Wounds

��� Wounds are openings in the bark that expose trees to decay, insect, and disease attack. Be careful not to wound the trees with lawn mowers, string-type weed trimmers, vehicles, heavy equipment, or improper pruning. If trees are wounded, remove any loose bark using a sharp knife or chisel, and cut off ny wood protruding from the wound. Avoid enlarging the wound, and do not apply a dressing paint.

Insect and Disease Control ������

��� Keeping trees healthy is the best prevention from insect and disease problems. Drought, improper planting, or roots disturbed by digging or soil compaction can stress trees and make them more susceptible to insect and disease problems. By determining the primary cause of the stress, you can treat the initial problem, before the stressed tree becomes vulnerable to insect and disease attack.
���� Regularly examine your trees for unusual problems on the bark, branches, or the foliage. If you find a pest, identify it (insect, disease) before applying any pesticides. Not all pests require control measures, and some may have no practical treatment. Sometimes, merely pruning dead or diseased branches will control the pest problem.
��� If you are unsure what the problem is, don't guess, instead call a Kansas Certified Arborist, Kansas Certified Nurseryman, or your County Extension Office. These people can answer your questions and suggest proper tree maintenance practices.
��� Many pesticides can be purchased over-the-counter at garden centers and nurseries. Select and use pesticides that are labeled for your specific purpose. For example insecticides control insects, while fungicides control diseases. Also, read the label to insure the pest problem you are wanting to control, and the type of plant you intend to treat, are listed for control on the pesticide label.

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