The two most dreaded words in the Austin tree community today are Oak Wilt. The initial signs are the loss of the crown on the limbs of the tree, which can be a sudden or gradual loss over several seasons. Many people notice for the first time that there is less dense shade under their oak than before, as the tree loses more and more of its upper crown. Without almost immediate treatment, most oak trees affected by this disease are doomed to failure.
The most effective control of oak wilt are preventive measures, such as asking an arborist about what you can do to protect your oak trees before they spread. Another plant that can cause problems for trees is spherical moss. This is less sinister than mistletoe and has not been linked to it as a direct cause of tree decline. However, it adds extra weight to tree crowns and can be especially heavy when wet.
Since most strong winds are accompanied by rain, large amounts of spherical moss can contribute to a catastrophic rupture of the main branches of trees. While removing any clump of moss in the shape of a ball is easy, when the task is multiplied by the hundreds, it can take a long time. Consult an arborist about what the minimum threshold may be in a given tree for the spherical moss population before needing a removal service. Soil compaction is another issue that can cause problems for trees.
If you suspect that your tree has been exposed to soil compaction in the past, it's always a good idea to ask an arborist to check for signs of stress or deterioration. It can take years for symptoms to manifest and even longer before you fully recover after treatment. Aerosols, deep root injections, vertical mulching, and soil amendments are used to alleviate compaction. Texas is known for its mix of hot, dry summers and unpredictable winters, making spring a happy, often beautiful middle ground.
Unfortunately, the frequent spring humidity in Texas also makes the state a haven for many tree diseases to thrive. When caring for a landscape as an owner or manager of a commercial property, it can be difficult to know how to manage it when you notice that your trees are starting to look worrisome. Our certified arborists have years of experience treating common tree diseases and will know the perfect solution to your problem. In addition to preventive measures, we usually apply fungicides to juniper and Hawthorne trees in specific areas that do not cause damage.
For oak wilting, we can inject a herbicide or cut down infected areas depending on the severity and progression of the disease. North Texas Trees knows the common tree diseases in the North Texas area and knows the best way to keep its trees healthy. Arborist USA offers tree services such as an ISA certified arborist, Tree Service, Tree Disease Treatment, Tree Doctor, Sick Tree Treatment and more in North Texas.
Leave a Comment