Dying Leaves In Spring

What's causing leaves of maple, sycamore, and ash to die in the spring of the year?

A: Cool and wet spring weather can provide ideal conditions for a tree disease known as Anthracnose. One of the disease's most noticeable symptoms appears in the form of leaf wilt and dieback. As weather becomes warmer and drier many trees refoliate.

Tree Fluid

What's the fluid like substance oozing down tree trunks?

A: Wetwood, condition is a common occurrence in many trees. Fluid exudes from pruning wounds and/or branch unions. Over time it may become discolored and cause streaks to form on the bark.

Summer Browning Leaves

What causes the leaves of maples and horsechestnuts to turn brown in midsummer?

A: Many trees experience a problem known as Leaf Scorch. The margins of leaves often dry out and turn brown during the heat of summer. Radiant heat from streets and buildings (and salt in soils) has been identified as contributing factors.

Crusty Growths

What are the crust-like attachments on tree trunks and branches?

A: Various forms and colors of Lichens may grow on the surface of tree bark. They represent a colony of symbiotic organisms that are not considered to be pathogenic to trees. Lichens often grow in response to increased exposure to light and moisture.

Norway Maple Dying

What's causing the decline of Norway Maple trees?

A: A vascular disease known as Verticillium Wilt disrupts and prevents movement of moisture and minerals from the soil to leaves. Symptom expression may include abnormal and premature leaf coloration, sparse foliage, branch dieback and tree death.

Sticky Leaf Liquid

What is the sticky goo that drips from littleleaf linden trees?

A: Small soft bodied insects known as Aphids feed on many genera of plants including linden trees. The insect's extract far more sugar from plants than they utilize. The surplus is shunted through their bodies falling from trees as a sticky substance. If you have more questions give us a call at 972-7818 or e-mail us with your question. We would be happy to try to answer your tree questions.