Arborist USA

Planting bald cypress trees. Our goal was to convert them into bonsai trees.

These oak trees have amazing taproots!

We have babies! Feels good to give back to Mother Nature!

Just planted 350 Oak trees! 

 Planting red oaks today!

Trenching to protect root system from contracting Oak Wilt on live oak trees.

Oak wilt is a tree disease that affects several species of oak trees, causing the leaves to wilt and the trees to die within a short period. The disease can spread rapidly through the roots of oak trees, leading to the death of entire oak forests. Preventing oak wilt is a crucial step towards maintaining the health of oak trees. One effective way of preventing this disease is by trenching soil.

Trenching involves digging trenches around infected trees, limiting the spread of the disease through root grafts. Root grafts occur when the roots of oak trees connect or fuse to those of neighboring trees, facilitating the spread of the disease from one tree to another. Trenching severs the connections among the roots of the trees, minimizing the spread of the disease.

Before trenching, it's essential to identify infected trees and other oak trees that may be at risk of contracting the disease. If oak wilt is detected early, immediate action to isolate the infected trees can slow down the spread of the disease.

The trenching process begins by assessing the distance between trees and then digging a trench of approximately 3 to 4 feet deep around the clusters of species. The depth of the trench is essential since oak tree roots can grow up to 2.5 times the height of the tree. This range is important because it can prevent the roots from reconnecting and spreading diseases.

The trench must be cleaned and checked for any roots that may have been left behind. Tools must be sanitized before and after trenching. If the tree is located on sloping land, the trench must be established on the uphill side of the infected tree. This protects trees appearing downhill from potential roots extending below the trench from the infected tree.

After trenching, the space of the trench should be monitored for root sprouts that may develop after severing the root connection. These sprouts must be removed to prevent the graft connection from reforming. The trees require monitoring for the future, and any symptoms of the disease, such as wilting of leaves, damages to the limbs, and cankers, should contain promptly.

Trenching is effective in controlling oak wilt, but it's not a one-time solution. It's essential to continue monitoring and maintaining the trenches to ensure they remain effective. Additionally, it's necessary to undertake complementary measures such as tree inspection, sanitation of tools, and targeted fungicide treatment to control the disease spread.

In conclusion, oak wilt is a deadly disease that can affect oak trees, leading to enormous losses for individuals and the ecosystem. Preventing the disease is essential in maintaining the health of oak trees. Trenching is an effective preventive measure that involves digging trenches around infected trees to reduce root grafting and minimize the spread of the disease.

It's essential to maintain the trenches, monitor the trees for any sign of the disease, and apply complementary measures such as tree inspection, tool sanitation, and fungicide treatment to control the spread of the disease. Applying these measures can go a long way in ensuring that oak trees remain healthy, productive and thrive in every environment.

If you have red oak or live oak trees, please get your trees inspected once a year. We offer free inspections call for your next appointment. 817-880-6130

Henry G Friar
Arborist USA

Oak wilt diagnosis, treatment plans.

Oak wilt is a destructive fungal disease that threatens the health of Live Oak trees. The disease is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum and is believed to be spread by sap-feeding beetles from infected trees. Oak wilt can kill a tree within weeks, which is why immediate diagnosis and treatment are often imperative.

Diagnosing Oak Wilt is not always easy as the symptoms can be confused with other issues that affect oaks. The most common symptom is a rapid wilting and browning of leaves on one or more branches, followed by defoliation of those branches. Other signs include sunken and discolored bark and fungal mats on the bark of the trunk and branches. Once diagnosed, the tree should be treated immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.

The primary treatment for Oak Wilt consists of using fungicides to kill the fungus. However, this must be done within 48 hours of the first symptoms in order to be effective. In addition, trees should be pruned to remove dead and infected wood, and to ensure that the fungicides can pe*****te the area. Pruning should take place during the winter months, when beetle activity is low, to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to neighboring trees.

In rare cases where fungicides aren’t an option, one can consider using manual injection therapy. This involves injecting a mixture of pesticides and water into the tree to kill the fungus. Manual injection therapy may also be used to treat isolated areas of the tree, such as branches or trunks, instead of the whole tree.

Finally, the best way to prevent Oak Wilt is to avoid stressing the tree. This includes planting trees in areas with well-draining soil, mulching around their base, maintaining proper irrigation, and avoiding any wounding or pruning during the spring or summer months when beetle activity is at its highest. Additionally, if possible, avoid planting Oak trees too close together, as it increases the risk of disease spread.

