Author: Steven Kelley

Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

Steven Kelley Tree Blogs
Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

Phytophthora root rot is a disease of many trees and shrubs. The disease derives its name from the Greek language and literally means “plant destroyer.” As such, this is a fitting name for the pathogen, which can kill its host by growing through the roots upward. Phytophthora root rot thrives in wet and poorly drained soil conditions and attacks a wide range of species.


Evidence of phytophthora root rot on yews.

Most Susceptible Tree and Shrubs Species

azaleaboxwoodconifersdaphnedogwoodhollyjunipertaxusrhododendron

A soil-borne microorganism, Phytophthora species are more closely related to brown algae than to fungi. Phytophthora root rot grows and produces spores under wet soil conditions. The spores (known as zoospores) have flagella that allow them to easily move through water. First, the zoospores germinate and infect fine roots. When conditions favor development of the pathogen, it will progress into larger roots, the root flare and even into the stem. Consequently, a serious infection that has spread throughout the root system can cause the eventual death of the plant.

Plants with root disease appear as unhealthy; leaves will become yellow and stunted, and new growth slows. Further, the roots of affected plants will be black and shriveled. Symptoms will vary based on the type of tree or shrub impacted.

Preventing and Treating Phytophthora Root Rot

Phytophthora species can persist in the soil for many years, spreading to nearby plants when it rains or plants are watered. With this in mind, it is particularly important to pay attention to the soil conditions in which your trees and shrubs are growing. To further protect your plants, ensure trees and shrubs live in well-drained soils that are amended with organic matter. Additionally, you should carefully monitor irrigation to prevent saturated soil.

Plants exhibiting early stages of root disease may respond well to soil treatments with systemic fungicides and cultural practices. However, plants with later stages of disease are unlikely to recover. Therefore, preventive management is the best course of action. The most essential step to protecting plants from Phytophthora root rot is maintaining good soil drainage.

The post Phytophthora Root Rot Disease first appeared on Tree Topics.

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Citrus Trees: A Favorite Since Ancient Times

Steven Kelley Tree Care
Citrus Trees: A Favorite Since Ancient Times

People have grown citrus trees since ancient times and helped spread these fruit-bearing favorites around the world! Citrus are native to Southeast Asia. However, humans brought them to increasingly distant places over time. Moving along trade routes, various species arrived in the Middle East and Mediterranean, then on to Europe. Spanish conquistadors first introduced citrus to North America in Florida. Now, citrus are some of the most common landscape fruit trees in California, Arizona and Texas.

Growing citrus trees at home

Citrus trees thrive in sunny, humid environments with fertile soil and adequate rainfall or irrigation. When selecting a planting location, consider soil drainage first and foremost as these trees require well-drained soil.

All citrus are broadleaved and evergreen. They do not drop leaves except when stressed. If you have a citrus tree losing leaves that is a definite indicator of an issue.

In warm, sunny climates, plant these trees or grow them in containers. In areas where the weather is too cold to grow citrus outdoors, you can grow dwarf plants potted indoors or in greenhouses. In containers, citrus trees will tolerate poor care better than many green shrubs.

The trees flower in the spring, and fruit is set shortly afterward. Fruit begins ripening in fall or early winter and develops increasing sweetness afterward. Fruit quality is highly dependent on the weather, variety and overall plant health.

How to tell if fruit is ripe

lemon tree

While the words “ripe” and “mature” are often used interchangeably, they are not actually the same thing. A mature fruit is one that has completed its growth phase. Ripening refers to the changes in a fruit after it is mature up until it begins to decay.

Some fruits are picked when mature but before they’re ripe and then they continue to ripen off the tree. That is not the case with citrus fruits; once picked they do not become sweeter or ripen further.

Color is not an indicator of ripeness with oranges because sometimes rinds turn orange long before the fruits are ready to eat. Tasting them is the only way to know if the time is right.

Also interesting is that the color of citrus fruits only develops in climates with cool winters. In tropical regions with no winter, citrus fruits remain green until maturity, such as with tropical “green oranges.”

