Don't Trim that Oak Tree!

There are many variables that I have to discuss with my home buyers when we start a search for their new home. Home layout, bedrooms, garage space, school district are just a few of the topics that are covered. But many home buyers want trees! Yep, the white picket fence on a wooded lot with a mature tree that would be perfect for hanging a tire swing from just like it the movies. In Hollywood, trees don't die though but in real life, just like everything else, trees can require maintenance. 


In many counties of Minnesota, oak wilt is prevalent. It is a nasty disease that can cut down a mighty oak in it's prime. Keeping the fungus at bay takes forethought when doing spring and summer yardwork.

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is a disease caused by a fungus that destroys the entire central system of the tree from its  roots to the tips of its leaves. The tree will try to block the fungus, but in doing so it blocks all water and nutrients to the branches and leaves. Eventually, the tree's leaves will begin to wilt then dry up and the tree will die.

Oak wilt spreads in two ways. It will either be attacked through the root systems of near by trees or by fungus beetles that carry the oak wilt spores from tree to tree. For additional information on oak wilt from the University of MN Extention Service

Here are a few important reminders to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt:

•     To prevent the spread of devastating disease, it is imperative to follow the guidelines for oak wilt prevention. Do not prune, damage or cut down oak trees during the spring and summer growing season from May 1 through September 30.

•     During the spring and early summer months of May and June, oaks are at especially high risk to this highly contagious disease.

•     Any wood or branches taken down over the winter that is infected with oak wilt needs to remain covered under black plastic and completely sealed until after July 1.

•     During the summer if you sustain storm damage and lose a limb from an oak on your property, immediately paint the wound with black tree paint to seal the wound and prevent exposure to the oak wilt fungus.

How to Protect Your Trees

• The fungus beetles infect trees that have been recently injured or trimmed. These beetles are very active in the spring and summer months. Oaks should be protected from damage and not trimmed from April through July.
• If an oak tree is damaged during a spring or summer storm, apply tree paint immediately to any wounds that accidentally occur.
• If an oak is infected a nearby neighboring property, your trees could be at risk through their intertwined root system. Oak roots travel up to 50 feet out. The fungus can pass underground from tree to tree. Roots can be cut using a trencher or vibratory plow to prevent the spread of oak wilt. The process uses a five foot blade that severs the roots to protect neighboring trees. Root cutting should be done prior to tree removal. 

Ignoring oak wilt only causes the disease to spread. Since it can take decades to grow a beautiful oak shade tree, shouldn't they be protected? A wooded landscape has a direct  affect on a property's value.



Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Got Shaggy Oaks? Trim NOW and Prevent Oak Wilt!

Oak wilt is devastating to the landscape in communities across Anoka County and Minnesota. Prevent oak wilt spread by smart landscaping and maintenance. Oak trees should be trimmed in the late fall or winter months. If you have overgrown oak trees, now is the time to trim them and avoid exposure to this tree-killing disease!

Last summer I photographed a neighboring property in Ham Lake that has been battling oak wilt for the past four years. In just three months this property lost nearly a dozen of these majestic trees. (Read Oak Wilt—A Minnesota Tragedy for the full story.) What was once a home with a tree screened view from the street, now has only a handful of small trees left to block the cars. The amazing thicket of mature oak trees is gone.

Oak wilt is not just a Ham Lake problem. It is prevalent in communities from Lino Lakes to North Branch and Forest Lake to Stacy. Whether you live in Anoka, Chisago or Washington County, if you have oaks on your property, you need to take precautions to protect them from this deadly disease.

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is a disease caused by a fungus which attacks the central system of the tree from the roots to the leaves. The tree attempts to block the fungus, but also blocks all water and nutrients to the branches and leaves. Eventually, the trees leaves wilt and it dies.

Oak wilt spreads through the root systems of near by trees and by fungus beetles that carry the oak wilt spores from tree to tree. For additional information on oak wilt from the University of MN Extention Service CLICK HERE.

How to Protect Your Trees

The fungus beetles infect trees that have been recently injured or trimmed. These beetles are very active in the spring and summer months. Oaks should be protected from damage and not trimmed from April through July.

Trim large mature oaks now. As a preventative to spring storm damage, have your large oaks trimmed now so that heavy, dead branches won’t fall during the spring tornado season and break other healthy limbs.

Tree trimming of mature oaks is best left to professionals especially near the power lines. The trimmer should use a bucket truck or a line/pulley system, NOT spiked climbing boots which can damage the tree.

*************************************************
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Hello 811? I have a Date with a Fence Post!

Is a new fence on your list of projects to beautify your home? How about landscaping the yard with a few new trees? Maybe you plan to replace your mailbox. Whatever the project, if you need to dig, you need to know about 811.

