Climate conditions leave trees and shrubs reeling
May 19, 2006
Like many of our investments, trees grow in value every year. As they become taller and fuller, they provide more shade and curb appeal to our homes, especially when they are healthy and thriving.
Unfortunately, climate conditions have hit trees in Wichita hard. Alternately too dry and too wet, many trees have suffered significant root loss, infringing on their ability to use available nutrients.
As a result, these trees have become stressed. Stressed trees may fail to leaf out or seem to lack the deep green foliage that is often a herald of summer. These trees may appear lackluster or simply look unhealthy. Often times fertilizing stressed trees in the fall or spring can dramatically increase their health and vigor.
A tree condition known as chlorosis can also plague trees that are not getting the nutrients they need. Some sure signs of chlorosis include a yellow cast on tree leaves and, in extreme cases, branch dieback. A supplemental injection of the nutrient lacking in the tree can treat chlorosis. Pin oaks, River Birches, and Sweetgums can all be affected.
Climate conditions have also played a role in the number of insect infestations that have found a home in Wichita’s trees and shrubs. The unusually warm temperatures this winter have resulted in large populations of insects. Scale insects are particularly bad this spring.
There are many varieties of scale that attack a large range of plants. Certain tree sprays can kill scale now, while they are in the crawler stage. An application of dormant oil this fall will keep scale on infested plants from hatching next spring.
If you want to protect your trees from damage, pay close attention to how they look, especially if they change in appearance from the beginning to the end of the season or from year to year. Call a certified arborist or tree professional if you have questions. He or she should be able to tell you what is ailing your tree or shrub and tell you how to fix it. Make sure you talk to a credible arborist. If he or she recommends a total spraying of all of the trees and shrubs on your property, you may want a second opinion.