Maple trees are some of the most beloved trees in the United States. Here in Michigan, we are blessed with a wide variety of the gorgeous trees that are responsible for the magnificent display of fall colors that people travel from out of state to witness. Maples have large, wide leaves that make them the perfect shade trees for your yard and also maintain excellent shapes throughout their life. You can’t go wrong when choosing a maple. Try planting a variety of them and watch your yard explode with color in the fall.

Sugar Maple

Sugar maples are wildly popular for their standout colors and especially for their maple syrup. In the summer their thick foliage provides great shade for outdoor activities and keeping the temperature in your home down. In the spring, they flower from April to May and produce winged helicopter seeds that can sprout up in yards, flower beds, or gardens, making them easy to transplant. 

When fall rolls around, the sugar maple puts on a spectacular display of yellow to burnt orange to red. It tolerates shade, prefers well-drained, moderately moist soil. If you are planting from saplings be sure to protect them; The tender leaves of young sugar maples are a favorite for deer.

Silver Maple

Of all the maple trees in Michigan, the silver maple tree is by far the fastest-growing, making it the tree of choice for many homeowners. Its dense foliage provides ample shade in the hot summers, but it does require a lot of sunlight so plant it in an open area. Be careful when planting it near other young trees as the silver maple will grow faster and deprive the other trees of sunlight. 

Silver maple leaves are green on top and silvery-white underneath. On windy days you can really see where they get their name. In the fall, it’s leaves turn a golden yellow color, adding a different shade to your landscape.

Because of their fast growth, refrain from planting them near structures and sidewalks as their roots can cause a lot of damage.

Crimson King Maple

Looking for a tree to add some color and interest during the summer months? The crimson king is a stand-out maple that has breathtaking deep red foliage all year round. This tree is more contained than other maples, reaching heights of 35-45 feet and 25-30 feet wide. It may not be a wide-covering shade tree like the silver and sugar maples, but it does add variety to an otherwise green landscape.

Red Maple

Not to be confused with the crimson king, red maple trees actually have green foliage in the summer. It gets its name from the stunning bright red leaves that appear in the fall. They can grow 40-70 feet tall and, with a spread up to 50 feet, it makes an excellent shade tree for the backyard or patio.

At PPM Tree Care, we provide tree trimming, pruning, and tree cabling to help your trees grow up to be the best they can be. 

You can ask about our wide range of services here or call us at (877) 454-8733.

Trees are one of our most important natural resources. They not only help us clean the air, provide building material, and shade for our yards, but they also stand as a testament to time. These natural wonders, if left undisturbed, can reach ages that are truly hard to comprehend. That’s why at PPM we are dedicating this blog to all the tree lovers out there that appreciate these gentle giants of the forest. This is a list of the oldest trees in the world. Trees that have had a front row seat to the most significant historical events on our planet.

7. The Angel Oak

Our first tree on the list of oldest trees in the world starts with the Angel Oak located in South Carolina. This majestic-looking southern live oak is estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. For historical reference, this tree was sprouting back before the colonization of North America, during the time Cortes was finishing up his conquest of the Aztecs and the first English version of the Bible was being printed on a printing press. It’s amazing to imagine the historic events that this tree has lived through and if it had eyes, the changes it has seen take place around it. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the oldest trees in the world.

6. The General Sherman

Discovered and named in 1879 by James Wolverton, the General Sherman is a giant sequoia located in Sequoia National Park in California. This mammoth of a tree is estimated to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old and at 274 feet it’s one of the tallest trees in the world. Just to get an idea of how big this tree is, its largest branch is six feet in diameter. That’s larger than most trees over 50 years of age! The General Sherman is so old that it has seen the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. To put that into terms we can understand, that means that when Christopher Columbus discovered America 500 years ago this tree was still around 2,000 years old.

5. The Senator

Located in Florida, The Senator was one of the biggest and oldest bald cypress trees in the world at 3,500 years. But a string of bad luck led to the demise of this gentle giant. In 1925 a hurricane broke off the top portion of the tree, reducing its height significantly. Then in 2012 a careless tourist climbed The Senator, smoked a cigarette, and started a fire inside the tree. Sadly, the fire destroyed this ancient tree but, fortunately, the tree was cloned back in the 90s. The clone’s name? The Phoenix. How’s that for poetic justice?

4. Gran Abuelo

Spanish for great grandfather, the Gran Abuelo comes in at 3,622 years of age when it was last checked in 1993. That means this tree germinated around 1,500 BC, making it older than the city of Athens, Greece. It resides in the Alerce Costero National Park in Chile where there are several other ancient trees around the same age. Unfortunately, older ones were cut down for lumber long ago.

