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  • The Importance of Low Branching Limbs Do trees prefer a long dress or mini-skirt? By Steve Houser Low branching limbs on trees perform a number of valuable functions.  The most noticeable being the aesthetic appeal and the natural look they give to trees.  To see a majestic old tree with limbs that grow down to the ground appeals to the senses. …
  • Tree Species Profiles – Bur Oak Tree Species Profiles—Top Rated Shade Trees Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa By Steve Houser When French botanist André Michaux (1746-1802) garnered the botanical naming rights for bur oaks, he went for the obvious: Quercus macrocarpa, the oak with the large fruit.  Even his description is a bit of an understatement considering this oak can grow to…
  • Dallas Mavericks Team with Arborilogical Services and Volunteers to Establish “Trees for Threes”  Late in the summer of 2009, the Dallas Mavericks organization chose to participate in the recently announced NBA Green Week.  In doing so, the Mavs contacted Steve Houser, president of Arborilogical Services, Inc., requesting his assistance.  A recommendation was made to initiate a tree-planting event, resulting in a program designed to plant a small number…
  • Seeds For The Future – How To Plant An Acorn Why should we plant and care for trees?  Research shows that trees clean our air, our water, and our soil.  Trees make significant contributions to improve our health, sense of well being, quality of life, and our economic future.  According to USDA Forest Service research, the benefits provided by large mature trees are 70-times greater…
  • Oak Wilt Fact and Fears–Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention, and Treatment Oak Wilt is a complex disease. Conflicting information in public venues adds to the current Oak Wilt confusion and creates anxiety over the potential loss of a favorite tree.  If Grandpa planted the tree, or it screens the neighbors view, or reduces your energy bill, the tree has special value.  It is no longer just…
  • Tree Species Profiles – Top Rated Shade Trees Almost everyone in the green industry has created their own short list of favorite shade and ornamental trees.  The criteria used to formulate those opinions vary.  A grower’s or nursery professional’s opinion may not always concur with a landscaper’s or arborist’s advice.  A grower may chose a species based on its popularity in the retail…
  • Texas Trees Pop with Fall Colors Texas gardeners are fortunate in that our autumn weather plays out over a number of months, providing an extended period of fall color across the state. In the best of years, our displays can be spectacular as they begin in the north and move south. The first cool weather in the Panhandle may not reach…
  • Trees for threes spring 2012 For Immediate Release - April 6, 2012     MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                                                     What: Mavs player Brandan Wright to take part in a ceremonial planting of trees as part of the Mavs Trees for Threes programWhen: Monday, April 9th, 4:30 p.m.Where: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. 2501 Flora St., Dallas,TX75201 Event is not open…
  • Fire Blight Outbreak Affects Area Flowering Pears Caused by the bacterium, Erwinia amylovora, Fire Blight is a disease that primarily affects Pears, Apples, and....
  • Drought and Heat May Have a Long-Lasting Effect on Urban Trees It may be a few years before we fully understand the impact of 2011 summer’s drought and heat on our urban forest.
  • Volunteers plant trees at Dallas school for Dallas Mavericks’ ‘Trees for Threes’ initiative “This year, we’re planting 267 trees,” said Amol Rana, the Mavericks’ corporate sponsorship activation manager. “That’s what we’re estimating how many threes were going to make.
  • The Garden Guru: An expert advises on how to treat our trees The best thing we can do for our trees this spring and summer will be to water them attentively, according to Houser. He encourages deep soaking, almost to the point of runoff, then waiting until the soil is relatively dry before watering again. Most of all, he suggests not rototilling and planting flowers near the…
  • Heat, Drought, and Trees, Part I Given the current drought and associated water restrictions, important questions arise: How do drought and heat affect plants? How do you water and care for plants during an extended drought and the resulting water restrictions?
  • Heat, Drought, and Trees, Part II Regardless of the moisture levels in the soil, extended daytime periods of 95 degrees and above slow the biological functions of plants.
  • Early Implementation of Stage 4 Water Restrictions in North Texas It is the understanding of the below mentioned entities that the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) is considering implementing Stage IV water restrictions at its January 26th meeting. It is our daily practice to conserve and manage water in all aspects of our industry; and we promote these principles to the end user.
  • Neil Sperry’s e-gardens Newsletter 8.1 Volume 8, Issue 1 of Neil Sperry's Newsletter. Texas garden and tree maintenance tips and article. Also in this newsletter special pruning tips, rose cuttings, Texas tree tips and more.
