What is Citrus Greening
Citrus Greening, or "Huanglongbing", Chinese Mandarin: 'Yellow Dragon Disease', is a bacterial infection that attacks citrus trees and similar species. The bactria is Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, but what's we are more concerned about is invasive insect "citrus psyllids", (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), because they are the vector of the disease. (They spread it.)
The USDA, throughaphis.usda.gov, says HLB or Citrus Greening is the worst threat to U.S. citrus trees. Infected trees, and any material from them must not be moved out of the infected area. I encourage my readers to get the full story here: Citrus Greening How do I know if my tree has citrus greening?
Identifying the infection may be slow because the trees may not show symptoms for months or years. Watch for the psyllids and their eggs.
Once symptoms show up, they include, green color on ripe fruit, blotchy leaves, asymmetric yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, reduced fruit size and other signs of poor health. The disease eventually kills infected trees. No treatment is available yet, so we must do all we can to prevent it. How can we prevent the disease? Controlling the citrus psyllids is the best option. We do not expect to eradicate it, but rather to keep the population as low as possible using combinations / rotations of malathion, other insecticides and horticultural mineral oil. Some of these are applied to the canopy while others are applied to the soil.
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Dying trees pose many hazards. An unhealthy tree may drop large branches which could cause property damage and injury. I'm sorry to be so dramatic, but someone could actually be killed. Even worse than falling branches, the truck could fail, causing the entire tree fall. Trees have been known to destroy cars and do major damage to houses.
Your property value can be negatively affected by the presence of a dying tree, and make it harder to sell. Trees at the end of their life have fewer leaves, and even the ones they have may be yellowed or otherwise unhealthy looking. To protect your property and all who live or visit there, to preserve your property value and to maximize curb appeal when it's time to sell, it is important to keep an eye on your trees for signs they might be in trouble. Knowing the signs can help you make the decision to call an expert. What Signs to Look For SUDDEN CHANGES Generally speaking, sudden changes in a tree's growth & appearance might be signs of a problem. MUSHROOMS (fungus) Fungus feeds on, among other things, rotting wood. If you see mushrooms on the outside of your tree, this is a strong indication that something is going wrong underneath. CRACKS Cracks open sores, called cankers, indicate disease in trees. Worse yet, cracks and cankers are a gateway for pests, which can further damage the tree. These wounds may come from lightning or other injuries, or may happen from internal disease. POOR LEAF HEALTH Off color or spotted leaves or a shortage of leaves can indicate fungus or disease. Some may effect a few branches while others cause problems for the entire tree. Be aware if your tree is putting on healthy leaves over the entire tree, or if it has bad or bare spots. LEANING We expect our trees to be mostly vertical. If a tree has grown at an angle all its life, that's a different story. If your tree develops a lean, this is a sign that there's a real problem. If the soil heaves, or rises, this could be a sign the tree will ultimately fall. This can happen to an otherwise healthy tree, if the soil is weakened. This happens often when there has been a long rainy spell. What do I do if I think my tree is dying? Contact a professional tree service in your area. If you've read my blog before, you'll know the I recommend Mid-Florida Tree Service. Mid-Florida Tree Service can diagnose your trees. Some sick trees can be saved if treatment is done soon enough. If the tree cannot be saved, Mid-Florida Tree Service can help you decide whether the tree needs to be removed. I'll write more about this topic soon. Perhaps it will continue on the Mid Florida Tree Service website. Palm trees are perhaps the most iconic images of a tropical paradise. Florida's subtropical climate offers homeowners a variety of palm trees for their landscapes. A little knowledge about the options, and the care these trees need, will help you make the right choice for your landscape design. The first thing is to ensure your tree is a good fit to the region where you live. Fortunately, for those in the mid-Florida area, this includes just about any palm tree. Hardy palms like Cabbage Palm, Chinese Palm, Bismarck, Needle Palm, Sago, Mexican Fan and the Windmill Palm and survive light freezes that occasionally hit the area. The Palmetto, Mediterranean fan, Coconut, Queen Palm, and Royal Palm also do well in and around Tampa Florida. Let's narrow our choices a bit, by considering where the tree might be planted, and how big it is likely to get as it matures. Palms should be planted where they will receive a fair amount of sunlight, have good drainage, and won't be crowded by other plants or structures. Consider their spreading roots and leave room so they won't infringe on driveways or foundations. King and Queen Palms, and others, can get quite tall, this may be a limiting factor for their placement. For more information about selecting, planting and caring for your palm trees, contact Mid Florida Tree service: Florida Palm Tree Service Call 813-986-2258 for all of your tree service needs in the Tampa, Hillsborough and Eastern Pasco county areas. After deciding what type of palm, and where to plant it, site preparation is crucial to the long term health of the tree. The spreading root system should have access to well fertilized soil over a large area. Highly alkaline soil may need to be treated with sulfur to lower the PH. The root ball should be well watered just before backfilling and the trunk mustn't be buried, as it might lead to rot. Mulching around the newly planted tree will provide additional nutrients as it composts. The mulch can be replaced annually.
