Category Tree Health Care

How Does an Arborist Know What’s Wrong With My Sick Tree?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Arborist Services, Resources, Tree Health Care

For all the different health issues that can affect trees, there are a small number of outward symptoms. Browning, limb drop, leaf spotting, and bark loss, for example, could be signs of many different problems, some of which require immediate attention, and some of which will resolve on their own. Being able to properly assess a tree is key to providing the best care to keep the tree healthy. Luckily, “tree doctors” and their colleagues are equipped with a variety of tools to evaluate, diagnose, and care for a wide range of tree health issues.

Inspection, Evaluation, and History

While many symptoms of tree health issues are obvious, it takes education and experience to be able to understand what a tree’s symptoms mean, make a proper diagnosis, and arrange for the best treatment. ISA Certified Arborists are specially-trained individuals who care for trees. Certified arborists understand the different factors that contribute to the health of a tree, such as:

  • Tree species and variety
    • Different species of tree are more susceptible to different health issues
      • What is normal to see in one tree might be a serious concern in another
    • Standard growth patterns and seasonal changes vary by species
    • Many pests target one species or group of species only
    • Imported species have different needs than native ones
  • Location specifics
    • Soil type, sun exposure, proximity to other plants or buildings
    • Weather patterns in the area
      • Weather events many years in the past can have ongoing effects on trees
    • Environmental contaminants
      • Chemical exposure, herbicides (such as weed ‘n’ feed), airborne pollutants
    • History
      • Over- or under-watering, herbicide use, nearby construction
  • Structural abnormalities
    • Multiple trunks
    • Burls
    • Wounds (old or new)
    • Broken limbs
    • Previous trimming or damage
    • Evidence of insect or animal activity (woodpecker holes, borer holes)
  • Leaf and canopy characteristics
    • Individual leaves
      • Size, color, thickness
      • Presence of spots/growths
    • Canopy in general
      • Density, color, uniformity
      • Locations of new leaf growth
      • Evidence of animal activity (squirrel or bird nests)
  • Trunk, branch, and twig growth
    • Location and size of recent growth
    • Presence/absence of watersprouts/suckers
    • Browning or dieback near tips
  • Root collar (root flare) issues
    • Deep or shallow planting
    • Fungus activity
    • Sucker growth
    • Surface roots
    • Girdling roots

It is important to always hire a local certified arborist. Familiarity with native and imported species and local climate history is key to understanding what is abnormal in a particular tree. Weather events, like the freeze in February 2021, can have lasting effects, and a local arborist is your best resource to understand how the freezing weather affected different types of trees. Furthermore, there may be particular diseases or pests in your area that warrant special attention. For example, the epidemic of oak wilt in Texas has led to the creation of the Texas Oak WIlt Qualification (TOWQ), administered by the Texas Chapter of the ISA. Certified arborists with this credential have received special training in identifying and managing oak wilt. If there is oak wilt in your area, you should contact a TOWQ arborist to make sure that your oaks are properly cared for.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are proud to be DFW-born and bred, and we pride ourselves on continuing education to remain at the forefront of our field. We employ TRAQ and TOWQ ISA Certified Arborists and ISA Board Certified Master Arborists. All of our trimming is performed to the highest industry standards and we offer comprehensive plant health care programs to treat pests and diseases on plants of all types. We provide soil and plant tissue sample submission services, as well as advice on how to prepare and submit samples yourself. We are in regular communication with researchers in plant biology, horticulture, entomology, and related fields, so we are equipped to diagnose any plant health issue, common or rare. Have a question about the health of your trees or about how our certified arborists work? Let us know!

Why Is My Tree Turning Yellow?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Resources, Tree Health Care

One hallmark of summer is the dense, green foliage on broadleaf trees, but less-than-ideal circumstances can cause the rich green of healthy leaves to become pale, yellowish, and translucent. This loss of color is caused by a deficiency in chlorophyll, which is an essential part of a tree’s nutrient-gathering process. While yellowing leaves can be a sign of several different conditions, in North Texas, yellow leaves on a tree that is usually green are most often a sign of iron deficiency (“iron chlorosis”). Since the historic freeze in February 2021, we have seen a higher number of trees exhibiting iron chlorosis, as they are still recovering from freeze damage and related stress, and their ability to get essential nutrients has been compromised. Luckily, most cases of chlorosis can be remedied by soil amendments and correct, targeted fertilization.

Why Are My Tree’s Leaves Yellow?

