Sweet Leaf Tree Service

Twin Cities Minnesota Tree Service

SWEET LEAF TREE SERVICE

  • Dominick Richardson – Owner
  • 651-283-3793
  • 1982makinen@gmail.com
  • est. 2014

Twin Cities Emerald Ash Borer Spread Continues

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The spread of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Beetle across the Twin Cities Metro continues. On March 25, 2015 the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Anoka County. The discovery of the Ash Borer Beetle was made on private property in the City of Ham Lake. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture website states that the infested tree was found through the “Arrest the Pest” hotline.

Due to the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle in Ham Lake, Anoka County is now being placed under emergency quarantine and will eventually be placed on a state and federal quarantine to help contain the further spread of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. Anoka County now becomes the seventh county in the State of Minnesota to become infested with Emerald Ash Borer.

It is important to remember that with the quarantine comes responsibilities from residents. Now that Anoka county is under an emergency Emerald Ash Borer quarantine it is prohibited to move Ash trees, Ash tree limbs, and all hardwood firewood out of the county. Doing so will come with stiff financial consequences to the offending party and is strongly discouraged.

It is also time for Anoka county residents to begin to develop an Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan to help protect their trees from becoming infested with this invasive pest. The time is now to start thinking of your options for the following reasons:

  1. the rule of thumb is that if your tree is within 15 miles of a infestation point, you are at risk
  2. in the spring, when the tree is fully leaved out, is the best time to perform preventative Emerald Ash Borer treatment
  3. the spread of Emerald Ash Borer is continuing and you don’t want your tree to become infested

Emerald Ash Borer treatment and prevention plans vary across the Twin Cities. Contact Sweet Leaf Tree Service today to set up a free consultation to discuss the various Emerald Ash Borer treatment options that will work best for you.

For more information on the latest discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle in Anoka County, please visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

Dakota County Under Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine

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It was only a matter of time, now its official. Dakota County is under an emergency Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine. The first discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle in Dakota County was made in December 2014 in the City of Eagan in the Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

As of now the Quarantine for Dakota County is in “Emergency” status. However, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is expected to announce a formal Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine near the end of April 2015. Dakota County now joins Hennepin, Houston, Olmsted, Ramsey, and Winona Counties under quarantine due to the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle.

The above Counties under Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine prohibit residents from moving ash trees, ash tree limbs, and firewood out of the county from which it originated. Those caught in violation of the Quarantine can expect to face stiff financial and criminal penalties.

Public Meeting for Dakota County Residents Regarding Emerald Ash Borer

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the City of Eagan are offering the residents of Dakota County the opportunity to have their questions answered through a Emerald Ash Borer public meeting. The meeting will take place Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. This will be an jammed pack information session that will be highly beneficial to Dakota County residents regarding Emerald Ash Borer and the various Emerald Ash Borer Treatment options.

I would highly recommend attending this information session if:

  1. you are a Dakota County resident
  2. you have an Ash Tree you wish to save from this devastating pest
  3. you would like more information regarding Emerald Ash Borer

Since the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer in St. Paul, the spread has been methodical and continuous throughout the Twin Cities. This public meeting is a pro active approach to Emerald Ash Borer education and the various treatment options. As with most tree diseases and tree pests a pro active approach, especially with Emerald Ash Borer treatment, is the best way to ensure your trees survival.

For more information regarding the Dakota County Public Meeting on Emerald Ash Borer, contact either the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the City of Eagan via their official websites.

As always, we at Sweet Leaf Tree Service are here to answer any of your questions and to help develop an effective Emerald Ash Borer Treatment strategy that best fits your needs.

Mark your calendar now; March 5, 2015 at the Eagan Municipal Center for a informative meeting on Emerald Ash Borer and local plans to deal with this devastating pest.

Emerald Ash Borer Identification

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With the ever growing presence of the invasive and destructive Emerald Ash Borer beetle in the Twin Cities many questions are being left unanswered. One major question on most peoples mind is: what does the Emerald Ash Borer beetle look like?

This is a very good question and one that I hope to be able to answer for you in this short article. After all, education is a key element in developing an effective Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan. So lets get started.

The adult Emerald Ash Borer beetle has some very distinct characteristics:

  • the adult beetle has an overall bright, metallic emerald green color
  • the upper side of the abdomen is a very bright coppery red, however this distinct coppery red color will only be visible when the wings are raised
  • the antenna is in a serrated triangular saw like shape
  • between 10 and 13 mm is the general length of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle

The larva stage of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle can be found feeding on the inner bark of you Ash tree. The larva are a white segmented borer that will be identifiable by the S-shaped tunnels they leave on the inner bark of your tree while feeding. The larva will not be as easy to find and see with the naked eye as the adult beetle. This is due to the adult beetle feeding on the outer leaves of your tree while the larva feed on the inner bark of your tree. Meaning, in order to see a larva Emerald Ash Borer beetle you would physically need to remove a portion of the bark to observe the inner portions of your tree.

