Tree Care Experts

Tree & Lawn care services in PA & NJ from Certified Arborist & Tree Care Experts!

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That Beautiful Fall Foliage!

Chlorophyll is Green, right? 3rd grade taught most of us about the green color of leaves being the Chlorophyll (if you didn’t know, well…there it is!). Chlorophyll captures solar rays and uses that energy to manufacture its very own food: simple sugars produced from water and carbon dioxide….how cool is that?! While there is ample sunlight, chlorophyll continues to be produced to replenish the used up supply. But as late summer fades into autumn and the nights become cooler and the days shorter, the other pigments in the leaf predominate.

Those Cool Pigments Carotenoids – If this sounds kinda familiar, it should; the same stuff that makes our yellow and orange vegetables well, yellow and orange, colors our leaves as well. Some you know: carrots, corn and daffodils. But did you know they’re also present in egg yolks and canaries? And while carotenoids are present in the leaves all year long, they are masked by the green chlorophyll most of the time. Only when chlorophyll production begins to slow down do these become visible. Then we see the bright yellows and oranges of ash, aspens, maples and birches. Anthocyanins – And then there are those rare years when, in addition to the brilliant yellows and oranges, we have the deep reds and vibrant purples. Special conditions must exist for this unique show. Unlike the Carotenoids, Anthocyanins are not present throughout the growing season. When they develop, it’s because of some complex interactions both internally and externally. Their formation depends on the breakdown of sugars in the presence of bright sunlight as levels of phosphate inside the leaf drop. So when we get bright sunny autumn days and cool – but not freezing – nights, there’s a very good chance for the color show to be spectacular! And we sure have had a run of that kind of weather recently…well, up until the last few days, anyway.

Leaf Peeping – And the most popular state for that lush fall foliage?  Vermont! Over 2.5 million visitors visit the state and the others of New England, spending on average $120 per day, predominantly on food, gas and lodging. Vermont alone rakes in on average $375 million! Kinda funny to think that when mother nature puts on her best show, we humans exchange our hard earned money for the privilege of taking part.

Your Trees – And while your trees do all the heavy lifting, you sure can help them prepare for the change of seasons by giving them what they need most this time of year. Whether it’s a Fall Fertilization, Air Spading, Horticultural Oil or specific pest or disease treatment, you can play a pivotal role! Remember, you ALWAYS have a Joshua Tree Certified Arborist on your team, and they can be onsite VERY quickly to assess what needs your landscape has as the season winds down. Appointments, recommendations and proposals are ALWAYS FREE, and we’d love to play our own special part to keeping your property in it’s very best health.

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Spring Fling?

VANISHING ACT – Like waking from a wonderful dream, our teasingly warm temps seem to have vaporized and jolted us rudely awake to the normalcy of reality. After tempting us into getting out the lawn furniture and thinking about opening the pool – poof! – Mother Nature pulls the ultimate trump card. If you have an interest in what the prognosticators think, check out what the The Weather Channel is saying here.

If, like many of us, looking out the window or stepping onto the deck are the best weather barometers (pun intended), then you know that if it’s cool and rainy in April, there’s still work to be done, so a sweatshirt and rain jacket may be the first tools you pick up. As you head out into your landscape, remember to prep by following a few simple steps to help your trees and shrubs enjoy Spring and get ready for the heat of Summer: MULCH – First things first: Less is more here. Keep mulch to just a few inches and remove competing weeds from landscape beds and around trees and shrubs. Avoid contact with the trunk, as this promotes moisture retention, heat buildup, and also encourages secondary root growth above the primary, resulting in girdling roots. Hardwood mulch is best; choose a color you like…makes no difference. Check out the picture for what NOT to do:

