Here are the top three most common reasons as to why your tree looks sparse:

• Stress of changing weather – Although it is spring here in Cleveland Heights, just last week we experienced winter-like cold and even some snow. This week though, spring weather is back. Your trees recently came out of winter dormancy to start the spring growing season, but with the ever-changing weather extremes lately it is no wonder that the trees are having a hard time keeping up with defense mechanisms to combat all this change.
• Borer insects – Tree borer insects, like beetles and moths, are a group of insects that lay their eggs either on or inside of a tree. They can chew through tree bark and leave a trail of tiny holes in the wood. Or worse, can eat away at important tree tissue that transport nutrients throughout the tree causing the tree to weaken, branches to fall off, or collapse.
• Dry or compacted soil – Your tree’s soil may be under or over watered. From either of these instances, the soil around the tree may be very compacted. When soil is too tightly compacted together, it can stunt the growth you see in your trees.

What can you do to help your tree flourish?

It is important that you give the proper care and attention to your tree by watering it when the ground is dry. Another easy fix is to spread 2-4 inches of layered mulch on your flower and tree beds. Here’s the thing though, we all know that every tree is different and due to the fact that your tree’s leaves could be sparse for any number of reasons, the best solution is to figure out why … what is causing the thin leaf canopy in the first place? Finding tree borer insect holes is a clear sign, but it can be difficult to investigate, identify and then diagnose on your own.

A professional arborist can cut out the guessing to figure out what is wrong with your tree. After a thorough look at your tree, they will be able to give you a better idea of your tree’s problems and provide solutions.

At VanCuren, we are committed to helping the Cleveland Heights community and your home with any of your Cleveland Heights tree servicing needs. Call us for any upcoming tree/landscaping projects, tree removal, and tree trimming today!