If you have a tree on your property, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of disease or decline. Although trees are generally hardy plants, they can succumb to pests, diseases, and other problems. If you notice any of the following signs, your tree may be in trouble and in need of attention from a certified arborist.
The tree’s leaves are discoloured or falling off
If your tree has reduced foliage or the leaves are spotted, discoloured, wilted or mottled, it may be a sign of a sickly tree. Usually, healthy trees have lush green leaves throughout the Summer & Spring, but if the leaves on your tree appear to be falling off prematurely, have reduced colour vibrancy or are covered in spots then it’s a warning that something is wrong. It’s best to consult with an arborist and have them take a closer look at your tree as soon as possible before any serious damage is done.
There are mushrooms or other fungi growing on the tree
Are you worried that your beautiful tree might be diseased or dying? Signs of decay in a tree are unfortunately very common and can be spotted. If there are mushrooms or other fungi growing on the trunk, roots, or branches of your tree, then this is a sign of decay caused by microbial activity. While mushrooms may have harmless intentions such as breaking down decaying organic matter into the soil, they can also act as agents of destruction. Fast-growing saprotrophic fungi can damage plants and cause weakness or death. If you spot any fungi or mushrooms growing on your tree, contact an expert to assess the situation as soon as possible.
The tree’s bark is cracked, peeling, or otherwise damaged
When it comes to trees, one of the key signs that a tree is unhealthy is when its bark begins to show signs of damage. Cracks, peeling or other irregularities in the bark of your tree can be indicative of a much larger issue such as disease or infestation. Smooth-barked trees are especially susceptible to this kind of damage, but any consequences should be dealt with swiftly and professionally before the condition gets out of hand. Professional arborists can quickly diagnose the issue and provide treatments that are needed for your tree’s health.
There are holes in the tree’s trunk or branches
One sure sign that your tree may be infested is the presence of holes in the trunk or branches. This could be an indication of termites, wood wasps, or stem borers gnawing away at the tree’s structure. Examine the holes closely to determine if they are active termite mounds, and look for sawdust spray which is a sign of termite infestation. If you spot tiny wasps or bees flying around or coming out of the hole, then it may a wood wasp nest. Stem borer holes have irregular edges and little mound at its base. Noticing these signs early can help prevent further damage to your tree.
Exhibiting Symptoms of Root Rot
Seeing any signs of root rot in a tree can be alarming, as it usually indicates that the tree will not survive without significant intervention. Root rot is caused by oversaturation of water, often due to poor drainage or flooding. Symptoms of root rot include discoloration of the bark and slowly dying foliage. If you notice any of these signs in your tree, it’s worth getting an expert opinion as soon as possible to see if there is anything you can do to save or salvage the plant. Taking heed of the warning signs and getting early intervention could mean keeping your tree for years to come.
The tree’s leaves are smaller than usual
If you’ve noticed that your tree’s leaves are smaller than normal, it could be a sign of a dying tree. This symptom points to a lack of energy and vigour in the tree as it struggles to carry out its essential functions due to some underlying stressor. In addition, the leaves may also appear limp and discoloured, or they may dry out far before they should. These are all tell-tale signs that something is wrong with your tree. Keep an eye out for other symptoms such as cankers on trunks or branches, premature leaf dropping, abundant wilting and irrigation issues to help determine the cause of your tree’s decline. If you suspect that your tree has a serious health problem, it’s best to contact an arborist for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
In conclusion, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of a sick tree. Discoloured or falling leaves, mushrooms or other fungi growing on the tree, cracked, peeling, or otherwise damaged bark, holes in the trunk and branches and exhibiting symptoms of root rot are all signs that your tree may be sick. You should also pay attention to leaf size as smaller size than usual could indicate an unhealthy tree. If you see any of these signs mentioned above in this article, contact a certified arborist for expert assessment and advice on proper care for your trees. This will help ensure the health and longevity of your trees and help keep them safe from disease.
If you think your tree’s health is in poor condition contact Plateau Trees today our Fully trained arborists can diagnose your tree and propose the best course of action to get your tree back into a healthy state.