Tree Troubles Tough RUTGERS. N.J. When county residents bring samples from trees taht are in trouble to the Extension Center we may tv may not be able to pinpoint the cause. If a disease or insect is affecting the foliage or twigs, we can usual ly identify it and make a recom mendation on what to do about it Often the recommendation is simply reassurance that the prob lem is not serious and not a threat to the life of the tree. But tree troubles are often far more complex than simple disease or insect damage to foliage. Many problems are not related to dis eases or insects at all. Conditions affecting the roots and trunk can not be detected examining a small branch or leaf sample. Trees that are in trouble and are valuable in the landscape or may present a ha zard in the landscape will general ly need to be evaluated on site by trained arborists or other tree care specialists. B§at tk* heat. Cut Hu ** . " x; '>■» ' • * mm mm mm ». _ - - opt opt Opt opt opt opt opt std std apt opt & MASSEY PERGUSOM " ' it runs nlr hi I ir li ini it Itl ul \ rlli \m n i 1, , |,h\un I rp nti n Duluth I \ . s <“i- : jV: s •< f'' V * JV To Treat Has the soil level around the tree been changed within the last several years? Most potentially devastating are additions of soil over the root area of trees. As little as two inches or heavy soil has been known to kill sensitive trees. Has the tree been subject to drought within recent years? Most of us would answer yes to this question. Cycles of drought and wet over the last decade are cer tainly taking their toll throughout the region. Is the tree in an area of poor wa ter drainage? Have any recent changes in the general area possi bly affected the run off or water table in the area? Areas of known poor drainage limit the varieties of trees that are suitable. Changes in water conditions in the soil can drastically affect the root health of sensitive trees. Might the tree have girdling root? Maples are most subject to this condition in which a root or p Minim Uinrsnt 11 801 rxp. v.r ' HN6i«as w»««nww . Wm ..-MM , '4 ? ♦ j ' /S < ♦ s % ■V* root strangles other roots or the trunk. Girdling roots may or may not be visible. Diagnosing and correcting girdling root is a job for trained tree specialists. This list of possible causes of tree troubles could go on and on. Some others: septic tank near tree, lightening strike, gas line, leak, herbicides, air pollution, and weed wackers and mowers. Also, wires, cords, etc. around trunk, tempera ture extremes, tree is of borderline hardiness, road salt, soil compac- CLEANUP SHHL TERRITORY. The RE 102 K Pressure Washer is great for cleaning any territory. It can clean your car, boot, deck or driveway. RE 102 K PRESSURE WASHER STIHL Available at these servicing dealers Bechtalsvllla PASSMORE SERVICE CENTER, INC. 11M Rout* 100 610-367-9084 Pallastown TRI-BORO CONCRETE, INC. 435 Locum St 717-246-3098 1-800-632-9013 East Earl GOODS LAWN & GARDEN CENTER Routa 23 717-354-4026 Ext. 34 Elizabethtown MESSICK FARM EQUIPMENT, INC. Rhaama EtH-RL 253 EHzabathtown, PA 717-367*1319, 717-653-6867 Elm/Lebanon BOMBERGER’S LAWN ft GARDEN Elm: 717-664-4663 labarwn: 717-272-4155 EDhrata WES STAUFFER Oxford ENGINES ft EQUIPMENT ENFIELD EQUIPMENT “ V, " ,y R