Waterloo Tree Services: Problems That May Occur With Trees in Late Summer

At the end of a long, warm growing season of full green foliage, trees can sometimes develop problems as the weather becomes cooler. Properly caring for them by hiring a tree service in Waterloo can help your trees come back stronger next year. Read more below to learn about warning signs such as leaves that change colours too soon, and the presence of galls caused by unwelcome insects and pests. 

1. Leaves Changing Colour Too Soon 

Mid-October is the typical time to see trees changing their green leaves to charming patterns of yellow and red. If you start to see this happening in August or September, however, there may be cause for concern. Leaves that turn early may be developing a disease or experiencing stress. 

Diseases That Can Affect Trees 

Notice especially if your leaves have dark spots and are fraying. This is a prime indicator of diseases such as anthracnose. One way to help a sick tree is to make sure all the leaves are raked up and disposed of away from your yard. If old, diseased leaves are left on the ground or mulched into your lawn, the disease seeps into the soil and the roots of the tree, where it will return next season. 

Leaves can also develop “tar spots” which is a sign of a fungal disease. These spots do not usually threaten the overall health of the tree, but they are unsightly. They are dark spots that look like tar but are actually a form of fungus. When these leaves fall, the fungus dies, thus making it less of a concern than other diseases. Simple pruning techniques can remove the unsightly leaves and leave the rest of the tree to thrive beautifully. 

Indicators of Tree Stress 

Trees can experience stress at all levels of their organism, from the root ball to the trunk, bark, branches, and leaves. If the summer has been unusually hot and dry, trees may become stressed and lose their leaves early. If you notice the leaves turning immediately from green to brown, with no colour gradient in between, it could be a sign of dehydration. Consider adding a soaker hose to the base of your tree, to alleviate some of its stress. The trunk and roots will absorb and store the water that Mother Nature is not currently providing. 

Overcrowding is also a source of tree stress. It is wise to prune your trees regularly so their branches and leaves are not competing for sunlight and nutrients. If you see a lot of dead branches in the midsection of your tree, it may be overshadowed by a larger tree and unable to complete photosynthesis. 

2. The Presence of Galls 

Galls are often caused by wasps, mites, termites, and other pests that attach themselves to trees. Look for brown lumpy balls attached to the tree stump. Inside of these is usually an insect. It is usually okay to leave these galls alone, especially in late summer when the resident inside has already left. The most important risk factor is whether the galls indicate a true infestation. Look up a professional arborist or tree service near me to determine what needs to happen with the galls. 

Rely on Martin’s Tree Service in Waterloo for Expert Arbour Care 

We have over 12 years of experience helping your trees stay healthy and beautiful. Local to Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph, residents and business owners alike trust us for diagnosing tree problems and helping them thrive. We know how to assess disease and stress and can create a customized plan for beautifying your landscape. Reach out to us today to request a quote and a free consultation.