July is the perfect time to do a semi-annual inspection of your trees. By examining your trees, you can identify potential problems early and take appropriate action to keep them healthy and thriving during the region’s warm, dry months.
These tree inspections don’t have to be very thorough or time-consuming, but they can make a big difference to the success of your trees. A mid-year tree inspection typically requires a simple, non-invasive visual assessment of your trees to identify any potential issues.
This is what you should pay attention to when inspecting trees:
Watch for signs of pests
- The most common signs include Yellowing or browning of the leaves or deformed leaves that are curled or have unusual Stains or holes.
- Small holes around the tree trunk or in the bark may indicate the presence of borers or beetles.
Check for any visible illnesses or physical damage.
- Search Cancers, sunken or dead areas on the bark or branches and parts of the tree that are wilting or dying.
- Fungal infection around the base of the tree or trunk may indicate internal rot or decay.
- leaf burn, Browning or burnt leaf edges can be the result of lack of water or root damage, but can also be a sign of disease.
General maintenance check
- Check the Leaf cover around your trees to ensure it is not too thick and provides proper moisture retention without causing fungal problems.
- Make sure your trees are getting enough water. Watch for signs of drought stress, such as Wilting, browning or leaf fall.
- Look for signs of mechanical damage from lawn equipment, animals or human activity. Broken branches or bark injuries can be entry points for pests and diseases.
George Reno is a local arborist with Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park, which serves communities on the Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto and Redwood City. If you have a tree-related question, email lifestyle@EmbarcaderoMedia or post it in the comments section at the end of this column.
