Top 10 tree problems in Castle country

By Sun Advocate

Aphids
Common problem from late May through July. Small pear shaped insects found on and under leaves. Leaves may curl around insects Leaves will be sticky from a honeydew substance the aphids excrete; this honeydew substance may drip from the tree sticking to anything below the tree.
Borer Damage
Prevalent throughout growing season.More common on willow, poplar, ash, birch, aspen and locust Small borer holes and frass (sawdust-like material) may be found on limbs, trunk, and in crouches. One or more branches may die. Sparse growth throughout the tree is common. Often the branch or stem will swell where infested.
Broad-leaf Weed Killer Damage
Frequently caused by herbicide applications made during hot weather (85*F+). Prevalent May through September. Leaves curl or cup inward.
Iron Chlorosis
Prevalent throughout the growing season.Veins remain green while the area between veins turns yellow. Newer growth is usually more susceptible than older. Excess soil moisture reduces the availability of iron. In severe cases leaves can turn almost white, will be smaller than normal, and can have brown spots or edges and scorch in hot weather. Some tree species are more susceptible than others.
Mechanical Damage
Damage around the base of trunk caused from trimmers, mowers, and other equipment. Damage to the internal transport/vascular system from tight tic wires or ropes. Bark may sluff off above the wound. Tree will show restricted growth and may be weaker on one side.
Root Rot
Tree is loose in the soil and if the trunk is rocked back and forth the soil around the crown may move. Soil around roots may have a distinct odor of rot or mildew. Roots are soft, and may be streaked internally with the colors of purple, brown or black. Leaves may be yellow, sparse and drop early. Skin of small roots may slip easily. Few or no small white feeder roots.
Slime Flux
It is a bacterial infection of the vascular system, fermenting the sap and causing pressure to build up under the bark. Prevalent throughout the year. Frequently affects poplars, elms, willows, and mulberrys. Slime, foam, or ooze exudes from the tree, sometimes associated with a wound. The area may have a fermented putrid smell that attracts insects. The oozing discolors the bark where it runs down the tree.
Summer Scorch
Caused by very hot dry weather or a compromised root system.Symptoms are most prevalent June through September. Leaf margins and interveinal areas turn brown and die. Southwest side of the tree and branches over driveways, roads, and other hard surfaces may be more affected. Larger tree leaves may be more affected than smaller leaves.
Verticillium Wilt
Caused by a soil bom fungus that invades the vascular system reducing sap flow. Affects tree throughout growing season. One or many branches may wilt, become weakened, sparse or die. When wood is cut into, a characteristic brown to gray streaking may be found. The disease can be fatal.
Normal Needle Drop
Common on many pines, arborvitae and other evergreens. Interior needles turn brown New or outer needles remain green.More common in fall but may occur anytime.