Common problems in citrus trees

There are numerous diseases common in citrus trees, with some being quarantined. Citrus greening, sweet orange scab, citrus canker and black spot of citrus have had a serious impact on citrus industries. Report infected trees to the USDA. In home landscapes, root rot disease due to excess water is particularly commonplace. This disease is not quarantined.

Pests such as citrus leafminer, spider mites, rust mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids frequently infest citrus trees. Regular inspection will ensure identification of these pests early, before populations grow and serious damage occurs.

The post Citrus Trees: A Favorite Since Ancient Times first appeared on Tree Topics.

Mulch Volcanoes Hurt Trees

Steven Kelley Tree Blogs
Mulch Volcanoes Hurt Trees

Mulching the ground beneath your trees and shrubs is one of the best practices for keeping trees healthy. However, you need to mulch properly for it to truly be beneficial. Never pile mulch against the tree or cover the tree’s root flare, where the trunk flares outward into the ground. Even though a mulch volcano, a large pile of mulch under a tree, is a commonly seen practice, it is not a good one. Mulch volcanoes harm trees!


Mulch should be spread in a thin layer beneath the entire canopy.

How to Add Mulch Correctly

mulch volcano
INCORRECT MULCHING! A mulch volcano, where mulch is piled against the tree trunk, traps in moisture and damages the tree.

Whenever possible, you should apply mulch beneath the entire canopy. Mulch beds do not have to be round or symmetrical. The more area beds can cover under the canopy, the better! Mulch should not be deeper than four inches. Two inches will work for shallow rooted shrubs and perennials. As mulch decomposes, add more to maintain the appropriate depth.

One of the best materials to use as mulch is fresh wood chips. Wood chips contain bark, leaves and wood. This mixture is the most nutrient-rich option for the tree. It’s also okay to plant shrubs and perennials under the tree in the mulched area. When planting under trees, avoid solid masses of ground covers that hide buttress roots. Plant ground cover at least twelve inches away from tree trunks.

Mounded mulch and excessive ground cover can trap moisture against the tree’s bark. Stem tissues are not intended to remain moist. Excess moisture promotes the growth of fungal pathogens and disease. Too much mulch or ground cover can also conceal signs of an issue like the fruiting structures associated with root decay fungi.

How Mulch Helps

As you can see, proper mulching is relatively simple. It’s also effective in creating a healthy growing environment for trees. It eliminates competition between tree roots and turf as well as conserving soil moisture and moderating soil temperature. As mulch decomposes into the soil, it helps improve soil structure and reduce compaction.

Mulch beds mean there is less area of your lawn to mow. They also create a visible and physical barrier that can help prevent damage from mowers and trimmers to the tree trunk.

Even though the practice of piling mulch against the tree like a mountain or volcano has become so common that some professionals think it is acceptable or desirable, it is not. Just remember, mulch is one of the best things you can do for your trees, but only if you do it right!

The post Mulch Volcanoes Hurt Trees first appeared on Tree Topics.

Monitor Trees for Signs of Insects & Disease

Steven Kelley Tree Services
Monitor Trees for Signs of Insects & Disease

The telltale signs of various tree diseases and insect infestations are often most evident in summer. Populations of many types of scales, mites, and aphids are particularly noticeable at this time. Some problems can be spotted and treated immediately. However, when certain insect pests are present and visible, it may already be too late to treat. Even in these cases, learning now that these insects are present is important. You can get a jumpstart on planning for treatments for next year and implement cultural practices, like proper mulching and irrigation, that will keep trees healthier and more resistant to infestation. By regularly looking at your trees you may notice some of the common signs associated with tree pests or disease.


Signs of a Tree Issue

leaf galls
Strange bumps, or galls, on leaves can indicate insect feeding and egg-laying activity.

Discoloration, spots, or bumps on leavesBranch dieback, wilting, or stunted foliageMushrooms or fungal growth near a tree’s trunkDark areas or oozing liquid on the trunk or rootsPresence of defoliating insects, nests or caterpillarsSmall exit holes in the trunk or branchesSap-sucking insects secreting honeydew that leads to sooty mold growthSawdust-like debris caused by wood-boring insectsPremature autumn color and leaf drop

magnolia scale
Scale insects can be difficult for property owners to spot because of their unusual appearance.

