Tag tree care

The recent explosion of aphid activity in North Texas caused frustration and concern among tree owners and anyone who has encountered the sticky mess that aphids cause. When aphids have matured and are feeding (and producing honeydew), best practice guidelines do not recommend using chemical controls. Introducing natural aphid predators can help reduce the population, but the best course of action, especially with a fall aphid infestation, is simply to wait about a month for the aphids to die off and cooler weather to prevent another generation from maturing.

Are There Any Natural Ways to Get Rid of Aphids?

Chemical pesticides are not the only way to control aphids. One of the most effective and long-lasting ways of reducing aphid activity is to introduce natural predators of the aphid into the environment. With an autumn infestation, however, there is limited time to act and leaves may drop and temperatures fall before any aphid control has a chance to make a difference.

While lady beetles are a welcome addition to the garden, some non-native species can invade our homes during winter. These lady beetles often have an “M” or “W” mark on their shells, just behind the head. To keep your home lady beetle-free:

• Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from structures
• Avoid stacking firewood next to the house
• Seal up cracks around windows
• Use wire mesh to screen large vents

Taking a few precautions will not only keep lady beetles out of your house, but block larger and harmful pests as well!

Lacewings

• Two major varieties: green lacewings and brown lacewings, in order Neuroptera
  • Lay distinctive single eggs on stalks
• Larvae often called “aphid lions”
  • Can consume up to 200 aphids a week
  • Adults can feed on aphids as well
• Take about two to three weeks to hatch and mature from eggs

There are species of lady beetle and lacewing that are active in the spring and in the fall, so there is a potential for year-round aphid control. Introducing lady beetle larvae can have a serious effect on aphid activity, but keep in mind that, depending on the species, the predators may not survive winter and may need to be re-introduced in the spring.

In addition to predators, simple physical controls, such as using water to remove aphids from plants, can also help in the short term. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as these can stimulate rapid growth and attract more aphids. Luckily, with fall aphids, once the leaves drop and their food source is removed, the pests will die off quickly.

Why aren’t Chemical Controls Effective for Fall Aphids?

There are several chemical insecticides that target aphids. These products generally break down into two categories: systemic and non-systemic.

• Systemic Pesticides
  • Absorbed into the the plant they are applied to and transported throughout the plant’s structure
    • Can take up to a month for chemical to become present throughout mature trees and reach full effectiveness
  • Generally effective for longer than non-systemic
    • Resistant to being diluted or washed away by rain
  • While present in plant, can protect both new and old growth
  • Can be applied before growing season or anticipated increase in pest activity
• Non-Systemic Pesticides
  • Cling to the surface of treated plants
    • Effective immediately
  • At risk of dilution or removal by rain, sprinklers, etc.
  • May not protect growth after application
  • Can be applied preventatively, but timing more important due to risk of dilution/loss
  • Difficult or impossible to apply to large trees/plants
    • Large-scale spraying may lead to environmental contamination

Comprehensive pest management often uses both systemic and non-systemic chemicals to provide maximum protection. Before a growing season, in late winter for example, it is common to apply a surface spray and a systemic insecticide to crape myrtles and other trees that are susceptible to insect infestations in the spring. The surface spray provides protection while the systemic product has time to come to full effectiveness.

In the case of insect activity in fall, chemical controls should not be applied as they would be before a growing season. Non-systemic pesticide sprays can be effective against current pest activity, but in the case of large, mature trees, such as the pecans and oaks infested with aphids in the fall of 2022, applying sufficient quantities of external pest control is not only expensive, but is potentially hazardous to the surrounding environment with the high potential for overspray and excess application. Furthermore, as fall in North Texas often brings rain, any product applied may be washed away quickly, and possibly end up in the groundwater.

Systemic insecticides carry a much lower risk of environmental contamination, but take about a month to become effective. In the case of a fall application, systemic controls may take even longer, as trees begin going dormant and dropping leaves, slowing the uptake of both nutrients and chemicals. In general, it is not recommended to use any systemic insecticides in the fall, as the likelihood of their becoming effective before the pests naturally die off is low.

In summary, be wary of service providers who claim that they can control fall aphids chemically; they may be able to reduce activity, but full eradication is nearly impossible and runs a high risk of contamination and waste of chemicals, time, and money.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! These fall aphids have been a real nuisance, and we want to give our customers the best advice so that money and time is not wasted on ineffective treatments. While we don’t recommend chemical application for fall aphids, we are big fans of introducing some aphid predators while you still have time! As a woman-owned and women-led company, we are partial to lady beetles :-), but lacewings are great, too! Share this article and spread the word about aphids, and let us know if you have any other tree questions!

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!

