Fungal tree diseases exposed – Learn the signs and solutions

From harmless shelf mushrooms to more harmful varieties that seriously threaten trees, various types of tree fungi can appear on your trees. While a tree can’t be cured of fungus, you can force the fungus to go into a state similar to remission to allow your tree to regain its health. Keep reading to learn the signs of different fungal tree diseases to prevent diseases in your trees.

Anthracnose Disease

• An excess of water commonly triggers anthracnose diseases. Rainy weather and springtime tree watering expose trees to fungal invasions. These trees become open targets for secondary invaders.

Common symptoms of anthracnose diseases include:

• Young leaves may appear deformed, curled, or distorted, along with the presence of brown patches.
• Fully grown leaves have dark brown spots on their otherwise normal surface, displaying signs of pest harm.
• Symptoms may subside during dry spells but resurface following rainfall.

Sooty Mold

• The presence of sooty mold on tree leaves can indirectly impact the tree’s health. Sooty mold forms a layer that restricts the tree’s ability to capture sunlight and interferes with its capacity to produce essential nutrients. When the tree is deprived of these nutrients, the chances of survival decrease significantly.

Additionally, the presence of sooty mold often indicates an underlying pest issue. Sooty mold is typically a consequence of the buildup of honeydew on plant surfaces. Honeydew is a substance excreted by pests like aphids and scale insects.

Common symptoms include:

• Coating of black mold on leaves and nearby plants.
• Impaired tree growth leads to stunted development.
• Premature defoliation or shedding of leaves.
• Infestation of tree pests such as lace bugs, scale insects, and aphids that extract sap from the tree.
• Residue of honeydew dripping from the plant.

Powdery Mildew

• Like sooty mold, powdery mildew also covers leaves and prevents the tree from receiving vital nutrients necessary for survival. Over time, the prolonged stress weakens the tree’s defenses, making it more vulnerable to other diseases or infestations by pests. Typically, the wind carries powdery mildew, transferring it from an infected plant to a healthy one.

Common symptoms include:

• Presence of white to grayish spots or patches on leaves.
• Leaves begin to dry out and show a yellow or scorched appearance. They may also deform, twist, or break under the influence of the disease.

Cercospora Leaf Spot

• The usual damp and warm spring conditions create an ideal environment for developing Cercospora leaf spot disease on tree leaves. This disease can start as small spots on the leaves.

However, as the disease advances, these spots spread across the foliage. Consequently, the leaves lose their ability to function effectively and eventually drop from the tree. Frequent defoliation affects a tree’s overall health.

Common symptoms include:

• Formation of circular leaf spots with purple or dark brown borders.
• The presence of tiny black specks indicates the presence of fungal spores.

Phytophthora Root Rot

• It commonly occurs when the soil surrounding the tree’s base remains excessively damp over extended periods. Phytophthora root rot adversely affects the tree’s root system, weakening its structural stability and potentially giving rise to further issues like property damage and even accidents. Untreated cases over several years can lead to the tree’s death.

Common symptoms include:

• A darker shade bark.
• Stunted tree growth.
• Yellowing or browning of leaves.
• Drooping and curling leaves.

At American Tree Experts, Inc., we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services ensure your plants are protected against pests and diseases. Our most sought-after services are pruning, bracing, pest, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at (973) 744-6091 for a free quote.

Why pruning tree roots matters – Exploring benefits and techniques

Roots are a critical part of a tree that maintains its health and stability. While sometimes roots need pruning, incorrect techniques can lead to the death or toppling of a tree. Therefore, root pruning should not be attempted without proper experience and knowledge. Read this guide to pruning tree roots to make well-informed decisions.

Factors To Consider Before Pruning Tree Roots

Here are some of the important factors to consider before you opt for root pruning:

Tree’s Age

• The tree’s age determines how it responds to root pruning. While a young tree responds to root pruning much better, older, mature trees are susceptible to damage. Since young trees have smaller root diameters, small cuts are required. This means the tree does not have to work as hard to heal the cuts. On the other hand, pruning large roots in older trees can affect the tree’s stability, and any wrong cuts can result in the tree toppling over during windstorms.

Number Of Roots That Need Pruning

• When it comes to root pruning, the fewer roots you prune, the safer it is for the tree. Pruning excessive roots can affect how the tree receives its water and nutrient supply and may affect its stability.

Tree’s Health

• A sick or stressed tree will not respond to root pruning like a healthy tree. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a health assessment test of the tree before pruning its roots. While a healthy tree can divert nutrients wherever needed, a sick tree does not have enough resources to begin the healing process. Thus, pruning the roots of a sick tree can result in its deterioration and death.

