The Arborist Journal

There are plenty of trees here.  Shade trees, ornamental trees and understory trees.  They grow large, wide, small and tall.  The large trees are shade trees, the medium size trees are ornamental trees and the small trees are understory trees that grow underneath other trees.  Some require wet situations like a Sycamore.  Other species prefer dry sites like a Sumac.  Clearly there is a tree for any condition your yard may be in.  Knowing which species to plant, what ails them, and how to take care of them is up to us, the Certified Arborists (Tree Doctor).

CHECK OUT MY TREE LIST:

Arborvitae (EG)**

Arizona Cypress (EG)**

Ash (Green or Texas)

Austrian Black Pines (EG)**

Big Tooth Maple

Bird of Paradise

Buckthorn (US)*

Bur Oak

Button Bush

Calorie Pear

Carolina Laurel Cherry (EG)**

Cedar Elm

Cottonless Cottonwood

Chinese Pistachio

Chinquapin Oak

Chitamwood

Chitalpa Willow

Crabapple

Crape Myrtle

Dawn Redwood

Deodar (EG)

Desert Willow

Dogwood (US)* Roughleaf

Elderica Pine (EG)**

Eve’s Necklace (US)*

Fig

Hackberry

Hollywood Juniper (EG)**

Japanese Black Pine (EG)**

Japanese Maple (US)

Lacebark Elm (FG)***

Kidney Wood

Lacey Oak

Live Oak

Magnolia (EG)**

Mesquite

Mexican Buckeye (US)

Mexican Plum (US)

Mulberry Fruitless

Pecan (Native)

Persimmon

Possum Haw (US)

Red Bud (“Forest Panzy”)

Red Cedar (EG)**

Red Maple

Red Oak (Schumardii, Texana, Rubra)

Smoke Tree

Sumac

Texas Ash

Texas Persimmon (Dry)

Toothache (US)*

Tree of Senna

Vasey oak

Viburnum (US)

Vitex (Dry)

Western Soapberry

Winged Elm

Yaupon Holly (US,FG)*

*(US) = Understory

**(EG) = Evergreen

***(FG) = Fast Growing

We have discussed in my previous blogs, the benefits of proper tree fertilization and how it aids trees in stressful conditions.  What can also help is the addition of organic matter through soil injection.  This process by itself or in conjunction with fertilization increases the retention of soil moisture, improving soil structure by adding and cementing soil particles.  Other additives such as surfactants are available to aid in penetration and absorption and will remain in the soil for long periods of time.  Surface application by physically adding mulch also aids in the retention, reduces soil evaporation and ads to increase soil moisture capacity.  This needs to be replenished at times seasonally and I prefer native non processed mulch that decomposes quickly.  Mulch should be 4-6″ thick keeping in mind to stay off the root flares.

For smaller trees there are irrigation vehicles such as bags with drip emitters which can irrigate small trees successfully for periods up to 3 weeks.

Finally, there is monitoring.  Nothing can beat this.  Use a soil probe and begin to work up a relationship with your soils.

Remember!  For every diameter inch at breast height, a tree requires 10-15 gallons of water per watering.

Well for starters, EVERYTHING NEEDS TO EAT!

Even unhealthy trees will grow.  They have to in order to survive, but for a tree to be healthy it needs essential nutrients.  A tree in good health and vigor can defend itself against environmental stresses, plant parasites, disease and insect infestation.  The goal is to provide these nutrients using the most effective products, which are the slow release fertilizers (3-1-1) with the most efficient method of delivery, which is by soil needle injection.

Urban soils are deficient of the basic nutrients needed by trees to survive.  This is due to the soil damage and sometimes total removal of soil that occurs during the home development process.  In most cases the organic humus layer is replaced by a turf grass or landscaping that actually competes with the trees for nutrients.  Remaining or planted trees are left to fend for themselves with the added stresses thrown at them through the season.  Because the soil cannot be replenished, it should be supplemented.

Trees and shrubs are living organisms.  They require food and water just as humans do.

Rely on an Arborist who has the proper certifications (Board Certified Master Arborist / Registered Consulting Arborist), and whose expertise lies in Tree Health Care to diagnose the tree issues you may have on your property.