PRUNE – The best time to prune trees depends on the species and desired results. If trying to shape young trees for future growth, the dormant season is preferred, but certainly not required. Any mature trees that have obvious deadwood, hanging or low branches can be thinned and elevated anytime and will definitely benefit from the attention. If the crown is dense and thick, crown-thinning to allow more light to penetrate encourages healthy growth. If performing procedures yourself, always use clean, sharp tools and wear proper eye, ear and body protection. For what NOT to do, check this out. Do not watch while eating….nuff said. IRRIGATE – If you have a sprinkler system installed, by all means use it.  DO watch the patterns and adjust as necessary. If you see water pooling around the base of trees or shrubs, adjust. If you notice wet foliage on your dogwood, you’re providing an unintended host for mildew and anthracnose. Pines will have more trouble defending themselves against tip blight with too much watering. Be sure to look into the needs of each species before watering. FERTILIZE – Spring and Fall are the best, preparing all our cherished friends with the varying nutrients they need through the changing growing and dormant seasons. And whether you’re hiring a professional to perform this essential component, consider taking soil samples to determine just what’s needed. Professionals will occasionally do this if a diagnosis is not readily apparent, but you can too. The Penn State Cooperative Extension does this very inexpensively and you can get their submission form(s) and instructions here. ENJOY – For most folks, the outdoor landscape is an extension of the indoor living space. Keep those living friends with whom we share the planet healthy and clean, and you just might spend more time there. We spend most of our time outdoors, and hope we can help you love it too!

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PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Renewal & Remembrance Event!

While it may not surprise you that Arlington National Cemetery receives over 4 million visitors a year, what may jolt you into a take-notice state is that over 100 graveside services are conducted each week. On its 624 acres are veterans from all wars beginning with the Civil War, and those of casualties re-interred from earlier wars. The place is both awe-inspiring and humbling, filling one with pride, gratitude and sadness all at once.

It is upon these revered grounds that Joshua Tree performs an annual commemorative volunteer effort, taking part in the PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) Renewal and Remembrance event. So Monday, July 22nd will see hundreds of landscape professionals from coast to coast joining us to protect and beautify this important ground. As Head of Tree Care 7 years running, Joshua Tree is tasked with Cabling & Bracing mature trees, and installing Lightning Protection to those especially valuable specimens. Here’s a recent post from our Facebook page.

Joshua Tree encourages everyone to investigate the historical and cultural lessons that abound when one investigates the stories that emerge from Arlington. A good place to start is right here. Join us in honoring all who have served and sacrificed, and those who continue to do so.

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – Silent Killer has arrived!

REMEMBER THESE FROM LAST SUMMER? Installed throughout Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton Counties in PA to detect the presence of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer), they were largely worthless except as conversation pieces. Fortunately (and regrettably), an alert Arborist detected signs of infestation in Bucks County, and experts on Tuesday, March 13th have confirmed the earlier-than-expected arrival of this deadly menace.

SO WHAT IS IT AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? While one might argue that this Asian pest could have arrived in the U.S. as early as the ’40s from wooden shipping crates, identification came in 2002 in Michigan, and the iridescent little thing has been moving steadily since then. Estimates vary, but more than 40 million (yes, MILLION) Ash trees are gone – wiped out – and while experts are working frantically to introduce natural combatants to slow the progress, prevention versus cure is a conversation any homeowner with treasured Ash trees should have with a professional.  Good news? Woodpeckers feed on the larva. Bad news? They do their own version of heavy damage to the tree as they forage and they can’t keep up with the menace.

Take a look at the EAB at right. There are several look alikes so it’s Imageeasy for a non professional to become confused. But the damage they do is unmistakable. The larva create ‘galleries’ (tunnels) beneath the bark, making it very difficult to know they are there. By the time an infected tree shows signs of crown dieback, epicormic branching or bark splitting, it’s probably been affected for 3 years or more and even herculean efforts to save it will probably prove fruitless. Any more good news, you ask? Actually, yes. While there seems to be no stopping this killer, protection through what one might consider ‘tree immunization’ is definitely possible to save those cherished Ash trees. Arboricultural professionals are uniquely positioned to use specialized techniques and chemicals to bolster protection through systemic soil applications and direct tree injections (yes really, tree ‘injections’….some pretty cool stuff). Several years of treatments and keeping that Ash fertilized and healthy in the process is necessary to save these magnificent trees. There is no time to lose, and professionals recommend you act now, meaning RIGHT NOW. DO I HAVE ASH TREES? Don’t know if you have Ash on your property?  While a site visit from a Certified Arborist will guarantee positive identification, immature Ash have smooth mottled bark while mature trees have diamond shaped ridges that are deeply etched. Compound leaflets having anywhere from five to eleven leaves, like the one pictured, are easily confused with other tree species so care is needed for accurate ID.

