Trees, like all living organisms, can get sick. Unlike a human or animal, however, the signs that a tree is sick aren’t always obvious if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few ways to tell if your tree is sick.
Wilting Leaves
While it’s normal for a tree to lose its leaves in the fall, it isn’t normal for it to lose leaves in summer or spring. Wilting, discolored, falling leaves can signify many types of illness, from rot to dehydration to an insect infestation.
Evergreen trees also can be affected by this, as various fungal infestations can cause their needless to change color and shed.
Bark Problems
If the bark is patchy, discolored, falling off, moist, or flaking, it’s not a sign of a healthy and functioning tree. It is normal for a healthy tree to shed some bark and grow it back. The tree is likely diseased if the bark doesn’t grow back.
Weak Branches
Branches dying and falling off is nothing out of the ordinary for a healthy tree, but if it happens unusually often, it could be a sign of illness and death. Any dying branches should be removed for safety purposes, and if the tree has other noticeable problems, there’s probably a deeper issue to resolve.
Leaning or Falling
If the tree is leaning over or seems like it is going to fall, there’s likely something seriously wrong with it or the ground it’s sitting on. One reason a tree starts leaning is if it starts experiencing decay. This can make it unstable and more likely to fall over.
Contact Quality Tree Service
If you need help with a sick or dying tree, then you should call an arborist to help you. Sick trees should be removed before the disease spreads and people get hurt. Quality Tree Service can remove your damaged trees for you, or help you save the tree before it gets to that point. Contact us today.
