My tree blight experience has been devastating. I wish I had paid attention sooner, but that may not have helped.
Over the years, we have enjoyed privacy and shade from three trees in our back yard. Not sure what kind of trees, perhaps ornamental cherry of some sort. Two of these trees were there when we moved in. Our third was planted about ten years ago.
Last year, I noticed that something was wrong. Leaves were turning brown and although still attached to the tree, were dead. New growth was wilting and puss was oozing from the branches. Bark was discolored in some places.
The local greenhouse suggested it was perhaps fire blight and suggested I try pruning off the sick branches. I did this for branches I could reach, but that did not seem to help. This spring, everything seemed worse.
So, I finally contacted two tree maintenance companies for an inspection. The first just looked at the pictures and said fire blight, and provided a quote for removing the trees. The second came to do an inspection. She told me two of the trees were dead too far gone, but the third could be maintained with extensive pruning, but would probably only last a few more years.
The quotes for removal varied widely, so I chose the cheaper, more local company.
My Tree Blight Experience – Over for Now
Last week, the trees came down. My whole job took about 90 minutes, including removal and cleanup. Two guys did the work pretty easily, and sadly.
I did not bother having the stumps removed. They are cut down to ground level, and stump grinding is something I can do later if needed. I have treated the stumps and hopefully they just die off.
Next year I will consider planting replacement trees. If so, they will be of a blight resistant variety.
John years ago I pointed out a badly diseased mountain ash to my neighbor. He didn’t want to do anything until both our beautiful crab apples we infected. But he got on it, removed the ash and repeatedly sprayed both his and my apples. They recovered and ate beautiful today. I hope you and H are well.