Want more info? Penn State Cooperative Extension to the rescue!  Check out their thorough treatise on the subject here. And in case you didn’t know, Pennsylvania is under quarantine and no firewood is permitted to be transported into the state. This will continue for the foreseeable future. Got Ash in your firewood pile now? Don’t move it – burn it! Buying firewood for next season? Don’t just buy mixed hardwood. Specify that no Ash be part of your woodpile, and you just might get through this unscathed.

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Fall Fertilization of Trees: Do I have to?

Few things in life require a ‘have-to’ attitude. We don’t ‘have to’ run the vacuum, change oil in the car, return calls or open mail. Heck, we don’t even ‘have to’ go to work, pay taxes or pull the rip cord on the parachute, right? While these things may be valid suggestions (and good ones), we can get by – albeit for a short time – without doing them. And we all know people who actually don’t do some of these things, right? Well, maybe not the parachute thing....

THE NEED FOR NUTRIENTS We humans can eat well to gain every opportunity to give the body what it needs. But no matter how careful one is, deficiencies exist. And so there are supplements – vitamins – that round out the function of the body to allow it to perform at optimum levels. Your trees, however, don’t have the luxury of choosing their diet. They may have been planted there by you or a previous homeowner ages ago and they get what they get: what’s in the soil and whatever water comes along. If we want them to manifest a healthy canopy, develop strong root systems resistant to decay, grow well-attached limbs and become all of their potential, they need supplements too. Your Certified Arborist is trained to know what’s needed and when, so as always, they are an invaluable resource for you.

MACRO- AND MICRO-NUTRIENTS

Like the name implies, Macronutrients are needed by trees and shrubs in larger amounts. Things like Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur. When the soil is deficient of these critical additives, the results are visible: Slower growth (sometimes very significant), malformed or undersized leaves or early leaf drop…these are all pretty much in your face and shouldn’t be ignored. Micronutrients on the other hand – Iron, Copper, Zinc, Chlorine and Boron – aren’t as detrimental or telling. Lack of Iron, for example, will cause yellowing of the leaves between the veins. All fertilizer labels will indicate the amount of each nutrient (for example 9-18-9 indicates the amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium – by weight – in this mix) and can come in a dizzying array of combinations. If you’re doing the fertilization yourself, grab a soil test from the Lehigh County Penn State Extension or Northampton County Penn State Extension. That way you’ll know what you need. If you’re hiring a professional, they’ll know what’s needed for your area…heck, they dream about this stuff :)

HOW DO I APPLY? While most homeowners may be unwilling or unable to do much more than mix the store bought chemical fertilizer and apply with liberal amounts of water (and keep watering), if care was taken in diagnosing, selecting the fert and applying it properly, splendid results can surely be had. Professionals have a bit of an advantage here, as they can trench the root area and apply directly for maximum uptake, or they can inject the tree for ultimate effectiveness. Check out the cool tree injection pic. REMEMBER A FEW THINGS… If, through research, it’s discovered that the soil pH is above the optimum level for your tree or plant species, further intervention will frequently be necessary to avoid things like interveinal chlorosis (a yellowing between the veins of the leaves). Chlorosis indicates poor iron availability in the soil. There’s enough iron there, but the tree can’t take it up and use it effectively. To fix this, the pH of the soil may be lowered (long term solution) or iron chelate may be applied to the leaves or soil to enhance absorption. Kinda like how Vitamin D enhances Calcium absorption in humans. It’s all about bio-availability, you know?

And lastly, remember that fertilization is a balancing act. Too much, too little or the wrong kind will negatively impact the growth and health of your trees and shrubs. But by all means, DO fertilize. The right amount will have them smiling down on you as you smile up at them!

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What is Root Rot or Shoestring Root Rot?

The Mid-Atlantic states – Pennsylvania in particular - Cooler temps have had an unusually mellow summer, temperature wise. Except for one week of 90+ temps in July, it sure was pleasant enough. And we’ve only touched 80 degrees a few times so far this month, and the forecast is for more of the same. Lovely for sleeping with the windows open, any outdoor activity you can dream up, and the dogs love it too! Trees and shrubs however…that’s a different story.

