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Guide to Leaf Discoloration: What Does Each Color Mean?

As the seasons shift and the beauty of fall fades, your trees and plants may still be showing signs of stress through their leaf color. While the vibrant hues of autumn are behind us, understanding leaf discoloration year-round is crucial for maintaining the health of your trees. Not all color changes are natural; sometimes, discolored leaves can signal underlying issues that need attention.

Your plant leaves communicate critical messages about their overall wellness. By learning to read these color signals, you’ll become a tree health detective, catching potential issues before they become major problems.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves are also known as your plant’s distress signal. When plant leaves start turning yellow, it’s time to pay close attention. Leaf yellowing often indicates nutrient deficiency, suggesting your tree isn’t getting the plant food it desperately needs. This could stem from poor soil conditions, inadequate drainage, or root stress.

Indoor plants and outdoor trees alike can experience yellowing from multiple factors. Poor air circulation or overwatering can trigger this color change. Spider mites and scale insects might also contribute to this yellowing nightmare. Your whole plant might be struggling, sending out urgent messages through its leaves.

Brown Leaves: The Warning Signs of Serious Trouble

Brown leaves are a red flag for potential plant health catastrophes. When leaves transform into crispy brown versions of themselves, you’re witnessing potential root rot, heat stress, or severe nutrient deficiencies. Affected leaves might indicate your plant’s roots are experiencing significant trauma.

Mushy roots, stunted growth, and leaf drop are additional symptoms accompanying brown discoloration. Too much sun, inadequate watering, or inconsistent plant care can accelerate this browning process. Your tree might be screaming for help.

White Leaves: Powdery Mildew and Lack of Chlorophyll

If your leaves look dusty or pale, powdery mildew might be the culprit. This fungal disease thrives on leaves when there’s poor air circulation and high humidity. White leaves can also point to a lack of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. To fix this, focus on the plant’s environment. Make needed adjustments after consulting with a professional tree service like All About Trees.

Purple Leaves: Cold Stress or Soil Imbalance

Purple leaves are a striking sight but might be a warning that your tree is stressed. Cold stress is a big cause, especially in sensitive ericaceous plants. It might also point to nutrient deficiency, particularly a lack of phosphorus. Test your soil and make sure it’s balanced. Using the right plant food can help your plant focus on regaining its natural color. If purple leaves persist, check for scale insects or spider mites, which might be adding to the stress.

When Leaves Speak, You Listen

Trees are living, breathing organisms that are constantly communicating their condition. By paying attention to leaf colors, you’re becoming a proactive caretaker. Each color change tells a story about water, nutrients, light, and overall environmental conditions.

If you notice yellowing leaves, brown leaves, or signs of root stress, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Check your tree’s condition regularly and take action when you see something unusual.

All About Trees is here for all homeowners in Springfield, MO, who want to keep their plants and trees in top shape. From plant health care and tree trimming to shrub care and tree-cutting solutions, we’ve got you covered. Worried about your trees? Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy your healthy, thriving green space.

How to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

Winter can be a harsh season for trees, especially those in residential landscapes. The drop in temperature, icy winds, and heavy snow can take a toll, causing physical damage, stressing their root systems, and increasing vulnerability to diseases and pests. Preparing your trees for winter is essential to help them survive and thrive.

All About Trees is here to help you protect and nurture your trees, from the sturdy oak in the front yard to the delicate newly planted tree. We have the know-how to make winter a little easier for your green companions, and with our range of tree services, including tree pruning and more, your yard is guaranteed to be geared up for cold weather.

Why Winter Preparation Is Important for Your Trees

Tree preparation for the colder months goes beyond basic yard work since trees experience significant stress during this time. Frost, fluctuating temperatures, and snow cover can damage branches, bark, and roots. Young and newly planted trees are especially vulnerable, lacking the strong root systems and thick bark of mature trees. Without adequate protection, winter conditions can stifle fall root growth, leaving trees weaker by spring.

Preparing your trees involves measures to reduce winter stress and help them retain their health and stability. Winter tree protection focuses on reducing the impacts of snow, freezing temperatures, and cold air while supporting the tree’s trunk, branches, and root system.

