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Author: Lou DiToro

Latest Update on Beech Leaf Disease in New England

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog.

Beech trees are a keystone species in many ecosystems. Their fruit – the beechnut – is a food source for many animals, including squirrels, deer, birds, and bears. Their canopies shelter animals and provide nesting sites for birds. Their wood is solid and hard with a beautiful grain. Beeches are also famous for their fall foliage and smooth bark. Plus, they have some cultural significance. Ancient people used their bark as paper.

But beeches are under attack now from Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a deadly disorder that threatens native American beeches and ornamental European beeches. Researchers first detected BLD in Ohio in 2012. It then spread to other states and Canada. It’s now in 12 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces. Researchers found BLD in CT in 2019 and RI and MA in 2020. BLD is especially deadly to young beech trees and the ecosystems they support.

What is Beech Leaf Disease?

Nematodes cause BLD. These microscopic worms (Litylenchus crenatae mccannii) spend the winter in beech buds and beech leaves and emerge in the spring, showing damage to the tree. Infected leaves have dark brown bands between leaf veins or are crinkled, smaller, and leathery than typical beech leaves. Symptoms are more noticeable on North American beeches than on European beeches.

Some beech buds won’t open on heavily infected trees. Severely damaged leaves will fall off soon after emerging in May. New leaves may appear in June in new buds and won’t show signs of the disease, but they will be paler and weaker than typical healthy leaves. Wind plays a big role in spreading the disease. So does the movement of infected plant material like firewood or nursery stock. BLD can spread fast in a forest

Impact of Beech Leaf Disease

Researchers are seeing beeches die within 6-12 years of infection. In Southern New England, beeches often die within a few years of infection. The disease’s effects on trees are critical. Like many tree diseases, BLD reduces photosynthesis and growth and increases susceptibility to other pests and diseases that can kill trees. BLD also causes loss of biodiversity and alteration of the forest ecosystem. Plus, it impacts the timber industry and tourism.

Researchers are working on management solutions for BLD. But there isn’t a cost-effective solution for forested environments yet. There are no effective fungicides for BLD, and treating large mature trees is difficult. Management options are limited but include the following:

  • Early detection and removal of infected trees
  • Development of resistant beech tree varieties
  • Biological control agents
  • Public awareness and education campaigns

In 2017, Ohio researchers had some success managing the disease by treating the soil around small beech trees (about 2-4 inches deep) with a phosphite product called PolyPhosphite 30. Phosphite products are known to stimulate a plant’s defenses.

The researchers treated the trees twice a month with the product about a month apart. The trees were much better after five years than the untreated control trees. They also found fewer nematodes on treated trees than on control trees. We hope to see similar results in New England.

How to Treat Beech Trees

Phosphite products for BLD are available to homeowners. Look for a product that is designed for BLD treatment. Agri-Fos and ProPhyt are good options for BLD. These products are in liquid form. Below are the seven steps to treating a BLD outbreak using a phosphite-based product and a soil drench approach:

1.     Measure the tree’s diameter at breast height—about 4.5 feet high

2.     Follow the product’s label instructions for dosage

3.     Mix the product with water according to the label

4.     Clear the area around the tree’s base of debris and leaf litter.

5.     Slowly pour the diluted phosphite solution into the soil.

6.     Let the solution soak into the root zone.

7.     Water the soil after application to help the solution penetrate deeper

Treat BLD in early spring before new growth begins. You may need to treat the area again later in the growing season. Depending on the disease’s severity and dosage instruction, you may need to treat the soil again.

You can also use a soil injection method to treat BLD. However, you need special equipment to inject phosphite into the soil around the root zone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for injection depth and spacing.

If you still have questions about BLD or its treatment, contact an arborist or RITree.  

7 Causes of Major Plant Failure That Can Devastate Your Trees

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Tree Care.

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 care practices.

