Signs It's Time to Remove a Tree: Insights from Professional Arborists

In the world of tree care, arborists play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of our urban forests. These skilled professionals are trained in the art and science of tree care, and they are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to identify and address a wide range of tree problems. One of the key responsibilities of arborists is determining when it's time to remove a tree. In this article, we will explore the common signs of tree problems, the importance of identifying tree pests and diseases, and the dangers of DIY tree removal. We will also discuss the benefits of hiring a professional arborist for tree removal, factors to consider when choosing an arborist, and the process of tree removal. Finally, we will touch on tree care and maintenance after removal. So, let's dive in and learn more about the signs it's time to remove a tree.

The Role of Arborists in Tree Care

Before we delve into the signs that indicate a tree may need to be removed, let's take a moment to understand the important role that arborists play in tree care. Arborists, also known as tree surgeons or tree doctors, are highly trained professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. They have a deep understanding of tree biology, growth patterns, and the various factors that can affect tree health. Arborists are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and treat tree problems, and they are skilled in performing a wide range of tree care services.

Arborists are responsible for assessing the overall health and condition of trees, identifying potential issues, and implementing appropriate solutions. They can provide valuable insights into the needs of individual trees, including pruning requirements, fertilization schedules, and disease prevention strategies. Arborists also play a crucial role in tree preservation and conservation efforts, working to protect and maintain the urban canopy for future generations. By partnering with arborists, homeowners, property managers, and municipalities can ensure the long-term health and vitality of their trees.

Common Signs of Tree Problems

Trees are living organisms that can be affected by a variety of issues, ranging from environmental stressors to pests and diseases. Identifying the signs of tree problems is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your trees. Here are some common signs that may indicate a tree is in distress:

• Leaf Discoloration and Abnormal Growth Patterns

• Dead or Dying Branches

• Bark Damage and Decay

• Tree Pests

• Tree Diseases

When Tree Removal Is Necessary

While arborists strive to preserve trees whenever possible, there are circumstances when tree removal is the only viable option. Here are some situations where tree removal may be necessary:

Structural Instability

If a tree is structurally compromised and poses a significant risk to people or property, it may need to be removed. Signs of structural instability include large cavities or hollow areas in the trunk, extensive decay, or leaning at an angle greater than 15 degrees. In such cases, the tree may be at risk of falling during storms or high winds, posing a danger to nearby structures or individuals.

Severe Disease or Pest Infestation

In some cases, tree diseases or pest infestations can be so severe that they cannot be effectively treated, and the tree's overall health and vitality are compromised. If an arborist determines that a tree is beyond saving and poses a risk of spreading pests or diseases to nearby trees, removal may be necessary to protect the rest of the landscape.

Obstruction or Interference

Trees that obstruct power lines, impede construction projects, or interfere with the growth of other desirable trees may need to be removed. In urban environments, trees must coexist with other infrastructure and landscape elements. If a tree is causing significant interference or poses a safety risk, removal may be the most practical solution.

It's important to consult with a professional arborist to assess the specific circumstances and determine whether tree removal is the best course of action.

Call an arborist who will provide high-quality tree removal services.

Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale

A new scale pest that lingers on crepe myrtle trees has been found in the southeastern US threatening their appearance and life span. This pest is spreading fast, leaving behind extensive honeydew deposits and black sooty mold.

Symptoms of crape myrtle bark scale:

• Black sooty mold

• Reduced foliage growth

• Honeydew secretions

• White/gray felt-like substances on trunk or branches

How do I get rid of crape myrtle bark scale?

Before treating your crape myrtle diseases, its important to have an examination by a certified arborist to confirm what exactly (if anything) is needed. Our technicians will apply a pesticide in the spring right as the new growth develops on the tree to attain the best results.

Can I prevent crape myrtle bark scale?

Unfortunately there is currently no preventative measure to avoid this particular scale. However, keeping your trees regularly maintained and in good health can naturally deter them. Pests and diseases are most likely to invade a sick/unhealthy tree.

Click the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist now!

CONNECT ME WITH AN ARBORIST

Why Are My Trees Losing Leaves Already?

Fall is right around the corner and everyone is getting ready to watch the trees display their beautiful colors before going dormant for winter.

“But what if my trees are already losing their leaves before fall”?