Protecting Against Winter Stress

Problems caused by winter strain can take months, even years to heal, which is why being proactive is your best bet at avoiding them. Here are some strategies to protect your trees from winter stress:

Bark Protection and Insulation

Tree bark can suffer damage from rapid temperature changes. On a cold winter day, the bark may face direct sun exposure, causing it to warm up quickly. When the sun sets or a cloud passes, the bark temperature drops rapidly. This fluctuation can lead to cracks or sunscald, especially on the trunk.

To shield bark from extreme temperatures, consider plastic tree guards or tree wrap. These materials help regulate temperature around the tree’s trunk and prevent sunscald, especially for young trees and those newly planted. Wrap saplings in the fall and keep the wrap on until the risk of cold air and temperature fluctuations has passed.

Root Protection with Mulch

Mulching is another effective way to protect the root system from freezing temperatures. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps insulate the soil and maintains a steady soil temperature. This insulation reduces the impact of cold air on roots and promotes fall root growth, which is crucial for a tree’s long-term stability.

When mulching, cover the ground in a circle extending a few feet beyond the tree’s canopy. Avoid piling mulch against the tree’s trunk to prevent rot. Mulch can also act as a barrier, retaining moisture and preventing soil erosion around roots during winter months.

Avoiding Branch Breakage from Snow and Ice

Snow and ice add weight to tree branches, especially in trees with broad canopies. Heavy snow can cause limbs to crack or even break, harming the tree’s structure and exposing it to disease. To protect trees from heavy snow, gently brush snow off branches with a broom. Avoid shaking branches, as this can cause more harm than good.

For those who live in areas prone to ice storms, consider applying anti-desiccant sprays, which create a barrier to reduce water loss. While this doesn’t prevent snow buildup, it helps the tree retain moisture, which can help offset winter stress.

Improving Tree Health

A tree’s ability to withstand winter depends largely on its overall health. Here’s how you can boost tree health before winter sets in:

Fertilizing in the Fall

Fertilizing trees in the fall helps replenish essential nutrients. Healthy soil promotes stronger roots, supporting trees through the winter months. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can stimulate new growth, which is vulnerable to cold.

Pruning for Structural Integrity

Pruning trees in late fall or early winter reduces the chances of limbs breaking under the weight of snow. Removing dead, weak, or overlapping branches supports a healthy structure, which is vital for trees when subjected to winter storms.

Safety Considerations

Safety is another critical component of winter tree preparation. Dead or damaged branches can become hazardous during high winds or snowstorms, potentially causing harm to property or people. Removing vulnerable branches or trees before winter reduces this risk, making your yard a safer place.

Professional Winter Tree Care Services

Preparing your trees for winter involves more than just basic upkeep. At All About Trees, we provide professional winter care services designed to address your trees’ specific needs. From structural pruning to bracing and beyond, our expert team ensures your trees are ready to withstand the cold months ahead.

Pruning for Structural Integrity

Proper pruning helps maintain tree stability, making it more resilient in winter. Our team knows where to cut to support healthy growth, prevent structural imbalances, and reduce the risk of limb loss. Pruning also improves airflow, reducing disease risk in damp winter conditions.

Cabling and Bracing for Added Stability

Older trees or those with a history of storm damage may benefit from cabling and bracing. These techniques offer support by redistributing the weight of heavy branches, giving trees extra stability to withstand harsh winter conditions. Our team can assess your trees and recommend appropriate cabling or bracing options for maximum support.

DIY Winter Tree Preparation Tips

For homeowners who prefer hands-on care, here are a few do-it-yourself tips to protect trees through the winter months.

Inspect for Signs of Disease or Pest Issues

Inspecting trees for pests or disease in fall reduces the risk of problems carrying over into spring. Look for signs like bark lesions, discolored or damaged leaves, and holes in branches. Addressing these early supports tree health and limits complications during winter.

Watering During Dry Periods

Though it might seem counterintuitive, watering trees during dry winter spells is crucial. Cold air and dry soil can dehydrate roots, especially for young or newly planted trees. Watering on warmer days in late fall or winter supports hydration and keeps roots healthy.