Below are seven causes of major tree failure and how to stop them from devastating a tree. For more information on plant failure, see this blog post)

  1. Diseases— They can weaken a tree’s structure, causing it to fail. Root damage and unfavorable weather can also help with diseases. Early detection is critical. Identify the pest, choose the correct control method, and apply it.
  • Pests—They can eat away at a tree’s roots, leaves, and/or trunk. That can weaken its structure and boost its disease susceptibility. Identify the pest. Then, choose the correct treatment to eradicate the pest. You can also consult RI Tree on pests and their controls.
  • Weather—Severe weather events, like snowstorms and high winds, can cause major tree failure. Inspect your trees after severe weather events. Look for signs of damage. Proper pruning keeps trees healthy and minimizes wind resistance, improving overall health.
  • Improper planting— Planting trees too deeply, in the wrong location, or using improper techniques can generate root problems. That. in turn, can cause tree failure. You can’t do much to fix a tree planted incorrectly. You can, however, learn from your mistakes.
  • Root damage—Construction, soil compaction, and other activities can damage a tree’s roots, compromising its health and stability. Proper watering, fertilizing, and mulching can help overcome root damage.
  • Poor maintenance—Neglecting trees can lead to big problems and eventual failure. Take care of your trees. That includes regular watering, pruning, and mulching. It also includes monitoring signs of disease or pest infestation.
  • Age— Mature trees become more susceptible to failure as they age. Proper care can increase a tree’s life. Even with the best care, trees will fail. Remove the tree as soon as you can. (See our blog post on preserving older trees.)

Major tree failure happens all too often. That can cost you big time. Be mindful of the seven major causes of plant failure described above. In severe cases, consult a certified arborist or contact RITree for help. 

Transform Your Trees with These Proven Growth Management Techniques

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog, Tree Care.

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 long lifespans.

Managing tree growth effectively delivers numerous benefits. Well-managed trees shade us in the summer, conserve energy, cut maintenance costs, and reduce noise pollution—all while capturing and storing carbon dioxide and improving air quality. Manage growth also boosts a tree’s lifespan, enhances its appearance, and optimizes growth. Plus, it protects people and the environment.

But managing tree growth can be challenging. Below, we discuss several key factors that dramatically impact tree growth and provide proven tips on managing it effectively.

Brief Overview of Primary Tree Growth

Trees go through two growth periods—primary growth and secondary growth. Primary growth provides the tree’s structure and determines a tree’s height and overall shape. It occurs at the tips of the tree’s roots and shoots, an area known as the plant’s apical meristems. Cells in this area quickly divide and produce new cells. They then elongate, causing the root or shoot to lengthen.

Other cells in this area become specialized tissues like the xylem, which transports water. Then there are those cells that turn into the tree’s phloem, which transports nutrients. Meanwhile, the root system expands to anchor the tree, and the shoot system grows upward to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. These activities prepare the tree for its secondary growth period.

Secondary Tree Growth Boosts Girth

Secondary growth occurs in woody plants. It produces new wood and bark, increasing the plant’s girth or diameter. Secondary growth is primarily due to two types of meristematic tissues: the vascular cambium and the cork cambium. The vascular cambium produces xylem cells towards the inside, forming annual growth rings.
The vascular cambium produces phloem cells towards the outside, which become part of the inner bark. The cork cambium, meanwhile, produces cork cells, forming the outer bark, which protects the tree. Over time, the tree’s trunk and branches become thicker and more robust as secondary growth occurs.
Other processes that occur during secondary growth include:

• Photosynthesis
• Nutrient uptake
• Water transport
• Leaf growth
• Branching
• Root development
These processes are all interconnected. Genetics, environmental conditions, and competition also influence tree growth.

Tips on Managing Tree Growth Rate

While you can’t alter a tree’s growth rate much, you can still influence growth to some extent through proper tree care. Here are some activities that can help you promote healthy tree growth:

• Make sure the tree receives sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients
• Provide the right type and amount of fertilizer based on soil tests
• Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve light penetration and air circulation while the tree grows
• Protect the tree from pests and diseases, which will prevent growth setbacks

Here are some factors that slow growth:
• Reduce watering, especially during dormant periods.
• Prune lightly. Heavy pruning can temporarily slow growth, so avoiding excessive pruning is essential.
• Carefully pruning roots can restrict nutrient and water uptake. However, this is a complex technique best left to professionals.
• Some chemical growth regulators can be used, but their application requires expertise and caution.
• Always consider the tree’s health and species-specific needs when managing a tree’s growth rate. Excessive manipulation can harm the tree.
Managing tree growth takes time and patience but pays off in the long run. Managed growth benefits you, the tree, and the environment. So, take this task seriously, regardless of the species of tree you have. If you need help managing the growth of one of your trees, don’t hesitate to contact RI Tree. Its experts can help you create a plan for your tree to boost its health and growth.

