Feeding Charlotte’s Giant Oaks

As you drive along Sharon Road in Charlotte you will notice several mature Willow Oak Trees that line the road. These trees were originally planted as part of the Morrison farm and estate, back at the turn of the last century. What was once a farm is now called South Park. Yes, South Park Mall and much of its commercial and residential areas were once sprawling farmland. These trees originally lined the once country lane called Sharon Road.  Shrub Doctor was recently asked to assess the health of four of these mature trees. Shrub Doctor recommended that the trees first be pruned of all dead and dying limbs. After the trees were pruned,  rich organic nutrients were provided to each tree via deep root fertilization. Our mature trees are a Charlotte treasure yet they are undergoing severe stress due to drought, overcrowding, canker worms, and damages brought on by construction.  Shrub Doctor has addressed this problem with its annual fertilization program, where these mature trees are supplied with rich organic nutrients each year.  Shrub Doctor has ISA Certified Arborists on staff to assess the  heath of your trees. Contact Shrub Doctor today to learn more about how your trees can receive our personal care and special attention so they will continue to provide you joy in the generations ahead.

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Jack O’Lantern Mushrooms

Shrub Doctor was called assess the health of this oak tree yesterday. Normally mushrooms and fungal conks growing at the base of a tree indicate advanced stages of root decay. In this case, the tree was in perfect health.

These Jack O’lantern mushrooms are actually living off of the decaying mulch and leaf debris surrounding the tree. Jack O’lantern mushrooms get their name from the strange glow that is emitted from their underbelly. Jack O’lantern mushrooms contain a substance similar to that of a lightning bug, causing the areas around the mushroom to emit a faint glow in darkness.

If you see mushrooms growing around the base of your trees, call Shrub Doctor immediately. Not all assessments of basal fungi end in good news. Our ISA Certified Arborists will provide you a clear and accurate assessment of your trees so you will have a better understanding of the health of your landscape.

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Saving the Lives of Dying Trees

Shrub Doctor was recruited by a large church in Huntersville, NC  to save the maple trees on their campus. Shrub Doctor identified 72 trees that were suffering from dehydration, lack of nutrition, and advanced infestation of gloomy scale insects. These trees are installed within the small islands of the campus parking areas. Excessive heat and lack of moisture has caused severe decline, requiring several trees to be removed prior to treatment. Shrub Doctor immediately recommended a routine watering schedule to assure proper hydration followed by a three-step restoration treatment.  A 1000 gallon watering truck has been acquired by the church to begin a scheduled watering program. Last week Shrub Doctor performed restoration treatments to the trees including deep root fertilization, treatments to kill insect infestations, and treatments to regulate the future growth of the trees. Going forward, the church  volunteers will follow Shrub Doctor’s watering and fertilization recommendations to help their trees make a full recovery.

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Smooth Patch Fungus on Oak

Shrub Doctor noticed a good example of  smooth patch fungus activity on this tree today. Also known as white patch, this fungus decomposes the corky outer bark layer of the tree. Since the patch fungus only invades the nonliving outer bark tissues, no harm is done to the tree. Smooth patch is one of many natural occurrences that can be found in our landscapes. No treatments are needed, and your tree should recover over the future seasons. If you notice concerns with your trees and shrubs within your landscape give Shrub Doctor a call. One of our ISA Certified Arborists will be glad to schedule a visit and provide solutions that will keep your plants healthy and vigorous for many years to come.

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Regulating the Growth of a Tree

Shrub Doctor was given a unique challenge yesterday with providing a long-term sustainable solution for this Willow Oak tree. The tree has no space to grow in this backyard patio area. Shrub Doctor’s solution was a tree growth regulation treatment. This treatment reduces the growth of the tree’s canopy  and redirects its energy towards the production of a more fibrous root system. More fine roots mean more nutrient uptake, and a more efficient ability to absorb moisture. With its limited area for both, this tree needs all the help it can get. If you have a tree in a restricted area give Shrub Doctor a call. Our certified arborists will evaluate your tree and provide you with a long-term solution that provides a more sustainable future for your tree and landscape.

 

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Treating Tea Scale on Giant Camellia Shrubs

We took the opportunity the other day to treat a grove of huge camellia shrubs that were infested with scale insect activity. Shrub Doctor has had great success killing scale infestations with horticultural oil and our backpack fogging machine. We blast the oil into the canopy of the shrubs suffocating the scale. We have used this non-toxic method to control scale activity with our customers for many years. If you have a scale insect problem, call Shrub Doctor at 704-920-0290. We will promptly visit your landscape and get your landscape back in control.

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White Oak -Trunk Damage

Shrub Doctor was called to assess and treat this white oak tree. It appears that a tree service has removed several lower limbs in the past years yet did not properly cut the limbs back to the collar of the tree trunk. Over the years minor rotting has occurred underneath the remaining limb of the tree.  Shrub Doctor stripped away the bark, removed the decayed wood, and killed the existing populations of insects that were harbored in the wound area.  After cleaning the wounded area, an orange rind oil was applied to the wound to minimize future decay. The orange oil will soak into the wound and reduce further insect activity. During future seasons the tree will slowly close this wound. Shrub Doctor will monitor the healing process and keep the customer informed with its progress.

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