Important Note:
Improper diagnosis and treatment of a tree problem may cause more damage than the initial tree health concern. If your tree problem is not easy to diagnose and/or the treatment is beyond your ability, please seek the assistance of a Certified Arborist.
Click here for more information on hiring a Certified Arborist and check "Other Resources" in the blue bar on the right to find a local Certified Arborist.
Attending to insect, disease, and fungus problems as they arise can prevent future need for tree removal. Seek the help of an arborist for your tree care or see if you can diagnose and treat the problem yourself.
Public vs. Private: Where is the tree located?
Public parks, Right-of-Way and Natural Areas:
Trees growing in City parks, natural areas, rights-of-way and other city property are managed and maintained by the City's Forestry staff.
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Not sure if a tree is located within the right-of-way? In most areas of the city, the right-of-way is the area between the sidewalk and the curb; if a tree is growing there the city is responsible for maintaining that tree. For areas of the city that do not have sidewalks, click here to visit the Tree Inventory webpage to see if the tree in question is a City tree on the Google Earth version of the tree inventory or contact the City's Field Operations Forestry division at (734) 794-6364 to determine if the tree is within the right-of-way.
Residents should contact the Forestry Division through the Citizen Request System if they have concerns about any publicly managed tree; however, there are some common concerns that do not need to be reported. See right for photos and information regarding Common Tree Health Concerns. |
Private Property:
Trees growing behind the sidewalk in front yards, side yards and back yards are on private property. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the trees on private property. Keep reading for tips on symptom identification, problem diagnosis and treatment selection.
Examining the Tree
Plant identification: Eliminate species-specific problems that do not influence your tree species. Try this Tree Identification Key for help.
Patterns of abnormality: What are the differences between your tree and others of the same species, or other species in the same area? |
Common Tree Health Concerns
| * Although the City is not currently performing treatment for this issue, please continue to report for tracking purposes. | |
Landscape: Consider property history and the effect that adjacent land may have, for example, were herbicides recently used near the tree?
Root Coloration: Brown roots could indicate dry soil or the presence of toxic chemicals. Black roots may signal wet soil or the presence of root-rotting organisms.
Trunk/branch wounds: These are entrances for pathogens and wood rotting organisms.
The position/appearance of affected leaves: Dead leaves at the top of the tree may indicate root stress. Viral infection or insect feeding could be marked by twisted or curled leaves.
View the Tree Care Information section on Insects & Disease Problems from treesaregood.org, for more information.
Problem Diagnosis and Treatment
Based on the symptom information that you collect through your tree examination, you may be able to diagnose the problem. Major causes to consider in problem diagnosis are insects, diseases and growing conditions. Provided below are some helpful links to learn more about diagnosing and treating problems in these areas.