Correct Diagnosis is Key

Some symptoms may indicate problems that cause negligible damage and require little to no intervention. Conversely, others may reveal that a serious problem exists or could develop if the symptoms are ignored. Therefore, correctly diagnosing the cause of symptoms is critically important in caring for trees and shrubs.

The post Monitor Trees for Signs of Insects & Disease first appeared on Tree Topics.

The May Tree: Hawthorn Shines in Spring

Steven Kelley Tree Care
The May Tree: Hawthorn Shines in Spring

During the month of May it seems fitting to mention a lovely species often called the May Tree. Aptly named for the month in which it blooms, the May Tree, or hawthorn, is a small, showy tree. It displays clusters of beauitful, white or pink blooms in spring.

Hawthorn is native through much of Europe and in Eastern North America. The tree has long, sharp thorns along its horizontal branches. With its thorny branches, hawthorn is an excellent hedge boundary and privacy screen. Berry-like fruit attracts many birds that take shelter in the tree’s dense, thorny foliage. Early settlers to North America ate the fruit during harsh winters. During medieval times, Europeans made jams and jellies with it.

hawthorn fruit
The hawthorn fruit is called haws and is an important winter food for many birds.

Cultural and Historic Significance

The hawthorn tree holds traditional significance in numerous cultures. According to myth, the tree was seeded from lightning and offers protection against storms and fire. Ancient Greeks saw it as a symbol of springtime and fertility and used it as garland and decoration during wedding festivities. Celtic and Gaelic lore often associates the tree with faeries. In fact, the story of Thomas the Rhymer, references a hawthorn as the meeting place of the Scottish poet and the Faery Queen.

Hawthorn Care Recommendations

With its unique history and distinctive physical attributes, hawthorn is a great ornamental tree. It should be planted in a sunny spot. Tolerant of a range of soil pH, textures, and moisture levels, it is also moderately drought tolerant. The white flowers last about one to two weeks and are an excellent food source for pollinators.

A number of insect pests, such as aphids, mites and scale, favor hawthorn. It is susceptible to several diseases including fire blight, leaf spots and rusts. These issues can escalate quickly. As such, hawthorn should be routinely checked for any signs of pests and disease.

The post The May Tree: Hawthorn Shines in Spring first appeared on Tree Topics.

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Caring for Trees: From Autumn into Winter

Steven Kelley Tree Care
Caring for Trees: From Autumn into Winter

As autumn settles in and winter approaches, it’s a good time consider the care your trees need now and throughout the coming season. Keep these things in mind and you’ll have happier trees this spring!

Cultural Practices to Keep Trees Healthy

Pruning: Before winter arrives, prune out dead or broken branches. They may be at risk of falling with the added weight of snow or ice. In fact, pruning in general is a good thing to take care of in the winter. Most plants go dormant and fungi are less of a concern.Mulching and Irrigation: It’s important to pay attention to mulching and irrigation year-round – not just during the growing season but also during winter. Even though plants may be dormant, many still require a minimum amount of water to meet their needs. Mulching helps to maintain soil moisture. Additionally, it provides a buffer against stress to the root zone.Deicing Salt: Remember that while salt might be good for driveways, it can be terrible for trees. Increasing salt levels in the soil can damage and kill fine roots. This prevents healthy levels of nutrient uptake by the root system.

Managing Pests & Disease

Improve Airflow: Pruning trees and shrubs to increase airflow and sun penetration can be a great way to help reduce the likelihood of future fungal infection. If the foliage stays mostly dry then the plant is less likely to become infected.Raking: If any fungal pathogens were found on the foliage throughout the growing season, you should rake up the fallen leaves. Raking and removing this material will help reduce the levels of infectious fungal inoculum that may be waiting over the winter to re-infect foliage the following spring.Controlling Scale Insects: A new scale control technique we’ve found effective is to physically remove these tiny pests with a scrub brush! Now is a good time to take care of accessible scale populations that may be entering their overwintering period. Scraping away the protective covers and physically removing the insects can greatly reduce populations. Smaller populations are generally easier to control.Deterring Wildlife: Wildlife can be a huge nuisance for landscape plantings. Deer and small mammals may munch on any available landscape plants. Products are available to help deter wildlife feeding. Protecting feature plants in the winter is especially important as fewer wild plants may be available for wildlife to feed on.