Save Your Plants Now! Combat Plant Drought Stress with these 5 Tips

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog, Tree Care.

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 what drought stress is and how it impacts plants can help you develop effective strategies for protecting plants.

Protecting plants from drought stress can boost their well-being, enhance their lives, and increase the soil’s health. It can also conserve water usage and lessen the need for harmful pesticides. If you’re a farmer, protecting plants from drought stress can lead to better crops, an increase in a crop’s food self-sufficiency, and a farm’s profits. Below, we discuss drought stress and its impacts on a plant’s life and provide proven tips on protecting your plants from this deadly event.

What is Plant Drought Stress?

Drought stress occurs when plants lack enough water to meet their needs. This deficiency can happen due to several factors, including:
• Lack of rainfall: This is the most common cause of plant drought stress.
• High temperatures: Hot weather increases evaporation rates, so plants lose water more quickly.
• Windy conditions: Wind can accelerate water loss from plants.
• Shallow watering: If you only water the soil’s surface, the roots won’t be encouraged to grow deeper and access more moisture reserves.
• Poor soil drainage: If water drains away too quickly, the roots won’t have enough time to absorb it.
• Plant type: Some plants are naturally more drought-tolerant than others.
The intensity and duration of the drought, as well as the specific plant species, determine its impact on plants.
Effect of Drought Stress on Plants

Droughts can impact a plant in several ways. They can stunt its growth, cause its leaves to wilt and drop off, and reduce its ability to produce food. It can also increase a plant’s susceptibility to diseases and pests, damaging its health in the long term. Many plants, however, have built-in defenses to help them survive a drought, including growing roots deeper, closing stomata to conserve water, and reducing CO2 intake.

Tips on Combatting Plant Drought Stress

Maintaining moist soil is the key to avoiding plant injury. Here are a few helpful tips for dealing with drought stress.

  1. Water deeply and less frequently: Instead of shallow, daily watering, give your plants a long, deep soak every few days. This deep soak encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they can tap more moisture reserves. Aim to wet the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
  2. Water early in the morning: Watering your plants early in the morning allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day, which can cause evaporation.
  3. Mulch around your plants: Mulch is a material layer, such as wood chips, bark, or straw, spread around the base of plants. It helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation and suppresses weeds, which compete with plants for water.
  4. Group plants together: Grouping plants together helps create a more humid microclimate and conserve water. Taller plants can also shade shorter plants, helping to reduce water loss.
  5. Choose drought-tolerant plants: When planting new plants, consider choosing varieties known to be drought-tolerant, such as Paperbark Maple, American Hornbeam, Kousa Dogwood, Washington Hawthorne, and American Sweetgum. Additional drought-tolerant plants include Russian Sage, Lilacs, Black-eyed Susan, Lavender, and Coneflower. These plants are typically adapted to drier conditions and require less water.

You can also use gator bags to deliver water to trees effectively and efficiently during summer. Gator bags, also known as slow-release watering bags or tree watering bags, deliver water slowly and directly to the roots of trees or shrubs. They’re most beneficial for newly planted trees and shrubs but may not work for plants with extensive root systems. The size of the gator bag should be appropriate for the size of the plant. Drain the bag completely during cold weather to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Plants are remarkably resistant—no doubt about it. But drought stress can badly damage many plant species. Our tips to combat drought stress can help plants survive the heat. They’ll benefit your plants, the environment, and your wallet. Remember them whenever it gets hot.

Cultivating Bonsai Trees: 8 Proven Tips  

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Tree Stewards.

Cultivating Bonsai trees offers something other tree care activities don’t: It combines aesthetic appeal, stress reduction, and a connection to nature. This combination makes growing Bonsai trees a highly rewarding addition to your home or hobby.