3. Methuselah

If you venture deep in the Inyo National Forest in California you’ll find many ancient Great Basin bristlecone pines and if you’re lucky you’ll come across Methuselah, the oldest living individual tree in the world. This tree is a heavily guarded secret among the United States Forest Service who seek to preserve this archaic tree that makes the neighboring General Sherman look like a baby in comparison. We would have to travel back in time centuries before the construction of the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the year  2832 BC, making this tree nearly 5000 years old! Who knew that something so old was living on the side of a rocky mountain in California? The employees of the Forest Service are the only ones who know the exact location of the tree to protect it from loggers or careless tourists.

2. Old Tjikko

If you thought trees couldn’t get any older, think again. We are only on number 2 here folks. While Methuselah may be the oldest individual tree there is another category of trees that make it look like a sapling in comparison. Clonal trees can be a single tree or multiple trees that grow from the same root system. While the visible tree on the surface may not be very old, it’s the roots that hold the record for the oldest living organisms on the planet.  If you want to visit this primeval tree you’ll have to go hiking on Sweden’s Fulufjallet Mountain where one of the oldest living things on the planet calls home. Old Tijkko is an impressive 9,550 years old! Back when Old Tjikko was Young Tjikko it may have seen Wooly Mammoths roaming around and the last glaciers of the ice age receding.

1. Pando

Back when the number one tree on our list was working its way out of the ground the world was in the Middle Paleolithic era. Yes, that is correct, there is a tree, or rather a forest, that is so old that it is older than Stonehenge and even older than human civilization. Every historical figure and event that you know is still not as old as Pando, a clonal colony of quaking aspens in the southern part of Utah, of all places. Can you take a stab at how old this incredibly ancient colony of trees is? Not 20,000. Not 50,000, Not even 70,000. Are you sitting down? This colony is over 80,000 years old! Back then, modern humans were just reaching Europe for the first time and still shared the planet with Neanderthals.

Trees are amazing yet fragile lifeforms that are eye-witnesses to the most significant events in human history. That’s why they need to be respected and protected to ensure that they continue to live and be enjoyed by generations to come.

At PPM Tree Service & Arbor Care we have an awesome respect for trees and the joy that they bring to people. If you need help pruning, trimming, or planting trees in your yard, then call the professionals at PPM.

Just call (877) 454-8733 for more information or leave us a message on our site.

With spring around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to plant this year. If you are looking for trees that do more than just making a mess at the end of the year then try planting a flowering tree. There are many types of flowering trees out there but they all can add a little interest and color to your landscape. Luckily, I have compiled a list of some eye-popping flowering trees to make your search a little easier.

Higan Cherry

Cherry trees are beautiful no matter what kind you get, but the Higan cherry is special. It’s a quick growing tree that has many possibilities as an ornamental tree for your landscape. Higan cherry is cherished for its grand display of pink buds and white flowers that form during the early spring. If that wasn’t enough of a reason to plant one of these versatile trees in your yard the Higan cherry also blooms again on warm autumn days offering a rare treat of flowers in fall.

Eastern Redbud

The eastern redbud is a great choice for those with limited planting space. What it lacks in size it makes up for in spectacle. In early spring, the eastern redbud’s branches explode in a show of bright pink flowers that resemble a Fourth of July firework. If you really want to dazzle passersby add the eastern redbud to your spring tree collection.

White Dogwood

If you are searching for a flowering tree that really puts on a show in the spring then get ready to be wowed by the flowering spectacle that is the white dogwood. It’s snowy-white flowers announce the arrival of spring by turning its bare branches into a jaw-dropping flourish of beauty. In the fall its leaves transform into colorful reds and purples and its ruby-red fruit is a favorite of winter songbirds who will frequent your yard throughout the season. This tree deserves to be front and center in any yard.

Flowering Cherry

When you imagine groves of flowering cherries with blossoms gently floating to the ground you think of traditional Japanese gardens. Thankfully this stunning flowering tree was introduced to the United States in 1902 where it found a home in many yards and gardens. Flowering cherries are a sight for sore eyes after a long winter as their warming pink blossoms herald the start of spring. Just one look at this tree in bloom will fill you with the spring spirit.

Snowdrift Crabapple

If you are looking for a spectacular looking tree year-round then take a look at the snowdrift crabapple. Beginning in spring, this gorgeous flowering tree puts on a show of flowing white blossoms from April through May. Its glossy green leaves and rounded shape draw the eye in the summer and, in the fall, these leaves turn a stunning yellow. The show this tree puts on in the winter is where it gets its name. The orange-red fruits hang on throughout the winter, attracting overwintering birds for your enjoyment. Snowdrift crabapple trees enjoy sunny locations with wet, acidic, well-drained soil. So add some color to your yard with the snowdrift crabapple.

