When people talk about tree care, they can use different words to talk about the same thing. You may hear “trim,” “prune,” or “cut,” just as you may hear “limb” or “branch.” At Texas Tree Surgeons, we are often asked the difference between a branch and a limb, or between tree pruning and tree cutting. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard definition for many common terms, and that can cause confusion.

A NOTE

If you visit our Facebook page, you may notice that we are categorized as a “tree cutting” business. In other places, we may be listed as “landscaping services.” Unfortunately, because there is no universal standard term for what we do, we have to find the best fit under the circumstances. At Texas Tree Surgeons, we use the term “tree trimming” to refer to the work we do.

Proper Tree Trimming Is the Key to Healthy Trees

Trees are living organisms, and every cut that’s made on a tree has long-term effects. Additionally, every tree is unique and has different needs dictated by its environment and history. A heavy trim may have no adverse effects on a large, healthy tree, but a tree that is under pre-existing stress or has a potential for health issues might be irreparably damaged by removing too much canopy. Furthermore, safety and stability issues may restrict the amount and type of trimming that can be performed. It is important when trimming trees to take all of these factors into account, as well as to be mindful of the weather and seasons. Improperly trimming a tree at the wrong type of year can lead to severe decline and death. 

While there are no universal standards for tree trimming, there are two sets of guidelines for the tree service industry that we at Texas Tree Surgeons follow. The first is from the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. The ISA is the premier international credentialing and membership organization for the tree care industry. In addition to establishing the Certified Arborist and Board Certified Master Arborist credentials, the ISA provides a wealth of resources for tree owners. The ISA guide to tree trimming (they use the term “pruning”) covers the basics of how to properly maintain mature trees. In addition to the ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) oversees tree service providers in the United States. In collaboration with the American National Safety Institute (ANSI), the TCIA has developed comprehensive guidelines for tree care and management. These guidelines provide the basis for all of our work proposals and trimming. Adherence to these guidelines is the best way to care for trees of all kinds, and all our certified arborists are equipped to assess individual trees and determine the best — and healthiest — way to care for them. 

Trimming visible growth is only part of tree care. Without a proper understanding of what’s happening below the ground and underneath the bark, a beautiful trim is of little use. Certified Arborists are trained to spot the signs of environmental stressors, diseases, and insects. Poor drainage and soil condition, competition with turf grass, and proximity to structures can all affect a tree’s growth. Beyond just trimming a tree, certified arborists are able to evaluate the tree holistically in order to provide the best care possible. 

Whether It’s “Tree Trimming” or “Tree Cutting,” Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

Ultimately, what is important is the tree care itself, not what it is called. To give your trees the best chance to grow and thrive, look for tree trimming companies that employ certified arborists. If you have any doubts, ask for their certification number, or look for the arborist’s name on the ISA website. A properly-trained arborist should never recommend topping or lion-tailing, and should take proper precautions during oak wilt season (February-July). Never be afraid to get a second opinion. Give us a call anytime, and we are happy to have a certified arborist come out and discuss what work needs to be done and provide a free quote!

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we believe that educating our community lays the best foundation for caring for our urban forest. If you have any tree questions don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we have created a series of articles covering tree basics. If you have a specific tree question, let us know!

Oak wilt, and the precautions that need to be taken to help prevent the spread of this fungal disease, may be the most often talked-about aspect of tree health care in Texas. Throughout the state, tree owners and communities are challenged by the potential devastation to all species of oak tree. In some areas, there are ordinances in place that restrict oak trimming in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Other areas have no formal regulation, and this can lead to a lack of awareness and a potential for widespread infection.

While oak wilt is a serious threat to our North Texas urban forest, there are simple steps that everyone can take to lessen its impact.

How do trees get oak wilt?

The most common ways for the oak wilt fungus to be transmitted are by insect activity and root grafting. Insects can infect a tree through any exposed wood (not covered by bark) or open wound (such as a pruning cut, broken limb, or where branches rub against each other). In situations with oaks planted in close proximity, the fungus can be transmitted from one tree to another via underground root grafting. As roots make contact with other roots, they grow together and share pathogens.

