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Will Your Trees Be Able to Withstand Winter Storms?

Posted on January 10, 2020 in: Education

Will Your Trees Be Able to Withstand Winter Storms?

Winter can be a wonderful time of year. Christmas lights, presents, family gatherings and good food. But, winter weather can be a challenge for tree owners. Some of the same things that make winter a wonderful time of year can make it treacherous for trees and problematic for tree owners. Snow and ice make for winter fun with snow angels and beautiful scenery. However, as snow and ice buildup on tree branches, the extra weight can prove to be disastrous for your trees and your property alike. When limbs and branches give way to the weight of the extra snow and ice,...

How to Prune the Right Way

Posted on December 30, 2019 in: Education

How to Prune the Right Way

Let's start with the basics. What does it mean to prune a tree? Pruning is the systematic removal of branches. It is true most trees can survive without pruning. However, pruning help trees remain healthy and vital. It can also help them fight off disease. Why Do I Need to Prune Every time a branch is removed there is potential for injuring the tree. This is why you can't just fire up the chainsaw and begin lopping off branches to your heart's content. Removing dead branches is one of the most common reasons for pruning. Just like humans, trees have ...

What are Some Benefits to Pruning Your Trees in the Winter?

Posted on December 18, 2019 in: General News

What are Some Benefits to Pruning Your Trees in the Winter?

Is Pruning Done in Winter? It's a common misconception that trees should never be pruned in the winter and also that tree care companies don't operate in the winter as well. These are simply not true--in fact, your trees can benefit in several different manners from cold weather pruning services. Some Benefits to Pruning Your Trees in the Winter In reality, the winter, or the dormancy period when they are not actively growing, is one of the best times to prune your trees for several reasons. Easy to Evaluate the Structure In the winter months, your de...

Why Should a Person Get into the Tree Care Career

Posted on October 28, 2019 in: Careers

Why Should a Person Get into the Tree Care Career

A Career in Tree Care is Lucrative There is a distinct lack of tree care professionals in all areas of the country. More positions are open than those that can be filled by certified arborists and tree care specialists. Becoming educated and certified in the genre of arboriculture can help to place you in many different positions that require a tree care specialist. Why Should a Person Get into the Tree Care Career? The best professions to be educated for are the professions that have a lack of workers in them. This gives you the best opportunity to find work in th...

What is the Tree Care Academy and Why is it Important?

Posted on October 14, 2019 in: General News, Careers, Education

What is the Tree Care Academy and Why is it Important?

Arborist Training is Important In many jobs, you receive on the job training from another employee who has the specific knowledge to teach you the correct procedures. Tree care can be hard to learn because different species of trees, shrubs and plants need different levels of care in the manner they are planting, irrigation and fertilization--not to mention diseases and insects as well. This makes training a very important step in becoming a tree care specialist. What is the Tree Care Academy and Why is it Important? The Tree Care Industry Association (TICA) is an ...

What is the Growing Futures Internship?

Posted on October 11, 2019 in: General News, Careers

What is the Growing Futures Internship?

Tree Care Industry Opens Doors to Youth The tree care industry has opened doors to the youth to help them discover how important tree care is for the environment. In learning about all of the processes from planting to pruning, the young people may decide to make the tree care industry their profession when they are adults. What is the Growing Futures Internship? The Growing Futures internship matches the youth in larger cities with professionals to help tend to the trees lining the streets and in park areas. The kids learn all about tree health, irrigation, fertil...

We're Hiring! Join the Team!

Posted on October 02, 2019 in: Careers

We're Hiring! Join the Team!

Clipper Tree Service in St. Louis is hiring Arborist Apprentice, Climber I and Climber II full-time positions.

Come work for the best!

Don't Confuse This Deadly Parasite for a Harmless Fungus

Posted on June 26, 2019 in: Education

Don't Confuse This Deadly Parasite for a Harmless Fungus

Take a Look at Your Trees As the weather warms chances are you'll find yourself spending more time outside enjoying mother nature. Whether landscaping is part of your job or you’re a weekend warrior, now is a good time to take a look at the plants on your property and make sure everything is in good shape. If you keep a watchful eye on your landscaping, you've probably seen lichen in the past. Although most of us would rather not see fungus on our trees, lichens are harmless. Lichens Evil Twin Hypoxylon canker is a fungal disease native to many sta...

The Importance Of Soil Testing

Posted on June 17, 2019 in: Education

The Importance Of Soil Testing

You might have fertilized your lawn before and this may help your lawn grow, but is it really what it needs? Is there a deficiency in your soil that fertilizer is only bandaging? Could you be over fertilizing it? It’s important to understand exactly what your lawn area needs to help you buy the products you need to resolve your issue! This same concept can be applied to your trees. Soil tests allow you to see what your soil might be missing in order to enhance your plants’ health, and a chance for survival. Soil tests have the potential to save you a lot of m...

