TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
Why Are My Tree and Plant Leaves Turning Black?
There are several potential factors that contribute to the blackening of tree leaves, including fungal diseases, bacterial infections, environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, and pests.
Fungal Diseases That Cause Black Tree Leaves
Fungal diseases are among the most common culprits when it comes to black tree leaves. One such disease is black spot, which affects various tree species, including roses. Black spot is caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae and manifests as black spots on the leaves, eventually leading to their discoloration and defoliation. Another example is sooty mold, a fungal growth that develops on the sugary secretions left behind by sap-sucking insects. This mold covers the leaves in a black, powdery substance, inhibiting photosynthesis and ultimately causing leaf discoloration.
Bacterial Infections That Cause Black Tree Leaves
Bacterial infections can also cause tree leaves to turn black. One notorious example is fire blight, which affects a wide range of trees, including apple, pear, and ornamental varieties. Fire blight is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora and leads to wilting, blackening, and curling of leaves. Another bacterial infection that results in black leaf symptoms is bacterial leaf scorch. This disease affects trees such as oak, elm, and maple, and causes leaf margins to turn black and crispy.
Environmental Factors That Cause Black Tree Leaves
Environmental factors play a significant role in leaf discoloration. Exposure to extreme temperatures, such as frost or scorching heat, can cause leaves to turn black. Additionally, excessive sunlight without adequate protection can lead to sunscald, resulting in blackened leaves. Air pollution, especially high levels of smog or chemical pollutants, can also contribute to leaf discoloration. It is important to consider these factors and provide appropriate care and protection for your trees.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Excesses That Cause Black Tree Leaves
Nutritional imbalances can lead to blackened leaves as well. Certain deficiencies, such as iron or magnesium, can cause chlorosis, a condition characterized by yellowing and eventual blackening of leaves. On the other hand, excessive levels of certain nutrients, such as nitrogen, can result in leaf burn and blackening. It is essential to maintain a balanced nutrient profile in the soil to prevent these issues and promote healthy leaf growth.
Pests and Insects That Cause Black Tree Leaves
Pest infestations can also cause tree leaves to turn black. Aphids, for instance, are tiny insects that feed on the sap of leaves, leaving behind a sticky residue known as honeydew. This honeydew attracts sooty mold, which blackens the leaves. Other pests, such as scale insects and spider mites, can also cause leaf discoloration and blackening through their feeding activities. Proper pest management techniques, including regular inspections and appropriate insecticides, can help prevent these issues.
Prevention and Treatment for Black Tree Leaves
Prevention is key when it comes to addressing black tree leaves. Regular maintenance practices with a certified arborist consultation are vital. Other practices such as proper watering, pruning, and fertilization, can help keep trees healthy and resilient. It is also crucial to address any signs of disease or pest infestation promptly. In the case of fungal diseases, having your local tree care specialist apply fungicides can aid in prevention and treatment. For bacterial infections, pruning and removing affected branches is often necessary to prevent further spread. Consulting with a certified arborist can provide valuable guidance in determining the best course of action.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
While the sight of black tree leaves may initially raise concerns, understanding the underlying causes can help you take appropriate action to address the issue. Whether it be fungal diseases, bacterial infections, environmental factors, nutritional imbalances, or pest infestations, a proactive approach to tree care and maintenance is crucial. By implementing preventative measures and seeking professional advice from a certified arborist when needed, you can ensure the health and vitality of your trees for years to come.
Remember, a healthy tree not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also contributes to the overall well-being of our environment.
If you have noticed black tree leaves in your garden, take immediate action by examining the affected trees, considering potential causes, and seeking an arborist consultation by clicking the link below.
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What is the green stuff growing on my trees?
Most of the time, in damp, shady areas you will spot a substance on the branches or trunk of a seemingly declining tree. This substance can be either lichen or moss.
What’s the difference between lichen and moss on trees?
Lichen
A combination of fungi and algae
Can be a range of colors including blue, green gray etc.
Appears in thin flaky patches
Moss
Always dark green
Coarse texture
Does moss or lichen harm my tree?
Lichen does not harm trees, though it might seem that way because they are usually found on declining specimen. Actually, lichen just tends to thrive on unhealthy trees because when they are under stress, there are usually less leaves and branches, allowing more light to shine on the trunk and creating the perfect environment for lichen to take over.
How can I get rid of moss or lichen on my trees?
There is no pressing need to rid the tree of moss or lichen as it does no harm to your trees and actually can be beneficial to the environment by providing a food source for many birds and other animals. However, if you would still like to get rid of it, a fungicide called copper sulfate can be applied by an ISA certified Arborist to kill it.