If you need help planting, pruning, or removing a tree on your property just call the experts at PPM at (877) 454-8733 to hear more or leave us a message on our site.

We love trees for their sturdiness and hardiness but when they die or need to be removed those traits can come back to haunt us. Cutting the tree down is the easy part. Stump removal is the hard part.

Since humans first started cutting trees down they have had to deal with stump removal and there are about as many techniques on stump removal as there have been versions of the mousetrap. I will go through some of the best ways to remove a stump and list the pros and cons of each.

Chemical removal:

If you visit your local hardware or garden center you will find several products that claim to be able to speed up the process of stump decomposition. Sure, it sounds easy, too easy.

Going the chemical route means you need to have access to an electric drill and be able to drill a lot of holes depending on the size of the stump. The holes allow the chemical to seep into the wood.

This isn’t going to magically remove the sump overnight. The chemical process can take a season or two to soften the wood up enough to be removed. Even then, the tree might not be soft enough everywhere to bust apart.

The instructions also suggest using kerosene to burn the stump. Soak the stump with kerosene, light it, and the stump will slowly burn away. When I say “slowly” I mean SLOWLY. It might take several burns to completely remove the stump.

Pros: It’s faster than nature

Cons: You will still have a stump for a while

Burning the Stump:

The first idea that people usually jump to is burning the stump. Sure, it’s made of wood and a stump is just a big log, right?

Two things:

Wood from a tree trunk is often much denser than wood from branches. That’s because as trees age their centers become harder.

If the tree has been dead a while before you cut it down the wood might be harder than a living tree.

The idea is that if you pile wood around the stump and maybe use some kind of accelerant that the stump will burn out completely.

In my experience, this only makes things worse. Building a fire around a stump, even if you have drilled holes or cut slats in it, will only make the stump harder. You are essentially fire hardening the stump.

Pros: It’s a good excuse to have a bonfire.

Cons: Only hardens the wood.

Stump grinder:

If you want that stump gone today then rent a stump grinder. This may be the last resort for people and there’s a good reason. It works 100% of the time. This machine can chew up even the biggest stumps in a few hours and they dig 6 to 12 inches below ground. All you are left with is a hole filled with wood chips. Perfect for planting a new tree or garden. Be sure to follow the safety instructions before you operate the machine.

Pros: Great for big stumps or several stumps

Cons: Requires operating heavy machinery for several hours

Let Nature Take its Course:

If you are in no hurry to remove the stump you could always let nature take its course. A stump can stay solid for several years. Depending on its size, good sized stump can stick around for a decade. Many people like to take advantage of it by carving the stump into something unique or using it as a stand for flower pots.

Pros: You can incorporate it into your landscape

Cons: Stump can remain for ten years.

Call The Professionals

Removing a stump is not easy no matter how you look at it. If you want to have your stump removed right away and safely then call the professionals at PPM Trees. We have the equipment and the know-how to get out any sized stump.

Call us today at (877) 454-8733 or leave us a message on our site.

Blue Spruce are a staple ornamental tree for Michigan homeowners due to their fast growth rate and lush blue foliage that lasts year round. But in recent years it has been discovered that they are susceptible to a wide range of insects and diseases.

The Symptoms Of Spruce Decline

The spruce decline has increased in recent years and trees are dying rapidly in many areas. The symptoms of spruce decline are progressing branch dieback which starts on the inner needles and works its way out over several years. To identify the fungus look closely at the infected needles. You will be able to see lines of small black dots along the surface. These black dots are where the spores live and are released by moisture.

Why Blue Spruces?

Blue Spruces are native to the mountains of Colorado but have been found to flourish in Michigan’s climate as well. But because Michigan’s climate is more dynamic than the Rocky Mountains this makes them susceptible to slight changes in the environment and diseases.

There are three diseases that affect blue spruce trees:

1. Needlecast: Is caused by a fungus that often infects needles on the current year’s shoots. As it progresses, the needles die, usually the year following the infection. Trees affected by needle cast have healthy outer branches but the inner branches are bare.

2. Tip blight: Tip blights are fungal diseases that typically cause dieback to new, emerging shoots. Tip blight is common on pines, but can also occur on spruces.

3. Cankers: Cankers are caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. Symptoms of cankers are sores that ooze sap or resin. Cankers can prevent water and other nutrients from being transported up the tree.

