Chop Chop Tree Care

05/11/2026

Take good care of your lilacs and keep an eye out for the Lilac Borer!

“Keeping ash and lilac healthy, such as by providing supplemental water during drought, can help limit infestations. Removing old, damaged lilac canes also helps.”

This is the Lilac borer (aka Lilac-ash borer) Podosesia syringae. This may look like a wasp, but it is not! The adult lilac borer is actually a moth and does not sting. Adults are flying and laying eggs now (May) in Nebraska. Lilac borer was our most serious insect pest of ash before emerald ash borer appeared, especially on young, stressed trees. Larvae tunnel into the trunk and branches of ash, but they also attack lilac, especially at the base of the canes.

Keeping ash and lilac healthy, such as by providing supplemental water during drought, can help limit infestations. Removing old, damaged lilac canes also helps.

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

There was a lot going on at the City of Blair, Nebraska council meeting tonight (almost 4 hours long!), but this is the item we’re most excited about! It passed unanimously! 🎉🌳

These ordinances all open up the restrictions on what can be planted within the city right of way on your property (between the curb and the sidewalk). This means
—There is now a larger variety of trees that can be planted. There is no longer a short list described in the ordinance, but instead it will constantly be updated by Plant Nebraska (formerly the Nebraska State Arboretum).
—Distances for trees (according to tree size) have been adjusted relative to the curb and sidewalk to what they used to be when Ralph Steyer was our city forrester. Many of the large trees that formed a shade canopy over the sidewalks and near the street have died over the years, but it has been illegal to replant a tree in the same place the old one died. This has left front yards looking bare and open for years. Neighborhoods are about to get more beautiful again!
—📝 Don’t forget, permit always required for planting a tree in the ROW. More info on planting coming soon!

Big appreciation to some hard work and valuable input from PlantNebraska, Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska Forest Service, Strong Towns Blair, Bike Walk Blair, City Arborist Kyle Sheets, many staff members from the City of Blair, and a number of community members. 👏

04/25/2026

Happy Arbor Day, Folks. If you didn’t get a chance to climb a tree today, don’t worry, my kids enjoyed climbing enough for all of us.
🌳💚🌳

04/23/2026

Today’s the day!

🌳 The trees are here!!! 🌳
Come to Arbor Day at Black Elk Park
Thursday, April 23 6-8pm - rain or shine

These lovely Redbud trees will be given away but supplies are limited. First come first serve

Fireside snacks provided by PassageWay Church

Local outdoorsman will be onsite to share about axes and other tools for the outdoors

There will be tree workshops, a walking tour (weather permitting), and a sawmill demonstration provided by the Nebraska Forest Service

04/08/2026

Happy Belated Easter to you and yours! We skipped social media on Easter Sunday and went on a hike in the gorgeous woods!
Scraggly oak branches, hazel buds, winding trails, beautiful midwestern horizons…. Our Creator invented such AMAZING spaces for us to explore and breathe in. (Yes, even in Iowa!) 🤍

May you find peace and awe in what has been created for you, and in turn find peace and awe in the Creator.

He is risen. Even as amazing as this is, there is more to come! 🫶

04/07/2026

Happy Belated Easter to you and yours! We skipped social media on Easter Sunday and went on a hike in the gorgeous woods.
Scraggly oak branches, hazel buds, winding trails, beautiful midwestern horizons... Our Creator invented such AMAZING spaces for us to explore and breathe in. (Even in Iowa!) 🤍

May you find peace and awe in what has been created for you, and in turn find peace and awe in the Creator.

He is risen. Even as amazing as this is, there is more to come! 🫶

04/02/2026

Lose a tree recently and wanting to replace it? Or hoping to grow some shade or close out your view of the neighbor?

If you’re looking to plant a tree soon, here are some great recommendations of species that do well in Nebraska climate and usually don’t need extra care compared to the other side of the list.

(Love and !) 

What would you add to the list? It’s tree planting season. We’re frequently asked, “What should I plant?”

Honestly, the “don’t” list feels more important than the “do” list. As arborists in the after-care business, we know what trees are the most costly to maintain and riskiest to manage in this Midwest climate. The trees listed above stand the tests of time, wind, ice, drought, insects and disease.

The ones that don’t? These might be a bit controversial, but river birch, any variety or hybrid of red maple, crab apple, linden, or spruce…pass on those.

Chime in - what else would you recommend (or recommend against)?

Even more species recommendations here:
https://arboraesthetics.com/tree-planting-proven-species-for-the-midwest/