Articles
Dormant Oils: An Eco-friendly Strike Against Pests
February 5, 2026
Oils are often recommended as a “clean slate” treatment for professional arborists and eco-conscious homeowners. Oils are highly refined petroleum or plant-based products (such as mineral, canola, or soybean oil) used as non-toxic insecticides and miticides. Applied to trees and shrubs during late winter to early spring, these oils are exceptionally effective against pests that […]
Discover 7 Secrets to Hiring a Certified Arborist that Fits Your Needs
December 22, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RI Tree There are three main reasons why you might need an arborist. A large tree has visible dead limbs or significant cracks, and you need to hire an arborist to do a safety inspection and remove any hazards. A mature tree has broken limbs hanging dangerously after a storm […]
Revolutionize Your Landscaping: 7 Proven Pest Management Strategies
December 19, 2025
Are you looking to protect your trees from pests and diseases? Trees and plants often become weak due to factors such as climate change, drought, or poor soil conditions. This vulnerability enables secondary invaders, like the Emerald Ash Borer or Asian Longhorned Beetle, to thrive. Additional hurdles in controlling pest populations include difficulties in identifying […]
Unlock Juicier Harvests: Master 6 Simple Fruit Tree Pruning Secrets!
November 11, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RI Tree The best time to prune trees is when they’re dormant. That’s typically in late fall, winter, or early spring (before new growth begins). These times are ideal for pruning because trees are resting. This minimizes tree stress and sets the stage for vigorous growth during the season. Pruning mature […]
Discover Proven Techniques for Bigger, Healthier Tree Growth!
November 3, 2025
Large, mature trees, such as those listed on the RI Tree’s Champion Tree webpage, offer significantly greater benefits than smaller trees. Planting them, however, can be a challenge. Doing so in the fall reduces “transplant shock” and gives trees the best chance to establish roots before the stress of a full growing season. Here arHere […]
Revitalize Your Trees: Discover the Power of Root Deep Care Today!”
October 27, 2025
Urban trees often require fertilization. That’s mainly due to the unique characteristics of city soils. Signs urban trees need fertilization include yellowing leaves (chlorosis), thinning canopies, short twigs, stunted growth, branch dieback, a weak response to mild drought, and early leaf drop. If you see these signs, your tree or trees need fertilization. Here are […]
Revitalize Your Trees: Discover the Power of Root Deep Care Today!”
October 27, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RI Tree Urban trees often need fertilization. That’s mainly due to the unique characteristics of city soils.Signs that urban trees need fertilization include yellowing leaves (chlorosis), thinning canopies, short twigs, stunted growth, branch dieback, a weak response to mild drought, and early leaf drop. These issues are often the result […]
Protect Your Plants and Trees Today: Six Top Tips Against Sudden Frosts
October 15, 2025
Cellular destruction is the primary danger for plants and trees from a sudden frost. When temperatures drop rapidly below freezing (32°F or 0∘°C), the water inside and surrounding plant cells freezes, causing them to expand and rupture cell membranes. Trees, on the other hand, experience structural and systemic damage from sudden frosts, which can cause […]
Protect Your Plants and Trees Today: Six Top Tips Against Sudden Frosts
October 15, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RITree The National Weather Service recently issued a freeze advisory for Rhode Island, indicating that temperatures drop as low as 29°F. Sudden, unseasonal frosts like this endanger plants and trees because they hit them before they have had time to prepare for cold weather. Cold acclimation or hardening is the […]
Reclaim Your Yard: Secrets to Removing Tree Stumps Cost-effectively
October 8, 2025
Do you have an ugly tree stump in your yard? Stumps are more than eyesores; they’re wooden remnants of a project that pose serious and costly hazards. They should be removed as quickly as possible. If you’re “stumped” by what to do with a stump, you’re not alone. Many landowners face the same issue. Removing […]
Three Methods of Removing Tree Stumps
October 8, 2025
Do you have an ugly tree stump in your yard? Stumps are more than eyesores; they’re serious and potentially costly hazards and should be removed quickly. But removing them is often more difficult than felling the tree. Picking the proper removal method is critical to eliminating the stump and reclaiming your landscape. Choosing a method […]
Tree Care Tip
September 22, 2025
Seven Tips on Planting a Tree in the Fall Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, especially after leaf drop (between September 15 and November 1). It offers significant advantages over spring planting, including good soil and weather conditions. But first, you must select the right tree for the given area and then plant […]
Transform Your Landscape: What Questions to Ask Before Planting Trees
September 22, 2025
by: John Campanini, Technical Director, RITree Trees properly cared for in a nursery or garden center and given the proper care during transport are plantable almost anytime. Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, especially after leaf drop (between September 15 and November 1). Many nurseries and garden centers, in fact, hold end-of-season sales, […]
Revitalize Your Trees: Uncover Hidden Issues in Just Five Steps!