While it is expected to see pale green or yellowish new leaves on a tree during spring, the color of these young leaves should darken as they mature. By summer, most healthy deciduous trees should exhibit rich, green leaves. (There are some species of tree with naturally red, purple, or other-colored leaves, but these are less common in North Texas.) If a tree never “greens out,” or turns green but starts to fade well before autumn, there is a systemic health issue at play. Dead or dying leaves can turn yellow, but quickly become dark grey or brown. If a tree’s leaves become pale green or yellow, and stay that way, something is preventing the tree from generating enough chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll is a naturally-occurring chemical in most plants, and performs an important function in leaves. Chlorophyll is responsible for absorbing sunlight and converting it into usable energy for the plant. Chlorophyll is adapted to absorb as much of the correct type of light as possible, and that chemical makeup causes its green appearance. While other chemicals in the leaves can appear as other colors, in most plants, chlorophyll is present in a higher concentration than other pigments, and so it is the one we most clearly see. For a majority of plants and trees, vivid green leaves are a sign of good health and proper nutrition. When leaves begin to decline and die, as in the fall, the chlorophyll fades and other colors can be seen, which is why we see a leaf color change. Similarly, health issues and stress can make plants’ leaves change colors, as the necessary chemicals become imbalanced.

What Can I Do About Chlorosis (Leaf Yellowing)?

While the underlying cause of leaf yellowing (chlorosis) is chlorophyll deficiency, that deficiency may be caused by a number of factors:

  • Mineral/nutrient deficiency
  • Soil acidity/alkalinity
  • Poor drainage/overwatering
  • Root damage/compaction
  • Herbicide exposure
  • Bacterial/fungal infection

Management of the cause of chlorosis is the key to bringing a tree back to health. While some factors, such as soil pH or previous chemical exposure, may not be easily remedied, drainage issues and nutrient deficiencies can often be successfully resolved. Identification of the exact cause of chlorosis can be tricky, and there may be more than one contributing factor. For a comprehensive assessment, contact an ISA Certified Arborist who can examine not only the tree itself, but the surrounding environment, and can ask the right questions to properly understand the tree’s history. Local certified arborists also have access to plant pathologists and other experts, and may be aware of a widespread issue that is affecting your tree.

A NOTE ABOUT WATERING AND FERTILIZATION

A common knee-jerk reaction to a tree or plant not doing well is to immediately increase watering and start applying fertilizer. If the chlorosis is caused by excess soil moisture, however, more watering can cause even quicker tree decline. Similarly, applying a standard, high-nitrogen fertilizer may bring temporary improvement, but can cause further chemical imbalance in a nutrient-deficient tree and stimulate quick growth that is unsustainable. It is important to understand and address the specific cause of leaf yellowing before taking action. Contact an ISA Certified Arborist for assessment and recommendations, and consider sending a sample to a plant diagnosis lab for the most accurate information.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are seeing post-freeze chlorosis on many trees in North Texas, and are working with the International Society of Arboriculture Texas Chapter as well as experts at Texas A&M University and in the tree care profession to provide the best care for freeze-stressed trees. If you have questions about your trees, freeze-related or not, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

It’s Time for Action on Freeze-Damaged Trees!

by Texas Tree Surgeons Events, Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Health Care, Tree Removal

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees, and we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but if your tree has not recovered from the recent freeze, action needs to be taken soon. After the freeze in February 2021, many North Texas plants and trees were frost-damaged and unrecoverable. At the time, we recommended waiting until the summer to make a decision on removal, to give the damaged trees a chance to recover.

By this point in the year, if your trees have not leafed out, or leafed out and have since turned brown, and if your palms and other plants show no new green growth, it is time to re-evaluate them for removal. Time is of the essence when removing trees, as they can become more dangerous, difficult, and expensive to remove the longer they are left standing. Also, the chance of limb breakage and major structural failure greatly increases as dead trees are left in the ground, leading to a higher risk of injury to person or damage to property. As the spring rains give way to the summer heat, dead trees will start to dry out, reducing structural stability.

If on the other hand, your trees have at least 50% of their canopies, they may still recover. It is important to start soil amendments and proper watering to give these stressed trees a better chance of making it through the summer heat. NOTE: standard (high-nitrogen) fertilizer, such as lawn fertilizer, over-the-counter products, or weed and feed products are NOT recommended for freeze-stressed trees. Stressed trees need particular soil amendments and nutrients. Contact us today to find out what your trees need!

Trees with at least half of the canopy remaining should be treated with soil amendments and proper watering.

Read More About Proper Fertilization

Read More About Watering

What To Do

Why Were Some Trees Hit Harder Than Others?

  • Underlying issues and stressors
  • Age
  • Tree location with respect to the storm front
    • Shelter from buildings or other trees

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees, and while we hate to have to remove them, we are committed to sustainability and recycle our wood waste through our sister company Burn This Firewood. We also offset our tree removals by partnering with local and international organizations dedicated to replanting and reforestation.

What To Do With Freeze-Damaged Ash and Elm Trees

by Texas Tree Surgeons Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Health Care

The information in this article applies only to certain types of trees, such as elms, ashes, figs, crape myrtles, and even some other landscape plants like loropetalum. For information on what to do with your oaks or palm trees, see our other articles:

Oaks Looking Bad?

Will Palms Survive?

As with oaks, many species of trees, such as ash and elm, were severely damaged or killed by the freezing weather in February 2021. Even if your tree has not leafed out, or shown only sparse growth, there may be another option besides replacing it.

What Can You Do? Watch For New Sprouts!