The post Caring for Trees: From Autumn into Winter first appeared on Tree Topics.

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Identify and Manage Invasive Plants

Steven Kelley Tree Care
Identify and Manage Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are not native to an ecosystem. Further, their introduction results in harm to that ecosystem. Their presence can negatively impact the environment as they spread aggressively and outperform native plants. They can also hurt the local economy, affecting agriculture, outdoor recreation or operation of utilities, to name a few. In some cases, invasive species can even introduce threats to human health like toxins and allergens not previously common in a geographic region. For many property owners, invasive plants can also be a major nuisance. They are often difficult to remove and control, and quickly take over prized landscape plantings and native woodlands.


Invasive plants easily overtake and outperform native species.

Depending on your location, there are likely a number of invasive species that have already become established. Each region seems to have a plant that locals know and hate. For example, Japanese knotweed, burning bush and tree of heaven are all well-known, and unloved, invaders.

Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
tree of heaven
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
winged euonymus
Winged euonymus, burning bush (Euonymus alatus)Some common invasive plant species.

Some invasive plants were introduced accidentally. Others were first planted intentionally, owing to some endearing quality they possess. Once established, however, these species have overtaken ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and have negatively impacted wildlife populations.

Be sure to know what plants are considered invasive in your area. The USDA provides a number of resources and invasive species lists at the National Invasive Species Information Center.

What do do about invasive plants

Some places have instituted programs to control the spread of invasive plants. In fact, many areas now restrict the sale of certain species known to be invasive.

Removing invasive plants on your property is largely dependent on the species. Methods include:

pulling plants out at the roots manually;mowing or trimming to prevent plant growth;judicious use of selective herbicides;using grazing animals to control plant populations.

It is important to tailor strategies for managing invasive plants to the species, situation and local ecosystem. A multi-faceted approach may be necessary because these plants have an amazing capability to persist and regrow. Local experts, such as a Certified Arborist, can provide good advice.

When an appropriate program is implemented, the results can be astounding. Just know that even when you see short-term results, management of invasive plants often requires a long-term commitment.

The post Identify and Manage Invasive Plants first appeared on Tree Topics.

Types of Tree Trimming

Steven Kelley Tree Care
Types of Tree Trimming

There are several different categories of tree trimming and knowing which type of trimming to perform can help ensure the tree grows lush and vibrant. It’s always best to call in professional tree pruning services to get the job done. We can get you a free estimate. Many residents in the DFW area give us a call after pruning their trees as a DIY job. This is because they cannot understand what went wrong.

While discussing our tree trimming practices, we use proper and descriptive terminology for describing various techniques used for pruning different parts of a tree.

Crown Pruning

Removing Damaged or Dead Branches

The most common form of crown pruning is removing diseased, dying, dead and visibly broken branches. Our arborists have a keen eye and are able to identify the branches that require pruning just by looking at them. It is quite possible that you may miss these branches if you don’t have a trained eye.

Removing Excess Foliage

Another tree trimming technique involves removal of excess branches and foliage. This is done to reduce the weight of extended limbs and branches and to manage the risk of branch failure. Arborists know the amount of pruning that can be done for a tree. A handy rule of thumb is to never remove more than a fourth of live foliage from the tree.

Removing Potential Threats

Homeowners generally have a good idea about the branches that are a potential threat to signs, buildings, electric wires and other structures. It’s fundamental to identify and remove these branches before they fail completely. Our arborists can diminish hazards by removing poorly attached branches.

Cutting Back Branches

This technique is different from tree topping that involves the removal of a significant portion of the tree. In this structural pruning approach, the arborist will cut high growing branches to lateral and lower growth. This is done to allow the central trunk of the tree to become dominant. There are no large indiscriminate cuts made in this approach.

Specialized Types of Pruning

Maintaining Appropriate Clearance

Trees that are planted too close to buildings or in tight spaces require a special type of pruning to maintain adequate clearance from the buildings. Special clearance pruning is required to avoid maintenance issues in trees planted near patios or other landscaping structures.

Topiary Pruning

This is another form of specialized pruning. Shrubs and trees are pruned to perfection in this type of tree trimming to become more attractive. However, you would need regular maintenance if you are planning topiary pruning in your yard.