As a Realtor in the northeast Twin Cities Metro area, I know it is time for spring and summer landscaping projects. Whether it is home owner replacing that worn rusty mailbox with a shiny new one prior to listing their house or that brand new buyer wanting to plant trees to landscape their new home, shovels will be coming out in full force. Before you install that white picket fence of yesteryear in your backyard, you have one important call to make; Call 811 and know what’s below.

Making a risky assumption of where a utility line is can be very expensive. It can hit the homeowner in the pocketbook for repair costs and potential fines. It can cause entire neighborhoods to be without service. And most importantly, it can put the homeowner and others in physical danger and even cost lives. Every digging project requires a call to 811—No matter how small!
In an effort to help property owners across the U. S. dig safely, the Federal Communications Commission designated the 811 abbreviated dialing code as the only number to remember before excavation projects. It is a way to effectively replace all the various 10-digit local numbers used prior. Making it easy will help property owners remember to make the call.

Here is the painless process:

1. If you plan to dig or excavate, call 811 at least two business days before you plan to start your project. This call will alert Gopher State One Call in Minnesota to have all underground public utilities marked with no charge to you. That’s right! The service is completely FREE! (Note that if you live in the country and have private lines underground to garages or other outbuildings, these will not be marked.) Not in MN, no problem. 811 will connect your call to the local utility marking service.



2. Wait the required two working days to allow all utility companies sufficient time to mark their lines.



3. Respect the flags, stakes and/or painted lines that indicate underground utilities.



4. Dig with care and avoid all marked areas. Hand dig only within 18 inches of any marker.

So enjoy summer! Landscape and dig to your hearts content. Just remember to Dial 811 first!

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.


Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Oak Wilt—A Minnesota Tragedy

Owning an acreage property with mature towering oaks and pines is the dream of many buyers. As a Realtor in Anoka County just north of the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area, I show many clients homes country homes in the communities of Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood and Forest Lake. Most home buyers dream of their own little Tara, the O’Hara’s picturesque estate in Gone with the Wind. The curb appeal cannot be denied when the car pulls up to a home offset by the majestic beauty of an old oak tree that took decades to create. How sad to see these trees dying a slow death caused by oak wilt.

These photos taken yesterday document the devastating disease that is oak wilt as it slowly kills these trees on a property that is for sale in Ham Lake. Note the bright green leaves near the bottom of the tree and dead and dying branches near the top.

This particular property is near my own home. The property is now corporate-owned but the previous owner did not take the threat seriously when first notified of the oak wilt problem on his land. He cut down the infected trees as soon as he was notified without waiting until late fall or winter when he was less likely to spread the disease. He dragged the wood and branches to the rear of his property and burned them at his leisure. He did not cover the unburned wood securely with black plastic. He did not believe that his trees were killed by oak wilt; a costly mistake.
The next year this homeowner was notified again by the City of Ham Lake as more trees were tagged as infected with oak wilt. Again, he took the route of cut the diseased trees down quickly and ignored the directions to avoid further infection to the trees on his property and those of his neighbors. After all, in this property owners mind, it is not oak wilt.
Last August, with the for sale sign in the yard due to an out-of-state relocation, the tree inspector from the city added five, new orange spray-painted stripes to the trees on the property. The next day a tree service showed up and removed the tagged trees. Again without regard to instructions that could prevent this continuing devastation to these stately oaks. The once private sanctuary that these stately old oaks provided is gone. The house is clearly visible from the street.

The Ham Lake tree inspector will be back in July and there are at the very least seven more oaks that will don that bright orange stripe. Hopefully, when a new owner is found, he will take more care with the remaining trees on the property. Oak wilt is a tragedy that may not have been prevented but could have been minimized with proper care. Even if new trees were to be planted tomorrow, it will be decades before the wooded beauty of this country lot will be restored.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

MN Landscaping: Composting & Tree Planting Tips

It is that time of year again…Most Minnesota home owners are itching to get out into their yards and get started on that big landscaping project. And, it is finally warm enough to jump right into it! Landscaping can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

As a Realtor in the northeast metro, I know how important it is for home owners to keep their property looking nice inside and out! Homes that have a wonderful curb appeal entice a potential buyer into the home.

If you plan to make a move this year or if the landscaping project is just to add to your own personal enjoyment of your home, think through your landscaping plan. Whether your project is a huge endeavor with a total redesign of your landscape or just trimming the bushes and grass, there are a few things you should consider before you get started.

Yard Waste

In Minnesota, it is against the law to place yard waste in your garbage. This includes leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, shrubs and tree trimmings, and plant prunings. Using a mulching mower provides a natural fertilizer and strengthens the lawn. Residents of Anoka County can contract to have yard waste picked up or bring leaves and clippings to one of two county compost sites.

Composting is a great option for many homeowners. Compost bins are available from Anoka County or you can build your own. Compost turns into humus which enhances the soil when used as mulch so flowers, shrubs and trees can grow stronger. No need to buy and haul expensive mulches home anymore!