But cultivating Bonsai trees has its challenges—challenges growers need to overcome to grow a beautiful, robust tree. It also takes patience and dedication. Below are eight tips that can help you grow great Bonsai trees.

  1. Choose the right tree—If you plan to keep the tree indoors, select a species that thrives there. Ficus, juniper, and Schefflera are good choices for Bonsai trees.
  2. Lighting—Bonsai trees need ample indirect sunlight, say about 5 to 6 hours daily, whether the tree is indoors or outdoors. Lack of sunlight can cause weak foliage and other tree problems. 
  3. Watering—Bonsai trees come in small pots, so they dry up quickly. Water your bonsai trees deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch. 
  4. Soil—Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix that allows for good aeration and prevents root rot. A suitable mixture for most trees is Akadama, pumice, and lava rock in a 1:1:1 ratio.
  5. Fertilizing—Bonsai trees need fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) but sparingly. Use a balanced bonsai fertilizer according to the package instructions. 
  6. Pruning—Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the size and shape of your bonsai. Prune leaves and branches throughout the growing season. 
  7. Repotting—Repot your bonsai every 2-3 years or when the roots become pot-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh bonsai soil mix. Also, place a layer of soil in the pot before positioning.
  8. Wiring—You can use aluminum or copper wire to shape the branches of your bonsai tree. However, wiring should be done carefully to avoid damaging the bark.

Cultivating Bonsai trees can be challenging at first. But with patience, dedication, and the tips described above, you can cultivate a tree that transforms your space for years.

Discover the Power of Soil Testing: A Practical Guide to Ensure Your Trees Thrive

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog.

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 6-7). If the pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), it can prevent trees from absorbing nutrients.

A third reason to test your soil is to avoid wasting resources. By understanding your soil’s baseline, you can avoid applying unnecessary fertilizers or amendments. Testing helps you target exactly what your soil needs, avoiding over-application and potential environmental harm from fertilizer runoff. For fruit trees, proper soil nutrients impact the quantity and quality of fruit produced, and a soil test can help you optimize your soil for a bountiful harvest.

Best Time to Test Your Soil
The best time to test your soil is a few weeks before planting. That allows you time to amend the soil if needed, based on the test results. You can test the soil yourself using a home testing kit, which is readily available at garden centers and big box stores. This method will give you a basic analysis of pH and nutrient levels. Convenience is a key benefit of testing the soil yourself. Self-testing also creates a good entry point for those new gardeners to learn more about soil and plant needs.

For a more precise analysis, consider sending your sample to a professional soil testing lab. Local extension offices can often provide recommendations on labs. In Rhode Island, you can test your soil at the University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension, College of the Environmental and Life Sciences. Below is more information on how to do that. (If you’re not from Rhode Island, you can find a state-by-state list of soil testing labs on this website.)

Several private companies offer soil testing services. These labs may offer a wider range of tests or faster turnaround times than university labs.
Here are a couple examples:
• New England Testing Laboratory (https://www.newenglandtesting.com/Privacy.php) in West Warwick, RI.
• New England Specialty Soils Screening Facility (https://www.nesoils.com/) in Lancaster, MA.
Consider factors like the type of test you need, turnaround time, and cost when choosing a testing service.
Soil Testing in Rhode Island

The URI lab offers many free and low-cost informational and diagnostic services to Rhode Island citizens. Its Master Gardeners conduct free soil pH testing for the residents of Rhode Island and surrounding areas from March through October. These tests will help determine soil pH levels and predominant soil texture. It also provides basic information and recommendations for the gradual correction of soil pH and compaction issues.