Tree Species

• The way a tree may respond to pruning depends on its species. For instance, some species can tolerate heavy root pruning without problems, while others may suffer even from minimal root pruning. Since different trees have different root architectures, their stability varies. A tree with a sinker root system can tolerate the pruning of roots close to the trunk, as this root system consists of a broad plate of lateral roots.

Vertical roots that grow deep underground develop from these lateral roots, creating a root cage that holds much soil. Therefore, significant force is required to move a tree with a sinker root system. So, these trees tolerate root pruning near the trunk. Additionally, many young trees initially have a sinker root system, which makes them resistant to root pruning.

Guidelines For Root Pruning

• There are different guidelines for different trees. A mature tree’s roots should not be cut closer than 6-8 inches from the trunk for each inch in trunk diameter. For instance, if the tree’s diameter is 20 inches, cut at least 10 feet away. Alternatively, prune roots no closer to the trunk than a distance equal to 3 to 5 times the trunk diameter. On the other hand, a young tree can withstand complete root pruning on one side at a distance equal to 5 times the trunk diameter without affecting its stability.

Regardless of the rule you choose, recognizing that root pruning can lead to trees falling over or dying is crucial. In contrast, large trees on well-drained soil may not topple due to deeper sinker roots beneath the trunk. Fewer deep roots support the tree on poorly drained and compacted soils, increasing the risk of instability. Therefore, caution and informed decision-making are critical when considering root pruning to preserve the health and stability of trees.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Discover the top drought-tolerant trees for your garden and embrace nature’s resilience

During scorching summer days, a cooling shady tree becomes a perfect spot for picnics, playdates, or unwinding with a great book. However, in yards prone to drought, the key is to choose a tree with deep roots that can endure dry weather. While drought-tolerant trees take longer to establish their root system, these hardy trees require minimal to no supplemental water except during severe drought periods. We have listed the best drought-tolerant trees to plant in your garden.

Bur Oak

• With its robust branches, deep-reaching roots, and a lush, shade-protective canopy, the Bur Oak is your lawn’s superhero. It is native to the Great Lakes region and has impressive attributes, making it a rewarding addition to any landscape.

It is known for its winter hardiness, resistance to insects and deer, and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions. In addition, the Bur Oak grows rapidly and reaches great sizes. Once firmly established, these trees can last 200 to 300 years. Moreover, this tree provides bird nesting spots, and its pollen becomes food for butterflies, moths, and bees.

Notable Traits

• Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun and partial shade
• Soil needs: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, and clay soil types; requires well-draining conditions
• Foliage Type: Deciduous, shedding leaves in the fall
• Mature Size: Reaches an impressive height and width of 70-80 feet.

Maidenhair Tree

• Maidenhair trees, also known as ginkgos, are the oldest surviving tree species on the planet. The perfectly adapted ginkgos have survived through prehistoric eras to make it to today. They have beautiful, fan-shaped leaves that turn golden in the fall, making them a stunning addition to gardens, spacious backyards, and expansive walkways. Although the ginkgo species may be over 200 million years old, they excel as city trees, displaying remarkable tolerance to car exhaust, smog, and road salt.

Like the Eastern Red Cedar, Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. While they don’t produce conventional flowers, female ginkgos bear yellow-orange plum-sized fruits if germinated. These fruit trees can create a mess and give an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for male ginkgos.

Notable Traits

• Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 3-9
• Sun Exposure: Flourishes in Full sun
• Soil Needs: Adaptable to Sandy, Loamy, and Clay soils; requires excellent drainage
• Foliage Type: Deciduous, shedding leaves in the fall
• Mature Size: Grows to an impressive height of 40-80 feet and a width of 30-40 feet.

Eastern Red Cedar

• If you live in a dry region along the East Coast, the Eastern Red Cedar is a must-have tree in your garden. This evergreen beauty exhibits exceptional drought resistance among all the conifers native to the eastern United States. With its captivating pyramidal structure and dark green to blue needles, the Eastern Red Cedar makes a stunning specimen plant to show off in your garden or yard. They have remarkable hardiness, allowing them to flourish in salty, nutrient-poor soils.

Moreover, they attract native butterflies, songbirds, and buzzing bees, enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape. It has separate male and female trees. Planting male and female trees together is advisable to ensure pollination and produce lovely seed cones resembling frosty blueberries in fall.