If you have moss or lichen on your trees, it is best to have them assessed properly by one of our ISA certified Arborists to rule out any potential tree disease, tree decay or pests that could be causing stress on the tree to begin with. Use the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist today!
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Why Is Topping Your Trees Deadly?
Sometimes, due to improper planting or planning, the trees we once loved outgrow them selves and become a problem. It may seem easiest to just chop them at the top to shorten them back down to a reasonable size. However, doing so could put your trees at major risk for decline.
Why is tree topping bad for my trees?
Improper pruning leaves the tree open for pests and decay to take over
It triggers response growth, a trees natural reaction to grow a large amount of smaller weaker branches in place of what was lost. This can be very unsightly and dangerous in heavy storms
The tree struggles to repair the large amount of leaves and branches lost, its main food source
Topping your trees can end up being much more costly than just removing them al together and replanting and specimen that fits your style.
If you have trees that have outgrown their space and need some recommendations on how to fix them, our Arborists in Monroe are always available at the link below!
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Why Are My Shrubs Dying?
Some of the most common types of shrubs to plant around suburban houses are azaleas, boxwoods and holly’s. But sometimes, due to a number of reasons, these shrubs don’t last long before turning brown and dying off little by little.
But what’s causing my shrubs to die?
Many factors come into play when determining cause for decline in shrubs.
Environmental factors. Georgia heat can be a lot to handle, especially for certain specimen who prefer partly shaded areas or thrive in cooler environments. Before planting your desired shrub, be sure to do some research on where and how you should plant it to ensure it isn’t getting too much or too little sun.
Pests/diseases. Small insects such as borers or different types of diseases can cause your shrubs to turn brown or die. Be sure to have your property inspected by a certified Arborist to be sure that those diseases or pests don’t spread to your other trees or plants.
Soil moisture. In summertime, your shrubs will need a little extra TLC. Especially when it comes to water. The most vital thing to your plants health is ensuring they are getting enough water in extreme heat temperatures. However, it is also possible to over water your shrubs and trees as well so it is important to establish a schedule that fits.
Fertilizer overload. This can be tricky because unless a soil test has been performed, the proper amount or type of fertilizer you may need can be a guessing game. By applying too much of the wrong type of fertilizer to your shrubs, you can actually burn your shrubs by increasing the salt levels in the soil.
How can I stop my shrubs from dying?
If your shrubs are suffering from something simple like leaf scorch or drought, getting them in a shaded area by replanting or putting another species nearby to provide them with more shade could do the trick. Establishing a proper watering schedule especially in extreme heat situations is important to keep them healthy and happy as well. But if you are concerned about diseases or pests that could have infected your shrubs, be sure to contact your local ISA certified Arborist to schedule a free consultation on your landscape!
Call an arborist.
Top 5 Tree Pests During Summer In Georgia
Summer has arrived in Georgia and we are all enjoying the pollen lessening and the weather getting warmer. However, we aren’t the only ones who are enjoying the great outdoors. With summer, brings a whole new world of places for pests to thrive. We have gotten together a list of the top 5 most common tree pests in Watkinsville we see in Georgia in the summer.
Bagworms
Feed mostly on juniper, arborvitae, cedar, spruce, honeylocust, linden, willow, maple, oak, birch, elm and poplar
Consume tree leaves
Must be controlled at first sight of infestation to avoid tree decline
Tent Caterpillars
Most noticeable with large spider webs and leaf loss
Affects mostly black cherry, ash, birch, sweetgum, willow, maple and oak
Certified Arborist must apple a treatment to control the larvae in winter from reproducing
Aphids
Affects all specimens
Feeds on tree leaves and stems causing leaf drop.
Can usually be found on the trunk of the tree or the underside of the leaves
Call Certified Arborist for treatment plan at first notice of the infestation
Canker worms
Eats away at the leaves of your trees leaving behind ragged, choppy leaves
Mostly affected specimen are elm, oak, apple, maple, linden, beech, cherry, hickory and ash
Pesticide must be applied in spring by a certified Arborist to remove them
Japanese Beetle
Most commonly seen on crape myrtle, birch, littleleaf linden, crabapple, purple leaf plum, Japanese maple and Norway maple
Chew through the veins of the leaves on your trees leaving behind only a brown skeleton
Pesticide must be applied by a certified Arborist during peak growing season, mid June-August
If you have noticed leaf drop, yellowing of the leaves or other concerning issues with the health of your trees, our certified Arborists in Watkinsville can provide you with a free assesment! Click the link below to get in touch!
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Is My Sprinkler System Damaging My Trees?
