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Assessment of Fire Damaged Trees

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:19:40 GMT

Assessing Fire-Damaged Trees

When assessing fire-damaged trees, important steps in the process include evaluating crown scorch, cambium health, and root damage. Key indicators of mortality include high rates of needle consumption, charred bark around the entire trunk, and dead, brittle buds. While many trees, particularly thick-barked species, can survive moderate scorching, those with more than a certain percentage of crown scorch or severe basal wounding are at higher risk of death.

Further, post-fire injured trees often succumb to secondary pests. Our firm, through specialized techniques and technology, can determine how many trees were alive before and after fire incidents and the approximate value of the sustained damage.

Additional Tips:

Evaluate Crown Scorch: Estimate the percentage of the foliage that is brown/orange (scorched) vs. green. Trees with 50-90% crown scorch may survive, but those with nearly 100% scorch or consumed needles are unlikely to.

Check Buds and Twigs (Weeks): Cut open buds with a knife; bright green indicates life, while dry, brown interiors suggest death.

Inspect Cambium/Bark (Immediate): Peel bark to check the cambium (inner bark). It should be white or green, not brown or dry. Check for charred, deep wounds at the base.

Identify Beetle Activity (1-3 Months): Look for bark beetle infestation (fine boring dust, pitch tubes) in the months following a fire, as they often attack stressed trees.

Monitor for Re-sprouting (Spring): Many species (e.g., oaks) may resprout from the trunk or base, even if the top is dead.

Wait to Remove: Delay removing, if safe, as some trees may take up to a year to show they are dead or dying.

Its Dry in Ohio and you need to water your trees.

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:15:41 GMT

How to water your trees.

Watering Established Trees

It's a common misconception that a tree's roots are a mirror image of the aboveground canopy. In reality, an established tree's roots usually extend well beyond the edge of the canopy, or drip line. Although some anchor roots may reach deep into the soil, most tree roots are concentrated in the upper 12" to 18" of soil. When watering established trees, provide a deep, soaking irrigation to the entire area beneath the tree canopy and extending several feet beyond the drip line. Ideally, you should moisten the soil to a depth of 10" each time you water. To prevent rot, don't apply water to the area directly around the trunk.

Know When to Water

The easiest way to check soil moisture is to take a long (8"-plus) screwdriver and poke it into the soil. It will pass easily into moist soil, but be difficult to push into dry soil. If you can't poke it in at least 6", it's time to water. This technique works best in clay and loam soils.

How to Apply Water

Overhead sprinklers are the easiest way to cover large expanses, but they're inefficient, losing up to half the water to evaporation. Trees are better served by watering methods that apply water slowly, right at soil level. It may take several hours to properly water a single mature tree.

Soaker hoses are an efficient way to water trees because they're porous and release water slowly. Encircle a tree with a spiral of soaker hose and run it for an hour or more — as long as it takes for water to penetrate 6" or 8", using the screwdriver test.

Source:https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/when-to-water-trees/7931.html

Red Plum Oak Gall

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:07:49 GMT

Red Plum Oak Gall

I made a fun find yesterday while conducting a tree inspection: an acorn Plum Gall. Galls are one of the more intriguing sides of nature to view and behold. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures—truly one of nature’s more “artistic” flourishes! Oak trees, in particular, appear to get many different types of galls.

Garden Borders are resulting in tree strangulation and likely decline.

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:24:44 GMT

Garden Borders are resulting in tree strangulation and likely decline.

Property owners and managers often want well-defined bed lines separating the turf grass from the planting bed, which usually includes a tree. When using certain products, the bed edge is inserted into the soil, resulting in a well-defined separation.

However, trees in most urban settings have shallow roots, and these installed products are placed deep enough for the tree in question to react by growing roots in the same condition as the installed product over time.

The result is a tree with stem-girdling roots (SGRs) that cause the plant to have a dysfunctional root system, crushed and damaged vascular cambium, and an interrupted vascular system that will have limited ability to move vital nutrients, water, and carbohydrates inside the plant.

Spotted Latternfly

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 13:17:34 GMT

Spotted Latternfly

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. Juvenile spotted lanternflies, known as nymphs, and adults prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feed on a wide range of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees.

Spotted lanternfly populations are currently found in 14 states including Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.

More information can be found here

The Elephant Tree "Trees and people are similar"

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:39:36 GMT

The Elephant Tree: "Trees and people are similar."

