The spring season is well underway by now. You can tell by the warming temperatures and sprouting foliage and blooms (allergies, anyone?) While your itchy eyes and a stuffy nose may be irritating, there’s no denying that spring is one of the most beautiful times of year here in East Tennessee. Trees will soon be full of foliage once again. But what happens if your tree isn’t sprouting leaves or the tree canopy has bare spots? Don’t fret! Our ISA-certified arborists in Kingsport share on the blog today why some trees don’t sprout leaves and what you can do about it.
Why don’t trees sprout leaves sometimes?
Discovering bare spots in your tree can be disheartening, but the sooner you discover the cause, the better off your tree will be. Bare foliage can be caused by insects, disease, or a lack of nutrients in the soil. And sometimes, severe weather changes, like what we experience this time of year, could impact a tree’s foliage. But here are some other reasons your tree’s foliage may not be as full as you expect.
Borer Insects
Unfortunately, borer insects like beetles and caterpillars are common in our area. While we don’t want to get rid of them entirely, you should keep a close eye on your landscape and trees to prevent an infestation from totally destroying your plants. You might have a borer insect infestation if you notice tiny holes along the tree’s trunk, which weakens the tree, causing bare spots.
Stress from the Weather
East Tennessee is no stranger to severe storms this time of year. The temperatures drastically change from below freezing during the night to mild temperatures during the day, which stresses trees and plant life. While you can’t control the weather, just be aware of these changes and know that the environment could impact your tree’s canopy.
Soil Compaction
Soil compaction can occur due to heavy foot traffic or from leaving heavy objects like playground equipment or lawn furniture on your lawn. While you might not be able to avoid this entirely, be mindful of where you store heavy objects. Avoid storing heaving equipment right next to a tree. You can still position swings or benches under the canopy to maximize the tree’s shade, just don’t store heavy things right next to the tree trunk, which could compact the soil. Also, direct foot traffic in designated areas, not on top of the soil directly covering the tree’s root system.
What can I do if my tree’s canopy is thin?
If you notice your tree’s canopy is thinning, the first step is to identify the cause. This can be done with a tree health evaluation by a certified arborist in Kingsport. At Promier Tree, our tree care pros can determine if your tree is diseased or is suffering from an insect infestation and then provide solutions to the problem. Additionally, we recommend routine health checks and pruning your trees annually. Routine pruning promotes growth and helps keep your trees healthy. You can also add about 2-4 inches of mulch around the base of your tree to protect its root system, retain moisture, and add nutrients to the soil. However, avoid piling mulch up around the base of the tree as this could cause damage.
Professional Arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol
Trees add aesthetic beauty to any property, as long as they are well cared for and healthy. Maintain your trees properly by calling Promier Tree at (423) 765-2626. We offer complimentary consultations for your tree care needs!