Blog

Some trees can be saved, but if it's dead it could pose a risk to your home and property. If you're not sure get help from a qualified Arborist like Arbor Doctors. (shameless plug!)

What are the signs and symptoms of a sick or dying tree?

Trees can be the highlight of your landscape. They offer beauty and value to any property. In the summer we get shade and shelter for our little animal friends. Sometimes when a tree is unhealthy it's quite obvious. The leafs are turning brown and falling away, there may be insect damage that is clearly visible along with sap running down the trunk.

But there are other times when you can't quite tell what's going on. If the tree is close to the house or a power line it's critical to address the problem sooner than later. Falling branches can result in expensive home and car repairs or could cause injuries to people and pets nearby.

To avoid damage to your property, don't put off checking your trees if you suspect a problem.

Here are some signs to help you determine if you have a dead or dying tree.

1. It's loosing it's bark. If a tree is unhealthy or damaged it could begin to crack and lose it's outer bark. There may be splits or cracks that cause cavities to open exposing the tree to further damage from insects and disease. The tree becomes weak and storms and weather could cause branches to break off.

2. The leaves have all fallen off. In the Spring, if there are few green and healthy leaves growing or they are brown and dead, there could be a problem. Evergreens will appear yellow, brown and sometimes red, if dying or if they're unhealthy and need help.

3. Lots of dead branches. A few dead branches is normal, but a lot is not. By pruning you can help keep your trees healthy and it's easier to notice problems with the branches. If you begin to see lots of dead branches, the tree is unhealthy and there's a risk they could break off and fall causing damage.

4. You begin to notice insects and damage to the tree. Insects will move to a dead or dying tree. As the tree becomes weaker, it can suffer from diseases and insect damage. You might even see fungus growing on the tree indicating rot.

5. The tree exhibits unusual growth. Shallow roots, odd growth, leaning or distorted limbs, thinning or small yellow leaves, along with poor growth all indicate problems that require attention.

Those are some of the things to look out for that may indicate a dead or dying tree.

Can my tree be saved?

If you find a tree that is sick and isn't too damaged, with the help of an Arborist they may be able to save it. It's critical that you call someone as soon as you notice a problem to get the best result. With proper training and understanding of trees and plants the Arborist can quickly determine the best course of action for treating any problems.

Protect your investment.

We can help you design a maintenance plan to help keep your trees, plants and shrubs healthy and happy. Contact us to find out more.

Request Your Free Assessment Here