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Top Ten Tree Problems

Lace Bug

Lace bugs target broad-leaf evergreens such as andromeda, azalea, and rhododendron. Early detection is the key to getting rid of an infestation. Look for yellow-silver stippling on the topsides of leaves.

Mites

Mites pose a serious threat a wide variety of plants, and can seriously impact the visual appearance of a plant. Mites favor warm, dry climates, and are an extremely serious issue for many homeowners.

Tent Caterpillars

Caterpillars can weaken many trees and shrubs, increasing the chance of a secondary infestation. Look for silken, yellow cocoons.

Borers

Borers are attracted to unhealthy trees, burrowing in and laying eggs inside the trunk. The best defense against borers is to keep your trees healthy and unstressed.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

One of the most common pests, these insects can cause the death of a tree if left untreated. They leave behind a telltale white wax and target primarily older trees.

Scale Insects

These insects target primarily hardwoods and conifers. Some signs of an infestation include abnormal leaf and shoot growth, yellow or red leaves, and branch gouting.

Anthracnose Disease

This fungal disease affects deciduous and flowering trees. Look for a spotting of foliage in spring and summer.

Winter Injury

Even during mild winters, evergreens can lose moisture and not be able to replenish it. Thus, make sure your evergreens have sufficient soil moisture.

Weevil Insects

Weevils are commonly found on flowers and fruits. Look for notches around the edge of leaves.

Aphid Insects

Aphids are small and pearl shaped. An infestation can cause yellow discoloration and defoliation.

Tree Care Tips

Malnutrition

To avoid malnutrition, be sure to give your trees an adequate amount of micronutrients, such as magnesium sulfate, limestone, gypsum, iron, and zinc. However, trees need very limited amounts of these compounds, and an overabundance can be harmful. Have a certified arborist advise you on the correct amounts of each you should provide.

Frost Damage

Frost damage can be prevented if your trees’ leaves stay hydrated during a period of severe cold. Additionally, frequent watering and fertilization in anticipation of a cold night can also “harden” the cells of certain plants.

Borer Insects

Borer insects are very hard to anticipate or eliminate. The best defense is simply maintaining your tree’s general health so it can bounce back if it does develop an infestation.

Overwatering / Poor Drainage

Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot in your trees. Fungicides or manganese treatments can be effective as treatments or preventative measures.

Lawn Care Tips

Spring

  • Spread granular, slow-acting fertilizer. (This is optional if you fertilized in the fall or winter)
  • Aerate the lawn to treat compacted soil
  • Mulch with organic matter, if necessary
  • Sharpen your mower blades at the start of the season

    • Summer

  • Learn the signs of bug infestation, and head them off before they get settled in
  • Water your lawn weekly if rain is scarce or your soil is poor. Otherwise, water only when rainfall is delayed more than 10 days
  • Treat weeds and bare spots as soon as you see them
  • Sharpen your mower blade again halfway through the season

    • Autumn

  • Water trees and shrubs thoroughly mulched before the first frost
  • But don’t over water! Plants and shrubs should be expected to look a little brown in September and October
  • Mulch with organic material, or mow a layer of fallen leaves into the lawn
  • Fertilize your lawn around Thanksgiving to promote strong root growth during winter
  • Cutting the grass a bit shorter just before winter to prevent its matting under snow

    • Winter

  • Put burlap windscreens around less hardy plants if they’re in exposed areas
  • Use a broom to brush snow away from evergreen trees gently, to keep the weight from breaking the limbs
  • If ice or snow does break tree limbs, have the limbs removed as soon as weather permits – damaged trees are prone to disease
  • Putting markers at the edge of your lawn will help you avoid damaging it when you’re shoveling snow
  • Avoid walking on frosted or snow-covered lawns
  • Use only non-salt de-ices for sidewalks and driveways, so the runoff doesn’t harm plants
  • Salt will damage grass, perennials, and shrubs, and will keep the plants from absorbing much-needed water
  • Check any perennial plants during periods of thawing soil to see if roots popping out of the ground. If they have, gently push them back into place, and add mulch