As I write this, central Texas is experiencing its worst winter weather event in decades (so what else can I do but write?). Having done tree work here for 40 years now, I've seen quite a few cold weather episodes in Austin. There was a five day stretch in December of '83 where we never got out of the 20's.
Many palms and most tallow trees around Austin froze to death that year, but there wasn't any precipitation, so breakage from snow and ice wasn't an issue. A couple years later ('85) we had two events a couple weeks apart that totaled about 7 inches of snow but also pretty bad icing, and we got some breakage with that.
In '89 we got the coldest blast I can remember, down to about 4F, but it was a quick dip, and I don't remember a lot of breakage with that one. Oak wilt continues to be an issue throughout Austin, central Texas and much of the central part of the U.S. This often fatal disease is spread by a fungal organism known as Bretziella fagacearum (previously Ceratocystis f., but scientists often change organism names just to mess with us arborists!)
Many palms and most tallow trees around Austin froze to death that year, but there wasn't any precipitation, so breakage from snow and ice wasn't an issue. A couple years later ('85) we had two events a couple weeks apart that totaled about 7 inches of snow but also pretty bad icing, and we got some breakage with that.
In '89 we got the coldest blast I can remember, down to about 4F, but it was a quick dip, and I don't remember a lot of breakage with that one. Oak wilt continues to be an issue throughout Austin, central Texas and much of the central part of the U.S. This often fatal disease is spread by a fungal organism known as Bretziella fagacearum (previously Ceratocystis f., but scientists often change organism names just to mess with us arborists!)
Services
Guy is a second generation arborist. His dad was well known in New England for providing arboricultural work at some of New England's most prestigious properties, including Harvard University and some of the famous mansions in Newport, Rhode Island over his 35 year career. Guy began his career working with his dad in Massachusetts, and he also worked as a disease and insect treatment technician for a large New England tree service.
Because I personally provide the services offered, I am usually in the field all day, everyday except Sunday. Please leave a number you can be reached at before 9 a.m. OR between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., which is when I usually return calls. If you can only be reached during regular business hours, leave that number and let me know.
Oak wilt is a very complex disease. This information is only intended to address how oak pruning impacts the spread of the disease. This is due in large part to the prevalence of live oaks here, and the propensity for root grafting which this species has. It has been recognized by researchers and expert arborists that the vast majority of the spread of oak wilt occurs underground, from live oak to live oak, through these grafts.
Pruning is very likely the most common tree care practice in the U.S., representing a very large majority of the annual income produced by tree care service companies. But how beneficial is it? The answer is, when necessary and done properly, it can be very beneficial. When done improperly, it can be quite detrimental.
Reviews (3)
Kirk P.
Aug 09, 2018
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Guy recently took care of the trees on my property. I am not a Yelp person. But when someone does a job this well, they deserve a shout out. I was absolutely blown away by his expertise, his professionalism, his punctuality and his execution. Our initial meeting to bid the job taught me quite a bit about my trees. I knew he was the person I wanted to hire from that meeting and scheduled him on the spot. He worked diligently for several days and gave me the exact outcome, for the exact cost he bid. Guy began work each day when he said he would and finished the job on time. I could not be happier
William W.
Aug 09, 2012
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Guy LeBlanc has been lovingly caring for our trees for over 10 years now. He is as personable as he is professional, and he really knows his stuff. Our property has numerous large oaks as well as lots of junipers and other assorted species. We have him out every year or so to do a general survey for problems that might be cropping up as well as to develop a plan for what needs taking care of that year. Our trees represent a major asset to our property, and it gives us great peace of mind to know that someone with his knowledge and experience is watching out for them. His fees are very reasonable
Barbara W.
Jan 14, 2012
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We hired Guy several years ago to work on the trees at our brand new house. The trees had been stressed by all the building work and had never received professional care, so we wanted an expert to make sure they were healthy. He told us exactly what was wrong and was able to fix everything. He is extremely knowledgeable about tree care, having advised the City of Austin and spoken at Wildflower Center events. The $75 fee is for a full consultation, not just a bid. Guy will tell you exactly what is wrong with your trees and what needs to be done. He is a certified arborist and true professional