Yard waste that can be composted:

• Leaves
• Grass Clippings
• Dead flowers
• Pine needles
• Acorns
• Shrub trimmings (minus the branches)
• Straw
• Garden Waste

Household waste that can be composted:

• Vegetable scraps
• Fruit scraps
• Tea bags
• Coffee grounds
• Rinsed Eggshells
• Saw dust

Planting Trees

Trees add to a homes value. Leafy deciduous trees can provide shade to save energy as well as add beauty to the landscape. But planting a tree in the right location is essential. If you have above ground power lines anywhere in your yard or on the perimeter of your property, you need to consider the type of tree and how large it will grow before planting the tree.

According to Xcel Energy, trees are a common cause of electric service interruptions in Minnesota as well as throughout the nation. Use the "zone" approach, illustrated below, when planning the location of your new tree to avoid many of these problems.
Anyone who has ever driven by a home or property where the trees have been butchered by a utility company in the winter knows how bad it can look. Branches hanging over the power lines can cause power outages if they fall on the lines during a spring or summer storm. Utility companies have to be proactive in the winter and trim away any potentially hazardous branches, leaving some very ugly trees behind. Xcel Energy offers a free guide on how to correctly plant trees near power lines to help homeowners protect their landscape investment.
Before planting any trees or digging, Call Gopher State One Call 1-800-252-1166 to have all underground utilities located. This is a free service in Minnesota to prevent damage to underground utilities. It usually takes 24-48 hours so plan ahead for that weekend project.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Moles, Voles and Pocket Gophers…Oh, MY!

These critters are not as scary as lions and bears, but if you have spent thousands on landscaping your property, their destructive activity could frighten any lawn-loving Minnesotan.

Pocket gophers, along with their little mole friends, are the bane of the countryside. These small little rodents cause serious damage to lawns and landscaping across Anoka County. Pocket gophers leave huge dirt mounds above ground and runs that crisscross around your yard deep beneath the earth. Moles and Vole trails are the windy runs just below the surface of your lawn. The ones in my yard look similar to an aerial view of “the unweave the weave” highway construction project on 35E and 694!

Spring is a busy reproductive time for these little pesky creatures. And gophers, moles and voles can have several litters in a season. If you do not want your yard overrun with dirt mounds and the dead damaged trails on your lawn all summer, it is best to address the pocket gopher/mole problem in early spring.

As a Realtor working in the Twin Cities north metro, I know how buyers get concerned when they see several huge dirt piles in a sellers’ yard. It seems that these creatures have a knack for knowing when a home is listed. I have had several frantic sellers call the day after they have listed with their first ever gopher mound in their yard.
Similarly, when walking a property, buyers will stumble as the ground sinks beneath them when they discover a newly dug mole trail. It can be a huge concern to a home buyer as it can ruin the landscaping.

Whether you are a buyer, seller or home owner maintaining your landscape, here are ideas to eliminate the mounds and trails from your yard.
How to get rid of moles, voles or pocket gophers:

1. Get rid of their food supply. Pocket gophers eat grub worms that live in the dirt. If you chemically treat your lawn to kill the grub worms, the pocket gophers move on. Usually to your neighbors’ yard.
2. Mole repellents can also be used to change the taste of the grub worms. This can be purchased at a store or you can mix your own. One cup of dish soap, one ounce of Castor oil and ¼ cup of cayenne pepper mixed together and spread with a garden sprayer should do the trick. Of course this method again just moves the pests to your neighbors’ yard.
3. Ultrasonic Devices. I had a client who had some success with this method last year. The high pitched sound emitted by the unit is designed to sound like another gopher. Since these are territorial animals, they move on. Again, probably to your neighbors’ yard.
4. Use a poison for gophers and moles. This is effective but if you have pets or children, there are risks. Your pet could dig up the poison or the poisoned gopher and become ill or die.
5. Set underground traps. This is an effective method with results that you can see. The wire traps are set underground in near the gopher mound. When a gopher moves through the burrow, he is killed in the trap.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007

It’s Arbor Day! Northeast Metro Communities honored with Tree City USA Designation

Arbor Day is celebrated in Minnesota on the last Friday in April. The City of Ham Lake has much to be proud of this Arbor Day after being honored with the title of Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Ham Lake is one of only 77 communities across the state of Minnesota that has achieved this status. Other north and east metro honorees include Anoka (25 years), Columbia Heights (14 years), Columbus (12 years), Coon Rapids (26 years), Lake Elmo (4 years), Lino Lakes (17 years), Moundsview (24 years), New Brighton (24 years), Oakdale (11 years), St. Paul (25 years) and White Bear Lake (19 years).

“The Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest,” says John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation.

