Tag Arborist

How Can I Help My Trees During a Drought?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Extreme Weather

Residents of North Texas are familiar with long, hot summers that take a toll on everyone and everything. From drinking extra water, keeping our pets cool, and making sure our air conditioners are working, summer in DFW can be a busy time. While watering our lawns is common practice, many homeowners do not think about the water needs of their trees. During a Texas summer, and especially when we are in drought conditions, providing adequate tree care is critical to helping your trees survive and thrive.

How Does Drought Affect Trees?

Trees are able to store water and nutrients and so may not show signs of drought stress immediately, at least not to a casual observer. When trees are greatly affected by lack of water, these symptoms are common:

  • Yellowing, wilting and browning leaves
    • Leaves turning colors other than green (except in species that exhibit other colors of foliage) is often the first sign that something is wrong with a tree
  • Leaf drop/defoliation
    • Keep in mind that some species (like live oaks and magnolias) exchange leaves throughout the year, rather than all in the fall, so some leaf drop is natural
  • Dieback at the end of branches and limbs
    • As a tree loses vitality, the smaller growth is often the first to die
  • Sunburn
    • As the canopy loses leaves, larger parts of the tree become exposed to sunlight
    • Constant exposure to light and heat causes damage to the outer layers of bark, which can start to die and fall off, exposing the nutrient-carrying parts of the tree to more heat and sun

Even when visible signs are not present, trees experience stress soon after their needs for water are not met. Some of the “invisible” signs of drought stress are:

  • Death of fine, nutrient-absorbing roots
    • In addition to the large stabilizing roots, trees have fine, hair-like root structures in the top layers of soil that absorb water and nutrients
    • These roots die quickly when the soil around them becomes dry and hot
    • As these roos die, the tree loses its ability to take up moisture and nutrients from the soil, leading to further stress and dieback
  • Reduced ability to fight off diseases and pests
    • If a tree is losing energy due to a lack of incoming moisture and nutrients, its defenses are less able to resist other attacks and stressors
    • If bark is being lost, pests that feed on the heartwood have easier access
  • Stressors that are normally insignificant can become big issues
    • The impacts of unnecessary removal of green wood, damage to the canopy or root system, and stress from nearby activity (such as construction) are amplified by drought stress

What Can I Do to Help My Trees in a Drought?

Water. Water. Water!

The most important thing to do to help your trees is water them.

  • A lawn sprinkler system is NOT enough to keep trees hydrated.
    • Trees need much more water than turf grass or smaller plants, and must be watered correctly, if there is to be any effect.
  • North Texas Tree Watering Guide

Use Mulch to Regulate Soil Temperature and Moisture

Proper use of mulch around trees reduces the amount of watering needed and provides vital nutrients to the soil and tree roots underneath.

What to Avoid in a Drought (and Always!)

DO NOT Use High-Nitrogen Fertilizer

  • Nitrogen stimulates rapid growth, which expends a tree’s depleted energy stores quickly

DO NOT Use “Weed and Feed” Products

  • The “weed” component is a tree-targeting herbicide, and the “feed” is often a nitrogen-based growth stimulant

DO NOT Over Trim Trees

  • Avoid unnecessary trimming and removing too much of the canopy, which reduces a tree’s ability to draw up moisture and exposes the branches to the sun

DO NOT Disturb the Area Under a Tree’s Canopy (Critical Root Zone)

  • Digging, trenching, planting, construction, and other activity can destroy the fine, nutrient-absorbing roots and even damage larger roots, leading to instability

How Arborists Help in a Drought

Whether your tree is showing signs of lack of water, or is withstanding drought stress, proper tree care from an ISA Certified Arborist® is crucial to giving your trees the best chance to survive a drought.

  • Proper trimming to remove dead or diseased wood, and provide airflow to keep the canopy cool
  • Applying organic soil amendments designed to help drought-stressed trees supplement any lack of nutrients in the environment
  • In cases of root damage, pest activity, or heat-related diseases, recommending plant health care programs designed to reduce stress and encourage healthy growth
  • Reminding you to water!

