Tree Care in Golden Valley, MN

More than 3.2 million acres of American trees die by diseases and pests every year. Approximately 45% of tree mortality is caused by disease. 

Trees that become diseased or infested require expensive trimming or, worse yet, removal. But don’t let it get to that point. The most effective way to avoid these situations is prevention. That’s where tree health care comes in. Without regular care, your trees can easily grow weak, hindering its ability to fight off diseases and pests. They will decay, develop dying branches, and lose their beautiful green color. They will be easily blown down in storms or strong winds.

At Golden Valley Tree Service, our arborists are ISA certified experts who can recommend the best care for your trees. When our customers ask us what we can do to keep their trees healthy, we offer a customized solution that includes these services:

• Fertilization - Around 80% of health issues above the ground are caused by poor soil health. And the root cause (pun intended) of poor soil health is lack of nutrition. Our arborists will analyze soil samples and either recommend an existing fertilizer or provide a custom fertilizer mix to strengthen ailing trees. It is important to have an ISA certified arborist recommend the right fertilizer to prevent irreparable damage like root burn. Furthermore, the type, age, and location of the tree in your yard can make a big difference on the type of fertilizer that should be used.
• Soil testing - Soil health does not stop at fertilization. Our arborists will analyze the soil composition around your trees and develop a tailored solution based on several factors. We commonly treat soil issues such as unbalanced pH, over compaction (lack of airflow), insufficient nutrients, lack of biodiversity, poor drainage, too much/too little moisture, and improper soil structure. Different trees require different soil conditions; for example, some trees prefer a neutral pH while others prefer an alkaline or acidic pH. That’s why it’s important to get a holistic solution as opposed to the fertilizer-only approach that other tree services use.
• Root collar excavation - The root collar, where the roots meet the trunk, plays a vital role in tree health. A common issue we see in our customer’s lawns are that their root collars are covered by soil or mulch. This is a problem because the root collar absorbs oxygen and acts as a threshold between the trunk and roots. Having a layer of compacted soil around the tree crown suffocates and drowns the tree. It won’t get the oxygen and light it needs to grow, and mold is more likely to grow there. This weakens the tree, making it more susceptible to disease, insects/pests, and collapse. Our arborists use air compression techniques to uncover your tree’s root crown without harming it. They will simultaneously look for girdling and adventitious roots (which are harmful to your tree) and prune them away. This holistic root care service will ensure your trees grow strong for years to come.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the signs my tree needs care?

If you see any of the following, your tree may be ailing and require immediate care:

• Dead, dying, or dropping branches that lack leaves or bark
  
• Deformed or wilting leaves or leaves that have an unusual color, holes, or dark spots
  
• Sections of dead bark on the trunk or branches
  
• Webs or chewed up leaves
  
• Leaning
  
• Mold accumulation or fuzzy patches
  

Even if you are unsure that your tree needs care, it is best to give us a call so we can take a look.

How often should I get my trees inspected for health issues?

Obviously, your trees should be inspected right away if you notice any signs of disease, infestation, or decay (see the signs from the above FAQ). If you do not notice any signs, we recommend getting inspections at least once a year.

What can I do if my tree is already heavily diseased, infested, or decayed?

Preventative measures like soil care, fertilization, and root collar excavation may not help a tree that is already too far gone. Fortunately, Golden Valley Tree Service offers tree trimming services, which are often the best remedy for removing the areas of your tree being impacted. If tree trimming is not enough, we can offer tree removal as well. It is possible that neither measure is needed. Call us to get an inspection, and our arborists will recommend the course of action that will mitigate the amount of damage to your tree.

What tree diseases and pests are common in Minnesota?

The following diseases and pests are commonly treated by our tree experts and arborists:

• Apple scab
  
• Bronze birch borer
  
• Bur oak blight
  
• Diplodia
  
• Dutch elm disease
  
• Emerald ash borer
  
• Oak wilt
  
• Two-lined chestnut borer
  
• And many more