Category Tree Health Care

Just as with extreme winter weather, intense summer heat and lack of rainfall can create stressful and dangerous situations for trees. The drought conditions we endured for the summer of 2022 dried out area lakes and rivers and dramatically reduced the available moisture in the soil.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, over 3 million trees died as a result of the widespread drought of 2011. While some of the data shows that the 2022 drought was less severe than 2011, many areas of the state have actually had less rainfall and more 100-degree days than in the comparable period 11 years ago. Additionally, many trees affected in the 2022 drought were still suffering the effects of the freezing weather in 2021.

How Does Drought Affect Trees?

The effects of drought cannot be overstated.

• In addition to potentially facing long periods and high temperatures, trees in drought areas:

  • Can lose their ability to take up nutrients from the soil

    • When ground temperatures rise as high as they did this summer, the soil dries out and the fine, nutrient-absorbing roots of a tree found close to the surface die.

  • Have to rely on limited energy stores instead of outside nutrition

    • This leaves energy stores depleted, leading to further decline after their dormant season.

  • Are unable to immediately take up much-needed moisture once it returns

    • Moisture-absorbing riot structures take time to regrow in dehydrated soil.

  • Find their microenvironment greatly altered

    • Beneficial microorganisms, just like fine tree roots, cannot live in dried out, hard ground.

What Can You Do to Help Your Trees Right Now?

• WATER, WATER, WATER

  • Even though we have had some rain recently, it is not enough to help trees come back from extended drought. Proper watering now will make a big difference!

• Apply appropriate soil amendments and compost/natural fertilizers

  • Nutrient-rich material, such as compost or soil amendments, bring much-needed micronutrients to bolster soil revitalization.

  • As a response to the drought stress, Texas Tree Surgeons will be using a nutrient-rich fertilizer mix that contains beneficial rhizosphere bacteria, seaweed and yucca extracts, urea and humic acids, as well as fish meal, kelp meal, worm tea, and sea water extracts for fall 2022 applications. This blend of natural micronutrient sources will benefit not only the trees, but the soil ecosystem, and allow beneficial microorganisms to thrive.

• Use mulch in the trees’ root zones to help regulate soil temperature and moisture content

  • Proper mulching leads to better soil, as the mulch decomposes into nutritious organic matter.

• For stressed trees, only remove dead or broken areas and do light maintenance trimming

  • Wait until the trees have had another growing season before considering major work.

  • Drought can lead to more dry and dead limbs; be sure to remove those before they come down in fall and winter storms.

• If you need to replace trees or other landscaping that didn’t make it, fall and winter are the best times to plant

  • Use native species to ensure hardiness against future droughts.

  • Need some ideas? Check out our list of great ornamentals, as well as information about native grasses from our friends at Native Gardeners.

What Should Be Avoided After a Drought?

• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE HIGH-NITROGEN FERTILIZER OR “WEED AND FEED” PRODUCTS!

  • Using a high-nitrogen fertilizer can stimulate fast and unsustainable growth that is a waste of the already-taxed energy stores of stressed trees.

  • “Weed and feed” products are formulated to kill woody-stemmed plants (like trees!). Using these chemicals adds a further stressor to the tree’s environment.

• Do not install new sod or artificial turf

  • Putting sod or synthetic turf around a stressed tree will prevent the regrowth of the tree’s fine root systems.

• Do not rely on sprinkler systems or lawn irrigation to water your trees

  • Trees’ water requirements are vastly different from turf grass. Make sure you are watering correctly.

• Do not over- or improperly trim your trees

  • Lion tailing, topping, and removing large sections of canopy are always a bad idea, but improper trimming can lead to a stressed tree dying completely.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope your trees made it through the summer of 2022, but even trees that seem unaffected need particular attention and care in the coming months and years. Proper watering is key, but drought-stressed trees and soil need additional help this fall and in the seasons to come. Our ISA Certified Arborists can assess your trees’ needs and recommend a well-tailored plan of soil amendments and healthy trimming to make your trees thrive all year long. Get in touch today!

One of the perennial questions our arborists hear from customers is how to get more grass to grow under their trees. Whether it is from canopy shade or root growth, there seems to be a constant struggle between grass and trees. Unfortunately, most turf grass is not bred to live in harmony with large trees, and trees often find themselves in competition for resources with surrounding grass. In many cases, homeowners have to choose between uniform turf coverage and tree health.

