It can be upsetting to see our gentle outside dwelling friends have to go through a heavy snowfall or damaging storm. As the ones who care for them, we want nothing more then to help our trees in some way. It is hard to witness the load they have to endure with the weight of snow or ice on their out reached branches, forcing their branches sometimes past their limits. Can you prepare your trees and shrubs for unpredictable weather? Yes, you can. It starts with proper care and maintenance before the season hits. Make sure your trees are prepared to withstand such weather, by properly pruning for weight reduction and removal of hazardous, dead or weak branches. Consider Pruning branches away from structures as well, this is a great precautionary measure in the event that the the tree is unable to withstand sever weather. It maybe hard to resist, because of our desire to help our trees, but shaking the snow off trees is never a good idea. Shaking the tree can cause damage to the trees circulatory system, putting branches at risk of damage or complete breakage. If you must remove the snow from the branches it is best to lightly brush the snow off without putting extra stress on the limbs. It is always wise to proceed with caution, keep in mind branches may have already been compromised by the extra load of the snow, creating a potential hazard of them falling while snow is being removed. The unfortunate reality is the weight of the snow and ice has the potential of causing broken or damaged limbs. These limbs can pose a hazard to people and their property. If your tree has broken limbs, caused by the weight of the snow and ice, have it removed as soon as the weather allows. Be sure to inspect your upright evergreens and older trees after a snowstorm, because they can be hit the hardest by a heavy snowfall, undergoing sever damage. Be sure to inspect trees when conditions are safe and when in doubt call a professional; to assist with the inspection and remove any hazards safely. The Kings’ Tree Care, here for all your tree care needs! Providing services, with safety first! The Manchineel tree also known as Hippomane mancinella, which translates to “little apple that makes horses mad”, is one of the most poisonous trees found in Southern North America and Northern South America. Meet the Manchineel tree. The Manchineel Tree is a pleasant looking tree with greenish-yellowish fruit, that can be very deceiving. It will tempt you to touch it or try its fruit, but be warned, do not touch this tree or eat the fruit from this tree. All parts of the Manchineel tree are extremely poisonous, and can cause bodily harm. The fruit on this tree is described to be sweet and tasty, but are extraordinarily toxic. Causing severe stomach and intestinal issues, accompanied by inflammation and blistering around the month as well as inside the throat. These symptoms can carry on for several hours. It does not end there, do not take shelter from the rain under a Manchineel tree. Rain mixed with the sap (white and milky) or dust from one of these trees can create an acid like rain, delivering painful burn like blisters upon any contact with skin. Beware the dust and sap can cause temporary blindness as well, if your unfortunate enough to get it in your eyes. The sap from the Manchineel tree can be found all over the tree, including in the bark and leaves. So it is best to avoid touching this tree. Though the tree is considered the deadliest in North America, it's not all bad, the indigenous people use to use the sap, at the end of their arrows, for hunting and survival. Did you know! Brought to you by The Kings' Tree Care. Your Trees, Our passion. Like & follow us @treecarefortheking! Black knot disease (as shown in the picture), is a common disease caused by a fungus(Apiosporina morbosa). This disease is common among fruit trees, but mainly attacking plum and cherry trees. Black Knot Tree Disease Info Black knot disease is easily identified and diagnosed by its hard, uneven black galls that cocoon twigs and branches. The gall can be as little as an inch in length and as big as a foot in length. Older galls can become infested with a pinkish white mold. Black knot disease spreads in spring. On rainy days, the fungus releases spores which are carried on wind currents. If the spores happen to land on new spring growth of a susceptible tree, and especially if the tree is damp, the spores germinate and infect the tree. The disease is a slow developer and may go unnoticed a season or two. If left to grow, it effectively strangles new growth, girdling branches and dooming the tree to deterioration and poor fruit production. Insects and plant diseases use the galls as an entry to the tree. Black Knot Treatment
Pruning all branches with galls on them is a vital step when treating the disease. Because of the potential of the disease extend further into the tree, it is best to cut branches approximately 4 inches from the gall. Branches can still spread spores once they are cut so it is advised to dispose of branches appropriately. It is recommended once the branches are removed that the tree is treated with a suitable fungicide. Be sure to read and follow the instruction on the fungicide for effectiveness. The best time to remove branches with Black Knot disease is in late winter when the tree is dormant. Call Micah King at The Kings' Tree Care, (928)499-7111, for assistance in identifying, treating, and preventing black knot and other tree diseases. Follow us @treecarefortheking or checkout our Facebook page for more helpful tips! |
Micah King/ OwnerWith 12 years of experience and extensive climbing ability, I can guarantee the quality of my work. Archives
April 2020
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