Notable Traits

redHardiness Zones: Thrives in zones 2-9

Sun Exposure: Flourishes in full sun and partial shade

Soil Needs: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, clay, and rocky soils; requires excellent drainage

Foliage Type: Evergreen, retaining its lush foliage year-round

Mature Size: Grows to an impressive height of 30-40 feet and a width of 10-20 feet.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 744-6091 with your pruning and other queries, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

Unveiling nature’s menace – How Trees that bring trouble to harm your yard

Nothing compares to the beauty of a splendid yard, like majestic green trees. Planting trees can add to the value of your home, in addition to holding soil in place and providing shade. However, it is crucial to make well-informed decisions when planting trees. Bringing the wrong tree species into your yard can result in significant issues. Keep reading to learn what type of trees you should avoid planting in your yard and why.

Bradford Pear

• Although the rapid vertical growth and ample shade of Bradford Pear make it an attractive choice for homeowners, this comes with a downside. The rapidly growing branches make this tree dangerous, particularly during windy or stormy weather. The weak branches can easily snap due to strong wind, resulting in debris and potential damage.

In addition, the tree has poor structural integrity, and most of its branches are fragile and grow at narrow angles. Therefore, regular pruning is crucial to prevent branches from splitting as the tree matures. Moreover, the beautiful-looking white flowers of the Bradford Pear can become stinky and make it impossible to sit under their shade.

Female Ginkgo

• Ginkgo trees are renowned for aesthetics and history, and nature. However, it’s important to be careful when considering the female Ginkgo tree for your yard. The fruit-producing female ginkgo tree makes it an undesirable choice for residential plantations. It is often called a trash tree as its fruits have a strong odor and create a mess by falling all over your yard, driveway, or patio, sometimes from a considerable height of 80 feet.

However, if you adore ginkgo trees and want to incorporate them into your landscape, plant male ginkgo trees. They are free of smelly fruits and a much better and friendlier choice for your yard.

Mimosa

• The mimosa tree is native to Asia and is also known as the silk tree. It is recognized for its delicate appearance, frilly leaves, and beautiful pink flowers. Its charming scent attracts various woodland creatures, making it an excellent choice for your yard. However, you should consider the drawbacks before planting this tree. The nickname silk tree refers to its weak wood, which makes it fragile and susceptible to damage from winds and rainfall.

In addition, if you have pets or children, avoid planting this tree as it has toxic seed pods that can be harmful if ingested. Another considerable aspect is the tree’s tendency to shed flowers and leaves over a wide radius, which may include neighboring yards. This can lead to inconvenience for you and your neighbors. While the mimosa tree has its charm, the drawbacks should not be ignored when their plantation is under consideration.

Siberian Elm

• Elm tree, particularly the Siberian elm, has certain issues that should be considered. The high germination rate of the elm tree’s seeds led to its aggressive spread beyond the intended planting areas. In addition, these trees have brittle, weak wood, making them susceptible to storm and ice damage.

Moreover, Siberian elm trees are prone to pests such as the elm leaf beetle, which affects the tree’s aesthetic appeal and weakens its structure by causing cankers and leaf spots. Over time, Siberian elms can become unattractive, impacting the aesthetic appeal of your property. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the drawbacks of Siberian elms before planting them.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-744-6091 with your pruning and other queries, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.

What you need to know about caring for mature trees in your yard

Mature trees are invaluable natural treasures that provide numerous environmental benefits without taking much from humankind. However, like any living organism, they require care to withstand environmental challenges and natural disasters. Although mature tree care is significant, it is often overlooked. This comprehensive guide will offer valuable insights into caring for your mature trees.

Tree Assessment

• While inspecting mature trees can be challenging, given their immense height and complex root systems, it is crucial to ensure their well-being. However, it is essential to take a measured and systematic approach to maximize the effectiveness of your tree assessment.

Follow these steps for proper tree assessment:

• Step back and observe the tree from a distance. Pay attention to any visible signs of damage or stress.
• Use a ladder to examine the tree crown and observe the signs of dead or diseased leaves.
• Focus on the branches to find the symptoms of tree diseases such as discolored bark or canker. Look for notable structural issues like cracks, splits, and hollows.
• Thoroughly inspect the condition of the trunk. Search for signs of root rot, soil compaction, and girdling.
• Once you find the potential issues, customize a comprehensive tree care plan before the damage worsens.

Soil Testing To Discover Nutrient Deficiencies

Soil testing is a useful approach that helps discover nutrient deficiencies and other hidden issues your tree might face. A sample is taken from the tree root zone to conduct soil testing.

• Collect samples from different locations and combine them in a bucket for testing.
• Once you have obtained the samples, take them to a laboratory for analysis.
• The lab measures various factors, including pH levels and the presence of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Tailor a treatment plan to address any deficiencies or imbalances after you get the lab results.

