Author: Tree Shepherds Tree Experts
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Is Your Lawn Care Company Killing Your Trees?
Spring showers bring many wildflowers in Texas. They also bring about the exponential growth of those not so beautiful plants known as weeds. Many residents in North Texas call on a professional lawn care service to keep their lawn green and weed-free. However, the use of chemicals, such as Metsulfuron, will harm and eventually kill…
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Insects that Attack Trees in North Texas
Tree Pests in Denton County Our Consulting Arborists encounter many insects afflicting trees in North Texas. Below is a list of the most common insects that infest trees in Denton County and Collin County. Many of the insects are evidence of other stress factors that the tree is dealing with, like poor irrigation (too much…
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Five Common Tree Diseases in Denton County
To keep your trees thriving throughout the summer months it is important to keep an eye out for common diseases. The more quickly you spot them, the better the disease can be managed by an ISA Certified Arborist or a Plant Health Care professional. The diseases listed below are regularly diagnosed by our Consulting Arborists…
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How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?
In most situations, trees in an urban environment should be inspected for pruning every 2 to 3 years. The time between pruning depends on many factors. The species of the tree, the health of the tree, the site in which the tree is planted, growth rates, weather conditions, etc. Why Should Trees Be Pruned? Regular…
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Protecting Pecans, Red Oaks and Blackjacks from the Flatheaded Appletree Borer
Photo: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org In recent months, our arborists have noticed an increase in disease in pecans, red oaks and blackjacks. This is partially due to infestations by the flatheaded appletree borer (Chrysobothris femorata). Flatheaded Appletree Borer The flatheaded appletree borer is an opportunistic pest that targets weakened or stressed trees. Eggs are laid in…
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Tree Care Fall Checklist
Promote Healthy Soil Activity Fertilize Fall fertilization is important to maintaining healthy trees. Tree Shepherds utilizes a specific formula for the fall, which promotes root growth. For more information on tree fertilization, please click here. Mulch Unprocessed mulch helps maintain moisture, add nutrients to the soil and maintain soil temperatures. It should be spread evenly…
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Why You Should Fertilize Your Trees
Healthy Soil Promotes Healthy Trees The Tree Shepherds fertilization program is built around the fact that healthy soil promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy trees. But what is healthy soil? For soil to be healthy it must be alive with microbial activity. In the forest, microbes in the soil break down organic matter and…
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Fall Webworms
Fall webworms are commonly seen in the autumn, as the name suggests. The small, web-forming caterpillar attacks over 88 kinds of plants and trees. In North Texas, Oak, hickory, and pecans trees are the most frequently infested, along with some ornamentals.
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Preserving Post Oaks in a Hot Urban Environment
Post Oaks Sensitive Root Systems Post Oaks are very tough trees. If left undisturbed in their natural environment, they can live to be over 300 years old. However, when their root systems are compromised by nearby construction and over watering of turf lawns, the summer heat can be devastating. When Damage Has Been Done to…
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How to Grow the Value of Your Trees
A tree, correctly planted and cared for, can add sizable value to your home. In a study done by the US Forest Service, trees were found to increase property values in three key areas: Urban Trees Need Proper Care Trees are an investment that can have many returns. But, like any venture, thoughtful management is…