  • Trees that have died from the ground up may still have living root systems.
    • If the tree cannot support the old growth, the energy in the roots may be directed to putting up new shoots around the base of the tree.
  • These new tree shoots have a great advantage over transplanted trees, as they are growing from a well-established root system.
    • While the new sprouts start out small, their growth will be supported by robust roots.
    • Local tree farm stocks are depleted after the storm, so it may be hard to find a suitable replacement.
    • Even with stump grinding, a transplanted tree should not be planted in the same place at the old tree.

Tree in North Texas showing extensive above-ground dieback and new growth from the roots.

Tree with extensive above-ground dieback showing new growth from the roots.

Remove The Dead Tree Carefully

  •  If you want to encourage the new sprouts into maturing into full trees, they must be protected from damage.
  • When removing the freeze-damaged tree, take care not to disturb any shoots growing around the base of the trunk.
    • Do not grind the stump, as this will destroy the established root system.
  • As the sprouts mature, begin to remove some of them, leaving one or two main shoots.
    • Once the main shoots are a year old, you can select one to continue cultivating and remove the others.
  • If you have a tree, such as an ash, that is threatened by insect or disease activity, consult an ISA Certified Arborist to ensure that preventative action is taken, if needed.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The freeze of February 2021, like storms and tornadoes before it, will alter our North Texas urban forest in many ways. As we continue to monitor the response of trees and plants, we will continue to keep our community and customers informed, so that they have all the information necessary to take the best care of their trees. We are always happy to answer any questions you have about your trees freeze-damaged or not, so contact an arborist today!

Are Your Oaks Looking Bad? They are Still Recovering from the Freeze!

by Texas Tree Surgeons Events, Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Health Care

The unprecedented winter weather in February 2021 will have a lasting effect on North Texas. Many trees and plants have already failed to come back from the freezing temperatures and had to be removed. Others may be showing signs of new growth, but are still struggling. The Texas A&M Forest Service and other experts have reiterated the need to care for freeze-damaged and stressed trees to give them the best chance of recovering.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? KEEP WAITING!

Freeze-stressed trees, especially oaks, may be putting out some new leaves, but are much less vigorous than in previous years.

  • Continue to monitor them, and do what you can to alleviate stress.
  • Water your stressed trees properly, and make sure not to flood the roots with overwatering.
  • Avoid preventative insecticide or fungicide treatments; treat only those pests that are currently active in the tree.

Texas live oak tree showing signs of freeze damage and related stress

Live oak showing signs of freeze-related stress

Texas red oak tree showing signs of freeze damage and related stress.

Red oak affected by the freeze in Februrary 2021

RECOVERY WILL TAKE A LONG TIME

Whatever the progress of your tree’s recovery, it will take months and possibly years to regain the health it had before the winter storms.

  • If a tree has shown no signs of new growth by July, it will likely never recover.
  • Trees with sparse growth may be able to leaf out normally in a year or two, so consider waiting to remove.
  • As always, contact an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate your trees’ progress and make recommendations for care.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are constantly in discussion with experts in the fields of arboriculture and horticulture throughout Texas as we try to manage the effects of February’s freeze. Our ISA Certified Arborists are happy to assess your trees and help you provide the best care during this period of residual stress. As we move into the heat of the summer, potential for heat-related stress increases, so contact an arborist today!

My Crape Myrtles Aren’t Blooming! Are They Dead?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Health Care

Like other trees and shrubs, crape myrtles in North Texas are not adapted to hard freezes like we had in February 2021. However, crape myrtles are hardier than many other area plants, and should recover completely, although they may bloom a little late.

Don’t Give Up on Your Crape Myrtles: WAIT!

Like with live oaks, we will have to wait a few weeks to know how crape myrtles handled the freezing weather. Even though they survived the freeze, the cold temperatures were a shock to the trees’ systems, and recovery takes time.

  • We expect to see crape myrtles budding and leafing out 2 to 4 weeks later than usual.
    • May be less new growth and fewer buds
    • If the trees were healthy before the freeze, should recover completely.
  • We recommend leaving new sprouts growing from the base until the crape myrtle is blooming normally.
    • If there are dead trunks, these sprouts can grow to replace them.
  • Keep an eye out for common crape myrtles health issues as the trees recover from the freeze:
    • Aphids
    • Crape myrtle bark scale
    • Sooty mold
    • Powdery mildew
  • If crape myrtles have shown no new growth by the end of April:
    • Remove all dead wood down to the highest level of living tissue
    • May need to trim down to ground level and let sprouts replace all trunks
  • If your crape myrtles survived the frost, consider a plant health care program to keep them healthy
  • Finally, as always, DO NOT TOP CRAPE MYRTLES!

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The freezing weather in February 2021 will continue to have effects on area trees for years to come. Frost-damaged trees will need extra care and attention. We offer conprehensive plant health care programs that help stressed trees get the nutrients they need and fight pests. Our staff of ISA Certified Arborists are available to assess your trees and see if they need immediate action, or if it is best to wait and see how they recover. For questions about crape myrtles or any other tree, get in touch!