Trees can live for hundreds of years. In fact, some of the oldest trees in the world have lived for thousands of years. The oldest tree on record was just a little sapling during the ice age. How about that world-view perspective? But with today’s modern conditions and urban living, it’s rare that we see our trees last nearly that long. We’re seeing a much younger life for trees. It’s important that we carry out proper watering. Proper attention and tree management can stoke a healthy life for the tree. Here’s a list of the top warning signs that you’re tree is in trouble.
Signs that Your Tree is Dying
There are a wide variety of signs that could point to your tree being on its last leg. One sure way to tell if the tree is dying is if there is a lack of leaves of a great reduction in the number of leaves the tree is producing. Other signs of a very sick tree include brittle bark and dead limbs. Here are some more common ways to tell if your tree is dying.
Poor Structure – A tree that is leaning to one side or has an odd shape could be suffering from an unnatural growth pattern.
Decay – Sometimes decay can be hard to spot. Look for dead branches, mushroom-like spores, and soft wood. Decay doesn’t necessarily mean that the tree will die. Contact a professional to assess to the damage.
Weak joints – Another indicator that your tree may be sick. Look for weak branches that are growing too close together.
Cracks – Cracks are a tough diagnosis. There are plenty of perfectly-fine cracks in trees. Look out for unnatural fissures. If you’re unsure, contact an arborist and get their diagnosis.
So then what causes a dying tree?
All trees will eventually die, despite some living for decades or centuries or even millenniums. There are a number of different diseases and fungi that can destroy the tree. Tree diseases can vary from species to species.Much like animals, the size of the tree at maturation dictates the lifespan of the tree. Smaller trees live less than larger trees.
What to do with a sick tree?
The best thing you can do for a tree that is dying or sick is to call an arborist or a tree doctor. These are people who specialize in diagnosing and treating a diseased tree. There’s a good chance that they’ll be able to help you.
– Look for exposed roots – root rot is lethal to trees.
– Be sure to take care of your tree’s basic needs.
– Watch the weather. If it has been a long time since there has been rain be sure to wateryour tree.
– Proper pruning makes all the difference. If you’re unsure about how to prune your tree, search the internet or contact a specialist.
This article was written by Freddy Johnson. Freddy is a wealth of knowledge and passionate about everything on the internet. When possible he enjoys publishing pieces that help people with home and yard improvement.