September 16, 2025
Fall is the perfect time for tree care. It’s great not only for planting saplings but also for checking your trees’ health. Adverse weather, like rainstorms, strong winds, and summer droughts, can weaken even the strongest trees. A tree’s ability to survive these harsh conditions depends on its health. Ignoring your tree’s health in the […]
Revitalize Your Landscape: Discover the Hidden Benefits of Soil Aeration
September 4, 2025
Compacted soil can kill healthy trees. That’s right. Compacted soil can kill trees. It’s a silent killer. It might seem harmless if you see it, but this dense, suffocating environment deprives roots of three vital resources they need to thrive—oxygen, water, and nutrients. So, you need to address this problem as soon as you see […]
Boost Tree Health Now: Six Proven Strategies to Beat Drought Stress
August 11, 2025
July was hot, with the average daily high around 84°F (29°C). Several days in July reached the 90s or higher, with some even hitting 100. Rainfall averaged 5 inches, which can keep most soil moist, but still not enough for plants to survive and thrive. If this month is anything like August in other years, […]
Unleash Your Property’s Potential: Top 7 Secrets For Planting Saplings Successfully
July 21, 2025
Planting saplings can be challenging. One consideration is how they’re delivered. Planting balled and burlapped (B&B) saplings differs from planting bare-root saplings. B&B saplings are dug up with a soil ball around their roots, which is wrapped to maintain its shape. This state provides immediate soil contact and helps reduce transplant shock. Bare-root saplings have […]
Five Sources to Help You Unlock the Secrets of the Miyawaki Method Now
July 14, 2025
by John CampaniniTechnical Director, RI Tree Council This is the last article in a series discussing the Miyawaki reforestation method. Developed by Akira Miyawaki, this method can transform degraded urban areas into thriving ecosystems. The Miyawaki method is celebrated for its ambitious promise of rapid forest creation and ecological restoration. It “fast-tracks” the natural ecological […]
Miyawaki Magic: Eight Powerful Benefits of Tiny Forests!
July 2, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RI Tree Council This article is the second in a series on the Miyawaki reforestation method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This article explores the reasons for forest loss in Rhode Island and the benefits of the Miyawaki method. New England is losing tree cover at an unprecedented rate. […]
How to Transform Barren Land into Self-sustaining Forests10 Times Faster than Traditional Methods
June 24, 2025
by John Campanini, Technical Director, RI Tree This article is the first in a series about the Miyawaki Method of reforestation—a revolutionary tool for combating climate change and restoring degraded landscapes. The urgent need to restore forests has never been greater, largely due to climate change and biodiversity loss. Traditional tree-planting efforts, however, can seem […]
Addressing Winter Damage: 7 Ways to Get Your Property in Shape Now
June 12, 2025
This winter left a lot of damage in its wake. Trees and shrubs bore the brunt of this year’s winter. Spring is the ideal time to clean and prepare your property for the warmer months. The key is to closely review the landscape and assess trees and plants for structural damage. When doing so, inspect the entire […]
Addressing Winter Damage: 7 Ways to Get Your Property in Shape Today
June 12, 2025
This winter left a lot of damage in its wake. Trees and shrubs bore the brunt of this year’s winter. Spring is the ideal time to clean and prepare your property for the warmer months. The key is to closely review the landscape and assess trees and plants for structural damage. When doing so, inspect the entire […]
Use These 7 Hacks to Combat Deforestation, Promote Forest Health Now
May 12, 2025
New England forests are in trouble. They’ve been losing ground since the 1980s. Over 385,000 acres (over 950,000 hectares), or 5% of the region’s total forest area, were lost between 1985 and 2011. This is the opposite of the historical trend of forest growth and is a critical threat to New Englanders and their region. […]
Turbocharge Your Trees: 3 Simple Hacks for Breathtaking Growth!
