Equinox Arborist

05/04/2026

🆘I hope this brings much needed attention to the extraordinary decline of White Oaks in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, in addition to other Oak species, that we’ve been seeing at least over the last decade. Our State Tree needs help!🌳

📰: Maryland Forest Service Launches “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest

The Maryland Forest Service and the Maryland Forestry Foundation are launching the “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The contest invites residents and visitors to search Maryland’s State Forests for the largest white oak trees. Cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded to the individuals who find the largest five trees on public lands.

The contest runs from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Participants will identify and measure specimens of the white oak (Quercus alba), Maryland’s state tree, within eligible State Forest lands. State Forests are distinct from State Parks. For Chesapeake Forest Lands, only white oaks located on public hunting lands are eligible. The contest is administered by the Maryland Big Tree Program committee. Read more: https://ow.ly/sNHB50YTcHS

04/23/2026

13 years ago, I wrote my first Emerald Ash Borer treatment prescription for an Ash tree in the DC metro area.

This past Tuesday, I attended the TREE Fund webinar on long-term effects of tree injections on tree tissue — because even after 13 years, I want to keep learning.

From my fieldwork, I knew the treatments were working. My Ash tree clients were surviving and thriving. But what I couldn't see was what the injection sites were doing INSIDE the tree.

Here's what the research showed:
✅ No discernible negative effects through 4–6 injection cycles
✅ Correctly installed plugs created no measurable damage
✅ Cambial separation was minimal and localized to the base

My longest-standing clients are now entering their 7th treatment cycle — beyond what this study investigated. But the conclusion is clear: the mechanical injury from injection is not creating compounding harm. The real threat to the Ash is always the beetle itself.

This research confirms what years of fieldwork suggested. Properly administered injection treatment remains the right call for preserving Ash trees.

04/19/2026

🤩Always impressed by these fierce competitors! Had a great afternoon at MAC ISA TCC 2026 🌳

04/13/2026

A recent homeowner consult was a reminder that large tree proposals don’t always mean immediate action is required.

Through an independent walkthrough, we clarified true priorities, addressed legitimate pruning needs, and created a smarter phased plan.

Sometimes the most valuable service isn’t more work—it’s the right work.

Equinox Arborist | Newburg, MD

04/08/2026

💥HUGE shoutout to my friend Merrick💥

My website went down and I had no idea what was going on. I reached out to him and not only did he get it back up, he found the problem and had it fixed within minutes.

If you need a website built or need someone you can actually trust to keep it running, reach out to him. He’s the real deal. DM me and I’ll connect you!

equinoxarborist.com

04/04/2026

Tis the season for Eastern Tent Caterpillars! 🐛

These nests were about 40-50 feet high in the canopy of several Black Cherry trees.

You'll see them in spring - unlike Fall webworms which show up later in the season, but look similar.

What should you do? In most cases... nothing.

They rarely cause problems for mature trees and are an important source of food for birds.🐦‍⬛

The exception: young or newly planted trees. Years ago I had a client whose young Cherry tree was heavily infested. Pruning the nests would've removed most of the canopy, so we used a targeted treatment in this rare case.

Not everything in the landscape requires intervention.

04/04/2026

Hi, I'm Sara - founder of Equinox Arborist 🌳

I'm an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist offering independent consultations to help homeowners understand their trees.

With a background in landscape architecture and arboriculture, I move through the landscape a little differently. I'm excited to share what I see, so you can start to see it too.

Come along with me on this tree journey!

(Pictured with Hemingway, my rescue Doberman)