Tag sick tree

Just as with extreme winter weather, intense summer heat and lack of rainfall can create stressful and dangerous situations for trees. The drought conditions we endured for the summer of 2022 dried out area lakes and rivers and dramatically reduced the available moisture in the soil.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, over 3 million trees died as a result of the widespread drought of 2011. While some of the data shows that the 2022 drought was less severe than 2011, many areas of the state have actually had less rainfall and more 100-degree days than in the comparable period 11 years ago. Additionally, many trees affected in the 2022 drought were still suffering the effects of the freezing weather in 2021.

How Does Drought Affect Trees?

The effects of drought cannot be overstated.

• In addition to potentially facing long periods and high temperatures, trees in drought areas:

  • Can lose their ability to take up nutrients from the soil

    • When ground temperatures rise as high as they did this summer, the soil dries out and the fine, nutrient-absorbing roots of a tree found close to the surface die.

  • Have to rely on limited energy stores instead of outside nutrition

    • This leaves energy stores depleted, leading to further decline after their dormant season.

  • Are unable to immediately take up much-needed moisture once it returns

    • Moisture-absorbing riot structures take time to regrow in dehydrated soil.

  • Find their microenvironment greatly altered

    • Beneficial microorganisms, just like fine tree roots, cannot live in dried out, hard ground.

What Can You Do to Help Your Trees Right Now?

• WATER, WATER, WATER

  • Even though we have had some rain recently, it is not enough to help trees come back from extended drought. Proper watering now will make a big difference!

• Apply appropriate soil amendments and compost/natural fertilizers

  • Nutrient-rich material, such as compost or soil amendments, bring much-needed micronutrients to bolster soil revitalization.

  • As a response to the drought stress, Texas Tree Surgeons will be using a nutrient-rich fertilizer mix that contains beneficial rhizosphere bacteria, seaweed and yucca extracts, urea and humic acids, as well as fish meal, kelp meal, worm tea, and sea water extracts for fall 2022 applications. This blend of natural micronutrient sources will benefit not only the trees, but the soil ecosystem, and allow beneficial microorganisms to thrive.

• Use mulch in the trees’ root zones to help regulate soil temperature and moisture content

  • Proper mulching leads to better soil, as the mulch decomposes into nutritious organic matter.

• For stressed trees, only remove dead or broken areas and do light maintenance trimming

  • Wait until the trees have had another growing season before considering major work.

  • Drought can lead to more dry and dead limbs; be sure to remove those before they come down in fall and winter storms.

• If you need to replace trees or other landscaping that didn’t make it, fall and winter are the best times to plant

  • Use native species to ensure hardiness against future droughts.

  • Need some ideas? Check out our list of great ornamentals, as well as information about native grasses from our friends at Native Gardeners.

What Should Be Avoided After a Drought?

• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE HIGH-NITROGEN FERTILIZER OR “WEED AND FEED” PRODUCTS!

  • Using a high-nitrogen fertilizer can stimulate fast and unsustainable growth that is a waste of the already-taxed energy stores of stressed trees.

  • “Weed and feed” products are formulated to kill woody-stemmed plants (like trees!). Using these chemicals adds a further stressor to the tree’s environment.

• Do not install new sod or artificial turf

  • Putting sod or synthetic turf around a stressed tree will prevent the regrowth of the tree’s fine root systems.

• Do not rely on sprinkler systems or lawn irrigation to water your trees

  • Trees’ water requirements are vastly different from turf grass. Make sure you are watering correctly.

• Do not over- or improperly trim your trees

  • Lion tailing, topping, and removing large sections of canopy are always a bad idea, but improper trimming can lead to a stressed tree dying completely.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We hope your trees made it through the summer of 2022, but even trees that seem unaffected need particular attention and care in the coming months and years. Proper watering is key, but drought-stressed trees and soil need additional help this fall and in the seasons to come. Our ISA Certified Arborists can assess your trees’ needs and recommend a well-tailored plan of soil amendments and healthy trimming to make your trees thrive all year long. Get in touch today!

