When your tree reaches middle age, it may be time to consider an inspection, usually at least every three years, or more often if recommended by an arborist. Just like you go to the doctor every year to make sure everything is still alright, a visit from the tree doctor can make sure yours is shipshape.
Also like when you reach middle age, and those physicals get a little more important, it is the same with your trees. Just like people, as they get older, trees are more susceptible to disease, parasites, and other issues. Their “bodies” begin to break down, as do their immune systems and natural defenses
An arborist like the experts at Acorn Arborists is the best person to do your tree inspection. They will check for a number of things. Here are a few, and why they should matter to you.
Tree Inspection for Diseases
Trees don’t get human diseases like colds or the flu or even diabetes or measles, some diseases are not as uncommon as we would like to think. Here are a few examples.
- anthracnose,
- apple scab,
- lethal yellow of palm,
- powdery mildew
What do these diseases have in common? They can all kill your tree if not detected early by doing a tree inspection. They are all a really big deal and can easily be deadly. When your majestic oak crashes into your living room, it can create serious problems and can even be fatal.
Never underestimate the damage a tree can do if it falls. If you even think you might be having a problem, call someone before it is too late. The tree can either be treated or removed if necessary, before disaster strikes.
Fungi
Fungi can be no big deal. A mushroom growing on the side of your tree could be doing no harm at all. But a noticeable yellow spot growing on the side of your elm tree could be the sign of a serious problem. There are different kinds of fungi too, and some of them can cause disease or be the result of it.
For example, it could be a canker disease, a root or foliar disease, or even a dangerous kind of mushroom that can eat away at the security system that once held the tree in place and kept it strong. If you see anything unusual like this, of course call Acorn Arborists right away. Invasive and harmful fungi can often be found during a regular tree inspection and their spread interrupted or dealt with.
Parasites
When you think of wood and parasites in the same sentence, you often think of termites. But they only represent a small amount of the threat to your trees. They can also be at risk from:
- Aphids
- Webworms
- Borer Beetles
- Weevils
All of these parasites can do harm to your trees, and that harm can be permanent if it is not caught in time. A professional arborist can spot these creatures and can recommend a treatment protocol and even recommend a pest control specialist if necessary.
DIY vs. The Pros
The next big question homeowners often has is if they can do inspections themselves, often because they want to avoid unnecessary expenses and don’t want the arborist to recommend something they don’t really need.
Of course, you can do inspections yourself, but unless you know what you are looking for, you may miss something critical a professional would catch, something that can be much more costly than the inspection or the treatment in the long run.
You can trust the experts at Acorn Arborists to be both thorough and honest in their inspection of your trees. Ready to schedule a tree inspection or just want to know more? Give them a call at 916-717-8733.