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Jim Ostvig | December 6, 2025 | Blog, Tree Care, Tree Disease and Pests
Japanese Beetles in Minnesota: Still a Threat in 2026
If you live in the Twin Cities, you’ve likely seen them—shiny green-and-copper beetles munching away on leaves in mid-summer. These are Japanese beetles, and while they’ve been in Minnesota for decades, they’re still one of the most damaging pests to trees, shrubs, and lawns.
Jim Ostvig | September 27, 2025 | Blog, Fall
Deicing Salts and Trees
As Minnesota winter sets in, tons of chloride salts are spread on sidewalks and streets to keep people safe. But these salts can cause serious harm to trees and shrubs—burning evergreen foliage, damaging roots, and even raising soil pH to toxic levels. Barriers, careful snow piling, and spring soil flushing can help reduce salt damage. Our arborists at Ostvig Tree Care have decades of experience protecting trees from winter salt injury and using organic solutions to restore soil health.
Jim Ostvig | March 23, 2025 | Blog, Safety, Tree Care
Tree Bracing: Strengthening Trees for Longevity and Safety
Tree bracing should always be performed by certified arborists to ensure proper installation and effectiveness. A professional tree care company, like Ostvig Tree Care, can assess the health of your trees and recommend the best bracing solutions to keep them strong and stable.
Jim Ostvig | February 8, 2025 | Beyond Tree Care, Blog, Tree Care, Tree Planting
The Science of Mulching: Proven Ways to Boost Soil Health and Plant Growth
Mulching is a scientifically supported practice that offers multiple benefits, including moisture conservation, temperature regulation, weed suppression, soil health improvement, erosion control, and enhanced crop yields. Implementing appropriate mulching techniques can lead to more sustainable and productive agricultural systems.
Jim Ostvig | January 5, 2025 | Blog, Winter
Winter Tree Care Essentials: Preparing Your Trees for a Healthy Spring
As the colder months set in, trees may seem to take a backseat in our gardening priorities. However, winter is the ideal time to give your trees the care they need to thrive in spring. Here’s everything you need to know about ensuring your trees stay healthy and strong through the season.
Jim Ostvig | December 27, 2024 | Blog, Winter
How Trees Survive The Winter: Nature’s Survival Mechanisms
When temperatures plummet and snow blankets the earth, trees embark on a remarkable journey of survival. Here’s how they endure the harshest months of the year.
Jim Ostvig | February 3, 2024 | Blog, Safety, Tree Care
The Dilemma of Removing Old Trees: Navigating the Why and Why Not
Deciding whether to cut down or keep a 175-year-old elm tree is a tough decision, filled with conflicting emotions and considerations.
Jim Ostvig | December 19, 2023 | Blog, Tree Care, Videos
How fast does a tree disease spread across a lot of trees?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are managing a property, a lot, an estate, a campus, and you start to see one or two trees look like they're in trouble, is it important to call someone in fast? How fast does the disease spread across a lot of trees? Watch the video below as Jim Ostvig, owner of Ostvig…
Jim Ostvig | December 6, 2023 | Blog, Tree Care, Videos
How do I know if something’s going on with my tree that I can’t see?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To diagnose tree issues, carefully observe symptoms that may indicate diseases or insect infestations. Watch the video below as Jim Ostvig, owner of Ostvig Tree Care, talks about how Ostvig Tree identifies tree diseases and issues.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_video u_video_url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll2ml0Ksd0I" yt_autoplay="" yt_sugg_video="" yt_mute_control="" yt_modest_branding="" yt_privacy_mode="" thumbnail="custom" custom_thumb="id^6130|url^http://ostvigtreedev.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/YOUTUBE-THUMBNAILS-OSTVIG-TREE-How-do-I-know-if-somethings-going-on-with-my-tree-that-I-cant-see.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^YOUTUBE THUMBNAILS – OSTVIG TREE How do I know if somethings going…
Jim Ostvig | November 19, 2023 | Blog, Safety, Tree Care
Unleashing The Beast: The Ostvig Tree T-Rex Revolutionizing Tree Care
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the world of tree care, innovation is the key to efficiency and safety. Meet the Ostvig Tree T-Rex, a formidable Palfinger loader crane that is changing the game in the arboriculture industry. This powerful machine is not just a piece of equipment; it's a game-changer that allows us to tackle towering trees with unprecedented…