March 17, 2025
Trees can adapt to many different local conditions. That can greatly affect tree growth, especially in New England. Seasonal changes, for example, in winter and summer in our area, can dramatically impact tree growth in urban areas. The right factors in the right amounts can drive tree growth. They’re critical factors in tree development. Their […]
Unlock Cooler Cities Now:Essential Tips for Tackling Urban Heat Islands
March 3, 2025
New England is America’s second-most urbanized area, with more than 80% of its people living in cities. While cities provide New England residents with many benefits, they also experience higher-than-average temperatures and more intense heat extremes. A 2020 study, for example, showed that average temperatures in Providence’s less-vegetated neighborhoods could be more than 12 degrees hotter […]
Five Must-Read Tree Guides!
February 27, 2025
Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” is proof that books can change the world. Published in 1962, this classic alerted us to the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT. Using science and facts, Carson shows that pesticides poison wildlife, contaminate food chains, and generate unforeseen consequences. It was a powerful and influential book that helped launch the environmental […]
Using Trees to Minimize an Urban Area’s Ecological Footprint Pays Off
February 24, 2025
Urbanization affects everything from air and water quality to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. These areas have higher levels of air pollution from vehicle emissions, particularly around main roads. They also use more resources like water and energy than rural areas. In short, urbanization greatly impacts the environment no matter where you live. Trees can reduce […]
7 Must-Visit Sites to Transform Your Tree Care Approach
February 24, 2025
The internet has revolutionized our lives, and tree care is no exception. With just a few clicks, you can tap helpful information on tree care, from detailed guides on tree selection and planting to interactive tools for identifying pests and diseases. These online resources, with their unparalleled convenience and accessibility, put the power in your […]
7 Tips on Winter-proofing Young Trees
January 21, 2025
Young trees are the key to a healthy, thriving urban landscape. But they face many challenges in winter. Extreme cold can cause a tree’s tissue to freeze, split, and die. Newly planted trees are especially susceptible to extreme cold. Other winter challenges are desiccation (drying out), sunburn, rodents, and ice and snow damage. Young trees […]
Transform Your Garden with These 10 Must-Read Tree Guides!
January 21, 2025
Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” is proof that books can change the world. Published in 1962, this classic alerted us to the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT. Carson’s thorough research on the harm DDT and other synthetic pesticides were doing to the environment and her emphasis on the interconnectedness of ecosystems make it a must-read for […]
Use These Tips to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree Responsibly
December 30, 2024
Disposing of Christmas trees after the holiday is a challenge. Many pros and cons exist for buying a real tree. Growing Christmas trees, for example, absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is good for the planet. Real Christmas trees are also renewable when sourced from sustainable tree farms. Plus, real trees are biodegradable. Real trees also […]
Use These 7 Proven Tips Now to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh and Beautiful this Holiday Season
December 18, 2024
It wasn’t easy, but you’ve picked the perfect tree for Christmas. Now, the challenge is to keep it fresh and beautiful throughout the holiday season. Doing that, however, is easier said than done. Some people use preservatives to keep their trees fresh. Preservatives have their pros and cons. Knowing those can help you make an […]
Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees That Support Sustainability: 6 Options
December 9, 2024
There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree. Buying and decorating a real tree is a cherished holiday tradition passed down through generations for many families. Real Christmas trees emit a delightful pine scent that fills your home with the classic holiday aroma, adding to the holiday spirit. For those who had a real tree every year […]
Boost Your Trees’ Lifespan: Winterizing Secrets You Can Apply Now
December 3, 2024
New England winters are often hard on trees. How well trees survive a winter depends on factors like geographic location, weather conditions, tree species, and tree health. Some tree species, for example, are more susceptible to winter damage than others. Signs of winter damage include sunscald, winter desiccation, frost cracks, branch breakage, root damage, and […]
7 Causes of Major Plant Failure That Can Devastate Your Trees
October 7, 2024
Trees fail more often than you think. Various factors can trigger failure. When that happens, the tree can pose significant risks. So, you may need to remove the tree. That can be costly. Understanding the factors that cause major tree failure can help you save a tree. It can also boost awareness for better tree […]
Transform Your Trees with These Proven Growth Management Techniques
August 19, 2024
