Proactive Tree Disease Prevention in Dallas

Dallas’ trees provide natural beauty and much-needed benefits, such as preventing stormwater runoff and the heat island effect. Keeping the city’s trees healthy ensures residents continue to see those benefits and more. Including some tree disease prevention measures when performing regular landscaping maintenance is vital in safeguarding the urban canopy so it continues to grow. In this article, our TreeNewel team shares some tips and strategies to help Dallas residents understand how to prevent tree disease on their North Texas properties.

The Importance of Regular Tree Assessments

Regularly checking trees helps identify signs that may lead to tree diseases before they occur. A quick daily check can be enough to notice any conditions that may need further inspection. Homeowners can look at the trees on their property and the surrounding area for any signs of decay or pests. They should also remove excess fallen leaves and grass clippings to keep the area clear of spaces where pests can thrive.

Understanding Common Local Diseases and Pests

Image via Flickr by sonder3

Knowing the common signs and conditions that encourage tree diseases can help prevent them. North Texas is home to a few tree diseases and funguses, including the following:

• Oak wilt.
• Root rot.
• Hypoxylon canker.
• Leaf blight.

Pests, such as aphids and woodboring beetles, can carry and spread these diseases, so keeping an eye out for them is important when assessing trees. Some insects are beneficial for garden and tree growth, but if trees start showing signs of distress, it may be time for insect-preventive measures. An ISA-certified arborist can identify early signs of tree disease and take action to prevent it from spreading to other trees.

Why Maintenance Matters

Trees require regular maintenance to stay healthy. Mulching in the spring and fall gives trees the nutrients they need to stay happy and prevents excess weeds from growing. Property owners should be wary of over mulching, which can cause root disease and encourage fungal infections. Regular watering, especially during arid Dallas summers, strengthens a tree so it is less susceptible to diseases. Pruning also improves a tree’s overall sturdiness and structure, helping it ward off infections.

Proper Nutrients Help Trees Thrive

In addition to mulch that gives trees nutrients, many need fertilizer, depending on the soil content and the tree’s growth. North Texas trees may require additional nitrogen to stay strong and grow. Many fertilizers have nitrogen and extra nutrients trees require, though fertilization often depends on the soil type. A soil or leaf analysis can help homeowners determine if fertilizer would benefit their property’s trees and the surrounding plant life. If fertilizer is necessary, they should apply it right before the trees start leafing out in the spring.

Preventing tree disease is essential for a thriving urban canopy in Dallas. It also means there’s less chance of diseases spreading to other trees, which can cause a negative chain of events. Our ISA-certified arborists at TreeNewal have the training and expertise to inspect trees and identify potential elements that may lead to disease. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about keeping your property’s trees healthy for a more vibrant city.