Clients often call on the professional arborists at Georgia Tree Company to address problems with trees that have appeared healthy in the past but are showing trouble leafing out during the growing season.
As we help clients who ask, “Why is my tree not growing leaves?” we use industry and academic techniques to diagnose health issues and recommend strategies to restore healthy tree growth. Read on for more information about this common issue from the leading expert tree service in Milton, GA.
Understanding Late Blooming in Trees
Many times, an individual tree’s leaves grow later than others simply because of the natural characteristics of its species. For example, black walnuts and crape myrtles bloom later in spring, which means they will not leaf out until later in the season.
Of course, the key is proper species identification and then researching its typical growing period and tendencies. Many times, late blooming and leafing in trees that remain dormant deeper into spring are perfectly normal.
Diseases Affecting Leaf Growth
Fungal diseases can cause trees to struggle to put out new leaves. Verticillium and anthracnose are common tree diseases we encounter in northern Georgia.
Typical symptoms of verticillium include wilting, abnormal leaf growth, and soft patches on a tree’s trunk. Anthracnose describes the ulcerous sores that leaves develop as they struggle to grow in the spring. Leaves also develop blight that shows different coloring on sunken or deformed lesions.
We often intervene with fungal sprays and other treatments to combat fungal disease. Of course, it’s critical to accurately identify the fungus that has infected a tree to select and apply the appropriate fungicide properly.
Early intervention is particularly important when susceptible species like maple, oak, dogwood, and sycamore are affected by fungal disease.
Nutrient and Water Deficiency
Why is my tree not growing leaves? All trees depend on sufficient nutrition and water to grow healthy leaves. Trees struggling to produce leaves could be under stress because of drought or poor soil conditions.
Wilting branches and twigs are common symptoms of drought, which occur in conjunction with poor leaf growth. The best way to identify nutritional problems is through a professional soil test, which can promptly determine whether your soil lacks essential nutrients.
We often recommend fertilizing strategies and watering and mulching to improve tree health.
Other Factors
Other environmental factors can directly affect tree health and leaf growth. Some common issues we encounter are trees that suffer from compacted soil, which inhibits root growth and function, and improper planting.
Call Georgia Tree Company for Complete Tree Health Advice
As we’ve discussed, proactive care is essential in addressing poor leaf growth. We invite you to read our other posts, including topics like dealing with a tree on a property line and much more. Call on our expert arborists at any time for help in keeping your trees healthy and thriving.
Contact the expert arborists at Georgia Tree Company online or call (404) 990-0010 today to discuss professional answers to the question, “Why is my tree not growing leaves in Milton, GA?”