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APPLYING KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE PRODUCES RESULTS

A Note from our Board Certified Master Arborist

Drought Stresswww.kramertree.com

630.293.5444

Just another rainy day in Spring

(…we hope!)How has the droughtaffected your trees?

The sweetbuds of Spring

PHC Renewals authorized yet?

The first sign of Spring

Flowering trees in thisissue’s Featured

Tree of the Season

“Kramer has come every other year (plus additional projects) for over a decade. !ey are consistently excellent.

I always recommend you.” Martha G. (Aurora)

Recurring and prolonged periods ofdrought seem to have become

commonplace in many regions of thecountry in recent years, Northern Illinois isno exception. "e effects on trees andshrubs can o$en be seen in both naturaland man-made landscapes. During theseverest drought conditions, especiallywhen aggravated by extreme heat such asthe 2012 season, plants can exhibit wiltingleaves, show marginal leaf scorch or evenleaf drop. "ese extreme conditions canalso cause plant death.

For surviving trees and shrubs, the longterm effects of drought are less obvious.Drought conditions, or more specifically,“soil water deficits”, can detrimentally influ-ence the normal physiology and growth ofplants wherever they happen to occur.When a soil water deficit occurs, the dimin-ishing soil water actually shrinks away fromthe water-absorbing root. As the plantcontinues to lose water via transpiration,water is also withdrawn from root cells,resulting in desiccation of these tissues. Ifthe drought conditions continue, theintegrity of the cell membrane and theliving cell itself may be destroyed resultingin tissue death and dieback.

So, what can be done to lessen droughtimpact? While no one can predict withcertainty how long a particular drought willcontinue, choosing the right plants for yourlocation and caring for them properly are thebest ways to lessen a drought’s immediateand long term impact. Two important, butbasic steps to have in place: watering infre-quently, but deeply (when regulations allow)and applying two to four inches of mulchover the root zone where possible. "is isespecially important for any recent plantings.An inch of water over the root zone perweek, if not supplied through rainfall, is theideal amount to apply. Additionally, keepingplant health at optimum through properchoice and siting, plus moderate fertilizingand pest control can be key to high vitalityduring drought conditions.

When particular trees and/or shrubs arecompromised due to stressful locations suchas parking lot islands, medians, patio andparkway plantings, a growth regulator productcontaining the active ingredient ‘Patrobutrizol’can be of benefit when applied. "ese prod-ucts are noted for enhancing root growth, aswell as, stress and drought-resistance.

(continued inside)

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APPLYING KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE PRODUCES RESULTS

“Your prices tend to be higher than other tree services, but I haven’t always trusted their expertise.I trust Kramer’s so that’s why we go with you.” Ellen & Vince M. (Wheaton)

Have you noticed brown spots on theleaves of your Crabapple that appear toelongate as the season progresses? Didthe brown-spotted leaves turn yellow anddrop earlier than normal? If these symp-toms sound familiar, your tree could beinfected with Apple Scab, which is one ofthe most serious fungal diseases thataffect ornamental trees.

The Apple Scab fungus overwinters inbark crevices and on fallen infectedleaves. In the spring, the fungus producesmillions of spores. The spores are releasedin wet spring weather when the tree is inbloom and are carried by the wind tonew leaves, fruit and twigs. The wetterthe spring, the easier it is for the fungusto spread. Infection occurs under a widerange of temperatures, but wet plantsurfaces are necessary. The severity of theinfection increases when the humidity ishigh and temperatures are moderate.

Apple Scab is a common occurrence inareas that experience wet spring weather.The only question is how severe the infec-tion will become. Removing fallen leavesand twigs can help decrease the primary

inoculum levels, although infection maystill occur because the Apple Scab sporesare so readily dispersed. Unfortunately,there is no cure for Apple Scab, butcontrol is possible. A combination ofproper sanitation and fungicides areeffective methods for controlling thisdisease. Control requires multiple fungi-cide applications done on a preventivebasis, beginning when leaf buds breakand repeating applications until twoweeks after flower petals fall.

Due to the droughts we have experiencedthe last two years, most trees are alreadystressed. In addition to Apple Scabcontrol, KTS highly recommends that thetrees are fertilized and a good wateringprogram is implemented during the drymonths. Call our office to have your treesinspected if Apple Scab or any otherproblems are suspected.

Ben DeutschPlant Health Care Department Manager

PHC CORNER :

What’s Wrong With My Crabapple Tree?

2013 Illinois Tree ClimbingCompetition…will be held atCantigny Park,1S151 WinfieldRd., Wheaton,on Saturday,May 11. Compe-tition will beginat 8:00 a.m. Weencourage youto come on outwith family andfriends to cheeron the KTScompetitors.

Other members of KTS will be volun-teering as event judges and timers. KTSGrill Masters will be serving up a compli-mentary lunch for the judges andcompetitors. Lunch is open to spectatorsfor a donation. All proceeds go to TREEFUND, funding for tree research andeducation. We hope to see you there!

KTSword find

Find the answers to

the clues or questions

listed below. Words

can be listed up, down,

forward, backward

or diagonally.

