Proline Heritage Oak Farm

An infestation by Douglas fir tussock moths has claimed 13,000 acres of forest in Idaho, killing trees and driving the Idaho Department of Land to hold salvage timber sales. Infestations are cyclical, occurring every 8-12 years, and lasting 2-4 years. Though trees can sometimes recover, with severe infestations such as this one, damage can lead to tree death. One of the Most Damaging Defoliators Though the Douglas fir tussock moths prefer the Douglas fir, they will sometimes move to other conifer species such as true firs or spruce. The pests feed on foliage, beginning at the crown and tips and working toward the interior of the tree. Foliage shrivels and browns, leaving trees with a skeleton-like appearance as foliage disappears. Dead Tree Dangers Once the firs have succumbed to the moths, they pose a considerable safety risk. The timber poses a fire hazard intensified by the piles of needles left below trees. The dead timber also increases the risk of bark beetle at...

Bitterly cold, icy winter weather can cause significant damage to your trees. When your local forecaster announces the next snowstorm or ‘polar vortex’ is on its way, be mindful of these dangerous winter weather scenarios. 6 Winter Tree Problems to Watch Out for 1.     Heavy snow and ice loads. Though snow and ice looks light and frosty, it is quite heavy. Snow and ice weigh down branches, branch tips, and limbs, causing them to droop and eventually break under the heavy weight of their burden. 2.     Windy conditions. Wind pressure, combined with the weight of snow and ice, can break limbs, snapping treetops off, or uprooting entire trees. 3.     Small trees that cannot bear the burden of heavy ice and snow. Small, gangly trees are more prone to damage in winter weather, bending severely under the weight of snow and ice. Some experience such duress their stems break, causing the tree to collapse. Those that do survive wo...

Extended periods of dry weather in the winter without irrigation can mean trouble in the spring. Though your trees are dormant in the winter, they still rely on you for care. Dry, cold, harsh winter conditions can put your trees under stress, which can showcase itself far beyond the winter season. If roots remain dry over an extended period, they could suffer an untimely demise, dying in the summer following their spring bloom. Winter Irrigation is Essential Water insulates your trees and the surrounding soil in the winter, keeping the area moist and warm. Tree cells that are lush with water are also less susceptible to winter weather damage. How to Water Your Trees in the Winter ·          Water trees on a schedule in the winter. Water regularly through autumn until the ground freezes. Dormant trees don’t need watering as often; however, they should be watered once or twice per month when there is no snow or rain. ·  ...