Houston Tree Expert Says Damage to Lawns and Trees Due to Current Drought Could be Severe

July 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Houston is experiencing one of the worst droughts it has faced in decades and meteorologists are forecasting more record temperatures in coming days. The city is behind 16 - 20 inches in rainfall totals and this is causing havoc to landscapes and trees.

Experts warn that unless the trend is reversed, residents of the Lone Star State will face threats to one of the biggest investments on their properties; their trees.

According to Louis Flory, owner and licensed arborist at Ability Tree Experts, one of the state’s largest tree care professionals, the trees are at risk of irreparable damage from these extreme drought conditions. “Now is the time for immediate action in order to save your significant investment.”

He said that besides the extreme stress your trees face due to the drought, they can become vulnerable to secondary complications from insects and disease. “Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright, but set it up for more serious insect and disease infestations in following years.”

The Houston Texas Arborist warns that trees may already be showing signs of damage “including brown leaves, wilting leaves and leaf shedding.  In conifers, drought conditions may cause yellowing and browning of the needle tips” but the professional tree service expert said that does not mean the trees need to be removed.

They can be revived and taken care of, he said, adding that tree service and lawn maintenance professionals like Ability Tree Experts have the knowledge and expertise to reverse the damage.

Mr. Flory warned that residents should seek help for their trees and lawns immediately upon noticing any damages because waiting longer would only cause the damage to the trees to worsen.

“Trees that are stressed and unhealthy are more susceptible to insect problems.  Attacks from boring insects that live inside the bark and outer wood are more frequent in dryer years than normal wetter years.”  

When asked what homeowners can do to protect their investments, Mr. Flory advised homeowners to begin watering their trees three to four times per week within the “drip-line” of the trees.

“Supplemental watering of trees should be timed to increase the wet time of the trees to help them recover water and minimize insect problems.”

Mr. Flory recommends that Houston homeowners prune their trees during drought years to remove dead and weakened branches, and improve structure and limb stability. “Professional spraying application of your trees can also help prevent insect problems and promote long term health of your trees”, he added.

Having the trees on a “Deep Root Fertilizing” program will encourage a vigorous healthy root system, according to Mr. Flory.
Prolonged stress of your trees due to the record heat and drought may require more professional care and attention. Mr. Flory advises that you consult your local arborist or tree care professionals, like Ability Tree Experts of Houston, to help develop a proactive line of defense to protect your property.

Ability Tree Experts, Houston’s leading tree professionals, has been helping Houston area property owners for over 34 years maintain healthy, happy trees and keep their properties biggest investment sound.

About Ability Tree Experts

Houston, Texas based tree trimming and maintenance specialists (http://abilitytrees.com),  Ability Tree Experts is a member of the National Arborist Association. With over 30 years’ experience  in tree maintenance, they are specialists in complete tree maintenance and service including tree care, tree trimming, tree branch removal, tree pruning, tree planting, tree fertilizing, disease and pest control, tree cavity work, tree spraying, tree cabling and pre-construction consultation.

Contact Ability Tree Experts
Louis Flory
Ability Tree Experts, LLC
Tel: 281-441-4179
Fax: 281-441-9577
Houston Tree Trimming Experts and Specialists  - Ability Tree Experts (http://www.abilitytrees.com)