This time of year, the call volume for sick trees seems equivalent to what I imagine it’s like at North Idaho Immediate care during cold and flu season. We try to help as many people over the phone as we are able. This is sometimes possible as there are many insect and disease issues that are easily diagnosed because they are very common. Take Black Knot disease on the Canadian Choke Cherry. I have weekly calls about it. The best description of the disease I have ever heard was from a customer. They described it as a growth on the limbs that looks, “just nasty! Like cat crap on a stick!” Very funny description but spot on as to what it looks like. Some customers will even email in photos of their tree’s problems. With well taken pictures, we can sometimes help identify certain issues. At a certain point however, a sick tree needs to be seen personally in its location to diagnose properly. This takes time, gas and labor thus it is a charged service.
For the next couple of weeks, I thought we could camp out on the general discussion of Tree diagnosis. These are some surefire rules and systematic approaches that are great tips for any homeowner interested in their landscape investment.
As we start this series let me leave you with a beginning thought. In the medical field, prognosis without diagnosis is malpractice and I feel it should be viewed similar in the field of Arboriculture. Further, treatment of a tree without proper diagnosis is completely illogical. So before spending money on a product or with a service for your trees, be sure to follow these articles the next few weeks. It may save you some money and arm you with enough information at least to better make an educated decision.
As always, for further questions, quotes or consultations, give us a call today!