Tree Questions

Will my stump grow back into a tree?

Most tree stumps will die when they are cut down, but some try to regrow.  An example is the Bradford.  After they are cut down, they have a tendency to re-sprout out of the stump and its roots.    Click here for more info on Bradford's.

How much mulch should I put around my trees? I see mulch piles high against the trunks, is this right?

It is essential to check the mulch levels in beds and rings annually. The mulch should ideally measure between 3 to 4 inches deep, extending from the base of the tree out to the drip line. If the mulch layer is adequate, it can be turned over to refresh its appearance. There’s no need to add new mulch each year. Remember, mulch should be spread wide, not deep, and it is crucial to keep it away from the tree trunks. Excessively piling mulch against the trunk can lead to disease, decay, and ultimately result in the plant's death.

There is “green - grey growth” on the side of my tree. Is it harmful? Will it kill my tree?

The green-grey growth on tree trunks is known as lichen. It poses no threat to the tree's health and won’t lead to its demise. It’s best not to remove the lichen, as doing so could harm the tree. Lichens are fascinating organisms made up of algae and fungi. They thrive on a multitude of surfaces, including tree branches, trunks, rocks, fences, gutters, and roofs, exhibiting a wide array of shapes and colors. Importantly, lichens do not draw nutrients from the tree or any other substrate they inhabit, preferring moist and shaded environments. Therefore, there is no need for any control measures regarding lichen.

Why is my pine tree dying? All of a sudden there are brown needles on the inside of the tree. What is going on?

Brown needles found on the inner parts of the tree, typically observed in the fall, are a natural phenomenon known as Seasonal Needle Drop. Pines do not retain all their needles throughout the tree's lifespan. This seasonal shedding is influenced by weather conditions and the changing seasons. The transition can occur gradually or suddenly. Spruces and fir trees also experience seasonal needle drop, although the changes are less pronounced. As long as the brown needles are located on older growth and not on the current year's growth at the outer branch tips, the condition is classified as seasonal needle drop. If the needles on this year's growth are also brown, it may indicate a more serious issue, warranting the consultation of a certified arborist to identify the underlying problem.

  Why is topping my tree bad?

Topping involves the indiscriminate cutting of branches and stems, leaving behind long stubs without consideration for the tree's overall structure and form. In contrast, pruning is the careful and selective removal of branches and stems, taking into account the tree's architecture and design. There are numerous reasons why topping is detrimental to trees. It significantly reduces the tree's ability to produce food. Additionally, it can cause "burning" of the tissue beneath the bark, as previously shaded areas are now exposed to direct sunlight and heat. This "burning" can lead to cankers, splitting, or even the death of certain branches. Large branches and stems heal slowly or may fail to recover from the topping cuts. These wounds are susceptible to insect infestations and decay. Topping often triggers vigorous growth, known as water sprouts, which emerge just below the cuts and will require subsequent pruning due to their rapid development. Furthermore, topping disrupts the tree’s natural form, and it may never return to its original shape. Trees that have been topped are also at a higher risk of breaking, rendering them hazardous.


  What is a Hazardous or High-Risk Tree?
A "hazard tree" refers to a tree exhibiting structural defects that may result in the failure of all or part of its form, posing a risk to a "target." A target may include vehicles, buildings, or spaces where individuals congregate—such as park benches, picnic tables, streets, or backyards. If the target is immovable and a significant hazard is present, it is advisable to restrict access to the target area until the hazard can be adequately addressed.ed.

  Tree Warning Signs:

**History:** Previous tree care practices and environmental factors can significantly influence the well-being of your trees. Activities such as construction, trenching, and tree topping can lead to detrimental effects. If the roots have been severed or disturbed, it could compromise the stability of the tree. 

**Lean:** Trees do not always grow perfectly upright; however, a pronounced lean can be a sign of trouble. Look for signs such as cracked soil and exposed roots near the tree’s base, which may indicate that the tree has started to lean recently. 

**Multiple Trunks:** Some trees develop multiple trunks, yet those with weak connections between trunks can be at risk of breaking. Trunks showing signs of splits or cracks are more likely to fail. Be sure to examine these trees for any defects at the junctions of the trunks. 

**Weakly Attached Branches:** It’s important to inspect where branches connect to the trunk. Tight V-shaped forks tend to be more susceptible to breakage than open U-shaped junctions. Trees exhibiting splits, cracks, or multiple branches emerging from a single point on the trunk can also be problematic.
Cavities & Decay Pockets. Inspect the trunk or branches for peeling bark and hollow or decayed areas. Large decay pockets and decay where branches meet the trunk can indicate problems. Mushrooms or conks growing on or at the base of a tree are signs of decay-causing fungus.
Trunk & Branch Cracks. Inspect the trunk and large branches for cracks. Deep, large cracks indicate structural weakness in the tree and need careful evaluation.
Hangers. Hangers are broken branches that remain embedded in the tree. Whether they are still partially connected to the trunk or completely detached, these hangers pose a risk of falling and should be removed. It is important to properly prune any stubs left behind by broken branches.

Deadwood

Deadwood, or dead branches, naturally occurs as part of a tree’s growth cycle, but they will ultimately come down. Branches exceeding two inches in diameter can inflict significant damage when they fall. While it may not be essential to remove all deadwood, it is crucial not to overlook it.