In summary, Oak Wilt is a serious disease that can quickly spread from tree to tree from sap eating beetles or, root systems if not treated correctly. Diagnosing this fungal disease is not always easy, but if caught in time, it can be treated using various methods including fungicide treatment manual injection therapy at trees trunk. Lastly, one of the best ways to prevent Oak Wilt is by properly caring for your trees and taking steps to avoid stressing them out.

For your free consultation call us today at 817-880-6130.

Henry G Friar
Arborist USA

Oak wilt is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Ceratocystis fagacearum which affects oak trees in many parts of the United States. Oak wilt is particularly damaging to live oaks, with infected trees showing symptoms such as leaf discoloration, wilting and premature defoliation. Trees affected by oak wilt can eventually die within one to two years of infection, so early diagnosis and treatment is essential in order to reduce the spread of this destructive disease.

The most effective way to prevent or slow the spread of oak wilt is to eliminate any sources of infection near susceptible trees. This includes removing diseased or dead trees, and pruning healthy trees during dry months when the fungus is dormant. Pruning should only be done during the winter and spring, and wounds should be sealed using a pruning sealer or paint to reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to avoid wounding oak trees during the summer months when the fungus is most active.

Fungicide injections can also be used to protect live oak trees against oak wilt. These injections are most effective when applied soon after infection is identified, as the fungicide acts to stop the spread of the fungus within the tree’s vascular system. Injections should be administered by a professional arborist since they require special training and equipment.

Cultural practices such as mulching, watering and fertilizing can also be beneficial in protecting live oak trees against oak wilt. Healthy trees are less likely to become infected, so it is important to provide adequate water, nutrients and protection from environmental stressors such as temperature extremes and soil compaction.

In addition to these prevention methods, oak wilt can also be treated with fungicides applied as foliar sprays or trunk injections. These treatments must be applied early on in order to be effective, and can be used to help reduce the spread of infection.

Overall, preventing and treating oak wilt requires a combination of cultural practices, pruning techniques and chemical treatments. Working with a professional arborist is the best way to ensure that your live oak trees remain healthy and protected against oak wilt.

Call for your free evaluation 817-880-6130

Cottonwood borer insect damage is a serious problem for cottonwood trees throughout North America. These pests can cause extensive damage to the tree canopy and trunks, leading to weakened and broken branches, reduced vigor, and even tree death.

Adult cottonwood borers are approximately 1-inch long and dark with white stripes and red or orange spots on their back. The larvae are white, legless grubs that have a fleshy body and no eyes. The adults lay eggs on the underside of cottonwood leaves, and when they hatch, the larvae tunnel into the bark and feed on the cambium layer of the tree. This disrupts the flow of water and nutrients, which in turn causes the bark to split and the leaves to yellow and drop. This can weaken the tree even further, making it more susceptible to infection or invasion by other pests.

In its early life stages, the cottonwood borer can cause damage to both the trunk and branches. The damage is usually characterized by a distinct ridged pattern around the base of the tree, beginning near the ground and extending up the trunk. It will often appear as dark discoloration or tunnels in the bark. Heavy infestations can cause branches to break off and die.

In addition to structural damage, cottonwood borers can also feed on the leaves, buds and fruits of the tree. This can reduce the tree’s vigor, growth rate and overall health, as well as reducing its ability to produce flowers and fruit. Cottonwood borers can also carry disease, which can further reduce the health of the tree.

The best way to prevent and reduce cottonwood borer infestations is to make sure that your trees are healthy and well-maintained. Regular pruning, fertilizing and watering will help to keep the tree vigorous and reduce stress. If you notice any signs of cottonwood borer damage, you should contact a pest management specialist to discuss the best strategy for controlling or eliminating them. If an infestation is too severe, removal of the affected tree may be necessary.

Live oaks affected by the freeze.

Desiccation is the process of losing moisture from a leaf as it dries out and becomes dry and brittle. This is a common occurrence in plants, particularly during periods of drought and the autumn months.

Leaves are often the first part of a plant to show signs of desiccation because they are exposed to the elements including wind and sun. The effects of desiccation include a decrease in photosynthesis, wilting, discoloration and eventually shedding of the leaf.

Signs of desiccation can be seen when leaves start to curl up, turn brown or become brittle and easily broken.

Desiccation of leaves is an important part of plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions; it helps protect the tree from excessive water loss during periods of drought.

