Category Tree Owner’s Guide

Exposed roots

Will Root Disturbance Kill My Tree?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Tree Health Care, Tree Owner's Guide

The roots of trees serve many functions, there are specific ones used for stabilizing while others are used for absorbing water and nutrients. While we tend to pay attention to what is easily visible like the canopy of the tree, roots need to be cared for just as much, if not more.

The best way to care for roots is by leaving them undisturbed. In a perfect urban setting that would look like a tree’s entire drip line (canopy) covered with mulch with minimal foot traffic. While this is not possible for many homeowners, reducing root disturbance is the next best thing.

Live oak roots cut to make room for new sidewalk and sprinkler system.
Live oak roots cut to make space for new sprinkler system and sidewalk
Trench cut for new plumbing

Common Root Disturbances in Urban Areas:

Chemical disturbance:

  • Weed and feed
  • Interior/ Exterior paint brushes and tools rinsed outdoors
  • Pool water, both saltwater and chlorine
  • Gas leaks

Mechanical disturbance:

Roots inspected by an arborist to assess tree health after airspading was done to decompact soil. 

Often when we think of roots we imagine large support roots in the ground, when it is the fine absorbing roots in the top few inches of soil that keep the tree alive. When these roots are cut, or the soil around them is compressed the roots die.

A healthy tree can sustain some root damage, but a tree under stress, like one living in a city and not in forest, can not sustain this type of stress for long because this is most likely not the only stressor the tree is enduring. Often we see trees die years later from root disturbance after they have used up all of its stored nutrients.

Some species respond more drastically than others to root stress. Species that do very poorly are; post oaks, magnolias, red oaks, dogwoods, and sweet gums.

Air spading the soil to improve tree heatlh
Air spading to decompact roots
Pruning roots after tree has been air spaded.
Root pruning to remove girdling roots

There are times that roots will be disturbed by an arborist or tree health care technician to improve tree health. 

  • Air spading is done to decompact soil so the tree is able to better absorb air, water and nutrients
  • Root pruning in a younger tree will be done to correct girdling roots

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! If you are planning to remodel, do new landscape, or installation of sod we would love to help safeguard your trees. We are rooting for trees. Contact us today!

Urban tree being chocked out by ivy and severely pruned by oncor because of power lines

Why City Trees and Forest Trees have Different Needs

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Health Care, Tree Owner's Guide

An urban tree’s lifespan is significantly shorter than one found in a forest. Why? Short answer, humans. The thought that trees are fine without us is true. This is why trees in a forest are fine but trees in an urban environment aren’t. Once humans began planting them around us or moved into their space we started to kill them, of course not intentionally.

Unlike a tree in a forest, trees living amongst people in cities begin their life cycle under stress. 

Problems Trees in an Urban Environment Face:

  • They do not have other trees nearby to share nutrients with
  • They do not have other trees to protect them from wind and sun 
  • Their soil is contaminated with byproduct of cities; chemicals, paint, chlorine
  • They have limited area to grow due to streets, sidewalks, power lines, and driveways
  • They experience root disturbance from plumbing, construction, or trenching
  • Temperatures in a city is higher due to concrete and less shade from other trees

These stressors impact the trees quality of life and because of this urban trees need extra assistance from humans to correct these man made problems they would not run into if they were in a forest.

Amazing Tree Facts:

Fertilizing the soil post air spading and root pruning to improve tree health.

At Texas Tree Surgeons we are urban arborists, not foresters, and are trained and educated to care for the specific needs of urban trees. We love trees, and we hope you do too. We have a basic homeowners guide to trees so you too can keep your trees healthy.

Tree inside of container with a person in the background digging a hole.

Tree Selection Fundamentals

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Owner's Guide

Things To Consider for a Healthy Tree Environment

When selecting a new tree for your home or property there are several things you should consider; location, growth speed, maximum size, critical root zone, soil, light and shade, water, surrounding plants, evergreen vs deciduous, flower/fruit/seed production, native vs nativized, and source stock. Below are some guides to help you determine the best tree for your property and your needs.

Location

The location a tree will be planted will determine how big it can get. Take into account potential obstacles for growth, such as:

  • Overhead utility lines
  • Structures
  • Underground irrigation or utility placement
  • Drainage
  • Soil composition
  • Light availability
  • Sidewalks, driveways, or other surface features
  • Pools, septic tanks, or other in-ground features
  • Planned construction or renovation

Growth Speed

Different tree species grow at different rates and faster isn’t always better. Growth speed can be related to age at planting as well as environmental factors.