Call & Let All About Trees Help You Winterize Your Yard

Preparing your trees for winter is a process that goes beyond a simple trim or mulch application. At All About Trees, we combine expertise with care to provide professional winter tree protection tailored to each tree’s specific needs. Our team combines professional knowledge with meticulous care to ensure your trees are prepared for the cold months ahead. By choosing our professional services, you invest in your trees’ long-term health, stability, and beauty.

Winter can be harsh on trees, but with the right preparation, they can thrive when spring returns. By choosing our services, you’re not just preparing your trees for the season—you’re investing in their long-term health, stability, and beauty.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your winter tree care today and give your trees the protection they deserve. Contact us to book a free estimate!

Why Winter Preparation Is Important for Your Trees

Protecting Against Winter Stress

Bark Protection and Insulation

Root Protection with Mulch

Avoiding Branch Breakage from Snow and Ice

Improving Tree Health

A tree’s ability to withstand winter depends largely on its overall health. Here’s how you can boost tree health before winter sets in:

Fertilizing in the Fall

Pruning for Structural Integrity

Safety Considerations

Professional Winter Tree Care Services

Pruning for Structural Integrity

Cabling and Bracing for Added Stability

DIY Winter Tree Preparation Tips

For homeowners who prefer hands-on care, here are a few do-it-yourself tips to protect trees through the winter months.

Inspect for Signs of Disease or Pest Issues

Watering During Dry Periods

Call & Let All About Trees Help You Winterize Your Yard

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your winter tree care today and give your trees the protection they deserve. Contact us to book a free estimate!

Tree Pruning and Shaping: When’s the Best Time of Year?

As a property owner, understanding when to prune your trees can make the difference between a healthy, thriving landscape and one that’s struggling. At All About Trees, our ISA-certified tree trimmers in Springfield, MO, are often asked about the best time to prune trees — and the answer isn’t always as simple as you might think. Let’s dive into the seasonal timing of tree pruning to help you make informed decisions about your landscape care!

Understanding the Basics of Tree Pruning

Proper pruning is essential for maintaining tree health and promoting vigorous growth. Whether you’re dealing with mature trees or young trees, the timing of your pruning cuts can significantly impact your tree’s ability to heal and grow new branches. Professional pruning focuses on removing broken and diseased branches to maintain the tree’s structural integrity, as well as dealing with other problems that may affect the overall health of the tree.

Another vital aspect of pruning involves shaping the tree. Healthy trees grow large, heavy canopies, which can leave them vulnerable to toppling during storms. Shaping a tree using a technique called “wind sail” pruning helps reduce its chance of falling during extreme weather events.

Whether your trees need trimming for diseased branches or you’re looking for wind sail protection, hiring a certified arborist to prune regularly is the best way to ensure your trees receive expert care. At All About Trees, our team understands the complexities of wound dressing, proper branch collar cuts, and the specific timing needs of tree branches from different species, from early May blooming varieties to late spring flowerers.

“Topping” Is Never a Recommended Practice

One of the most detrimental effects you can inflict on a healthy tree is through an outdated practice called “tree topping.” When a tree grows larger than desired, some property owners resort to the drastic removal of large branches and canopy tops to reduce height. This harmful tree pruning technique destroys the natural form of the tree and is akin to amputation.

As certified arborists, we at All About Trees want to be crystal clear: topping is never a recommended pruning technique for woody plants, no matter the circumstance. Truly effective tree pruning techniques maintain the natural shape of a tree, allowing for plenty of new growth while still controlling size and removing dead branches. If you’re concerned about the height of a particularly large tree, consult one of our certified arborists about crown reduction or other selective pruning cuts. These pruning methods preserve the health of the tree while addressing your concerns.

Late Winter Pruning: The Dormant Season Champion

The late winter months are often considered the best time to prune deciduous trees. This is because by the time late winter rolls around, most deciduous trees have lost their leaves, making it easier to identify structural issues and remove dead wood. Winter pruning also promotes robust spring growth since the plant’s energy is concentrated in its roots and main branches.

Early Spring: A Time of New Beginnings

As early spring approaches, most plants enter a time of rapid new growth. For some tree species, this can be an excellent opportunity for removing branches that show cold damage or didn’t survive the winter. However, the branches of early spring-flowering trees should be pruned after they finish blooming to avoid losing this year’s flowers.

