Oklahoma property owners take pride in their trees and enjoy the multiple benefits they provide. If you have wondered whether your trees are doing as well as they can, you should consider professional tree health assessments by certified arborists to evaluate their condition.
If you aren’t sure about what the process involves, read the following information provided by Arbor Image Tree Care, the leading expert tree service specialists in Edmond and across Oklahoma, and then call us to let us help provide top care for your trees.
Key Indicators of Tree Health
As a professional arborist conducts a tree health assessment, they analyze several leading indicators of overall tree health.
Canopy Density
A tree’s upper branches and leaves make up its canopy. Virtually every tree species displays a dense, evenly distributed canopy when healthy. An uneven or broken-up canopy structure can indicate disease, poor nutrition, or pest infestation.
Arborists have the training and experience to evaluate tree health from a visual inspection of canopy structure.
Foliage Discoloration
The color of a tree’s leaves at different times through the growing season reveals many details about its overall health. Yellowing or brownish leaves in the summer often indicate unbalanced nutrition or stress caused by disease or pests.
Leaf chlorosis — shown through yellowing — often points directly to root system troubles or poor soil conditions.
Root Stability
Arborists evaluate a tree’s root system for overall health and stability. Soil and root instability can lead to rapid tree failure and death, especially during high winds and storms. A full tree health assessment also looks for signs of soil compaction that impact nutrient uptake, root rot caused by poor drainage, or other physical injury to root systems.
Bark Condition
A tree’s bark is the main component of its immune system that defends against pests, diseases, and poor environmental conditions. Arborists look for species-specific indications of bark problems, including cracks, peeling, and fungal growth. Arborists also test bark tissue for proper rigidity and evaluate the likely causes of poor bark health.
Leaf Chlorosis
As mentioned earlier, leaf chlorosis is a common symptom of nutrient deficiency or poor soil conditions. Arborists usually dig deeper when they see premature leaf yellowing, as there are almost always underlying causes like root dysfunction or extremely poor soil conditions. Experts often recommend soil modifications or targeted fertilization techniques.
Branch Dieback
This refers to the gradual branch death that usually starts at the tips and progresses inward. In addition to disease, dieback can result from the stress of drought conditions or root damage.
Count on the Experts at Arbor Image Tree Care for All Tree Services in Edmond and Around Oklahoma
Regular tree health assessments are essential for maintaining the health, stability, and safety of your trees. Count on our experts at Arbor Image Tree Care for comprehensive professional tree services. Look around our blog to learn more about tree health and find answers to questions like, “How much root damage can a tree take?”
Call our Arbor Image Tree Care team at (405) 815-7959 to discuss your needs and to schedule service.