The first time I saw this tree, I had to ask how it became what we see today. What caused it to look like an elephant? However, I realized that tree development and growth are similar to human development.

Our fundamental requirements are the same: air, food, water, and shelter. Beyond these general requirements, what makes us unique is primarily defined by where we grow up, what kind of environment we have around us, our fellow neighbors, and our support system. Trees are no different and have many other behaviors based on whether they grow in the mountains, on a hillside, beside a river, by a lake, in a valley, or your garden. These aspects make us unique, define who we are, and are part of our lives.

While many defining characteristics are held within our minds, humans can physically see and touch these differences in trees. They present themselves in tree leaves, shape, bark, size, seeds, and wood. Even after a tree has died, we can look at the wood to understand its history and what makes it unique.

Wood is grown in trees to facilitate the movement of fluids and nutrients from the ground to the leaves to produce sugars via photosynthesis. More wood that reflects the tree's current state is made every year. As children, many of us counted the annual growth rings in logs to determine the age of a tree.

An outward tree's appearance years after birth changes, just like most people have also changed.

Hypoxylon canker

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 11:19:09 GMT

Hypoxylon canker a sign of tree decline.

Hypoxylon canker is a disease caused by the fungus Biscogniauxia atropunctata. It is often one of several factors ultimately responsible for tree death. Hypoxylon damages tissues in the inner bark and sapwood that are used by the tree to move water from soil to the leaves. Vigorous, healthy trees are colonized by the fungus, but only damaged or stressed trees develop cankers and are killed.

Late Fall Is a Great Time To Check Your Trees for Fungi

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:48:58 GMT

Positive Indicator of Wood Decay

A tree's most significant natural enemy is wood decay, known as rot. Trees defy gravity, and they do this by conducting photosynthesis and creating energy later used by the plant to generate wood., which provides its structure and strength.

Wood is comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose make up the wood's cell walls, and lignin acts like a glue holding the cells together.

Often, certain or many different types of wood decay fungi will dissolve all or just certain cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin components in trees. , thus increasing the likelihood of branch or whole tree failure.

While some species of trees can manage or compartmentalize wood decay well, others do not.

Often, these wood decay fungi will not be conspicuous, and other times, they will. In the spring or fall or any time of the year, they often produce evidence of their existence.

All trees should be periodically inspected for deficiencies in health and structure. But if you find a tree with a fungus or fungus-like growth growing on the ground near it or protruding from it, this is direct evidence that the plant has some degree of decay along with some degree of strength loss. A Certified and Qualified arborist should investigate these conditions.

Placing Trees and Plants into the Landscape like Pieces of Furniture

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:50:50 GMT

Right Plant Right Place

Often the public thinks that they can pick and place plants in their landscape like furniture. Before you plant anything do a investigation of the zone hardness, soils and other factors. It's always better to plan and investigate before you plant. Work with a qualified, certified and registered Arborist for the best results.

https://www.expert-arborist.com/landscape-design

Nature Paints a Colorful Leaf Palette

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 16:49:50 GMT

Nature Paints a Colorful Leaf Palette

Read this article in Dayton Magazine about "Nature Paints a Colorful Leaf Palette". Mark Webber was interviewed about the impact that tree leaves have in the fall. (click this link) https://www.thedaytonmagazine.com/nature-paints-a-colorful-leaf-palette/?mc_cid=d2723cd330&mc_eid=178fc42b56

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 19:25:01 GMT

Eastern Black Swallowtail

Often when we find an insect on valuable plants, we think it will cause severe economic harm to them. Often, these potential pests offer no actual liability and are just a nuisance with greater ecological value to the environment than to the plants they occasionally eat.

Today, I was planting hard garlic for next year's crop when I found these caterpillars on my fall-winter crops of Carrot and Fennel. I identified these caterpillars were the larvae stage of the Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly(Papilio polyxenes asterius). The Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly is one of our most commonly studied swallowtails. Although it is admired for its beauty, it is one of the few butterflies that may occasionally be considered a pest. Various other names have been known, including black swallowtail, American swallowtail, parsnip swallowtail, parsley swallowtail, celery worm, and caraway worm.

Although black swallowtail caterpillars feed on a number of cultivated plants, they are never sufficiently common to cause a problem in commercial agriculture. If control is required in home gardens, hand-picking is recommended. If hand-picking is impractical, either a foliar insecticide or the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis provides effective control. Also, numerous insect predators and wasp and fly parasitoids of the caterpillars provide some natural control.

