HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR TREE IS SICK: SIGNS OF TREE HEALTH ISSUES

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Trees are like us – they can get sick. The only difference is we can go to the clinic and get help when we need it. Trees rely on us to be able to assess what is wrong, and if needed, get professional help.

It is important to diagnose tree health symptoms as soon as possible. Tree damage may be taking place right under your nose from common culprits like disease and insects. Often, these problems can become widespread before you even notice them. There is such a large variety of issues that can wreak havoc, that many of them are not very easy to identify. In many cases, the damage has been going on for years until it becomes so severe that it’s obvious.

You probably don’t know how to tell if your tree is unhealthy or what is causing the problems, but there are some common signs you can look for which might help you spot a problem early. Being armed with some basic diagnostic tools may help you avoid losing a mature plant that you value.

Here are some common signs of tree problems in order to better equip you with the knowledge to ensure your tree is healthy and happy.

1. Leaf Rust

First thing, give your trees a visual inspection. Checking the leaves is one of the first key steps as unhealthy trees lose their leaves prematurely. When you see yellow, orange and gold spots rupturing leaf surfaces, you’re dealing with rust. Leaves are discolored or mottled yellow to brown. Powdery fungal clusters appear on the leaves and leaves may become twisted and distorted.

While it rarely kills plants, rust fungus makes leaves unsightly and weakens the plant by interfering with photosynthesis, the process a plant uses to make food. Each plant species that are susceptible to rust, hosts a particular rust species that may vary from other rust species in appearance.

2. Scratch test

One of the best ways to determine if a tree is dead is the tree scratch test. Just beneath the dry, outer layer of bark in a tree’s trunk lies the cambium layer of bark. In a living tree, this is green, in a dead tree, it is brown. Scratching bark to see if the tree is alive involves removing a little bit of the outside layer of bark to get a look at the cambium layer. You can do this without making a big mark in the tree. If you perform the tree scratch test on a tree trunk and see green tissue, the tree is alive. This does not always work so well if you scratch a single branch since the branch may be dead but the rest of the tree alive.

During times of severe drought and high temperatures, a tree may “sacrifice” branches, allowing them to die for the rest of the tree to stay alive. So, if choosing to do a scratch test on a branch, choose several in different areas of the tree or just scraping the tree trunk itself.

3. Check the soil

Trees within cities or highly industrialized areas may have an unhealthy appearance because they cannot access nutrients that may be in the soil but are not in a useable form. You may notice leaves that are small, discolored and may also notice they have a thin canopy, poor growth, and stem dieback. If this is the case, your tree might be “Alkaline Intolerant.”

Reducing your soil pH even slightly can have a huge effect on the appearance and health of alkaline intolerant plants. To reduce the pH on a property, you can do a soil test to determine the exact acidity levels. Treatment methods will always depend on the specific needs of the tree. Soil pH is not easy to manipulate and your soil will always work towards reverting to its original acidity, so you will need to keep an eye on it.

4. Insects

Although plants have natural immune systems, there are many times where Mother Nature cannot heal the tree from bugs on your property. Insects can ravage your landscape and leave lasting damage. There are tens of thousands of insect species that live in, on and around trees. Most of them do not cause significant harm, but there are more than a few that can negatively impact the trees we enjoy in our landscapes.

There are many species of insects that can cause great harm to the trees they attack. Most of these have specific types of trees that provide what they want and attack certain parts of the tree, usually to meet their nutritional or shelter needs. In these cases, insecticide or other forms of treatment may be applied through injections, spraying, or soil drenches to control insects.

We are here to help!

Ultimately, you want to do the best to save and maintain the tree, but remember, unhealthy trees are also dangerous. You don’t want to increase risk and your safety to save the tree. Dying and/or dead trees can fall on residences, so it is important to fix these problems before they cause any serious damage.

That’s where we come in handy. We can provide an expert diagnosis on your tree’s health by a certified arborist. We can recommend work to restore your tree, such as pruning, spraying for pests and fungus, improving soil conditions, correcting drainage problems and many more remedial measures.

Prevention is better than cure. We pride ourselves on working closely with owners to also develop a program for maintenance and treatment to avoid any future issues. And, in worse case situations, we can also organize removal if the tree is beyond rectification.

If you are experiencing any problems with your trees, give us a call or fill out our request a quote to arrange an on-site evaluation.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,
Alexander

When It Comes to Tree Care, A Picture Isn’t Always Worth A Thousand Words

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Periodically, Alexander Tree Care receives requests by email accompanied with photos of trees or shrubs that require some attention. Other times we get requests to drive by a particular property without the customer present. In either instance, Alexander Tree Care prefers to provide estimates to customers in person for a variety of reasons.

