Trees where would we be without them? They provide oxygen for us to breathe. They provide shelter and homes for numerous wildlife. They are also are used for noise reduction, shade, wind barrier and healthy food for nurishment.
Save your trees by keeping a watchful eye for any diseases, drought conditions and infestation of insects.
Below are some great tree care tips to keep your trees healthy.
Trees or shrubs are smaller than they should be – Possible Causes could be Nitrogen and zinc deficiency, nematodes on roots or dry soil.
What should you do? Up your water usage – Fertilize with a high Nitrogen Number a good 16-8-8 analysis will work well.
Green but wilting leaves – Possible Causes – Over watering, probably from not enough drainage. What to do? Check your drip system. Make sure you are not over or under watering . Check for grubs about 4-6″ into dirt. Over fertilizing will also wilt leaves.
Severe Yellowing of leaves – Possible Causes – The tree or shrub may be at the end of it’s life. Iron or nitrogen deficiency. What to do? Add a fertilizer high in iron and or nitrogen (Do NOT over fertilize). Meta naturals Organic Nitrogen 16-0-0 Gallon
Brown in center of leaf – Possible Causes – Excess slat in soil, Too much direct sunlight, lack of water, possible borer.
What to do? Up the water usage, check for borers. Borers will bore a hole into the tree, usually followed by a clear Sap. Purchase borer control from local nursery.
Tree leaf total Brown – Possible Causes – Late frost, normal aging, or root rot. What to do? Not much if the cause is frost or aging. However if the leaves are turning brown only at the bottom, this is the normal aging process.
Twisted or puckered tree leaves – Possible causes – Aphids, thrips, leafminers or mites. Large infestation of insects.
What to do? Apply the tree with a good systemic insecticide.
Grey Powdery Appearance – Possible Causes – Powdery mildew. This is a fungus, usually caused by over watering and not enough circulation. Very contagious virus but can be easily remedied.
What to do? Apply neem oil and thin out tree. Reduce humidity around plants, and spray with a good fungicide. Call your local nursery for further information.
Perfect half moon eaten leaves – Possible Causes – Leaf cutter bee. This insect will cut a perfect half moon sized hole in the leaf.
What to do? Spray the tree with “garlic barrier”. Garlic Barrier is a very strong liquid that mixes with water and is sprayed on trees to repel them from further damage.
Leaves are completely gone or chewed – Possible causes – Ants, deer, rabbits, birds or other critters.
What to do? Border the tree with chicken wire. Purchase a rodent repellent or a pesticide.
You should periodically check your trees and plants for any signs of diseases, fungus and or damage.
Be sure to call your local nursery and give a good description of your tree problems. They will usually have the answer. Be sure to take a large sample (leaves, limbs, etc..) for further analysis.
Paul Guzman.