ARMILLARIA – Umm, what? Also known as root rot or Shoestring Root Rot, this fungal infection thrives in temps between 59 and 81, and we sure have had our share of that! Couple the temps with the well above average rainfall, and the conditions for root rot couldn’t be better. Armillaria must be diagnosed by a qualified professional, who will perform a close examination of the tree or shrub, the bark, what’s under the bark, and what’s happening in the drip zone. He’ll carefully peel back the bark to look for dead cambium, dark brown rhizomorphs (thick strands…hence the ‘shoe string’ label), or creamy white fans of fungal material. But how to know to call the Arborist? WHAT WILL I SEE? Shoestring Root Rot has a wide host range: oaks, maples, pines, hornbeams and fruit trees Root rot(covers a lot, eh?). If your landscape either is quite wooded or was formerly wooded, this nasty fungus can remain in the soil for years afterwards. Symptoms of decline are dieback of twigs and branches, undersized and off-color leaves, increased trunk and limb sprouts (epicormic branching), top growth slowing, and honey-brown mushrooms forming at the base of the tree (and those spores travel to other areas of the landscape).

WHAT CAN I DO? Unfortunately, there is little chance to save a tree once it’s showing these signs, and immediate removal – infected stump as well – is the best option to minimize further damage to your landscape. However, keeping a tree healthy and vigorous is the best defense (kinda like exercise and teeth brushing, you know?) by controllingCell phone insects and native diseases with carefully chosen chemical protection, tree and soil injection. Your Certified Arborist is always your best resource and what do you know….Joshua Tree has 7 of them on staff! Foster and enhance this relationship to keep your landscape one of the sanctuaries you retreat to and lose yourself in….we’re all one after all!

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Is a PHC (Plant Health Care) approach right for your property?

Doesn’t seem to matter what industry you’re in, there are acronyms tossed about everywhere….guess we’re guilty too. Plant Health Care probably isn't a terribly accurate description of what this valuable service really is (because it is really referring to all trees and shrubs, not specifically smaller plants), but it’s a term homeowners may want to cozy up to.

WHAT IS IT?

PHC is preventive maintenance – much like brushing your teeth or regular exercise – using best-of-class arboricultural and chemical tactics. And like the metaphor above, it doesn’t create a bulletproof landscape (heck, even bulletproof vests aren't bulletproof), but dramatically enhances the health of the landscape and reduces the need for corrective and remedial action. Engaging this service for your landscape requires the joint expertise of several professionals. What / How / Who??? Read on…..

TWO-SIDED APPROACH

Arboricultural – For most trees and shrubs, the biggest part of this is proper pruning. But ‘proper’ can be a bit of a moving target, as the timing for pruning certain kinds of trees – fruit and flowering trees after blooming/producing, for example – can vary greatly depending on species and weather. ‘Proper’ also means infusing air into the canopy by removing deadwood, using sharp/clean tools and the latest techniques. Removing crown gall and not disinfecting your tools afterwards is a great way to spread this cancerous disease to other species and trees in the landscape.

Chemical – Yep, we use chemicals to control and correct disease and pest infiltration. And just like the ones used in toothpaste, it’s hard to pronounce most of ‘em! But when we see the common issues of Tip Blight or Anthracnose (diseases caused by fungus), or something exotic like an infestation of Round-Headed Appletree Borer (makes you wonder if there’s a Square-Headed variety, eh?), there are specific chemicals that target the issue to restore the tree to the best health possible. Whether sprayed on the foliage, injected into the trunk or infused into the soil, these treatments are safe to both grandchildren and pets (our most common questions) within one hour after application, so long as you’re not munching on the foliage.

WHO & HOW?

So is a PHC approach right for your property? Best way to find out is to get a Certified Arborist to do a thorough site evaluation. These are almost always complimentary (free) and can provide quite a bit of insight into just what’s happening in your landscape. If a PHC program is recommended for the beauty and health of your trees, he’ll make sure that a Certified Pesticide Applicator is the only person who performs the actual service (usually monthly). The Applicator’s job is to repeat the site evaluation and treat anything he sees with the arsenal of specific beneficial chemicals he has on his rig every day. Give us a call here at Joshua Tree and we’ll provide the best recommendations for you to enjoy your landscape for as much of the year as the Mid-Atlantic weather allows!