The Limitations of a Picture

Based on our experience, photos have limitations and rarely reflect the true and exact conditions that exist on site. Upon actual inspection the size of the trees are usually larger or smaller than how they appear in a photo. A photo of a tree at the rear of the property does not give a complete picture, no pun intended. For example, there can be hidden issues that will directly impact the removal such as buildings, pools and other fixtures in close proximity to the tree. Access to the removal site could be impeded or impacted for a number of reasons; affecting the time it will take to remove brush offsite efficiently.

The tree in the photo could be near a high phase voltage line or leaning precariously to one side. The condition of the tree could go unnoticed and be in such serious decline that certain precautions and extra measures will need to be taken.

Nothing can replace discussing tree work with the customer in person. It’s the best way to gain a true understanding of the customer’s expectations and objectives. It also allows Alexander Tree Care the opportunity to explain and expand on how all aspects of the work would be conducted to achieve or exceed the desired results. Alternatives and other recommendations can also come to realization. All of this provides the customer with complete and full information. The cost estimate given will be precise and not subject to change due to something being overlooked.

Alexander Tree Care Provides On-site Estimates Free of Charge

Take the time to meet with our ISA certified arborist with years of experience and qualifications. Alexander Tree Care provides a variety of services including tree and shrub removals, emergency removals, trimming, pruning, planting, hedge clipping, stump grinding and tree health care. Alexander Tree Care services Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Bradford, Holland Landing, East Gwillimbury, Keswick, Georgina, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Schomberg, King City, King Township and Toronto. You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Another Great Season Alexander Tree Care York Region Arborist, Tree Removal Newmarket

Another Successful Season

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As the tree work is slowly winding down for the season, Alexander Tree Care pauses to reflect on its accomplishments in 2018.

Topping our list is the continuous growth of our business. With the addition of repeat customers, many referrals as well as new customers. We sincerely believe this is the result of customer satisfaction and continuously strive for and gain one customer at a time. Our customers recognize good value, professionalism, and excellent results. These areas cannot be overstated. From major tree removals and tree pruning to the extra time spent on meticulous trimming of specimen trees, ornamental shrubs and hedges; our customers have shared their positive experiences. These are reflected in the reviews they have made on Google, HomeStars and other sites.

Top Three in Newmarket

Alexander Tree Care was honoured as one of the top three tree services in Newmarket for 2018 by ThreeBestRated.ca. This website uses a multi-point inspection; which includes checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to general excellence. Again, we are very honoured for this recognition; and strive to continue to stay in the top three for tree services in Newmarket in years to come.

Currently Alexander Tree Care is fully booked with scheduled work for the remainder of the 2018 season; but we are taking on clients and tree work for the new year, and would be happy to add you to our list. Please feel free to contact us to ensure your spot on our priority list for scheduled work or quotes early next spring.

Alexander Tree Care wishes to thank all of our customers for an incredible season. We also want to take this time to remind new customers that our services include; tree and shrub removals, trimming, pruning, planting, stump grinding, and tree-health care. We currently service the areas of Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Bradford, Holland Landing, Keswick, Georgina, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Schomberg, King City, King Township and Toronto. You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Reduce Factors Contributing to Tree Failure from Wind Storms - Tree Damage from Windstorms Newmarket, Aurora, Toronto, Richmond Hill - Alexander Tree Care

Reduce Factors Contributing to Tree Failure from Wind Storms

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This past May 4, 2018, southern Ontario experienced a severe windstorm that left a vast trail of damage to hydro lines, homes and trees. Winds in excess of 100km per hour were observed. In some areas winds were as high as 120km per hour. In many cases, downed trees and branches were directly responsible for inflicting damage to hydro lines and homes.

Mature Spruce Trees Were Particularly Affected

Alexander Tree Care started getting emergency calls within a very short time after the storm ended. The very first three calls involved uprooted spruce trees. In the aftermath, it became apparent to us that many calls involved evergreens rather than deciduous trees. Mature spruce trees were particularly affected. We began to question if there was a specific reason to this pattern or was it simply just a coincidence?

Dense evergreens and shrubs are recommended as excellent windbreaks around homes. While that may be so, are they less wind resistant than other trees like deciduous ones? We cannot draw conclusions solely from our own experience during one recent wind storm. There are just too many variables to consider and not enough information and data from any field studies to draw any reasonable conclusions.

Factors Which Can Contribute to the Failure of Trees and their Branches

The aforementioned, however, is a good segue to conduct a brief discussion on factors which can contribute to the failure of trees and branches during a severe weather event. It should be noted that even healthy trees with no signs of structural weakness or other issues can be affected during severe wind conditions. They are simply unable to withstand the destructive force caused by storms.