Why Does Grass Not Grow Under Trees?

Simply put, turf grass and trees do not come from the same natural environment.

Turf grass is bred and grown to thrive in bright sun with regular watering. The root systems of sod grasses form heavy thatch that captures moisture and nutrients and reduces competition from weeds and other plants in the same area. Turf needs relatively shallow soil, as its roots are close to the surface.

Trees, on the other hand, are most at home in a forest environment. Rather than being surrounded by grass, trees in a forest cover the ground around themselves with dropped leaves or needles (yes, evergreens have a “leaf exchange” too!). This “leaf litter” acts as natural mulch and breaks down into compost, creating layers of rich soil providing both nutrients and stability to trees. This natural mulch and compost also prevents the growth of potentially-competing plants. Additionally, while the trees’ canopies need bright sun, the root zone is kept shaded, both to aid in the breakdown of the leaf litter and help prevent other plants from growing.

Turf Grass And Trees Do Not Get Along

In an urban environment, turf grass and trees are artificially united in a single ecosystem. The trees’ natural growth process and self-mulching is often altered, as leaf litter is removed by homeowners. As turf grass tries to expand into a tree’s root zone, it encounters shade and surface roots, both of which are not conducive to growth. Where trees and turf grass coexist, they often compete for resources, especially water. Lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems provide enough water for grass, but are not able to properly water trees. Synthetic fertilizers for turf grass (especially “weed and feed” products) can actually be harmful to trees.

Luckily, there are alternatives to this unhealthy cycle of competition!

What Can I Do About Grass Not Growing Under My Trees?

In an ideal world, all trees would be able to live in their preferred environment: surrounded by a large area of mulch and compost, properly irrigated, and not in competition with other plants for resources. Proper mulching around your trees will not only help the trees grow, but the mulch will regulate soil moisture and temperature, making trees more resistant to temperature shifts or periods of drought. While it may be hard to imagine a yard without grass, proper mulching around your trees and reducing the amount of turf grass brings a natural beauty and can save on water usage dramatically.

If you still want some color under your trees, rather than the natural soil, there are some ground cover options that can brighten up your yard without causing undue competition with your trees. Native grasses and groundcover that have evolved or been bred to complement the needs of trees are a great choice to reduce water usage, add beneficial nutrients to the soil, and attract native pollinators. For more information, and some specific recommendations, check out this post from our friends at Native Gardeners.

Can’t I Just Trim My Tree So That Grass Will Grow?

While it is possible to trim a tree’s canopy to increase the amount of light that reaches the ground below, and trees need a certain amount of thinning for air circulation, this is not a long-term solution, and too much thinning can lead to tree decline and death. Trees produce food and energy in their leaves, and removing leaves leads to one of two things: if a tree is healthy, it will simply grow more leaves to replace the ones lost; or, if a tree is already stressed, it will not have the energy to put out new leaves and will begging to suffer from lack of proper nutrition. For healthy trees, industry standards dictate removing no more than 25% of living canopy per year. For stressed or older trees, the acceptable percentage is even smaller. “Lion tailing” a tree (removing a majority of interior growth, leaving only small areas of canopy at the end of branches) is never an acceptable practice. If you are considering thinning your trees for light transmission, be sure to consult an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate your trees’ health and provide guidelines for healthy trimming.

Why Does My Neighbor Have Grass Under Their Tree When I Don’t?

As with many tree questions, determining why one tree or yard seems to grow differently from another can be difficult. There are several factors that can determine how trees and turf grass will interact, including:

• Tree species and age

• Turf grass variety

• Direction and amount of daily sun

• Presence of other landscaping (shrubs, flower beds, etc.)

• Micro-environmental factors (soil condition, use of fertilizer/chemicals)

Ultimately, it is up to the homeowner to choose to focus on turf grass health or tree health. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get both types of landscaping to cooperate and thrive. Before investing in costly sod installation or other landscaping, be sure to understand how grass, trees, and other plants will interact with and affect each other.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! While we are inveterate tree huggers and may be a little biased, it is still true that properly-cared-for trees do more to capture atmospheric carbon, reduce urban heat islands, curtail excessive water usage, and provide mental and physical health benefits. We understand it can be heard to break away from social pressure to have an immaculate, green lawn, but homeowners who have moved toward native and natural landscaping are often amazed to see how easy, beautiful, and inexpensive their trees and gardens can be. We are always happy to talk about how to organize your yard around native trees for a look that is beautiful, unique, and low-maintenance. Let us know how we can help!

