Many of us look forward to summer—sunny days, outdoor activities, and students enjoying a break. This past summer, Ohio experienced especially dry and hot weather, with temperatures regularly in the 90s and 100s. Paired with the humidity, it made this summer’s weather less than ideal for people to be out and about in, but what about your trees?
Hot and dry weather poses an extreme health risk to your trees, leading to discoloration and drying out. Now that Ohio has entered fall, we have earned a break from severe weather before winter comes. During this break, let’s talk about how we can take advantage of fall to conduct fall tree inspections and assess your tree’s fertilization
Environmental Stressors
Trees rely heavily on their surroundings for essential nutrients, making them vulnerable to environmental stress. When under extreme stress, a tree’s ability to absorb these nutrients weakens, making it harder for it to fend off diseases.
These stressors aren’t limited to harsh weather conditions. Trees in urban or suburban areas, like neighborhood trees, face unique challenges compared to those in forests. Construction, for example, can compact soil around trees, disrupting root systems and limiting growth. Unfortunately, these added pressures from human activity often contribute to premature decline in urban trees.
Providing trees with their essential nutrients is simpler than it may seem, and routine care to keep trees healthy is far more effective than trying to save one already in decline.
The Tell-Tale Sign of Nutrient Deficiency
Leaves are often the clearest indicator of tree health. They offer insight into the tree’s overall condition, signaling nutrient deficiencies, pest problems, and other diseases.
Healthy Leaves
In a healthy tree, leaves usually exhibit a deep green color. During fall, however, trees naturally undergo color changes. When a healthy tree’s leaves turn, they do so uniformly, giving a balanced, even look.
Some trees, like pin oaks and maples, show more obvious signs of nutrient deficiency through leaf color. Generally, if your tree’s leaves are consistently dark green, it’s a good sign the tree is well-nourished and thriving.
Unhealthy Leaves
Unhealthy leaves often have a lighter yellowish color, which is a symptom of chlorosis. Chlorosis results from a vitamin deficiency, where the tree does not get the vital nutrient uptake to provide food for the leaves. In Chlorosis, leaves turn yellow, while the veins often remain green, whereas healthy trees will not have this pattern.
When in Doubt, Ask A Professional
Each tree has unique needs based on its species, age, and environment. The most reliable way to assess your trees’ health is by consulting a professional who can evaluate and treat them to ensure they thrive for years to come. Our expert team can evaluate signs of stress that may not be visible to the untrained eye, to provide you customized recommendations for your trees. Get an estimate today.