Research into the best way to care for trees is constantly being conducted, and it is critical to keep up-to-date on the best practices. Traditionally, the general rule has been that fall and winter are the best times to trim trees, but new research has shown that this is not always the case. Trimming a tree during the peak growing season (generally spring or early summer) means that the tree has more energy to devote to healing cuts made while pruning. When cuts are made during dormant periods, trees are unable to heal as efficiently and completely, and there is a greater chance that decay, disease, and insects will be able to prey on the exposed wood before healing can begin in the next growing season. However, it may still be the best practice to trim certain trees during dormant periods if there are specific disease or insect considerations, or fruiting/flowering is desired.

What to Consider When Trimming a Tree

• Why is the tree being trimmed?

  • Is this just maintenance pruning, or is there a specific objective?

• Is the tree healthy?

  • Sick or stressed trees need extra care, and should not be trimmed as aggressively as healthy ones.

• What kind of tree is it?

  • Certain species of tree handle the stress of trimming better than others, and different kinds of trees sometimes have different yearly growth patterns.

• Are there active diseases/pests in the area?

  • Many tree diseases have cycles of infection risk throughout the year.

  • Insects have periods of higher activity and dormancy.

• Contact an ISA Certified Arborist to assess your trees before trimming.

  • Local arborists will be aware of area-specific concerns.

Recommended Timing for Tree Trimming

• Winter

  • Fruit trees for production

• Spring

  • Heavy pruning and large limb removal

  • Aesthetic trimming and shaping

  • Structural pruning of young trees

• Early Summer

  • To stimulate food storage

• Late Summer

  • Trees that flower on previous year’s growth

• Fall

  • Older trees that need to increase energy reserves

• Fall/Winter

  • Oak tree trimming in North Texas to avoid oak wilt season

• Special Considerations

  • If a tree has suffered root damage, avoid trimming for at least two years to reduce stress and encourage recovery.

  • Dead, broken, or hazardous limbs should be removed when possible to avoid risk to persons, animals, and structures.

  • Storm- or frost-damaged trees may need remedial pruning out of season.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are committed to staying up-to-date on emerging research in arboriculture, and doing our part to keep North Texans informed about how best to care for their trees. Through continuing education and internal training, our team of ISA Certified Arborists ensure that their advice and guidance is accurate and in keeping with the highest standards of practice. As always, if you wonder when is the best time to trim, or have any other questions about your trees, let us know!

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!

As the weather turns cooler, trees begin to grow dormant. This period is characterized by a slowing of food production and the browning and dropping of leaves. When the leaves begin to fall, it is the perfect time to trim your trees! Even trees that keep their leaves in the winter (live oaks, cedars, pines, etc.) do enter a dormant period that is best for trimming.

The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting another frigid winter for early 2022. While we hope for a reprieve, even a mild winter can bring with it increased storm activity. Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain all contribute to increased weight on tree limbs and can sometimes push them to the breaking point — literally!

During the winter there is less stress in general to trees in our area. Decreased insect activity during the cooler months leads to less damage to trees. This is also the same for fungal and bacterial pests, which are less active and less likely to infect a tree this time of year. In North Texas especially, our generally mild winters are a welcome break from the intense (and possibly damaging) heat of summer for trees and people as well!

Why Is Fall Better Than Summer for Trimming Trees?

Trees, like people, are stressed in the summer due to heat and lack of water. When trees are heat-stressed, they are more likely to be negatively affected by additional stressors like diseases, insects, and pruning. Trimming the trees during the fall and winter reduces environmental stressors and gives trees time to heal trimming wounds, helping prevent infestation, rot, and dieback.

Why Should I Trim My Trees Before Winter Storms?

In February 2021, we had historic freezing temperatures and snowfall, and a similar freeze is predicted for Winter 2021-2022. Removing dead and broken branches reduces the chance of debris falling from your trees and causing damage. Making sure that trees are now too weighty on the ends of branches or stressed at weak joints can help prevent breakage. Having an ISA Certified Arborist inspect your trees can help you know about potential root issues or other stability problems that may cause total failure. While no one can be absolutely certain about what a season will bring, being a proactive and responsible tree owner can protect you and your property.

How Can You Tell If a Branch Is Dead Or Dying in the Fall and Winter?

Even if a tree does not have leaves, there are many ways to identify dead or dying sections. Dead and dying branches will quickly start to lose bark, showing smooth wood underneath. Insects and rot are attracted to dead wood, and can be identified by the presence of discoloration or holes underneath falling bark. Fungus activity, especially visible fungal conks (mushrooms) on limbs or the trunk of a tree means that there is dead wood in that area. If a tree or branch is visibly hollow, it has lost interior support wood, and could break at any time.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! While losing limbs is part of a tree’s natural life cycle, trees in our urban forest can pose a serious hazard to people and property when their branches fall. The extreme weather events we have had in the past few years have taken a great toll on our North Texas trees, but with a little preparation we can help preserve the trees we have. Contact us today to have an arborist out to evaluate your trees and prepare them for winter weather!

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.