Spring is the time for sprucing up the landscapes. Homeowners, excited for the warmer temperatures, enjoy getting their foundation plantings and trees mulched each year because it simply looks good. Many homeowners rely on their landscaper or lawn maintenance/mower/provider to supply and apply mulch.  But do the lawncare and landscape technicians really understand proper tree care standards? Are landscapers and arborists the same?

Arborists focus on proper tree care with the goal of a healthy, structurally sound, long-lived, and valuable asset to their customers’ property.

We can refer to the dreaded MULCH VOLCANO when examining the differences between a landscaper and an arborist.  In the spring, landscapers routinely add several inches of new mulch around trees and landscape plantings without removing any “old” mulch.

Problems caused by improper mulching (over 2 to 4” deep):

• Thick mulch becomes matted. It will begin to ferment and becomes an impervious barrier, depriving the soil and tree roots of oxygen and nutrients.
• Tree trunk bark and tissue will become softened and susceptible to disease and insect problems when mulch is piled against it.
• Too much mulch on newly installed or young trees’ roots may grow upward and encircle (girdle) the trunk. If these roots grow large enough, they potentially will injure the trunk and cause tree failure.

For the health of your trees and landscape plants, mulch should be applied near the trunk, but not touching it, and extend to the drip line of the tree. To prevent mulch buildup, old or faded mulch should be removed prior to new mulch to maintain the proper overall depth.  In general, a 3’ radius ring of organic mulch, less than 4” deep is the minimum for most trees. Mulch with a compatible pH should be used on sensitive plants or those requiring a particular pH.

Mulching is beneficial when applied and maintained properly. The correct amount of mulch will minimize soil moisture loss and control weed germination. Mulch, as it decomposes, improves the soil fertility, biology, and structure. Mulch rings around trees protects trees from lawn mower and string trimmer damage.

Urban landscapes and especially new developments often have poor-quality soil with a reduced amount of organic matter. Mulch will, overtime, breakdown and provide some additional nutrients to improve the soil and support the tree.

More information about mulching and tree health can be found:

Chapter 9: Tree Health Care and Pruning – Tree Steward Manual

TreesAreGood Consumer Brochures Proper Mulching Techniques

http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS160E/FS160E.pdf

Gerrein Green

Phone: 859-250-7475

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Arborists are unique in more ways than you realize! Safety is a necessary evil forced upon industries and usually viewed as a waste of time, but the majority of true professional arborists desperately want safety requirements with clear and enforceable regulations. You are probably asking “Why would any tradesman or business owner want more red tape?” Tree care professionals, especially ISA Certified Arborists, need a streamlined and comprehensive OSHA standard that provides specific oversight and guidance to promote education, best practices, and most importantly to reduce fatalities.

Currently, arborists work collaboratively, through committees in the TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), to maintain applicable industry standards (ANSI Z133) as a seemingly self-regulating body separate from OSHA. Current OSHA policies and laws are not written to directly address the tree care industry, likely because of the complexity of tree work and the highly specialized equipment. Arboriculture, in general, falls under and is expected to comply with all the federal general industry standards listed in Section 29 CFR 1910.

Unfortunately, the lack of tailored regulations for high risk, dangerous tree work is a reality that arborists live with daily. It is hard to believe that this loophole has been ignored and overlooked by our government officials. The reasons are complicated but stem from our bureaucracy’s methods used for recording and investigating tree work fatality and injury statistics.

Insights Into Accidents in Tree Care

Peter Gerstenberger, in a 2024 TCI magazine article, stated that “recent fatality data indicates the rate of on-the-job deaths in the tree care industry may be as much as 11 times those of other industries.”  The Census of Fatal Occupations Injuries (CFOI) does not separate and define clear fatality rates for the arboricultural field. Unofficially, the Tree Care Industry Association tracks fatality statistics by following news media and reported incidents handled by OSHA. For the years 2020 through 2023, TCIA found evidence of 243 fatal injuries resulting from tree related tasks. Without a specific tree work CFOI category, the figures are not recognized or considered by lawmakers.  

What is the ANSI Z133? And why aren’t these standards sufficient to protect tree care workers?

