Trees can get sick just like people, and when your trees start to exhibit signs of illness, you may have questions. Sometimes these signs can be a regular decline in tree health, or in other cases, these signs could mean your tree has a disease and needs to be treated. Five Star Tree Services answers some frequently asked questions about tree diseases to help you better care for your foliage.
What Is Winter Burn?
Desiccation, also known as winter burn is a fatal condition that can strike evergreen trees. The main cause of winter burn is freezing temperatures, high winds, and low soil moisture levels. There are many different signs of winter burn, but the most common is multi-colored needles.
Is My Tree Dead?
There are a couple of ways to determine if your tree has died. The easiest way to check on your own is by examining a twig. Break one of the small twigs off to observe the tissue inside. Twigs with brown, dull tissue that is dry and brittle can be a sign of a dead tree. Those that bend before breaking and that have yellow or green tissue are still alive.
What Is Oak Wilt?
Oak Wilt is a vascular fungal disease that is highly debilitating. It only attacks oak trees, so other trees on your property won’t be affected. An Oak Wilt is a fungus that obstructs the inner vascular system of the tree disrupting water and nutrient distribution. Oak tree’s often will exhibit various systems making it hard to identify the disease. The most common sign is when the tree develops chlorotic and necrotic veins on the leaves. When this happens, the leaves will turn brown, wilt, and fall off of the tree. Red oaks have slightly different symptoms, and the leaves will wilt without falling off and they will turn varying shades of bronze, pale green, and brown. Bimonthly fungicide injections into the root flares are used to treat this disease.
Is Moss Harmful for a Tree?
Moss that grows on the surface of a tree can cause a myriad of issues. Removing moss from the surface will help your tree to maintain its health. In order to control moss, you will have to reduce the amount of moisture and water around your tree and in your yard. This can be achieved by watering your trees, lawn, and other greenery less often. You can also use a treatment on your soil to maintain proper pH levels.
Are Pests Problematic for Trees?
Insects and other pests such as borers, beetles, wildlife, and mites can post a significant risk to the health of your trees. Having a plan in place to limit their spread will help your trees thrive. Some insects may damage the leaves which steal nutrients from the tree and other animals may cut into the trunk which may allow fungus or disease to enter. A professional arborist will be able to spot, diagnose and treat any of these concerns.
Why Are My Trees Unhealthy?
Even if your trees get plenty of sun and water they may not thrive. Trees also need proper nutrients in order to grow and repair themselves. These nutrients come from the soil under and around their base. If the soil quality near your tree is poor, your tree will suffer.
Reliable Tree Care From Five Star Tree Services
If you are looking for a skilled team with all tree services in house, we are here to help. Five Star Tree Services offers a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial locations. These include tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, stump removal, and more. If your tree has suffered from a disease and now requires a removal, our team has affordable Richmond Hill tree removal services that are available for you. Just give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today for more information.