Sources:

Miller JY. (editor). 1992. The Common Names of North American Butterflies. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C. 177 pp

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/eastern_black_swallowtail.htm (Collected on 9/25/2022)

I think my tree needs Iron?

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 10:08:47 GMT

Importance of Soil and Leaf testing

Chlorosis is yellowing or discoloring leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. Possible causes of chlorosis include poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiencies in the plant. Nutrient deficiencies may occur because there is an insufficient amount in the soil or because the nutrients are unavailable due to a high pH (alkaline soil). Or the nutrients may not be absorbed due to injured roots or poor root growth.

Often plant owners run to the internet to diagnose their plant's distressing issue. Often these searches yield the conclusion that my plant needs iron! Then usually, they apply materials that have little consequence or can cause further harm. The photograph below is a person who thought their tree was an iron deficiency, so they placed four brake rotors at the base of the tree in question.

Unfortunately, these findings are not rooted in reliable facts and data. The only way to know what plants need is to conduct soil and/or leaf testing.

Sources:

MkWebber 2022

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/focus/index.cfm?problem=chlorosis

https://www.expert-arborist.com/Soil-testing-expert-Mark-Webber-Board-Certified-Master-Arborist-usa-tree-expert

Saving Historical Trees

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:01:39 GMT

Tree Protection Plan to Protect Historical Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Monument Trees.

Mark A. Webber, RCA #706 has been working with the National Parks Services preservation of historical trees located at the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Monument construction in Wilberforce, OH.

Lieutenant Charles Young was a soldier, diplomat and civil rights leader who overcame stifling inequality to become a leading figure in the years after the Civil War. In later years, Young was a distinguished professor at Wilberforce University and helped establish the marching band.

The Young property is currently under construction and one goal is to protect a group of trees that were part of the property when Lt. Young was alive. The NPS required that only arborists who were ASCA members and preferably Registered Consulting Arborists be involved with these tree preservation efforts. Webber's assignment was to critique the NPS plans and modify them to protect these value tree assets. Mark remains involved with weekly site meetings and periodic inspections to ensure these historical trees are protected for future generations.

Learn more click on this link: https://www.nps.gov/chyo/index.htm

Diagnosing plants affected by herbicides

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:40:26 GMT

Diagnosing plants affected by herbicides

Determining if non-target herbicide injury is the cause of a plant health issue involves assessing multiple types of evidence. The investigator sees the end result of an issue and works backward to try to determine the cause. Diagnosing herbicide injury requires accurately describing symptoms and finding as much information about site history as possible. In some cases, the cause of the problem may be very straightforward, and in other cases more investigation, research, and critical thinking is needed. There are four important questions to ask when diagnosing herbicide injury.

What are the Plant's Symptoms?

First, determine what the symptoms of concern are. Describe symptoms (i.e. epinasty, stunting, chlorosis, necrosis, etc.) and where they appear on the plant (i.e. old growth or new growth, leaves, stems, roots, etc.). Compare the symptomatic plant to “healthy” plants from the same area. Also look at nearby fields or home landscapes. If similar symptoms are occurring in areas managed by different people, the issue could be environmental or biotic rather than herbicide related. Also check if multiple plant species have the symptoms. If a single species is symptomatic among multiple species, then symptoms may not be herbicide related.

Herbicide injury to plants has become commonplace in many properties throughout the United States and in many cases, the exposure can and will cause plant death if the dosage rates have caused significant vascular injuries internally to the plant. But in certain chemical exposure events plants can recover with proper care. Keep in mind most herbicide injuries and chemical exposure are preventable.

Mark Webber's Arboricultural & Horticultural Consultancy LLC has investigated herbicide injuries to plants and trees caused by a wide range of herbicides including synthetic auxins, Amino Acid Inhibitors, Chlorophyll Inhibitors, Contact Herbicides, Root Inhibitors, and other materials including salt, lead and other unique plant toxins. Mark Webber himself has investigated thousands of cases involving chemical injuries to plants since 1997 and has a unique understanding of modes of action, investigative techniques, and if a plant will survive the given exposure. If your plants don't look normal and you suspect your plants have been damaged by chemical agents call our office or fill in the form below and we will contact you shortly.

