Trees are such wonderful things to have on your property. They add shade, beauty, and they can increase the value of your home.
They also attract fun creatures like birds and squirrels to your property, not to mention trees give them a home.
There is a certain risk to having trees on your property, though a dying tree could be a hazard if there are power lines of your home is nearby. The branches can get extremely weak and fall in a strong wind or storm.
There are some things you can do if you have a dying tree on your property. Read on to find out the top signs of a dying tree and what you can do to save it.
Signs You Have a Dying Tree
The best way to protect your property and landscaping is to be aware of the health of the trees on your property. Doing a regular inspection of the trees on your property can be a big step in knowing if you have a problem tree or not.
When you do an inspection, you’ll need to know the warning signs. If you suspect that you have a sick or dying tree, look for these warning signs.
1. Your Tree Leans
When you look at your tree, you want to make sure that it’s vertical. A vertical tree is a sign of a very strong and healthy tree.
A tree that leans like the Tower of Pisa, however, isn’t doing that great. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors, a tree that just has a 15% lean can pose a threat.
You have to know whether or not the tree grew into that lean and it developed that way, or if the tree used to be vertical and started to lean over time.
A tree that started to lean over time is a threat because it’s a sign that the roots are weak or damaged.
2. You Can Spot Deadwood
Some trees naturally shed branches or limbs because it’s easier to make sure the entire tree gets the nutrients it needs. If there’s a limited amount of nutrients or water available, the outer branches can have a difficult time getting nutrients and die.
Just because a tree sheds branches doesn’t mean that it’s all deadwood. Branches that are green are typically signs of a healthy tree. If it’s a darker green turning into brown, it’s a dying tree. Wood that’s brown is dead.
Look at other parts of the tree to determine if the entire tree is dying or if the dead branches are isolated to one area.
3. Off-Season Leaf Loss
Trees shed their leaves or needles in the fall to prepare for the long winter months. If you find that your tree is starting to shed its leaves in the spring or summer months, that’s a sign that the tree could be sick.
If you inspect the tree and see that leaves are still attached but are shriveled up or appear discolored, that can also be a sign that something’s wrong with the tree.
4. Tree Bark Looks Bare or Infected
Take a close look at the tree bark. Do you see areas where the tree bark is split or bare? You could also come across areas of dead bark, which is a sign of an infection. Trees that have bark that easily falls off can also have health issues.
5. Root or Foundational Issues
Look at the base of the tree to check the overall foundation of the tree. If the roots and the foundation are strong, then your tree can be in good health.
If you see fungus growing around the bottom of your tree, that could mean that the tree is rotting from the inside out.
You can’t always tell if there are root issues with your tree, but you can tell if the tree has small branches growing from the roots. That’s a sign that the tree is sick or stressed.
How to Save a Dying Tree
What are your options if you find that you have a dying tree? Is it possible to save it? You can in some instances. In cases where the tree is infected in just one area, it is possible to save it. These are the options available if you suspect that something is wrong with your tree.
Remove the Tree
Sometimes, you can trim the tree and bring it back to health. In other instances, you have to remove the tree completely.
That’s going to take the work of an expert to remove the tree and the tree roots. The cost of tree removal by professionals will vary from location to location.
Trim the Tree
You could trim the tree yourself, but that can be dangerous to you and the tree. You have to know how to trim a tree properly.
You may also have to know if there are tree trimming regulations where you live. You would be smart to have an expert take care of that for you.
Rely on Professional Expertise
Before you make any decisions about your tree, you want to get an expert opinion. It’s best to call an arborist or tree service company that can tell you what’s wrong with your tree. They can also tell you if you need to remove it or if you can trim it and save it.
Keep Your Trees Healthy
Trees are such a wonderful thing to have on your property. They do take a bit of work to maintain, but the benefits are worth it.
You want to keep your trees healthy by inspecting the trees regularly. If you notice any signs of a dying tree, your first call that can advise you as to what the issues are. Depending on how sick or dying the tree is, you could trim it or have it removed.
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