You’ve just bought your dream house in the perfect neighborhood, but there’s one problem – the enormous tree in the backyard looks sickly and you aren’t sure it’s safe. Or perhaps you’re the proud owner of an exotic specimen you purchased at a nursery and are concerned about how it’s doing. Either way, if you spot any of these 7 warning signs that your tree is dying, then you should take action immediately to save it from certain death.
1) The tree has dead branches
When you notice dead branches on your tree, it may not be the end of the world. This can happen for many reasons. For example, if there’s been an ice storm in the area and branches fell as a result, or if deer have been nibbling on them. However, if you find that all of the branches are starting to die, this could be an indication that something is wrong with your tree.
2) The tree has few leaves
If you notice that a tree has few leaves, it could be an indication that the tree is dying. This could happen for several reasons: the tree might not be getting enough water, it might have been hit by lightning or another type of storm, or it may have been infected with insects.
3) The tree’s bark is cracked or peeling
Cracked or peeling bark is usually an indication that the tree has been water-starved for some time. This can happen when the soil around the tree dries out, or when the roots of the tree are compromised by nearby construction, such as sidewalks and driveways. Take note of this sign and be sure to water your tree on a regular basis. Sometimes bark loss results from an infectious condition and you will need to cut down the tree before the infection spreads to other trees in the area.
4) The tree has mushrooms growing on it
Mushrooms are an indicator of water damage, which can lead to extensive decay. If you find mushrooms growing on your tree, it’s important that you act quickly. There are various ways to treat the symptoms of a rotting or fungal tree. But these measures might not be worthwhile if the tree is already doomed to be cut down. If there’s a possibility of the fungus spreading, the tree will have to come down.
5) The tree has sunken areas on the trunk
If you see sunken areas on the trunk, the tree may be dying. This could be due to a disease like Dutch Elm Disease or some kind of insect infestation.
6) The tree has roots growing out of the ground
The tree’s roots are growing out of the ground, as if it’s trying to find water. When trees get thirsty, their roots grow out of reach of water. This can cause roots to break and crack, which can compromise your tree’s ability to absorb nutrients from soil or moisture from rainwater. You can use mulch around the base of the tree and make sure that you water it regularly so that its roots have plenty of moisture. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to consult with a professional on how best to move your tree to a better location where it will have access to more water.
7) The tree is leaning
If you notice that your tree is leaning, it might be because the root system has been damaged. This can happen for many reasons including disease or pests. You will want to contact your local tree care specialist for advice on what to do about the problem.
What to do next?
If you see these symptoms on your trees give fill out our form for a free Tree Removal Estimate and we can help you determine if the tree in question needs to be removed.