Vista pruning by Tom Smiley, PhD

We all want our trees to thrive—growing is generally considered a good thing! However, if those trees are between your deck or windows and block a great view, you may not appreciate it.

Rather than removing or reducing those trees, we often recommend vista pruning. This involves removing live branches that are blocking the view, and retaining the rest of the tree for screening. The number and size of the branches to prune will depend on the type of view you want and

the amount of screening you prefer. We often station an arborist with you while another one is pruning in the tree. They communicate about each branch, and you decide if it should be removed or retained.

Vista pruning is an excellent way to improve your view while maintaining your privacy and the beauty of your property. Ask your Bartlett Arborist Representative for more information.

Vista pruning lets you improve your view while maintaining

your privacy.

TREE & SHRUB CARE FROM BARTLETT TREE EXPERTSTREE TIPS

TREE & SHRUB CARE FROM BARTLETT TREE EXPERTSTREE TIPS

Western red cedar decline by Drew Zwart, PhD For several years, tree lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest have noticed an increase in dying western red cedars, in landscapes and in native forests. There are

several ‘secondary’ or ‘stress-related’ insect and disease problems affecting these declining trees, but the underlying cause is most likely changing climate conditions that are no longer favorable in many sites.

Longer dry periods in summer, hotter average temperatures, and changes in precipitation patterns are all likely contributors to the physiological stress underlying the decline of this iconic PNW species. Decline is most common on drier and south-facing sites, indicating that

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Physiological stress is behind the decline of western red cedars.

Two of our men setting up a line for the Wraptor climbing demo.

Western red cedar decline (Continued from page 1)

Bartlett participates at annual festival in Spokane

The annual Fall Leaf Festival held at Finch Arboretum in Spokane is a wonderful family event that gives everyone a chance to play in the leaves, celebrate trees, sip hot cider and take a tour of the Arboretum. Bartlett is proud to be a sponsor, and our local staff love engaging with folks about the benefits of what we do, and giving out tree seedlings. The free baby oak, Arizona cypress, and dogwood trees were possibly even more popular than the Bartlett superhero capes we had for kids. Two of our arborists added to the day with a climbing demonstration on a large pine adjacent to the event. They used a tool called a “Wraptor”, which is a device driven by a two-cycle engine that attaches to their climbing ropes and their harnesses. Then with the use of a throttle it propels them up into the canopy by travelling along their rope. Attendees enjoyed watching the effortless ascension!

heat and moisture are key factors. Once trees are stressed, insects such as cedar bark beetles (Phloeosinus species) and western cedar borer (Trachykele blondeli)—and diseases such as Armillaria root rot—are able to colonize red cedar and lead to rapid mortality.

Proper cultural care, including summer irrigation, mulch, and treatments to

Fun with trees Ladybug rocks – Add some fun under a tree or in your garden! This easy project requires smooth oval rocks, outdoor craft paint, a few small paint brushes, and enough patience to wait for the paint to dry between each step. First, make sure your rock is clean and dry, and use red to paint all but the bottom where the “bug” will rest on the ground. Second, paint a black head and a line down the middle. Third, use the end of a paintbrush handle to dot on black spots and white eyes. Fourth, add smaller black dots onto the white eyes. Finally, if desired, paint your bug with a coat of clear craft outdoor sealer. If you have more paint colors, standard red and black ladybugs may be only the beginning!

prevent beetle infestations, can help preserve valuable landscape specimen trees; regrettably, these options are not feasible on a forest level.

Cedar bark beetle galleries in a declining

western red cedar.

There are no feasible treatments to help the red cedars in our forests.

Light colored rocks are a plus - they only need one coat of red paint.

TREE FOCUS:Red alder (Alnus rubra)

HistoryRed alder, also known as Oregon alder, is found from southeast Alaska to southern California, with some isolated communities in northern Idaho.

Its bark makes a red dye valued for its medicinal qualities; it is known to have antibiotic properties and contains salicin, which is used to make aspirin. Red alder is the most important hardwood in the Pacific Northwest. It is used for furniture, cabinetry, small manufactured items, paper and paper products.

Culture7 Grows best in moist, organic-rich soils

along streambanks

7 Grows rapidly and can reach 40-80 feet tall

7 Relatively short-lived and rarely lives past 100 years

7 Grows in shade to full sun; may suffer sun scald of bark if pruned hard in full sun or if light conditions change owing to removal of surrounding trees

Concerns7 Susceptible to defoliating caterpillars,

sawfly larvae, and alder leaf beetle

7 Susceptible to borer beetles, especially when stressed by insufficient soil moisture

7 Moderate to weak wood strength may lead to branch failures

7 Fast growing, but prone to internal decay

Bartlett Management Practices7 Mulching and irrigation during dry

weather are critical for tree vigor when grown in the managed landscape

7 Fertilize and supplement soil organic matter according to soil nutrient analyses

7 Treat for defoliating insects when detected

7 Prune to improve structure and reduce likelihood of branch failure

WONDERS OF NATURE

A plant that can grow up to 35 inches a day!?

Yes! There is a species of bamboo which has been found to grow up to 35 inches (91 cm) per day. Bamboo produces new canes (culms)

in the spring. For 60 days these new shoots grow in height and diameter, and produce limbs and leaves. After the 60-day growth period, a bamboo cane never grows in height or diameter again. It will put out new foliage each year, however; bamboo is a colony plant, so it uses energy from an existing plant to produce more plants and to expand the root system.

For more about the anatomy and growth of this fascinating plant, visit www.lewisbamboo.com/how-bamboo-grows.

published by THE F. A. BARTLETT TREE EXPERT COMPANY(877) BARTLETT (877-227-8538) in U.S. and Canada • www.bartlett.com

For Tree Tips information contact smurdock@bartlett.com© 2020 The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert CompanyPNW1

A beautiful place to visit, Bloedel Reserve celebrates the rugged landscape of the Northwest. Founders Prentice and Virginia Bloedel artfully transformed a rough-hewn northwest forest into a harmonious series of curated gardens, structural features, and distinctive landscapes, using nature as canvas and paint.

Internationally recognized for the inspirational beauty of its refined gardens, natural landscapes, and preserved forests, Bloedel Reserve also excels in environmental stewardship of its 150 acres. Open year-round, there’s something new to discover in every season: ever-changing landscapes, guided walks, expert lectures, summer concerts, special seasonal events, and more. It’s a place where you can reconnect with yourself and with nature.

Learn more about this premier public garden at www.bloedelreserve.org.

Bloedel Reserve in Bainbridge Island, Washington

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Make sure your trees and shrubs are ready for the spring season.