Like us, trees are complex living organisms—beautiful, unique, and mortal. They are sensitive to their environments. They are susceptible to injury and disease. They, too, can get “sick”. Often, especially in urban landscapes, their ailments are abiotic—in other words, due to non-living causes. For example—a ruptured underground gas line permeates soil and enters a root system. Or the soil surrounding tree roots is compacted by heavy equipment during construction, becoming nearly as dense as solid rock. Maybe a tree’s leaves are yellowing as a result of mineral deficiency. Perhaps important roots were severed when your new driveway was installed. Or, as is often the case—maybe the tree has water issues. Too much, or too little.  

Then, there are biotic ailments—issues caused by other living organisms. These can include wood-rotting fungi, bark-boring beetles, insect infestations, bacterial diseases, vascular diseases (constricting water-conducting tissues), and more.

Whatever the cause, effects are often serious. Whether we see them as friends and family members, or simply an important part of our beautiful landscapes, these mostly-still, mostly-silent beings play a big role in our lives. In the “tree world,” my role is similar to that of a general physician: I help people understand what’s going on. From diagnosis to possible treatments, preventive care, and the occasional reference to a specialist, I ensure that all options are provided.

Sometimes, an ailing tree doesn’t catch one’s attention until it’s beyond saving. Unfortunate—but it happens. When this is the case, I’ll recommend site-compatible replacements, along with guidance for installation and future care.