If you have trees in your yard it’s very important that they are maintained and in good health. A sick or dying tree can pose a huge risk to your family, home and property if it falls over or loses a heavy limb in a storm or due to high winds. While some signs can be quite an obvious indicator of ill health, others aren’t quite so clear-cut.
Here we take a look at some of the most common signs you may have an unhealthy or dying tree.
1. The Tree Is Leaning
It can be completely normal for a tree to lean up to around 15 degrees from vertical and be in good health. However, a tree that is leaning more than that or certainly one that is suddenly leaning more than its usual amount, is potentially suffering from structural weakness, which can be caused by root or wind damage. This is obviously very hazardous and should be inspected by an Arborist immediately.
2. Changes To The Bark
An obvious sign of a problem is visible changes to the bark of the tree. Peeling, loose
or missing bark, growth of moss and fungus or splits and cracks in the trunk, are all indicators of ill health. If you notice any of these signs, have your tree inspected as soon as possible.
3. Leaf Changes
An easy one to spot is changes to the leaves themselves and to the leaf growth of your tree. If your tree doesn’t have the amount of leaves it normally would for the time of year and is looking much more sparse than normal, it may be sick. It’s important to note, that sometimes the tree may not actually be sick at all, and may simply be dormant. Powdery mildew on leaves, spots or discolouration can also be indicators of a problem. Again, if you notice any of these signs, have your tree checked out by an Arborist for a full diagnosis.
4. Dying Or Dead Branches
The presence of a few dead or dying branches on a tree can be completely normal, however if there is a significant increase in the amount of deadwood, it can mean the tree is sick or dying and could be at risk of falling over. Other indicators can be changes to the colour of the branches or if they are no longer able to hold their shape. In any of these cases, it’s best to have your local Arborist take a look straight away.
5. Signs Of Infestation
Trees can fall prone to an array of different pests and fungal infections. Look for changes which can include: holes in the trunk and branches from wood-boring pests, discoloured areas on the bark, mushrooms growing around the base of the tree or on the tree itself, usually caused by a fungal infection. Changes to leaves such as discolouration, raised spots and browning can also be an indicator of an infestation. The longer pests and disease go untreated the more significant the problem may become, leaving the tree susceptible to sickness and death.
If you have a tree that is displaying any of these symptoms, don’t delay. Letting a tree go unchecked could lead to further decline which increases the risk of limbs falling or indeed the entire tree falling over. Also, a sick tree can be saved if it’s caught in time, diagnosed by a professional and given the correct treatment.
Unsure If Your Tree Is Dying? Call The Professionals.
Take the potentially dangerous guess work out of your tree’s health and have your local, qualified Arborist inspect your tree straight away and do a thorough assessment.
For qualified, experienced, Brisbane Arborists you can trust, give Aussie Tree Solutions a call on (07) 3351 1722 today. We’ve been taking care of South East Queensland trees for over 40 years and can provide all of your tree care needs from pruning to full tree removals. We also have Consulting Arborists on staff who will be able to accurately provide a diagnosis and treatment plan that may just save your dying tree.