You have two ways to get your soil tested with this program. You can attend a community event where URI’s Gardening Information and Soil Testing booth will be. See the 2024 schedule here. Or, you can mail-in your sample with a Soil Test Result Report Form. Print the form, complete it, and send it along with your sample to URI Cooperative Extension, 3 East Alumni Ave, Kingston, RI 02881. Please include ‘Attn: Soil Test’ on the envelope.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what’s involved in testing your soil for planting trees. Keep in mind that preparation is critical to getting a good sample for testing:

  1. Gather your tools—You’ll need a clean trowel or spade, a bucket, and a permanent marker. Consider wearing gloves for ease of handling soil. Use a stainless steel or chrome-plated soil probe. Brass, bronze, or galvanized tools can contaminate samples with copper and/or zinc.
  2. Choose the testing method—Decide whether you’ll use a home test kit (faster but less accurate) or send a sample to a lab (more precise but takes longer).
  3. Target planting area—Collect samples from the area where you plan to plant your tree.
  4. Sample depth—Aim for 6-12 inches deep, where tree roots will establish. (If you’re testing soil for lawns, go 3 inches down.)
  5. Multiple samples—Take 10-15 samples in a zig-zag pattern to get a good representation of the area. Avoid areas with obvious signs of contamination or recent fertilization.
  6. Mix it up—In your clean bucket, combine all the collected soil samples and mix them thoroughly. Remove any large rocks or other non-soil particles from the soil.
  7. Sample amount—Depending on your chosen testing method, take the recommended amount of the composite sample (usually 1-2 cups) for testing. Label the container with your name, collection date, and intended planting area.
    Additional Tips:
    • A soil probe or auger is the best tool for sampling, especially if the soil is very stony or gravel.
    • If a soil probe or auger is not available, use a garden trowel, shovel, or spade to dig into the desired depth of the soil depth.
    • Cut out a triangular wedge of soil. Then, set it aside (to be replaced after sampling). Slide your blade into the soil again, taking a thin (half-inch) slice from one side of the hole.
    • Store your labeled soil sample in a cool, dry place until testing.
    • Some labs offer online tools to help interpret your soil test results and recommend amendments if you’re using the self-test approach.
    • If you’re submitting your sample to a soil testing lab, you’ll need a soil sample information sheet and a soil sample box. Both are available from the extension office in your county or city.
    By following these steps, you can gain valuable insights into your soil’s condition and ensure your new tree has the best chance of thriving. All the tools mentioned in this article are available online. If you need help taking a soil sample, contact RI Tree. Our experts can guide your through the process.

Use these 8 Tips to Plant Trees that Will Transform Your Space for Decades

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog, Tree Care.

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 climate, soil type, or space available, which can lead to problems for the tree down the road.

Below are eight planting tips that will help you plant trees that flourish for decades:

  1. Pick the right tree—Do your research before you buy a tree. Choose a variety that will thrive in your yard. Consider the tree’s mature size, sunlight needs, soil conditions, and potential hazards like power lines before buying the tree.  
  • Plant during the dormant season—Early spring or fall is the best time to plant trees in most temperate climates because the trees are dormant and less stressed by the transplanting process.
  • Dig a wide, shallow hole—Size matters when it comes to holes. They should be 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball but only as deep as the root ball.  
  • Handle the tree carefully—Avoid damaging the root ball when transporting a tree, which can stress it. Also, water the tree hole thoroughly before transplanting it.    
  • Position the tree correctly—Make sure the trunk is straight before lowering the tree into the hole. You can use a stake or another person to help you with this. Also, check for root ball alignment.  
  • Backfill the hole with high-quality topsoil—Fill the hole with the topsoil you set aside when digging. Add it in stages and water thoroughly after each layer, which helps settle the soil. Then tamp it down lightly.  
  • Water the tree deeply—Use 2-3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. So, a tree with a 2-inch diameter trunk would need 4-6 gallons of water. Use a slow trickle of water from a hose or a watering can with a rose attachment.
  • Add mulch around the tree’s base—Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Choose organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost, which decompose over time, add nutrients to the soil, and improve drainage.

By following the eight tips outlined above, you can avoid the common pitfalls in tree planting. This knowledge gives you the information you need to lay a strong foundation for a robust, healthy tree that transforms your space.

DEM Warns of Invasive Insects Set to Appear This Spring

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog, Pests to Watch.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is warning RI residents to remain vigilant for two invasive species as their lifecycles progress and they emerge this spring. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) and the winter moth are two plant pests threatening Rhode Island’s agriculture and forest. These threats remain the focus of DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment‘s Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) and Forest Health Program.

