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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!

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!

Water Your Trees Now!

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

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!

Just in Time For the Holidays!

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources

Firewood Pickup and Delivery Now Available!

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! That’s why we bring you Burn This Firewood!

In the past 20 years, we have seen tons of wood waste being sent to landfills. With our recent relocation to our new home in Garland, we are able to save much of that wood from being thrown away by recycling it into firewood and mulch!

Local firewood is always best, and we are happy to be able to offer mixed hardwood firewood by the piece or by the cord. We can even deliver it right to your door or patio or deck or wherever! Stock up on locally-sourced wood and be ready to keep your fireplace, grill, or campfire going all season long!

Also, we always have FREE mulch available for pickup! If you are interested in larger quantities, we can even arrange delivery for a fee. Non-profits like school, and community gardens always get free mulch delivery.

Thank you for helping us continue to serve our community and keep our urban forest healthy! Remember, if you are a customer of Texas Tree Surgeons, you always get 10% off of any firewood order.

And Don’t Forget…

Fall and winter are the best times to trim trees! When trees are dormant during the cooler months, they are more resistant to the stress of trimming, and there are fewer active insects and other pests that can prey on trees. Trimming your trees in the fall prepares them for storms and inclement weather by removing broken or dead branches, reducing weight, and thinning the canopy to lessen the risk of falling debris.

Contact us today to set up a visit from your arborist!

Artificial Turf and Trees

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Health Care

It seems that artificial turf is becoming more and more popular each year. With less required maintenance and year-round color, artificial grass can seem like an easy way to have a lush, green lawn. One thing that synthetic turf cannot replicate, however, is the role of natural turf grass in the ecosystem of your yard. Replacing a living organism with a nonorganic ground cover can have unseen adverse effects on other landscape plants, especially trees.

Is Artificial Turf Good For Trees?

The short answer is “no.” To understand why, we need to understand the benefits that natural grass brings to the soil around a tree.

  • Synthetic grass reduces the water and air that can penetrate into the soil and be taken up by the roots.
    • While artificial turf is somewhat porous, natural turf is constantly aerating the soil with its roots and keeping the ground from becoming hard and compacted.
  • The environment created by synthetic turf is harmful to beneficial fungi and bacteria that naturally occur in the soil.
    • These microorganisms need the biomatter from organic lawn coverings to thrive.
    • Without these fungi and bacteria, the nutrients trees feed on will not be replenished and the soil will become inhospitable.
  • Artificial grass prevents above-ground nutrients from reaching tree roots.
    • Similarly to how it does not allow air and water to penetrate easily, artificial turf also prevents natural organic materials (leaf litter, insect castings, etc.) from easily reaching the soil and the tree’s root system.
    • When synthetic turf is rinsed off, much of the organic material on top of it is washed away and a major source of nutrients for the tree is lost.
  • If herbicide is used in conjunction with synthetic turf, trees can be poisoned.
    • Herbicides are often used to prepare an area for artificial turf installation.
      • These herbicides can be taken up by a tree’s roots and poison the tree, sometimes irreparably.

Will Artificial Grass Kill My Tree?

Short answer: “yes.” However, the decline of a tree because of artificial turf installation can be a long process and it may take several years to see the signs. Depending on the age and health of a tree, it may have enough reserves of energy to go three to five years without showing signs of stress. However, much like with construction stress, once a cycle of decline has begun, it is difficult to control and it can be impossible to prevent the death of the tree.

Does Synthetic Grass Cause Issues With Having My Trees Trimmed?

In addition to the deleterious health effects on the trees themselves, synthetic turf poses unique problems when considering having tree trimming, tree removal, or other tree work performed.

  • Debris from tree work, such as sawdust, can easily get caught in artificial turf, cause clumping, and be difficult and time-consuming to remove.
  • Heat and oil from tools and machinery can discolor or melt artificial grass, making repair or replacement necessary.
  • Even when care is taken, the weight and impact of falling limbs and trunks can cause divots, dents, and tears in synthetic turf, also necessitating repair or replacement.

How can I help a tree that has synthetic turf around it?

If you have an artificial turf lawn, don’t worry! There are several things you can do to help your trees survive.

