The truth is, most people don’t worry about their trees until something is visually wrong. Unfortunately, once something is wrong enough to show visual symptoms, it can already be an issue of multiple compounding factors.
For instance, what may have started as an environmental concern such as drought stress on your trees, may now be compounded (and complicated) by a disease or pest that has also taken hold.
Whether it’s one or more issues at hand, your next step is figuring out is my tree sick? And if so, why is it sick and what is the solution?
In order to get you started, we’ve rounded up questions to begin to diagnose tree problems at your Cincinnati, Dayton, OH, or Northern Kentucky home. A tree diagnosis takes quite a bit of sleuthing and it all begins with being able to answer these questions properly.
The installation of your tree can make a world of difference in its overall performance. Different species have different requirements in terms of planting depth, location, zone, and even proximity to other plants. If it was not planted properly in the first place, this could be the cause behind your tree problems.
Unfortunately, if that’s the case, all of the remedies you keep throwing at it are never going to fully solve the problem. You may just be wasting your money on trying to fix a tree that will never be completely healthy due to the way it was planted. Though it’s not what most people want to hear, if this is truly your problem, it may be best to start over with a tree that’s planted properly.
If you mention the tree species to a pro who knows their plants, they’ll be able to tell you some of its most common problems. For example, Arborvitae are prone to bagworms whereas Crabapples are prone to the disease Apple Scab.
There are many signs of a sick tree and it’s important to note the specific ones that you’re seeing, which have you worried. While this is an incomplete list, here are some that you may have noticed:
Even if it feels like your tree got sick overnight, if you think back, you might be able to recall noticing a change in your tree that dates farther back. Perhaps you can recall the tree failing to perform the way it normally does during a particular season.
Any information that you can provide on the timeline of the symptoms can be helpful. It’s not uncommon for tree problems to have been occurring for years before they’re fully recognized.
The condition of the surrounding plants is also important. This can provide important information about contributing environmental factors. If different species are all being impacted with the same symptoms, it may not be a specific pest or disease that’s the problem since most of these issues have limited host ranges. Different species suffering from the same symptoms may be due to an environmental concern.
On the flipside, if a tree is being flooded with water (perhaps because it’s planted in a drainage area), its roots can be drowned. What about the possibility of soil pollution? For instance, if you’re constantly draining a pool right into an area of trees, chlorine can absolutely cause tree problems. There’s a lot to consider.
Sometimes tree problems are the result of damage. This could be anything from construction damage to the faulty use of chemicals or even improper pruning.
It’s important to think about any accidental damage that may have occurred and to make record of it. Attempting to repair damage is different than treating disease, pests, or environmental concerns.
If you’ve attempted any DIY tree care to address your tree problems, it’s important to be forthcoming with this information. It is possible to make an existing problem worse—particularly if you’ve come to an incorrect tree diagnosis.
For instance, if you suspect that your tree is drought-stressed but it actually has a fungal disease, you could exacerbate the problem by watering it.
Not every company out there knows a lot about tree identification and proper diagnosis. It can be complicated and some of the lawn care companies offering tree services really don’t know the difference from one issue to another. They may just apply the same treatments and solutions to all trees, rather than taking a customized approach.
Instead, make the choice to work with a tree care company like Oasis Turf & Tree that will take the time to go through questions like these with you and come to a proper tree diagnosis. By doing so, you can feel confident that your concerns will be properly addressed and you’ll be on your way to getting the answers—and solutions—you’re looking for.
If you want to find out more about tree and shrub health care for your Cincinnati, Dayton, OH, or Northern Kentucky home, call us today at 513-697-9090 to get your quote, let us help you choose a stand-alone program or bundle it with other services, and then sit back and relax knowing your trees are in good hands.
Image sources: apple scab, thousand cankers disease