Many homes are often constructed or renovated near existing trees to take advantage of their aesthetic and environmental value. Unfortunately, the processes involved with construction can be deadly to nearby trees. 

Recently we were assigned by a property owner to determine the health and condition of three trees commonly known as Silver Maple( Acer saccharinum). The property owner had recently purchased the property and had no information about the subject trees' prior treatment. The client was advised that we needed to conduct a starch test of each subject tree's condition. Starch tests provide the inspecting arborist a measure of the carbohydrate capacity of the tree in question. 

All green plants produce sugar (energy)in their leaves during photosynthesis. The sugar is then either used in the leaves as an energy source for the growth or production of other essential materials or transported via the phloem (inner bark) to other parts of the tree. 

The sugar that is not used immediately is linked together in long chains to create starch. Starch is the product the tree uses to store much of its energy reserves. By staining wood for starch, the level of the tree's energy reserves can be estimated. This information is beneficial when making a diagnosis of the tree's condition.

Our testing of these three trees determined that they were collective in poor condition since the starch tested yielded light color wood. If a tree is in good condition related to carbohydrate reserves, then the starch test will yield a dark-colored wood when exposed to the iodine mixture. 

We discovered that these three trees had been severely injured ten years prior due to construction injury due to sidewalks, street curb, and underground pipe installation after reviewing our historical files and data.

These subject trees have poor growth rates, limb loss, decay, and are becoming a hazard to the public and property. The necessary take-home lesson is that trees are often the victim of people pressure disease(PPD). With good arboricultural and horticultural advice, PPD can be avoided if the tree's owner is willing to follow a qualified arborist's advice and guidance when managing their trees. 

For more information on how to protect your trees Click Here.