BUR OAK BLIGHT

bur-oak-blight
A serious leaf blight disease on bur oak has been recognized in several Midwestern States, including Illinois.  Researchers in Iowa confirmed that this disease is caused by a new, and yet unnamed, species of Tubakia.  The disease was named bur oak blight, or BOB for short.

BOB occurs only on bur oaks, primarily on naturally established trees, and especially on mature trees on upland sites that appear to be remnants of savannah forests.

Leaf symptoms typically first appear in late July or August.  Infected leaves develop purple-brown lesions along the midvein and major lateral veins on the underside of leaves.  Large, wedge-shaped areas of chlorosis and necrosis develop on the leaf blade, and major leaf mortality may occur.  The symptoms of wilting and leaf scorch resemble, and have been confused with, symptoms induced by oak wilt.  A unique feature of BOB is that some of the killed leaves remain on the tree during the winter (healthy bur oak trees shed all of their leaves in the fall)

Over time, severely affected trees may die.  Boosting tree vigor may prolong the life of affected trees and ward off invasion by secondary pests.  In preliminary studies, injections of the fungicide propiconazole in late May or early June (prior to leaf symptoms) have reduced symptom development in the fall and the following year.  For more information of Bur Oak Wilt, feel free to contact one of the Kinnucan Arborists.

EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) – Coming to a Neighborhood near you….

Saving Emerald Ash Borer Trees on Chicago's North Shore

Have you ever wondered where these little pests came from? EAB is exotic beetle that originated in Asia and Eastern Russia. They were accidentally imported into the US (Detroit, MI) and Canada during the late 1990’s on cargo ships and airplanes concealed in wooden packaging. Unfortunately they were not identified until 2002 due to their knack of quiet invasion. EAB are described as the “equal opportunity killer” because they are far from finicky — they attack healthy, ailing, urban, rural, small and large ash trees. It is reported that 50-100 million ash trees have been killed in the US with an estimated $3.5 billion in damages reported annually. These damages can be devastating to the landscape of even the best of neighborhoods.

Their quick invasion across the country has been attributed to transport of firewood, trees, logs, etc; which necessitated the USDA and other regulatory agencies to implement and enforce quarantines and fines prohibiting transport of those known potential carriers out of reported infested areas.

As alarming as this may sound, rest assured – you can count on Kinnucan Tree Experts and Landscape Company to take the stress out of saving your beautiful yard and community landscape. We have been on top of this epidemic since the onset, and are TCIA Certified. We are working closely with Naperville, Bolingbrook, Grayslake, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lisle, Schaumburg, Tinley Park, Warren Township and the City of Chicago in educating residents and working closely with city council in preserving the landscape of our communities from EAB destruction. Our expert Arborists are armed and ready for these Mid-May to July dwellers.

With early detection through inspections, proper preventative measures, Tree-age injections, and expert recommendations, all is not hopeless. Tree removal is a last resort measure, and must be done professionally to ensure your safety, as well as the removal of all infestation and disease. If a tree is lost, we will be by your side to bring your landscape back to life in a healthy and beautiful manner.

Contact us today to beat the EAB before they find you! Have your trees inspected. With early detection and consistent Tree-age injections (at least every other year) you can save your Ash!

Kinnucan Donates Job at Lake Forest’s Elewa Farms Wildlife Discovery Center

Kinnucan donated a significant portion of the cost to build a recent Bobcat enclosure, as well as the new alligator pond at the Wildlife Discovery Center (WDC).  The WDC is a living natural history museum and one of the region’s unique hidden gems.  It is a place of learning and wonder, where people of all ages can explore the important concepts of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship in an intimate setting.  Stop by Elewa Farms/Wildlife Discovery Center and see why it’s called “A place where you can be with nature eye-to-eye!” 

Elewa Farms Bobcat Enclosure at The Wildlife Discovery Center.

Elewa Farms Lake Bluff Alligator Pond

Kinnucan Contributes to Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)

Kinnucan was  happy to be able to contribute to GLASA’s Annual Twilight Run/Walk/Roll & Post–Race Party for the 2nd time.  GLASA was founded in 1999 as a non-profit, to address the needs for adaptive recreational and competitive sports programs for children & adults with physical or visual disabilities.  Their motto is “Let no one sit on the sidelines”

Great Lake Adaptive Sports (GLASA)