Underwood & Associates, Plant Health Care Consultant

Sep 2015

On, September 1, 2015, I inspected a large Colorado Spruce at this address. It had severe dieback on lower branches. Those in the top had good color, although growth increments appeared to be less than normal. There was no sign of common disorders for the genus, such as Cytospora Canker (white deposits of dried sap at the base of dead branches) or Rhizosphaera Needle Cast (current needle growth present, but no 2 and 3 year needles) as multiple years needles were still on the live branches. The soil around the base is maintained as a planter bed and is extremely loose and dry. Soil probes indicated a large number of mole/gopher tunnels present in this area. The soil outside the planter bed is also extremely dry. Soil probes to 12 inches in this area showed no clay that would stick together within the profile. There is also a pronounced slope to the soil providing extremely good drainage, but not allowing for much infiltration even in heavy rains. As most roots of this species are concentrated near the base (to just beyond the branch tips) in the top 6 to 10 inches of the surface, I suspect that the cause of the decline is related to severe moisture stress. This tree is native to 6000 ft above sea level in the Rockies, growing in decomposed granite with roots in the drainage from higher elevation snow fields throughout most of the growing season. While many are planted on the plains, they are prone to stress as they mature. It is these distressed trees which are most susceptible to the previously mentioned diseases. In ND, we referred to this as “Spruce on the Prairie” disorder. Recommendations: Provide thorough watering at least 3 to 4 times per season with penetration to 12” depth. Aeration of the lawn will help natural rainfall penetrate, as grass can create a somewhat hydrophobic layer slowing infiltration. If the ground around the base can be kept packed down and well watered to “decrease” extreme aeration currently present, it may be possible to encourage roots to reestablish in this area. Heavy mulching with wood chips may help hold in moisture. Discouraging the critters in this area will also be advantageous. The moles are carnivores and eat basically grubs and earthworms. Gopher species will feast on the smaller, newer roots, which are what provide major water and nutrient absorption for the tree. Removal of lower dead branches will improve aesthetics of the tree.

$100

Lewistown, IL

Mar 2015

3-22-2015-- Started excavation of the raised flower bed that had been placed around the Norway maple in front yard. This is being done as it is keeping moisture around the trunk in the area 6-8 above the root flare. The bark in this area is designed to be in dry conditions, unlike that of the roots that must remain damp. Also there is a profusion of roots which have grown up into this area and are in the process of encircling the trunk. If left long enough these will girdle the tree and shut off flow of water and nutrients to the top, as well as carbohydrates (tree food) to the roots.

$250

Avon, IL

Oct 2014

Creation of a Landscape Owner's Manual for a homeowner. The site was inspected for any factors which may affect plant growth and health, both harmfully and beneficially. Areas were found where recent sidewalk construction had led to small piles of clay being left in the upper soil profiles. This creates poor drainage and conditions where crabgrass can out compete bluegrass. One large planting bed had been top dressed with a 4" layer of a heavy, bottomland organic type soil over the native soil with no incorporation. This has created an interface where there is limited water and air movement. The top layer stays excessively moist, while the lower layer is extremely dry. This lead to the demise of a nice magnolia, which had also been planted a little to deep initially. The Landscape Owner's Manual is on part of a Plant Health Care System which includes follow-up monitoring and detailed reports on both monitoring and treatments, which can be used in making future decisions. Many treatments, especially to trees, will not show total effects for 5 to 7 years.

$250

Lewistown, IL

Oct 2012

While working for Minot Park District, City Forestry Department, I was asked to look at a large White Spruce (Picea glauca) that had failed during a period of moderate wind. This was not extremely hard to diagnose as you can see in the photos. A new line had been installed from the phone pedestal to the house using a vibratory plow. This had cut the root system and been a factor in the tree failing. It will also be noticed that the tree was planted in an area where very limited topsoil was overlaid on a heavy clay. The clay was most likely heavily compacted during construction of the subdivision many years before. The tree roots had not penetrated much below the thin layer of black dirt that was added during the landscaping process. Again, the interface between the two was very severe as there was no gradual incorporation at time of installation. Had the soil depth been greater or the line bored in rather than plowed, the likelihood of failure would have been much less. The homeowner was concerned that the rest of the trees in the planting might fail. As this was the only one that had a cut made this close to the trunk and on the same side as the prevailing winds in the area, the likelihood of such future failures was not as severe. It can never be said that such a incident will not happen, we can only determine the likelihood based on evidence and past experience. It is important that the site were plants are to be installed, particularly trees, fit the plant's needs for continued growth and stability through out its life, whether that be 10 or 200 years.