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Lawn Care Tips – Seeding, Turf Fertilization & Mowing!

CAN WE REALLY MANAGE our lawn like we manage our budget or calendar? Well yes, to a Kentucky Bluegrass certain extent. Mother nature can trump any hand anytime (remember the October 30, 2011 snowstorm?), but first things first: Select the proper type of turf-grass for your geography. Take into account the zone you live in (those in the local Lehigh Valley area, for example, are in Zone 6b). Grasses that perform best here are Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Fine & Tall Fescue, Bentgrasses and Zoysia. If you have both open and shaded areas on your property, different varieties may be recommended.

SEEDING AND OVERSEEDING. While these can be performed anytime, the optimal time to increase germination rates is in late Summer to early Fall. Competition from weeds is reduced and the grass will get two cool growing seasons (Fall and Spring) under its belt before the first hot season. Overseeding is best performed after thorough aeration or by using a slit seeder machine. Seed must stay in contact with the soil and have space to germinate and develop. And if you’re laying sod, do it anytime of the year, but water, water, WATER! FERTILIZATION does more to improve the quality of poor turf and maintain healthy turf than anything else you can do. Turfgrasses generally need nutrients in greater Lime Application amounts than the soil can supply. While early season applications focus on both crabgrass prevention and encouragement of the desired grass, don’t miss this critical step. When, you ask? Depends on whom you ask, but three applications is the barest minimum; five is ideal. Your lawn care professional will know the right mix to use at each time of the year, as what’s needed changes throughout the growing season. And don’t forget to give a little sweet treat – lime – in the Fall…because who doesn’t like a treat every now and then?

MOWING, DETHATCHING AND AERATION are 3 items that: MUST be done; MAY NEED to be done; SHOULD be done, respectively. While opinions differ on how low to cut grass, go no lower than 2″ (some say 3.5″) and gradually raise your mower deck No Lawn Spikes throughout the growing season to discourage weeds and encourage solid root engagement. Dethatch your lawn only if you have 1″ or greater of this area of decomposed grass stems and roots. DO consider definitely aerating your lawn in the fall, which pulls plugs of soil out and puts air in. Do NOT fall for those psuedo aeration spikes strapped to your shoes; this further compacts soil and is as gimmicky as the 400 abdominal machines out there designed to blast fat!

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Tips on How to Plant a Tree!

Anyone can plant a tree, right? Absolutely! But to do it right, bearing in mind the height, spread and longevity of the tree, takes some simple planning, tools most homeowners have, attention to detail, and love (yes, really). 

How well I remember helping my father plant hundreds of trees as a lad, hoping against hope that every single one of them would die, since I was the one who cut the grass and had to trim around each one. To my dismay, the job was done right, and they survived. Somehow, so did I. So you wandered the nursery and have picked out that special tree, envisioning it in that perfect spot on your property. Cool. Now, gather a few simple tools: Shovel, digging bar (if your soil is particularly hard or compacted), tarp or plastic, metal snips (or bolt cutters if you have them), tape measure, fertilizer and utility knife. Trees have a life expectancy from a few dozen to a few hundred years – depending on the species – so let’s do this right, shall we? Choose the right location, away from power lines and buildings, so that the mature tree will be unencumbered as it grows. Mark a circle around the tree that’s 2-3 times larger than the diameter of the root ball. Use marking paint if you have it, but cutting into the sod with your shovel is just fine. Stand your tree upright and pull back the burlap from the top of the root ball. Now use your hand cultivar (that 3-pronged tool you never knew the name Joshua's Cultivarof)  to loosen the soil from the top of the root ball just enough to expose the root flare (see the graphic). Now measure the height of the root ball from the bottom to the root flare and subtract 2 inches…this is how deep you will dig your hole.