Tree growth is a complex process. It involves factors that can impact a tree’s size, shape, and health. It also involves seed germination, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, water transport, root development, genetics, soil quality, and competition. Understanding how these factors work together can help you boost tree growth and help you grow robust, healthy trees with […]
How to Prevent Fungal Diseases in Your Plants: 5 Tips
August 5, 2024
Fungal diseases can devastate trees and plants. They can cause cankers, leaf diseases, and root rot. Factors affecting the impact of fungal diseases include tree and plant health, environmental conditions, and the type of fungal species. Different fungal species have varying levels of aggressiveness and target specific parts of a tree. Pruning infected branches or […]
7 Steps You Need to Take Now to Prevent Fungal Diseases from Devastating Your Plants and Trees
July 29, 2024
By: John Campanini, Technical Director, RITree Fungal diseases pose significant threats to trees (and plants). These diseases can damage trees, ranging from slight blemishes to complete tree death. Woody decay, for example, the most common impact of fungal diseases in trees, weakens tree structure and reduces stability. Fungal diseases also cause cankers, leaf diseases, and […]
Save Your Plants Now! Combat Plant Drought Stress with these 5 Tips
July 25, 2024
Plants are remarkably resilient. They can survive numerous plant diseases and other deadly threats. Yet even the most adaptable plant can succumb to drought stress, which typically occurs during July and August, the year’s hottest months. Characterized by a complex interplay of physiological and biochemical processes, drought stress upsets the delicate balance within a plant. Knowing […]
Soil Testing: A Practical Guide to Ensure Your Trees Thrive
June 17, 2024
Soil testing, a crucial step before tree planting, offers many benefits. It pinpoints nutrient deficiencies, reduces resource wastage, and reveals your soil’s pH level and nutrient needs, among other things. This knowledge is key to ensuring your tree or trees thrive. The optimal time for soil testing is a few weeks before planting. You can […]
Discover the Power of Soil Testing: A Practical Guide to Ensure Your Trees Thrive
June 10, 2024
Testing your soil is a critical step before planting a tree. Testing your soil identifies nutrient deficiencies. Knowing what nutrients your soil lacks helps you choose the right fertilizer to give your tree a healthy start. You also test the soil to check its pH level. Most trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH […]
Use these 8 Tips to Plant Trees that Will Transform Your Space for Decades
June 1, 2024
Planting trees isn’t just about adding beauty to your yard. It’s also an investment in the future. Trees bring beauty and value to your home, provide shade, improve air quality, and boost property values. However, people often make mistakes when planting trees, such as not adequately preparing the planting site or planting a tree unsuitable for the […]
Using Natural Methods to Prevent Tree Diseases Protects People, Pets, and the Environment
April 23, 2024
Trees are susceptible to diseases that can stunt their growth, ruin their appearance, and even lead to their demise. But using pesticides and fungicides on plants creates risks that can impact people’s health, their pets, the environment, and even the plants themselves. Water contamination, soil damage, and phytotoxicity are three examples of risks that pesticides […]
7 Proven Tips that Can Boost a Plant’s Disease Resistance and Help It Thrive
March 25, 2024
If you live in Rhode Island, your plants face many external threats, including destructive insects, devastating diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. Fortunately, your plants have an arsenal of natural defenses known as plant resistance. This complex system harnesses a plant’s natural mechanisms to create stronger, more resilient plants that can thrive in the harsh New […]
7 Causes of Major Plant Failure That Can Devastate Your Trees and Cost You Big Bucks
March 18, 2024
Major tree failures happen more than you think. When trees fail, they can pose significant risks to you, your property, and others. Various factors can trigger tree failures, raising questions about tree care, maintenance, and prevention strategies. If one of your trees fail, it can cost you big bucks to have it removed by a […]
How to Determine the Value of a Tree on Your Property: (Part 2)
February 29, 2024
Many reasons exist why you might need to determine a tree’s value. For example, if a tree comes down on your property, you can sometimes recapture its monetary loss through an insurance claim or by taking a tax deduction. Before doing either of those things, you will need to determine the monetary value of the […]
How to Determine the Value of a Tree on Your Property: 8 Critical Factors (Part 1)
February 26, 2024
Trees boost the economic value of one’s property. The right tree planted in the right spot makes a big difference to your home and property’s value. That difference often goes well beyond the initial cost of the tree. Research by the Arbor Day Foundation, in fact, shows that planting a good-sized tree increases property values […]
Aerating the Soil around Your Trees Boosts Tree Health and Growth
February 12, 2024
Water is an obvious plant requirement, but so is oxygen. A tree uses oxygen below ground and above to boost its health and growth. The tree’s vascular systems can’t properly function without soil oxygen, and its roots can‘t absorb water. Plus, there are microbes and organisms underground that can help enhance a tree’s survival but […]