Madison Stansberry, LA Arborist

If you’ve spotted fuzzy black caterpillars crawling across sidewalks or hanging out on oak trees, there’s a good chance you’ve met a buck moth caterpillar. Buck moths are a common seasonal pest in Louisiana, especially around oak trees, and while they may look harmless, they can pack a painful surprise. Here’s what you need to know about buck moths, their life cycle, and how we help manage them. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR BUCK MOTH SPRAYING What Are Buck Moths? The buck moth (Hemileuca maia) is a native moth species commonly found in the southeastern United States. In Louisiana, buck [...]

Live oaks are one of the most iconic trees in Louisiana — they’re woven into our streets, neighborhoods, and history. And while they’re incredibly strong, they still need consistent care, especially in winter. Winter is a great season to support long-term tree health because: growth slows down stress is easier to spot your tree can absorb nutrients and prepare for spring At Bayou Tree Service, we approach live oak care the same way nature does — by supporting the tree from the ground up. 1) Check the Root Zone (This Matters More Than People Think) A live oak’s roots extend [...]

When it comes to tree care, the terms trimming and pruning get used interchangeably — but they aren’t the same thing. And knowing the difference can help homeowners make smarter choices for their trees’ long-term health, structure, and safety. At Bayou Tree Service, we’ve spent 45 years caring for Louisiana’s most valuable trees — and one thing we know for sure: the right cut at the right place can make all the difference. What Is Tree Trimming? Tree trimming typically refers to cutting back branches to improve appearance or control growth — especially on fast-growing trees or ornamental landscaping trees. [...]

The best landscapes are intentional—every tree and hedge serving a purpose. Maybe you want shade in your backyard, maybe you’re dreaming of a show stopping front yard, or maybe you just need a little privacy. Whatever your goals, here are planting ideas that bring both function and beauty. 🌿 Want More Privacy? Try a Living Hedge If you’re tired of staring at fences or need to block out the neighbors, hedges can give you the privacy you want while keeping things green and beautiful. Nellie R. Stevens Holly: Looking for quick results? This holly grows fast—up to 3 feet a [...]

Palm trees bring a touch of the tropics to New Orleans, but they’re not immune to serious diseases like lethal bronzing. This fast-spreading disease can be deadly, and early detection is key to protecting your landscape. If your palm is showing signs of decline, it’s time to act quickly. Subtle Signs That Signal Trouble While any general palm decline should raise concerns, these specific symptoms may indicate lethal bronzing: Stopped Growth Spike – The central spear (growth spike) stops elongating, freezing in place. Gap Between Fronds – A visible separation between older fronds and newer growth means the tree has stopped producing [...]

Planning an Outdoor Renovation? Don’t Overlook Your Trees. Whether you’re installing a pool, building an addition, or reshaping your landscape, there’s a lot to juggle—contractor meetings, design plans, permits. But in all that noise, don’t forget one of your property’s most valuable and vulnerable features: your trees. Before a single stake goes into the ground, there are key steps you need to take to make sure your trees survive—and thrive—through construction. 1. Understand This: Trees Don’t Bounce Back This is the most important thing to know: construction damage to trees is often permanent. Unlike other parts of your home or [...]

At Bayou Tree Service, tree care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our liquid program is part of a customized, science-backed approach to tree health—designed to keep your trees strong, resilient, and thriving through every season. With over 45 years of experience caring for Louisiana landscapes, we’ve developed a tree health care strategy that blends arboricultural science with the kind of insight that only comes from decades in the field. At the heart of this program is Matt Repp, our Tree Healthcare Manager, who brings both expertise and dedication to every plan we design. Matt works hand-in-hand with our certified arborists and clients to [...]

In this Louisiana heat, shade isn’t luxury—it’s essential. Thankfully, our trees are hard at work, keeping things cool and cozy. From energy savings to simple backyard comfort, here’s why these leafy giants deserve our gratitude. 🍃 Nature’s Built‑In A/C When those summer rays hit, trees aren’t just pretty—they’re powerhouses of cooling. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that shaded areas under trees can be 6°F cooler, and grounded areas up to 25°F cooler than sunlit surfaces. That translates to real comfort in your yard and less strain on your home’s air conditioning. And it’s not just shade: through transpirational cooling, [...]

When hurricane season ramps up, strong trees are your first line of defense — but even the strongest tree can become a hazard without proper care. That’s why strategic pruning is one of the most important things you can do ahead of storm season. 🌿 Why Prune Before a Storm? Pruning isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety. Removing weak, dead, or poorly attached limbs helps your trees stand strong during high winds and heavy rain. By lightening the canopy and encouraging better structure, pruning reduces the risk of breakage and keeps branches from becoming dangerous projectiles. 🪓 What [...]

Live oaks are iconic symbols of strength and beauty across the South. With their sprawling limbs and massive trunks, they seem untouchable—like they’ve been around forever and will take care of themselves. But even the grandest live oak needs expert attention. At Bayou Tree Service, we specialize in tree care that not only protects your investment but also preserves the legacy of these incredible trees.  Urban Stress: A Hidden Threat Live oaks have stood the test of time, but urban life presents new challenges. Construction, compacted soil, lawn irrigation, and nearby development can all disrupt a tree’s root system—limiting water [...]