We have noticed Oak tree leaves falling recently.

Oak tree leaves dying and browning are common when they are planted in poor soil. As long as you supplement the soil with essential plant nutrients, the oak trees will grow well. However, if you fail to add adequate fertilizers, then you will notice development of diseases and symptoms like oak tree leaves curled, leaf spots and finally, death of the tree.

Another possible reason for oak tree leaves turning brown is change in the drainage system of the soil. Availability of either too less water (drought) or too much water (water-logged soil) can cause leaf browning in oak trees. .

It may be a leaf disease
Depending upon the disease, the leaves may develop unusual signs like spots and watery patches. Severe infestation by oak tree leaves fungus such as anthracnose can lead to  browning and dropping of the leaves. If you come across any of the fungal infection signs, take advice from Advanced Tree Care to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Call today for a diagnosis.

Some storms may not break the above ground portion of the tree but instead might tip the tree over by breaking some of the roots.  Trees leaning from root breakage usually do not survive for long.  If a tree tips in a storm, it often means the tree had damaged or poorly developed roots prior to falling or leaning over.  Larger, more mature trees rarely survive attempts to pull them back into place.  These generally should be removed and replaced.  Smaller and more recently planted trees have a better chance of surviving if the trees are gently pulled back to their vertical positions.  Soil needs to be packed firmly around the root system and watered well.  Trees should be staked until the roots have become established again.

Call your ISA certified Arborist to properly evaluate your trees after storms.

The most important time to prune a tree is when it is young.  Most structural defects that occur in older trees can be prevented by pruning when the tree is young.  This practice can avoid the need for more expensive tree care practices later in the life of the tree and can extend the lifespan of the tree by decreasing the likelihood of branch failures. Structural pruning of young, developing trees provides a desirable and stable form at maturity and is one of the best investments that consumers can make in their landscape.

Call us today to schedule an evaluation of your trees!

Mulch is a great tool when used in moderation.  Do not stack the mulch high up on the tree trunk.  Only 2-3 inches of mulch is necessary when mulching under trees.  Benefits of mulch include: aesthetically pleasing, reduces weed trimmer damage, reduces evaporation, reduces inter-plant competition and helps maintain soil temperature.  Mulch eventually breaks down into organic matter and returns nutrients into the soil.  As the mulch decomposes, it is increasing microbial activity in the soil, which is great for trees.

The Emerald Ash Borer.  Is it in Texas?  If so, is this a problem?

Here at Advanced Tree & Shrub Care, Inc. we keep our eyes and ears open for potential new pests that may have, or may be about to enter our area.   By keeping up to date with the pests, diseases, and other problems that can do harm to your trees, we are better capable of recognizing issues affecting your trees and give the best management options for the treatment and the ultimate survival of trees.

So while the general public and most tree workers do not know what is happening in our area, we will continue to read, study, and attend classes to stay on top of what’s next in tree care.

And is the Emerald Ash borer here?  The traps are out and the study is in progress, we should know by this fall.

It is important not to neglect your trees when watering your yard.  Frequent drought conditions and the Texas heat can take a toll on any shrub or tree, but it can be especially damaging to newly planted trees.  The most limiting factor for newly planted tree growth and survival is a lack of adequate water.  Without enough water, trees experience slowed root and shoot growth which can cause the tree to become stunted.  Once stunting occurs, it is very difficult for a tree to make up the lost growth.  Drought injury on tree leaves include wilting, curling at the edges, yellowing; leaves might be smaller size drop early or stay on the branches even though dead and/or brown.  Drought stress might not kill trees immediately but it might set them up for decline, insects and diseases and other problems in following years.

We recommend watering 10-15 gallons per diameter inch of trunk at breast height (dbh) every 3-4 days throughout the entire growing season.

Call us today if you think that your tree has been affected by the drought.

When we as Arborists are called to diagnose a tree problem, we look at very specific areas and ask very specific questions.  Looking at the neighborhood in general, we can spot larger trends geographically.  Plants and trees in the location of interest can often tell us a story of common pathogens or insect outbreaks.  Obtaining historical facts from the tree owner will often help in establishing a baseline for diagnostics.

Most of the time, 80% of the time in fact, tree problems will be root related.  Improper planting, poor soils, establishment issues, and girdling roots are very often the culprit.  The good news is that we can correct many root issues with surgical precision.

Advanced Tree Care Arborists can diagnose and treat most root issues.  If your tree is looking sick, give us a call.  We can help!

Some people try to save a little money by doing some of the home chores themselves.  And I do the same whenever I can, but doing one’s own tree pruning is cutting into a living organism without the necessary training or experience can make the tree more susceptible to insect and disease damage, structural damage and death.

Now, for a moment,  forget the health of the trees, what about the health of the home owner, the family’s bread winner, going up in a tree once every two or three years, with a saw.  Consider just the past few month’s data for non-treecare persons compiled by TCIA:

                MONTH                                        DEATHS                        SERIOUS INJURIES

• November 2011                                3                                              2
• December 2011                                 6                                              4
• January 2012                                      1                                              1
• February 2012                                   6                                              1

This is winter time deaths and injuries, the numbers are considerably higher annually for spring, summer, and fall.

Before you climb that tree on Saturday remember the need to go to work on Monday.

Warm temperatures, light winds, plenty of available moisture, what else could you ask for?  Not much if you’re a tree!  Conditions are optimal for growth right now, and woody shrubs and trees are responding. We have observed up to 12″ of terminal extensions in the first few weeks of spring. This is outstanding. We will hope and pray that the trend continues with regards to available moisture. With optimal conditions for growth comes the inevitable insect activity. We are seeing an increase in problematic pest activity. Watch your trees closely. If the leaves begin to curl, brown, droop, or do other strange things, contact you Arborist for a check-up.