Different species of oak can contract and spread oak wilt by different methods.

RED OAKS

Red oaks (Texas, Shumard, blackjack, water) are extremely susceptible to infection through insect activity. Red oaks are often the primary mode by which oak wilt gains a foothold in a new area. The oak wilt fungus thrives in red oaks and creates visible fungal mats underneath the bark. These spore mats attract insects; sap beetles of the Nitidulidae family are the most common type. Beetles feed in the infected area and become covered with particles from the spore mats. Drawn to exposed wood on healthy trees, the beetles transfer the fungal spores, spreading the infection.

LIVE OAKS

In contrast to red oaks, live oaks are susceptible to oak wilt primarily through their root systems. In nature, live oaks often grow in groups, sometimes called motts. Underneath the mott, the root systems of the individual trees become interconnected. This grafting allows not only nutrients to be shared, but pathogens as well. Once a member of the mott has contracted the oak wilt fungus, the infection quickly spreads.

WHITE OAKS

White oaks (post, bur, chinkapin) are more resistant to oak wilt than other species, but are still at risk. Transmission generally occurs through spore transfer by insects, or by human activity.

Can you prevent Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is an epidemic. Because of the concentration and susceptibility of oaks in Texas, especially red oaks, it can be difficult to isolate centers of infection and prevent further spread. The Texas A&M Forest Service and the Forest Health Protection branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture have issued some guidelines to help prevent further tree death.

• Remove and properly dispose of diseased red oaks immediately
  • Chip or bury all tree material
• Do not transport unseasoned firewood
  • Firewood should be dry, splitting, and the bark should be peeling off
• Do not store unseasoned oak firewood uncovered
  • Cover tightly with heavy, clear plastic and bury the edges to restrict insect access
• Do not prune or otherwise wound oak trees from February 1 to July 1
  • The best time to trim is in the fall and winter
• When infection is a risk, take proper precautions
  • Sterilize tools and paint cuts

If you have healthy oak trees in an area with infected trees, preventative treatment may be effective in slowing transmission. As oak wilt is a systemic, vascular disease, the most effective treatments consist of injecting the infected trees with a fungicidal chemical. The only currently recommended fungicide is Alamo®, a formulation of the fungicide propiconazole. The fungicide is administered through holes drilled in the root flare of the infected tree and should only be applied by Texas Department of Agriculture Licensed Applicators.

For large stands of oak trees, especially live oaks, trenching around the area and severing root connections can limit disease spread, as well.

Can you cure Oak Wilt?

There is no known cure for oak wilt. Reported home remedies or substances applied to the exterior of the tree have not be proven to have any remedial effect. If you have a tree that is infected with oak wilt, be sure to consult a Texas Oak Wilt Qualified arborist or your local Texas A&M Agrilife Extension agent to discuss treatment options.

Red oaks usually defoliate and die one to six months after becoming symptomatic. Live oaks may last up to a few years before total necrosis. White oaks show the most resistance to oak wilt and may survive several years after infection.

Fungicidal treatment may prolong the life of infected trees, but cannot eradicate the disease. However, systemic fungicides are most effective if a tree has not lost more than 30% of the crown. Contact a certified arborist to see if your tree may be a good candidate for treatment.

What areas have Oak Wilt?

In North Texas, there are many centers of infection. At Texas Tree Surgeons, we take oak wilt precautions throughout our service area. Still, there are a few neighborhoods in which we have seen particularly bad oak wilt activity:

• Preston Hollow, Dallas
• Lakewood, Dallas
• Walnut Hill and Abrams, Dallas
• Coit and Campbell, Richardson
• President George Bush Turnpike and the Tollway, North Dallas
• Park and US 75 in Plano
• Highland Park
• University Park

If you live in one of these areas, or suspect oak wilt activity in your neighborhood, contact your arborist to see what specific preventative steps are recommended for your trees.