Pruning To Enhance The Health Of Mature Trees

When pruning mature trees, use caution, as improper pruning can cause significant damage and reduce leaf surface area, leading to wounds and an energy deficit.

• Conduct a thorough tree inspection to avoid pruning mistakes that damage your tree.
• Remove specific tree parts, such as dead, diseased, crossing, overgrown, rubbing, or rotten branches.
• Use sharp pruning shears or a saw to make clean cuts after identifying the branches to be pruned. Cut the branches at the correct angle, just above the branch collar, to facilitate proper healing.
• Consider using a sealant to protect the cut area from disease and decay. This will create a barrier that promotes healing and prevents the entry of harmful pathogens.
• Using appropriate pruning techniques and tools, you can improve the tree’s structure and promote healthy growth.

Tree Fertilization For Optimal Growth

Just before leaves emerge, fertilizing mature trees in the early spring promotes their health and vitality. Follow these techniques to ensure effective tree fertilization.

• Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for mature trees. Typical fertilizers may damage the tree’s roots, so choosing the appropriate fertilizer is crucial.
• Evenly spread the fertilizer around the tree base while avoiding the trunk area. Apply enough fertilizer to cover the entire root zone.
• Monitor the growth of your tree closely for ongoing tree care. Watch out for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, or other issues impacting the tree’s health. Promptly address any identified problems to maintain the well-being of your mature trees.

To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized tree healthcare program and look after your trees as best as possible. Call us at 973-774-6091 today for a free quote for all your tree-related needs.

How to improve your pruning skills and techniques: 5 common pruning mistakes and how to correct them

Pruning is done for several reasons, from enhancing the tree’s shape to removing damaged growth and reducing the size of the plant. However, regardless of the reason, tree pruning must be done correctly to ensure a tree’s health and continuous growth. We have highlighted five common pruning mistakes you must avoid to maintain healthy trees.

 Pruning Without Purpose

• Trees should always be pruned with a purpose. The specific objective could be removing dead branches or enhancing fruit or flower production. The key to goal-oriented tree pruning is to achieve the desired outcome without compromising the overall health and growth of the plant. However, opting for pruning without a clear goal can lead to unnecessary damage, as improper and excessive pruning can result in damage that requires significant time and effort to fix.

In addition, it could cause irreversible harm to the tree. Therefore, carefully considering the purpose and potential consequences before pruning decisions is crucial. Nevertheless, proper pruning leads to healthier and more robust plants.

Improper Pruning Cuts

• Making proper cuts is essential for the health and vitality of a tree when it comes to pruning. Unfortunately, improper cuts such as flush cuts- trimming too close to the trunk or stub cuts- trimming too far from the trunk can result in severe and irreversible damage to the tree. A flush can remove the branch collar, leaving a large wound on the side of the tree that cannot heal effectively.

The absence of the branch collar disrupts the tree’s natural healing process, leaving it vulnerable to infections and decay. On the other hand, a stub cut leaves behind a significant portion of dead wood which can decay and extend back into the root collar and even the trunk. These cuts make the tree susceptible to further damage, disease, and even death.

Excessive Pruning During The Growing Season

• Heavy pruning can pose a risk to a tree’s growth and health. Excessive pruning during the growing season from spring to late summer can result in negative consequences. It can starve the tree by removing too many leaves, depriving it of food production through photosynthesis.

In addition, summer is a time when droughts are common, and an over-pruned tree becomes more susceptible to water deficiency. Moreover, heavy pruning can expose shaded bark to intense heat, leading to sunscald and potential damage. Therefore, avoid heavy pruning during the growing season to maintain the tree’s health and resilience.

Using Dull Use Of Blunt Tools

• While using blunt tools for tree pruning may seem common, it can lead to substantial damage. Pruning activities with unsharpened tools can result in crude or improper cuts. This may tear or shred the bark, consequently causing larger wounds.

Excessive pruning throughout the year

• While excessive pruning during the active growth season can be harmful, it should be noted that over-pruning at any time of the year can induce stress in a tree. This can render a tree more vulnerable to diseases. Therefore, it is essential to remember that each pruning cut carries significance because every cut is a wound to the tree.

By removing branches, valuable resources are depleted, future growth is impacted, and the tree’s capacity for photosynthesis is diminished. Moreover, pruning creates entry points through which wood-decay fungi can enter the tree and cause internal decay. Several improper pruning cuts can ultimately lead to tree death.

If you are looking for the best pruning and tree removal services for your trees, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a group of tree experts working in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-744-6091, and we will give you a fantastic quote for free.