MY TREE'S LEAVES ARE TURNING BROWN. IS MY TREE SICK?
When the foliage on your tree turns brown then the tree is most likely suffering from a tree disease. It is always best to contact an experienced tree company promptly because early treatment prevents serious damage to your tree from occurring.  

WHAT TREE DISEASES CAUSE THE FOLIAGE TO TURN BROWN?

• OAK WILT

Millions of oak trees in the United States have been destroyed by this lethal fungal pathogen! Tree experts in Fort Worth are encountering oak wilt frequently because it is causing severe damage to the stately oaks throughout established residential neighborhoods. Its preferred host tree is the majestic Shumard red oak, but no oak variety is immune to its invasion. The infected tree will exhibit a thinning canopy, premature defoliation and leaf discoloration ranging from yellows to dark brown. This deadly disease kills trees swiftly so it is extremely important to call an arbor care professional immediately when your tree's health is declining.

• BACTERIAL LEAF SCORCH

This incurable, deadly bacterial tree disease is common in Fort Worth and the DFW area. It infects a plethora of popular shade tree varieties. The infected tree will develop premature defoliation and necrosis of the leaves. Foliage first turns brown along the edges and then the browning spreads to the center before the foliage dies. Maintaining your tree's health is of utmost importance in order to prevent it from being infected by this destructive pathogen. Contact an arborist that treats sick trees promptly when your tree is ailing or you observe these symptoms.

• ANTHRACNOSE

Affecting many shade tree varieties in Fort Worth, this swift-spreading fungal pathogen targets a myriad of popular trees including, but not limited to, maple, oak, elm, dogwood and walnut. It thrives in early spring cool, damp weather. The diseased tree will exhibit premature defoliation, a thinning canopy, leaf deformities and foliage discoloration ranging from tan to brownish-black. Anthracnose rarely destroys the tree but the visual damage is unsightly. Call an experienced tree company right away when your tree is manifesting these symptoms or you suspect the tree is unhealthy. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TREE HAS A DISEASE?
Call a tree care specialist and schedule a complimentary consultation. The ISA certified arborist will evaluate the tree and provide a diagnosis report. The treatment needed to eliminate the disease will be determined and administered by a tree doctor. When in question it is always best to enlist the expertise of a highly-trained tree expert.

WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY TREES HEALTHY?
Entrust the care of your trees and residential outdoor environment to the best arborist in Fort Worth, Texas. Deep root fertilization is an important tree health treatment that provides the necessary nutrients to the tree. With this key treatment, liquid minerals and nutrients are infected under pressure into the tree's root zone by the skilled tree expert. Trees that receive deep root fertilization annually are 95% more disease-resistant. A continual tree health care maintenance program will be customized exclusively for you. Entrusting the care of your outdoor grounds and valuable trees to arbor care professionals will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your trees will always remain healthy and strong.

THE BARK IS FALLING OFF MY TREE. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Bark falling can be caused by several factors. It can be due to a serious issue such as tree diseases or insect infestations or be from a natural occurrence like tree growth or the tree variety. When you are in question it is always best to contact an experienced tree company.

WHAT TREE DO DISEASES CAUSE BARK TO FALL OFF TREES?

• HYPOXYLON CANKER

This severe fungal tree disease has become a serious problem in Fort Worth and the DFW area. It targets trees of all oak varieties that are weak or wounded. In its advanced stages, damaged areas on the tree bark will turn brownish-black and flake off. The infected tree is beyond saving at this point; therefore, contact an arborist that treats sick trees immediately if your oak tree is declining or you notice bark falling!  

• DUTCH ELM DISEASE

This grave vascular pathogen is spreading rapidly throughout Fort Worth and it infects all varieties of elm trees. As this disease progresses the tree will exhibit dead limbs and brittle, peeling bark. Early treatment is essential to stop the destruction of DED. Call a tree doctor promptly if your ash tree's bark is fragile and peeling.

• FIREBLIGHT

There is no known cure for this lethal bacterial pathogen that infects all pome fruit trees. As this disease progresses the tree will manifest dark, blackened areas on the bark around cankers and wounds and the bark will flake off and peel. It is essential to enlist the services of an experienced arbor care professional as soon as you observe your pit-centered fruit tree is ailing.

WHAT INSECT PESTS MAKE TREE BARK FALL OFF?