Proper summer tree care (especially watering!) is the key to keeping fine root structures alive so that trees are able to get the water and nutrients they need to survive a drought. The top two to four inches of soil around the base of a tree and under the canopy is where a tree gets most of what it needs to grow. Keeping that area stable, watered, and cool goes a long way toward having trees that thrive even in a North Texas summer.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The Texas drought in 2011 killed an estimated 300 million trees, including 5.6 million urban shade trees. We are keeping an eye on Texas drought conditions and adjusting our recommendations and practices accordingly. If you are concerned about your trees or have questions about how best to care for them, one of our ISA Certified Arborists® would be glad to talk to you! Contact us today!

Are Trees Still Showing Signs of Freeze Damage? [May 2022 UPDATE]

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

Unfortunately for trees in North Texas, the effects of the February 2021 winter storm, often called “Winter Storm Uri” in the media, are still with us. The historically-low temperatures and winter precipitation in 2021 and the winter weather in February 2022 had a devastating impact on the health of trees and other vegetation and  recovery from those extreme conditions will take time. Common landscape trees in the DFW area, such as ash, live oaks, red oaks, wax myrtles, chinaberries, and Chinese tallow trees were some of the worst damaged by the freezing conditions and so the damage can still be seen in many parts of our community.

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

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

A tree exhibiting severe freeze-thaw cracks. Even less drastic cracking can reduce a tree’s defenses against pests.

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!

Why Does Tree Work Cost So Much?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming

Since most of us don’t get tree work done more often than once or twice a year, it can be difficult to predict the cost. Even after getting an estimate from a tree service, understanding the costs that go into trimming or removing a tree can be challenging.

How is Tree Work Priced?

Tree trimming prices are usually based on man hours for the work requested and amount of debris to be hauled away. Factors such as location, timing, equipment needed, and safety requirements can also increase the price of tree work. If additional work is added the day of the job, this may not be included in the original estimate.

What to Look for in Tree Work Price Estimates

Whether it is called a bid, work proposal, or estimate, reputable tree trimming companies will always submit job pricing in writing for customer approval. In addition to pricing, this document should contain the basic information about the company, including the legal name, address, and contact information. There will also be certain legal language, terms and conditions, that both the tree company and customer agree to follow. Sometimes these terms are printed on the bid, and sometimes they are online and simply referenced. Always be sure to ask to see the terms and conditions before agreeing to an estimate.

The “Big 3” Considerations When Hiring a Tree Service

  • Reviews/Reputation

    • What can you find out about a tree trimming company online?
      • Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, and similar sites can not only provide a star rating or score, but feature reviews and feedback from actual customers.
    • Is it easy to find contact information for a tree service?
      • Are there multiple contact options? (Phone, email, text, live chat)
    • When reading reviews, pay attention to how the business responds to both good and bad feedback.
      • Do they try to resolve customer concerns or just ignore criticism?

  • Insurance

    • Tree trimming and removal can be tricky; reputable tree services will always have insurance, usually several types, to cover any unforeseen occurrences.
      • Commercial General Liability
        • Provides basic coverage for when the company is at fault for damage or injury
      • Vehicle
        • Covers damages related to motor vehicles and their operation
      • Personnel
        • Covers the tree service’s workers
      • Umbrella Coverage
        • Overlaps with other types of insurance to provide greater protection
    • In many states, there are no requirements to carry specific insurance.
      • Ask a prospective tree service about insurance to make sure you are protected if something happens while they are on your property.

  • Credentials

    • Reputable tree services will employ ISA Certified Arborists
      • The International Society of Arboriculture is the premier arborist training and certification organization in the world.
    • Most states do not offer a license in arboriculture.
      • With few exceptions, a “licensed arborist” is not a real credential
    • Contact your local ISA chapter or agricultural extension service to see if there are additional credentials specific to your area
      • In Texas, for example, ISA Certified Arborists can obtain the Texas Oak WIlt Qualification, reflecting additional training in management of the oak wilt disease
    • Experience and credentials go hand-in-hand
      • Be wary of professionals saying that they have experience and don’t need training

Additional Factors in Tree Service Pricing

  • Haul Away/Clean Up

    • Does the work estimate include hauling away the debris?