Maximum Size

While it may vary, certain species of trees usually have a maximum and minimum expected height, as well as expected canopy spread. It is important to consider nearby buildings, signage, overhead utilities, and aesthetics when selecting a specific species of trees. It can be difficult and dangerous for the tree and for people to try to reduce the size of an already-mature tree. We do not recommend topping trees as a way to manage size.

Critical Root Zone

Related to the canopy spread, the critical root zone is the area around the base of a tree where vital underground roots are present. Both large, stabilizing roots and smaller feeder roots must be considered. Restricted root space or regular ground disturbance can stress a tree and cause premature failure.

Soil

Soil acidity, moisture, and composition determine what species can grow and thrive in North Texas. Much of soil found here is dense, alkaline clay. Trees that are not suited to this type of soil will not be able to get the required nutrients it needs and will eventually show signs of stress.

Light and Shade

Some trees are well-suited to the understory (beneath the top canopy), while other need full, all-day sun. Keep in mind that sunlight intensity and direction changes through the seasons, and can be affected by the growth of nearby plants, as well.

Water

Newly-planted trees need careful watering, but even established trees have a preferred level of soil moisture. Excessive soil moisture can help some species thrive, but contribute to disease in others. Consider where water pools during heavy rains, and where runoff goes when deciding where to plant your tree.

Surrounding Plants

Turf grass, other ground cover, and other plants contribute to the competition for water and nutrients in the soil. As a tree grows, it may cast different shade or cause surface distortions that affect surrounding plants.

Evergreen vs Deciduous

Deciduous trees that drop leaves every fall can feature fall color, but often create more leaf litter. Evergreen trees, whether broad-leafed or needle bearing do not drop all their leaves at once, but are generally the same shade of green throughout the year.

Flower, Fruit, and Seed Production

Spring blooms and seasonal fruit can attract birds and pollinators, contributing to the landscape’s beauty. Some types of flowers and fruit can cause concrete staining or be hazardous to pets.

Native vs Nativized

Native species generally do better than imported species, but there is a limited selection. Imported species can be adapted to climate and soil, and give a variety of size and foliage options, but may become invasive.

Source/Stock

Nursery stock from a specific tree farm or source can be prone to particular structural issues and diseases. If not cared for properly at the nursery, trees may need a long period of rehabilitation after planting. Selecting a larger tree over a smaller one is not always better.

While it may seem logical to plant the largest available specimen of a desired tree species, research has shown that planting smaller trees leads to more growth in the first year, and likely to better early establishment. Planting younger trees gives the tree owner more chances to provide the best care.

Tree Recommendations

We have a blog dedicated to helping you choose the best trees for North Texas.

Additional Resources

The Texas A&M Forest Service has published an online tree selector. On their website you are able to select a county and tree size for quick recommendations. In addition the International Society of Arboriculture offers user-friendly guidelines for choosing the right tree for your yard.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope this blog on tree selection will help you choose the right tree for your home. We have additional resources on our North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide. If you would like immediate assistance with your trees please contact us today.

Texas Tree Surgeons employee removing synthetic material from the root ball to plant properly into the ground.

Tree Planting Basics

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Owner's Guide

A common mistake people make when planting a tree is to directly plant it into the ground from the container. Below are guidelines to follow to make sure you have planted your tree in the most optimal way possible.

Location

Choose the right tree for your site, and the right site for your tree!

Avoid planting tree’s close to one another and take into account potential obstacles for growth such as overhead or underground utilities that may prevent your new tree from thriving.

Timing

Winter and early spring are the best times to plant new trees.

When temperatures are cooler, trees are less active and can handle the stress of planting better. Planting before the growing season gives new trees an opportunity to become established before the stress of summer heat

Site Preparation

Before digging, especially if planting a larger tree, locate any underground irrigation or utility lines so that they will not be damaged. In Texas, homeowners (or their contractors) are required to contact Texas811 two business days before digging, even in their own yard.

  • Remove turf grass or other ground cover before digging
  • Dig the right-sized hole for the tree you are planting
  • In general, the hole should be three times the diameter of the container or roots of the tree to be planted

Planting

We have two guides that will show you how to plant a tree so you can avoid common issues like; girdling roots, improper depth, over/underwatering. The following links can be found here:

Initial Care

Plan to water your new tree at least once a week in the spring, fall, and winter, and twice a week in the summer. We have to guides that can be found here:

How to Water a Tree How-to Video

Maintain a proper mulch radius (3″-4″ deep, two to three feet from the trunk) around your new tree, adding more mulch as needed and as the tree grows. Learn more about mulch here:

Trimming

Young trees do not need to be trimmed for several years, but may benefit from structural pruning.

Additional Resources

Texas A&M Forest Service has tree planting guidelines online. In addition the International Society of Arboriculture also offers planting tips.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope this blog on tree planting will take the guess work out of how to plant a tree. We have additional resources on our North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide. If you would like immediate assistance with your trees please contact us today.