One pest is the spotted lanternfly, which can cause significant damage to crops and native trees. The SLF threatens many fruit crops, such as apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, hops, nectarines, peaches, and plums, as well as native maple, oak, pine, poplar, sycamore, walnut, and willow trees. DEM officials note the lanternfly is an “excellent hitchhiker” spread through human movement.”

Lanternfly adults lay masses of 30 or more eggs on surfaces ranging from tree trunks to patio furniture. These egg masses are typically 1.5 inches long, grayish-brown, and resemble clay. DEM started spraying for SLFs in Rhode Island in 2022. DEM and its partners will continue targeted treatments of trees and bushes infested with SLF as they try to limit the spread of this invasive pest.

Winter moths are an invasive defoliator from Europe. First detected in New England in the early 2000s, the caterpillars of winter moths feed on the leaves of deciduous trees in early spring after larval hatch. Winter moth caterpillars are lime green with creamy-yellow stripes running lengthwise along each side of the body. Preferred hosts include maple, oak, birch, apple, and blueberry. Young larvae feed within their hosts’ leaf and flower buds and are often difficult to spot at this stage. Caterpillar frass (insect droppings) are often easier to observe than the actual caterpillars.

While the increased winter moth activity during the past autumn has generated increased public interest, the winter moth’s defoliation effort isn’t nearly as damaging or widespread as spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths. That’s because winter moths do not completely strip leaves. They only cause tree mortality if defoliation is repeated year after year. DEM initiated a successful biological program in 2005 to control winter moths with the specialist parasitic fly Cyzenis albicans.

For more information on the spotted lanternfly and the winter moth, see RI Tree’s Pest to Watch page on its website.

7 Proven Tips that Can Boost a Plant’s Disease Resistance and Help It Thrive

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog.

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 England weather.

Threats that plants need to defend themselves against are pathogens, like bacteria and fungi, and viruses; pests, like insects, mites, and nematodes; and abiotic stresses, like drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. Many plants have a complex set of mechanisms to resist these threats and boost a plant’s immune system.

The article below discusses plant resistance, provides tips on how to boost it in plants, and reviews some natural pest control methods for plants:

Understanding Plant Resistance

Understanding plant resistance offers many benefits that impact agriculture and gardening and promote a better understanding of the natural world. These benefits include:

  • Increased agricultural productivity  
  • Reduced reliance on pesticides
  • Improved food security
  • Increased plant growth/stress tolerance
  • Enhanced development of disease-resistant plants

Knowledge of plant resistance also offers valuable insights into the complex world of plant interactions and their biology while boosting our appreciation for biological systems.

Boosting Plant Resistance: 7 Tips

Here are some tips to boost plant resistance. They’ll also optimize plant health, enhance soil conditions, create a favorable environment, and minimize stress factors that can help weaken plants, such as sudden temperature changes or transplanting shock:

  • Balanced Nutrition: Ensure your plants receive a well-balanced fertilizer that provides all the essential nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, manganese, zinc, boron, and silicon. 
  • Proper Watering: Avoid over-watering or under-watering your plants. Aim for consistent moisture levels suitable for the specific plant type.
  • Sunlight Requirements: Provide adequate sunlight as per the plant’s needs. Insufficient light can weaken plants and make them more susceptible to disease.
  • Composting: Regularly add compost to your soil. Compost improves soil fertility, aeration, and drainage, promoting healthy root growth and fostering beneficial microbes that suppress pathogens.
  • Mulching: Create a layer of mulch around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds that compete with plants for resources.
  • Air Circulation: Boost proper air circulation around your plants, especially indoors.

Stagnant air can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases.

  • Hygiene: Regularly remove diseased leaves or plant debris to prevent the spread of pathogens. Clean your tools to avoid transferring diseases between plants.

In gardens, you should practice crop rotation, which disrupts the life cycle of pests and pathogens that may have targeted a specific crop last season.

You should also choose plant-resistant varieties when possible, explore natural pest control methods, prune your plants and trees regularly, and minimize stress factors that can weaken plants, such as sudden temperature changes or transplanting shock when you can.