    • What is expected in the clean-up process after work is completed?

  • Seasonal Considerations

    • Are there additional expenses during a particular time of year?

      • For example, painting cuts on oak trees during oak wilt season

  • Recent Events/Weather

    • Was there just a big storm? Access for private companies to municipal resources like a greenfill might be restricted or the fees increased.

    • Increase in pricing and availability of fuel or equipment may lead to increased costs or reduced availability.

Don’t always go with the lowest estimate! When our owner, Amy Langbein Heath, was starting out as an arborist, she gave a bid to a friend to remove a tree with a rotten trunk. The friend decided to go with a removal estimate that was about half the price of Texas Tree Surgeons. Amy reminded her friend to ask for the company’s insurance, especially because it was a potentially difficult and dangerous removal.

A few hours into the removal, the tree crew dropped part of the trunk onto the garage and power lines. Rather than take responsibility, and probably because they were not insured, the tree trimmers left, and Amy’s friend was unable to get in touch with them. Trying to save a little bit on the tree work led to damage to her home and power outages that cost well beyond what Amy’s friend would have paid to a reputable company.

What are “Tree Surgeons?”

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Resources

There are many different names used to identify people who care for trees: tree trimmers, arborists, landscapers, etc. In Europe and other parts of the world, professionals who care for trees are often called “tree surgeons.” While that term is not in common use in North Texas, it does a great job of describing the level of care and attention that goes into properly trimming a tree.

What is the Difference between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon?

Like “arborist,” the term “tree surgeon” could be applied, generally, to anyone who trims or otherwise cares for trees. In the US, there is no standard definition of “tree surgeon,” “arborist,” or any other general term. While some states have licensing for tree workers, there is no state arborist license in Texas. Luckily, the International Society of Arboriculture(ISA) has established a world-wide standard for tree worker education, training and certification. No matter what city, state, or country you are in, finding an ISA Certified Arborist(r) guarantees that the individual has experience and proven knowledge in the field of tree care. For more information about certified arborists, read our previous post.

How Can I Find a Reputable Tree Surgeon Near Me?

While anyone can call themselves a “tree surgeon” or “arborist,” there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when hiring a tree care service:

  • Credentials

    • The most important credential a tree worker can have is ISA Certified Arborist

      • Find certified arborists in your area at https://treesaregood.com

      • This shows a proven understanding of tree health and biology, as well as industry-standard tree care practices

      • Additionally, there are specializations that an ISA Certified Arborist can attain

        • Tree Risk Assessment Qualification – for evaluating and remedying hazards related to a tree’s structure

        • Texas Oak Wilt Qualification – a local specialization for managing the oak wilt disease in Texas

        • Utility, municipal, etc. specializations – for arborists working in specific practice areas

    • If a company is applying pesticide or other regulated chemicals, they must employ someone with an applicator’s license

      • In Texas, these are administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture

    • Other certifications offered by organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association or individual state licensing boards may indicate training or experience, but are not as comprehensive or universal as ISA certification.

  • Insurance

    • Make sure that the company has coverage for damages or accidents that occur on your property

      • Ask to see a copy of their Certificate of Insurance, and don’t be afraid to call their insurers to verify coverage

  • Reviews

    • Online reviews can give a good idea of past customers’ experiences with the company

      • Be wary of fake-sounding reviews

      • Keep in mind that some review platforms may allow companies to pay to remove bad reviews

    • Neighborhood-based social networks can be a good source for word-of-mouth referrals

  • Customer Service

    • Any company you contact should have a easily-understandable procedure and good communication

    • Ask questions up front (such as about insurance, etc.) to avoid surprises later

    • Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or too-good-to-be-true claims

