Is the tree in your yard not growing leaves this spring? If you’re concerned, you’re not alone.
People often wonder, “Why are my trees still bare or sparse with leaves?” “Is there a problem with my tree?” “Do I need a Certified Arborist to come and inspect the tree?”
In this article, we’ll explain the two reasons a tree might not be growing leaves in spring and how to know if it is time to call the best tree doctor near you.
Cause #1: Certain tree species are late bloomers
Jason Sharman, Vitalitree, Bugwood.org
Knowing your tree’s species is often the first step in identifying why your tree is not growing leaves in the spring.
For example, in the Northern Virginia, MD, and DC Metro area, black walnut trees, black locust trees, and crape myrtle trees take a little longer to grow leaves. Usually, these three species are slower to “wake up” than the other 80% of trees in the area.
Solution: As the cause for slow leafing may be attributed to the tree’s species, stress, or poor health, you will need to wait a few more weeks and reassess your tree. If your tree is still not growing leaves, then you need to contact your Certified Arborist as there might be an underlying issue.
Is Your Tree Not Growing Leaves?
Cause #2: Spring Fungal Diseases
If a tree lacks vigor, then it’ll lack the ability to grow leaves and make critical food for optimal tree health.
Poor tree vigor can be caused by a variety of factors; in the spring, this is often connected to the rise in fungal diseases. Among these fungal diseases is Anthracnose, which is commonly found by our Certified Arborists in the Northern Virginia, MD, and DC Metro area.
If you have a dogwood, oak, maple, or sycamore tree, you will want to proactively protect your tree against anthracnose, as these species are most susceptible.
Solution: Early spring is when fungal leaf diseases develop in trees. Don’t wait to take action – it can take several weeks to actually see the disease spots on the leaves. Treating early, before the disease develops, is critical for the tree’s health every year.
NOTE: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies when it comes to protecting your trees against fungal leaf disease. In other words, the best way to protect your trees is by signing up for an early treatment program. For fungal diseases, this would include a preventative fungal spray for your tree. Through expert, proactive solutions, you will protect your tree for an entire year.
What Can I Do Now?
The best thing you can do this growing season is keep your tree healthy. Improving your tree’s vigor will help protect it against the pest infestations and fungal diseases prevalent in the spring.
- Proactively keep an eye on your tree.
- Mulch around your tree.
- Water your trees properly.
- Protect your tree from fungal diseases through preventative fungal sprays.
- Feed your tree its all-natural, organic multivitamin – biostimulants!
If you’re concerned about your trees not growing leaves this spring or are noticing additional signs of concern, reach out to your Certified Arborist today. Get a free estimate by booking online or calling us at 703-573-3029.