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

• Live oak
• Crape myrtle
• Ash
• Elm
• Palms

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

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!

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!

With the extensive freeze damage seen in February 2021, many North Texas trees were not able to recover. As a result, with the arrival of Summer 2021, we began recommending removal for many trees that were on the “wait and see” list. A perennial question, “how much does it cost to remove a tree?” became one we started hearing multiple times a day.

Like with many other tree care services, removal costs can vary greatly, as every tree is different. It is practically impossible to give an accurate removal quote from a photo or description of a tree, as the factors that contribute to removal cost are many. In order to give an accurate price quote for complete tree removal, a visit to the site is always necessary.

What are the Factors Determine Tree Removal Cost?

Tree removals can cost anywhere from $10 to $10,000, depending on a number of specific factors:

• Tree Species

  • Some trees have especially hard wood or are prone to weak joints, affecting the time and precautions taken in removal.
  • Trees with thorns are more difficult to remove.
  • The type of bark a tree has (smooth or rough, thin or thick) affects the ability to secure climbing, safety, and hoisting ropes and other hardware.
  • Palm “trees” (technically more closely related to grasses) are structurally different from other trees and require different removal techniques.

• Tree Health

  • Dead trees are inherently more dangerous to remove than living ones.
    • As the wood dies and dries out, it can become unpredictably brittle and breakable.
  • The presence of rot, fungus, or other infections can lead to tree weakness and breakage.
    • Of particular concern is root rot, usually caused by the fungus Kretzschmaria deusta or members of the genus Ganoderma.
  • Instability at the base of a tree can make climbing it impossible, necessitating the use of a crane or bucket truck, which can greatly increase removal price.
  • Palms can be more easily affected by rot-related instabilities, leading to bending or drooping and making removal difficult.

• Location and Drop Zones

  • Where a tree is located on a property (proximity to structures/wires, accessibility) determines how long a removal can take.
    • The need to move debris a long way greatly increases job duration.
  • The immediate area around the base of the tree (the “drop zone”) is critical to a safe removal.
    • If a tree is crowded by other plants or close to structures, drop zones can be greatly restricted.
  • As with structural instabilities, tree location can dictate whether climbing is possible or whether heavy equipment and other machinery must be used for removal.

• Debris Haul-Off

  • If debris from the tree removal is able to be left on-site for municipal removal or other use, removal cost can be significantly less.
  • Private tree companies must either recycle wood debris themselves or pay to dump wood waste at a landfill or recycling facility.
    • Depending on the particulars of the removed tree, the wood may be useful for firewood or other recycling or may be afflicted with rot or other defects, making it unusable.

A NOTE ABOUT STUMP GRINDING

Even after the above ground material of a tree is removed, an extensive underground stump and root system can remain. When soliciting bids for complete tree removal, be sure to ask about options for dealing with the stump and roots.

One common method for reducing underground tree material is stump grinding. Stump grinding can level the former site of a tree to allow for sod installation or planting beds. However, even with stump grinding, re-planting another tree in the same location is not recommended. For more info on stump grinding, visit this page.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! While we do what we can to preserve our urban forest, we know that removal is sometimes necessary. We offer a transparent quote process and written estimates for every job; your arborist is always available to answer any questions you have about tree removal procedures, precautions, and costs. We use highly-skilled and trained climbers who are able to remove just about any tree, large or small, without the use of cranes or other heavy equipment. We quote removal cost and stump grinding separately so that our customers can prioritize what is important to them. Depending on location and time of year, we may be able to offer a discount for debris stacking or alternate haul-off options. Have a tree that might need to come down? Don’t wait! Schedule a visit from one of our ISA Certified Arborists today!

What To Do

• Go outside and check on your trees!
  • No leaves or only brown leaves
    • Sadly, time to remove
  • At least half the canopy?
    • Start soil amendments and watering
  • Not sure?
    • Have one of our ISA Certified Arborists out to evaluate your trees and provide recommendations

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.