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…
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…
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…
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that kills live oaks and other species by attacking their vascular system. Once a tree is infected, the disease eventually chokes it to death. Trees from the red oak family (Spanish, Shumard, Blackjack and Water oaks) are especially susceptible, dying within months of infection. Live oaks, while not in the red…
There are many types of wood borers. We are already seeing activity from all types. Symptoms include: thin canopy, die back, dead limbs, and “bleeding”. Trees often bleed, or ooze sap from areas infested with borers. Borers are the most damaging insects to trees, they can and will kill trees if left untreated. Advanced Tree Care has…
Mulch, when applied correctly, is one of the best things you can do for your trees. A nice even layer from the edge of the root flare out to the drip line is great. Remember not to place mulch in contact with the root flare as this can cause health problems. Mulch helps retain moisture, adds…
Root flares are the structures located at the base of the tree which transition stem tissues into root tissue. This tissue is aerial tissue and is not designed to be in contact with soils. It does not have the adaptability or defense capabilities to survive under these conditions. This represents a constant stress on the…
Iron chlorosis is a yellowing of plant leaves caused by iron deficiency that affects many desirable landscape plants in Texas. The primary symptom of iron deficiency is interveinal chlorosis, the development of a yellow leaf with a network of dark green veins. In severe cases, the entire leaf turns yellow or white and the outer edges may…
Borers can be serious aesthetic, economic, and structural pests of trees. They can and will kill trees. Borer larvae and adults make tunnels in the shoots, branches, trunks, or roots of trees of all ages and sizes. Eggs of most borer species are laid on or in the bark and larvae chew into the plant tissue. Most…
The drought has caused us to change habits with regards to our landscapes. In particular, watering was restricted and we had to find new ways to get our trees the life giving water they needed. It also caused us to pay more attention to our trees and shrubs than we might have before. Well, I don’t…
