominant stems, where two or more leaders grow at the same point, are common. In summer, dense foliage can conceal the narrow unions and bark that make these stems vulnerable to splitting. During winter, those risks are more visible and can be addressed before they turn into emergencies. Winter inspections also uncover lingering storm damage. Trees that seemed to recover after past weather events may still have internal fractures or weakened wood. Detecting these issues early allows for corrective pruning, support systems, or removal if needed. Issues typically found during leaf-off inspections include: Trunk and limb cracks Internal decay and cavities Weak branch attachments Structural imbalances Past storm damage Leaf-off inspections offer clarity and precision. Instead of guessing based on canopy look, arborists can evaluate true structural health and plan work more effectively. Winter is the time for informed decisions that lower risk before spring growth and storms come. Start your customized tree health program today and give your trees the care they deserve. Call 1-833-544-8733 to learn more. Evaluations are free.