What’s Wrong with My Tree?
When your tree begins to decline, there is a wide variety of issues and diseases that could be keeping your tree from thriving. If you suspect a pest or disease problem on your tree, thoroughly investigate the tree for signs. Even if you don’t suspect anything, you should look over your trees a few times a year just to be safe. Look for signs of disease or pests such as deformed leaves or holes from insect feeding. Examine the trunk and branches for discoloration or disruption, small holes, or sap leaking. Check the ground around the root system for environmental conditions like rodent damage, toxic chemicals, or root compaction.
Common Tree Problems in Middle TN
Lack of Mineral Recycling and Nutrients
Drought Effects
Improper Pruning, Trimming, and Cutting
Tree Insect Infestation
Tree Fungal Diseases
Soil Compaction
Lawn Mowers, Motorized Equipment, and Bark Damage
University of Tennessee Plant Disease Clinic has resources to help you identify what is wrong with your tree including:
Plant disease and insect ID
Soil fertility analysis
Plant tissue nutrient analysis
Emerald Ash Borer in Nashville
It all started when…
...the Emerald Ash Borer migrated in packing materials from Asia. First discovered in Detroit, Michigan, in 2002, the pest has already destroyed millions of trees in 30 states and has been spotted in Davidson County.
What does an ash tree look like?
What to do?
You have a few options - TREAT, REMOVE, or LEAVE IN PLACE. Treating ash trees by trunk injection is the best method; you do not have to cover your yard or drill through the tree, which is damaging. Removing ash trees is recommended for infested trees that could pose a public hazard or for treatments that could be cost-prohibitive. Only leave an infected ash tree in place if it will not cause any damage to people or property when it falls. Based on the characteristics of ash wood, the direction of the fall is unpredictable. In any of the above cases, contact a certified arborist to develop the best plan to save your tree.
Resources
Emerald Ash Borer segment on the Volunteer Gardener
Emerald Ash Borer in Davidson County
Trees in Trouble documentary. Contact trees@nashvilletreefoundation.org if your organization would like to borrow this 30-minute video from our library for your public meeting.
State on Tennessee, Division of Forestry, Emerald Ash Borer FAQ