Lupines

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 21:04:01 GMT

Lupines

Lupine likes a dry and sandy soil. It prefers open areas where it gets full sun, but it will also grow in part shade. It will grow in an open wooded area, but does take longer for it to become established. For this perennial plant to thrive, a good deal of sun is preferred.

Wild lupine begins to grow in the early spring and flowers in May. Blooms typically last for a few weeks. Flowers are usually blue, but can also be shades of pinks, purples and white. The flower spikes can stand up to 7" standing above the leaves. The flowers turn to peapod-like seed pods as the season progresses. The outer shell is fuzzy in appearance and is about 2" long. Each pod contains between 10 - 20 seeds.

In addition to its pure beauty that we enjoy, the karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissais) is reliant on lupine as the caterpillar will only feed on the lupine plant.

Source:https://bygl.osu.edu/node/752#:~:text=Lupine%20likes%20a%20dry%20and,deal%20of%20sun%20is%20preferred.

Do you have "Bad" soil?

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:45:15 GMT

Do you have "Bad Soil" in your landscape?

Many property owners complain about how "bad" the soil is on their property. They often contribute the poor vigor in their turf, trees, and plants to the soil the builder left them during the construction of their dwelling. The picture below shows why the soils on most properties are the equivalent of being pulverized into almost concrete. This can all be avoided by having written specifications that the landscape contractor is to fulfill when installing your landscape. Working with a member of the Mark Webber's Arboricultural & Horticultural Consultancy often avoids these problems. We are uniquely qualified and can provide unbiased recommendations and oversight of your new home's landscape, likely ensuring years of enjoyment of your well-planned and installed sustainable landscape.

Bee friendly...

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 19:35:12 GMT

Bee friendly...

Many plants flowers are pollinated by very specific animals. For example, the Ohio Buckeye tree's flowers are pollinated by the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and various long-tongued bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.). These floral visitors seek primarily nectar, although some bees also collect pollen. This is why we need to rid properties of invasive plants and plant a wide range of native perennials, shrubs, and trees to help foster native pollinators. The part that most people don't get is over 50% of all the food that we humans consumed relies on some form of insect pollination.

Many of our fruits, vegetables, and nuts are reliant upon pollinators for their production. In fact, without these species, 70% of plants would be unable to reproduce or provide food. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, of the 100 crop varieties that provide 90% of the world’s food, 71 are pollinated by bees.

Source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/oh_buckeye.htm

https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/304/pollinators-and-pesticides/impacts-on-the-food-supply

Fall Armyworms Maybe Marching and Munching Your Lawn!!!

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:07:52 GMT

Fall Armyworm Lawn Damage

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) annually migrates northward, invading much of the continental United States and Canada. Many lawns in the month of August of 2021 are being eaten to death in the greater Dayton, Ohio area. The larval (caterpillar) stage of the fall armyworm moth can cause severe damage to lawns. In summer, the moths lay clusters of eggs in cotton-like, greenish-white masses on structures (houses, mailboxes, fences, signs, etc.), shrubs and trees, and the newly hatched larvae drop down to the ground and “march” like an army to feed on the closest grass.

While the larvae are still small, damage may not be readily apparent. But when they reach their full size (about 1-1/2” long), they can eat the grass down to the soil. Significant infestations can defoliate a lawn entirely.

Lush green grass is the fall armyworm’s preferred food, so irrigated lawns of any type (warm- or cool-season) are at most risk. So are newly laid sod and newly seeded or overseeded lawns since these must be kept moist/irrigated until the new grass establishes roots.

Controlling fall armyworms is difficult since several generations can occur in one summer-through-fall season. Products that contain carbaryl (such as Sevin) or pyrethroids will be most effective while the larvae are still small. Mowing the turf and light irrigation before treatment can increase control. Repeat treatments may be necessary.

Turfgrass Recovery

Turfgrass will recover with a little help from properly timed fertilizer applications if the insecticide applications were made quickly enough to protect a substantial percentage of the turfgrass canopy. However, if the canopy has been completely removed, the crowns need to be protected from dehydration through irrigation.

Resources:

https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/pests-and-weeds/insect-management/#caterpillars

Potter, D.A. and S.K. Braman. 1991. Ecology and management of turfgrass insects. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 36:383–406.

Assessment of large trees.

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:04:46 GMT

A Large Chinkapin Oak Inspection

We were recently honored to do a tree risk assessment on a 47" (DBH)Diameter Breast Height, Chinkapin oak. This tree is 120 feet tall and 150 feet wide. If you look at the photograph, you can find the climbing arborist helping us in the assessment the subject tree. When you see him, you will fully appreciate the size of this incredible tree. Our inspection found that the subject tree to be in good condition.