      • Always feel free to get a second opinion

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are proud to call ourselves “tree surgeons,” and are dedicated to providing the best in tree care and customer service. We have ISA Certified Arborists on staff, who are ready to answer any question you have about caring for your trees. In addition, we have several ISA Board Certified Master Arborists, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, each of whom have years of experience and have undergone extensive training and examination to attain those credentials. Just like medical practices, we are a team made up of individuals with different specialties and responsibilities, from the ISA Certified Arborists who evaluate your tree care needs, to the TDA Licensed Applicators who perform our Plant Health Care treatments, to our customer service professionals who ensure that communications among all parties happen seamlessly and efficiently. Want one of our professional tree surgeons out to take a look at your trees? Let us know!

Woman-Owned and Women-Strong

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources

Texas Tree Surgeons is proud to be woman-owned and women-managed, and in January 2022, we celebrated another milestone as a third member of our team, Meaggan Reid, became an International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist® (BCMA). Meaggan joins our owner, Amy Heath, and our managing arborist, Hannah Edinburgh in an achievement that recognizes arborists who have reached “the pinnacle of their profession,” and which is held by fewer than two percent of all ISA Certified Arborists. In fact, there are only four women who are ISA BCMAs in the state of Texas, and three of them are at TTS! Meaggan is a recent addition to the family of women that make TTS strong, and we are proud of her achievement!

Amy Langbein Heath

since 2007

Amy’s journey to become an arborist began with a hike along the Appalachian Trail in 2005. Since then, Amy has dedicated herself to the care of trees and the education of tree-owners. First as an arborist, then as the owner, Amy has made Texas Tree Surgeons into a tree care company founded on a love of trees and a love of our community. Amy has endeavored to bring strong female leadership and innovation into a field historically dominated by men, and has inspired others to follow her example. Amy became the first woman in Texas to achieve BCMA status in 2019.

Hannah Edinburgh

since 2011

In 2011, Hannah’s parents had a tree fall in their backyard. Fortunately, Amy was the arborist they called to evaluate it. Amy’s passion for tree care and education inspired Hannah to turn her own love of the outdoors and wildlife into a career, and Hannah has since gone on to become a BCMA and a Registered Consulting Arborist.

Meaggan Reid

since 2021

Although she didn’t start her career in tree care at TTS, Meaggan was inspired by Amy’s example to seek a place on our team. Meaggan’s drive to offer the highest level of tree care and customer service was a natural fit, and her love of education and level of arboricultural knowledge was formally recognized with her achieving BCMA status in 2022. Meaggan has already shown her desire and support for the culture we seek to spread at TTS, and we are proud of her achievement and grateful to have her as part of our family!

Lindsey Brammer

since 2009

Amy’s first hire, Lindsey is a long-time believer that our success as a company is dependent upon our closeness and familial culture. Her care extends to her customers, and she is able to take her intelligence, skill, and training and communicate with those who may not know the first thing about trees.

Emily Long

since 2014

Emily found TTS through a friend of Amy’s, and she has brought outstanding customer service and sales, married with dedication to her community. A resident of Rockwall, she has developed a loyal customer base who value her expertise, guidance, and personality.

In addition to our arborists in the field, our office and management staff is women-led and organized under Jade Nowell, our operations manager, who has been with TTS longer than Amy! Jade exemplifies our ideals of strength, versatility, and customer care. From answering the phones, to bookkeeping, to crew dispatch, Jade is able to keep the wheels of TTS turning through storms, pandemics, and staffing shortages. Arborists, field crews, and office staff have all been able thrive and grow with Jade as their support.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community, especially all the women who work to improve the lives of others in every field. We are honored to have partnerships with other women-led organizations, such as Genesis Women’s Shelter and Turn Compost. Our sister company, Burn This Firewood, is woman-managed as well, with Maria Castro Gutierrez serving as the “Jade” of firewood. As we continue to grow, we hope to offer more opportunities for women in a male-dominated industry. Know of a woman who is interested in trees and would like to know more about what it means to be in tree care? Let us know!

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!