Category: Tree Health & Care
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Mulch Volcanoes: Helpful or Harmful to Your Trees?
What is a Mulch Volcano? A “mulch volcano” is a large pile of mulch heaped up against the trunk of a tree. These piles, while often the work of landscaping companies, are very harmful to trees. They place stress on root flares, bark and deep roots, which can lead to decay and disease. Mulch Volcanoes…
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What is the Best Fertilizer for Trees?
Correct Fertilization Practices = Healthy Trees Not all fertilizers are alike. The use of incorrect fertilization formulas and practices can be detrimental to a tree’s growth and development. Tree Shepherds’ fertilization program focuses on building up the soil. This consists of injecting microbes as well as food for the microbes into the tree’s Critical Root Zone.…
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What is the Critical Root Zone of a Tree?
Knowing where your tree’s roots are located and how far they extend from the trunk is vitally important to their proper care and maintenance. The roots not only absorb water and nutrients from the soil, but they also store carbohydrates. In short, healthy trees have healthy, undisturbed root systems. The Root System of a Tree…
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How to Help Your Trees Weather a Storm
Many trees in residential areas suffered some form of damage during the storms in May. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate the dangers and the destruction to trees caused by storms. Maintain Good Plant Health Care Practices Trees are designed to handle the wind. As a look around your neighborhood will demonstrate, most trees lost…
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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…