While it seems easy, not everyone has the eye to detect a dead or dying tree. This article gets you tell-tale signs to ensure tree removal stays the last resort. You should only cut down a tree if there is no other way to save the tree. Keep reading to know how a deciduous tree can indicate the departure is closer.
Four Inevitable Signs A Tree Is Dying
Contents
Trunk
Tree trunks are a significant indicator of a dying tree. The first sign is that large sections of bark begin to peel off. Unless it is a natural trait of that tree species, consider it a decaying hint. Second. If the tree in your yard is rotting a lot, particularly in the trunk areas, it’s time. You can remove this tree and plant another. Most people believe that hollow tree trunks indicate decay. However, it is NOT true. A tree can stay sturdy and thrive even with a vacancy. Take, for instance, a steel rod. Regardless of the hole (if it has one), the pipe remains strong.
Roots
Take a look at the tree base. Root damage can also indicate the tree is dying. A common disease known as root rot might infect your plant. In this case, you will notice several mushrooms growing at the base of the tree. Another sign is when the root system lifts out of the ground. It is not about roots that grow on the surface naturally. Here, tale signs are roots separating from the earth. It indicates the destabilization of trees. You may consider tree removal in both cases.
Branches
You can observe the first signs of dead trees through branches in fruit trees. If new shoots spring up from the base of the tree, there’s something wrong. Note that these are growing from the trees, not the soil. Now, why so? Injured or almost dead trees are undergoing extreme duress, and try growing more branches to battle ailments.
You may cut the dead branches off and observe them. If there are insects within, it’s a clue. Wood-borer beetles may doom the tree on your property. You can look closely at the decaying branches and find their larvae. These insects attack trees and shrubs that are already showing signs of damage and weakness. So, whatever’s left, the larvae destroy it. That’s nature.
Leaves
To check if your backyard has healthy trees, look for tree buds in winters. Since deciduous trees shed their leaves, you need an alternative way. These buds are small dots at branch ends. If you find no dots at all, it may be a dead or dying tree. Evergreen trees are different. The first needles fall from the near-trunk area. If the outer foliage is turning brown instead, the tree may be dying. In short, if trees and shrubs have dead leaves or needles in summer, something is not right. Consult a tree service to find a cure. Also, ensure that it’s the growing season and not the fall.
Why Do Trees And Shrubs Decay?
However, sometimes you may not be sure why a tree is dying. One common cause could be construction damage. Anything can destabilize your trees, from digging a high-speed Internet trench to driving over roots with heavy machines. It is where tree care comes into the picture. You might avoid such compaction and dig near a tree. You can largely avoid the irreplaceable damage with more environment-oriented planning.
Conclusion
The tale signs given above are helpful to detect decay in trees. But is dead tree removal always essential? No. Sometimes a tree on your property, when extracted, can dwindle your building’s foundation. Experts recommend you leave it. Dead trees become habitats to birds and bats, who play an equal role in the ecosystem.