The Importance of Assessing Your Trees After a Recent Storm

Posted on May 30, 2019 in: Education

The Importance of Assessing Your Trees After a Recent Storm

Storm Damage to Your Trees can be Dangerous If you live in the St. Louis area, you know just how quickly a storm can pop up while it moves in and out quickly. They bring heavy downfalls of rain, huge winds, and lightning, not to mention a ton of snow in the winter. It's important to assess your trees after a big storm of any type. It doesn't take long for a storm to damage trees near your home, which are the same trees that protect your home from the heat and strong winds. An assessment includes a very detailed process to decide which trees are still viable an...

Structural Pruning – Preventative Tree Care

Posted on April 18, 2019 in: General News, Education

Structural Pruning – Preventative Tree Care

Sometimes while you’re out and about, you may notice some trees have abnormally spaced and sized limbs. Some of them may appear too low to the ground, while some may appear to be missing from the lower half of the tree making the tree look awkwardly empty. Structural pruning is an aspect of tree care that can extend the life of your tree, and bring out its true beauty if done correctly. This aspect of tree care is ignored by many homeowners, or done improperly, more regularly than you might expect. This article is going to go over particular details of structural prun...

Identifying and Preventing Tree Defects

Posted on April 02, 2019 in: General News, Education

Identifying and Preventing Tree Defects

A lot can go wrong with trees. Between weather, animals, and humans there’s a lot of factors to be worried about! Being able to diagnose problems with your trees can help you prevent these same issues in the future. Now, not all defects can be avoided. Sometimes it has to do with the species of said tree, age, drought, pests, or disease. It’s impossible to protect your trees from everything. There are plenty of measures that can be taken to mitigate damage and even fatality though. Effective pruning, ideal site location, proper planting, and periodic inspection ...

Common Winter Time Tree Damages & Preventative Measures You Can Take

Posted on March 04, 2019 in: General News, Education

Common Winter Time Tree Damages & Preventative Measures You Can Take

During the winter months, conditions for trees can be harsh. When trees start to decline it’s not normally due to one thing, but rather a combination of things. These different elements put the tree under stress. A tree under stress is more susceptible to disease, pests, and keeps it from effectively transporting nutrients. The cold temperatures, snow/ice accumulation, salt being spread on roads, and sun scalding can be detrimental or even fatal to your trees. These damages may be seen immediately, but in a lot of cases the damage won’t be easily noticed until a...

Fall Lawn Care - October and November Tips

Posted on September 27, 2017 in: General News, Education

Fall Lawn Care - October and November Tips

Cool Season Grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue): Mow at regular heights until growth stops. Apply lime if soil test indicates need. Fertilize moderately after cool days slow leaf growth (1 to 1 ½ pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.) Nutrients at this time will encourage root growth and thickening of turf. Soluble nitrogen fertilizers are used more efficiently by turf in late fall; aerate now if needed. Late September is the best time for broadleaf herbicides, especially for perennial broadleaf weeds. Keep leav...

Fall Tree & Shrub Care

Posted on September 27, 2017 in: General News

Fall Tree & Shrub Care

Fall is the perfect time of year to prepare your trees for the upcoming winter months as well as preparing them for the upcoming spring season. We recommend the following for your trees and shrubs: Clean up trees and shrubs in anticipation of winter and to allow for optimal spring growth by keeping beds and turf areas free from leaves, debris, etc. It is also important to prune plants free of dead, diseased, or branches that might be considered a safety risk. Now is also a great time to consider structural pruning as the metabolic processes within trees begins to slow...

Fall Planting Season is Here

Posted on September 27, 2017 in: General News

Fall Planting Season is Here

The best time to plant trees and shrubs is, in our opinion, mid-September through late-October. There are several reasons as to why this time period is preferred to spring including (1) moderate to cool temperatures, which reduces heat stress risk, and also encourages root growth as air temperatures drop below soil temperatures, (2) fall moisture helps to establish root systems, and (3) transpiration is typically low, which increases the potential for root generation. The result is a strong, established root system that will be ready for spring when plants begin to grow....

