This week our region has been hammered by intense thunderstorms and many clients have been calling regarding storm damage to trees and shrubs. Sometimes there is no forewarning about which trees in your yard may be vulnerable to high winds, but for others there are signs. Trees that are close to buildings, especially softwoods like pine and fir, are particularly susceptible to storm damage. Specimens with dead or dying limbs spell double trouble.  When you have a chance go outside and inspect your mature trees – do you see things that don’t look right to you?  If so, contact one of our arborists for a complimentary consultation.

The Color Purple May Save OUr Ash Trees!

Another question that has come up a lot is about the purple boxes hanging throughout the region near stands of mature ash trees. This year the VT Department of Agriculture and the USDA collaborated to hang 2200 traps to monitor any presence of the invasive and destructive Emerald Ash Borer. So far this destructive insect has not reached Vermont but if it does it will be absolutely devastating to our ash trees. The number one preventative measure is ‘DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD’!!! Firewood is a product that should be sourced locally to help keep hidden larvae from getting into the state. You cannot tell if wood is infected with a cursory examination so the best policy is to never import it for any reason.

Last but not least, due to the wet spring conditions we’ve had this year, anthracnose disease is affecting hardwoods such as maple, ash, sycamore and oak. The most noticeable symptom of the fungi is the  browning and curling of young leaves. The disease does not usually kill the trees but makes them unsightly and susceptible to other types of damage in the planted landscape.  We recommend protective measures performed in the fall to reduce potential exposure the following spring – our consulting arborist has more information: consulting@chippersinc.com.

Typical appearance of leaves infected with anthracnose (photo courtesy of VT Dept of Ag)