Many homeowners place as much value in the outward appearance of their home as they do the inward appearance. For this reason, landscaping is quite important to most homeowners. Each year, much time, effort, and money are invested in the upkeep of residential landscaping. To protect that crucial investment, it is to the homeowner’s advantage to educate himself or herself about continued, proper care of their landscape. Learning to recognize signs of disease in landscaping trees is an important first step in the education of proper care. Any previously unnoted abnormality may be the first sign that a tree is diseased. You should consider the following information to make a determination.
First, it is important to know the species of the tree in question. Because some diseases are specific to only certain plants, this is a crucial means by which to rule out, as well as rule in, what the possibilities may be. If you do not know the species or cannot identify it by conducting online research or using book and picture references, consult an arborist for reliable assistance.
Next, you should compare the tree to other trees in the immediate, surrounding area and, especially, trees of the same species. Are other trees experiencing any of the same signs? If so, are those trees the same species? Are they different species? Consider, also, if there have been any commonalities between the trees. Were they recently exposed to some manner of pesticide (for example, municipal mosquito spraying)? Could their roots have been wounded by municipal mowing of road shoulders? Are there drainage issues at or near the location of any questionable trees? Conversely, are there any drought-like conditions at or near the location? Is there any nearby construction that could be affecting the root system?
Follow up by examining the overall appearance of the tree. Note the color of the trunk. Is it lighter in color and brittle? This could indicate insufficient water to facilitate viability. Is the trunk dark or black and moist and perhaps easily removed? This could indicate too much water or root rot. Is the tree affected at the top or bottom? Only on one side? Or, is the entire tree affected? Are the leaves wilted or curled in on themselves? This information can help to determine if, or further confirm that, the tree is diseased and what the cause of the disease may be.
Because landscaping is such an important investment, once you’ve gathered this information, it’s most advantageous to contact a professional Austin arborist or Austin tree trimming specialist, who can assist you with making the correct diagnosis for your affected tree, as well as determining the best course of action to restore its health. If necessary, call a professional for Austin tree removal or Austin stump removal so that disease doesn’t spread. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s quite possible that your landscaping trees can be salvaged and continue to be an asset, contributing to the overall value of your home. However, if there is no treatment available to restore the tree to full health, consult an Austin tree removal specialist for safe, and professional removal of the tree.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree services in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and stump removal. For more information on Austin tree service please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
