You value the trees on your property. They provide shade for you and your family and help make your landscaping efforts beautiful.
While fully-grown trees are very robust and resilient, diseases and certain environmental conditions can threaten their health. Sometimes, spotting these signs of sickness is easy, but other symptoms aren’t as obvious.
It’s imperative that you learn to recognize the signs of a dying tree, as its falling branches can pose a safety hazard to you and your property. These branches can seriously injure a person or cause a significant amount of property damage.
These are the top five signs that your tree is dying.
1. Cracks In The Bark
If you notice that the bark on your tree is cracking and has started sloughing off the tree, it’s a sure sign your tree is dying. Of all the signs of a distressed tree, this one is probably the most obvious.
It starts with the bark deteriorating. It’ll become brittle and slightly discolored before falling off the trunk.
Over time, cracks will appear in the bark that remains on the tree. Some of these cracks can even penetrate deep inside the tree, reaching its internal cavities.
Cracks in the bark can also lead to danger. A cracked tree trunk is not as sturdy as a healthy trunk, so the tree may pose a safety hazard in the event of a storm or strong winds.
2. Abundance Of Deadwood
Perfectly healthy trees may have some dead spots, which can easily be pruned away to allow for new growth. However, if you notice an excessive amount of dead branches, your tree may be dying.
Deadwood poses a serious safety hazard. These dead branches can fall from the tree at any time, causing injuries to people and pets and damage to property.
Deadwood is relatively easy to spot on your own, but you may need a professional’s help to diagnose its cause and recommend a course of action.
3. Dead Leaves
A healthy deciduous tree sports bright green leaves during the growing season. If your tree’s leaves are still brown long after winter has passed and other trees in the area have grown lush, vibrant leaves, your tree is probably in trouble.
You’ll also notice peculiarities in autumn. These dead leaves won’t change color and fall to the ground. Instead, they stay on the branch.
With coniferous trees like pine trees, you’ll notice spots of red and orange needles.
A tree’s foliage is an important part of its ecosystem and signs of dying leaves or needles are an indication that your tree is distressed.
4. Damage To The Roots
Most trees have an elaborate root system that extends deep underground. They allow the tree to feed and thrive, so any damage to a tree’s roots could prove devastating.
Of course, root damage won’t just crop up overnight. If you’ve recently performed landscape work on your property, there’s a possibility that some machinery may have damaged your tree’s roots. Soil issues and lack of nutrients in the environment can also contribute to root damage.
Root damage may be difficult to assess, given that roots are usually out of view. However, if a tree is suffering from serious damage to its root system, roots can actually break through the soil and come into view above ground.
Other signs of root damage include yellowing and thinning leaves, lack of new growth, and dead branches.
5. Fungal Or Pest Infestations
Infestations, whether it’s from pests like ants and beetles or a fungus, are a sure sign your tree is sick. Healthy trees aren’t attractive hosts for these sorts of parasites and are typically able to ward off infestations.
On the other hand, a dying tree is a perfect host for pests like carpenter ants, bark beetles, and various forms of fungus. An affected tree has deep recesses that they can settle into and it’s easy for certain insects to carve out a home in the tree’s softened wood.
Spotting a fungal infection may be difficult in the initial stages, so look for an abundance of ants and beetles and stay vigilant while searching for signs of fungus.
The infestation will become more apparent as it develops. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to see mushrooms sprouting at the base of the tree. Another sign is the development of “cankers” on the trunk. These are weakened areas of decaying bark.
Can You Save A Dying Tree?
Fortunately, it’s possible to save a diseased tree if you notice the issues and take action immediately. You may need to enlist the help of an arborist to diagnose the problem.
Moisture is the most likely cause of an unhealthy tree. If the area around the tree has poor drainage, issues are likely to occur. You may need to alter your landscaping to allow for better drainage.
Another problem that can affect tree health is an abundance of mulch at its base. In the proper amount, mulch can help a tree’s roots retain water and keep the soil cool.
However, too much mulch can suffocate the root system and lead to the development of fungus. Clear away some mulch if you notice issues with your tree’s roots or spot fungal growth.
Finally, pruning away dead areas can save your tree. However, you’ll have to be careful, as certain trees require more precise tree trimming methods. You’ll need to sterilize your cutting tools and research proper pruning practices before you begin.
In fact, it’s best to let a tree care professional assist you with pruning your distressed tree. Pruning too much could kill the tree.
Arbor Tech Tree Service Can Help
A dying tree can pose a problem for you and your family. Its limbs can fall at any time, resulting in injury and property damage.
Look out for the signs of a distressed tree. If you notice decaying spots, cracking bark, or dead leaves, your tree may be in trouble.
Fortunately, professional tree services can help save your tree’s life. Reach out to Arbor Tech Tree Service to see how they can help you.