Properly maintained and cared for trees are not only a visually aesthetic addition to any property but they can also add significantly to the value. Adversely, poorly tended trees can be a high liability risk. Proper tree care is one investment you can’t afford to go without as it can lead to substantial returns.
Hiring the right tree service company, like Mid Florida Tree Service, Inc. with an experienced and knowledgeable staff, including on-site certified arborists is one of the first steps in achieving healthy and beautiful trees. Why should you look for certified arborists when considering what tree service company to hire? Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of individual trees. They are equipped and specially trained to provide insight and make recommendations as to the proper care your trees need. Hiring a Certified Arborists is a decision not to made lightly. What makes an arborist certified? An arborist by definition is a person who is schooled in the science and art of trees, from planting, caring for and the individual maintenance required. A Certified Arborist is one who has gained a level of knowledge of tree care by experience and by passing a complex and comprehensive exam developed by some of the industry’s experts. The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) arborist certification is earned through a voluntary, non governmental process. Some of the services an arborists can provide are:
If you’re considering changes to the landscaping design around your home or business, such as putting in new walkways, adding an outdoor kitchen, pool, or other structure that involves digging or trenching, you will need to think about how this will affect the trees already established.
Digging in the soil near trees can cut roots and compromise the tree, causing injury that can lead to the decline in its overall health up to the tree falling over. This can cause liability and safety issues not to mention possible damage to surrounding structures. The impact of the damage caused by ‘pruning’ or cutting tree roots increases with the type of and amount of cuts made. There are a number of factors to consider that will directly affect the response of how your trees may react to root pruning. Some considerations are:
Preparing Your Trees for Hurricane Season
During a hurricane or tropical storm, a healthy tree in the right place could protect your home from storm damage by acting as a wind-break, but a neglected tree can do more harm than good. Always remember, do not begin a pruning project while a watch or warning for Tropical Storms or Hurricanes is in effect. Poorly pruned trees are more likely to break or fall during a storm. Some fallen or damaged trees after a storm may be from improper cutting or pruning. It is, therefore, important that your trees are serviced by a certified arborist. Well before hurricane season, do these things:
I could have just as well titled this "Tree Service in South Shore". Riverview, Apollo Beach and Gibsonton are growing together into a mini-metro in South East Hillsborough County. The "River" in "Riverview" and the "Shore" in "South Shore" both refer to the Alifia river which provides habitat for wildlife as well as a place for recreation for residents and visitors. This growing community is home to lush greenery and fantastic landscapes. Riverview property owners who wish to maintain the natural beauty of their land must ensure the health of their trees. Storms are both a yearly and seasonal concern due to the tropical climate & high humidity. Property damage can be reduced or eliminated by regular upkeep by a Riverview Florida tree service.
