I’m an Arborist also known as a “Tree Guy” so my office tends to be where the trees are…backyards, pastures, urban settings etc. One thing I always notice this time of year are the fallen leaves.

To do or not to do that is the question…what question? Well, do you rake’ em or leave’ em? Raking up the leaves is usually not at the top of the list in the winter season more like a “fall thing” none the less it is beneficial.

Besides the obvious such as the exercise, giving the teenagers something to do, keeping your landscape nice & tidy (which goes along way with the neighbors and the H.O.A) there is more to it and for a “Tree Guy” like myself, much more important to the overall health of your trees.

Tree’s that have fungal infections will continue to grow in those infections and possibly spread those infections because those nasty fungi (there’s no fun in these guy’s) cause the majority of diseases affecting ornamental plants.

Fungi reproduce by producing tiny spores that are spread by animals, wind, rainfall, and human activity. Spores land on a leaf surface, germinate and penetrate the leaf tissue. This is the infection process, after which disease symptoms appear.

In the winter season the process of tree diseases (and insect egg masses) “over wintering” is done in many places and some as simple as fallen leaves. There are a few ways to prevent these destructive diseases, some as intricate as Tree Treatments (use of protectant fungicides and nutrients interrupts the process above) and some as simple as raking, disposing of, or composting those fallen leaves.

So this winter help give your trees the best chance to succeed.

The Woodsman