• WOOD BORERS

Wood borers are the most destructive insects infesting trees. They are common in Fort Worth and the surrounding cities and ISA certified arborists and tree experts are repeatedly encountering their destruction. Brittle, falling bark and D-shaped holes in the bark indicate their infestation. A tree doctor must be contacted immediately and treatment administered in the beginning stages of infestation.    

• PINE BARK BEETLES

Pine bark beetles are increasing rapidly in Fort Worth and they have destroyed many pine tree varieties. Amongst the many damaging symptoms they cause are pin-dot holes and flaking to the tree's bark. Do not hesitate in contacting an arbor care professional if you observe beetles on your property or trees. Once their destruction has become severe then your tree is beyond saving.

WHEN IS IT OKAY FOR THE BARK TO FALL OFF TREES?

• TREE VARIETIES

Some tree varieties naturally shed their bark in large chunks or peeling sheets. Included amongst the bark-shedding varieties are silver maple, birch, sycamore, redbud, and scotch pine. Consult with an experienced tree company when you are wondering if your tree naturally sheds its bark.

• NATURAL TREE GROWTH PROCESS

As trees grow they will naturally shed their bark. This is part of the natural growth process and there is no reason for concern.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE BARK TO FALL OFF?
Call the best arborist in Fort Worth, Texas and schedule a diagnostic appointment with their tree care specialist. The experienced plant pathologist will closely examine the tree and provide a free evaluation report. You will be informed of the specific reason why your tree has bark falling and advised on what treatment is needed if the tree has a disease or insect problem. Enlisting the services of an experienced tree company will ensure that the health of your trees is strong and robust.

MY EVERGREEN TREE IS TURNING BROWN. WHAT IS CAUSING THIS?
Two of the most destructive diseases that target evergreen trees are stated below. There are numerous diseases that invade fir trees and that are prevalent in Fort Worth and the DFW metroplex area.

• PINE TIP BLIGHT

Cause by the deadly fungal pathogen Diplodia, pine tip blight targets mature fir trees that have been stressed, damaged and weakened. It spreads swiftly in damp spring weather and can infest your entire outdoor grounds via wind and splashing rain. It's choice host trees include Austrian pine, noble fir, Douglas fir, and Ponderosa pine; however, all fir tree varieties that are common in Fort Worth neighborhoods are at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms begin manifesting at the lower part of the tree and move upward. Early indications are brown needles and excessive needle loss with multiple cankers and black specks on needles and pine cones developing as the disease progresses. Left untreated, pine tip blight will kill the tree. It is urgent to contact an experienced tree company immediately if you observe your evergreen tree is turning brown.

• SEIRIDIUM CANKER

This highly-destructive fungal disease targets Leyland cypress and other popular fir tree varieties. Leyland cypress trees flourish throughout Fort Worth and are frequently planted to create private areas. ISA certified arborists and tree experts are aggressively battling this serious disease that is decimating evergreen trees throughout our area. The fungal spores spread swiftly by means of wind and rain. An infected evergreen will exhibit random brown branches amidst green healthy branches on the same tree and this odd symptom is known as "flagging" by tree care specialists. This lethal fungal pathogen will cause the tree's death if left untreated; therefore, contact an arborist that treats sick trees promptly if you observe your fir tree is exhibiting random brown branches.   

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY EVERGREEN TREE HAS A DISEASE?
The ISA certified arborist will closely examine the tree and complete a free evaluation report. Diagnosis will be swift, as tree doctors know that early treatment is crucial when a fir tree is infected with these serious diseases. The tree expert will administer the specific treatment necessary to restore the health to your infected evergreen tree.  

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THE DISEASE AND KEEP MY EVERGREEN TREE HEALTHY?

• REMOVE DEAD OR SEVERELY DISEASED TREES

Dead or severely diseased trees and all ground debris must be immediately removed and destroyed by a professional tree removal company. This will eliminate the spores and prevent the deadly tree diseases from infiltrating your outdoor grounds.

• REGULARLY-SCHEDULED TREE PRUNING

Dead and infected branches must be removed by a tree pruning service so as to halt the spread of the disease throughout the tree's structure. Regularly-scheduled pruning will aid in preserving your tree's health and will ensure the fir tree receives adequate sunlight and proper air circulation through its branches.

