Constulting

Below you will find some of Central Texas Tree Care's common consulting subjects. If you do not find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.

T: 512.973.9090 or E: andy@centraltexastreecare.com

Ice Storms:

We are due for another one. I know I say this to you every year (like a broken record), but you have to admit, it's been a while since we had one. Properly maintained trees get less damage. This sounds obvious, but take a look at your trees:

Do the smaller, faster growing Live Oak trees look a little thick?

What about your Ashe Junipers (Cedars) or your larger Live Oaks?

Do you have good roof clearance?

Has it been 4-6 years since you had your trees inspected or attended to?

Cracked or overextended limbs are most susceptible to failure, as are weak crotches. If you are in doubt, call us out and we will tell you if you have any potential problem trees. You can't stop all the breakage, but can be significantly reduced, even negligibly so in most cases. If your trees keep their leaves through the winter, they are a target.

Aphids:

Aphids are s soft-bodied insect with no natural defenses. Because they are so susceptible to predators, they secrete a sticky sweet substance onto the leaves called honeydew. Ants feed on the honeydew and defend the aphids. Black sooty mold forms on the honeydew, and the leaf cells are covered, blocking sunlight. In addition, the Aphids have sucking mouth parts, and can have devastating effects on new tender growth. They also multiply faster then any other insect. They are typically easy to control in most cases, however on larger shrubs and some trees they can be more of a challenge. If you have had significant Aphid problems in the past year, especially on Arizona Ash or Crepe Myrtles, we recommend a systemic application with merit in January. It will control the pests for an entire year, but it takes a least 2 months to get into the system of the tree.

Oak Leak Caterpillars:

Spring is the time to consider Oak Leaf Caterpillar control. Oak Leaf Caterpillars feed on the tender new oak leaves after they begin forming in the Spring (March-April). They go after the Red Oaks first, often stripping the tree in 2-3 days. They have a much longer feeding cycle on the Live Oaks. The problem with these caterpillars is that in extreme circumstances, they often will continue to eat even the second flush of leaves. These severe and often continual defoliations often leave oaks more susceptible to other pests and diseases by starving the plants, and using most of the trees stored resources. Of course, poor rocky slopes, construction or additional contributing disease or stress problems are also a factor. These caterpillars come down from the trees on silk threads as they get larger, and can only properly controlled with a contract spray. We use a harmless bacteria called Conserve (a green product). It is selective (it kills only the caterpillars and not other beneficial insects) and it is highly effective. We have been using it effectively for years.