Most Common Tree Problems
- Cultural: Most of the problems that occur in landscapes
today are as a result of poor planning, or improper installation of plants. Many plants are either planted too deeply
or in poor soil, which does not allow for proper establishment. Often times, the burlap or even wire basket is left
on the root ball during planting. These critical errors may not become evident for many years, but when it does remediation
is often expensive and many times unsuccessful. Also, plants that are not able to become established have to work harder
to stay alive. This results in a loss of vigor, and in turn reduces their ability to fight off insects and diseases.
Poor planning and execution of installation can dramatically increase maintenance costs and reduce aesthetic value for the
life of the plant.}
- Girdling
Roots: When the soil around a tree is too compact for roots to penetrate, roots often grow in a circular pattern
around the trunk. As these roots grow in diameter, they strangle the trunk resulting in decreased vascular circulation,
therefore strangling the tree. Though usually not evident until years after planting, they are a result of installing
pot bound plants, or not removing the burlap and/or wire basket during planting. Many people may tell you that the burlap
is biodegradable and not to worry about it. This is ill advise because it may take years to biodegrade, and by then
tree roots have already started a poor growth pattern, which is extremely difficult to correct.
- Secondary Pests:
There are many insects and diseases that usually do not become a problem, unless a tree or plant is already stressed.
A tree’s inability to either outgrow damage caused by feeding, or prevent fungal or bacterial invasion is often a result
in loss of vigor due to many possible factors that lead to nutrient deficiency and lack of water. Among these secondary
pests are wood boring beetles such as Bronze Birch Borer and IPS Beetles, root rot fungi such as Armillaria, and canker
diseases such as Nectria Canker.
- Caterpillars:
Caterpillars can weaken many trees and shrubs, increasing the chance of a secondary infestation. Some of the most virulent
are Gypsy Moth, Forest and Eastern Tent Caterpillars, Sawfly Caterpillars, and Fall Webworm. Winter moth has become
a problem in the Boston Area, and could soon become a serious pest in Connecticut.
- Borers: Borers are attracted to unhealthy trees,
burrowing in and laying eggs inside the trunk. The best defense against borers is to keep your trees healthy and unstressed.
Proper irrigation is critical, especially during periods of drought.
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: One of the most common pests, these insects can cause the
death of a tree if left untreated. They leave behind a telltale white wax and target primarily older trees. There are
many effective treatments including dormant and horticultural oil sprays and systemic treatment. Also Canadian Hemlocks
tend to be more resistant than Carolina Hemlocks.
- Scale Insects: These insects are problematic on both hardwoods and conifers. They may
be evident on the undersides of leaves and needles, such as Elongate Hemlock Scale, or on branches and twigs, such as Lecanium
and Oystershell Scales. Timing of treatment is especially critical with these insects.
- Anthracnose Disease: This fungal disease affects
deciduous and flowering trees. Especially prominent on Flowering Dogwood and Sycamore, it is evident by purplish
spotting on foliage in spring and summer. Severe cases will result in premature leaf drop as early as late June/July,
and can predispose trees to secondary pests. Anthracnose is also common on many species of Maple and White Oak.
- Winter Injury:
Even during mild winters, evergreens can lose moisture and not be able to replenish it. Thus, make sure your evergreens have
sufficient soil moisture, and ask about anti-transpirants for winter protection
- Poor Structure: Aside from biological health, structure is a serious concern
in many trees. Poor structure is often a result of genetics. Trees that have opposite bud sets are more susceptible
to structural issues. Such trees as maples, lindens, and pears have very crowded limbs and co-dominant stems.