Why Did My Trees Die This Summer?

There are several reasons why trees and plants can fall ill or die in the spring and summer months of the year.  Residential tree care can be a tricky leisure pursuit until you get the hang of things.  Various causes and influences can cause a tree to die in the middle of the summer.  Continue reading to understand why your trees may have died or fallen ill, and what you can do to protect your trees from being vulnerable in the future.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-348-0811
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-348-0811

How to Understand Your Trees Better

Before diagnosing the cause behind a dead or dying tree, it is important to first determine the species and growth characteristics of the tree in question.  The reason for this is to be able to accurately identify what it is your tree requires for average to normal growth, and compare it to any uncharacteristic growth and behavior patterns.  This identification and understanding sets a person off in the right direction when it comes to solving residential or commercial tree issues.  For example, it is good to know if your tree requires wet or well-drained soils, if its root system is shallow or deep-set, and if it is a deciduous or evergreen species of tree.  This type of information can help you narrow down and decide what implications may or may not be affecting your trees health. 

Common Causes of Dead or Dying Trees

One common cause of a dead or dying tree in the spring or summertime is tree transplanting.  Tree transplanting is when a tree is removed from its initial growth spot, then transferred and reburied in a new place.  The altered soil composition, potentially delicate root system, moisture levels, light conditions, and many other factors can negatively affect this relocation process.  It can cause a tree to go into an adjustment state called transplant shock. When this occurs, the leaves of the tree change to a yellowish-brown color, curl up at the ends, wilt, and fall off. This ailment is called leaf scorch.  It is caused from dehydration and nutrition deficiency, as a result of the relocation.

Another source behind tree deaths and illnesses has to do with residential and commercial development and new construction.  Although construction damage is difficult to diagnose, it is a common threat to trees in residential and commercial landscapes.  For example, when a new housing development is built, heavy equipment and machinery are driven on the soft ground above the root systems, wounding them overtime.  The result is irreversible tree root damage.  The root damage leads to slowed growth and eventually death because the root system cannot function properly to supply the tree with water and nutrients.

Besides new construction, utility workers can affect tree growth and health as well.  Utility work is generally the last phase of construction, and it is imperative that they use proper trenching and grading techniques to protect trees from any harm. Even if a development site manages to protect the surrounding trees during the construction phase, utility work can turn it all around.

There are several other circumstances that influence tree health, and can cause tree to die or become ill.  Poor drainage, high heat and temperatures, drought, lightening, and even excessive moisture can cause a tree to die or stop growing.   It is unlikely that your trees suffer from pests and insect issues; which is why it is good to consider the situations mentioned above before treating your tree with fertilizers or insecticides.  To prevent future tree difficulties, consult a professional Indianapolis tree service specialist in your community for advice and assistance with tree maintenance and rehabilitation.  This is the most promising way to ensure your trees are protected, season to season.

Where to Get Affordable Fall Tree Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your seasonal tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work for residential or commercial properties. Whether you need a stump removed, an entire lot cleared, or some simple, routine tree trimming and tree service, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price. Contact us today for a free quote.

Timberland Tree Care Indianapolis, Indiana
Timberland Tree Care 317-348-0811

Indications of an Emerald Ash Borer Tree Infestation

Residential and commercial property owners value their well-maintained landscapes and foliage.  It is important to most property owners that their trees are healthy and appealing.  On top of tree trimming, pruning, fertilizing, and other common tree care, eliminating infestation threats is equally important for a tree’s health.  Continue reading to learn about the Emerald Ash Borer, as well as, the signs and symptoms of an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation.

Ash Tree Service Indianapolis
Ash Tree Service Indianapolis, Indiana 317-348-0811

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis)

The Emerald Ash Borer has been infecting North American trees and foliage for as long as man has been around. These beetle-like insects are easily identifiable and somewhat beautiful, in a way. They are a bright green, metallic looking insects with a half inch long flattened back and purple abdominal sections beneath their wings. Although quite beautiful, Emerald Ash Borers are extremely detrimental to the well-being of our trees.

Emerald Ash Borers were originally found in the Eastern parts of the world, such as Russia, Japan, Korea, and China. It wasn’t until 2002 that Emerald Ash Borers were discovered in North America. They most likely came from ash wood being transferred into the states. They mostly affect Ash trees, but can cause implications to other surrounding foliage as well. Emerald Ash Borers usually attack stressed or dying trees, but can also invade perfectly healthy Ash tree too.

How to Spot an Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

There are several ways to identify an Ash Borer infestation in Ash trees and other foliage.  Their activities and behaviors leave clues behind that can only suggest an Ash Borer problem.  Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of a tree infected and overcome with Emerald Ash Borer colonies:

✅ Splitting Bark
✅ Canopy Thinning and Die-Back
✅ Foliage Bareness
✅ Vertical Fissures on Bark
✅ Callous Tissue Formation
✅ Exposed Galleries under Bark Split
✅ Snake-Shaped Larvae Feeding Galleries in Bark
✅ Frass Accumulation (Mix of Saw Dust and Excrement)
✅ D or L-Shaped Holes in Trunk
✅ Increase Woodpecker Activity
✅ Sprout Growth from Roots and Trunk
✅ Larger-than-Normal Leaves

EAB Treatment and Prevention

A property owner has various options when it comes to rehabilitating trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer colonies.  The only possible treatments and options for Emerald Ash Borer infestations is insecticides or tree removal.  By hiring a tree care company, proprietors can learn methods to preventing pest problems and infestations in their trees.  Prevention and routine maintenance are the best ways to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borers and other tree ailments.

Licensed and Insured Tree Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for Emerald Ash Borer tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

Timberland Tree Care Indianapolis, Indiana
Timberland Tree Care 317-348-0811