Drought and Environmental Stress
Not every tree problem begins with an insect or disease. Many visible symptoms start below ground. Drought, compacted soil, construction disturbance, poor drainage, excessive mulch, and root injury can all weaken a tree over time.
A stressed tree may show smaller leaves, early fall color, thinning canopy, dead branch tips, or reduced growth. These symptoms can also make trees more vulnerable to secondary pests and diseases. Supporting soil health, protecting root zones, watering young trees during dry periods, and avoiding unnecessary disturbance can make a meaningful difference.
The most helpful thing homeowners can do is stay curious. Walk your property. Look up into the canopy. Notice changes in leaf color, density, bark, branch dieback, insect activity, or mushrooms near the base of a tree.
What Trees Teach Us About Resilience
Trees know something about hard seasons. They endure storms, drought, broken limbs, hungry insects, changing conditions, and years when the world around them feels less predictable than it once did. And still, many find a way to keep growing.
Their resilience is not about avoiding hardship. It is about staying rooted, conserving energy, adapting where they can, and reaching for light when it returns.
In difficult times, nature reminds us that strength is often quiet. Recovery can be slow. Growth can continue after damage. Living things are more resilient when they are supported by healthy roots, strong communities, and steady care.
Maybe that is one of the greatest gifts trees offer us: they remind us that resilience is not a single heroic act. It is a practice of continuing— with patience, hope, and the courage to keep reaching upward.
BOOK REVIEW: THE SERVICEBERRY
A Gentle Reminder That Nature Gives Generously
In The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer offers a small book with a very large message: the natural world is not built only on competition, but also on generosity, relationship, and mutual care.
Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, uses the serviceberry as a beautiful example of abundance shared— fruit feeding birds, animals, insects, and people, while those same relationships help the plant continue its life cycle.
This book feels especially fitting for a tree care newsletter because it asks us to see the landscape not as scenery, but as a living community. A tree is never just a tree. It is shade, shelter, food, soil builder, air filter, cooling system, and quiet companion.
Kimmerer reminds us that gratitude can become action. We can plant thoughtfully, preserve mature trees, protect soil, support habitat, and notice the many gifts nature is already giving back.
At a time when environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, The Serviceberry offers a hopeful perspective. Caring for the planet is not only a responsibility; it is a relationship— one that grows stronger when we pay attention and give back.
WELCOMING BARK & BUG BUSTERS CLIENTS
We’ re honored to welcome Bark Busters and Bug Busters clients to the Harrison McPhee family. As owner Mike Jerome transitions to retirement, HMI is proud to continue the trusted care, knowledge and expertise these companies have provided for many years.
Built on a longstanding friendship, professional respect, and shared values, this transition ensures your landscape needs remain in caring hands. Our team is always happy to answer questions, talk through concerns, and share our genuine love and knowledge of trees.