Indiana Tree Service

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Leaves tell a lot about the tree. They are also the primary source of food for the tree. Purple or yellow leaves are slower growing than green leaved cultivars. The leaves of mulberry or magnolia can be so thick that it is difficult to grow grass or plants underneath them. In the Fall there is less sunlight and leaves change colors and drop. Some oak trees seem to hang on to dead leaves throughout the winter. This is normal. You can also see signs of insect damage and disease in the leaves. It is recommended that homeowners rake the leaves in the fall. This prevents spread of disease on plants and trees. Leaves are great for the compost pile. If your red maple or pin oak tree has off-color leaves it could be a sign of chlorosis. It is suffering due to a lack of a needed nutrient. Injections can help green it back up. Sometimes leaves will be smaller on trees that are in defense mode. Digging around tree roots can cause a great deal of damage. Trees will put more energy into surviving than growth. So, the leaves will be smaller than normal. Lastly, and most importantly of all.......like I said before.....leaves are the primary food source. Trimming should never remove more than 1/3 of the leaves or branches. The tree needs this energy to survive. So, if you have a company top your tree, then they are removing the necessary component for life for the tree. It might not die this year, but eventually it will. Keep your trees around for many years...... don't top!!!