What Trees are up Against
InsectS
Insects can become pests when populations reach levels that threaten the health and/or aesthetic value of plants in the landscape.
Diseases
When plants are challenged with unsuitable environmental or physiological conditions they become susceptible to pathogens that can cause disease.
Poor soil
Soil composition and structure are basic building blocks for the health of every tree. Urban soils often suffer from lack of nutrients, poor water holding capacity, and lack of oxygen.
Signs of Tree Health Problems
Stunted/Reduced Growth
Discolored Foliage
(Grayish/bronze/yellowish green or straw colored)
Thinning out of canopy
(premature leaf drop)
Cankered stems
Death of individual branches
It takes all Three
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It takes all three factors for a disease or pest to infect a tree:
Pest - Disease or a pest must be present
Host - The tree needs to be a suitable species for the pathogen
Environment - The environment needs to be suitable for the pathogen or pest to thrive