$50

Peoria, IL

Mar 2012

While working as Lead Arborist for Minot Park District, City Forestry Department, I was asked to make recommendations for treatment for these Scotch Pines at a private residence. The only major changes on the property since the landscape was installed was some added construction on the house. The initial photo shows that the trees on each side were in decline, while the center tree seemed to be in good condition. You will also notice that the grass is greener around the center tree and very brown in the foreground. The second image points out the fact that this brown area was very flat and subject to late winter flooding from snow melt, as well as following heavy rains in the summer. A pool of water still stands to the right side of the photo. A soil probe shows that the clay layer left following construction had been covered with a thin layer of "black soil" to allow for seeding of the lawn. This layer was not incorporated into the lower horizon and an interface was created. This did not allow water to move easily in either direction creating a problem with excess moisture at times followed by increased dryness. The heavy clay also limits root growth due to lack of aeration. Trees can often adapt to this when they are young, but face stresses when the need for more extensive root systems increases with growth. Large existing trees can often take the stress of added topsoil during construction, but often fail in 5 - 7 years as their supply of stored energy is used up before the root system catches up with the changes. I suggested that the area around the center tree be aerated to aid in its survival. The two side trees subsequently died and were removed by the homeowner.

$50

Minot, ND

Jul 2009

In July of 2009 I was asked to examine a Zelkova tree which had been planted as a memorial at the Avon Cemetery. The center of the tree had died. Upon inspection, I found that tree wrap to prevent sunscald had been left on the tree for several years following planting and this led to the tree developing many upright branches. I removed the bad top and proceeded to shape the resulting branch attachment into a wide "U" to allow the tree to grow and develop a strong branch union. The photos show the tree before and during the work. They also show the tree 2, 3, and 5 years later. It has become big enough that the initial efforts have been hidden. It may become necessary to do some more work in the near future. I will be contacting the caretaker of the memorial in the coming months.

$150

Avon, IL

Jul 1989

This privet hedge is on the south side of the student center at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. The photo is taken in July 1989. You will notice that the hedge is lighter colored from just below the shadow on the wall to the taller section on the left and has little new growth in this area compared to the ends. What is the most likely cause of this? How would you treat the problem? Since the entire section of hedge is going out of condition at the same time, we know this is not a disease, but an environmental problem. In this case, the walk-in cooler for Hardee's is on the other side of the wall. The heat exchanger keeps this side of the wall very warm (and combined with July in IL) and dry. The shrubs just need a good watering. With privet hedge, recovery is overnight following a good soaking. 85% of all disorders that are referred to extension service at NDSU are not related to an insect or disease. Of the 15% that are, many are found in plants weakened by an environmental disorder.

$50

Macomb, IL

Mar 2015

I recently moved back to Avon after 23 years along the Canadian Border in central ND. I have inherited a lawn at my new home that has been neglected for many years and exhibits most of the problems I have come to expect in troubled landscapes. The soil has a lot of clay from the house construction, in the 60's and resulting poor drainage. There is a large Norway maple and Hackberry in the backyard that put deep shade on the lawn. The grass has been mowed as close as the mower would go, allowing weeds to take over in areas that are sunny, and nothing to grow in the deep shade. I do have a good crop of night crawlers which seem to be doing a fair job of aerifying parts of the property, the downside being that it is very uneven to walk on and mow. I will try to post photos as I go and regularly update the condition of the project. Hopefully this will help my future clients see what I am talking about when I make recommendations for their properties. I hope you join me for this ride and check back in every few weeks to see what (if anything) has changed. Bob March 21, 2015 - With nice weather, I started my project this after noon by raking the back yard thoroughly to get up sticks that may argue with the mower and also to level the night crawler castings from last season. I took some soil probes to see what I was dealing with and found a very heavy clay layer under most of the front lawn. I am sure this came out of the footings for the house (no basement) and were spread to level the property at the time of construction, as the soil in the back yard is much better. The pH of the soil was 6.5 or just slightly acid, which is excellent for trees and bluegrass. There is a smaller Norway maple in the front which has had a flower bed constructed around it in the past, I removed the landscape stones and plastic that had been put down for weed control. I will dig around the trunk to make sure no girdling roots have grown up into the 8" of soil that were added and also to check for any basal rot developing in the portion of the root flare which is designed to be high and dry. This has exhausted my energy for this day and the rest will be spent sitting on the front porch and watching traffic go by. Stay tuned.

Avon, IL

Apr 2015

Provided pruning, drainage, plant selection, and hardscape construction advise. Will return later to provide instruction on proper pruning and care of finished plantings.

$450

Metamora, IL