Depending on the species and where it’s planted, you can expect the average suburban tree to live anywhere from 10 to 75 years. Many trees can live even longer!
Unfortunately, not all of our trees will live to see the natural end of their lifespan. Diseases, infestations, poor soil, inadequate watering, root stress, and other factors can result in a sick tree that doesn’t survive past its early years. Worse, these conditions can be hard to identify and treat, and it’s not always clear what you can do to help.
If you’ve noticed common signs of a sick tree, from bark issues to drooping leaves to discoloration, be sure to follow our recommendations below.
Diagnose the Problem
If you can, try to figure out what’s wrong with your tree. This can often give you a better idea of how to treat the issue.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes be trickier than it sounds. Wilting and yellowing leaves, for example, can be a sign of underwatering, diseases, or bad soil composition, and some types of insect infestations will cause similar problems. A bit of online research can sometimes clear the air with more obvious problems.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your sick tree, you might need to reach out to an expert. In the meantime, you can still take the following steps to preserve the tree as best you can.
Treat Diseased Areas
If you think a tree disease is causing your problems, try using a fungicide spray.
Fungal diseases can be hard or even impossible to get rid of through pruning. In fact, by the time a fungal disease has become noticeable, it’s a sign that the sickness has penetrated deep within the tree.
That’s where the right countermeasures come in. Anti-fungal sprays and injections will kill the invading fungus without destroying the tree’s leaves, bark, or branches. Be careful to follow the instructions on the products you use, as these sprays can be hazardous to pets, children, and wildlife.
Prune Diseased or Dead Branches
When a tree is sick, removing some of its foliage is like taking a load off its shoulders. This simple act can help your tree put more of its energy and resources toward keeping its remaining branches as healthy as possible. In some cases, it can also help remove an infection or disease that has taken hold of your tree.
If you’re doing this on your own, make sure to sharpen your pruning shears for a clean cut. Look for branches with missing bark, hollow wood, and dead, brown, damaged, or leafless limbs. A lack of buds at the nodes can also be a subtle sign that the area is dead.
When you’re dealing with diseased wood, the signs can vary. Lesions on the bark, discoloration on leaves and stems, and powdery or textured patches are all red flags.
Keep in mind that pruning diseased wood isn’t enough on its own. You’ll also need to remove it from your yard, as the spores, eggs, or bacteria from the pruned branches can move back into the tree or other plants in the area. Throw out or burn these branches and disinfect your pruning shears to keep the diseases at bay.
Experts don’t recommend removing more than around a third of a tree’s foliage at a time. Any more than this, and you’re likely dealing with a tree that needs to be removed.
Fine-Tune Your Watering Schedule
Sometimes, what looks like a sick tree is just a tree in dire need of water.
If your tree isn’t dealing with the arid Texas heat well, you’ll likely see it start to die from the top down. Wilting and yellow leaves are common. Unfortunately, under-watering can also make your tree more prone to disease.
On the other hand, over-watering or poor drainage can impact your tree’s health as well. If the area around your tree often becomes spongy and damp or collects standing water after it rains, you may need to create a drainage ditch to protect your tree.
As a general rule of thumb, experts suggest giving a tree ten gallons of water for every inch of its diameter. Focus on deeper watering by leaving a hose running at a slow drip around the tree’s roots. If you never remember to water the tree as often as it needs, set up an automatic sprinkler system instead.
Check Your Soil
Your tree gets most of its nutrients from the soil around it, so it’s crucial to strike the right balance.
If it’s been a while, add some fertilizer spikes in your yard. To be safe, a soil test can help you understand the soil composition, giving you a chance to tell what (if any) nutrients are missing. If you’re not sure how to do this or you don’t know what kind of nutrients your tree needs, talk to an arborist for help.
The much-needed nutrients in fertilizer spikes can often help strengthen your tree, allowing it to combat any pests or diseases that have taken root. In addition, these products can help keep moss at bay.
Protect the Tree With Mulch
Once you’ve walked through the strategies above, the last step is to protect your hard work. Mulch is a great way to prevent root stress, block weed growth, and shield your tree from future diseases.
Spread a five-inch-high layer of mulch around the base of the tree, leaving a few inches of free space around the trunk. Putting mulch too close to the tree allows moisture to collect, creating a breeding ground for mold and fungus.
Get Expert Help With a Sick Tree
Dealing with a sick tree can be frustrating and tricky, especially when you don’t have experience with plant care. If you’re struggling to save your tree, the tips above are a great place to start.
When you need help with a diseased or dying tree, get in touch with the team at Arbor Tech Tree Service. Protecting tree health is what we do, and we’d be happy to diagnose your issue, provide pruning services, and help you maintain the health of your trees and landscaping. To get started, call us at 214-445-8319 or contact us online.