This adaptation prevents the plant from suffering extreme damage or death. Desiccation is also necessary for successful reproduction in many plants; the shed leaves decompose and help to nourish new seeds or create additional soil nutrients.

Although unpleasant to witness, desiccation is a natural signal of health for a tree and its ecosystem.

Where desiccation becomes a problem is when freeze damage affects photo receptors prematurely to the natural defoliation.

 This can cause a lack carbohydrate production,  affecting energy storage for reproductive manufacturing.

This can also lead to twig and branch dieback.

To get a free evaluation of your Trees overall health status give us a call at 817-880-6130

 Sick tree assessment.

Call us today to set up your free appointment

817-880-6130

Freeze damage or desiccation to boxwood shrubs can cause the leaves to discolor or become limp and dried out.

There is little that can be done once the leaves are damaged. However, as long as the stems and roots were not damaged, the plant should regrow with new foliage in the spring.

To protect from further damage, ensure the plant is well-watered before a freeze event to reduce tissue damage, and consider providing protection such as blankets or burlap. Additionally, pruning away damaged portions of the plant may help improve the appearance of the shrub.

In some cases, there is treatment, depending on how severe the plant has been affected.

Growth, regulators can be introduced on a case-by-case basis.

Get your boxwoods inspected by one of our trained professionals 817-880-6130

When leaves of a live oak turn brown from a freeze, it is typically due to desiccation.

Desiccation happens when a cold snap suddenly drops the temperature below freezing, dehydrating the leaves and causing them to become brittle and brown.

The best course of action is to keep the tree well-watered during late fall and winter months, and to protect it from extreme low temperatures with mulch or a burlap wrap.

Once the damage has occurred, it’s important to take measures to help the tree refoliate.

Call us today for your free evaluation on your live oak trees 817-880-6130

Winter damage to live oak trees can occur for a variety of reasons including cold temperatures, dehydration, winter salt damage, ice or snow damage, sunscald, windburn, and browsing damage by animals.

The 2021 winter storm served as a reminder of how fragile these live oaks can be to ice damage.

Our office was flooded with calls with major branches, breaking from the weight of the ice and snow.

Another progressive condition, was twig, and branch die back due to freeze damage.

To reduce winter damage to live oak trees, pruning should be done in the late fall to remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches that could be further damaged during the winter.

Your drip line should have proper weight management to reduce the amount of stress on the valleys from the weight of the ice.

In some cases, it is important to thin, drip line by 1/3.

It is also important to make sure that the tree is properly watered and mulched in the fall. Keeping the soil moist will help reduce the risk of dehydration from drought conditions.

Applying winterizing fertilizer to the soil in the fall and spring will also help give the tree an extra boost of energy and help it better survive the winter season.

Lastly, it is important to protect young trees from sunscald, which can be done by wrapping the trunk with a light colored material.

One last note:
Way to find out if your live oak tree has been affected by the winter storm?

1.  Cown is not regenerating to full  capacity.
2. You will notice lots of twig and branch Dieback.
3.  Noticeable dislodging of bark coming apart from the trees trunk.

 Although it is hard to prevent winter freeze damage.  it is important to call a local arborist to inspect your live oaks immediately  to see if there is any action that needs to be taken to prevent twig in branch loss.

 Schedule your free appointment today 817-880-6130

Tree diseases are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and other organisms.

These pathogens can cause a range of symptoms, from yellowing leaves to bark death, in most cases, a very sparse canopy, like the one in the video.

Diseases can also weaken a tree’s structure, making it more susceptible to storms and other disasters.

Some tree diseases, such as Dutch elm disease, can even spread from tree to tree.

Oak wilt is another tree disease  that can spread from tree to tree through its root systems or contamination by insect.

To lessen the impact of tree diseases and protect trees from future infection, property owners should practice sound management including proper pruning, fertilization, and watering.

If you notice any of the symptoms above  schedule one of our Arborist to visit your property at 817-880-6130.

Preparing our own micro organisms for a client.  These micro organisms were harvested from his property. So they were unique specifically targeted for his trees.

We feed these micro organisms carbohydrates so they can multiply into the billions.

Once we have a healthy amount, we returned back to the client and inject them into the soil at the root system.

This is an amazing process, allowing the tree to regenerate organically!

 no synthetic fertilization, no chemicals, no insecticide just multiplication of Mother Nature!

This helps the tree build stronger absorbing root systems, combat disease, and makes it more resilient to insect, and pest.