Insects get blamed for a lot of tree damage, and sometimes the real problem is the disease or drought stress that let them in. After Common Tree Diseases in Florida: Spot the Signs Early, here are the pests we run into on trees and palms from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach. The Usual Suspects: Most Common Tree Pests in Florida Ambrosia Beetles: Tiny boring insects that carry laurel wilt fungus: Attack stressed or wounded trees (redbay, sassafras, swampbay) Leave small holes wit

Most tree trouble starts quietly. A yellowing branch in Palm Harbor or a mushroom at the base of an oak in Dunedin can be the first sign of something that will take the whole tree. After Storm Season Prep: Protect Your Trees Before June 1st, this post covers the diseases we see most often. The Big Three: Most Common Florida Tree Diseases Ganoderma Butt Rot: Caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the lower trunk and roots. Look for: Mushrooms or conks (hard, shelf-like gro

June 1 shows up faster than most people expect, and tree crews book solid well before the first storm appears on the radar. After DIY Tree Maintenance: What Homeowners Can Safely Do, here is the schedule we give homeowners around Pinellas County for getting trees ready. A downed oak blocking a neighborhood street after a storm. Why Pre-Season Prep Matters Florida's hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) brings sustained winds, gusts over 100 mph, and torrential rain. Trees

Some tree jobs are fine to do yourself, and some put people in the emergency room. Last time we compared the two sides of the bay in Hillsborough County Trees: How They Differ from Pinellas. This time we draw the line between what you can handle in your own yard and what should wait for a trained crew, whether that yard is in Largo, Oldsmar or anywhere else around the bay. Reaching the high limbs of a tree like this is a job for a trained crew. Safe DIY Tasks (With the Right

Cross the bay from Pinellas into Hillsborough County and the trees look familiar, but the ground under them often does not. Last time we went through the natives you will find in Pinellas yards in Native Trees of Pinellas County: What's Growing in Your Yard. This time we look at what changes once you get to Tampa, Brandon and Riverview. A mature oak beside a freshly cleared yard. The Similarities Both counties share Florida's core native species: Live Oaks, Sabal Palms, and S

Live oak, sabal palm and gumbo limbo: how to recognize the native trees in your Pinellas County yard and what each one needs.

A well-maintained Pinellas County yard, with mature palms and native landscaping. Welcome back! In our last post, we walked through a Florida tree care calendar for the whole year. Now let's back up and cover the basics. If you're a homeowner in Pinellas or Hillsborough County, your trees are more than just decoration, they're living investments that need the right care to thrive in Florida's unique climate. This is the start of a 15-part series designed to help you understan

Florida's hurricane season (June through November) puts real strain on trees. Knowing when to call a professional can protect your home. If you live in Pinellas County, you already know Florida's weather doesn't play by the same rules as other states. From hurricane season to occasional winter freezes, knowing when to prune, plant, or call in a professional can make all the difference for your trees' health, and your safety. January to February: The Quiet Season (With Caveats