Federal safety standards are enforced through OSHA regulations while the ANSI standards provide a framework for safety practices recommended for arboricultural operations. OSHA widely accepts the ANSI standards as applicable during enforcement protocols. The missing link is that while the ANSI standards are a practical reference and accepted requirement for professional tree care employers and their employees, they are not federal mandates.

For reference, the following are some of the voluntary ANSI standards that are often applicable to the tree care industry.

A300 Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices

Z133.1 Arboricultural Operations Safety

B175.1 Safety Requirements for Gasoline Powered Chain Saws

A10.14 Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines, and Drop Lines for Constructional and Industrial Use

A14.1 Ladders – Portable Wood – Safety Requirements

A14.2 Ladders – Portable Metal – Safety Requirements

A14.5 Stepladders and Platform Ladders, Aluminum Magnesium, Fiberglass Ladders

A92.2 Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices

Z41 Protective Footgear Requirements

Z87.1 Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices

Z89.1 Personnel Protection – Protective Headgear for Industrial Workers – Requirements

Z308.1 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits

Z359.1 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems, and Components

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Truck Cranes

In summary, OSHA does not have adequate safety regulations for tree work. Professions and industries are categorized by OSHA using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to provide targeted standards and quick reference. Some arboricultural safety practices are included within the Landscaping Services category, NAICS code 561730, but these generally apply to work completed with “boots on the ground.” Tree care professionals perform tasks that combine the hazards of construction, energized power lines, and natural disasters using intricate rigging and heaving equipment. Eliminating the regulatory gap between the OSHA and ANSI standards would reduce preventable fatalities and improve consistent enforcement.

The post Why do arborists want OSHA to establish a specific and comprehensive safety standard? appeared first on Tree Specialist Northern Kentucky.

How to Protect Trees and Shrubs from Animal Damage Over Winter | Yard and Garden

Snow, ice, and cold temperatures wreak havoc on young and old trees during the winter months.  During periods of extended cold and especially heavy snows, animals such as mice and deer will feed on tree bark and twigs. Often, this damage is not noticed until mid-spring and will cause quick decline or death. Deer often chew and destroy the upper tips of very small trees which may alter or ruin the future vertical growth of the main stem. This type of damage usually results in the tree growing into a multi-stem shrub form instead of a single stem natural tree form.  

Equally severe damage often occurs from deer antler rubs during the early to mid-fall months. Homeowners, or the landscapers which install the trees, should place secured fencing approximately 6’ in diameter around any newly planted trees or shrubs. The protective fencing should be monitored and maintained for at least the first 2 years after planting trees that are less than 3” caliper. Larger caliper trees may only require a protective sleeve on the lower 5’ of the trunk to protect from deer rubs since the tree’s lowest branches are likely out of “chewing” reach.  It is best to use a loose fitting and lightly colored corrugated sleeve to allow for air penetration and to reduce overheating. Homeowners should check the trunk area within the sleeve routinely for insect or moisture problems. We recommend avoiding using a black plastic sleeve since it may cause the trunk to overheat during the winter and result in frost cracks which lead to permanent damage and bleeding cankers.

New trees are expensive to purchase and have installed but are worth their value when properly protected and nurtured during the first 5 years after planting. Proper monitoring during all the seasons is imperative to their success.

The post Protecting trees from winter damage appeared first on Tree Specialist Northern Kentucky.

1. Schedule a Winter Tree Inspection

Winter is an ideal time to have an arborist conduct a thorough inspection. When trees are dormant, it’s easier to see structural defects, dead branches, and pest infestations. Your arborist can evaluate a tree’s condition and identify necessary pruning or treatment before spring growth begins.

Tip: Ask your arborist about a “risk assessment” to identify trees that might pose a hazard during winter storms or heavy winds.

2. Schedule a Proper Spring Pruning

Pruning is not always necessary but should be done by a qualified arborist. The pruning should align with the tree species’ characteristics like rate of growth, wood strength, and expected mature size or shape. Pruning plans should also consider the tree’s age, structure, health, and location.

Recommended actions:

• To reduce risk of property damage, remove large dead, poorly attached or overweighted limbs from the canopy at least every other year.
• Prune young trees annually during the first 5 to 7 years after installation to establish optimal limb arrangement and overall structure.
• Directional prune tree branches that are encroaching on structures, but do not remove more than 25% of live foliage each year.

