Tree Care Tips

Healthy trees start with proper care. Explore practical advice on pruning, fertilization, cabling, watering, debris removal, and other proven techniques that help Minnesota trees thrive through every stage of life.

Person planting a young tree with mulch in a home garden.
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  • Jim Ostvig | December 8, 2014 | Updated: September 23, 2026 |

    Top 5 Reasons to Add Trees to Your Corporate Campus

    How much have you invested in the landscaping of your corporate campus? No, really… it is an investment. Trees offer a variety of benefits to corporate campus owners and users. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the property, trees lower heating and cooling costs and reduce noise and air pollution. Read about the benefits…

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  • Jim Ostvig | November 4, 2014 | Updated: September 23, 2026 |

    How to Identify Oak Trees

    There are many types of oak trees: northern pin oak, bur oak, northern red oak…the list goes on and on. But with so many native oak species, how do we Minnesotans tell them apart? Before you can identify these different oak trees, you need to know what you’re looking for. Learn about the identifying characteristics…

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  • Jim Ostvig | October 6, 2014 | Updated: August 27, 2026 |

    How to Choose the Best Certified Arborist

    In your quest to have the ultimate landscape, you may find that you need to call on a certified arborist. But with so many options, how do you select one? Before choosing a certified arborist, a property owner should look at many things including the company’s Better Business Bureau grade, insurance, credentials and reputation. Better…

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  • Jim Ostvig | April 24, 2014 | Updated: September 23, 2026 |

    Pros and Cons of English Ivy

    When you think of English Ivy, you may only have positive words to describe it. Its presence often reminds people of highly respected educational institutions or cottages with old world charm. But its presence can result in damage – and sometimes death – of its surroundings. You need to understand the threat the vine poses…

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  • Jim Ostvig | March 27, 2014 | Updated: August 27, 2026 |

    Trees, Shrubs and Bushes: Your Spring Color Guide

    Sooner or later (hopefully sooner), Minnesota’s trees, shrubs and bushes will begin to bloom and add color to what has been a dull winter landscape. After remaining dormant through the winter trees develop their bright green leaves, indicating the presence of spring and chlorophyll. As trees enter their growing seasons (spring and summer), chlorophyll uses…

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  • Jim Ostvig | March 14, 2014 | Updated: September 23, 2026 |

    Planting Trees 101

    Minnesotans weren’t sure if it would happen or not, but it finally did. The snow is starting to melt and signs of spring are appearing. Once the ground is completely clear, you might want to add a tree or two to your property. We’ve put together some key points that are often overlooked when people…

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  • Jim Ostvig | November 7, 2013 | Updated: August 27, 2026 |

    Stump Grinding 101

    If you have never had a tree removed from your landscape, you may assume that the stump removal will be included. This step is often in addition to the removal of the trunk and canopy, not wrapped into the package. There are many methods to remove the stump including burning or digging out the stump…

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  • Jim Ostvig | October 17, 2013 | Updated: September 23, 2026 |

    Watering: Common Misconceptions in Tree Work

    The rules of tree work are in no specific order; the basics are vital for the health and livelihood of your trees. However, there are common misconceptions with some of these tasks including watering. It’s important to understand what these common errors are and why they should be avoided when caring for your landscape. Avoiding…

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  • Jim Ostvig | August 29, 2013 | Updated: August 27, 2026 |

    How to Effectively Use Mulch in Your Tree Landscaping

    We’ve experienced a lot of heat over the past few weeks in Minnesota—and so have our trees. If your trees have sufficient mulching around the base, they may be healthier than those without. That is one reason why adding mulching to your tree landscaping routine is essential. Not sure where to start? We’ve put together…

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  • Jim Ostvig | August 22, 2013 | Updated: August 27, 2026 |

    Including Ornamental and Unusual Trees in Your Landscape

    One of the truly delightful traits about Minnesota is our scenic landscape, filled with lakes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Whether you live in Minneapolis or Chanhassen, Minnesota, there are plant options that will blend in nicely with your existing landscape. Planting trees that are ornamental and unusual make lovely additions to the…

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