Ask the Arborist: What should you do if you’re worried about your trees’ health?

Trees are amazing living, breathing, organisms like us humans, they can thrive in the right conditions and like humans they need essential nutrients to do so.

Most problems that occur with trees are around the root collar and below the soil. Usually, most pests and pathogens are secondary problems that are attacking already stressed trees. Sometimes homeowners do not notice problems until the tree has been struggling for a while. However, it’s important to prevent the problem rather than trying to heal a sick tree. Here are examples of how we approach two of the most common issues in the field.

Diagnose soil issues with an inexpensive test

Trees and shrubs require 16 elements to grow and produce viable seeds. Three of these elements – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are absorbed from the air and water. The remaining elements are absorbed from the soil via the root system.

Soil and nutrient management are key aspects of a total plant health care program. This includes the management of water, bulk density, pH, organic matter, nutrient retention capacity as well as nutrients. With proper soil management, trees will develop healthy root systems that will result in a vigorous, healthy crown. Many times, the nutrients are in the soil, but the PH is off, and the plant cannot absorb them.

A soil analysis is an inexpensive diagnostic test used to gather crucial information when developing a nutrient supplementation plan for urban trees. The information obtained from this test can include nutrient retention capacity, levels of all elements, organic matter and PH. With this test we will be able to support your trees with a soil care program customized for your tree’s exact needs.

Address buried root collar issues early

Root collar issues are very common problem in the landscape. The first thing I look at, as a certified arborist, is the root collar; this is where the trunk meets the roots. Have you ever noticed what this part of the tree looks like in its natural habitat, the forest? It has a nice bell-shaped bottom, and you can see the buttress roots growing out horizontally, this is ideal. If your tree looks like a telephone pole going into the ground or has a circular pattern of roots around the stem, you have a problem! Most trees planted from the nursery were in a container at one point, the roots have no other choice but to go in a circular pattern.

Mulch is important but it should be a thin layer keeping the root flare exposed. When a tree is buried too deeply there is no exposed root flare. Trees with buried root collars are prone to many problems. The buried bark tissue can rot and lead to disease, pest infestation and structural instability. Girdling roots also form around the base. These roots constrict the movement of water and nutrients from the roots to the foliage. Buried root collars put trees under heavy stress and often contribute to the premature death of a tree. It is better to do this surgery when the tree is younger, the roots are smaller and easier to remove. Root rot has also been a very large contributor to tree problems that we can treat for. 

Prevent problems by keeping your trees healthy

Most pests or pathogens are secondary problems. Just like humans, trees can fight diseases and stress if they are heathy, but if trees are sick and don’t have the proper nutrients, they are a prime target for insects and diseases. The climate recently has many trees struggling. We did have a wet month, but the last three years have been very dry. This year many trees are struggling, so it’s extra important to get a certified arborist to come out and look at your tree to help prevent problems and treat existing problems.

Here at Bartlett, we can take samples and send it to a world-renowned lab with trained diagnosticians and many PHD’s on staff to find out what exactly is wrong with the tree and help save it.