Are Your Trees Healthy? Look at the Leaves!

BUTLER, Wis. - May 25, 2022 - PRLog -- Trees can't talk … but their leaves tell us plenty about how they're feeling.

Most trees have green leaves. A dark hue indicates good health. A full canopy of dark green leaves is worth celebrating. Leaves that are discolored or, worse yet, dried and brown, tell a different tale.

"Leaves that are pale, or a lighter shade of green, often indicate a nutrient deficiency," said Myron Dorshak, owner of Dorshak Tree Specialists. "Soils in southeastern Wisconsin are primarily clay, and have a pH higher than 7. This alkaline quality can make it difficult for certain trees to absorb nutrients they need to stay healthy. Most trees in our area, such as oaks, red maples and some birches, need a pH less than 7."

Soil pH is difficult to change. Needed tree nutrients, such as iron and manganese, can often be injected into soil for trees to absorb. If the soil is uncooperative, they can be injected directly into trees.

Brown, dried-up leaves indicate a tree in serious trouble, and needing immediate attention. An inspection is also advisable if a tree has numerous dead limbs, or ones larger in size.

Leaves can sometimes lead to trees' destruction in storms. A fully leafed-out tree risks a "sail effect" during heavy wind and rain. A thick leaf canopy catches the wind, creating pull on the tree - if ground is saturated, the force can heave a tree's root ball and topple the entire tree.

"Trees should be inspected for hazards, and pruned to reduce the chances of serious damage to them and surrounding property," Dorshak said. "This goes beyond removing dead limbs. Structural pruning directs proper tree growth, leading to appealing shape, a full leaf canopy and improved long-term health."

Arborists are able to diagnose trees' health issues (https://www.dorshaktree.com/diseased-trees), often using leaf colors as a primary indicator, and make a "prescription" to restore good health. Dorshak Tree Specialists, with a team of Certified Arborists (https://www.dorshaktree.com/certified-arborists), does not charge for inspections or tree diagnostics, nor estimates for tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding and other services.

Dorshak Tree Specialists is a consumer favorite, earning a first-place honor in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top Choice Awards 2021.

Founded in 1986, Dorshak Tree Specialists brings certified arborists to inspect and evaluate every project, whether tree trimming or removal, stump grinding, planting, treatments or diagnoses. The family-owned company is a multi-year Super Service Award winner with Angie's List, and accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. More information is available by calling (262) 783-8733, visiting www.dorshaktree.com or following the company on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DorshakTree/).