Whether it be a disease or a pest, tree companies in Freehold fight against many common conditions that can threaten the health and wellness of a tree. Many of these maladies are species specific. This can be good on one hand in that these don’t spread from tree to tree in a yard setting. However, diseases and pests that are explicit to one type of tree can wipe out an entire location in a forest setting. Annual tree service is important in Freehold and in every town in America and beyond. With professional attention, trees can better defend themselves against blights and insects that can threaten their lives.
Chlorosis Affects Oaks, Birch, and Pine Trees
As one would assume, chlorosis is related to levels of chlorophyll found in leaves. This particular illness causes healthy green leaves to yellow. Causes can include drought, pH levels are too high in the soil, fungal infections, pesticides, and soil compaction. All of this leads to lack of chlorophyll inducing the loss of the robust green color. Trees commonly affected by chlorosis are white oak, pin oak, white pine, river birch, rhododendron, and magnolia. Discoloring of leaves is a common symptom of many issues so if you notice any trees in your yard are experiencing premature yellowing, contact your local professionals with tree companies in Freehold to diagnosis the problem.
Emerald Ash Borer is a Common Opponent of Tree Companies in Freehold
Another example of how invasive species can decimate native flora and fauna. The Emerald Ash Borer is native to north-eastern Asia and was first documented in North America in 2002. It is a beetle that lays its eggs on the bark of trees, specifically white, green, and all ash species and the white fringetree. It girdles and kills young trees quickly. The beetle is found in many states in North America including New Jersey. According to the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture “The adult EAB is approximately 1/2” long and 1/8” wide, metallic green in color, with a metallic copper red abdomen. The larvae are white or cream colored, measure approximately 1 to 1 ¼” long and have 10 abdominal segments that are bell shaped.” Sightings should be reported to the state department at 609-406-6939.
Boxwood Leafminers Destroy Hedges
Boxwoods are a very common suburban landscape shrub. They have glossy, compact leaves that stay green all year long. The boxwood is a beautiful backdrop for summer annuals, work great as a hedge, and can be trimmed to just about any size or shape all which contribute to their popularity. The boxwood leafminer is the widely known as the most destructive insect that inhabits these plants. They cause damage to the leaves of the shrub when the larval stage of the insect feeds on the inner tissue causing “mines” on the leaves. This damage causes leaf yellowing, blisters on the leaves, reduction of growth, and overall distorting the shrub. Boxwoods are used primarily for their visual beauty so leafminers should be addressed immediately. Proper garden care and appropriate trimming habits help to deter these pests.
Bagworms Attack Arborvitae and Others
Like boxwoods, arborvitae, junipers, and cedar trees are prevalent in suburban landscapes. They make perfect privacy screens and are commonly used along property lines. Tree companies in Freehold are unfortunately very familiar with bagworms. The bag in bagworm refers to the case that holds their larvae. People often think these sacs are pinecones which prevents them from taking any action against the pest. The larvae can completely defoliate an evergreen. Because leaves grow much more slowly on coniferous trees, this decimation can be catastrophic. The best defense against bagworms is prevention. Although many tree companies in Freehold do not provide this particular service, they can often point you in the right direction to a local pest control company.
Anthracnose is a Well-Known Foe to Tree Companies in Freehold
Another illness that causes discoloration of leaves, anthracnose is a fungal disease that assaults shade trees. Leaf spots, leaf curling and cupping, and leaf drop that occurs too early in the season are all symptoms of anthracnose. Unlike other issues we’ve discussed, this enemy isn’t necessarily deadly to trees and often doesn’t require treatment. However, it can greatly detract from the beauty of trees such as elms, maples, and oaks. Even though anthracnose is not a threat to a tree’s life, it is still unwanted and a common complaint of homeowners in Freehold.
No matter the symptom, whether the threat is known or unknown, professional tree care by tree companies in Freehold is the best defense.