Preventing Blocked Views

Sometimes, tree branches become obstructions to views. In this form of tree trimming the tree may be thinned out, entire branches may be pruned, or the crown may be raised.

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IS IT TIME TO CALL SPRING TREE SERVICES?

Steven Kelley Tree Blogs
IS IT TIME TO CALL SPRING TREE SERVICES?

Spring is right here and your trees have already started feeling it. This is the perfect time to be considering spring tree services. There are several tree service in Fort Worth, TX that offer everything you could require during a spring tree service. Let Chippers Tree Service prepare your tree for spring growth. We can inspect your properties trees and recommend ways of maximizing their beauty, health, and safety.

Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for a tree lover. With over 30 years combined experience and cutting edge equipment we can handle all your tree car. Tasks such as tree cutting, pruning, stump grinding can be dangerous if you don’t have the experience or proper equipment to undertake.

Get Spring Ready

There are several things you can do to ensure that your trees remain vibrant, healthy and beautiful in the peak of the spring season. A few of these include:

Conducting an inspection

You should schedule an inspection of your yard and trees by an arborist. You don’t want pests to set up shop in your trees. Here you will be able to find any signs of pest damage, uncovered root systems, and weak spots in the tree. They will also look for other damages that may be hampering growth. This inspection will allow you to understand the things that need to be done for protecting your tree and ensuring a healthy growth system.

Removing dead and dying branches

There are lots of branches on most trees. However, these branches need to be routinely cut back or trimmed to prevent the tree from getting overwhelmed. This is especially true for dead and dying branches on healthy trees. Pruning will ensure the tree keeps growing as it should.

Fixing standing water issues

Standing water can be a problematic issue for any tree. This is especially true for their root system. Early spring is when water could be standing around the tree system. You should have a professional take a look at the tree root system to identify if there is any standing water issue. They will also recommend ways for fixing the problem by installing drainage and other methods.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

You can stay rest assured that your trees will grow the way they are supposed to, throughout the spring and year-round. Damaged and decaying trees can quickly turn into a liability instead of an asset. You can have several issues fixed during spring tree services. This includes keeping pests away, pruning problem branches and ensuring a healthy landscape. The time is now to seek professional services for keeping your trees in the peak of their health.

The post IS IT TIME TO CALL SPRING TREE SERVICES? appeared first on Chippers Tree Service.

HIRE A CERTIFIED TREE CARE EXPERT

Steven Kelley Tree Services
HIRE A CERTIFIED TREE CARE EXPERT

Spring tree care is an investment that can provide significant returns and leads. Attractive and healthy trees go a long way in enhancing the appearance of your property and in adding value as well. As a certified tree service in Fort Worth, we can take care of your maintenance and spring tree care needs. Maintaining trees and shrubs requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise.

You could save a lot of time, money, and effort by hiring a certified tree care expert for your spring maintenance.

Highly Trained and Professional

We staff ISA certified arborists and tree care experts that are highly trained and specialized. Our crew is equipped with the proper training to analyze tree related issues and to correct them with proper tree care. Our arborists can do a lot from identifying potential hazards or harmful concerns to implementing the right services to help your trees.

Arborists have the experience to come up with a plan of action that will help your trees and ensure a healthy and happy yard. Not paying attention to sick or decaying trees can eventually cause your other plants to show signs of sickness. It doesn’t take much for pests and diseases to jump from one tree to the next. An arborist will make sure that all signs of damage, decay, and disease are caught early before they can wreak havoc in your yard.

Required Services Provided in a Timely Manner

Spring care is something that needs a lot of time and attention. It is not enough to give your yard a quick once-over. We have a keen eye and enough time and hands on deck to assess the health of your individual trees and take adequate measures to protect them.

As certified tree care experts, we know the kind of services that your trees require for staying healthy and the best way to provide these services. Not to mention, our arborists have experience offering a wide range of care options, such as tree pest control, tree disease control, planting, tree removal, stump removal, and tree trimming or pruning among others.

We are your one stop shop for everything that needs to be done as part of spring tree care. Call today for a free quote: 972-743-9959.

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