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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Transplanting Dogwood Trees

The late winter season is a great time to transplant your dogwood trees. Shrub Doctor moved this tree just the other day. We made a sequence of photos to record the proper procedures that we use to assure a successful transplant.  The first photo shows where we severed the roots for easy removal. We next found some great organic compost right under a willow oak, at the back of the property. This compost was mixed with the clay soil removed from the new tree site.  Note how we added a few rotting limbs to the bottom of the hole to help improve the fungi populations in the soil. You can find earlier posts that describe this procedure in more detail. We next fertilized the tree with our special blend of poultry manure and completed the planting with a slow deep soaking of the tree. We will continue to perform this same watering procedure about three times a week until we feel the tree can make it on its own. If you have any questions about transplanting your trees or shrubs give Shrub Doctor a call at 704-920-0290. We’ll be glad to give you advise to  assure that you too have a successful day in your garden.

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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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The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

Willow Oak Quercus phellos.  The Willow Oak is probably the most popular tree for urban planting and design. Charlotte NC has over 160,000 street trees; 16% of those are willow oak. Our willow oaks contribute to the beauty and esthetics of our city streets and neighborhoods. Besides their beauty, our willow oaks contribute to the health of our environment. Two mature willow oak trees can annually provide all the oxygen for a family of four while absorbing all the carbon from their two cars. A mature oak can also absorb, transport, and evaporate over 50 gallons of water each day. Willow oak trees are a member of the red oak family and can live well past 100 years old. The willow oaks within the urban areas of Charlotte are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Shrub Doctor Inc, can partner with you to keep your willow oak trees strong and healthy for many years to come. Our certified arborists will evaluate your trees and determine a plan to keep your investments in top condition. Call Shrub Doctor today at 704-920-0290 for more information on how our Save That Tree program can benefit your aging willow oak trees.

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