This is a brief description of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle in it’s adult and larva stage. Of course more information will be needed to develop an effective Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan. There are many helpful resources out there to provide you with more education on the subject of Emerald Ash Borer. For those living in the Twin Cities Metro area I would suggest visiting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the City of St. Paul website; as both of these websites provide extensive information on the subject of EAB.

After further research, if you desire advanced education or want to form a Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan that meets your needs and budget, contact Sweet Leaf Tree Service directly.

St. Paul and the Fight against Emerald Ash Borer

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It has been established through previous articles; St. Paul and the Fight against Emerald Ash Borer is ground zero in the Twin Cities battle against this invasive pest. As we have previously mentioned, St. Paul is implementing a strategy of “Structured Removal” for city owned Ash trees. This has left many home owners wondering what is the best plan of action for their Ash trees. Should home owners follow suit and remove their trees or can a insecticide treatment save their tree from the Emerald Ash Borer beetle?

The city of St. Paul website has a wonderful flow chart to help determine an effective Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan for its residents. The flow chart is easy to read and is very friendly to those not familiar with trees or tree disease.

Essentially a multi step process is outlined:

  1. Is your tree an Ash? Ash trees have opposite branches, meaning the branches are directly across from each other, and Ash trees have compound leaves of about 5-11 leaflets.
  2. Does your tree have Emerald Ash Borer? Symptoms include: Canopy die back, excessive woodpecker activity, epicormic sprouts, and D-shaped exit holes in the bark.

The flow chart then outlines your various options if, yes you have an Ash Tree, and if your tree has or has not become infected with Emerald Ash Borer.

The flow chart suggests the options of:

  • Ash tree removal
  • Ash tree removal and replacement
  • or Treatment of your Ash Tree

The two Emerald Ash Borer treatment methods discussed on the city of St. Paul’s website are insecticide treatments through trunk injection and soil drenching treatments. As is illustrated in the flow chart, insecticide treatments are safer than soil drenching in terms of protecting ground water purity as well as various invertebrates and mammals. Soil drenching methods also put children and pets at risk of coming in contact with the chemical, and is another reason why trunk injection methods are a safer route to pursue when considering your treatment options.

To those St. Paul residents who are wondering what their best option is in terms of combating Emerald Ash Borer I would highly recommend checking out the City of St. Paul’s website. Aside from the flow chart mentioned above there is much more information such as: persons of contact to help educate on the issue of EAB, along with links to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture where even more news and information is available. The City of St. Paul forestry section of their website is both a great resource and a great place to start for those residents looking for answers.

As always, we at Sweet Leaf Tree Service are here to answer any of your questions free of charge.

Twin Cities Emerald Ash Borer Treatment and Prevention Strategy

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Since the first discovery of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle in 2009 in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul to it latest discovery in Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan in December 2014, one thing is for sure; Emerald Ash borer is in the Twin Cities, it’s spreading, and it’s here to stay.

The question on everyone’s mind is: what are we going to do about it?

Different cities across the Metro are taking slightly different approaches in their Emerald Ash Borer Treatment and home owners are left wondering what is the best approach in dealing with the devastating and invasive pest.

For example, the City of St. Paul has implemented a Emerald Ash Borer strategy of “structured removal.” Structured removal involves the cutting down of declining or infested Ash trees. While this is the strategy of the city, private home owners have the option of treating their trees with insecticides. If a home owner elects to go with treatment instead of removal, proof that their tree has been treated against Emerald Ash Borer must be submitted to the city. The City of Minneapolis is also moving in the direction of removing Ash trees while offering home owners who desire, to pursue Emerald Ash Borer treatment with various insecticides, a cost the home owner must pay for. St. Paul and Minneapolis seem to have the mind set that the Emerald Ash Borer beetle can’t be beat and are electing to remove rather than to treat their various Ash trees. This is a strategy that is not popular with residents, but one that city officials believe will be the most cost effective approach.

On the other hand the City of Burnsville has revised it’s Emerald Ash Borer strategy. Initially Burnsville city officials outlined a plan in 2010 that focused on cutting down and replacing their Ash Trees. However, due to increased evidence showing insecticide treatment can save Ash trees, along with the cost comparison between treatment vs replacement and removal, the City of Burnsville is now focusing on preserving it’s natural urban forest. The city is so convinced that Emerald Ash Borer treatment is the best approach, city officials are now encouraging its residents to consider insecticide treatment rather than moving to cut down their trees immediately.

As you can see their does not seem to be a general consensus on how to handle and deal with the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. Some feel it’s a losing battle and one not worth fighting, while others believe that an effective Emerald Ash Borer treatment strategy can prove to be the best response. I am of the opinion that the Twin Cities can win the war against the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and we don’t have to alter our landscape in doing it.

The key to winning this war is simple: education and awareness. Knowing what the Emerald Ash Borer beetle is and how it affects your tree is crucial in our fight against this pest. Contact Sweet Leaf Tree Service today to set up a consultation and to design and Emerald Ash Borer treatment strategy that best fits your needs.

Bad Customer Service Among Tree Companies in Minnesota

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How often have you been told: “I’ll be there at 3”

Then 3 o’clock rolls around and nothing…..so you call…..and nothing.

