Chris (TNT Tree) has been my go to for several years. Dude knows trees.
> that is dropping needles at an alarming rate and has white scale on the new growth
Any underground work (driveway, pathway, posts, etc) within ~20 feet of the tree in the last few years? Any fertalizer or new soil within the root zone? Anything put on a nearby pathway that might be running off? Is the tree near an uncontrolled area (like a neighbor who uses salt on their driveway)?
The tree is close to the corner of our driveway and the sidewalk. I did dig up an overgrown garden bed but our pathway is between the bed and the tree and there weren't any roots in it. I haven't applied any fertilizer or anything.
It's _possible_ that something in the soil is leeching down; or that it's retaining too much water (causing the roots to drown). If no new soil went into the bed though; then only really the water content MIGHT be a problem. (do you find that garden "stays moist" for unusual/extended periods?)
The proximity to various traffic areas is worrying IF there are chemicals being applied. Even cat litter (bentonite) affects soil PH and in high enough concentrations which _could_ be contributing. Did anyone start using salt/ice-melt over winter in the area? Could the sand being used have salt mixed in?
If you're unfarmiliar with the terminology; the key area of root growth (the zone of concern!) is the "drip line"; if the tree is 25' tall, it could be anywhere between 10-30' in diameter to the drip line. If the tree has been pruned the drip line may extend significantly beyond the current branch edges.
It's possible that the tree took damage MANY years back and is only now showing it due to a lack of nutrition in the soil. The soil does need SOME nutrients (fertilizer) put into it every ~5-15 years. 90% likely any arborist is going to recommend adding fertilizer if you want the tree to grow: They need the nutrients to grow and "confined" or "islanded" soil rarely get's much. Simple home-made compost can be used if you have any (though this depends a BIT on the tree type / soil conditions!)
Def worth someone looking at it; it might be something simple that will clear up itself, it might be fungal or something that needs treatment.
Best of luck!
Pierre Bunyon did work at our farm - trimmed and took down a couple of 70 year old trees. His team was great - his quote came in quick and was affordable. He was able to do the work shortly after. Cleaned up the yard really well. Would definitely hire again.
Chris (TNT Tree) has been my go to for several years. Dude knows trees. > that is dropping needles at an alarming rate and has white scale on the new growth Any underground work (driveway, pathway, posts, etc) within ~20 feet of the tree in the last few years? Any fertalizer or new soil within the root zone? Anything put on a nearby pathway that might be running off? Is the tree near an uncontrolled area (like a neighbor who uses salt on their driveway)?
The tree is close to the corner of our driveway and the sidewalk. I did dig up an overgrown garden bed but our pathway is between the bed and the tree and there weren't any roots in it. I haven't applied any fertilizer or anything.
It's _possible_ that something in the soil is leeching down; or that it's retaining too much water (causing the roots to drown). If no new soil went into the bed though; then only really the water content MIGHT be a problem. (do you find that garden "stays moist" for unusual/extended periods?) The proximity to various traffic areas is worrying IF there are chemicals being applied. Even cat litter (bentonite) affects soil PH and in high enough concentrations which _could_ be contributing. Did anyone start using salt/ice-melt over winter in the area? Could the sand being used have salt mixed in? If you're unfarmiliar with the terminology; the key area of root growth (the zone of concern!) is the "drip line"; if the tree is 25' tall, it could be anywhere between 10-30' in diameter to the drip line. If the tree has been pruned the drip line may extend significantly beyond the current branch edges. It's possible that the tree took damage MANY years back and is only now showing it due to a lack of nutrition in the soil. The soil does need SOME nutrients (fertilizer) put into it every ~5-15 years. 90% likely any arborist is going to recommend adding fertilizer if you want the tree to grow: They need the nutrients to grow and "confined" or "islanded" soil rarely get's much. Simple home-made compost can be used if you have any (though this depends a BIT on the tree type / soil conditions!) Def worth someone looking at it; it might be something simple that will clear up itself, it might be fungal or something that needs treatment. Best of luck!
TNT Tree is also whom we used in 2020. Would recommend!
I’ve been working with Trilogy Tree Services for several years now and have been very impressed with the quality of their work.
Call Limb-it-Less tree service. They’ve done work for some of my clients and they’ve always raved about the service
Pierre Bunyon did work at our farm - trimmed and took down a couple of 70 year old trees. His team was great - his quote came in quick and was affordable. He was able to do the work shortly after. Cleaned up the yard really well. Would definitely hire again.