If you have been following along in this series, we have been working through action steps to get to the answer of what is wrong with my tree. We begin with the fundamental step of properly identifying what kind of tree we are looking at. The following step is understanding what normal growth/behavior for the tree is so we can then clearly describe what is abnormal. Next, we gather as much information as we can about the site and its history. After this step we look closer at the abnormality making sure we are not simply stopping at symptoms of stress and jumping to hasty diagnosis. When we are sure that we have reached the core issue, then we can properly research to find the “fix.” Keep in mind, sometimes there is no “fix.” No solution or treatment. Today however I want to talk about what to do if you arrive at the very end of the action steps and there is no clear diagnosis. Your stumped, and do not feel bad. Arborist often end here in the uncomfortable land of puzzlement. Here are a few tips that may give you a final push past this spot. Pull back and look around you for the same anomaly in your surroundings. Look for the same symptoms in another area down the street or neighboring yard. This may tell you about a broader issue that other trees of the same variety are facing, and you can get to the answer that way. Sometimes you need to look much closer and make note of little details such as browning out of the leaves. Are the leaves browning out from the tips or from the base of the leaf toward the tips? That subtle difference is difference between diagnosing overwatering vs underwatering. One final tip. Look for patterns or the lack of them. Is the anomaly spread throughout the tree or only on one side? These few extra questions and notations just may be the key to solving the mystery. More final thought next week as we wrap up this series, and as always, for further questions, quotes and consultations, give us a call today.
