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If trees around a property start to show changes in their foliage, branches, or overall condition, then it may be time to contact a professional. Brown leaves or early leaf drop often signal an underlying health problem. Branch dieback also signals declining tree health and warrants an assessment by certified arborists. Here are a few situations that may call for a professional arboricultural assessment:
When Trees Show Signs of Decline
A declining tree may show several visible changes across its canopy or individual branches. Branch dieback, yellowing foliage, and premature leaf drop provide useful signs during a tree health evaluation. Soil conditions also affect tree development, so assessments examine the growing environment alongside visible symptoms.
Tree health evaluations provide information about species health, soil conditions, and structural characteristics. Multiple symptoms appearing together provide additional context when determining what affects a tree. Professional assessment also helps distinguish between nutritional problems, pest activity, and disease symptoms.
When Leaves Develop Unusual Symptoms
Leaf spots and unusual discoloration may appear across ornamental trees and shrubs during periods of stress. Fungal diseases, bacterial problems, insect activity, and environmental conditions all represent possible causes. A professional evaluation examines the symptoms alongside the plant’s species and growing conditions. Certified arborists use these observations to identify potential problems affecting tree and shrub health.
When Pest Activity Appears
Insect activity produces different symptoms depending on the pest and the affected plant. Emerald ash borer affects ash trees, while scale insects feed on plant tissues and weaken affected growth. Aphids and spider mites also produce visible changes in foliage and affect new growth. Targeted treatments address specific pest problems rather than applying the same approach to every tree. Other pest control services include:
- Emerald Ash Borer: Treatment addresses pest activity affecting ash trees.
- Scale Insects: Insect control targets scale affecting stems and foliage.
- Aphids: Treatment addresses insects associated with distorted new growth.
- Spider Mites: Pest control addresses activity affecting tree and shrub foliage.
- Japanese Beetles: Insect treatment addresses feeding damage on susceptible plants.
When Root Problems Are Suspected
Root conditions influence how trees access nutrients and develop within their growing environment. Compacted soil restricts available space around roots, while nutrient deficiencies affect foliage and overall growth. A tree health evaluation examines soil conditions alongside the tree’s species and health. Deep root fertilization delivers tailored nutrients directly into the root zone when nutritional deficiencies require treatment.
When Disease Symptoms Emerge
Tree diseases could show up as changes in the foliage, branches, or other parts of the plant. Apple scab affects apple and crabapple trees, and oak wilt affects oak trees. Identifying the affected species helps determine which diseases may be causing the obvious symptoms.
Anthracnose can be found in many trees, such as Sycamore, oak, and Maple. Needle cast in conifers has different symptoms than in broadleaf trees. PWD also attacks ornamental plants and leaves behind a characteristic pattern on leaves and other plant parts.
Disease control controls fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases of trees and shrubs. A professional assessment can match symptoms to the affected species and the likely disease category. A targeted treatment plan is then created to treat the specific disease found during the assessment.
Consult Certified Arborists
Tree health assessment also provides a useful starting point when several symptoms appear together. A professional arborist evaluation brings visible changes, soil conditions, species characteristics, and structural factors into one assessment. Seasonal treatments such as fertilization, pest control, and disease management address specific conditions identified during evaluation. Contact a certified arborist to discuss tree health concerns and appropriate services for your property.