Summer Pruning: Strategic Maintenance

Summer pruning can be beneficial for controlling your tree’s size and shape. During summer, we can easily identify dying branches and make pruning cuts to remove broken or problematic growth. It’s also the perfect time to remove water sprouts and maintain lower branches that might be creating too much shade — although too much pruning can cause more water sprouts to grow, so it’s essential to hire an ISA-certified arborist for this task.

Fall Pruning: Proceed with Caution

While some fall pruning is acceptable to manage broken branches, it’s generally best to limit extensive pruning during this season. Pruning trees during late summer or early fall can sometimes stimulate new growth that won’t have time to harden before winter. Additionally, certain tree diseases like oak wilt can be more easily transmitted during the fall months.

Special Considerations for Pruning Different Tree Types

Fruit Trees & Flowering Trees

When it comes to pruning flowering or fruiting trees, timing is crucial. Most trees benefit from late wintertime pruning while they are still dormant. This promotes healthy fruit production and allows you to remove old wood and rubbing branches before the growing season begins.

Large Trees vs. Smaller Trees

Size also makes a difference when you are deciding when to start pruning, as the size of a tree’s branches affects wound closure and callus tissue formation. Fully grown deciduous and fruit trees with larger branches may need to be pruned at a different time than new trees, which are more sensitive.

Emergency Pruning Situations

Sometimes you can’t wait for the ideal season to prune a tree. Damaged branches growing in a way that poses a threat to tree health should be pruned immediately, regardless of the time of year. If you notice dead branches or lower limbs that pose a safety risk, don’t wait to contact us for tree pruning in Springfield ASAP.

Pruning Trees With Precision!

The best time to prune trees varies depending on your specific situation and tree species, but generally, the dormant season during late winter (before new growth begins in early spring) is an optimal window for most pruning activities. By understanding seasonal timing and following proper pruning techniques, you can maintain beautiful, healthy trees that enhance your property’s value and appearance.

Ready to ensure your trees receive the care they deserve? At All About Trees, our ISA-certified arborists are here to help you maintain healthy, beautiful trees year-round. Whether you need dead branches pruned after a storm or you’ve just decided to plant a new tree in your yard, we have the expertise to keep your landscape thriving in every season.

Proper Pruning in Late Winter

Proper pruning in late winter leads to strong, lush trees and shrubs in the springtime

Pruning cuts are made slightly beyond the branch collar.

Pruning cuts are made slightly beyond the branch collar. COURTESY OF JOHNSON COUNTY K-STATE RESEARCH & EXTENSION

BY DENNIS PATTON for Kansas City Star (MO), FEBRUARY 12, 2020 03:42 PM

Does pruning strike more fear in your heart than a trip to the doctor? Pruning sounds complicated, but once you understand the basic guidelines, the rest falls into place.

PROPER PRUNING IN LATE WINTER – KNOW WHERE TO MAKE THE CUT

Most people hesitate knowing where to make the cut. Discerning “where” does not mean which specific limb needs to be removed. It means where precisely on the branch the cut is to be made.

Every pruning cut should be made at the point where there is another branch, fork, crotch angle or new bud forming. Making the cut at a growth point reduces the chance of decay and uncontrolled growth. Directing new growth is the goal of pruning, not merely pruning to remove growth.

Pruning to this juncture removes tall overgrown limbs, reduces plant height and thins out the plant. When extreme weather impacts our neighborhoods, pruning will reduce the weight of snow, ice and wind, which can lead to branch failure.

The energy that once supported the removed limb is now channeled into the growth of the remaining limbs. It is important to understand the concept of directional pruning.

The direction of the remaining limb or bud will point to where the growth will head. Attempting to control height? Prune to a side-pointing limb. Need to reduce spread? Prune to an upward pointing limb. Tired of the low-hanging limb hitting you in the face? Find a branch growing upward. See how this works?

Removing a limb back to another branch thins out a tree or shrub for better light penetration and less wind resistance. Not only does this apply to shade trees, but flowering and fruit trees as well. More sunlight penetrating the plant will lead to more flowering and fruit development.