Oak wilt is one of the greatest threats to trees in Texas. Education, awareness, and prevention are the best tools we have to protect our urban forest from devastation. If you want to learn more about oak wilt, visit TexasOakWilt.org.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we believe that the more people learn about their trees, the better we can serve our community. We have several Oak Wilt Qualified arborists on staff; please let us know if you have any questions about oak wilt or any other tree question. We are always happy to help!

* – Until 2017, the oak wilt fungus was identified as Ceratocystis fagacearum.

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!

Dear Texas Tree Surgeons,

I’ve been hearing about the emerald ash borer, and it seems pretty serious; should I be worried?

-J.G.

You may have seen recent media coverage of the discovery of the emerald ash borer (“EAB”) in Texas. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, green beetle that feeds on ash trees. Though native to Asia, EAB first appeared in North America in 2002. In 2016, EAB was found in northeast Texas. In July 2017, suspected EAB specimens were found in Tarrant County. In early December 2018, the Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed that several ash trees near Eagle Mountain Lake had been killed by EAB infestation. In May 2020, Texas A&M confirmed presence of EAB in the Denton area.

Should I be Concerned About Emerald Ash Borer?

The threat from EAB is a serious one, as ash trees make up between 5-13% of the DFW urban forest, and are important providers of shade and clean air. If you do have ash trees, however, EAB infestation can be prevented.

Emerald Ash Borer Prevention Tips

• If there are diseased or damaged ash trees, consider removal before they have a chance to be infested.
• If there is EAB activity within a few miles, consider preventative systemic insecticide treatment.
• Keep an eye out for signs of EAB activity:
  • Dead/dying branches in upper crown
  • Shoots/suckers along trunk
  • Splitting bark with insect trails underneath
  • Increased woodpecker activity
  • D-shaped exit holes

Can Emerald Ash Borer be Treated?

Unfortunately, once an ash tree has been infested by EAB, there is little that can be done. Insecticide treatments can help slow the decline of the tree, but once more than 50% of the canopy is gone, treatments are not effective. EAB generally kills infested trees in two to five years.

So, yes, the emerald ash borer is a serious threat to ash trees, but education and awareness now can help mitigate its effects. If you have ash trees, take note of their appearance, and contact your arborist if you see any signs of decline. If you don’t have any ash trees, you do not need to worry about EAB at all.

For more information on EAB, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service. For help identifying your trees, visit Trees of Texas.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The spread of emerald ash borer, while a threat to a small percentage of North Texas trees, is a threat that we can all help to fight against. If you have ash trees or know someone who does, let us know, and one of our ISA Certified Arborists will be happy to evaluate the trees for EAB risk factors and provide options to keep them safe and healthy.

Storm damage is a hazard to people, animals, and structures. Proper tree care can prevent or mitigate storm damage like falling limbs or splitting trunks.

It seems that we have been getting our April showers in September this year! North Texas storms are always a mixed blessing and, for those of us in tree service, a good reminder of the needs of our urban forest. Plano, Texas, with its mix of development ages and styles, features a varied mix of trees that require particular attention in this stormy weather.

Profile of a Plano Tree

Trees say a lot about an area. In older Plano neighborhoods, we often see well-established oaks and pecans, some even nearing the end of their life. New communities can have a wider variety of species but can struggle with over-planting or construction stress. In the middle is a varied mix of species and ages. Plano, like many cities, has grown in stages. Earlier developments feature trees that are now coming into maturity, while there are still many recently-planted trees in newer areas. Age and size can greatly affect a tree’s ability to weather a storm, and we can sometimes see a range of damage in a relatively small geographic area. Plano is a city that values its trees and understanding the needs of the different trees is essential to providing effective tree service in Plano.

Storms and Young Trees

Newly-planted trees need particular care and attention to recover from transplantation stress and become established. If the trees are located near to recent construction, there may be other stressors, such as soil compaction or root damage. A stressed tree that has not been able to send out stabilizing roots is at higher risk from flash flooding and high winds. Improperly-planted trees can be uprooted in a strong storm, even with supporting stakes and wires. 