North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide

Arborist inspecting the ground to assess a trees health

What is Tree Care?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Owner's Guide

Trees are living organisms and can get a weakened immune system similarly as an animal or plant would. Watering and mulching are easy first steps to ensuring your tree stays healthy. We have a few more tips to help your tree thrive

Watering

With our hot, dry summers, and tendency for drought conditions, proper watering is the best thing tree owners can do to help their trees.

Mulching

The importance of mulching is often overlooked, especially when trees are planted in an area covered with turf grass, but mulch is an easy way to manage soil moisture, temperature, and contribute nutrients to less-than-ideal soils.

Fertilization and Soil Amendments

Fertilization can be a touchy subject; most readily-available fertilizers are not designed to improve soil and feed trees in the long term. Some products, like “weed and feed” treatments, can actually harm trees. For sustainable, long-term improvement, a balanced mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers and soil additives yield the best results.

Trimming

  • Timing
  •  Maintenance Trimming
    • Maintenance trimming is what most healthy trees need to maintain their health and balanced growth and is generally recommended every two years for mature trees.
  • Specialized Trimming
    • Structural pruning is generally performed on young trees, structural pruning helps to establish balanced, healthy growth.
    • Restoration pruning is generally performed when a tree has been topped, or has sustained other physical damage, restoration pruning can be used to guide it back to a natural shape.
    • Retrenchment pruning is generally performed on older trees that have less vigor and ability to sustain new growth and can often benefit from directed trimming that reduces overall size and weight while maintaining health.

Tree Health Care

At all stages of life, trees can suffer from stress, damage, pests, and diseases. “Tree health care” refers to the use of organic and inorganic chemical application to address a health issue or bolster a tree’s ability to cope with a stressor. Plant health care needs are determined by a certified arborist and treatments are performed by specialized technicians.

Common types of plant health care include:

  • Fertilization
  • Soil Amendment
  • Pesticide Application
  • Disease Management
  • Chemical Growth Regulation

Additional Resources

The International Society of Arboriculture has a guide on tree trimming and plant health care.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope this blog on tree care will encourage you to annually schedule an arborist assessment to maintain tree health. We have additional resources on our North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide. If you would like immediate assistance with your trees please contact us today.

North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide

Oak wilt

Common Tree Issues to Look Out for

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Owner's Guide

To keep your trees healthy it is recommended to have your tree assessed by an ISA Certified Arborist every year. They are able to spot issues that a homeowner may miss. Below are some common issues to intercept before they become costly problems for your trees.

Structural

Trees may have natural structural issues or may develop them in response to stress or other factors. Aside from breaking and falling limbs, trees can also develop instabilities in the root system.

Physical damage

Everything from nearby landscape maintenance to reckless driving can be a source of physical damage to a tree. Generally, the more damage is done to the bark and the layers just underneath it, the more impact damage will have on a tree’s health.

While trees cannot “heal” in the same way that animals can, there are ways that trees respond to wounds and can minimize the internal damage. A tree’s wound response does not usually need human intervention, and applying wraps or compounds is not usually necessary or advised.

Weather/Environment

North Texas is known for unpredictable, and often severe, weather. Storms, droughts, freezes, and high winds are just a few of the weather events we are used to. Properly preparing trees for the weather, and dealing with the effects of severe events is an important part of caring for trees.

Insects/Pests

Depending on the species, age, and location of a tree, it may be a target for many different insects, arachnids, and other pests. Some that are comon in North Texas are:

Diseases/fungi

As with pests, a tree’s susceptibility to disease depends on several factors. Some of the common North Texas tree diesases are:

Cycle of decline

No matter the particular type, all trees suffer from stress, pest activity, and potential for diseases. The factors contributing to a tree’s ability to recover from stress, damage, or infection range from the weather at a given moment to the genetic makeup of the particular tree.

Trees with certain underlying predispositions may react very differently to stress when compared to trees without those underlying factors.

Trees that have suffered recent damage may be less able to fight off an infection.

When considering the health of a tree, it is important to keep in mind the “cycle of decline,” the recurrent effect of internal and external factors have on a tree’s ability to maintain vigor and health.

Physical damage or poor soil conditions do not only have an immediate effect on a tree’s health, but factor in whenever a new stressor presents itself.

Failure to address these factors can hasten tree decline and death.

Additional Resources

The International Society of Arboriculture has guide of Tree Hazards

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope this blog on common tree issues will help prevent tree failure. We have additional resources on our North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide. If you would like immediate assistance with your trees please contact us today.

North Texas Tree Owner’s Guide