St. Louis Landscaping Tips - Season Long Blooms by “Deadheading”

Posted on June 13, 2017 in: General News, Education

St. Louis Landscaping Tips - Season Long Blooms by “Deadheading”

This article will discuss how to extend the blooming season of knock-out rose (rosa sp.) bushes through “deadheading”. Before we get started…a few comments on safety and hygiene. First off, roses have thorns, which most everyone knows. It is recommended that you wear gloves while deadheading your rose bushes. Also, be mindful about long sleeves and pants to protect arms and legs. When grabbing spent blooms or dead stems for removal be sure to “hold” the stem and not “squeeze” the stem as too much pressure can cause thorns ...

Oak Wilt in Pin Oaks

Posted on March 08, 2017 in: General News, Education

Oak Wilt in Pin Oaks

Pin Oaks are one of the most prolific trees in the Saint Louis area. They grow very rapidly and provide deep shade, quickly. Recently, many oak trees across town have been infected with Oak Wilt and suddenly die within six weeks of showing signs of outward infection. Pin Oaks and other oak trees should NOT be pruned in the Spring (March through June). Clipper begins scheduling Oak prunings in July after the danger of spreading disease. Trees at risk for infection include: In the vicinity of other Oaks that have recently died suddenly impro...

Emerald Ash Borer is Here!

Posted on March 08, 2017 in: General News

Emerald Ash Borer is Here!

The Ash trees planted along our streets, in our parks, neighborhoods to replace the ill-fated American Elm are now themselves at risk. The borer will likely destroy ninety five percent of Ash trees in the next five years; only treated trees will survive. If you have an Ash tree that you would like to keep, Clipper Tree Service is able to inject your tree and inoculate it against insect attack.

Study Says: Plant More Trees!

Posted on November 30, 2016 in: General News

A recent study from the Nature Conservancy details some of the major impacts of urban trees on human health. Urban trees improve air quality and help moderate temperature. Who knew that improving your quality of life could be as simple as planting a tree? Check of this article from VOX that does a great job explaining the study's findings.

Trees Work for You!

Posted on November 21, 2016 in: General News

Check out this cute youtube video produced by the Missouri Department of Conservation about the many benefits that trees create for you and your family!

New Landscaping Project!

Posted on November 19, 2016 in: General News

New Landscaping Project!

We have started our latest project in Town and Country...concrete walkway tear out and landscape renovation. The plan is to install a paver walkway and native landscape beds. More to come!!

Are Your Trees Ready for Winter?

Posted on November 11, 2016 in: General News

Check out this article form Tree Services Magazine about preparing your trees for winter and preventing winter damage.

Hard at Work, Planting Trees!

Posted on November 03, 2016 in: General News

Hard at Work, Planting Trees!

Check out this beautiful Sour Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) tree our crew planted today!

Time to Plant Trees!

Posted on October 21, 2016 in: General News

Fall is a great time to plant new trees! We plant all trees according to the International Society of Arboriculture specifications. Be sure to check out this handy guide from TreesAreGood.com

Don't Spread EAB

Posted on October 12, 2016 in: General News, Education

Don't Spread EAB

Vigilance against the Emerald Ash Borer is a year-round struggle. Don't spread beetles in firewood! Buy local firewood to reduce the risk of transporting the Emerald Ash Borer into new areas.

Why Leaves Change Color

Posted on September 30, 2016 in: General News, Education

How much do you know about what happens inside of leaves to give them their lovely fall colors? Check out this article from the Missouri Department of Conservation to learn more about the science behind your trees' changing hues.

Small Space, Big Difference

Posted on September 25, 2016 in: General News

Small Space, Big Difference

Consider converting a space in your yard into a Butterfly Garden. We can help you design a "butterfly friendly" space to help in the restoration of monarchs and other species. Check out a recently installed butterfly garden (pictured). The space was originally slated for asphalt patching and sealing, but instead, was planted with milkweed, coreopsis, purple aster, coneflowers, black eyed susan and joe pye weed - all wrapped in a liriope and mondo grass edging. For more information on saving our monarchs check out the following link or give us a call to help ...

Saluting Branches 2016

Posted on September 21, 2016 in: General News

Saluting Branches 2016

This was our first year participating in Saluting Branches: Arborist United for Veteran Rememberance. It was an honor to offer up our services to Jefferson Barracks cemetery today in honor of those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, flag and country.

Green Spaces Benefit Children with ADHD

Posted on September 19, 2016 in: Education

According to research conducted by the University of Illinois, children with ADHD benefit greatly from spending time in a green outdoor setting. Make sure to take your kids to the park and/or plant more trees at home!

Does Money Grow on Trees?

Posted on September 13, 2016 in: General News

Does Money Grow on Trees?

Want to stimulate your retail business? Invest in some trees! Research shows that trees in urban shopping areas can increase the time and money consumers are willing to spend.

