
Have you noticed something amiss with your tree? Don’t ignore it, as it could be a sign of trouble. The earlier you detect problems on your tree and address them, the better for its health.
But how do you know if a tree is sick? In this post, we look at some of the common signs that your tree is dying or sick, as advised by Birmingham’s trusted tree removal services provider.
1. Wilting Leaves
The tree needs the leaves to trap sunlight for its food production. Sadly, wilting leaves don’t work at their maximum potential, and this hurts the entire tree. Your tree leaves can wilt for many reasons, including heat stress, poor soil drainage, and diseases like fireblight.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Ask any experienced arborist. “How do you know if a tree is sick?” They won’t fail to mention yellowing leaves. If you notice your tree leaves turning yellow, and it’s not because of fall color, it usually indicates nutrient deficiency.
When your tree isn’t getting all the nutrients it needs, its leaves will let you know by turning yellow or chlorotic.
3. Spots on Bark, Leaves, or Fruit
Have you seen ugly spots or blemishes on the leaves, bark, or fruit of your tree? This often indicates a bacterial or fungal disease. Some spots may also indicate insect damage.
To determine whether the culprit is an insect or tree disease, you need to examine the tree further. Assess its color, size, shape, the location of the spots, and the time of the year. At times, you might spot the insect responsible for the problem.
Similarly, you may notice other signs that could help you know what’s ailing your tree, such as the presence of galls or fungal fruiting bodies.
4. Dying or Dead Branches
If large branches drop from your tree, it could be a warning about the development of serious health issues. Dying or dead branches usually indicate a natural tree decline, particularly if the tree is old.
A tree slows down as it becomes older, and its ability to produce food will deteriorate, so it won’t have sufficient food energy to support its entire structure. Consequently, a section of its branches will decline and die. The dead branches will eventually drop.
Branch drop may also indicate a tree disease. This happens to separate the diseased branch from the rest of the tree, preventing the disease from spreading.
5. The Tree Is Leaning
If your tree trunk is leaning, don’t hesitate to find out what’s causing the problem. This could be a result of root damage, insect infestation, or other issues.
Contact Your Local Tree Experts for Assistance
How do you know if a tree is sick? Look out for signs like wilting or dead leaves, strange spots, or dead branches. If you need help with this, McDaniel Tree Services is your go-to local arborist. Our services include:
- Tree removal and stump grinding
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Emergency tree service
Call us today at (205) 308-8270 for your free estimate or to find out if you need a tree removal permit.