If you have a tree showing signs of distress and are concerned about its overall health or safety, whether it be the cornerstone of your landscape or simply an old friend, you will want to know what is happening and how to fix it. This article will explain some options on where to turn.
UC Master Gardeners can often help. We do not make home visits, so we rely upon you to provide us with some pictures as well as some necessary cultural information. Like any problem’s investigation, gathering accurate information is vital for determining a correct solution. If you have ideas of the possible source of the problem, let us know. Show us the insects or fungi you have discovered or any changes to leaves, branches, or bark you see.
The following link to our website provides information on how to contact us and the type of information we need to assist you.
https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-program-contra-costa-county/advice-grow-byask-us
A definitive problem diagnosis is not always possible through pictures. Another option would be to hire a certified arborist to examine your tree to determine the cause and provide management recommendations. An in-person visit provides an opportunity for the arborist to evaluate all aspects of the situation and for you to have a face-to-face discussion to get all your questions answered. We are unable to make recommendations to private businesses, but we can provide you with information on how to find one. If that is something you are considering, look for either an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists) certification.
The latter certification, ASCA, is usually held by consulting arborists who specialize in providing diagnosis and possibly treatment, whereas the ISA certification is somewhat simpler to obtain, and is held by both consulting arborists and arborists who work for tree care companies. The following links allow you to search for an arborist in your area.
• ISA: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
• ASCA: https://www.asca-consultants.org/search/custom.asp?id=3818
The SF Bay Area is home to many qualified arborists, and we suggest that you obtain more than one quote.
If your tree is not in danger due to ill health, but rather a beauty whose shape has gone awry, there is an organization called Aesthetic Pruners Association (APA) that provides a searchable database for an APA Certified Aesthetic Pruner in your area. The following links are to the organization’s home page, pruner search directory, and certification process.
• Home page: https://www.aestheticprunersassociation.org/
• Search directory: https://www.aestheticprunersassociation.org/certified-aesthetic-pruners#!directory/ord=lnm
Help Desk of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County (EDC)