TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
Why Is My Evergreen Turning Brown?
Evergreen trees have always been a popular species with their habit of maintaining their color in your yard throughout winter. When you see your evergreen turning brown, it can be a cause for worry.
There are a number of reasons why your evergreen might be browning including:
Summer drought - Temperature and environmental factors always play a big role in the health of your trees as well as how they survive less than ideal conditions. Drought is the number one cause for browning evergreens in Georgia.
Pests and diseases - Pests and disease bring about a bigger cause for concern, as these will involve getting help from a tree care expert. Bark beetles are the most common pests found munching away on your evergreens. Diseases such as cytospora canker disease have also been found in the area. It is important to consult with a local tree care professional if you think your tree is infected with pests or diseases.
Transplant shock - Transplant shock can affect all species of plants and trees and is usually caused by damaged roots. Most of the time, they will recover from transplant shock, but it is important to note that this can be a very long and slow process. We recommend fertilization to provide extra nutrients your tree might need to repair itself.
Can I save my browning evergreen tree?
Depending on the cause of the damage, there are a number of things you can do to save your browning evergreen tree before its too late. We always recommend having a tree care expert come out to your property to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to encourage repair.
Going into dormant season (winter), is the best time of the year to get your trees on an annual pruning plan. Trimming your trees regularly provides a large number of benefits and is the standard practice in prevention.
Water
If the temperatures in your area have been on the high side with little to no rain, your trees could be browning from drought. Providing your evergreen with water regularly should keep it from browning.
We recommend fertilization during spring, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot on the list! Fertilization replenishes the soil for trees of all types and ages.
If you would like further information or to speak with a tree care expert regarding your trees click the link below to be connected now!
CALL AN ARBORIST.
Summer Heat Stress In Trees
It has been a hot summer here in Georgia. With the heat index stretching to 115 degrees, all of us are wondering how our gardens, plants and trees will survive. Heat stress in trees can open them up for pests and diseases to enter while they are in a vulnerable state, lacking the nutrients they typically have to ward them off. Having a certified arborist evaluate your trees regularly is always the best practice in preventing costly damage. They can detect pests and diseases from the start and mitigate the problem before it takes over.
…So what is heat stress?
Heat stress occurs when a tree loses water faster than it can replace it. When trees are in a continual state of transpiration, they lose more water than they can absorb through their roots. This is especially concerning in times of drought when there isn’t enough water available for the tree to absorb.
Below are some signs and symptoms of heat stress in your trees as well as some tips on how to avoid it.
Signs of heat stress:
Leaf drop
Wilting leaves
Yellowing leaves
Lack of new growth
Brown spots or bumps on leaves
Leaf scorch
Sap loss from the trunk
How to protect your trees from heat stress:
Tree trimming is usually only recommended during the dormant season, however, if you have dead, dying or diseased branches in your trees, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible. This will reduce the amount of energy your trees have to provide to “repair” the dead branches.
Watering is a given. Whether your trees are young or mature, during periods of drought and high heat it is important to thoroughly water your trees using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Keeping the hose away from the trunk and focusing on the roots will help to prevent root rot. Trees under 2 years old will need more water than older trees.
If your trees are browning, or show signs of disease, contact your local certified arborist to have an evaluation by clicking the link below!