A Dense Canopy

A dense canopy can be less wind resistant than a thinned-out one. Reducing the density of the canopy by pruning improves air flow and reduces air drag.

Unbalanced Tree Structures

Balancing the structure of a tree is another simple solution to reduce the risk of tree failure. Many trees can have larger or more limbs on one side than the other causing uneven weight distribution. Selective removal of branches would be highly recommended to achieve balance.

Tree Decay

Trees with cavities, which may be home to nesting squirrels or birds, are a good indication of tree decay. Mushrooms or conks attached to trees are also a good indicator of decay. Decaying trees and branches are at higher risk of breaking under severe wind load conditions. For safety reasons removal of the tree with this condition may be the only viable option. Once tree decay occurs it is irreversible and can likely spread.

There are cases where decay is not always readily detected. A tree trunk may look healthy and sound but the roots may be rotted out due to soil fungus. Dig below the ground to detect if any decaying is taking place. The main culprit of soil fungus is overwatering or poor drainage. Removing nearby decaying material such as logs and stumps is also advisable to reduce the potential of fungi spreading.

“Twin Trunks”

Trees with twin trunks, referred to as codominant trunks, are known to have poor attachments and therefore are susceptible to cracking and failing. The cracks usually occur below the area where the tree trunk splits in two. In this location weakness occurs from the build-up of trapped bark known as included bark. Various birch and maple trees, like silver, red, sugar and Norway, are some examples of trees that can form codominant stems. At the beginning of this blog there is a photo of a Norway maple with codominant trunks and a very visible and prominent crack. There is also a crack on the other side of this tree. These cracks will only get wider as the trunks get larger and heavier. They also create openings for pathogens and insect infestation.

If you have any tree or shrub issues needing attention, don’t hesitate in contacting Alexander Tree Care for expert advice and service. Check out our web site for all of the services we offer. Our area of operation includes:  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, King City, King Township, East Gwillimbury, Bradford, Georgina, Stouffville, Uxbridge and Toronto.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Proper Irrigation for Healthy Trees and Shrubs

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Proper Irrigation for Healthy Trees and Shrubs - Alexander Tree Care Newmarket Aurora Tree Services Keswick Bradford Richmond Hill King City Markham

Irrigating trees and shrubs is an important maintenance procedure that is often overlooked or misunderstood. The frequency and amount of water trees and shrubs require can vary. A regular watering routine is not always possible to maintain especially during a drought or excessive rainfall. Here are some tips regarding proper irrigation for healthy trees and shrubs.

Monitor and Adjust Your Sprinkler Systems as Needed

Sprinkler systems can be a source of overwatering problems if their settings are left unchecked.  Monitoring the sprinkler setting on a regular basis is recommended and will need to be adjusted according to seasonal conditions. Checking the soil with your fingers is a simple yet effective practice to undertake. While the soil may look dry on the surface, it may be moist a few inches below the grade.

What Can Happen with Over/Under Watering?

Consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. It can also disrupt the root anchorage causing plants to lean. When left too dry during prolonged periods of time, plants do not receive the adequate amount of water and nutrients needed to thrive.

During times of drought, watering mature trees with a garden hose is seldom beneficial. They are well adapted to endure these types of stressors. However, new plantings require regular attention to prevent drying of delicate roots.

“Girdling” Can Impact the Roots’ Absorption of Water & Nutrients

Trees and shrubs can sustain damage when encasing materials have not been removed in a timely fashion. For example, the root wrap that trees or shrubs are planted in can cause girdling of the root. Girdling is the result of roots being restricted from growing outward and therefore become intertwined around the trunk. When this occurs the roots are being constricted, thereby cutting off the supply of water and nutrients the tree requires.

To avoid girdling, if the wrap is made of plastic remove it immediately before planting. If it is made of natural burlap, ensure that it is loose enough and make some cuts so the roots can be exposed. Once a tree is staked and guyed remember to loosen or remove the cable around the trunk when no longer required. Also, as and when trees mature, remember to loosen or remove such things as picnic benches chained to trees, makeshift clothes lines tied around trunks and toddler swings chained to tree branches. If these items are left unattended they can cause significant damage to the trees.

