Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Parasites attacking Drought Weakened West Texas Trees

Here we go again!  Another tree parasite making its way into our lawns.  This interesting looking conk belongs to the Ganoderma family of Fungi and is another noxious little creep that makes its living by feasting on our trees.  Ganoderma is frequently found wrapped around the base of West Texas Honey locusts and Red oaks and each tree exhibits a unique mortality spiral once infected.  Honey locust has the more predictable response with a life expectancy not to exceed six years after initial signs.  Red oak mortality is highly variable and may die completely in months or linger for two decades or longer after initial signs.

Notice the use of the word sign!   A sign is tangible physical characteristic associated with a pest while the term symptom is used to describe a response, visible or otherwise, that the host presents.  This is an important distinction because symptoms almost always appear before signs.  For example, two Cedar elm trees in the same lawn may bud out at different times, with the sick tree leafing out later.  Another symptom of the weaker tree may be smaller and fewer leaves or leaves that appear to have a nutrient deficiency caused by some disturbance in the uptake of minerals from the roots.  If these symptoms are noticed, the tree owner should take a close look within the root zone for other evidence of problems.  At least 80% of all tree problems begin here.  A tree with a decaying root crown--that narrow circumferential band where the stem transitions into root tissue--is a candidate for removal.

Tree failure is unpredictable even Superman, whose x-ray vision should provide him some insight into the structural integrity of the woody fibers, would be wise to avoid placing a bet on a failure date.  Science can't, and probably never will be able to quantify all of the variables that determine the behavior of living organisms.  And when you're talking about two tons of rotten wood dangling over your shiny new automobile removal is warranted.  Besides, upon seeing all the bustle of a maintenance crew around your property, Mr. and Mrs. Jones across the street may begin to think your about to raise the bar a notch on keeping up with them.

When arborists discuss tree failure they usually do so in terms of risk percentages based upon known failure histories and their professional experience.  That's why its recommended that you hire an arborist with a little of that valuable experience under their belt.  Educated consumers should always ask a few questions prior to signing any contract.  That's right!  You need to plan on having a little paper to backup any agreements you make with this type of service.  Ask for insurance.  Don't just ask if they carry insurance  but ask for proof.  Check for professional certifications.  Arborists certified by a recognized organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture, have had to demonstrate some basic understanding of tree biology which is important in this case.  Understand there is a difference between membership in a professional organization and certification through that organization.  Finally, ask for a list of satisfied customers.  Most arborists expect you to check their references, so do.  Call some of their clients and ask them if they were satisfied with the services they received.  If they say no, run away!  If that crazy tree hugger gave you the name of a reference that didn't appreciate his workmanship, something ain't clicking upstairs.

Remember too that the cheapest bid isn't always the lowest in the long haul.  That pickup truck bandit that offered their services at a price too good to believe probably offered you a price that was too good to believe.  If he drops a one thousand pound limb on the corner of your home because he wasn't using safe rigging practices, who's gonna pay for the damages?

Stop pondering if your tree's ever gonna recover from the tumorous looking growth developing at its base and take some action.  Call a certified arborist.  In this case, waiting one more day for Ganoderma to vacate your property without a little assistance could kill you.

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