Four Tree Troubles + Tim's Recommended Fixes!

This month, we’re going to examine some problems that trees present for the landowner. We’ll look at an ornamental tree, an historic tree, a dead tree that’s still standing, and a damaged tree. For each of these trees, we’ll ask:

“What are the possible causes of the problems these trees are experiencing, and what are the solutions?”

1. The Ornamental

The problem: These photos show two Mountain Ash trees in the same residential yard. The one on the left appears to be thriving, while the one on the right is near its end, even though it is by no means an old tree.

The Mountain Ash is a deciduous tree (native to Ireland) that gives visual interest in the landscape with flowers, berry-like fruit and fern-like foliage. It’s a fast-growing tree, and it gives color for 3 seasons of the year. Mountain Ash is also tolerant of most soils, although it prefers a slightly acidic soil.

Unfortunately, the Mountain Ash is susceptible to: Borers, Aphids, Saw-flies, Scale, Mites, Fireblight, Rust, and Scab. And because of their susceptibility to bacterial infections, fungal disease and pest infestation, it’s a tree that requires consistent care.

Tim Recommends: In this landowner’s case, we’d find out if minimal maintenance is desired, and if so, we’d recommend completely removing the dying tree and replacing it with a hardier native deciduous tree.

2. The Historic Tree

The Problem: This is an old deciduous tree in the center of the town in Londonderry, NH. It very likely has both sentimental and historic value. At one time its branches had been cabled – a method used by Arborists to maintain the structural integrity of damaged or old trees. But with cabling, it is imperative to regularly check the cables over the years and to routinely prune the tree. Unfortunately this hasn’t been done in quite some time for our historic tree here.

Tim Recommends: Pruning, rechecking the cables, and possibly fertilization, as the tree is in the middle of a parking lot.

3. The Dead Tree

The Problem: Next, we have a photo of a long dead pine tree. This tree is by the side of the road. (Though it could as easily be in a yard, by a driveway, or at the edge of a property line.) You can see that it has already decayed to the point of breaking apart, and it will continue to do so. It presents a known hazard to motorists, bicyclists, walkers, and in some cases, neighbors.

Tim Recommends: As a known hazard, it increases the liability to the owner. It is the responsibility of the landowner to have the tree removed.

4. The Damaged Tree

The Problem: And finally, here is a photo of a damaged tree. The possible cause for the damage could have been construction, logging, or recreational vehicles. When damage occurs, decay sets in. This is followed by insect activity which substantially affects the viability of the tree.

Tim Recommends: A risk assessment to determine whether or not to remove the tree. A tree risk assessment is the systematic procedure of assessing the potential for a tree, or one of its parts, to fail and in doing so cause injury to people or damage to property.

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Trees are a vital part of our environment. They enhance our landscapes and maintain quality of life on our planet. Let’s do our part in caring for them.

By the way! Become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation and get 10 free trees! This is an ideal time to plant new trees, so take advantage of this opportunity!

Four Tree Troubles + Tim’s Recommended Fixes!

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