As autumn kicks in and a new array of responsibilities appear, landscape professionals begin to prepare their crews and clients for taking the necessary steps to protect trees, bushes, and plants from the elements of winter as well as common things like leaf blight and to ensure each returns to brilliance when spring arrives.
Trees are the most valuable and critical elements of any landscape. Specific treatments during the weeks before winter ensure that they are not affected by the fungal spores that cause leaf blight.
What is Leaf Blight?
Leaf blight, more scientifically known as Anthracnose, is caused by fungus growth on twig and leaf tissue and is particularly prevalent in wet climates. Usually developing in springtime, the fungus causes considerable leaf damage and early loss. Many trees are susceptible to one or more species of Anthracnose. These include oak, ash, maple, hickory, elm, linden, birch, walnut, sycamore, and dogwood.
Early detection can save later problems. The condition is noted by red or tan lesions that develop on the leaf edges and veins. If the problem has progressed, an abnormal amount of leaf loss for the time of the season will indicate the problem.
Best Time for Anthracnose Treatments
While spring applications are useful, a fall treatment will work well to prevent an early emergence of the fungus condition. Fall applications work better for most professional landscapers since springtime schedules are so densely booked.
Also, if the tree already shows signs of leaf blight, picking up and removing all leaves, twigs, and fallen branches surrounding the tree during the fall is essential to eliminating the fungus from the area.
Fall pruning of old limbs and dead wood will also help prevent the occurrence or a relapse of the condition along with a fall application of industry recognized and proven fungicide chemicals, injections, or sprays to clear up the problem and ensure healthy spring leaf growth.
Ensure trees have the proper amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer to keep them strong enough to withstand a fungus attack as weakened trees are most susceptible.
ProLine™ Tree Handling Equipment
Heritage Oak Farm has been a key player in the tree management business for several decades. Through their broad experience in the industry, they have invested their time and labor to create their money-saving ProLine equipment for tree handling, transporting and planting.
One essential piece of ProLine equipment specifically designed for landscapers and tree farms is the patented ProLine GRABBER. The GRABBER has a unique paddle design which eliminates trunk or ball damage while retrieving healed-in or in-ground B&B stock.
For more information, visit the ProLine website or call 1-888-288-5308.