Tuesday 23 October 2018

Trees Suffer In Silence During Summer

We all know that the world is round, right? Even young kids know that. And as such, the season changes depending on what part of the world you are in. All seasons have their pros and cons and you’d likely complain about it when you’re experiencing it and missing it once the season changes. Well, humans can be so fickle sometimes and it is a normal part of human nature. But have we tried looking past our own interests and start looking at the things around us. For instance, trees are living things too that are affected by the environment in as much as we are.

Summer, in particular, is a very hard time for them too. The heat can be too much and when not taken care of properly, it can take its toll to a tree that is out there in the open with nothing to shield it from the scorching heat of the sun. Most trees grow on their own, with no owners to care for them, water them, and ensure they can survive summer in one piece. The heat can cause its leaves to wilt and make it prone to infestation from tree parasites. They may need to get treatment from most diseases affecting trees but who will do it for them?

It is not uncommon to start seeing various leaf diseases on trees and plants this time of year. Many of these diseases can reoccur annually, and some depend on what kind of weather we are having in the spring and summer. Apple scab is a common ailment that affects apple and crabapple trees. It appears on leaves as dull, brown, irregular spots and can change to light green velvety spots. These leaves will normally start to fall off the tree in various degrees. The best way to manage this disease is to plant varieties that are resistant to apple scab. There are treatments available, but they are very timely and aren’t always successful. Fireblight is another apple disease which quickly turns leaves brown/black, and they do not drop to the ground. The bark in this area will look shriveled and also turn brownish/black. There is no effective treatment for this disease other than pruning out the infected branches.

(Via: https://www.farmforum.net/farm_forum/tree-talk-trees-and-leaves/article_2b0a2c87-c0e5-573c-ba0a-0d29cc2dfacf.html)

Some conditions do not necessarily need treatment because they go away on their own like the common cold and flu that humans get once in a while. Even trees in homes with owners to take care of them still suffer from the severe heat of the summer sun. Droughts can even worsen the situation especially that global warming is severely impacting natural weather systems and making them more intense than before. Trees don’t stand a chance given they are more exposed to the elements than us humans.

Tree maintenance procedures:

* Water appropriately.

o The best time to water is in the morning.

o Water slowly once or twice a week by running a sprinkler or drip hose beneath the tree. Avoid irrigating the trunk, as the increased moisture can favor root rot disease.

o Concentrate on the area directly beneath the foliage known as the “drip zone.”

o Making sure to follow your local irrigation ordinance.

o Place a large soup can near your sprinkler and water until two inches of water has collected in the can.

* Fertilize.

o Fertilizer enhances root development and promotes carbohydrate production, which supplies energy necessary for growth.

(Via: https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/good-morning-ct-at-nine/taking-care-of-your-trees-during-the-summer-months/1317601625)

You may think that trees grow forever until they are intentionally cut down but they actually aren’t invincible to the elements. They can die early because of the skyrocketing temperature but do they really need to perish when you can do something about it? Trees in the wild may struggle a lot and there is little (to nothing) you can do about it but there is something you can do about the trees in your yard and even in your neighborhood. You can spare a few minutes of your day watering them so they can cope with the sweltering heat all day long. They’re not too hard to do and are often common gardening techniques observed by many. If the situation can’t be salvaged anymore and the tree is gone beyond help, then better have it removed, stump and all, by professionals like http://www.allcleartree.com/stump-removal and plant a new one in its wake.

The following blog post Trees Suffer In Silence During Summer is courtesy of The All Clear Tree Service Blog



source https://www.allcleartree.com/trees-suffer-in-silence-during-summer/

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