HOW TO MAKE THE CUT

Now that you are confident in knowing where to make the cut, the next step is to do it properly. Pruning is an injury to the plant or tree, wounding the wood. The goal is to quickly heal the wound with a correctly made cut.

Pruning cuts are made slightly beyond the branch collar, where a layer of cambium growth has the ability of rapidly sealing off the cut. The branch collar is the raised, rough growth of bark tissue at the crotch angle. Remember, the cut is always made back to a branch angle.

Try to avoid cutting to the outside of the branch collar as it will leave a slight bump. We want to steer clear of creating a stub, a longer piece of wood sticking out. Stubs do not heal and lead to decay or uncontrolled growth. Cutting too close results in a flush cut, which removes the bark collar, leaving a bigger wound. A larger wound is slower to seal and increases the chance of decay.

Tree pruning is done in late winter before new growth. The lack of foliage reveals problem areas, making it easier to know which limbs to remove. Spring is a time of rapid growth for quick recovery. Now go forth and prune. I have confidence in your abilities.

Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Got a question for him or other university extension experts? Email them to garden.help@jocogov.org.

https://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/kc-gardens/article240239351.html

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Anatomy of a Tree

Leaves

Leaves carry out photosynthesis, making food for the tree and releasing oxygen into the air. And this tells us much about their shapes. For example, the narrow needles of a Douglas fir can expose as much as three acres of chlorophyll surface to the sun.

The lobes, leaflets, and jagged edges of many broad leaves have their uses, too. They help evaporate the water used in food-building, reduce wind resistance and even provide “drip tips” to shed rain that, left standing, could decay the leaf.

Branches and Twigs

Branches and twigs grow out of the tree trunk and serve as support structures for leaves, flowers, and fruit. Branches are the main “limbs” of the tree, whereas the twigs are smaller and come off of the branches. They also transport materials between the trunk and the leaves.

Trunk

The trunk of a tree is made up of five different layers.

The outer bark is the tree’s protection from the outside world. Continually renewed from within, it helps keep out moisture in the rain and prevents the tree from losing moisture when the air is dry. It insulates against cold and heat and wards off insect enemies.
The inner bark, or “phloem,” is the pipeline through which food is passed to the rest of the tree. It lives for only a short time then dies and turns to cork to become part of the protective outer bark.
The cambium cell layer is the growing part of the trunk. It annually produces new bark and new wood in response to hormones that pass down through the phloem with food from the leaves. These hormones, called “auxins,” stimulate growth in cells. Auxins are produced by leaf buds at the ends of branches as soon as they start growing in the spring.
Sapwood is the tree’s pipeline for water moving up to the leaves. Sapwood is new wood. As newer rings of sapwood are laid down, inner cells lose their vitality and turn to heartwood.
Heartwood is the central, supporting pillar of the tree. Although dead, it will not decay or lose strength while the outer layers are intact. A composite of hollow, needlelike cellulose fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, it is in many ways as strong as steel. Set vertically, a 1″ x 2″ cross-section that is 12″ long can support twenty tons!

Roots

Contrary to popular belief, tree roots are typically found in the top three feet of the soil. As well, they expand well beyond the dripline, often occupying an area two to four times the size of the tree crown.

A tree’s root system works to absorb water and minerals from the soil, anchor the tree to the ground, and store food reserves for the winter. It is made up of two kinds of roots: large perennial roots and smaller, short-lived feeder roots.

Want to read more of our articles? Click here to read about the benefits of trees!

“Anatomy of a Tree.” Advanced Search-The Tree Guide at Arborday.org, The Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/trees/TreeGuide/anatomy.cfm.

Meet our ISA Certified Arborists^®

Deer Damage to Trees and Landscaping

One of the most frustrating things to deal with this time of year is having a deer snack on your beloved plants. Even if you are the type of person to tolerate deer damage because you love them, beware! Deer are creatures of habit. Once they feel safe and find a tasty snack, they will visit regularly.