  • Cookie Walks Revisited A cookie walk is not a new dance step--nor is it a bake sale. Tree logs of various sizes can be cut into slices and placed on the ground to form cookie walks or stepping cookies.
  • Historic Oak Tree In Garland Cut Down The tree, estimated to be well over 200 years old, was threatening to topple over onto Garland Road. Houser says it might have lived another three years, if not for this summer’s devastating drought. The tree will be reduced to a three or four-foot high stump with a wood sealer on top, so visitors can…
  • Tree Cookies. Tree Recycling – A Unique Way to Recycle Your Tree Within the forces of nature, from death comes life. As a tree dies in a natural forest condition, it provides many benefits to the ecosystem as it slowly rots, decays, and falls to the forest floor.
  • Add These Conifers to Your Planting List Texas gardens are blessed to have a large variety of trees suited for our climate and soils. If there is one group of trees where we might be short-changed, it is the conifers. In the majority of the state, growing spruce, fir, and balsam is but a pipedream.
  • Heat, Drought Turn Color of Trees Bryan White, a certified arborist with Arborilogical Services, Inc., was recently interviewed by NBC DFW. Video courtesy of NBC DFW. Full story here http://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/stories/Heat-Drought-Turn-Color-of-Trees-129841433.html
  • What This Summer Reminded Me about Trees When asked to describe Texas weather, I can sum it up in one word: Extreme! This year proves the point—with record cold temperatures in February and unprecedented drought and high temperatures in July and August. Records have been broken day and night—literally.
  • Neil Sperry recommends Arborilogical Services For all your tree service needs in Dallas and Ft. Worth Neil Sperry recommends Arborilogical Services, Inc.
  • Techniques used to climb a tree Steve Houser, a certified arborist, explains techniques used to climb a tree.
  • Neil Sperry’s e-gardens Newsletter 7.7 Texas garden and tree maintenance tips and articles from Neil Sperry's newsletter. Also in this issue July events, coping with drought, pest check and much more!
  • Dallas Mavericks News Release As part of the Dallas Mavericks overall Guard the Planet initiative, the Mavs, PwC US, a Big Four accounting and consulting firm, and Arborilogical Services Inc, The Experts Your Trees Deserve, teamed up to plant a tree for every three-pointer the club made at home during the 2010-11 regular season as part of “Trees for…
  • Oak Wilt…Facts and Fears, Part 4 The balance of nature relies on a diversity of native tree/plant species as a natural defense against insects, pathogens and many other threats. By planting native tree species tolerant of Oak Wilt and diversifying the species we plant, we not only suppress various pathogens and insects, but we encourage a diversity of wildlife and habitat.
  • Oak Wilt…Facts and Fears, Part 2 An Oak Wilt diagnosis can be confirmed in a laboratory by isolating the fungus from diseased tissues. Taking tissue samples is not a simple process and should be left to someone with specific training and experience. Each step of the process must be done properly.
  • Neil Sperry’s e-gardens Newsletter 7.4 Neil Sperry's e-gardens newsletter Volume 7, Issue 4
  • Oak Wilt…Facts and Fears, Part 3 In managing Oak Wilt, the when and how to prune is a “hot potato” issue that certainly requires clarification. Researchers and governmental agencies often develop disease-management recommendations based on what is best for the entire state.
  • Tree project will add new, needed growth to Oak Cliff’s Lake Cliff Park From 9 a.m. until noon or so Friday, volunteers will join city park and recreation workers in adding 160 trees to Lake Cliff Park. An equal number will be planted near White Rock Lake in East Dallas.
  • Arborist preaches proper tree care "It's never been about the money for me," says Arborilogical owner Steve Houser. Despite 30 years as a successful business owner..
  • March 15th at the Trinity River Audubon Center Would you like to watch our team of experts climb big pecan trees? Then join us at..
  • Master gardeners hear from arborist In the wake of recent heavy snowfalls in North Texas, arborist Steve Houser, who serves as chairman of the Urban Forest Advisory Committee for the city of Dallas, spoke about how to protect and repair damaged trees.
  • Why We Should Care About Trees Trees clean our air, water, and soil. They also add greatly to our health, sense of well being, quality of life, and our economic future in many ways.
  • Neil Sperry’s Newsletter 7.2 Neil Sperry's e-gardens newsletter Volume 7, Issue 2
  • Sustainable Tree Planting Sustainability has many definitions. To the arborist, naturalist, and gardener, it means that we do not use a resource to the point that it has a negative consequence on future generations’ abilities to use the same resource. When applied to trees, sustainability means tree removals are a last resort.
