Tag extreme weather

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

What You Need to Know About Live Oaks and Ice Storms

by Texas Tree Surgeons Arborist Services, Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Trimming

Live Oaks are native North Texas trees which makes them well adapted to the variety of soil types found here. Despite being acclimated to the soil systems here, live oaks can still be stressed by extreme weather. 

If it’s been more than 12-18 months since your last structural assessment by a certified arborist, now is the time to schedule. Preventative care is the best way to help protect your trees from limb failure from extreme weather.

Proper pruning minimizes the likelihood of limb breakage in moderate to heavy ice storms by improving the branching structure by properly distributing the added weight brought on by ice accumulating on the leaves and branches.

Live oaks are more prone to breakage during ice storms because they are evergreens which means they do not drop their leaves in the fall. Unlike other species, like pecan, they have more leaves on their branches and because of this the extra leaves provide more area coverage for water to collect and turn to ice (if cold enough) and create additional weight and stress, which can lead to limb breakage. 

In addition to proper pruning to prepare for ice storms we also recommend that prior to a huge drop in temperature to deeply water your tree if the soil does not have adequate soil moisture. If you are unsure if your soil has adequate moisture we have a video demonstrating how to check as well as proper watering techniques that can be found here.

Common signs of frost damage on a live oak are:

  • Brown leaves
  • Wilted leaves
  • ‘Frost’ cracks on trunk and limbs

If your live oak is already stressed by drought, disease, or insect activity they may have a harder time recovering from freeze damage. Provide extra care to your tree in the years to come to help replenish stored energy that has been depleted due to stress. Mulch is a great way to help regulate temperature and add additional nutrients into the soil. Also, be patient, and closely monitor during the following spring and summer to assess next steps. 

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The best care for your tree is preventative care. If its been more than 12-18 months since a certified arborist has done a structural assessment please 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!

How To Care For Trees During a Drought

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

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!

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!