Irrigation systems are great for low maintenance landscaping. Essentially you just set it , forget it, and watch everything bloom. However, if these irrigation systems are not properly placed, they can cause a problem for your trees and plants.
In the strong Georgia heat, we rarely think of overwatering posing any threats to our gardens. In the heat of the summer especially, it is very important to provide a substantial amount of water to keep your trees, plants and grass thriving.
When you decide to have your sprinkler system installed its important to make sure the location is ideal. Too much water can do just as much harm as too little. Overwatering with trees can be a dangerous situation as excessive moisture provides a perfect breeding ground for pathogens and fungus to develop, essentially leading to the weakening of your trees. If you notice any fungus or mushrooms growing at the base or the trunks of your trees, call a certified Arborist as soon as possible to have your trees properly assessed for decline.
Some signs your plants/trees are getting too much water are:
root rot
bark falling off the trunk
trunk damage
saturated soils
fungus (mushrooms, etc.)
Some signs your plants/trees aren’t getting enough water are:
wilted or curling leaves
smaller leaves than normal
leaf drop
yellowing or burning of the leaves
After installation, walk around to different spots checking the soil after a run to ensure it is getting proper moisture. If the soil is heavily saturated you know your trees and plants are being overwatered and visa versa.
If you would like an ISA Certified Arborist to come assess the health of your trees, click the link below to be connected!
Call An ISA Certified Arborist Now!
What Is A Certified Arborist & Why Do I Need One?
If you are in the search for tree care professionals in Athens, you have probably heard the term “Arborist” pop up once or twice.
So what is a certified arborist?
Properly caring for your trees requires a professional that has knowledge and expertise in arboriculture. Arboriculture is essentially the cultivation, management, and study of trees and other woody plants.
Becoming a certified Arborist in Athens is done so through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and requires a number of years of experience as well as extensive testing. Most ISA Certified Arborists will attend a 2-4 year college in order to obtain the knowledge to pass the lengthy exams.
After the exams are over, ISA Certified Arborists are required to maintain their status and certification by taking classes, participating in labs, etc. As our environments evolve, so do the trees and the plants around us, which is why it is important that Davey Certified Arborists stay up to date on current diseases, pests and problems in order to properly assess your trees.
Hiring a certified Arborist from Davey will ensure your trees are getting the correct attention they need in order to survive and thrive in your specific environmental conditions.
Why do I need a Certified Arborist?
Some tree services do not have certified Arborists on staff with them which leaves you wondering why you really need one in the first place.
Taking proper care of your trees requires an extensive knowledge and background on tree care that only a certified Arborist will carry. By hiring a tree service that does not have proper knowledge or expertise in tree care, your trees could be in danger of improper pruning, unnecessary removals, and more!
An ISA Certified Arborist in Athens will always try to save your dead and dying trees before offering a simple removal. There are a number of treatments given to kill and prevent certain pests and diseases from taking over your trees before it is too late. Our certified Arborists will always recommend tree care over tree removals.
Last but not least, safety is the number one concern of an ISA Certified Arborist. When you hire an ISA Certified Arborist, you can rest assured you will not be putting your self or your trees in danger.
If you would like more information on how you can receive a free estimate from one of our certified Arborists, click the link below to be connected!
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Is It Too Late To Prune My Trees In Georgia?
Tree pruning, among other tree maintenance techniques can determine the health, longevity and cosmetic look of your trees. Tree pruning, especially on larger specimen is best left to the professionals as improperly pruning your trees can do more damage than good.
Here are just a few key benefits tree pruning provides:
Improves nutrient intake
Adds value to your home
Allows you to see and identify pests more easily
Stimulates growth
Prevents damage from branch droppings on your valuables
Allows the tree to absorb more sunlight
Saves money from costly dead tree removals down the road
Should I remove dead branches from my trees in summer?
Pruning heavily diseased or dead branches from your trees can be performed year round. Dead or dying wood on your trees can be an easy entryway into your tree for pests and diseases to enter and take over. If you are performing this at home, be sure to sanitize your shears or lopers after use to prevent the spread of any diseases from tree to tree on your property.
So when is the best time to trim my trees?
There are a lot of different factors that determine the best time of year for trimming your specimen. However, there are a few general rules to follow in regards to timing your tree trimming:
Most trees in Georgia will benefit most from trimming in early December to late March.
Young or newly planted trees should not be trimmed until they have completed a minimum of two growing seasons.
Keep any dead or diseased branches removed throughout the year.
If you have trees on your property that could use a good trim, now is the time to reach out to one of our certified Arborist’s for a free estimate! Click the link below to be connected with a certified Arborist on our staff.