Preventing Diseases is the Key

Prevention is the key to combating the devastating plant diseases out there. Creating a healthy ecosystem in your garden or yard and implementing natural pest control methods can help a plant resist pest pressures without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here are some of the top natural pest control methods that can help prevent plant diseases:

  • Companion planting
  • Crop rotation
  • Physical barriers (floating row covers/netting)
  • Insecticidal soap
  • Neem oil spray
  • Diatomaceous earth

You can also prevent plant diseases by creating a better environment for beneficial predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs. These predators are highly effective at combating plant diseases. Ladybugs, for example, are voracious eaters. They can quickly consume large numbers of aphids and other soft-bodied pests.

Boosting plant defenses with these natural methods can help you fend off threats that can devastate plants, including destructive insects, devastating diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. Taking a holistic approach to protecting plants, however, is critical. By combining the tips and strategies described above in a coordinated approach, you can boost your plant’s disease resistance and help it thrive long-term.

7 Causes of Major Plant Failure That Can Devastate Your Trees and Cost You Big Bucks

Written by Lou DiToro on . Posted in Blog.

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 professional tree removal service.

Removing a tree in Rhode Island can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Key factors affecting the cost include:

  • Tree size and type
  • Tree health and condition
  • Accessibility
  • Permit requirements
  • Stump removal
  • Species
  • Location

We can’t pinpoint a specific percentage of tree failure each year. But the last thing you want to do is remove a tree because of failure. Below are some major causes of tree failure and strategies for treating them

Major Causes of Tree Failure

Understanding the factors that cause major tree failure is imperative. It can help you not only save a mature tree but also help raise awareness for better tree care practices and promote the importance of these plants in our communities.

Below are seven causes of major tree failure and how to stop them from devastating a tree.

  1. Diseases—Fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, viral diseases. They all can weaken a tree’s structure and cause failure. Plant diseases are often hard to detect and can be compounded by other factors, like root damage and unfavorable weather. 

Treatment: Early detection is critical. Identify the pest and choose the correct control method, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or biological controls.

  • Pests—Insects and other pests can devastate a tree’s roots, leaves, and/or trunk, weakening its structure and boosting its disease susceptibility. Our website has a list of pests to help with identification.

Treatment: First, identify the pest. Then, choose the correct treatment—biological controls, neem oil, insecticidal soap, etc. You can also consult RI Tree on pests and their controls.

  • Weather—The northeast can be harsh on plants. Severe weather events, like storms, high winds, lightning strikes, snow storms, and even excessive rain or drought, can cause major tree failure.

Treatment: Proper pruning keeps trees healthy and minimizes wind resistance, improving overall health. Also, inspect your trees after severe weather events for signs of damage and address a problem as soon as possible.

  • Improper planting— Planting trees too deeply, in the wrong location, or using improper techniques can lead to root problems that can eventually cause failure.

Treatment—You can’t do much to fix a tree planted incorrectly. Learn from the mistake and make sure you plant future trees correctly to avoid future problems.

  • Root damage—Overcoming this issue is a challenge. Construction, soil compaction, and other activities can damage a tree’s roots, compromising its stability and ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Treatment—Proper care, such as watering, fertilizing, and mulching, can help a tree compensate for some root damage. But it’s a hard problem to beat.

  • Poor maintenance—Trees need regular care to stay healthy and strong. That’s no secret. Neglecting trees can lead to various problems that can eventually contribute to failure.

Treatment—Proper maintenance includes regular watering, pruning, mulching, and monitoring signs of disease or pest infestation.

  • Age— As trees age, they become weaker and more susceptible to failure.

Treatment: While aging is inevitable, proper care can help extend the life of your tree. Remember that even with the best care, some trees will someday reach the end of their natural lifespan and need to be removed safely. See our blog post on preserving mature trees.

Tree Failures Can Cost You

Major tree failure happens all too often. When it occurs on your property, it can cost you big time. So, be mindful of the seven major causes of plant failure described above. In severe cases of tree failure, you should consult a certified arborist. If you have a tree you think is failing, you can also contact RITree for help.

Special note: Majestic trees like the American elm will be the focus of a lecture presented by RITree’s John Campanini on Thursday, April 4th, at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Burrillville Conservation Commission, the lecture will be given at the Jesse Smith Library, Harrisville, RI. It is free, and the public is invited to attend.