Smaller trees that are planted near or under the canopy of older, larger trees are also at risk of damage from falling branches. While trees have adapted to resist high winds and rain, a large branch from an overhanging tree can fall with enough force to break young limbs and even the trunks of smaller trees. A similar risk is posed by hail or other storm debris. Fortunately, young trees are naturally more flexible, but they must be healthy to have the best chance to survive damage. 

The best way to prepare a young tree to weather a storm is to follow best practices when planting, water regularly, and protect the tree from stress, pests, and diseases. A certified arborist can evaluate the status of your young trees and make recommendations for keeping them healthy, such as a Plant Health Care program of fertilization or pest control.

Storms and Large Trees

As a tree grows, it gains stability from larger roots and increasing layers around its trunk and branches. However, as limb size increases, so does weight and stress on joints.. Periods of drought can cause  cause sudden limb drop, which we saw in Plano in the summer of 2018. Larger trees can also harbor more insects, bacteria, and fungi, some of which can cause limb die-back. Limb joints can become stress points, especially when tree formation allows rot to infiltrate a joint. Issues arising from improper trimming are amplified the larger a tree gets, as even healthy limbs can become unbalance and break in strong winds.

Trees with underlying stability issues are easy targets for storms.

It is a common misconception that the best way to prevent limb breakage is to reduce weight and size by removing as much new growth as possible from older limbs. At the extreme, this can be seen in stripping branches out to the ends, sometimes called a “lion tail” trim. While this does reduce limb weight, it concentrates all the remaining weight to the ends of branches. Furthermore, leaves can actually act as a windbreak and buffer, absorbing the force of high winds and distributing it over a larger area. While it is true that a bare limb has a smaller profile, it also has no shock absorbers, and will simply break when the wind gets too strong. Weight reduction should be performed with care and attention to overall limb resilience and balance.

The longer a tree survives, the more it grows and adapts in response to prevailing weather patterns. Proper tree care consists of helping the tree’s natural defenses. In nature, trees drop dead wood as needed. In a populated environment, we can help the tree get rid of dead wood by removing it safely, before a storm has the chance to. Growth defects or weak joints can be reinforced with cables and bracing and trees should be trimmed to promote balance and not stress weak points in the tree. A certified arborist can examine your tree for signs of stress and disease, and one with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is specially trained to asses potential safety issues.

Guidelines for Every Tree

For all trees, there are a few general principles to guide prevention of storm damage:

• Regularly inspect the tree for dead or broken limbs, and remove promptly
• Properly trim trees (no “lion tail” trims) to bolster natural wind resistance
• Reinforce weak joints or splitting areas with bracing or cables
• If a tree is showing signs of stress (yellowing leaves, die-back, insect activity), contact a certified arborist to diagnose and treat any issues
• Be familiar with the type and age of your trees and their particular care needs
• Identify any potential risks posed by falling limbs (structures, landscaping, vehicles, etc.)

Plano: A City of Trees

Every community values its environment. Parks, greenswards, and trees are an essential part of making an urban area a safe, healthy, and inviting place to call home. The city of Plano, with its mix of tree species and ages, is an outstanding example of how a municipality grows with and around its trees. Working with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Forest Service, Plano’s Parks and Recreation and Urban Forestry departments provide valuable resources for Plano residents to learn more about tree care.  Nature preserves like Arbor Hills give residents and visitors to Plano a refreshing oasis in the heart of the Metroplex. As Plano continues to grow, its trees will continue to mature and need care. Tree services in Plano can only do so much; it is up to Plano residents and tree owners to remain engaged in the life of the community and the life of its trees.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional tree care in Plano and the surrounding areas. Whether it is storm cleanup, regular tree trimming, disease management, or consultation services, we love our Plano customers and we love their trees. We are always available to come out to your home and inspect your trees and we love to answer tree questions! Contact us online or give us a call, and we’ll see what we can do to help your trees not just survive a storm, but grow and thrive and add beauty and value to Plano and all our North Texas communities.