Are Your Trees Healthy? Look at the Leaves!

Butler, Wis. – Trees can’t talk … but their leaves tell us plenty about how they’re feeling.

Most trees have green leaves. A dark hue indicates good health. A full canopy of dark green leaves is worth celebrating. Leaves that are discolored or, worse yet, dried and brown, tell a different tale.

“Leaves that are pale, or a lighter shade of green, often indicate a nutrient deficiency,” said Myron Dorshak, owner of Dorshak Tree Specialists. “The soils in southeastern Wisconsin are primarily clay, and have a pH higher than 7. This alkaline quality can make it difficult for certain trees to absorb nutrients they need to stay healthy. Most trees in our area, such as oaks, red maples and some birches, need a pH less than 7.”

Soil pH is very difficult to change. Needed tree nutrients, such as iron and manganese, can often be injected into soil for trees to absorb. If the soil is completely uncooperative, they can be injected directly into trees.

Brown, dried-up leaves are symptoms of a tree in serious trouble, and needing immediate attention. An inspection is similarly advisable if a tree has numerous dead limbs, or ones that are larger in size.

Leaves can sometimes unwittingly be a culprit in trees’ destruction. A fully leafed-out tree risks a “sail effect” during heavy wind and rain, a not-uncommon summer occurrence. A thick leaf canopy catches the wind, creating pull on the tree. If ground is saturated, the force can be enough to heave a tree’s root ball and topple the entire tree. As storms get stronger, this risk grows greater.

“Trees should be inspected for potential hazards, and pruned to reduce the chances of serious damage to them and surrounding property,” Dorshak said. “This is more than removing dead limbs. Structural pruning directs proper tree growth, leading to appealing shape, a full leaf canopy and improved long-term health.”

Arborists are able to diagnose trees’ health issues, often using leaf colors as a primary indicator, and make a ‘prescription’ to restore their good health. Dorshak Tree Specialists, with a team of Certified Arborists, does not charge for inspections or tree diagnostics, nor estimates for tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding and other services.

Dorshak Tree Specialists is a consumer favorite, earning a first-place honor in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Choice Awards 2021. The company uses an Altec Remote Controlled Tree Removal system, which can extend more than 90 feet to grab and cut limbs and trunk sections, maximizing safety and minimizing potential damage to yards and structures.

Founded in 1986, Dorshak Tree Specialists brings a team of certified arborists to inspect and evaluate every project, whether tree trimming or removal, stump grinding, planting, treatments or diagnoses. The family-owned company is a multi-year Super Service Award winner with Angie’s List, and accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. More information is available by calling (262) 783-8733, visiting www.dorshaktree.com or following the company on Facebook.