  • Oak Wilt – Facts and Fears In this article we explore Oak Wilt...Facts and Fears
  • Neil Sperry’s Newsletter 6.12 Volume 6, Issue 12 December, 2010 Due to about a hundred things, we're a couple of days late sending out this issue of e-gardens. I know you've been waiting by your computer breathlessly, but I hope you'll forgive us. We've pack it with great information to make it up to you. Neil Sperry's Texas Best…
  • Mistletoe…Parasite or Treasure? Mistletoe is the common name for a parasitic flowering plant that grows attached to, and within, the vascular system of a tree or shrub. There are many different species of mistletoe...
  • Welcome to Kaleigh Lynn Compton Arborilogical Services welcomes Kaleigh Lynn Compton Nov. 16, 2010 6 lbs 13 ozs daughter of Damond Compton, our Fertilization Department Mgr and his wife Misti.
  • The Wonder that is Verdur® For some trees - it’s not easy to be green. Avid gardeners know that everything green starts with soil..
  • Bur Oak – Could it be our best fast-growing shade tree? As an arborist, the question I am asked most frequently is, “What fast growing shade tree would you recommend for my landscape?” My answer..
  • Mistletoe – Throw the bums out As the cooler fall weather moves in, you may begin to see one persistent pest that refuses to give up the green.
  • Steve Houser on KRLD Arborilogical Services, Inc is on the mission to count all the trees in Dallas!.. Steve Houser on KRLD.
  • Maverick’s players help plant trees at Reverchon Park As seen in: Dallas City Hall Highlights Related DallasNews.com Story As part of the Dallas Mavericks Guard the Planet initiative, the Mavs launched Trees for Wins and committed to plant one tree in Reverchon Park for every Mavs win this season. For the Mavs 50 wins to date, 50 trees were recently planted by players Eduardo Najera…
  • Bob Woodruff Park in Plano to host Texas Tree Climbing Championships Plano’s subdivisions and shopping centers hardly conjure up natural wonder. But a short walk from some mini-mansions, a Chase bank and a Chinese restaurant sits a leafy grove with some of the oldest living organisms in Texas. There are ashes, elms, pecans and a bur oak believed to have sprouted during Christopher Columbus' time. Starting…
  • Local Television News: Featured Community Events With Arborilogical Service’s Employees Arborilogical Services, Inc. provides services to the community above and beyond the commercial services for which it is renown. To name a few: there are radio talk shows; published topical information and articles; an informative newsletter; agriculture, horticulture and urban forestry event participation; non-profit public education programs and consortiums; public-sector lobbying for tougher "green" laws…
  • Did You Know?.. • Hoptree, Ptelea trifoliate, a member of the citrus family, is also known as the skunk bush by some because of the distinctive odor emitted when the leaves are crushed. • Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and First Family. • A large front yard tree…
  • Pathologists Corner – Oak Wilt Oak wilt is caused by a fungus (Ceratocystis fagacearum) which colonizes the vascular system of the tree. Conduction of water is disrupted causing the leaves to wilt and ultimately for the tree to die.
  • Winter is Prime Time to Manage Mistletoe Mistletoe is often associated with peace or romance during the holiday season, when in fact, this holiday symbol is actually a harmful parasite of trees.
  • Pathologists Corner – Dormant Season Winter is upon us and many times our trees go without attention.  The dormant season is actually a very good time to prune many of our shade and ornamental trees.  One of the most obvious things we deal with this time of year is mistletoe. This plant is a parasite that derives its nutrients and moisture…
  • Look for Your Tree’s Root Flare The root flare is the portion to the tree where the trunk widens at the base as it transitions to the root system.  This flare occurs at the natural grade of the soil.  It is of critical importance that this level be maintained.  The addition of soil around the base of a tree is extremely…
  • Important Landscape Information and Strategies The most effective strategy to improve conditions for trees is to maintain large, mulched areas around them. Eliminate grass and use mulch.
  • Dormant Season Tree Care Although the deciduous trees have lost their leaves for the winter and we humans consider the trees to be dormant, physiologically the tree is very active.  New roots are being developed and the tree is preparing itself for the upcoming spring.  It is important to note that photosynthesis may have stopped when the leaves drop,…
  • Managing Woodpecker Damage Woodpecker damage? Learn how to identify and manage woodpecker damage.