Different species and types of trees responded differently to the low temperatures.
Visit our previous posts for specific info:

• Live oak
• Crape myrtle
• Ash
• Elm
• Palms

My Tree Leafed Out in Spring 2022 but is Now Turning Brown. Is That Freeze Damage?

Due to the unprecedented nature of the winter weather in 2021 and 2022, it has been difficult to predict exactly how trees will respond and the nature and timing of any freeze-related decline.

• Some species have seemed to bounce back from freeze damage only to show browning and die back after two or more growing seasons.

  • Red oaks and Japanese maples have been observed to leaf out in the spring as normal, only to start browning a few weeks later.

  • Unfortunately, once a tree’s canopy has completely browned or died, the tree may not be salvageable.

• If a tree has partial browning or only some dead canopy:

  • Prune out the dead or dying sections

  • Follow good watering practices

  • Use soil amendments focused on increasing available nutrients

    • High nitrogen fertilizer is NOT recommended, as this can stimulate the tree to use up energy reserves to push new growth rather than increase overall health

Should I Be Worried About Cracks in the Bark of My Trees?

Freeze-thaw cracks occur when rapid temperature swings cause the wood of a tree to swell and contract faster than normal. These cracks vary in size and severity. When the water inside a tree freezes, it can damage the tree’s vascular system, which moves nutrients throughout the entire tree. Widespread damage to the vascular system can lead to tree death.

Trees with freeze-thaw cracks need special care to encourage vascular system growth and nutrient availability.

• Proper watering is essential.

• Soil amendments and low nitrogen fertilizers can make additional nutrients readily accessible to the tree’s roots.

  • Fertilizing stressed and damaged trees must be done with care.

  • High nitrogen growth stimulators should be avoided.

• Preventive insect treatment is recommended.

  • Cracks or other wounds in the bark are entry points for borer beetles and other pests.

  • Over time, the tree will be able to seal off (“compartmentalize”) the damaged sections, but this can be a slow process.

Why Does My Tree Have Large Dead Branches?

In cases where only parts of a tree were subject to severe frost damage, the main trunk may be free of freeze-thaw cracks or other issues while some large or small sections of the tree show browning and dieback. With rapid temperature swings and violent winter weather, a tree’s specific location and surroundings (such as nearby structures or other trees) can have a great impact on how the tree is affected. Because of this, trees of the same species on the same block may have shown wildly different responses to freezing weather. No matter the extent, it is best to remove dead and dying sections of the canopy and bolster the tree’s health with water and nutrients to give it the best chance to compartmentalize the dead and decayed sections and return to health.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! Recent extreme weather events present new challenges to our urban forest and it will likely be a few years before we have seen the full effects. Trees, by their nature, respond slowly to environmental changes and, if not properly cared for, can slide into a cycle of decline following storm damage or other severe weather. As we move into the heat of the summer our current drought conditions can worsen and accelerate tree decline and dieback. Now is the time to have one of our arborists evaluate your trees for their current needs and prescribe a health care plan to increase soil nutrient levels and manage insect activity. Contact us today!

With over 90% of Texas in drought conditions, water conservation measures are in effect over much of the state. Caring for our urban forest during a drought requires special attention to our watering practices to ensure that trees get the water they need and none is wasted.

Do I Really Need To Water My Trees? I Have a Sprinkler System!

Yes! Even if you have a sprinkler system or regularly water your lawn, you need to water your trees as well.

• In-ground irrigation systems and hose-attached sprinklers are designed to provide water for turf grass and other ground cover.

  • Some sprinklers may be able to provide more water for small shrubs and bushes, but none of them are adequate to meet a mature tree’s water needs.

• If a tree is not properly mulched, it may be in competition for water resources with other plants.

  • If there is artificial grass present, water and nutrients in the soil may be scarce.

• Without adequate water, trees’ immune systems weaken, leading to increased susceptibility to disease and insects.

  • Repeated, long-term stress from lack of water can lead to a cycle of decline and tree death.

What is the Best Way to Water My Trees?