How To Prevent Spreading

Prune infected branches and sweep up needles that have dropped off. Destroy or store the infected needles and limbs far from other spruces to reduce the risk of infecting other trees. There are some commercial fungicides that can protect the needles from getting infected but you must cover the entire tree and it only lasts for one season. If the disease has spread too far the best option is to remove the tree entirely.

If you have a declining spruce tree call PPM so we can remove the tree before it spreads to your other spruces.

Michigan Plants With Homeopathic Remedies

Native Americans have a centuries-long tradition of using plants for medicinal purposes. Here in Michigan, entire tribes relied on what they found in nature to cure sicknesses, heal wounds, and promote health and wellness amongst its people. Here are 10 Michigan plants that Native Americans used every day to create homeopathic remedies.

Yarrow

Also known as Achillea Millefolium, yarrow is a highly aromatic plant that is often used in ornamental landscapes. Native American tribes used the beautiful flowering tops of yarrow in their traditional herbal medicine practices as a means to stop excess bleeding. Applying the buds directly to cuts and wounds promotes blood clotting. Additionally, some tribes created a drink from yarrow juice and water to cure an upset stomach and other intestinal discomforts.

Blackberries

Speaking of upset stomachs, many Native Americans used deliciously sweet blackberries to treat a range of stomach issues. Additionally, blackberries were used to relieve inflammation throughout the body. The berry was often mixed with honey or maple syrup to soothe sore throats. Tribes even used the plant to treat bleeding gums and give immune systems an all-natural boost.

Mint

Beyond standard digestive issues, mint leaves were often made into an ointment and applied to irritated skin. Once applied, the pulverized mint would sooth rashes and itchy patches.

Rosemary

This fragrantly savory herb was revered as a sacred plant by many Native American tribes. They tapped into its medicinal properties to reduce joint pain.

Sage

Sage is another popular herb today that was hailed as sacred by indigenous Native Americans. Various tribes believed that sage had purifying properties and could effectively eliminate unwanted energies from the body. Sage was also used for more tangible physical relief on cuts, bruises, cramps, and even cold and flu symptoms.

Mullein

Mullein bears a strong resemblance to tobacco and, ironically, was used as a primary ingredient to treat respiratory disorders. Additionally, mullein roots were made into salves to reduce swelling in joints and extremities.

Lavender

Lavender is a staple here in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Today, we love this plant’s fragrance and beautiful blooms. However, Native Americans used lavender to treat a range of conditions including headaches, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Lavender oil contains a potent anti-inflammatory agent, making it an excellent option for bites and burns.

Black Gum Bark

The black gum tree is one of the loveliest trees found in the U.S. Native Americans saw beyond its beauty and recognized that the bark of this tree had healing energies. They would make a tea from the bark to help with chest pains.

Wild Rose

Wild rose was used in several traditional treatments. Many tribes believed in the healing power of wild rose as both a preventative and cure for the common cold. When made into a tea, the petals also healed sore throats. Some even used wild rose as a mild diuretic.

Honeysuckle

Many Native Americans used honeysuckle to treat multiple ailments such as hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even mumps. It was also used to help with asthmatic symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections.

What are some of your favorite homeopathic remedies using plants and herbs? Tell us about it in the comments below!

The last thing you need when hiring a tree service company is to experience problems. Hiring a professional to take care of an issue isn’t supposed to complicate things. But, if you’re not careful, that could be exactly what happens.

Licensing

The state of Michigan does not require a license for any tree service companies. That means you can’t pull up that information on the state’s website.

However, you can check with the local county clerk of the city for licensing information. Many cities and counties do require it, and any company you hire should have a current license, if necessary. Any business that lacks licensing should be avoided for obvious reasons.

Bonded

Just like when you hire any contractor, a tree service should be bonded. With a surety bond, you have extra assurance that the company will fulfill its obligations. Everyone’s heard that horror story from a contractor who left a job half-done.

The best thing to do is follow the Better Business Bureau recommendation and ask if a business is bonded. Then ask for the bond number, as well as the company used for the surety bonding services. With that info, you can verify that the tree service is indeed bonded correctly before you hand over any money or the work begins.

Insured

Just like the surety bond, any tree service you hire should also carry insurance. Rather than just take the company’s word for it, ask for the insurance information. Contact the insurance company and verify that coverage is in place.

Without proper insurance, if the tree service were to damage your property, including your trees, house, car, etc. and isn’t insured, you might not have much recourse for remedying the situation. You could make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance, but that could affect your situation negatively, and honestly, you shouldn’t have to cover a contractor’s mistake.

For a reputable tree service company, contact us at PPM Tree Service & Arbor Care and we will gladly come to your house.