3. Consider the Soil Health and Structure

Tree health is greatly affected by the soil’s fertility, structure, and its composition. In Kentucky, the county extension offices provide free soil analysis and recommendations. Supplemental fertilization should target nutrient deficiencies identified through a laboratory test. Often, high nitrogen fertilizer will increase shoot growth and foliage but reduce a tree’s ability to ward off disease and insects.  Organic soil amendments like compost are better options to naturally boost root health and tree vitality. Mechanical aeration of the soil within a tree’s root zone will reduce compaction and increase water infiltration.

4. Plan for Supplemental Watering

Trees need supplemental watering during extreme drought conditions and at specific times of year to function properly, photosynthesize, and prepare for the next year.

Lawn irrigation systems do not provide the deep and infrequent applications of water that are required by mature trees. Short daily periods of irrigation maintain turf by supplying moisture to the top 2 to 3” of a lawn but rarely reach tree roots.

Soaker hoses are recommended since they efficiently and slowly deliver adequate amounts of moisture to trees’ root zones. The general rule of thumb for large trees is approximately 1” of water per week when mother nature does not provide adequate rainfall.

5. Plan for Mulching

Proper mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. However, incorrect mulching (like “volcano mulching”) can suffocate roots and promote decay.

Best practices:

• If necessary, remove excess mulch and only apply a 2 inch layer of new mulch. Keep mulch about 4 inches away from the trunk.
• Overtime, mulch can form an impenetrable barrier that deflects water. Turn or disturb the mulch layer a few times during the summer to ensure water reaches the tree roots.

6. Establish a Good Relationship with an Expert Arborist

The best tree care is consistent and informed. A professional arborist can help you design a year-round maintenance schedule tailored to your trees’ species, local climate, and soil type. Regular monitoring ensures your landscape stays healthy, safe, and beautiful for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Trees are important investments that deserve long-term care. By working with a certified arborist to plan ahead, you can ensure your trees not only survive but thrive through every season. Start scheduling consultations now to give your trees the best start in the new year.

The post Planning Your 2026 Tree Maintenance: Arborist Recommendations appeared first on Tree Specialist Northern Kentucky.

In the grand scheme of a tree’s life, one tree ring (the record of one year’s growth in circumference) does not tell the whole story. The success and positive growth of a tree is dependent upon many factors over a larger span of time. The long-term changes in  the environment, more specifically the extreme temperatures and rainfall events, limit the tree’s potential growth.

 As we reflect on 2025, there were some significant developments and weather patterns that do leave lasting effects on trees in our area of northern Kentucky.

• ·       The spotted lanternfly became familiar to all of us. Our crew members saw them mostly feeding on the tree of heaven in July and August. We predict that in 2026 there will be sightings beginning earlier in the season as they hatch from the overwintered eggs. Scientists are still uncertain about the potential damage that may be caused by these insects. We do recommend removing any tree of heaven where possible.
• ·       Ornamental pear trees have been repeatedly infected with severe fungal diseases over the past several years. Both rust and fire blight cause foliar lesions and reduce the amount of canopy foliage causing a decrease in the tree’s ability to photosynthesize .
• ·      Although the spring and early summer months’ weather provided plenty of rain and moderate temperatures, the months of August and September were extremely dry. The drastic change in consistent rainfall limited many trees’ ability to ward off late season disease pathogens and opportunistic pests. There were many cases of bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, aphids, and other insect outbreaks very late into the fall as the trees struggled from the drought conditions.
• ·       Unfortunately, we did encounter more cases of “sudden branch failure” or “summer branch drop” in larger and mature trees. This occurs more often in large oak trees that become weakened during multiple and repeating periods of drought. Overweighted and weakly attached branches can fail without warning on calm, windless days. Trees that experience limb losses in this way are much more likely to be severely stressed and in need of risk mitigation.

On the brighter side, we did not encounter any laboratory documented cases of oak wilt disease in our northern Kentucky counties. Although, there has been a lot of misinformation about the timing and pruning of mature oak trees, we are happy that customers are realizing that they should rely on certified arborists with current knowledge of tree diseases.   

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A common ground that we all share here at Gerrein Green is that we are thankful for the trees. We are honored to take care of significant trees that represent milestones in our customers’ lives. In many northern Kentucky communities, we provide routine pruning and evaluations of oak trees that are likely 100 years old. We are honored to help preserve these trees as well as provide peace of mind for our customers by reducing potential risk and maintaining the tree’s health.

