Insights to Proper Tree Care in Rockville MD
Proper tree care is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of Maryland’s landscape. From common tree species to seasonal maintenance and pest control, understanding the unique challenges of tree care in Maryland can help homeowners and property managers protect their trees. In this blog, Alice, the owner of Ed’s Tree Service, shares her expertise in tree care, including the impact of Maryland’s seasons, common tree diseases, and pests like the ash borer beetle.
Check out the Q&A with Alice in the video below, where she discusses tree care best practices and common concerns in Maryland:
If you can’t view the video above, here is what Alice has to say about caring for trees in Maryland:
“Some of the most common trees are oak trees, maple trees, locusts, cherries, and Bradford pears. You have smaller trees like lilacs and crape myrtles. But, you know, there are so many different trees. Those are the most common that I can think of.
The trees in Maryland have faced challenges over the years. We had a pest called the ash tree borer, which started happening maybe 20 or 30 years ago, and it has killed most of the ash trees in the area. I haven’t seen any of the ash tree borers lately. There is a blight that’s going around with White Oaks that started in the College Park area. I think that has subsided. I noticed that it was killing White Oaks for about five years. Other than that, I don’t really know of any new pests or diseases in any type of tree at this point.
The ash tree borer leaves small holes drilled into the tree. The crown of the tree dies, and you might see little new stems growing from the trunk of the tree. These are called epicormic stems, which is just the tree trying to save itself—it’s like its last lifeline. A lot of people think, “Oh, my tree is growing again, it’s fine,” but it’s not. The tree is dead. That’s just the last little growth the tree will produce.”
Common trees in Maryland: Rockville tree care
If you’re looking for tree service in Rockville MD, it’s helpful to know the most common trees in the area. Maryland’s diverse tree population includes:
- Oak Trees – Known for their strength and longevity, but susceptible to disease.
- Maple Trees – Beautiful foliage, but prone to stress in extreme weather.
- Locust Trees – Hardy, but need regular maintenance to prevent overgrowth.
- Cherry Trees – Stunning blooms in the spring, but require pruning for healthy growth.
- Bradford Pear Trees – Popular but weak-structured, often needing removal.
For Rockville tree care, Ed’s Tree Service provides pruning, trimming, and removal to ensure your trees remain healthy and safe.
The ash borer beetle: The need for ash tree service
If you have ash trees in Maryland, it’s crucial to monitor their health. Although not as prevalent of a problem as it was before, the emerald ash borer beetle has destroyed thousands of ash trees across the state. Signs of an infestation include:
- Small holes in the bark
- Dying branches in the upper crown
- New growth sprouting from the trunk
- Peeling bark revealing insect tunnels
If you notice these symptoms, contact a professional ash tree service immediately to assess the damage and discuss removal options. Delaying removal could result in the tree becoming unstable and hazardous.
How Maryland’s seasons impact Rockville tree care
Tree care is highly dependent on Maryland’s seasonal changes. Here’s how each season affects tree health:
- Spring: A crucial time for pruning and fertilization to promote new growth.
- Summer: Trees require sufficient watering and monitoring for pests or heat stress.
- Fall: The best time for tree trimming and inspections before winter storms.
- Winter: Dormant trees can be safely removed, and preventative care can be done before spring.
If you need tree service, our team at Ed’s Tree Service is available year-round to provide expert care. For more information about tree care in Maryland, check out the University of Maryland Extension’s tree care blog.
