Austin Cowen

Root collar disorders—often caused by girdling roots or a buried root flare—are some of the most common structural and physiological problems affecting urban trees. Because the issues begin below the soil line, they can go unnoticed for years until decline is well underway. Early identification is key to preventing long-term canopy loss, structural failure, and tree death. What Is the Root Collar? The root collar is where the trunk transitions into structural roots. This zone must remain...

Ganoderma applanatum found on White Oak Few diseases are as destructive and misunderstood as Ganoderma root and butt rot. This fungal pathogen is responsible for the slow decline and eventual structural failure of many mature shade trees in Northwest Indiana. While some fungi decay only dead wood, Ganoderma species actively invade living trees, weakening them from the inside out and creating serious risk concerns for property owners. What is Ganoderma? Ganoderma is a wood decay...

As autumn settles over Northwest Indiana, the vibrant colors and falling leaves are a visible reminder that trees are transitioning into dormancy. While it may seem like trees simply “shut down,” the reality is far more complex. Within the canopy, trunk, and roots, countless biochemical and physiological changes are taking place — all designed to help the tree endure months of cold, dry, and dark conditions ahead. 1. Photoperiodism: The Internal Calendar The first signal of seasonal change...