An increase in deer populations and a decrease in their natural habitat have set up a situation in which your favorite landscapes become alternative food sources for deer. As winter approaches and food sources become scarce, feeding on leaves, stems, and buds of plants becomes more apparent. Male deer also cause damage by rubbing their antlers along the trunks of trees, stripping off the bark. Trees and shrubs can suffer permanent damage. Deer should always be discouraged immediately.

deer damage to tree

There are four ways to discourage deer: Fencing, repellents, predators, and deer-resistant plants.

Fencing requires you to enclose your entire yard with a fence at least six feet tall. This is not necessarily an aesthetically pleasing option, nor is it cost-effective. In some cases, you can put barrier fencing around these individual plants. While it is still unsightly, protecting a tree while it is young is important.

Homemade and commercial repellents are common control methods to discourage deer, but their effectiveness varies. Snow and rain can wash them away, so frequent applications are needed. Also, if food sources are scarce, deer may simply ignore the repellents, despite the taste or odor.

As far as predators go, a noisy dog is an excellent deer deterrent. If you don’t have a dog, you can hang shiny tape from branches, or place inflated balls and other moving objects in the yard to startle the deer with sudden movement. You’ll have to rotate these frequently, however, or deer will soon realize that they are not in danger from these objects.

If they are hungry enough and food is scarce enough, deer will eat almost anything. However, there are a number of plants that deer don’t find particularly palatable. Using these plants in your landscape is often the most cost-effective, least time-consuming, and most aesthetically pleasing solution.

Below is a list of trees and shrubs not favored by deer. However, the resistance of any plant species may change due to environmental factors.

Always check to make sure that a plant is not invasive to your area before you plant it!

TREES

Common Name Scientific Name

American chestnut Castanea dentata

Bald-cypress Taxodium distichum

Beech Fagus spp.

Birch Betula spp.

Catalpa Catalpa spp.

Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Giant arborvitae Thuja plicata

Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba

Ironwood Ostrya virginiana

Japanese tree lilac Syringa reticulata

Larch Larix spp.

Honey-locust Gleditsia triacanthos

Redbud Cercis canadensis

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Smoketree Cotinus spp.

Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum

Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua

Spruce Picea spp.

Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera

Shrubs

Common Name Scientific Name

Boxwood Buxus spp.

Leatherwood Dirca palustris

Coralberry/Snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.

* Poisonous, do not eat!

Forsythia Forsythia spp.

Japanese kerria Kerria japonica

Common lilac Syringa vulgaris

Oregon grape-holly Mahonia aquifolium

Smokebush Cotinus spp

Spicebush Lindera benzoin

Spirea Spiraea spp.

Carolina allspice Calycanthus floridus

Witch hazel Hamamelis spp.

Ground Covers

Common Name Scientific Name

Barren strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides

Bergenia Bergenia cordifolia

Bugleweed Ajuga reptans

Bunchberry Cornus canadensis

Catmint Nepeta x faassenii

Epimedium Epimedium spp.

Ferns Numerous species

Hens and chicks Sempervivum spp.

Juniper Juniperus spp.

Lady’s mantle Alchemilla mollis

Lamium Lamium spp.

Lily turf Liriope spicata

Lungwort Pulmonaria spp.

Mosses ————–

Pachysandra Pachysandra spp.

Potentilla Potentilla spp

Sedum Sedum spp.

Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum

Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum

Vinca Vinca minor

Violet Viola spp.

Wild ginger Asarum canadense

Wild strawberry Fragaria spp

Perennial Vines

Common Name Scientific Name

Akebia Akebia quinata

Bittersweet Celastrus scandens

Clematis Clematis spp.

Crimson glory vine Vitis coignetiae

Silver lace vine Polygonum aubertii

Trumpet creeper Campsis radicans

Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Hardy Bulbs

Common Name Scientific Name

Autumn crocus Colchicum autumnalis

Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis

Daffodil Narcissus spp.

Grape hyacinth Muscari spp.

Glory-of-the-snow Chionodoxa luciliae

Ornamental onion Allium spp.

Siberian scilla Scilla sibirica

Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis

Winter aconite Eranthis hyemalis

Annuals and Biennials

Common Name Scientific Name

Ageratum Ageratum houstonianum

Alyssum Lobularia maritima

Candytuft Iberis sempervirens

Forget-me-not Myosotis spp.

Four o’clock Mirabilis jalapa

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea

Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens

Larkspur Delphinium spp.