• AVOID UNINTENTIONAL WOUNDING

The most destructive tree diseases that threaten evergreen trees target firs that have been damaged or have suffered abrasions. Unintentional wounds can occur from mowers, weed trimmers and shovels. Entrust your regular lawn care maintenance and the planting of decorative plants to a professional arbor care company. They will ensure that your trees do not suffer accidental wounds.

• ENSURE THERE IS PROPER DRAINAGE

Compacted soil from construction projects, high foot traffic, and parking under trees inhibits adequate root growth and prevents sufficient drainage. Standing water and areas throughout your outdoor grounds can trigger the invasion of destructive fungal pathogens. The experienced tree company will correct any areas on your residential outdoor habitat that have drainage problems and see to it that deadly fungal diseases do not develop.

• DEEP ROOT FERTILIZATION

This fertilization treatment is of utmost importance in maintaining the health of your trees. Topical lawn fertilizer applications do not provide the nutrients that trees require. A highly-skilled tree expert injects under pressure the exact liquid minerals and nutrients that your tree needs to remain in optimum health directly into its root zone. Injected oxygen aerates the soil and corrects soil compaction. Trees that receive this key treatment annually are 95% more disease-resistant and develop strong root structures.

• CONTINUAL TREE HEALTH CARE MAINTENANCE PLAN

Your evergreen trees are highlights for your residential grounds and greatly increase your property value. Protecting the health of your valuable living investments is important! The best arborist in Fort Worth, Texas will personalize a continual tree health care maintenance program exclusively for you. They will oversee the care of your outdoor habitat and see to it that your prized trees always remain strong and beautiful.

MY OAK TREE ISN'T LOOKING VERY GOOD.  WHAT CAN BE WRONG WITH IT?
Your oak tree is most likely stressed. Even healthy trees can become weak and vulnerable to disease when they are subjected to stressful conditions. Stress can be caused by numerous factors including, but not limited to, turbulent weather, extreme temperature changes or poor soil quality. It is of high importance to enlist the arbor care services of an experienced tree company to ensure that the health of your trees is protected.  

ARE THERE SERIOUS TREE DISEASES THAT CAN MAKE MY OAK TREE SICK?
Yes! Oak trees are susceptible to many destructive tree diseases.  Below are some of the most threatening common diseases to oak trees.

• OAK WILT

Millions of oak trees in Texas alone have been killed by this lethal disease. Majestic Shumard red oaks are the preferred target of this deadly fungal pathogen; however, no oak variety is immune to its destruction. Oak wilt shuts down the vascular system of the tree and prevents it from dispersing water and nutrients throughout its structure. An oak tree that is infected by oak wilt can die in less than six months.  It is of utmost importance to contact a tree care specialist promptly if you observe your oak tree is declining in health.

• HYPOXYLON CANKER

This serious fungal disease thrives in hot summer weather and is spreading rapidly throughout Fort Worth and the North Texas area. Targeting all varieties of oaks, it does not invade healthy trees but rather infects trees that have been subjected to stress and that are weak and vulnerable. Visible indications of hypoxylon canker include premature defoliation, dead branches, and bark falling. Severely infected trees can become a danger to life and property. Unfortunately, once these visible symptoms manifest it is often too late to save the tree. When you notice your oak tree is exhibiting any of these symptoms or that it seems to be ailing it is of extreme urgency to enlist the services of the best arborist in Fort Worth, Texas.    

• SUDDEN OAK DEATH

Just as the name implies, this water mold pathogen kills infected oak trees swiftly. It is easily spread by wind and rain and is increasing throughout Fort Worth and the DFW metroplex. Sudden oak death targets trees that have been subjected to stress and are weakened. Spotted leaves, dieback and bark falling are symptoms of this deadly tree disease. As there is no known cure, it is extremely important to contact an arbor care professional immediately if your oak tree is declining in health or is exhibiting these symptoms.

WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY OAK TREE'S HEALTH?
The best way to guard the health of your oak trees is to entrust the care of your residential outdoor grounds to a tree care specialist. There are treatments that the ISA certified arborist, tree doctor and highly-skilled tree expert have extensive experience in administering but it is always best to maintain the health of your trees and prevent them from ever contracting serious tree diseases. An experienced tree company will see to it that your residential grounds do not invite deadly pathogens and that your trees receive the proper nutrients they require to remain in robust health. Your stately trees are highlights within your outdoor habitat and greatly increase your property value. It is always best to entrust their care to an experienced and knowledgeable tree expert.