Okay, elbow grease at the ready, start by removing the sod from the hole. Transplant it elsewhere on your property or discard; don’t use it to backfill the hole. Now dig the hole to the depth you determined, shoveling the dirt onto your tarp. If your soil is particularly hard or compacted, make sure to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, but be careful to maintain the depth you determined when you measured.   Dust the hole with Superphosphate, and carefully roll the tree into the hole. Have a helper guide Joshua Tree Superphosphateyou as you rotate the tree to put it’s best face forward (or backward towards the house….up to you), then remove the wire basket and twine from the root ball. Use the cultivar to loosen the soil all around the root ball to expose the hundreds of tiny roots. Now mix your Superphosphate and 3-4-3 fertilizer into the soil pile (on the tarp), according to the specifications for your size tree. Mix well, and shovel it into the hole, being careful not to bury the root flare. When the hole is full, use your shovel to make a 6″ high curbing around the edge of the hole, then fill the crater you just made with water. When the water absorbs into the soil, knock down the curbing and smooth out the dirt.  Spread 3″ of your favorite mulch but NOT against the bark or the root flare. Water EVERY DAY – you heard that right – for 6 weeks (rainy days get you a pass) and you’ve done all you can to give your new shade and oxygen partner the best new home possible!

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Why Hire A Certified Arborist?

Lately, many calls from the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton areas are asking us: “Are you a Certified Arborist?“ Hmm, kinda makes you feel good that community outreach and education efforts are indeed lifting the knowledge of homeowners!

But really, why would the average Jane Homeowner care about company culture, and having an eye toward ongoing education and professionalism? Who would care to know about the consulting and field Certified Arborists a firm has? Read on to find out.

An arborist is one who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs. Certification – administered by the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) – is a process of voluminous study, passing a comprehensive test in ten areas of expertise, then continuing education requirements for life! One does not undertake this lightly, and most Certified Arborists you meet will have an uncommon passion for trees.

When one of these professionals sets foot on your property to evaluate that overgrown Hornbeam you inquired about, their eyes miss nothing. They see crossed and weakly attached limbs, overgrown and too-dense canopies, dangerous conditions to home or Joshua Tree Experts Gallery Crown Gall on Willow people, benign and damaging insect infestation, and disease that will kill a tree in short order. They’ll point out issues on that Shag-Bark Hickory that will compromise other plantings, diagnose Crown Gall on that beautiful Willow, and suggest lightning protection for that magnificent and valuable Linden. A passionate Certified Arborist will adhere to a code of ethics (i.e. they won’t ‘top’ trees) and most consultations and property visits are free. Having one of these professionals on your team is invaluable.

When considering your selection of a Certified Arborist, don’t be afraid to ask for a Certificate of Insurance, references, membership in other professional organizations (like TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association), or a free estimate with specific details of work to be performed. A well run firm will deliver a detailed written proposal either immediately or by close of the work day. Ask how long it will be until they can do your job. ‘Tomorrow‘ or ‘this weekend‘ may be suspect responses as any reputable firm will have a backlog of at least several weeks, perhaps more. Pay attention to price, but recognize that the selection Joshua Tree Experts Gallery “We” is stronger than “I” of a quality firm capable of performing the current work, and continuing to be available for regular ongoing maintenance, fertilization, emergency response (think October, 2011 snow storm), and consultation is very important.

Your relationship with a professional firm is one which will provide dividends for the safety and enjoyment of your property for years to come! More questions? Just Ask Joshua!

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Tree Service, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal in Bethlehem, Allentown!

Professional and experienced Bethlehem tree service can be the difference between Moravian in Bethlehem, PA healthy, lush, and well manicured trees and shrubs, and choppy, stunted, unhappy versions. Worse yet, inexperienced tree trimmers can do irreversible damage to some of Bethlehem's most aged old-growth trees. If your trees need extra special attention, or you are concerned about overgrown and heavy limbs, contact Joshua Tree. We would love to come take a look and provide suggestions about how you can enhance the growth and lifespan of your trees.

While we serve a wide 5-County area, encompassing New Jersey and Pennsylvania tree care, we have a soft spot for our Bethlehem PA tree service clients.

