WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY TREE?

In 2024, several notable environmental challenges highlighted persistent issues affecting tree populations, particularly Silver Maples, Autumn Blaze Maples, and various Red Maple species. The widespread occurrence of scorching, leaf drop, and a perceived decline in tree health prompted inquiries into the underlying causes. Our assessments throughout the year identified three common factors that contributed to the challenges faced this year: 

1) A mild February followed by hard freezes in March and April created significant problems for many varieties of maple trees. While late freezes can occur in our area, it was unusual to experience high "spring-like" temperatures in February. This early warmth triggered premature bud activity in many maples. When significant freezes hit in March and a second round occurred in April, leaf development was compromised. 

A thin layer called the cuticle forms on leaves in spring, protecting them from sunlight and moisture loss. Due to freeze damage at bud break, the cuticle on many affected leaves was thinner than usual. As temperatures rose and sunlight intensified, these leaves struggled to protect themselves, increasing moisture loss and susceptibility to burning. This contributed to the scorching and premature leaf drop observed in August and September. Although we cannot change the occurrences of late freezes, we can implement measures to improve tree health and minimize such impacts in the future. 

2) In assessing the trees, we noted that most affected specimens were in highly maintained lawns. While trees and lawns can coexist, problems arise when trees receive excessive watering, often due to efforts to keep lawns looking good during the summer heat. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that stressed trees need more water when they observe a decline in the canopy, exacerbating the problem. 

Tree roots have a defense mechanism that prevents moisture absorption when the soil is overly saturated. Therefore, the tree blocks water entry into its root system if the soil remains too wet. When the tree cannot take in additional water while losing moisture through transpiration, the leaves can burn due to inadequate cooling. Thus, overwatering lawns, particularly during summer, can impair tree root function. Combined with the damage already inflicted on leaf tissue from late freezes, this creates an even more compromised tree. We will discuss ways to adjust lawn maintenance and watering habits to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. 

3) Lastly, we must address the drought issues that have affected our winters and tree health over the past decade. Both deciduous and coniferous trees require moisture during winter months. Although deciduous trees need less moisture than evergreen trees since they do not transpire as much after leaf fall, their roots still require it. If the soil dries out, the smaller, younger absorbing roots begin to shrivel and die. This need for water often goes unnoticed as there are no leaves to signal the tree's distress, but root desiccation is an issue that can undermine tree health. 

When trees experience root loss in winter, they struggle to function correctly in spring. A healthy tree would produce new leaves in optimal conditions, and the growing season would progress normally. However, trees that have suffered from root damage must allocate energy to repair the roots instead of developing their canopy. This disadvantage makes it difficult for them to recover over the years. If this cycle continues annually, primarily for tree varieties sensitive to drought, the tree will increasingly decline. As its health deteriorates, the tree becomes less capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, diseases, and other challenges it may face. Fortunately, there are ways to address this issue as well.

SO WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS!!

Many of the issues we have observed this season in our maple trees can be addressed through proper watering and improving soil health beneath and around the tree canopy. While we often recognize the importance of sufficient watering, we may overlook soil health's significance for our lawns and trees. Improving soil health increases water-holding capacity and moisture retention, resulting in less water loss and more moisture available for the tree. Additionally, higher organic matter in the soil means more nutrients for the tree. Therefore, enhancing soil conditions through our root enhancement program significantly benefits your compromised trees.

Another powerful tool in our arsenal is our tree defense application. This application is performed once every three years. It helps the tree improve disease resistance, enhance its defense mechanisms, increase absorbing root production, create a thicker leaf cuticle, develop darker green leaves, and promote a much healthier overall tree canopy. The product gradually enters the tree over three years, slowly enhancing the tree's ability to withstand environmental conditions.

Proper watering is the most straightforward and crucial step in addressing these problems. If we are experiencing another dry winter, be sure to water underneath the dripline of your tree every three weeks. This is especially important for any tree that has been struggling over the year. We recommend providing 5-10 gallons of water for every inch of diameter of the tree at breast height. For example, for a 10-inch tree, you should give it 50-100 gallons every three weeks during winter. As long as the soil is not frozen, the roots are losing moisture and needs to be replenished to reduce the likelihood of root desiccation. Your neighbors may think you are odd, but this is perhaps the most critical step for your tree's recovery!

Additionally, be mindful not to overwater your lawn in the spring, summer, and fall. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently throughout the growing season. On days when temperatures rise and the turf starts to stress, consider doing daily light waterings in addition to your deep, infrequent waterings. Watering each section for 5 to 10 minutes daily in the early afternoon can help reduce stress on your grass during the summer heat without oversaturating the soil and compromising tree root function.

It’s important to note that none of this happens overnight. Trees typically respond over years, not days or months. However, by implementing these solutions, you will see your tree transform into what it is meant to be. We hope this information helps you understand the challenges many of our trees face and how we can offer practical solutions for your tree. While every tree is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for tree care, we have experienced incredible results with these methods and practices for 100's of trees in our area!

If you have any questions and would like to learn more about how we can improve the health and vitality of your tree, please reach out to us and speak with an ISA Certified Arborist at 620-282-2076. We would be delighted to create a plan tailored to your tree's needs!