Tag watering

Will My Trees Survive Freezing Temps and Winter Weather?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Extreme Weather, Resources

The effects of the historic freezing temperatures in February 2021 are widespread. After the ice thawed and the snow melted, many people were left with frost-damaged or dead landscaping. While much of the damage from the rapidly-changing temperatures is obvious, trees and plants have also suffered internal damage, and will likely show signs for years to come.

Will the freezing temperatures and winter weather kill my trees?

Unfortunately, we can already see the signs of frost-killed plants: leaves and other plant tissue that appears wet, soft, brown/black, or dried up. This type of damage is prevalent in succulents, pittosporum, loropetalum, geraniums, and related plants. Palms will likely also suffer extensive frost damage, but it is best to wait until the summer to see if they put out new growth. 

Evergreens and more frost-resistant trees and shrubs should fare better. Common examples of this group of plants are yaupon hollies, wax myrtles, and crape myrtles. These species may brown in sections, but ultimately survive. Even if they survive, some of the brown sections will never recover. It is best to wait until summer for new growth to see the extent of the damage. 

Trees with thinner bark, such as fruit trees and Japanese maples, may leaf out in the spring and appear unharmed. Damage to the inner layers of the tree, however, can prevent proper movement of water and nutrients in the tree’s vascular system and can lead to stress symptoms in the summer, appearing as a sudden browning and wilting of the leaves. 

Larger native trees such as red oak and pecan may show dieback or brown sections, but should recover if cared for properly. Live oaks may show browning, but should recover and put out new leaves in spring.

Frost Cracks

Frost cracks are caused not by surface frost, but by fluctuating temperatures, and are most-often seen on the southern sides of trees, which get more direct sunlight. On a cold but sunny day, the sun warms the exposed areas of the tree, causing expansion. When temperatures drop rapidly at night, the bark cools and shrinks faster than the tissue underneath. As the bark shrinks, it splits vertically over areas where the underlying wood is still expanded. Splitting and cracking is most common in areas where there are wounds or other damage that has weakened the bark. Young trees and trees with thin bark are especially susceptible. Frost cracks are rarely fatal and will heal over time, but can be entryways for disease and insects. Stressed trees exhibiting cracks should be given special attention and should be properly fertilized and cared-for to help protect against diseases and insect activity.

CAN I DO ANYTHING TO HELP MY TREES RECOVER FROM THE FREEZING WEATHER?

 For freeze-damaged plants, it is important to provide proper care in the short and long term. 

 WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW: WAIT!

  • Watch for signs of damage.
    • Browning and widespread leaf drop will be common.
    • Wait until spring or summer before deciding if a plant is salvageable.
  • Water correctly.
    • Once the ground has thawed out, and temperatures are consistently above freezing, do a deep soak watering for the roots of trees.
      • Use a hose, not sprinklers.
    • Watering can help a tree with damaged leaves to take up nutrients. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IN THE SPRING

  • Have frost-damaged trees evaluated by an local ISA Certified Arborist.
    • Every tree species will react differently to the freeze.
    • Factors like location, soil conditions, and even the movement of the storm front will affect the trees’ ability to survive.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO OVER THE NEXT FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS

  • Fertilization and proper watering will be key to freeze-damaged trees.
    • Nutrient-rich soil with beneficial bacteria and fungi can speed a tree’s recovery.
  • Do not use herbicides around affected plants.
    • Never use a “weed and feed” product near your trees.
  • Continue proper maintenance trimming and care.
    • Remove dead wood and loose bark, thin for light and air.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The freezing weather in February 2021 caused damage not just to North Texas’s infrastructure, leaving many without power, water, and shelter, but also to our urban forest. Once the needs of our residents have been met, it’s a good time to think about how best to care for our frost-damaged trees and shrubs. We are here to help you evaluate the damage to your landscaping and make an informed decision about how to proceed. If your trees and shrubs don’t leaf out in the spring, or you have any other questions, let us know! We have a team of ISA Certified Arborists ready to help in any way we can!

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!

Ask Texas Tree Surgeons: How Should I Water My Trees?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Resources

Another installment in our series of posts where Texas Tree Surgeons answers your tree questions. Are you having problems with your trees and want to know what’s wrong? Let us know!

I have a sprinkler system in my yard. Do I need to do anything special for my trees?