Never fails. The cable guy gets most of the bad rap for this, but let’s be honest; your local tree company is just as guilty. You will set up a time for an estimate and they won’t show. You will call and they won’t answer. You will leave a message, and they won’t call you back. When you do finally get a hold of them, DAYS LATER, they will tell you: “Sorry we have been really busy.” That’s about as legitimate as telling your teacher your dog ate your homework.

Come on!!!! Give me a Break!!!

They might tell you it’s not a big deal, its only tree removal or tree trimming appointment.

But what if the scenerio is this: you live in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the reason you are calling is in regard to Emerald Ash Borer Treatment? If this is the case then time is of the essence and you can’t afford to be jerked around. You are not just calling to get your tree trimmed but rather you are calling because you are concerned about the most dangerous pest facing our trees in the Twin Cities. With Emerald Ash Borer treatment, the sooner you get your tree treated, the better. So the sooner your tree care company calls you back the better!!!

I have a news flash for all you tree companies out there: Customers are Good for Business so Treat them that way!!!

Act like your company values its customers. There are three simple ways to achieve this.

1) Be courteous

2) Be respectful

3) Honor your commitments

It’s simple really.

  • When you make an appointment, show up on time. If you can’t, call in advance and reschedule.
  • If a customer calls and leaves you a message, call them back. You are never too busy to make a 2 minute phone call to acknowledge that someone is trying to give you business.
  • When there is agreed time to complete the job, honor that agreement.

These simple steps will show your customer base that you value them and appreciate their business. Don’t take them for granted, there are plenty of other companies they could go to.

And remember: Good customer service is good business practice….and it’s the right thing to do.

Emerald Ash Borer: The Pest and The Problem

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Emerald Ash Borer is an emerging problem and isn’t going away any time soon. Since its discovery in St. Paul in 2009 many cities throughout the Twin Cities metro have put in place Emerald Ash Borer management strategies and various counties have quarantines in place to slow the spread of this pest.

Many home owners are left wondering: what is Emerald Ash Borer and what can I do to save my tree?

Let’s start with: What is Emerald Ash Borer???

  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a nonnative invasive insect that infects and kills ash trees.
  • Originating in Asia, EAB was first discovered in the US in 2002 and in Minnesota in 2009
  • Emerald Ash Borer Beetles only attack Ash Trees
  • Adult Beetles are metallic green and about 1/2-inch long. The adult beetles damage your tree by feeding on leaves. This will decrease the beauty of your tree but will have little effect on the health and longevity of your trees life span.
  • The Emerald Ash Borer Larvae are the destructive stage of the pest. The larva feed on the inner bark of the tree leaving S-Shaped tunnels. These S-Shaped tunnels damage the vascular system of the tree and disrupt the transportation of nutrients throughout the tree. This disruption ultimately leads to the death of your tree.

What Can I do to save my Tree??

First identify if your tree has Emerald Ash Borer. The four main symptoms include:

  1. Excessive wood pecker activity; as they feed on the larva living inside your tree
  2. Canopy die back
  3. Sprouts growing at the base of an Ash Tree; known as Epicormic sprouts
  4. 1/8 inch D shaped exit holes in the bark of your tree.

A tree care professional can assist you in determining if your Ash Tree is infected with Emerald Ash Borer.

Once it has been determined your tree is infested it is imperative that you take action immediately as an infested Ash Tree can die within 2-3 years. YES – an infected tree can still be saved, but only with prompt insecticide treatment.

Contact a Certified Pesticide Applicator to discuss your treatment options.

Emerald Ash Borer infestation found in Dakota County

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It certainly wasn’t a very Merry Christmas for the city of Eagan. During a routine inspection in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan on December 23, 2014, the first discovery of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB) was made in Dakota County, Minnesota.

An entomologist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has since verified the infestation and Dakota County now joins Hennepin, Ramsey, Olmsted, Houston, and Winona counties under state and federal quarantine to help protect against the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

Why is containing the spread of Emerald Ash Borer important?

  • Since its discovery in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle has killed millions of trees in North America
  • The State of Minnesota has over 1 billion ash trees; all of which could potentially be at risk of infection and eventual death
  • The continued spread of this devastating pest could have a severe financial and visual effect on the state of Minnesota

What can I do to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer?

  • Don’t transport firewood!! Buy firewood locally, and burn it where you buy it!!
  • Be aware of the various quarantine restrictions on the various Minnesota Counties.
  • Watch your trees for Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Symptoms include: Excessive wood pecker activity, as they feed on the larva living inside your tree; Canopy die back; Sprouts growing at the base of an Ash Tree, known as Epicormic sprouts; and 1/8 inch D shaped exit holes in the bark of your tree.

If you think your Ash Tree may be infected with Emerald Ash Borer contact a tree care professional immediately. Early detection and treatment can be the difference between life and death for your tree. Early detection can also help contain the spread of this devastating pest.

For further information regarding Emerald Ash Borer in the Minnesota Twin Cities Metropolitan area, including the risks and treatment options, visit www.sltreeservice.com to arrange a free consultation.