  • Webworms: How They Can Affect Your Trees by Russell PetersThe female moth actually lays the eggs on the underside of the leaf in early May after the tree leafs out.  The larvae hatch and build a web for protection, then begin to consume the foliage.  The webs expand as the worms increase their intake of foliage.  The feeding lasts about 2-3 weeks…
  • Oak Anthracnose. Oak Anthracnose. Oak Anthracnose - this disease infects the foliage of nearly all Oak species.
  • Texas’ top tree climbers swing into action in Plano competition One of the most youthful pastimes was handed over to the adults at a Plano park for much of Saturday. Twenty-seven of the most skilled tree climbers — all but a few from Texas — gathered at Bob Woodruff Park on Friday and Saturday to scale, scamper and swing their ways around timber towering nearly 100 feet. The…
  • Xcel Asks Texas Customers To Conserve Xcel Asks Texas Customers To Conserve & Nightly Roundup BJ Austin, KERA News & Wire Services (2010-08-03) - © Copyright 2010, KERA - http://www.publicbroadcasting.netDALLAS, TX (KERA) - Xcel Energy wants its customers in Texas & New Mexico to conserve energy because of expected high electric demands and limits on its generating capacity. The Amarillo, Texas-based utility is asking customers to…
  • Dangers of Over Pruning Over pruning is one of the worst and most common mistakes in tree maintenance. Why is it so common? There is a general lack of understanding about how a tree functions or a lack of current information about tree health. Unfortunately, myths often guide tree pruning. I want my grass to grow better. Can you…
  • Oak Wilt and the Injection Process Oak Wilt is a vascular wilt disease of Oak trees caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. All species of Oaks are susceptible with some species being somewhat tolerant.
  • Ganoderma A Significant Root Pathogen Ganoderma lucidum, the varnish fungus, is a pathogen that enters openings in root systems of many tree and shrub species. In our region, Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Pecan, Live Oak, Pears, and Photinia have all been reported to be species commonly infected by this fungus. The entry points can be from…
  • Dormant Oil Application Dormant oil applications to trees and shrubs can be a quite effective tool when managing many of our insect and disease problems. The application is done once a year during the dormant season.
  • Controlling Cotton Root Rot by Walter J.Walla and Everett Janne Extension plant pathologist and Extension landscape horticulturist, The Texas A&M University System. Published originally as TAEX L- 056, November, 1982. Cotton root rot, caused by the fungus Phymatotrichumomnivorum, also is known by several other names such as Phymatotrichum root rot, Texas root rot and Ozonium root rot. It is one of the most destructive…
  • Construction Injury to Trees New home construction and remodeling around existing trees can lead to serious damage and in many cases mortality of existing trees. There are a number of species which can only tolerate minor changes to the environment before they begin to decline in health and vigor. The Post Oak is one of these species. An above…
  • The Benefits of Trees Trees provide a multitude of benefits. Unfortunately, much of the general public is not well informed on this topic. By increasing awareness of the benefits relating to trees, we can all utilize current scientific evidence to help resolve many challenging issues and improve the livability of our cities. Proper tree care and sound forest management…
  • Air-Spade Investigation Base Investigation and Clearing Root Flares Using the Air-spade® The Air-Spade is a handheld soil excavation tool connected to a large air-compressor. The high pressure stream of air is funneled through a small nozzle breaking dense soils apart into small particles. By using air to excavate soil, delicate roots, underground pipes, and hard surfaces are not…
  • How To Hire An Arborist By  Steve Houser -Owner and President of Arborilogical Services There can be a great difference between Arborists as far as knowledge and experience.  Understanding the difference between a Consulting Arborist, a Certified Arborist, and a tree climbing Arborist is important in judging the particular person to use for a given task. Any person that is…
  • How To Prune A Crepe Myrtle A Crepe Myrtle is not quite like any other local plant in how it grows, and is therefore not like others when considering how they can be pruned.
  • Crepe Myrtle Turning Black Why are the stems and leaves on my Crepe Myrtles turning black?
  • Getting trees ready for the summer heat We repeat over and over each season that the drought continues with the typical, unabated dry conditions. Our extended, severe drought that has been with us for the past several years has caused deep stress conditions for our trees and has killed many during the hot seasons. We have had a few hot periods this…
  • 2001 Texas Community Forestry Awards Waco Convention Center October 2001 Steve Houser, owner of Arborilogical Services, Inc. received two prestigious awards in a presentation made during the 2001 Texas Community Forestry Awards Banquet in the Waco Convention Center. The banquet, sponsored by the Texas Forest Service, the Texas Urban Forestry Council, and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of…