Is your landscape or lawn care contractor killing your trees so that you have a weed-free lawn?

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Fri, 28 May 2021 21:07:22 GMT

Is your landscape or lawn care contractor killing your trees so that you have a weed-free lawn?

The photograph in this picture is of Ash tree that has been successfully saved from the perils of an Emerald Ash bore but now has been unfortunately damaged by a local lawn care company with an application of broadleaf herbicide. This lawn care company applied a broadleaf application to a lawn that did not have one single broadleaf weed to control. The bottom line is these types of products harm and often kill trees. This death is sometimes immediate, and other times can take years.

It is the responsibility of the applicator to follow the label and protect your property's trees. For more information about herbicide injury in trees and plants click here.

Why and when do you need to add Soil Amendments when planting trees?

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:21:17 GMT

Why and when do you need to add Soil Amendments when planting trees?

Soil amendments are often a “best practice” when planting trees when there is soil test data that indicates that these materials will

improve the long-term future of the subject tree that is being installed. Adding amendments can improve soil conditions, however, if they are applied they can create conditions that will increase the likelihood of tree mortality. Remember...Do NOT Guess and add anything without a Soil Test prior to planting a tree.

There are at least four factors to consider in selecting a soil amendment that includes how long the amendment will last in the soil, soil texture, soil salinity, and plant sensitivities to salts and salt content and pH of the amendment. This information in many cases

should be predetermined prior to using or applying soil amendments.

Ohio Invassive Plants

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 09:46:48 GMT

Controlling & Irradicating Invasive Plants

How to Kill Your Lawn with Bad Advice!

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 14:02:59 GMT

How to Kill Your Lawn with Bad Advice!

Recently, a client complained about the deteriorated condition of their lawn. The lawn was installed last year. Before installation, a soil test and compaction test were completed installing turfgrass sod. The preliminary soil testing found that soil pH was high at 7.8 as the ideal pH for most cool-season turf should be grown at 5.5 to 6.5 range.

Before installation, the contractor was instructed to have the soil to be tilled and turn over. As the earth was worked, organic matter, starter fertilizer, biochar, and sulfur were blended into the soil profile. The client was instructed to keep it watered regularly, apply starter fertilizer again in 30-days and mow it at the height of 3.0". Additionally, the client was asked to fertilize it at certain times of the year with specific formulations.

After that, the client stated that they would follow our instructions and contact us if there were are any issues.

Twelve months later, we get the call about their concerns. Our investigation found that after the contractor left the site, the grass grew, and the client did not apply the second application of starter fertilizer. They claim they watered it but hired a company to fertilize it based on our written specifications.

Instead, the hired company did a soil test and did not follow the previously described instructions. The new soil test stated that the pH was 6.5.

Unfortunately, the lawn care company then recommended the newly installed sod have an application of Lime and quick-release Nitrogen applied during a heat-wave in September and then failed to inform the property owner to water the lawn.

The lawn care company knew or should have known that cool-season grasses will grow over a wide range of soil acidity. Research has shown that soil pH levels should be kept in the 5.5 to 6.5 range to produce the best cool-season grass. This Lime and quick-release Nitrogen application and the lack of irrigation were the 1-2-3 punch that likely caused the new lawn to be sustained fatal injuries.

The applications of Lime & Nitrogen during hot weather with no supplemental watering likely burned the lawn and killed the tender growing points of the grass attempting to get established.

Findings

Apply products based on soil test data and follow peer-reviewed scientific research regarding the proper timing and applications that have shown how to grow plants with tested results.

Hire qualified individuals with the proper education, certifications, qualifications, and adequate scientific knowledge to read soil test reports and apply that information to practical, real-life conditions.

References: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/agr/agr103/agr103.htm#:~:text=Although%20cool%2Dseason%20grasses%20will,6.5%20range%2C%20particularly%20for%20bluegrass.

Construction injury to trees and its effects on long-term health.

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:31:59 GMT

Construction injury to trees and its effects on long-term health.

Many homes are often constructed or renovated near existing trees to take advantage of their aesthetic and environmental value. Unfortunately, the processes involved with construction can be deadly to nearby trees.