Lobelia Lobelia spp.

Marigold Tagetes spp.

Mexican sunflower Tithonia rotundifolia

Mimulus Mimulus spp.

Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus

Petunia Petunia spp.

Poppy Papaver spp.

Salvia Salvia spp.

Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus

Stocks Matthiola spp.

Sunflower Helianthus annuus

Sweet William Dianthus spp.

Hardy Perennials

Common Name Scientific Name

Monkshood Aconitum spp.

Anemone Anemone spp.

Artemisia Artemisia spp.

Astilbe Astilbe spp.

Bee Balm Monarda spp.

Bergenia Bergenia cordifolia

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta

Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa

Columbine Aquilegia spp.

Coreopsis Coreopsis spp.

Cranesbill Geranium spp.

Fleabane daisy Erigeron x hybridus

Foam flower Tiarella cordifolia

Gentian Gentiana spp.

Geum Geum spp.

Goldenrod Solidago spp.

Hellebore Helleborus nigra

Hens & chicks Sempervivum spp.

Hibiscus Hibiscus spp.

Iris Iris spp.

Jacob’s ladder Polemonium caeruleum

Rose campion Lychnis coronaria

Marsh marigold Caltha palustris

Meadow rue Thalictrum spp.

Meadowsweet Filipendula spp.

Peony Paeonia spp.

Phlox Phlox divaricata

Pinks Dianthus spp.

Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea

Rockcress Arabis caucasica

Russian sage Perovskia atriplicifolia

Salvia Salvia spp.

Sedum Sedum spp.

Shasta daisy Chrysanthemum

Snakeroot Eupatorium rugosum

Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale

Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum

Speedwell Veronica spp.

Toadflax Linaria spp.

Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Violet Viola spp.

Yarrow Achillea spp.

Herbs

Common Name Scientific Name

Angelica Angelica archangelica

Artemisia Artemisia vulargis

Basil Ocimum basilicum

Borage Borago officinalis

Catmint Nepeta x faassenii

Chamomile Matricaria spp.

Chives Allium schoenoprasum

Comfrey Symphytum x rubrum

Dill Anethum graveolens

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium

Germander Teucrium chamaedrys

Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Lamb’s ears Stachys byzantina

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Lemon balm Melissa officinalis

Mint Mentha spp.

Mullein Verbascum spp.

Oregano Origanum vulgare

Parsley Petroselinum spp.

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis

Rue Ruta graveolens

Sage Salvia officinalis

Savory Satureja montana

Tansy Tanacetum coccineum

Thyme Thymus spp.

Works Cited: 
Plants not favored by deer. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/plants-not-favored-deer.

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Please call the office of All About Trees at (417)863-6214 to schedule an estimate. Business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Seasonal Needle Drop in Trees

We’ve noticed an increase in calls concerning yellowing needles in our customer’s evergreens, especially white pines. However, the “problem” is simply seasonal needle drop in trees. This is a normal and natural process in evergreen trees. Every year, evergreens experience a seasonal needle drop that is a normal part of the plant’s cycle. Older needles on the inside of evergreen trees are shed each fall after they turn yellow, brown, or reddish-tan in color. Sometimes this natural process is very subtle and goes unnoticed because only the innermost needles are affected. The change can be gradual, or, with some species, quite rapid. Seasonal needle drop in trees can cause concern to homeowners who are not familiar with this natural occurrence.

White pines show the most dramatic needle drop change. Their annual loss of needles can be especially alarming, as the number of yellow needles can outnumber the tree’s green growth. This can be very worrying to a tree owner! Typically, white pines will retain needles for three years, but in autumn, 2-or-3-year-old needles will change color and drop, leaving only the current season’s growth still attached.

So if you are seeing your evergreen trees drop yellow needles, this is part of their natural process. However, if you are seeing widespread decay within your tree, then please call the office to schedule an estimate at the phone number listed below. We will be more than happy to take a look at your trees to ensure their health and well-being.

To learn more specifics on seasonal needle drop, please visit https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/seasonal-needle-drop

Click here to view our Certified Arborists in Springfield MO!

