Category: Tree Health & Care
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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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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 and When to Stake a Tree
Staking a tree at planting is not always necessary. If it is done improperly, it can cause serious problems for the tree. Below are some dos and don’ts for staking a tree. When is it Necessary to Stake a Tree? Not every young tree needs to be staked. In the forest, young trees establish roots…
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Should You Water Your Trees in the Winter?
Trees in urban and suburban areas are susceptible to drought injury, even in the winter. To carry trees through the colder months and into the growing season, homeowners will need to water occasionally. This is especially critical for newly planted trees.
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Trees Love Rich Compost
By Beau Propes, Composting Expert, Owner of EarthKindServices.com A great way to help trees, especially when they are stressed, is by adding organic matter to the soil. This can be done by spreading organic compost, or top dressing with compost around the tree’s root area, out a few feet past the drip line. Compost spreading…
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Incorrect Planting Practices Could Be Making Your Trees Sick
Trees that have been planted too deeply are, unfortunately, a very common problem in the urban landscape. How can you tell if your tree is planted too deeply? Where’s the Root Flare? Trees aren’t supposed to look like telephone poles sticking out of the ground. They are supposed to have a taper or “flare” at…
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Caring for Trees in a Drought
The summer of 2022 has been difficult for those in North Texas. We’ve had little rain and record-breaking heat. And the weather forecasters say that there’s only more challenging days ahead. Are Your Trees Dying or Just Thirsty? While native trees such as post oaks, cedar elms, and Texas live oaks are designed to handle…
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Why Lion’s Tailing is Not Good for Your Trees
While Lion’s tailing might increase your home’s curb appeal, the practice will put your tree at risk.