I NOTICED A LOT OF INSECTS AROUND MY TREES. CAN TREE PESTS HARM MY TREES?
Tree pests definitely cause serious harm to trees. These insect nuisances are able to inflict permanent damage to your trees, plants and residential outdoor environment. Left untreated, tree pests can rapidly overtake your outdoor grounds and eventually kill your trees. It is essential to enlist the services of an experienced tree company in order to eliminate tree pests from your property. The arbor care company has ISA certified arborists, tree doctors, arborists that treat sick trees and tree experts who have the extensive knowledge, experience, and devotion that the International Society of Arboriculture requires and expects. You can rest assured that the tree care specialists will see to it that tree pests do not destroy your beautiful trees.  
WHAT TREE PESTS ARE COMMON IN FORT WORTH?
Unfortunately, there are numerous destructive tree pests that are common in the Fort Worth area. Tree doctors and ISA certified arborists are experts in treating and eliminating tree pest problems, as these tree care experts frequently encounter these damaging tree destroyers. Early treatment is absolutely essential because tree pests reproduce rapidly and are capable of destroying trees swiftly as well as invading your home residence. When you notice insect activity on or near your trees then contact an experienced tree company immediately. The following are some of the tree pests prevalent in the DFW metroplex area:  

• EMERALD ASH BORER

Bright green in color, these beetles target only ash trees and destroy their vascular system. Trees infested with emerald ash borers are unable to disperse water and nutrients through their branches. Initially, the tree will exhibit an ailing appearance and small holes where the beetles have entered. Without treatment, these tree pests kill the trees they infest.

• APHIDS

These tree pests reproduce many generations per season and swiftly overtake your habitat grounds.  Aphids are tiny insects that cluster together on tree foliage and plant leaves and stems while they extract the nutrients from leaves.

• BAGWORMS

Insidious in nature, bagworms primarily invade fir trees and create small cones laced with bark and leaf pieces. These tree pests hide inside the cones while eating pine needles. The cones must be removed and destroyed to eliminate bagworms and prevent their continued insect infestation.

• SPIDER MITES

Tiny holes on the upper side of leaves and fine webbing are the undersides of foliage are indicative of spider mites. They are microscopically small and reproduce at an alarming rate.

• WOOD BORERS

Gaining entrance into the tree through the tree's bark, the larvae eat maze-like tunnels throughout the tree's entire inner core wood. Left untreated, wood borers eventually kill the tree.

• WEBWORMS

These tree pests are impossible to miss! Their unsightly white webbed bags quickly fill tree branches. Webworms spin these webbings to hide within and protect themselves from bird predators while they feast upon the foliage of your trees.
WHAT CAN I DO TO ELIMINATE TREE PESTS?
The best way to eliminate tree pests is to contact the best arborist in Fort Worth, Texas immediately when you notice or suspect insect problems on your trees or outdoor grounds. Treatment during the beginning stages of insect infestation is essential to prevent permanent damage to your trees and outdoor environment. The tree expert will determine the specific tree pest problem, provide a diagnosis report and administer the treatment required to eliminate the destructive insects. An ongoing tree and plant health care maintenance program designed specifically for you is the best means of preventing tree pests from destroying your living investments. Trees greatly increase your property value and an experienced tree company will ensure that your trees are protected and you are eliminated of the stress and worry that tree pests can cause.

MY TREES LOOK GREAT AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY STAY THAT WAY. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT THEIR HEALTH?
Your trees not only add beauty to your outdoor residential environment, but they increase your property value tremendously. Stately, healthy trees are showpieces amongst your landscape and they add cooling shade and relaxing areas on your outdoor grounds. There are a variety of things you can do to ensure they remain strong and healthy.

• ENTRUST THE CARE OF YOUR TREES AND PLANTS TO AN EXPERIENCED TREE COMPANY  

The highly-experienced arbor care professionals will see to it that your trees remain beautiful and in the best of health.

• ENACT A CONTINUAL TREE AND PLANT HEALTH CARE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
  

A tree care specialist will personalize the plan that is unique for you and your habitat grounds. The tree experts will see to it that you never encounter the high costs of tree removal or tree replacement that serious tree diseases and insect infestations can cause.

