The image to the left is known as Root Rot, Honey Fungus, or, more properly, Armillaria Root Rot. Many fungi can be responsible for this symptom, however, especially depending on the tree. Fungal tree diseases in trees will weaken the structure of the tree, creating a potentially severe hazard. Fungal diseases are not always a death sentence. A Licensed Tree Expert can diagnose, treat, or safely remove a diseased tree.

Your first guess when you see a mound of sawdust at the base of a tree may be termites. However, while termites can severely damage a tree, they do not leave evidence at the scene of the crime in the form of piles of sawdust. The likely culprit here is the carpenter ant.  Carpenter Ants create tunnels through the wood of a tree to create nests, thus creating these piles of sawdust that collect at the base of the tree. If left untreated, your tree can become unstable and eventually die.

Any kind of cracking in the trunk of a tree or any of major limbs is a cause for serious concern.  Tree failure is a major cause of property damage.  If you notice any cracking in the trunk or major limbs contact a licensed tree expert to perform an onsite inspection to properly assess your tree and  to help prevent tree failure.  Two of the most common causes of tree cracking are ice and storm damage, however, further inspection may reveal a health problem with the tree itself.

Tree wounds commonly cause the hollowing and decay of trees.  Trees in urban and suburban areas are more susceptible to the decay and hollowing of trees due to the level of human activity, however these can occur anywhere. Trees that are hollowing or show signs of decay should be inspected to help minimize any damage they could cause in the event of failure.

Wilted and discolored leaves, can be caused by a great many conditions.  The most typical causes are a variety of insects and diseases.  Chlorosis, which is often caused by incorrect soil PH, can cause the leaves in certain trees to yellow.  An expert should be able to properly diagnose and possibly correct the issues causing the tree to discolor and wilt.

Insects are becoming a greater problem for us on the east coast as shipping pallets from around the world bring in invasive creepy crawlies. Some insect infestations are easily treated, while others should elicit an immediate reaction and contact with the NJDEP to prevent the spread of extremely dangerous insects. Insect infestations in trees must be dealt with by licensed tree experts to prevent the spread of insect colonies.

Dead tree branches, as pictured here, obviously can be dangerous and should be dealt with immediately.  Damaged, decaying and dead branches should be removed as soon as possible.  If not an immediate risk, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring.

A majority of tree damage is caused by us humans improperly trying to perform tree maintenance.  Sometimes simply cutting off a branch that does not look right is not the best choice for the health of a tree.  Trees can be injured by lawn mowers and weed trimmers continually stripping away bark from the trunk of the tree.  Excavation to local land and soil can damage roots and quickly harm trees. And lastly, lets not forget those young lovers and the need to carve their initials into a tree.

• Hackettstown • Washington
• Belvidere • Phillipsburg
• Hope • Blairstown

• Vernon • Sparta
• Newton • Hopatcong
• Andover • Stanhope

• Chatham • Mendham
• Rockaway • Denville
• Dover • Mountain Lakes

• Clinton • Califon
• Flemington • Lebanon
• Bloomsbury • Frenchtown

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• Raritan • Watchung