  • Give your trees as much room as possible.
    • Leave a gap between the tree trunk and any non-organic ground cover (artificial grass, landscape fabric).
      • We recommend a buffer zone of at least four feet.
  • Consider installing ports in synthetic turf for fertilization.
    • When fertilizer is applied using a feeder rod, it is necessary to puncture synthetic grass to access the soil and root system.
    • Pre-installation of ports allows for easy access and minimizes repairs.
  • Fertilize your trees regularly with a product that contains organic matter that can enrich the soil.
    • Artificial turf kills beneficial bacteria and fungi, so these organisms need to be replenished.
  • Water your trees during dry periods.
    • Without the indicator of browning grass, it can be difficult to remember that living plants still need water.
    • Establish a good watering routine to keep your trees healthy during hot and dry seasons.
  • Before installing artificial grass, consult an ISA Certified Arborists  to evaluate your trees.
    • An arborist can make you aware of any pre-existing issues with your trees and provide advice on how best to prepare your trees for the stress of synthetic turf installation.
  • Make sure to use a company employing ISA Certified Arborists for any tree health or trimming needs.
    • Inform them that you have synthetic grass around the tree, so that your arborist can be prepared to look for signs of decline.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! Artificial turf can make lawn care easy, but it’s important to be aware of the impact synthetic grass can have on trees and the living components of your landscape. If you are considering having artificial grass installed, or want to know what impact your synthetic turf is having on your trees, one of our certified arborists would be happy to come out and have a look. Contact us today!

Why Are My Oak Trees Turning Brown?

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

As the summer heat drags on, we start to get calls about trees “looking bad.” Recently, for example, we have been seeing general decline of trees, especially oak trees, in the Plano area. In a densely-populated suburban area like Plano, there are many potential causes for trees showing signs of stress, displaying yellowing or browning leaves, or dropping limbs. While some issues may be symptoms of a disease, much of the oak decline we are seeing is, unfortunately, an inevitable result of the environment the trees live in.

Plano, Texas’ Urban Forest

Plano, Texas, is a great example of a community that loves its trees and values the beauty an urban forest can bring. As the city has matured, so have its trees, and many of them are now magnificent. However, when the community was planned and the trees were planted, developers depended heavily on different species of oaks: live oaks, red (Shumard) oaks, post oaks, and others. While these oaks are hardy, native Texas trees, any environment that is heavily populated by one species is susceptible to certain risks. The proliferation of oak wilt in North Texas is exacerbated by the heavy concentration of oaks in the area. Even without an outside stressor like the oak wilt fungus, any monoculture will slowly start to decline as competition for resources affects all members of a species, without the diversity necessary to replenish what was used.

The causes of oak decline in Plano run deep into the soil and deep into the history of the community. Before Collin County developed into the elegant mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas that it is today, most of the land was used for farming and ranching. Agricultural land becomes exhausted of its nutrients after long periods of use. Moving from heavy agricultural use directly into construction doesn’t give the land time to recover. Heavy construction activity also leads to soil compaction, and if mixed fill is used, precious soil space is taken up by rocks, cement, and other inorganic material. Decades of growth and the spread of structures and concrete have further challenged the ability of Plano soils to renew themselves. Changing weather patterns in the last several years, periods of drought followed by flooding, have stressed the soil and plants even more. As turf grass has proliferated, much of the natural process that would introduce nutrients to the soil through decaying organic matter has been interrupted.

What Can I Do About Oak Decline?

While oak decline is an inevitability for many Plano oaks, the situation is not completely hopeless; there is much that tree owners can do to help restore their trees’ vitality:

  • Proper Mulching
  • Proper Watering
  • Reducing Competition
    • Turf grass, ground cover, concrete, and over planting of trees can all contribute to nutrient competition.

However, there are some issues that may be beyond remedy:

  • Poor Tree Stock
    • If the tree was sourced from a tree farm with weak stock, or with trees that had been exposed to pathogens before, it may have been at a disadvantage from the start. A plant health care program may be able to ameliorate some issues, but not all.
  • Improper Planting
    • Planting issues can be corrected if the tree has not been in the ground more than a few years. The tree can possibly be re-planted, or root zone excavation can be performed to identify other root stability issues, such as girdling roots. A certified arborist can determine if any corrective efforts are possible for your particular tree.

Contacting a certified arborist to assess your trees is necessary to properly identify oak decline and address the underlying issues, not just the symptoms. Insect activity may need more involved care than just spraying a surface insecticide. Browning or yellowing leaves may be a sign of many issues: fungal root infection, insect activity, or herbicidal poisoning, and don’t simply mean that you need to water more. A certified arborist is able to evaluate the tree and its surroundings as a whole, not simply one component. An effective tree health care program involves many components: care modification, fertilization, soil management, proper trimming, pesticidal application. To preserve the value of an urban forest like Plano’s, certified arborists are key.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees, and we love our customers, in Plano and all over North Texas. If you live in Plano, and want more information about oak decline and what may be affecting your trees, let us know! If you’re not in Plano, don’t worry! We are happy to come and take a look at your trees to evaluate their health and give you the information necessary to keep them thriving for years. As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns about trees!