Trees dropping leaves during summer can be caused by a variety of factors. It is always best to have your trees evaluated by an ISA certified arborist if your trees look unhealthy. However, we have listed a few factors that could play a part in premature leaf drop.

Drought stress

Georgia summers can be rough on your trees, especially newly planted trees or ones that are already suffering from another health issue. Making sure they are on a proper watering schedule (early morning) during those times of high temperatures and little rain can help them recover faster.

Pests/disease

Summertime creates the perfect breeding ground for pests and disease of all shapes and sizes to enter and take over. If you suspect your trees have fallen victim to pests and disease, it is important to call an arborist right away for a tree inspection to prevent further spread.

Crowded canopy

Regular maintenance tree pruning is imperative for your trees. It improves their overall aesthetics as well as clears out the canopy of dead limbs and overcrowded foliage. Sometimes trees can grow more leaves than they can support so leaf drop will occur in order to protect them from hot, dry weather.

If you still have questions about your trees health, click the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist today!

CONNECT ME WITH AN ARBORIST

How Can I Make My Trees Healthy Again?

We’ve all been there. Schedules get full and the seemingly smaller things get forgotten about. Taking care of your trees and plants doesn’t have to be hard and we have come up with a few key things to focus on going into the new year with tree health care!

Soil Care

Healthy trees will not thrive in unhealth soil. If you have an area on your property where your trees aren’t thriving as usual? It might be a good idea to have a soil sample taken by yourself or an ISA certified arborist to check what your specific soil might be lacking.

Fall Fertilization

Deep root tree fertilization works wonders by improving soil aeration, rejuvenates and improves soil structure, reducing soil compaction and providing key nutrients essential to the health of your trees. This process is best performed in fall or winter, before the growth expands in the spring.

Replace Mulch

Mulching the base of your trees is great for a number of reasons including moisture retention, blocking weed competition, adding organic matter into the soil, preventing erosion, etc. However, as it decomposes, it will need to be replaced. We recommend once a year placing an additional thin layer of mulch to replace what has gone into the soil.

Tree Trimming

Having a regular tree trimming schedule is the best prevention method for avoiding damage, disease and decay in your trees.

Support Weak Tree With Cabling

Winter time can bring about environmental stress on trees that is potentially irreversible if they are already suffering from large cracks, lightening damage etc. Cabling and bracing is a procedure our tree care technicians perform to strengthen the tree without damage so it can withstand heavy winds poor conditions.

Inspect For Disease And Fungus

Sometimes disease and decay are on the inside and don’t show any prominent symptoms. In this case, an ISA certified arborist is needed to properly assess the tree and its condition. However, in most cases, there will be a number of warning signs such as poor growth, loss of foliage, yellowing of leaves, presence of pests or fungus, etc. If you spot any of these issues, its important to get in touch with an arborist as soon as possible to set up a treatment plan for your trees.

If you have questions about your trees or would like a free tree health care assessment by one of our ISA certified arborists, please click the link below to be connected!

Call An Arborist!

How To Winterize Fruit Trees

Prevention is key in caring for fruit trees. After your fruit trees have become infested with certain diseases such as peach leaf curl, brown rot, or pests, it can be much more costly to cure the problem rather than simple prevention.

If you haven’t yet planted your fruit trees yet, its a good idea to do some research on different varieties. There are many different specimens of fruit trees that are resistant to the bigger diseases and problems such as:

Pears

Plums

Cherries

How do I prepare my fruit trees for winter?

The first step in preparing your trees for winter time is doing a good old fashioned fall cleanup. This includes removing any rotten or dropped fruit on the ground and on the trees and raking up all the leaves around the base that could be a good hiding spot for particular pests.

Next, you will want to establish, if you haven’t already, a solid maintenance tree trimming plan with an ISA certified arborist. Tree trimming in winter is vital to removing all dead and diseased branches, allowing your trees to reach their full potential next season and ward off any threats of pests entering old wounds. Be sure you have your tree trimming done in winter time, their dormant season, unless otherwise deemed necessary by an ISA certified arborist.

Finally, you can choose to spray dormant oils, a non toxic prevention method that seems to work well for apple trees, plum trees and pear trees in winter. This can help to keep common pests like aphids and scale insects away.

If you have fruit trees that could use some attention or would like more tips and tricks to provide them with the best fruit tree care in Snellville, click the link below to be connected with one of our certified arborists now!

Connect me with an arborist.