We recognize and often remind our customers that the benefits of trees, especially the large majestic oaks, goes well beyond just the obvious shade and beauty. Research shows that people living with a view of trees outside their windows have decreased stress, lower levels of negative emotions, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Further information about specific scientific studies can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf089

Historically, the benefits and importance of trees can be traced back to some of the native American people who used certain trees as navigation markers along trails as they traveled and migrated according to the seasons. Native Americans would alter the growth pattern of tree saplings by tying the tree to the ground and as the tree grew, its shape was a signal of communication. Some of these trail marker trees that still exist today are 200 to 300 years old although many were removed by people unaware of their significance. Michigan State University posted an interesting article highlighting these misshapen trees: Trees provide historic navigation aid – MSU Extension (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/trees_provide_historic_navigation_aid).

All in all, Gerrein Green is dedicated to providing tree care that follows the industry standards to ensure our customer’s trees are healthy and safe. Our certified arborists maintain their credentials through continuing education programming provided by the International Society of Arboriculture. Each week, the Gerrein Green staff meets to discuss new developments and advances in tree care, technology, and safety requirements. While November is a great time to show thanks, we are thankful each day for our customers and employees!

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Are there scary trees lurking around your or your neighbor’s property? There may be numerous hazardous tree situations that you, as a homeowner, are unaware of because the trees appear relatively healthy with a canopy full of green foliage. Many tree or branch failures result from external and sometimes internally hidden structural defects that occur naturally as the tree grows. Other defects arise from improper or over-pruning. The most common hazard trees are those that are declining and have decayed or dead limbs deep within a canopy of healthy leaves. And lastly, and the scariest are the trees that have hidden decay in the trunk just below the soil line. This decay destroys the integrity of the large roots that extend from the basal flare of the tree’s trunk and anchor the tree deep into the soil. During extreme wind events, entire trees with their root balls attach may topple because of compromised or decayed roots.

How can homeowners identify problematic or hazardous trees?  Not all tree defects are visible to the untrained person. A homeowner should consult with a trained and certified arborist for a complete assessment of any worrisome trees.

An arborist may do the following:

• Look for dead or dying branches with discolored or missing foliage.
• Point out any broken or damaged branches.
• Identify weakly attached branches or codominant stems.
• Check for cracks along branches or in the trunk.
• Examine the base of the tree’s trunk for visible root defects.
• Evaluate the overall structure of the tree.
• Investigate questionable areas of the tree to locate any potential decayed wood.

How can homeowners protect their property and themselves from potential harm caused by a neighbor’s hazardous tree?

The International Society of Arboriculture provides a database of qualified arborists which can be accessed by the public. Many of these arborists have advanced training and certifications in tree risk assessment. A tree risk assessment qualified (TRAQ) arborist utilizes specialized equipment and protocols to provide determinations and predictions of a tree’s likelihood to fail and cause damage.

Spotting Danger: How to Identify & Assess Hazard Trees – Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The post SCARY TREES appeared first on Tree Specialist Northern Kentucky.

Pruning may be completed during any season if the work meets the ANSI standards for the specific tree.  The pruning goal often dictates the best time of year to prune:

• Pruning to improve structure may be easier in the winter.
• Removing limbs to increase clearance may require work to be done when leaves are present.
• Flowering trees may need to be pruned according to when they bloom.
• If certain diseases are a concern for particular tree species, the pruning should occur when there is a reduced risk of infection or insect activity.

Early spring, prior to bud break, is the most optimal time of year to prune most trees. Pruning cuts are more likely to close quicker when the tree is actively growing in the spring months. Removing bare branches minimizes total energy loss for the tree and allows the tree to reallocate the energy towards compartmentalizing the pruning wounds.

Late fall pruning, for some trees, is another beneficial time for pruning. Trained arborists can identify dead branches when trees are bare. As we approach winter, trees should be examined for dead limbs or other potentially hazardous problems like decayed areas or cracks. Also, most fungal growths that may indicate root decay occur in the fall months.

