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Tag: trees

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Recent storms have caused damage to trees, landscapes, and homes across the country. Many trees are too large for homeowners to safely remove.  With over 50 fatalities yearly nationwide for professionals removing or pruning trees, the rate is much higher for people not trained in specialized tree work. Proper tools and equipment, as well as safety procedures, must be used.

Pruning initiates wound response by trees (compartmentalization), isolating microorganisms and insects to avoid further damage. Remove broken or damaged limbs, but not more than one-third of the branching system of any tree. If more than one-third of branches have been damaged, remove the tree. Cut limbs back to a lateral branch collar swelling, do not leave a stub. Do not paint or seal wounds, which should be allowed to heal naturally.

A fact sheet from Oklahoma State has more information: http://factsheets.okstate.edu/documents/epp-7323-managing-storm-damaged-trees/?fbclid=IwAR2Tz9N_LUO3ODoJnHk6VZEA1c-cqFkzqkiz2JXH8bU7smKVBtLXJINe9BA
NFG 5/31/2019

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Excessive rains have led to widespread occurrence of fungal anthracnose and bacterial leaf scorch in trees, as well as other tree diseases, and resulted in lots of mushrooms and bracket fungi.  We are noticing many leaves falling early from trees such as silver maple

Silver Maple Leaf Spot

and sycamore. In disease affected trees, defoliation may be noticeable especially in low lying areas without good air circulation. At this point in the season, leaf spot and drop will have no long term effect on the health of the trees.
NFG 10/5/2018

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Poplar with early leaf drop due to drought
Poplar with early leaf drop due to drought

PREMATURE LEAF DROP is prevalent in the landscape due to dry weather. Plants are drought damaged by leaf desiccation, slowing of photosynthesis, and slowing of growth. Leaves wilt or roll, turn off-color, and drop.  Conifer needles drop, current season needles may turn yellow, then brown, and are smaller. Plants in the first three years of establishment (root development) are the most susceptible to extremes in water, including too much or too little water. Drought stress predisposes plants to insects and disease.  Examples of plants that do not tolerate drought include sycamore, tulip poplar, horse chestnut, sweet gum, Prunus, dogwood, maple, azalea, rhododendron, ash, pine, hemlock, Skimmia, Stewartia, Franklinia, and ground covers such as ivy and Lamium. Options for more drought tolerant plants include abelia, barberry, bayberry, birch, Malus, Amelanchier, Ginkgo, holly, lilac, some maples, ironwood, and white oak. Drought resistant conifers include Eastern red cedar, most junipers, Japanese black pine, mugo pine, Norway spruce, Colorado blue spruce and Taxus.
NFG 9/11/2015