Please call the office of All About Trees at (417)863-6214 to schedule an estimate. Business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If we miss your call, please leave us a detailed voicemail message with your name, address, phone number, email, and your tree concerns.

Source

“Seasonal Needle Drop.” Seasonal Needle Drop | The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/seasonal-needle-drop#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20evergreens%20experience%20a,part%20of%20the%20plant’s%20cycle.&text=Many%20evergreen%20needles%2C%20as%20they,with%20some%20species%2C%20quite%20rapid.

Mature Tree Pruning

Mature tree pruning removes dead and dying branches to maintain plant health and safety

All About Trees is a full-service tree care company, and one of our services is the pruning of mature trees. Thinning and raising are two types of tree pruning that should be performed periodically. It works to improve the form and shape of the plant, to eliminate interference with objects and structures, and to compensate for structural weaknesses. Thinning is the removal of live branches to reduce density. Research shows that thinning significantly reduces wind resistance and subsequent storm damage. This leads to healthier trees less prone to breakage, which will lead to a longer-lasting tree.

The pruning of lower branches, known as raising, can be used to increase the amount of light to turfgrass and ground covers beneath the crown of a tree. This will allow homeowners to improve the health of other plants within their yards, and improve tree health. In evergreen trees experiencing fungal issues, a small crown raise can be used to increase the airflow under the tree to reduce fungus. This also allows the tree limbs to be lifted off the ground, making the direct spread of fungus more difficult.

All About Trees arborists are trained to evaluate the condition of your trees and determine the type(s) of pruning required. We aim to balance your goals and those of managing plant health and safety. If you would like an estimate to have your trees pruned, please call the office at 417-863-6214. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you miss us, please leave us a detailed voicemail message with your name, address, phone number, email, and tree concerns.

To learn more about the services we offer, please go to our Services page!

Fun Facts About Trees

Dendrochronology is the dating and study of annual rings in trees.
General Sherman, a giant sequoia, is the largest tree (by volume) in the world, standing 275 feet (83.8m) tall with 52,000 cubic feet of wood (1,486.6m).
Leaves appear green because chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light energy, causing the green energy to bounce off the leaf’s surface.
Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.
In one day, one large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air. Learn more tree facts.
Methuselah, an estimated 4,765-year-old ancient Bristlecone Pine, is one of the oldest living trees in the world.
Tree shaded surfaces can be 20–45°F (11–25°C) cooler than surfaces in direct sun, helping homeowners reduce summer cooling costs. Find out more about trees and the environment.
Consumers have a 12% higher willingness to pay for goods and services in retail areas that have streetscape greening such as street trees and sidewalk gardens. More on the benefits of urban greening.
Trees reduce stormwater runoff by capturing and storing rainfall in the canopy and releasing water into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.

“Fun Facts About Trees.” TreesAreGood.org, International Society of Arboriculture, 2018, www.treesaregood.org/funfacts/funfacts.

https://allabouttrees.com/contact-tree-company-springfield-mo/

Your Tree Service Experts in Springfield MO

All About Trees Now Employs Two ISA Board Certified Master Arborists!

The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist credential is the highest level of certification offered by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This credential recognizes ISA Certified Arborists who have reached the pinnacle of their profession. In addition to passing an extensive scenario-based exam, candidates must abide by a Code of Ethics, which ensures the quality of work. Fewer than two percent of all ISA Certified Arborists® currently hold this certification, and All About Trees has two! We are very lucky to have two individuals with the Board Certified Master Arborist credential.

This is a remarkable achievement! To view more information on this certification and its requirements, please visit https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification-Applications/cert-Application-BCMA.pdf

ALL ABOUT TREES TWO ISA BOARD CERTIFIED MASTER ARBORISTS!

Noel Boyer
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist^®
MW-3904B

Will Branch
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist^®
MW-4737B

Our Certified Arborists

In addition to two Board Certified Master Arborists, All About Trees also has seven ISA Certified Arborists on staff. To view a list of our Certified Arborists, click here!

Contact Us:

If you would like to schedule an estimate, please call the office at 417-863-6214. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you miss us, please leave us a detailed voicemail message with your name, address, phone number, email, and tree concerns.

We prefer a call, but if you are unable to do so, please use the contact form below.