There are two main ways to get sufficient water to your trees: using a soaker hose or hand watering.

• Soaker Hose

  • Recommended for ease of use and coverage

  • Make sure the hose can cover the entire root zone

    • Depending on the type, hoses can be arranged in circles or a spiral around the tree or in radial lines leading out from the trunk

  • Run the soaker hose long enough to wet the ground in the root area to a depth of 10-12 inches

  • Check the soil to see how long it retains moisture and only water after the soil has dried

    • Too much water can be as bad as too little

    • Generally, watering should be every 7-10 days

• Hand Watering

  • Place a garden hose so that the outlet is 1-2 feet from the root flare of the tree

  • Turn on water enough to spread, but not so much that it puddles or streams away

  • Move hose around tree to ensure even watering of entire canopy area

  • As with soaker hoses, stop watering when soil is damp to a depth of 10-12 inches

  • Wait a few days and check soil moisture

    • Re-water when soil is dry to avoid excess dampness

• Special Considerations

  • Some trees may require watering more often

    • Stressed/sick trees (such as by freeze damage or pest activity)

    • Non-native species

    • Recently-planted trees

  • During periods of wet weather, do not water too often

    • Excess soil moisture can cause rapid growth of harmful microorganisms

How Can I Help My Trees Retain Moisture in a Drought?

After watering, mulching is the most effective way to regulate tree moisture. Proper mulching helps regulate soil temperature, slows evaporation, and contributes to soil nutrients as it breaks down.

Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers and growth stimulators, as these can cause a tree to use up energy stores and require more water to maintain. Organic soil amendments and compost can be added to soil and mulch if needed.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! While the summer months can be fun, the drought conditions they often bring can be stressful to people and plants. Proper watering of our urban forest leads to healthy trees that can help regulate heat, provide shade, and keep the air fresh. Have questions about how best to care for your trees during drought? Contact us today!

Why should I water my trees in the winter?

After the extreme weather events in recent years, trees in North Texas are having a rough time.

• Currently, 86% of Texas is under drought conditions, while North Texas is suffering from “severe drought”
  • Lack of water leads to a weakened immune systems in trees and higher susceptibility to disease and insects
• Repeated, long-term stress can lead to tree decline
  • To avoid this, trees need extra attention and care NOW
• While DFW-area trees are normally dormant during this time of year, warm temperatures have caused some to start budding out early, before the recent freeze
  • Producing new buds and leaves is a significant drain or a trees energy and water reserves

How should I water my trees?

• Trees have different water needs than other landscape plants and turf grass
  Sprinkler systems are not sufficient for watering trees
  • Using the “slow soak” method every 7-10 days is best
• A soaker hose around the entire root zone of the tree is recommended
• If using a garden hose:
  • Place the hose 1-2 feet from the root flare
  • Run water at a volume enough to spread, but not so much as to puddle or stream away
  • Move hose throughout entire canopy area, ensuring complete coverage
  • Remember to let the ground dry between waterings to avoid over-watering
• Non-native species, newly-planted trees, or stressed/sick trees may need watering more often
• For more watering info, visit our watering guide or this publication from the Texas A&M Forest Service

What else can I do to help my trees during drought?

Mulch!

• After watering, mulching is the most beneficial treatment for all trees
  • Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, prevents competition in the root zone, and adds beneficial nutrients to the soil
  • To learn how to properly apply mulch to your trees, visit our mulching guide
• Remove any dead or damaged branches before spring
  • Dead wood is a magnet for insects and disease, and can become sites of rot and infestation
  • Branches that are dead or dying present a hazard, as they are prone to falling during inclement weather

Oak Wilt Season is Almost Here!

Oak wilt is a devastating disease that affects all species of oak trees. Spread through root systems and pruning cuts, the insects and fungi that cause oak wilt infections are most active between February and July every year. As always, we recommend avoiding all oak trimming, except for removing dead or damaged branches, during oak wilt season. If oak trees need to be trimmed during this time, we follow recommended protocols such as painting the cuts, which adds a fee of 20% to trimming prices. For more info about oak wilt, visit our post on the topic.

REMEMBER: Anyone who says that oak wilt is not a serious concern is incorrect. There is no known proven cure for oak wilt, and oak wilt treatments are expensive and do not have a high success rate. Prevention is the best approach!