Trees play an important role in our environment. They help clean the air we breathe and provide homes for wildlife. Trees also add beauty to our landscape. But, like all living things, trees need care to stay healthy. Unfortunately, with every passing season comes the risk of certain tree problems, from disease and pest outbreaks to undernourishment, animal tampering, environmental discourse, and more.

This season, be sure to keep your eyes on your landscaping trees. Do not let them become victim to some of the most common tree problems that happen in the Fall. Continue below to learn which problems you should be watching out for.

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Typical Threats to Landscaping Trees This Time of Year

Most trees experience the majority of their problems during the Fall season. Many of these problems are caused by the changing weather and environmental conditions. Here are some of the most common tree problems that occur during Fall:

Leaf Drop

This is one of the most common problems experienced by trees during Fall. As temperatures cool and days grow shorter, trees begin to drop their leaves. While this is a natural process, it can be problematic for trees that are already struggling. Leaf drop can cause further stress and damage to the tree and can even lead to death in some cases.

Disease

Fall is also a prime time for diseases to take hold in trees. Many diseases thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions of Fall. If a tree is already weak or stressed, it is more likely to succumb to disease. Common diseases that affect trees during Fall include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.

Pests

Pests are also a major problem for trees during Fall. Many pests, such as aphids, mites, and scale insects, are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by trees during this time of year. These pests can cause serious damage to trees and can even kill them in some cases.

Wind and Frost damage

Strong winds are common during Fall, and they can cause serious damage to trees. High winds can snap branches, uproot trees, and topple weak or dead trees. Frost can also cause serious damage to trees during Fall. Frost can kill leaves, branches, and even the entire tree in some cases. It is important to protect trees from frost damage by providing them with adequate water and mulch.

Tree Care Tips

Here are some tips on how to keep your trees healthy:

▶ Water your trees regularly. Trees need at least 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. The best time to water your trees is in the early morning hours before the sun gets too hot.

▶ Mulch your trees. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and keeps roots cool in the summer months. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree base but be sure not to pile it too high against the trunk.

▶ Prune your trees regularly. Pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches and encourages new growth. Be sure to prune your trees during their dormant season (winter for most trees).

▶ Watch for pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, such as discolored leaves or branches. If you see something suspicious, contact a certified arborist for help.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your trees healthy and looking their best! Need some professional tree care? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis tree service at an affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout Central Indiana.

Oak Wilt Tree Disease

As mentioned, oak wilt is a vascular fungal disease. It is caused by a fungus that enters and obstructs a tree’s inner vascular system where water and nutrients are distributed throughout the tree. Since the fungus enters this internal transportation system, it affects the entire tree rather than an isolated spot. Furthermore, if these food and water lines are inhibited, it can cause a tree to enter a quick decline. For this reason, it is important to address an oak wilt outbreak before it can take over your tree.

Distribution

There are many ways tree diseases can be spread, however, oak wilt is primarily transmitted through beetles or root grafting. Beetles can carry the fungus from one tree to the next, while underground roots of an infected oak tree can share water and nutrient lines with the root system of a nearby tree. This also spreads the fungus. Once an oak tree is dead from the disease, it is no longer transmittable, unless it is a Red oak. Red oak trees should be properly burned and disposed to prevent further outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms

Live oaks and red oaks exhibit different signs of oak wilt. For live oaks, one of the most common signs is a called veinal necrosis. Leaves develop chlorotic and necrotic veins, in which the leaf veins turn yellow, and then turn brown. This occurrence is usually one of the first noticeable signs of oak wilt disease. From there, additional leaf decline and rapid foliage loss usually takes place, followed by a 1 to 6 month health decline period, and eventually, death. Red oak trees infected with oak wilt do not experience veinal necrosis. Instead, leaves simply wilt and turn colors of pale green, brown, and bronze. They remain attached for the most part, but red oak trees will only survive anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks once infected.

Treatment

Certain species of oaks are not likely to die from oak wilt, including Post oaks, chinquapins, and bur oaks. The most common treatment for oak wilt is a series of bimonthly fungicide injections called Propiconazole. This fungicide is applied through macro-injection of the root flares. This application technique generally gives the best results, however, the fungicide treatment does not guarantee the tree’s survival. Propiconazole fungicide treatments are also effective methods of oak wilt prevention. Talk to your local Indianapolis tree service company about your options for Oak wilt prevention.

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

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Common Tree Problems That Happen in the Fall