Pruning and Trimming Residents often need tree service for pruning & trimming their trees. This helps maintain the appearance while reducing potential threats during storms. Because of the wide range of trees native to Florida, a professional arborist from a Riverview Florida tree service is your best consultant. Riverview tree service can consist of: Thinning branches. This allows for better visibility, wind mitigation and to allow more sunlight to reach the ground. Trimming ends to reduce the weight of branches, reducing the number of broken and falling limbs. Ornamental shaping for shrubbery or hedges Reducing overall weight to prevent splits and breakage Parasite prevention & removal Root pruning & deep root fertilization Complete tree removal & stump grinding There are many benefits for Riverview Residents to keep their trees healthy. Properly maintained landscapes just look better. That by itself is known to raise property values. Because our area is prone to hurricanes and storms, there is greater importance of a trusted tree service. A branch falling or being blown into a structure can require costly repairs and the struggles of insurance claims. Potential damages may be reduced or prevented by removing dry, dead or damaged limbs. In some cases tree removal service may be required. Riverview Florida and other South Shore residents and land owners must follow the guidelines set by Hillsborough County regarding tree removal authorization. In an emergency, Consulting with a Riverview Florida tree service can ease the stress of the situation. A Riverview arborist that understands the procedure can do so proficiently and professionally. When your Riverview home or other property requires tree service, please call my client, Mid Florida Tree Service. Tree Regulations in Tampa, Fl.
The City of Tampa puts a high value on the trees within its borders. Therefore, Tampa has regulations covering the tree service industry as well as land owners. If a cypress or mangrove tree needs to be removed in Tampa, a permit is mandatory, regardless of the age or size of the tree. Other protected trees require a permit if the trunk is 5" or more in diameter. Tampa will fine anyone who removes protected trees without the proper permit. Trees that Do Not Require a Permit to Remove: At the time of writing, these species of tree require no permit to remove in the Tampa city limits: Ear Tree, Lead Tree, Brazilian Pepper, Austrailian Pine, Punk Tree, Male Mulberry, Earleaf Acacia, Carrotwood, Mimosa, Rosewood, Chinaberry, Queen Palm, Eucalyptus Tree, Wild Cherry, Chinese Tallow, Silk Oak Tree, Monkey Puzzle, Surinam Cherry, Cherry Laurel, Queensland Umbrella Tree, Golden Rain Tree, Citrus (all Types) Grand Trees in the City of Tampa Any tree with a trunk at least 34 inches in diameter may qualify as a "Grand Tree". "Grand Trees" have additional protections and must only be removed under specific conditions. When the City of Tampa has determined that a grand tree meets these conditions, a 14 day stay is mandated with a notice procedure which must be completed prior to the permit finally being issued. Mid Florida Tree Service has the experience to help you through this complex process. The additional protection of grand trees is also applicable to pruning & trimming. Mid Florida Tree Service will send an ISA Certified Arborist to determine if your tree is a "Grand Tree" and request the pruning permit if it is. Florida is a bit of a paradise with our warm weather and beautiful beaches. Our climate is perfect for growing fruit trees, ornamental trees and shade trees. One of our most popular shade trees is the Live Oak that can live well over a hundred years!
With a lifespan like that, you can imagine just how large they become. So, if a century old Live Oak or other large tree gets knocked over by a hurricane, tropical storm, or just an average afternoon thunderstorm, what's a person to do? You don't want just anyone with a chainsaw to start hacking away at it. You need a professional to assess the situation and come up with a safe plan to remove the downed tree while preventing additional damage to homes, cars or other property, and protecting the lives of anyone nearby. Mid Florida Tree Service has the experience and equipment required to handle this kind of job safely. If you have a downed tree in the Tampa Florida area, please call Mid Florida Tree Service and let their expert team handle this potentially dangerous situation, and keep you and your family safe. The Jones family, and their dedicated employees at Mid Florida Tree Service, have been providing professional tree services in and around Temple Terrace Florida for more than forty years. These services include pruning / trimming, fertilizing, removal, stump grinding and land clearing. Mid Florida Tree Service offers their services to individuals, companies and government agencies.
Mid Florida Tree Service staffs Certified Arborists to accurately identify the cause of distress in a tree and recommend a solution such as deep root fertilizer application, soil conditioners, strategic pruning, or if the tree is unrecoverable, they can write the Certified Arborist Affidavit that some municipalities require for removing some trees. If you have a home or business in Temple Terrace with a tree or limb down, or you have a sick tree that needs help or removal, or you just need to shape up an unattractive or overgrown tree, please consider calling Mid Florida Tree Service at 813-986-2258 |
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