1. Material added around treesto help maintain soil moistureand reduce trunk from injury.

2. Common tool used to cutdown trees or prune largebranches

3. A female _ _ _ _ _ _ biloba is atree known for putrid smellingfruit.

4. A tree _ _ _ _ _ is a machineused to plant or transplanttrees.

5. A _ _ _ is the only insect thatproduces a food eaten byhumans.

6. Green pigment found in leaves

7. A fruit that falls from Oaktrees

8. Another word for “foliage”

9. Tree Care professional

10. Illinois State treeAnswer Key will be posted on our Facebook page and blog on May 15!

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GO NATIVEA N D L O C A L L Y G R O W N

With the winter season almost behind us,signs of spring will soon be upon us.From the first glimpse of returningrobins, we are anxious to begin ourspring outdoor routine. In WashingtonD.C. another routine is taking place forThe Cherry Blossom Festival with about1.5 million people visiting Washington tosee the Yoshino Cherry producing singlewhite blossoms and the Kwanzanproducing clear pink double blossoms inlate March.

To simulate this beautiful Cherry Blossomevent in your own backyard, you may firstwant to consider going native, specificallylocally grown. Our yards will yield to ahealthier environment and in turn willgive us hours of viewing enjoyment. Anacre of land planted in natives can reduceoverall maintenance costs as much as75% versus the cost for the same size plotplanted in turf grass.

Here are a few native choices that willenhance your urban garden and simulatethe beauty of an annual Cherry Blossomevent.

» Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)Earliest bloomer with white flowersneeding well drained soil and is shadetolerant.

» Allegheny Shadblow (Amelanchierlaevis) Late bloomer with white flowers.Birds will congregate around this one.

» Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) Deep purpleflowers hang like velvety bells with ascent only a fly could love and will havedelicious edible fruit come fall.

» Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Bright pinkedible flowers growing quickly in well-drained soil.

» Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)White flowers with blue-black fruit inAugust needing moist soil & few hoursof sun in the morning.

There’s no need to be a part of the 1.5million people traveling to D.C. to admirethe Cherry Blossoms when you can plantany of the above and have your ownamazing festival right at home. Thebeauty of the Cherry Blossom is apowerful symbol of friendship along withbeing one of the first welcoming signs ofspring.

For more KTS featured trees, subscribe toour blog or follow us on Facebook for our“Tree of the Week.”

Renee SternbergPlant Health Care Department

F E A T U R E D T R E E O F T H E S E A S O N

“Tim and your crews provide excellent service in all aspects of your operations. !at is why we have used you for almost 20

years. !ank you.” David E. (Downers Grove)

Awarding Winning Customer Service:

2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award2012 Better Business Bureau Complaint-Free Yearfrom front page

Finally, long-term damage fromdrought happens over a period of years andcan include stunted growth, branch diebackand plant death. Branch and stem cankersmay also appear and may not heal due tothe plants weakened condition. Manywoody plants can take up to three yearsa$er a drought occurrence to display theseadvanced symptoms.  If one consistentlyfollows the mentioned plant health carerecommendations, it will help insure thatyour woody plants resist these severeweather episodes no matter when theoccurrence or duration.

Feel free to contact our office with anyquestions.

Harold HooverBoard Certified Master Arborist

E-CornerCheck out our new weekly feature onFacebook, Friday Random Facts; fun &interesting trivia to share with yourfriends. Have them “Like” us, too!

New to our website:

» Staff listing with email addressesunder the “About Us” page.

» Online credit card payment option.

» Online forms for submitting mulchdelivery orders, credit applicationsand employment applications.

We appreciate you submitting your emailaddress. KTS will utilize this form ofcommunication as much as we can in ourefforts to serve you more efficiently andeffectively, as well as, manage our costs.Please look for proposals, invoices andupdates to be sent to you in this manner.

So, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn tokeep up on tree care information. Don’tforget to check out our Yelp! page andsubmit a review. And please visit ourwebsite for updates to our services, officehours and employment opportunities.

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Our cats, Gus, Buster and Nauvooare all doing well for which we

are grateful; however, as Sparkleapproaches her 13th or 14th year (we arenot sure of her age as she was taken inas a stray by Anderson Animal Shelter)she is slowing down considerably. Weknew Sparkle had arthritis in her hips,but had noticed limping in her front legand she had more trouble getting up.We had X-rays taken and they confirmedshe has severe arthritis in her back, hipsand right front shoulder. The painmedications have been working well toalleviate her discomfort.

In the fall of last year,based on a few symptomsshe was displaying, I hadher tested for hypothy-roidism. Sparkle did nothave the obvious symptoms, but as I havelearned through the years that doesn’talways mean they aren’t afflicted with adisease. It was a simple blood test thatshowed she had hypothyroidism and justneeds 2 pills a day to regulate herthyroid. She is also losing her hearing andsleeping more. Sparkle has truly joinedthat ranks of us “senior citizens” over thelast few years.

Since shelters have been taking inmature dogs and cats, it has become crit-ical to inform people of the advantagesof adopting an older pet. My reason foradopting Sparkle in 2009, was to makeher feel safe, loved and happy in her lastyears.

Jan KramerDon’t Shop - Adopt

630.293.5444

www.kramertree.com

Sleeping on the Job!

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE PRODUCES RESULTS

Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc.300 Charles Court, West Chicago, IL 60185

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Woody Says...

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“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.”

Bonnie Wilcox, Old Dogs, Old Friends

Please visit www.thepuppymillproject.org

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