Shady Neighborhoods for the Win!

Posted on September 06, 2016 in: General News

Urban areas with more tree cover have less crime! Check out this fascinating article from the Alliance for Community Trees

Who Determines the Value of Urban Trees?

Posted on August 29, 2016 in: Education

Who Determines the Value of Urban Trees?

David Nowak is a lead researcher at the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station in Syracuse, New York. His efforts to quanitfy the benefits of trees has led to i-Tree, a free peice of software for creating tree inventories. I-Tree can be utulized by both community members as well as researchers. After creating a tree inventory, users can calulate the monetary impacts of their trees. This can help communities weigh the benefits and the costs of maintaing an urban forest. "Considering all their benefits, it seems money really does grow on trees. But give...

Trees are a Fisherman's Friend

Posted on August 21, 2016 in: General News

Trees make an immediate visual impact, but what do you know about the other ways they affect their surroundings? Trees provide shade, temperature and water regulation, food, and structural impacts on water bodies. In these ways and more they help create prime habitat for fish, and thereby also for fishermen!

Urban Forests Provide Multiple Benefits

Posted on August 15, 2016 in: Education

Urban Forests Provide Multiple Benefits

Trees have far-reaching positive impacts way beyond just making your yard more beautiful. Did you know that studies support a positive correlation between more trees and less violence, faster healing, and economic benefits? Follow the link below to read more =)

Take a Deep Breath and Thank a Tree

Posted on August 07, 2016 in: Education

Trees remove many pollutants from the air, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns. New research by the US Forest Service has analyzed data linking trees, weather, pollution readings, and human population and health. "...In 2010, America's trees saved 850 lives and prevented about 670,000 cases of severe respiratory problems, according to the research." Read the rest of the article in the link below!

Shade Trees Cool More than Just Your Yard

Posted on August 01, 2016 in: Education

Shade Trees Cool More than Just Your Yard

The shade from the trees in your yard can have a significant impact on not only your yard, but also the temperature inside your home. Check out the article from the Chicago Tirbune linked below to learn more.

Feeling the Heat? Plant More Trees!

Posted on July 29, 2016 in: Education

"One of the simplest ways trees in urban areas can help diminish heat is shade. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that shaded areas can be up to 20-45 degrees cooler than areas that lack shade" Intrigued? Read the article linked below to learn more!

Signs and Symptoms of EAB

Posted on July 25, 2016 in: Education

Signs and Symptoms of EAB

Check out this great infographic created by the The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in Milwaukee back in 2012.

Species Diversity Important for Urban Sucess

Posted on July 16, 2016 in: General News

While native trees are ecologically significant, non-native trees have value in urban settings as well. Judiciously chosen ornamentals may be more tolerant of the harsh conditions in some urban areas.

Trees Tame Stormwater

Posted on July 10, 2016 in: Education

Trees Tame Stormwater

Did you know that urban trees have a tremendous mitigating impact on storm water? Follow the link below to check out this interactive poster from the Arbor Day Foundation.

EAB Kills Trees, Impacts Human Health

Posted on July 06, 2016 in: Education

Check out this fascinating article from The Atlantic on the findings of a US Forest Service study on the correlation between the mortalies of trees and people. According to the article, "When the U.S. Forest Service looked at mortality rates in counties affected by the emerald ash borer, they found increased mortality rates. Specifically, more people were dying of cardiovascular and lower respiratory tract illness -- the first and third most common causes of death in the U.S. As the infestation took over in each of these places, the connection to poor health strengthened."

Save Money by Treating Ash Trees Now

Posted on July 01, 2016 in: Education

Save Money by Treating Ash Trees Now

Research conducted by Purdue University found "that strategies relying mostly on saving ash trees were less expensive and produced a larger “forest” than strategies that involved removing and replacing trees" infested by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Early action is important as heavily infested trees are much harder to save. Read the article by following the link below

Up In A Tree!

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News

Up In A Tree!

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird...It's a plane... It's Martha Langill, our Arborist Apprentice!! Martha joined the ranks of our Clipper Tree climbers by spending her first day in the trees. We continue to be impressed with her and are proud to call her one of our own. Keep up the good work!! --Your Clipper Colleagues

Street Trees Reduce Heat in Cities

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

Street Trees Reduce Heat in Cities

Check out this article on how trees affect street temperatures! A 20F (10C) difference was measured in Australia between a tree lined and treeless street. https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/31788660/trees-cut-heat-on-city-s-streets/

What's Galling You?

