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What is the White Suede-like Substance Covering My Sycamore Leaves?

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Question:

Doc,

I have a sycamore tree in my backyard. The leaves started emerging earlier this month, but several have fallen off. There is a white suede-like substance covering the ones that have fallen. Any idea what this could be?

- Carolyn G.

Doc’s Answer:

This disease is known as sycamore anthracnose. It attacks most sycamore species and is considered a chronic disease. It attacks the tree especially in cool moist springs.

If your tree is vigorous it will likely re-leaf in time for summer.

Repeated defoliation over the years can cause the trees decline. There are several therapies and medicaments available to control this disease. Often a simple fertilization is all that is needed.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Phytopthora Root Disease – Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree Killer

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Question:

Good afternoon Doc,

I have a Ruby Red Grapefruit tree in my back yard that is losing it’s leaves it also has some green strff and what appears to be sap bubbling from certain places on the trunk. What can I do to save my Tree?

- Tom from Cape Coral, FL

Doc’s Answer:

Tom, I’m sorry, but there is nothing you can do to save your grapefruit tree. Unfortunately it has become infected with Phytopthora root disease. There is no cure, Phytopthora infect many woody plants in the U.S. including Dogwood, Oak, Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Redwood, Birch, Rhododendron and many others

Phytopthora kills the roots and root crown area of infected plants. It is usually a slow death for the plant. Early leaf drop and yellowing, black or reddish sap flow and twig and branch die back give away to eventual death. There are man species of Phytopthora. P. Cininoni requires warm moist soil conditions while P. Cactoruim requires moist cool conditions. All phytopthora species however require high soil moisture, I see well irrigated lawns kill over watered plants in many landscapes around the country from Phytopthora.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Can Trees Really Bleed?

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

I have a huge shade tree in my front yard that is bleeding from a scratch. What does it need?

- Jerry from Toledo, OH

Doc’s Answer:

Jerry, you have described slime flux, a bacterial infection common in Elms. It is usually not serious for the tree.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Are Lichens Harmful to My Trees?

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

Are my trees getting sick? They have greyish green patches on their bark.

- Marcy F.

Doc’s Answer:

No – the growths you described are called LICHENS pronounced “Likens” and they do not harm trees. Lichens are a combination of green algae and fungi that live together symbiotically. The algae, a microscopic green plant, makes food from sunlight for the combination, while the fungus, a non green plant, provides support and absorbs the moisture they both need. Lichens form on many other moist surfaced such as rocks, soil, fallen logs, as well as tree bark.

Lichens are very sensitive to air pollution so their presence is a sure sign the air in the area is good for us to breath.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Palm Trees – Consider Growth Factors Prior to Purchasing

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

What type of palm should I choose?

- Frank A.

Doc’s Answer:

In general four factors should be considered when choosing a palm tree for your property. The first factor is the size of the tree at maturity. Remember that the little palm for sale at a local nursery might reach a height of 50 feet or more as an adult tree overpowering the rest of your property, interfering with overhead lines and underground conduits and perhaps, threatening buildings if the tree is planted too nearby. Make sure that the size of your palm at maturity is in keeping with your needs and overall landscape design.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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The Unique Biology of a Palm Tree

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

I see large palm trees being transported down the highways with no leaves and no roots. I know they must be planted somewhere, but how do they survive?

- D. Myers

Doc’s Answer:

Palm trees are not trees at all. In fact they are more closely related to grass than trees. Palms have a unique biology. All their roots are independent of each other . They begin directly under the stem (trunk) so removal of the outer roots is less important than those of a real tree. Removal of the outer froms (leaves) in my view, is more detrimental to the palm than root removal. Contractors remove the lower palm froms and tie the upper palm froms so the palms are easier to transport. Because the palm has lost many of its “Manufacturing plants” (leaves) it takes them longer to recover from the move. Having said all this, proper planting and after care is much more important to the palm or other trees than is the move. For more information visit our Florida Website.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Avoid Ticks on Pets While Hiking

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

How can I keep the ticks off my family and dog when we go hiking?

- Martin R.

Doc’s Answer:

Try to keep the animals and family away from bushes and shrubs.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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How Long Will a Pest Control Treatment Last Before a Home is Safe?

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

If I have my home treated, how long should I stay out after treatment?

- M. Washington

Doc’s Answer:

Your Pest Management Professional knows “the label is the law”, each pesticide label tells him or her how long you have to remain off a treated area.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Stop Voles from Returning Each Year

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

We had voles in our yard last winter. Will they return again this year? If so, what can be done to stop them?

- Kenny L.

Doc’s Answer:

Voles are an outside animal that resembles a large mouse except their tails are short and their ears are mostly hidden by thick fur. They are present all the time in our environment. They are vegetarians and only become pests where food is short in the winter months. Under snow cover, they can kill tender barked landscape plants and trees. They also destroy long lines of turf when snow cover is available for extended periods. A Certified Pest Management Company can provide a special winter service program. Wrapping trunks and tender barked trees with galvanized screen can protect your valuable plants.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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Humane Methods for Removing a Bat

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Question:

Doc,

Is there any humane was too get bats out of the loft in the garage?

- Jerome B.

Doc’s Answer:

Yes indeed. A professional pest management technician who is trained in critter control can install one-way devices so the bats can get out butt not back in. After all the bats have been “locked out”, he will seal up the entry ways so they cannot return. Bat work should be done after June so all the babies are able to leave.

“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists

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