Tree Health Care
A tree usually tells you when something is wrong.
The difficulty is understanding what those signs mean.
Leaves may become smaller.
One side of the canopy may thin.
Branches may begin dying.
Leaves may change color or fall earlier than expected.
Bark may crack or peel.
Fungal growth may appear near the trunk.
These symptoms deserve attention, but they do not all point to the same problem.
Professional tree health care in Broken Arrow begins with diagnosis.
Environmental Stress
Oklahoma trees deal with considerable environmental stress.
Extended periods of heat and dry weather can place mature trees under water stress.
Heavy rain may create the opposite problem in poorly drained soil.
Storms can damage branches and bark.
Construction and landscaping can compact soil or disturb roots.
Temperature extremes can also affect susceptible trees.
A tree may decline because of several factors occurring over many years rather than one obvious disease.
Oak Tree Problems
Oak trees are common and valuable shade trees throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
They can also show decline after periods of environmental stress.
Thinning foliage, dead branch tips, smaller leaves and early leaf drop may indicate that a tree is struggling.
Disease and insects are possible causes, but drought, soil problems, root damage and previous storm injury should also be considered.
Do not assume the diagnosis based only on what the leaves look like.
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Insects and disease
Trees can also be affected by insects and pathogens.
Symptoms worth investigating include:
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Unusual holes in bark
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Significant bark loss
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Sawdust-like material
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Rapid canopy thinning
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Dead branches
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Abnormal leaf discoloration
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Fungal growth
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Visible insect populations
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Sudden deterioration
Emerald ash borer has now been documented in Wagoner County, making monitoring ash trees particularly relevant in the eastern Broken Arrow area.
Root problems
Some of the most important parts of the tree cannot be seen.
Roots need adequate soil, oxygen and moisture.
Compaction, trenching, grading, construction or changes in drainage can damage roots without immediately affecting the canopy.
Symptoms may appear months or even years later.
If a tree has declined following major work around the property, root disturbance should be considered.
Can the tree be saved?
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
The answer depends on the underlying cause and how much damage has already occurred.
The earlier a problem is investigated, the more options may be available.
If a tree on your Broken Arrow property has changed noticeably, schedule a tree health evaluation.