Fungal Infections Found on Spruce Trees
This spring we have seen an increase in Rhizosphaeara Needle Cast and Cytospora Canker infections. Rhizosphaeara Needle Cast and Cytopspora Canker are fungal infections common in spruce, especially Colorado Blue Spruce. Needles turning a purplish to a reddish brown are common symptoms of both Rhizosphaera Needle Cast and Cytopspora Canker. After needles discolor, needle drop occurs. Cytospora Canker tends to kill branches from the bottom up, usually on one side of the tree. Bleeding out and large cankers on the branches are also symptoms of Cytospora Canker. Rhizosphaeara Needle Cast can be limited to a couple of lower limbs or cover a large area of the tree. These fungal infections can kill a couple of branches in a slow progression or cause large areas of needle discoloration and needle drop over the course of a summer. There are treatment options depending on several factors such as which fungal infection you have and the severity of the disease. If you have questions or concerns regarding your Spruce trees please call Alive Tree Care today at 309-698-1150.
Winter Tree Issues
With the onset of winter weather, trees encounter a new host of problems. Damage from deer, frost cracks, winter burn and salt injury are just a few of the problems that deciduous trees and evergreens suffer from during the winter months. Taking some preventive measures now and as the snow flies, can decrease or eliminate some of these problems all together. Newly planted and young trees are a common target for deer, especially in the winter when food is scarce. Young and mature trees can be damaged by deer rubbing their antlers against the trunk. For some customers, spraying deer or animal repellant works well, while nothing short of fencing off the tree works for others. Frost cracks can form on the trunks of trees as a result of the freeze and thaw of the bark on the trunk during the winter. Wrapping the trunk with tree wrap can help, but only if the tree wrap is used correctly. Tree wrap needs to be removed in the spring. Winter burn is another common issue with evergreens during the winter months. Evergreen trees are still losing water through needles and foliage during the winter. Lack of water in reserve within the tree can lead to drying out of the needles or foliage. Watering regularly during dry periods and a deep watering in the fall before the ground freezes can help reduce or eliminate winter injury on evergreens. Salt injury usually shows up in the spring. Trees near roads, sidewalks and driveways can be damaged from salt spray and salt run off. If possible, avoid salting near trees and bushes where runoff is likely. This will help minimize the damage when the snow melts. With a little preventive care, homeowners can minimize some of the problems that trees encounter during the winter months.
The Evolution of the Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most destructive insect introduced into North America in recent years. These insects have killed more than 50 million Ash trees in the United States and Canada, along with causing environmental and economic damage. The EAB lay eggs in Ash trees during the summer months, the eggs hatch in the fall and turn into larvae, which tunnel around the cambium layer during the winter. After the destruction of this layer the tree can no longer transport water and nutrients, causing decline and then death.
The US Forest Service, along with the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry developed the top 5 priorities to prevent the spread of EAB:
- Prevent the spread of EAB with quarantine and regulation of transport and prepare for outbreaks and infestation.
- Detect, monitor and respond to new EAB infestations.
- Manage infestations that will not be eradicated.
- Economic utilization of trees infested and uninfested – removal and utilization of trees may slow the spread and provide a usable wood resource that can be made into baseball bats, baskets, furniture, etc., or used as a fuel source for heat or electricity.
- Rehabilitate and restore forest ecosystems altered by the loss of Ash trees.
Stopping the spread and mitigating the danger to trees, along with replanting and restoring forest ecosystems will help to restore Ash as a viable tree component.
Emerald Ash Borer in Peoria
Since it’s discovery in 2002, Emerald Ash Borer has killed more than 40 million Ash trees in Michigan alone. The insect was found in Northern Illinois in 2006. In the summer of 2014 the presence of Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed in both Tazewell and Peoria counties. At Alive Tree Care we offer an insect protection program that will protect your valuable Ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer as well as many other damaging insects. Alive Tree Care uses Treeage, the best treatment option available. Treeage insecticide is proven in university studies to be the most effective product to protect Ash trees.
Treeage is the ONLY treatment to offer two year control.
Not all Emerald Ash Borer treatments are the same. Don’t settle for an inferior product. For more information regarding prevention of Emerald Ash Borer please call Alive Tree Care today at 309-698-1150.
Picture courtesy or Arborjet, Inc.
Girdling Roots on Red Maples
Girdling Roots are a common problem with Maple trees, especially Red Maples. When girdling roots are small they can be removed. Girdling roots that are not removed from around the base of trees can grow into the trunk and restrict the flow of nutrients from the soil to the tree. Trees that are severely girdling have dieback, usually starting at the top. Others symptoms of severe girdling are early leaf color and leaf drop, small leaves and overall thinning of the canopy. Severely girdled trees slowly decline over a period of many years.
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