The 2018 spring season is off to a late start due to the persistent cold weather we have experienced. Now is a good time to look after pruning your trees or remove them entirely should there be a reason to do so.  Contact Alexander Tree Care for a free on-site estimate at your convenience.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Benefits of Adding Woodchips to Trees

Benefits of Adding Woodchips to Trees

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Benefits of Adding Woodchips

 

There are many benefits of adding woodchips to your trees.  Woodchips help retain soil moisture. They decompose over time which results in nutrient leaching. They also help smother any weeds or invasive plants that might sprout up.  Before adding woodchips, it is always a good idea to aerate the tree root zone. This will improve leaching and supply more oxygen to the roots.  The presence of oxygen will encourage more growth.

Wrongly Placed Woodchips Can Be Detrimental

All this seems very beneficial for the tree. However, in the urban landscape we see trees that have an excessive amount of woodchips mounded around the root zone and tree trunk.  When woodchips are in direct contact with the tree trunk for an extended period of time, the moisture from the woodchips can cause rot in the tree trunk. This can cause the tree to decline and die.

Mushrooms or fruiting bodies are an indication of decay.  Be sure to examine your trees for these indicators. You can prevent premature decline and trunk rot by carefully spreading the woodchips around the root zone and not around the trunk in a saucer-like fashion.

Trees definitely benefit from woodchips when applied correctly.  The moisture retention and steady organic leaching will keep your tree healthy and vigorous for seasons to come.

Soil Compaction Affects Trees

Another overlooked landscape issue that dramatically affects trees is soil compaction.  Often in urban landscapes factors like human foot traffic, torrential rain down pours, construction and heavy machinery can all contribute to soil compaction.  When the soil becomes compacted, water and nutrients can’t percolate through the soil. As a result, the soil is left dry and without minerals.  Tree roots also have a harder time pushing through the soil which creates stress to the tree.

Prevent Soil Compaction with Tree Protection Zones (T.P.Z.) During Construction

These conditions, if left unattended, will cause the tree to slowly decline.  A common way to protect tree root zones from construction is to set up a Tree Protection Zone (T.P.Z.). This is a fenced off area in which heavy equipment and machinery will not pass over.  Heavy machinery compacts soil to an extreme and can even crush root tissues.

If you have questions about the health of your trees, please contact our experts at Alexander Tree Care today.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care - Alexander Tree Care - Tree Services Newmarket

Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care

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Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care - Alexander Tree Care - Tree Services Newmarket

Alexander Tree Care has been involved in the tree care service industry for over 12 years. During that time, we have observed many unacceptable practices that eventually lead to problems involving trees in various settings and locations. Here are some common issues with tree planting & tree care we’ve seen and how to avoid them.

1. Planting Trees in Confined Spaces

Some of the most common problems we encounter are the planting of too many trees in a small confined area and multiple trees with not enough spacing between each other.  This typically leads to the canopies growing into each other, resulting in leaf loss and dead branches from insufficient sunlight penetration.

Additionally, trees in close proximity to each other compete for water and nutrients resulting in stress.  A stressed tree is further compromised if it is exposed to severe weather conditions such as prolonged periods of drought.  Trees under constant stress are vulnerable to insect infestation and pathogens resulting in decline.

2. Planting Trees Too Close to Buildings

Too often we have removed trees in close proximity to buildings or have been required to prune back branches extending over roofs or into windows. It is advisable to select trees near buildings based on the size of the crown and how far branches spread when the tree reaches maturity. As an example, an English Oak, a narrow columnar growing tree, is a far better choice than a maple.

3. Planting Trees Too Close to Property Lines

Owners also tend to plant trees and shrubs too close to the property lines. On many occasions we have removed or cut out trees and shrubs growing into metal and wooden fences.  We have also removed branches growing into a neighbour’s home, pool, shed or other structures.  Your neighbours do have the right to trim back branches that extend across their property. However they are not trained or experienced enough to make appropriate cuts to branches. This can cause unnecessary damages to the trees and strained relationships.

4. Planting Too Much of the Same Species in a Row

Another common mistake is planting the same species of tree in a row. For example, due to the emerald ash borer infestation, many of the ash trees in our communities have been decimated. All of these spaces now require new trees to be planted as replacements.

Alternating tree species would have reduced the impact significantly. When planning a tree line down a property or grouping trees in a particular area it is important to consider a variety of trees of different species to mitigate infestation problems in the future.

How to Avoid These Common Planting Issues

Start by selecting the tree best suited for the location. A little research on the maximum height and size of canopy of a tree will save a lot of problems involving the lack of appropriate spacing when the tree eventually matures.

It’s also important to keep in mind your natural surroundings. Mature trees are accustomed to their existing surroundings and soil conditions. Whenever possible, if the tree is thriving and in good condition, there is no need to change or disturb the soil around them.

If you have questions about what trees or shrubs would be best for your home or business, please contact our experts at Alexander Tree Care.  You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Til next time,

Alexander