Category: Sick Tree
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Hypoxylon Canker
By far, the most prevalent tree disease I encounter is Hypoxylon canker. It affects nearly every species of tree native in our area. The disease typically targets stressed trees during drought conditions, so you can imagine how central Texas is a great niche for this sapwood fungal disease.
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Summer Limb Drop
Every year, starting in late June I see limb failures that appear to be caused by a fungus developing a pressure pad directly in the inner fibers of the wood. The pressure from this growth causes the wood to shear and the limb fails.
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ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
Assessing tree risk is one of the more complex functions certified arborists must perform. The simple fact is that tree failures are, in large part, unpredictable. To help our profession, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has developed some standards to the process of evaluating tree risk and there is now a “qualification” for arborists…
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Tree Fungi Identification Tool – Photo Helper
Identifying tree fungi diseases is complicated. I made this tool to facilitate identification and research for different fungi that affect trees.
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Girdling Roots
Girdling roots are a serious and common problem. Because roots are underground, often we can’t see girdling roots directly unless a little exploratory work is done. This is most common on container grown trees and buried root flares
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Leaf Roller Aphids on Live Oaks
Also known as cigar rollers, leaf roller aphids cause a very peculiar symptom on Oaks. The leaves look as if they have been converted into a poorly rolled cigarette
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Ganoderma applanatum – Artist’s Conk
Ganoderma applanatum is called the artists conk because it has a very good surface for painting and carving. This is the end of the list of good qualities for this fungi. For trees
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Sick Pecan Trees of 2010
This has been a terrible year for the pecan trees of Austin, TX. Quite a sad story I must say. The drought of 2008-2009 has been said to be the worst 2 year drought period in 60 years. It has taken a toll on the pecan trees for sure. This year we’ve cut down many…
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How to Grow Fruit Trees
Growing healthy fruit trees can be very rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than eating something you have grown yourself. However, fruit trees can be very frustrating. If you lose your crop, you miss out for the whole year. There are a number of things to consider when growing fruit trees. Here are some good…
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Cavity in Your Tree – Internal Decay
Ever wondered how a tree that is hollow on the inside can be alive, or have not fallen when the wood is hollow in the middle? Internal decay is a common phenomenon in trees. I wouldn’t call it good, but it is normal (i.e. very common). These cavities are caused by mother nature’s decay fungi.…