We have discussed the watering needs of trees before, but proper watering is something that cannot be reinforced enough. Even when North Texas is not in a drought condition, the summers are long and hot and take their toll on every yard and green space.

While in-ground sprinkler systems can do a great job of providing water to turf grass and smaller landscape features, trees need particular care and attention when it comes to watering. Most sprinkler set-ups, unfortunately, do not provide enough water in the right areas to keep large trees hydrated. However, the simple addition of a garden or soaker hose to your watering routine can keep all your trees healthy during the hottest parts of the year. The best method of watering depends upon the age and size of the tree.

How Should I Water A New Tree?

Newly-planted trees are already in a vulnerable state, having been stressed from the transplantation process. Even when properly planted, a young tree can easily succumb to under- or over-watering.

  • Young trees require watering more often than older, established trees.
    • It can take some time to properly determine the best watering schedule for your trees.
  • To start, use a garden hose to water all around the root area of the tree.
    • If the tree has been well-mulched, you may have a small “basin” around the trunk.
    • Fill this area, let it soak in, and then fill it again.
  • After this initial watering, check the root area soil every two to three days for moisture.
    • Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
    • You need to feel how wet the soil is to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.
      • A screwdriver can be useful to test the firmness of the soil, but using your hands to feel for moisture is best.
    • If the soil is dry, water again.
    • If the soil is still wet, wait another day or two and check again.
  • The exact watering schedule for your tree depends on
    • Composition of the soil
    • How well the soil drains
    • Other plants competing for the water
    • Weather
  • Ideally, you want to keep the entire root zone moist, but not soggy, to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.
    • As the weather changes, be sure to adjust your watering routine accordingly.

How Do I Water a Mature Tree?

Watering a mature, established tree allows for a greater margin-of-error than tending to a newly-planted one. As trees grow, they develop the ability to store more water in their root systems so they can survive periods of drought.

  • It is important to water the entire root zone, under and beyond the canopy dripline.
  • Wet the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.
    • Use of a screwdriver or other probe can be helpful in determining soil moisture below the surface.
  • Once the root area is properly watered, it may not need to be watered again for one to two weeks or more, depending on the weather.
  • Regular monitoring is key to maintaining the proper level of moisture.

Can I Water a Tree Too Much?

Trees, both young and old, are as stressed by too much water as they are by not enough. The signs of over-watering can often be mistaken for under-watering.

  • Soggy soil is the first and biggest sign of over-watering.
    • If there is standing water, or the ground is squishy, the soil is waterlogged and needs time to dry out.
  • Yellowing leaves can be a sign of both over-and under-watered trees
    • If the leaves are leathery, rather than dry, or hard to pull off the tree, it is likely that the tree has been watered too much.
  • Visible fungus activity, such as mushrooms at the base or on the trunk of the tree, is a sure sign that there is too much water present.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The wet spring we had in 2020 caused a lot of fungal issues with trees in North Texas. Over-watering during the summer can extend the duration of those issues, or cause them to get worse. Under-watering during the hottest parts of the year can lead to tree decline and death. Don’t rely on your sprinkler system to do all the work! Check your trees regularly for signs of over- or under-watering and make adjustments as necessary. If you have any questions about your watering schedule or your trees’ health, let us know! We are always happy to have one of our arborists out to evaluate your tree and provide recommendations for how best to care for them.

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!

After the Storm…

by Texas Tree Surgeons Extreme Weather, Tree Health Care

Trees that survived the severe storm damage are going to need special care over the next few years. The loss of canopy will reduce the trees’ ability to photosynthesize for food and to take up water. We are entering the hottest part of the year; after the rains have passed, increased watering and fertilization are key. It is up to tree owners to supplement the nutrients that trees need, but can no longer absorb from their environment. Your arborist can discuss fertilization options, including our comprehensive, year-round Plant Health Care programs. Contact us to make sure you are taking the best care of your damaged trees.

Extensive defoliation, or loss of leaves, is common after severe storms with heavy rain, wind, and hail. While the leaves should grow back, the tree’s ability to take up nutrients and water from the soil is greatly impaired

While fertilization goes a long way toward helping damaged trees recover, they are also more susceptible to disease and pest infestations. With the recent wet weather, fungal issues are increasingly common, but insect activity and environmental stress are also a danger. Over the coming months and years, we expect to see:

Tree Failure and Death in Some Cases

While trees have the ability to store energy to last them for years, as these stores are depleted due to damage and infestation, the trees will slowly die.