• AVOID UNINTENTIONAL WOUNDING

Oftentimes, serious tree diseases and insect pests target trees that have been weakened and wounded. Construction activities within the vicinity of your trees should always be overseen and monitored by a tree care specialist. Regular lawn maintenance and the planting of bedding plants should always be performed by an arbor care professional. Frequently, wounds occur by weed trimmers or shovels.

• PROPER DRAINAGE 

Many residential areas in Fort Worth have rolling grounds and standing water is not unusual. Numerous destructive fungal pathogens thrive in standing water and excessively moist soil. Compacted soil can damage roots and invite root decay. The experienced tree company will carefully inspect your outdoor grounds and rectify any areas that have poor drainage and are subject to fungal diseases. 

ARE THERE TREATMENTS THAT WILL PROTECT MY TREES AND BOOST THEIR HEALTH?
Yes! The best arborist in Fort Worth Texas will advise you on the health-boosting treatments that are best for you and your residential habitat. Some of these important treatments include:

DEEP ROOT FERTILIZATION
We strongly recommend this important treatment! Trees rarely receive adequate nutrition from topical lawn fertilizer applications. The highly-skilled tree expert determines the specific minerals and nutrients the tree requires and then injects these under pressure directly into the tree's root zone. Compacted soil is also corrected by this process and the soil is aerated. Trees that receive this key treatment annually are 95% more disease resistant. Their root structures flourish and their immunity to disease and insect infestation is boosted tremendously.

TREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Performed by an ISA certified arborist, the tree is closely examined to determine if it is weakened and vulnerable to disease infection. The nutrients that the tree requires are determined by the tree expert and the arbor care professionals will be able to ensure your tree remains healthy.

TREE GROWTH REGULATORS
Large, mature trees often grow faster than their roots are able to support their stature. Tree growth regulators increase the root density of the tree and greatly boost the tree's immunity to disease. Trees are more able to withstand the severe temperature changes that frequently occur in Fort Worth. This valuable treatment lasts five years. 

ROOT PRUNING
Trees that are planted in buckets in nurseries or decorative pots develop curled roots as they grow. Frequently, trees that are planted in small areas grow larger than space permits. Root pruning prevents destructive girdled roots from occurring.  Girdled roots can inhibit the flow of water and nutrients throughout the tree's structure and cannot only stunt the tree's growth but can eventually destroy the tree.

For an arbor care professional, borer insects are taken very seriously. Once borer insects have invaded the tree's bark and are reproducing they become difficult to control. If not halted quickly, these insects can cause serious damage to the tree and eventually kill it. They gain entrance through the tree's bark and shut down the tree's vascular system. This prevents the tree from adequately dispersing nutrients and water throughout its structure and through its branches. Unfortunately, the majority of the damage these insects cause is on the inside of the tree and cannot be easily seen. An infected tree will first have a general ailing appearance, leaf loss and thinning foliage. Small holes in the tree's bark and branches indicate their presence.

There are many borer insects prevalent in north Texas. The largest is the cottonwood borer beetle that is black and cream and targets cottonwood, willow and poplar trees. Wood borers include flathead beetles, clearwing moths and the rhododendron borer. These attack ornamental trees, shade tree varieties, fruit trees and shrubs. The emerald ash borer is a green beetle that invades only ash trees and that has killed over 200 million ash trees in the United States. These insects are a serious tree care problem in our community.

Protecting your tree's health is key! Providing supportive health treatments such as deep root fertilization, systemic deep root feeding and tree growth regulators increases the tree's immunity. Wounds can make trees vulnerable to invasion so guarding your tree from accidental wounds caused by excessive activity within close range of the tree or regular lawn maintenance is essential. Strong, healthy trees have a higher resistance to insect pests and tree diseases. An experienced tree company is able to advise you and administer health-supportive treatments.

Insecticide applications and trunk injections administered by an arborist that treats sick trees may be effective providing the tree is only mildly infested. Any dead or severely infested trees must be eliminated and destroyed by a professional tree service, as well as fallen branches or ground debris. This will eliminate many insects and larvae. Tree pruning by a tree trimming service eliminates insect eggs that are hidden in bark crevices. It is imperative to contact an arbor care expert immediately when you suspect that your tree is declining, as early treatment is essential.

Updated on March 1, 2019 at 12:20 pm by Tree Service Fort Worth.