Although the time of year is important, the pruning techniques are ultimately the most critical for the best health of your tree. Arborists should follow American National Standards Institute standard for tree pruning, which is called ANSI A300. Since pruning a tree involves altering a tree’s structure as well as affecting the tree’s long-term health, an arborist must base their cuts on the tree’s physiology. Homeowners often request pruning for aesthetic reasons while an arborist works to enhance the natural growth pattern of the tree for the future.

Estimates from trained arborists will include written specs that follow the ANSI 300 pruning standards. Guidelines set by the ANSI 300 standards specifically exclude the following:

• Cuts that leave branch stubs
• Unnecessary heading cuts (topping)
• Flush cuts (removing the branch collar)
• Lion’s tailing (stripping a branch of foliage)
• Removing over 25% of a branch or canopy’s foliage in a single year
• Damaging other parts of the tree during pruning (nicking bark, breaking healthy limbs)
• Applying paint over pruning cuts
• Pruning when not necessary
• Climbing a tree using spikes

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August is the perfect month to take a close look at your trees. Are they thriving or do they need some attention? As we move into the last dog days of summer, are your trees getting enough water?

• Continue to monitor your trees’ health and water regularly when rainfall is less than 1” per week until the leaves naturally fall.
• Early fall coloration is usually an indicator that your tree is struggling due to a lack of water. It is highly recommended that all trees receive supplemental watering when there less than 1” of rainfall within the past 7 days. Older trees, stressed trees, and especially newly planted trees should be monitored closely and given adequate water.
• Lawn irrigation systems do not supply an appropriate amount of water to established trees. Short and frequent watering provided by irrigation systems do not provide enough water to saturate the ground to reach tree roots that grow beneath the turf or layers of mulch.
• Tree roots also need to have dry periods in between soaking rains because oxygen is vital to a tree’s health. Saturated soils can suffocate a tree’s roots and cause a quick death.

Assess your landscape’s general health and make plans for tree pruning or new plantings. Many outward defects on a tree’s trunk or limbs may be indicating or hiding internal disease or decay.

• Do you notice any limbs that are broken or appear to be “overweighted” or dangerous?
• Can you see any obvious cracks or branches rubbing against another limb?  Are there dead limbs in the upper canopy?
• Does the trunk have damaged, missing, or cracked bark?
• In late August, several problematic fungal pathogens which cause tree root rot or death will begin to grow their reproductive structures or their “blooms” which often appear as colorful mushroom growths.
• If you notice any of these type growths on or near your tree’s trunk or in the surrounding soil, you should take good photos before destroying them.
• A certified arborist can help you determine if the mushroom is a troublesome fungus that will destroy your tree.

If you have concerns or want to get proper tree maintenance scheduled for the fall…make an appointment with Gerrein Green. 

For more information, see:

https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/are-your-trees-stressedhttps://dof.virginia.gov/urban-community-forestry/learn-about-urban-community-forestry/tree-care/

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Qualified line clearance arborists are trained to work within 10 feet of energized power equipment and power lines. They have the knowledge to determine the voltage of various lines and use proper techniques and equipment to perform their tasks safely. Their training is crucial since the primary-line voltages at the top tier of utility poles usually are 100 times greater than normal household current.

An article published in TCIA’s June 2023 monthly magazine puts the dangers of working around electric lines, “Good conductors, such as copper or aluminum wire, offer very little resistance and are not damaged by electrical flow. Other materials, like the filament in an incandescent light bulb or the element in an electric stove, are designed to offer a certain level of resistance and give off light or heat. It should be clear that the human body is conductive, offers resistance and will heat up and be severely burned by the flow of electricity.”

Follow this link for more information on the OSHA website:

eTool : Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution – Overhead Line Work – Line-Clearance Tree Trimming Operations | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

In March of 2024, Jake Gerrein attended a five day training in Arlington, Texas through ACRT, licensed by the Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools. During Jake’s course, he performed a safe aerial rescue and learned to identify electrical hardware and understand the functionality of the electrical grid. His training culminated with written and hands-on examinations covering general arboriculture knowledge, the ANSI Z133 safety standards, aerial rescue/lift operation, and electrical hardware identification. The certification is nationally recognized and required by OSHA to work within 10 foot of energized lines.   

FAQ Utility Line Clearance vs Homeowner | Davey Tree

Incidental Line Clearance: What Arborists Need to Know (tcia.org)

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