Recently we were assigned by a property owner to determine the health and condition of three trees commonly known as Silver Maple( Acer saccharinum). The property owner had recently purchased the property and had no information about the subject trees' prior treatment. The client was advised that we needed to conduct a starch test of each subject tree's condition. Starch tests provide the inspecting arborist a measure of the carbohydrate capacity of the tree in question.

All green plants produce sugar (energy)in their leaves during photosynthesis. The sugar is then either used in the leaves as an energy source for the growth or production of other essential materials or transported via the phloem (inner bark) to other parts of the tree.

The sugar that is not used immediately is linked together in long chains to create starch. Starch is the product the tree uses to store much of its energy reserves. By staining wood for starch, the level of the tree's energy reserves can be estimated. This information is beneficial when making a diagnosis of the tree's condition.

Our testing of these three trees determined that they were collective in poor condition since the starch tested yielded light color wood. If a tree is in good condition related to carbohydrate reserves, then the starch test will yield a dark-colored wood when exposed to the iodine mixture.

We discovered that these three trees had been severely injured ten years prior due to construction injury due to sidewalks, street curb, and underground pipe installation after reviewing our historical files and data.

These subject trees have poor growth rates, limb loss, decay, and are becoming a hazard to the public and property. The necessary take-home lesson is that trees are often the victim of people pressure disease(PPD). With good arboricultural and horticultural advice, PPD can be avoided if the tree's owner is willing to follow a qualified arborist's advice and guidance when managing their trees.

For more information on how to protect your trees Click Here.

Fruit Tree & Shade Tree Training Tips

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 11:11:39 GMT

Fruit Tree & Shade Tree Training Tips

Recognizing Tree Hazards

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:32:10 GMT

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Properly Watered Trees

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 11:00:17 GMT

Properly Watered Trees

Lawn Care and Tree Injury by the Improper Use of Herbicides.

183:813818351 (Mark Webber) — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 13:30:53 GMT

In the growing season of 2020, I have witnessed an increasing frequency of trees being injured and damaged by the improper applications of pesticides targeting weeds in lawns. For the most part, these pesticides are herbicides that are commonly known as synthetic auxin herbicides are being used on residential and commercial properties. Trees and plants damaged by these pesticides often have these symptoms:

Twisted leaves

Downward cupping on leaves

Narrow, strap-like leaves on the youngest growth

Synthetic auxin herbicides are products commonly known as 2,4-D, Dicamba, Weed Be Gone, and others. These materials are manufactured to mimic naturally occurring plant hormones. There are five types of hormones in plants that include auxins. Plant hormones are triggering devices in plants. Plant hormones are triggering mechanisms that cause growth, leaf drop/formation, root expansion, flower bud formation, and other plant processes. In the case of herbicides that contain synthetic auxins, they mimic naturally occurring auxins that result in uncontrolled cell division. The uncontrolled cell division causes plants like broadleaf weeds and or trees certain death or severe damage.

Many cases, the herbicides with synthetic auxins are indiscriminate broadleaf plant killers, especially if your tree has roots growing under your grassy lawn. Research has shown that trees have a massive root system that extends well beyond the tree's outer branches stretches over your yard. The root system of the trees in your lawn is made up of a vast network of the large, medium, and hair sized roots that are directly under the grass and weeds.

Tree roots are not covered by bark, but are covered by the epidermis and have a multitude of root hairs. The roots of trees readily absorb water, nutrients, and pesticides. Roots of trees are not structured internally on a cellular level to filter out, so to speak harmful substances like herbicides containing synthetic auxins.

So, even though you can't see any roots above your lawn from your trees, they are beneath your feet. The roots of your trees are just under the grass and the weeds. The roots of trees below the turf and weeds will readily absorb what's applied to the above-ground landscape.

The majority of herbicides containing synthetic auxins forewarn users not to apply these products were tree roots exist. The label of these products is the legal requirements on how the product is to be used. The label of any pesticides is the law. If the applicator fails to follow the label, then that person is guilty of breaking the law.

However, these label warnings are often ignored when the label states, "do not apply where tree roots exist." The failure to follow the labeling law results in damage, decline, and, in some cases, the death of trees. Herbicide injured trees can be killed and, in other cases, are more susceptible to diseases and insects and future decline.

The bottom line is don't use herbicides that forewarn you not use them near trees and their root systems. If do you suspect that your trees have been exposed to herbicides, you should contact a qualified arborist for an inspection to investigate if your trees have been exposed to pesticides.