Joshua Tree:  Professional Commercial and Residential Bethlehem Tree Service

Here at Joshua Tree, we consider trees to be sacred. We understand that they can become beloved members of the family. There is a science and artistry required for every tree project so our staff of Certified Arborists has received extensive education and training about multiple varieties of trees, beneficial pruning techniques, and learning the biology and physics behind tree growth. We also have an extensive knowledge base in regards to tree pests, diseases, and potential for developing weaknesses. We will evaluate the tree(s) in question and make recommendations on how to help the tree to look its best, while keeping the safety of your home and family a priority.

Trimming and Pruning. Just like humans can spread illnesses and diseases to one another, trees are also susceptible to diseases and cancers. Even simple mistakes, like unknowingly trimming a sick tree and then trimming its neighbor with the same tools, can wipe out your beautiful landscaping, and thousands of dollars worth of trees. We always use the proper tools and cutting edge principles (pun intended) to make sure your trees are healthy and look their best. Knowledgeable trimming and pruning are essential to maintaining healthy trees and shrubs.

Protection from the elements. In order to stand up to the Bethlehem Lightning bolt elements, your trees

and shrubs need to be properly nourished. Overgrowth can cause limbs and branches to succumb to the heavy weight of snow and ice. We can even protect your home and property from lightning strikes by artfully hiding copper wire, which conducts the electricity from a lightning strike directly into the ground.

Eliminate Unwanted Insects and Disease. Part of our training as Certified Bethlehem Arborists includes learning everything there is to know about pests and diseases which can compromise tree health, and working closely with the city forester. Our Bethlehem tree service is tailored to assess any visible damage and come up with an attack and/or prevention plan. This may involve cabling or bracing the tree(s), or in cases of extensive damage, it might require tree removal.

Tree Removal. In certain situations, tree removal is required. It could be as a result of irreversible tree damage, or due to structural damage to home or commercial space caused by the tree. We utilize “safety first” Bethlehem tree removal techniques and make sure that there is as little waste as possible. We can also remove and grind unsightly stumps to make way for a more beautiful landscape.

Bethlehem Tree Service – Enhance the Beauty of Your Landscape Our Bethlehem tree service customers are always satisfied with our work. Our broad knowledge in tree services, in addition to our soil and lawn management services, make us a one-stop-shop for a variety of residential and commercial landscaping needs. Please do your trees a favor! Contact Joshua Tree and make an appointment to begin providing year-round care and attention to your trees and shrubs.

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Raccoon Ride! Joshua Tree always lookout for woodland friends.

Joshua Tree crew are always sensitive to the critters we share the planet with. Watch the adventure this little guy had. The experienced crew at Joshua always on the lookout for our woodland friends, Raccoon Ride!

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Dave & Donny of Joshua Tree – Tree Removal & Chipping Service!

Champion climber Dave & Groundman extraordinaire Donny, the experienced staff at Joshua Tree taking down a tree & chipping branches in Stockertown, PA.  Certified arborist & tree care experts! http://www.joshuatreeexperts.com/about/company.php

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Calypso School Bethlehem Rocks!

Joshua Tree Company volunteered their services at Calypso School in Bethlehem PA. One quick climber! Apparently ‘Cody’ is the lucky celebrity & quickest new climber we've ever seen....go man go! http://www.joshuatreeexperts.com

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Hurricane Irene Removal by Joshua Tree Experts!

It's a cruel summer when big trees have to be removed due to Mother Nature. But it's just another day at the office for the Joshua Tree crew! The tree care experts & certified arborist in PA & NJ, visit http://www.joshuatreeexperts.com/services/tree-removal.php for details!

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Certified Arborists at the Wildlands Conservancy for Tree Pruning!

Joshua Tree experts & certified arborist were at the Wildlands Conservancy in Lehigh Valley, & offered quality tree pruning services. Tree care with cutting edge techniques & appropriate tools! Details at http://www.joshuatreeexperts.com/services/pruning.php

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EAB A Killer – Prevention & Cure, Save & Immunize Ash Trees!

The EAB menace is unstoppable! Prevention is the best way to save Ash Tree as the cure rates are very low once infestation has been detected. Ask for Joshua Tree certified Arborist for Free evaluation & recommendation, Tree & Soil injections to immunize the tress! Details at http://www.joshuatreeexperts.com/services/insect-disease-management.php