As a Realtor working in the northeast metro Twin Cities and citizen of Ham Lake, I know the pride homeowners feel when they take care of the landscape of their property. Trees add beauty and value to every home. As a homeowner, it is important to protect and preserve this wonderful natural resource.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. There are four requirements that a community must meet in order to receive the designation, Tree City USA. Each community must have an Arbor Day celebration, a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, and a comprehensive community forestry program.


If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Mountains Popping up in Your Yard?—Pocket Gophers are a Sure Sign of Spring

It’s a beautiful day to be out in the garden enjoying the warm Minnesota spring breeze. Suddenly there is a mountain of dirt in your yard. You are certain it wasn’t there a bit ago. What is that huge pile of dirt? And where did it come from?

You have a pocket gopher!

Pocket gophers, along with their little mole friends, are the bane of the countryside. These small little rodents cause serious damage to lawns and landscaping across Anoka County. Although they leave huge dirt mounds above ground, pocket gopher burrows crisscross deep beneath the earth. (This differs from their mole counterparts, whose tunnels run closer to the surface.) Spring is a busy reproductive time for these little pesky creatures. And gophers can have several litters in a season. If you do not want your yard overrun with dirt mounds all summer, it is best to address the pocket gopher problem in early spring.

As a Realtor working in the Twin Cities north metro, I know how buyers get concerned when they see several huge dirt piles in a sellers’ yard. It seems that these creatures have a knack for knowing when a home is listed. I have had several frantic sellers call the day after they have listed with their first ever gopher mound in their yard. Whether you are a buyer, seller or home owner maintaining your landscape, here are ideas to eliminate the mounds from your yard.

How to get rid of pocket gophers:

• Get rid of their food supply. Pocket gophers eat grub worms that live in the dirt. If you chemically treat your lawn to kill the grub worms, the pocket gophers move on. Usually to your neighbors’ yard.



• Mole repellents can also be used to change the taste of the grub worms. This can be purchased at a store or you can mix your own. One cup of dish soap, one ounce of Castor oil and ¼ cup of cayenne pepper mixed together and spread with a garden sprayer should do the trick. Of course this method again just moves the pests to your neighbors’ yard.



• Ultrasonic Devices. I had a client who had some success with this method last year. The high pitched sound emitted by the unit is designed to sound like another gopher. Since these are territorial animals, they move on. Again, probably to your neighbors’ yard.



• Use a poison for gophers and moles. This is effective but if you have pets or children, there are risks. Your pet could dig up the poison or the poisoned gopher and become ill or die.



• Set underground traps. This is an effective method with results that you can see. The wire traps are set underground in near the gopher mound. When a gopher moves through the burrow, he is killed in the trap.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Trim Your Oaks NOW! Winter Pruning is Best to Protect Your Investment!

New home developments are abundant in the north metro Twin Cities. From Anoka through Chisago Counties and beyond there are many new communities that have sprung up from Blaine to North Branch. The lot prices can vary from $60,000 to over $200,000. What make one neighborhood more appealing and valuable than the other? Although location always plays a key role, another important factor is the landscape.

Are there any trees? A question often asked by clients as they start searching for a home. Many Minnesota farms have been developed into single family housing developments. While the flat open land was desirable for farming, it does not have the privacy and up north feel of a wooded lot with mature oaks.

If you are fortunate to have mature oak trees on your property, protect your investment!

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is a disease caused by a fungus which attacks the central system of the tree from the roots to the leaves. The tree attempts to block the fungus, but also blocks all water and nutrients to the branches and leaves. Eventually, the trees leaves wilt and it dies.

Oak wilt spreads through the root systems of near by trees and by fungus beetles that carry the oak wilt spores from tree to tree.

How to Protect Your Trees

The fungus beetles infect trees that have been recently injured or trimmed. These beetles are very active in the spring and summer months. Oaks should be protected from damage and not trimmed from April through July.

Trim large mature oaks now. As a preventative to spring storm damage, have your large oaks trimmed now so that heavy, dead branches won’t fall during tornado season and break other healthy limbs.

Consider Oaks When Planning Construction

If you are planning to built on your property this spring, plan the construction process to protect the trees. Discuss the situation with your builder and fence off the trees from the base of the truck to the branches.

Be prepared with tree paint and apply immediately to any wounds that accidentally occur.

Root System Protection

If an oak is infected on your property or a nearby neighboring property, your trees could be at risk through their intertwined root system. Oak roots travel up to 50 feet out. The fungus can pass underground from tree to tree.

To prevent spread, have the roots cut using a trencher or vibratory plow. The five foot blade severs the roots to protect neighboring trees. Root cutting should be done prior to tree removal.

Many cities in the north metro have tree protection programs and offer a low cost or free root cutting service in the fall.

If you have oak wilt in your neighborhood, doing nothing is not an option. Ignoring oak wilt will cause the lost of trees which directly relates to your property’s value.