Tree Care Blog
Tree Pests & Diseases
Jim Ostvig | March 30, 2019 | Updated: September 24, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care, Tree Pests and Diseases
Common Spring Leaf Diseases
Not sure whether or not a tree on your property has a leaf disease? Ostvig Tree Care can diagnose and treat diseases, so contact us today.
Jim Ostvig | March 18, 2018 | Updated: September 25, 2026 | Tree Pests and Diseases
What Is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a pest infestation that has become a major problem in the U.S. over the last 10 years. It is a native beetle of Asia.
Jim Ostvig | September 19, 2016 | Updated: September 23, 2026 | Tree Pests and Diseases
Bur Oak Blight (BOB)
This past week we were asked to inventory oak trees in a western suburb of Minneapolis. The charge was to identify and mark trees with oak wilt disease and to identify homes with trees showing symptoms of bur oak blight (BOB). Based on our observations, homeowners in the community with affected trees will be notified…
Tree Care Tips
Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Updated: August 17, 2026 | Tree Care Tips
Plant Health Care Programs: What’s Included & Why You Should Enroll
Plant health care keeps trees healthy for years. Discover what’s included in a PHC program, why they save money compared to removal, and how to get started.
Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Updated: August 27, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care, Tree Care Tips
Best Time to Prune Trees in Minnesota (And When to Avoid)
Discover the best seasons for tree pruning in Minnesota. Learn why winter is best for most trees, plus species-specific exceptions and disease risks to avoid.
Jim Ostvig | September 27, 2025 | Updated: September 23, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care, Tree Care Tips
Deicing Salts and Trees
As Minnesota winter sets in, tons of chloride salts are spread on sidewalks and streets to keep people safe. But these salts can cause serious harm to trees and shrubs—burning evergreen foliage, damaging roots, and even raising soil pH to toxic levels. Barriers, careful snow piling, and spring soil flushing can help reduce salt damage. Our arborists at Ostvig Tree Care have decades of experience protecting trees from winter salt injury and using organic solutions to restore soil health.
Tree Safety Tips
Jim Ostvig | March 23, 2025 | Updated: August 27, 2026 | Tree Safety
Tree Bracing: Strengthening Trees for Longevity and Safety
Tree bracing should always be performed by certified arborists to ensure proper installation and effectiveness. A professional tree care company, like Ostvig Tree Care, can assess the health of your trees and recommend the best bracing solutions to keep them strong and stable.
Jim Ostvig | February 3, 2024 | Updated: September 23, 2026 | Tree Safety
The Dilemma of Removing Old Trees: Navigating the Why and Why Not
Deciding whether to cut down or keep a 175-year-old elm tree is a tough decision, filled with conflicting emotions and considerations.
Jim Ostvig | April 25, 2022 | Updated: September 23, 2026 | Tree Safety
Ostvig T-Rex – Safest and Best System for Tree Removal
Here at Ostvig Tree Care, we are constantly looking for new ways to get the work done safer, faster, and less costly to our customers.” We enjoy being at the cutting edge of equipment technology and operator training. We are very excited to introduce the newly acquired, state-of-the-art tree removal system – we call it…
Seasonal Tree Care Tips
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Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Updated: August 27, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care, Tree Care Tips
Best Time to Prune Trees in Minnesota (And When to Avoid)
Discover the best seasons for tree pruning in Minnesota. Learn why winter is best for most trees, plus species-specific exceptions and disease risks to avoid.
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Jim Ostvig | September 27, 2025 | Updated: September 23, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care, Tree Care Tips
Deicing Salts and Trees
As Minnesota winter sets in, tons of chloride salts are spread on sidewalks and streets to keep people safe. But these salts can cause serious harm to trees and shrubs—burning evergreen foliage, damaging roots, and even raising soil pH to toxic levels. Barriers, careful snow piling, and spring soil flushing can help reduce salt damage. Our arborists at Ostvig Tree Care have decades of experience protecting trees from winter salt injury and using organic solutions to restore soil health.
Jim Ostvig | January 5, 2025 | Updated: August 27, 2026 | Seasonal Tree Care
Winter Tree Care Essentials: Preparing Your Trees for a Healthy Spring
As the colder months set in, trees may seem to take a backseat in our gardening priorities. However, winter is the ideal time to give your trees the care they need to thrive in spring. Here’s everything you need to know about ensuring your trees stay healthy and strong through the season.
Updates & Events
Jim Ostvig | November 19, 2023 | Updated: September 4, 2026 | Updates & Events
Unleashing The Beast: The Ostvig Tree T-Rex Revolutionizing Tree Care
In the world of tree care, innovation is the key to efficiency and safety. Meet the Ostvig Tree T-Rex, a formidable Palfinger loader crane that is changing the game in the arboriculture industry. This powerful machine is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a game-changer that allows us to tackle towering trees with unprecedented…
Jim Ostvig | May 21, 2023 | Updated: September 4, 2026 | Updates & Events
Black Willow in Marine on St. Croix is Officially The Biggest of Its Kind in The Country
A black willow tree in Marine on St. Croix has been named national champion, bigger than any other known example of the species in the United States. Last year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources declared the tree the state winner. While it appeared to score higher than the previous national champion (tree size is…
Jim Ostvig | December 29, 2022 | Updated: September 4, 2026 | Updates & Events
St. Croix Valley willow tree declared the biggest in Minnesota — and probably America
Last winter, forester John Goodfellow and a crew of volunteers counted the trees along the streets of Marine on St. Croix. All 925 of them. They froze their fingers recording the species and size in a digital database. The volunteers were assessing the value of the “urban forest” and helping prepare for its future….
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