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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Curbside Azalea

About two years ago I found several azaleas thrown into a pile by the side of the road. They were all very weak and drying out. I took about 10 of them home and repotted them. Since then I have given them all away but this one. After only a few seasons this azalea is doing great. No one would ever know it was a shrub that was saved from the landfill. M. Tally.

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Decline of Oak Tree

Here’s an example of an oak tree that is experiencing serious stress due to its new urban environment. You will notice the small sprouting branches along its trunk, and the dead limbs in its crown.  Not many years ago this tree was thriving in the forest. Urban development cleared away the other trees and left this one in the landscape. This tree has survived the removal of its organic top soil, heavy grading and change of topography, and the construction of this house. The tree now experiences competition with the turf, compacted soil, and a serious reduction of organic nutrition.

Shrub Doctor is regularly contacted to help trees in this state of stress. Our certified arborists will assess the health of the tree, recommend  removal of limbs and dead wood from the crown, and treat the tree with our organic nutrients to restore its health and promote root growth.  Shrub Doctor has over ten years experience restoring the health of Charlotte’s prized trees.  Call Shrub Doctor today for a free evaluation of your tree’s health.  Contact us at 704-490-2000. Our doctors still make house calls.

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Long-Term Affects of Gloomy Scale Activity

I have been watching this maple tree outside our office warehouse lately. Notice how there is no foliage emerging within its canopy. Only the tips of the limbs have leaves. In a previous post I showed photos of its bark and the multiple layers of bark scale insects that are feeding on the sap of the tree. Underneath these small bumps is a scale insect that is continually feeding on the sap of the tree. Overtime these insects multiply until they so overwhelm the tree that foliage cannot emerge from the limbs. The scale insects slowly migrate up into the canopy of the tree. This tree is experiencing the advanced stages of a scale insect infestation. Sadly, many urban maple trees around the city of Charlotte are infested with bark scale. Shrub Doctor often notices that many dense neighborhoods with heavily planted maple trees have this condition. If left untreated, this photo will be the result. Shrub Doctor has performed many bark scale treatments this season. We can save your trees from gloomy scale. Give us a call today to learn more about this problem and how Shrub Doctor can save your trees. Shrub Doctor Inc. has ISA Certified Arborists on staff to evaluate the health of your trees. Give us a call today at 704-920-0290.

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