It is a cliché to say that Colorado has erratic weather. One would have to look no further than the events of this summer. An amazing 85% of the Denver metro area has experienced at least one major hail storm. The most recent hail storm was accompanied by 70 to 100 mph winds and several sightings of tornados. While the majority of the wind damage with uprooted trees, and broken limbs occurred in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, and north Lakewood there was damage in many others parts of the city. Thousands of trees were torn out of the ground, broken into pieces and even tossed onto homes and cars.

Unfortunately, while the damage from strong storms will linger long after the debris has been cleared. The damage from the hail, which affected even a larger area, will persist for many months to come. Several species of fungi and bacteria thrive under our recent conditions and are simply waiting for an opportunity to become active. Many tree species can become hosts for these pathogens, which include Spruce, Aspen, Locust, Crabapple, and nearly all fruit trees. As the hail falls to the ground it will create millions of very small wounds. These wounds are effective pathways for the various pathogens to enter the tree’s vascular tissue of the plants.

Some pathogens, such as Cytospora in Spruce and Aspens, are chronic diseases that slowly kill the tree over a period of several years. Others, such as Fireblight, can be more aggressive, and may effectively destroy the tree within just a year or two. Chemical treatments can be effective when used in conjunction with cultural practices such as sanitation pruning. Signs and symptoms of these diseases will become evident in the coming months.

Symptoms and signs will vary but may include:

1. Dead leaf tissue

2. Hooked appearance to terminal end of twigs & branches

3. Thin needle or leaf canopies

4. Stunted shoot growth

5. Discoloration of sap excretions

6. Lesions & fungal spores on diseased twigs & leaves

We can help you with your storm damaged trees, click here to send us an estimate request, or call us at 303.232.0666.