Jorge Gaona – ISA Certified Arborist
As an arborist in North DFW, I see many ailments, diseases and impairments on trees daily. Trees planted too deep or that are over-pruned are other common issues as well. Although each of these topics is important and worthy of discussion, because of the time of year, I’d like to discuss oak leaf blister and spring fertilization.
Oak leaf blister or oak leaf curl is a foliage fungal disease caused by the fungus Taphrina caerulescens. The reason this topic is relevant right now is that the only time treatment is effective is in the early spring before or at the time the buds begin to break with new growth. Once the leaves are infected, they will either stay discolored or de-foliate and fall from the tree for that growing season.
Typically, oak leaf blister does not seriously affect the health of the tree but if it occurs over several seasons or if the tree has any other negative stressors, drought, compaction, over-watering, nutrition deficiencies, it can become a more serious issue. Red oaks are the trees that struggle from this fungal infection the most, but live oaks are also relatively susceptible.
Besides proactively treating for this fungal infection, the only other thing we can do is maintain the health of the tree. Proper pruning helps, but a maintenance fertilization schedule can vastly improve the health of a tree in our suburban forests.
Imagine how in a forest every year the leaves that fall become part of a decomposing nutrient-rich layer on the forest floor. Compared to our green monoculture front lawns, there is a big difference! This lack of nutrients and biodiversity in the soil is why it is essential to maintain your trees through fertilization.
Call us at 940-241-6131 for these tree services and more, including pruning, removals and plants, or visit our website at www.TreeNewal.com. TreeNewal your sustainable Tree Care Company.