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News, Education

"Galls cause worry for tree owners each year, but in truth, most of these odd-shaped growths are more of a curiosity than concern. Galls have long been a part of tree life in Missouri and elsewhere in the central U.S. Some galls are small, pea-size growths on leaves. Others appear on twigs or stems and are persimmon-size and sometimes larger. Discover nature and learn more about galls with MDC and the Springfield News-Leader below." -- Lucas@MDC Read the full article from the Missouri Department of Conservation

Tree Watering Instructions

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

How and when should you water your trees? The Missouri Department of Conservation provides the answers in the link below. http://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care/watering-shade-trees

Enhance Your Yard: Plant a Tree

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News

Planting trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants makes your yard attractive to both you and your wildlife friends. Check out this link for informative tips

Calming Trees

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News, Education

A recent study found a positive relationship between seeing more urban tree coverage and lower levels of stress. Get out there and plant some more trees for your mental well being! Read more here

Trees Fighting Urban Heat

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

Fight the urban heat island effect by planting more trees! Did you know that trees "can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2–9°F"? Check out this link to read more

Community Stewardship: Searching for Resilient Ash Trees

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News, Education

Emerald Ash Borers and a fungus causing Ash Die Back Disease are wreaking havoc on Britian's ash trees. However, scientists are recruiting community members to monitor ash trees. This will help inform decisions on which trees to remove and which trees to save. Read more

Common Tree Problems

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

Are your trees suffering from any of these maladies common in our region? Follow the link to the Missouri Botanical Garden's website to read more about the "Top 10 Disease and Environmental Problems of Trees in the Lower Midwest".

EAB Discovered in Chesterfield, MO

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News

EAB Discovered in Chesterfield, MO Infected ash trees have been found at the intersection of White Rd. and Appalachian Trail (near Conway Rd). See photos below courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation and Metropolitan Forestry Services. Larvae and Pupae have been sent to Missouri Department of Conservation for confirmation.

Urban Forests: Measurable Benefits

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

Can you name some of the benefits from having a urban forest? Check out this list from American Forests to learn more about how the trees on your street are having a positive impact. Learn More

Injecting Ash Trees

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News

Injecting Ash Trees

Injected multiple ash trees this week! Learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer at the University of Missouri Extension Website. http://extension.missouri.edu/treepests/EABsigns.aspx

Adult Emerald Ash Borers Emerging Soon

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: General News, Education

"Adults of the EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) will start emerging about the time that black locust trees bloom in late April or early May. EAB adults are metallic green, bullet-shaped and about a half-inch long. ...Where EAB infestations exist, adult emergence is expected to start after April 20 in southern Missouri, during the last week of April across the middle of the state, and in early May in northern Missouri. EAB adults then will be around through July." Want to protect your trees? Contact Clipper for information about systemic injections. [Excerpt from MO Dept. of Conservation - Tree Health News: April ]...

The Root of the Problem

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

"One of the major causes of tree failure is root damage. When a tree’s root system has been extensively damaged, the whole tree can fall to the ground...or onto your house." Follow the link to read The Tree Care Industry's blog post about indicators and causes of root issues.

Living Near Greenery May Help You Live Longer

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

A recent study found that women with more greenery around their homes had a lower mortality rate than those living near less greenery. Researchers found "the associations within urban areas as well as rural areas. Any increased vegetation — more street trees, for example — seems to decrease mortality rates." Follow the link to read more!

Green Urban Spaces Have Less Crime

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

Nor only do trees improve air quality, lower energy costs, and increase property values, a recent study found that in urban areas, " the greener the surroundings, the fewer the number of crimes that occurred." Follow this link to read more!

Topping is Bad for Trees

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

"Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice...Learn why topping is not an acceptable pruning technique and discover recommended alternatives." ~International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/resources/whytoppinghurts.pdf

Plant Health Care (PHC)

Posted on June 21, 2016 in: Education

"A Plant Health Care (PHC) program offers a proactive and holistic approach to maintaining tree and shrub health." Follow the link to read the Tree Care Industry Association's blog post. http://tcia.org/blog/business/health-insurance-your-trees-and-shrubs

EAB Detected in More Missouri Counties

Posted on June 11, 2016 in: General News, Education

EAB Detected in More Missouri Counties

Emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations have been detected for the first time in 12 Missouri counties this spring. In southeastern Missouri, EAB was detected in Carter, Dent, Iron, Phelps, Ripley, Shannon, Stoddard, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, and Texas counties. A total of 27 counties are now known to have EAB infestations across Missouri. You can prepare for EAB’s arrival by knowing the signs of an EAB infestation. Report EAB suspects if they’re in a new county where EAB has not yet been found. And start planning how you can manage EAB infestations when ...

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