Oak Wilt

Already a major concern in North Texas, the oak wilt-carrying beetles are drawn to open wounds and damaged areas. Until we have temperatures consistently above 90 degrees, the beetles and the fungus they carry will remain active.

Sunburn and Sun Scald

With reduced leafy canopy, the branches and trunks of trees will be exposed to more direct sunlight, which can cause further damage. Red oaks are especially prone to sun-related damage.

More Broken Limbs and Tree Damage

Trees grow in response to their surrounding, especially other trees. When one tree in a group is damaged or removed, other trees are exposed to the environment in ways they have not been before. As future storms and wind move through the area, the newly-exposed trees may not be adapted to their exposed conditions, and may not be able to withstand the elements. Ask your arborist to see if tree cabling and bracing might be recommended to reinforce your trees.

As you are considering fertilization, also talk to your arborist about treatment for fungi, bacteria, and pests. While treatments have varying effectiveness, depending on the specific situation, your arborist can discuss options for your trees. Contact us to have an arborist come out for a post-storm assessment.

After such a loss, the best remedial measure is to plant new trees. The best time to plant trees is the winter, so use the intervening months to consider where and what kind of trees to plant. It may not be the best idea to replace a removed tree with the same species. Talk to your arborist about types of trees that would thrive in your particular conditions, and to discuss the best place in your yard to plant a tree. (Even if you have had a tree removed, we don’t recommend replanting in the same place, as underground root systems may hinder the new tree’s growth.) Choose native species that can better cope with our North Texas weather. If you don’t have room for more trees, consider supporting a community organization that is replanting for those who need them.

The storm on Sunday, June 9th, 2019, damaged thousands of trees in Dallas, Richardson, Carrollton, Irving, and the surrounding areas. For many, this was the quickest, most devastating storm in recent memory. According to WFAA-TV meteorologist Pete Delkus, the winds increased to 63 MPH in only 5 minutes, with peak gusts at 71 MPH a few minutes later.

When the storm hit, one of our arborists was trapped in her home due to fallen branches, two staff members had flooded cars, two arborists were out of town, and our operations manager was stuck at a gas station, out of gas, waiting for the power to come back on. Our office was without power for three days, and those of us with power worked from home, the rest on the road, despite spotty cell service. Still, we tried to respond as quickly as we could, and have been able to assess over 700 properties for damage and deal with storm damage at nearly 200 homes. Visit our Facebook page for some photos of the damage we have seen!

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees, and we hate to see such widespread damage. We are proud to call North Texas home, and we are grateful for the opportunity to care for your trees, and the continued support of our community. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your trees, please let us know!

Storms and Trees – Quick Tips!

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

As we prepare for storm season, Texas Tree Surgeons has a few tips for taking the best care of your trees. Let us know if you have questions or need us to come out to assess your trees!

Consult a Certified Arborist to Assess Any Storm Damage

Storms, especially ones with high winds and hail, can cause extensive damage to trees. After the storm, it is important to remove any damaged or fallen limbs, and to clean up the wounds from damage. If the tree is at risk for oak wilt or other diseases, it is critical to clean up wounds and seal cuts. See our post on storm damage.

Water and Fertilize After the Storms Have Passed

After any flooding has receeded, and the ground returns to its usual moisture levels, it is important to begin a water regimen for damaged trees. Damage to tree tissue can reduce the tree’s ability to pull water and nutrients from the soil. Additionally, consider fertilizer to increase availability of nutrients in the soil.

Special Note About Hail

Hail can defoliate trees and cause damage to the outer layers of tree bark. The loss of leaves and damage to vascular tissue can severely limit the tree’s ability to use nutrients. Healthy trees can recover, but trees with underlying issues or stressors may have a hard time bouncing back.

Watch for Signs of Stress

Just like after construction, it can take weeks or months for trees to show signs of stress from storm damage. Yellowing leaves, dieback, and limb discoloration are some signs of stress. If you see any of these signs, or have any other questions about your tree’s health, consult a certified arborist.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we want to help our beautiful North Texas trees weather any storms that may come. As always, let us know if you have any questions or would like a visit from a certified arborist — storm damage or not.