Five Signs That Your Tree Needs Help
Posted on: 9 June 2015
Healthy trees add shade and beauty to your landscape. Inspecting your trees monthly, especially during the spring and summer growing season, helps you spot any problems or conditions early, which can give you a chance to save the tree. The following five signs mean your tree may need help.
#1: Branch or Leaf Loss
It's normal for trees to drop the occasional branch or to lose a few leaves outside of the fall season. It's only a cause of concern if the defoliation becomes severe, or if your tree begins suffering major branch dieback. Severe leaf or branch loss can indicate disease, pest infestation, or an environment problem. Diseases are sometimes fatal, necessitating the removal of the tree. Pests can usually be eradicated, and environmental conditions, such as irrigation or fertilizer issues, can typically be remedied.
#2: Oozing Wounds
Unless your tree has recently suffered mechanical damage, such as from a lawnmower or saw, there is no good reason for there to be an oozing wound. Wounds can be caused by fungal diseases or pests. Pest-induced wounds typically exude sap, which isn't harmful for the tree and is part of the healing process. Treating the pests solves the problem.
Fungal diseases can create wounds that exude fungal spores, which can vary in color but are typically brown, red or black. You must have the tree treated with fungicides to eradicate the disease.
#3: Pest or Disease Symptoms
There is a whole host of symptoms that can indicate a pest infestation or a fungal, bacterial, or viral disease. If you notice discolored foliage, mottled leafs, odd growths, or increased insect activity on your tree, it's a good idea to have it professionally inspected. Often, trees that are suffering from one problem, such as pests, also have another problem, such as a fungal disease. Returning the tree to full health will help it resist these conditions.
#4: Weak Growth
A tree that is growing poorly or putting on sparse foliage and weak branches needs assessed. Often, the problem is with the soil, water, or overall cultural conditions, so you can easily remedy the problem once it is diagnosed. Weak growth can also be a symptom of some viral and bacterial diseases, though, so a proper diagnosis is necessary before you begin treatment.
#5: Dangerous Habits
Finally, your tree needs some attention if it is developing a dangerous growth habit. Trees that are leaning need the eye of a trained arborist to make sure they don't pose a danger to people or nearby structures. Another concern is trees that are growing into power lines. Hire a professional company, like Troyer Tree Service Inc, to trim these, since they are trained to work safely around electrical lines.
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