What To Do if Your Tree Is Dying

A dying tree is a disheartening sight. But it’s more than just an eyesore: left unaddressed, a damaged tree becomes a risk to life and property. With quick intervention, however, you may be able to salvage it — here’s how.

What to Look for in a Dying Tree

Many signs of a dying tree are obvious, like a significant lean, advanced rot, little to no leaf growth, and large cracks. Yet, some can go overlooked. For one, a collection of mushrooms on or around your tree could indicate rot, as the fungi thrive on decaying bark and roots. Damage to the bottom of the trunk (from lawnmowers, for instance) can also lead to structural damage and instability.

Other, more subtle indicators of a dying tree can be found by looking up. A thinning canopy usually means at least some branches are decayed. Premature leaf shedding, yellow or browning foliage, and undersized leaves are also concerning. Or, you might notice some branches with no leaves at all. Known as dieback, this can indicate internal decay, which stops nutrients from reaching the furthest branches.

Sometimes, tree damage results from a temporary problem, such as drought, disease, or pests. By acting quickly, you may be able to stop the tree from dying off entirely.

How to Stop a Tree from Dying Completely

Remove Dead Limbs

First and foremost, have any dead limbs removed. Not only are they at risk of falling, but they’re taking away resources like sunlight and moisture from surviving branches. Our arborists can remove dead branches in a snap to keep the rest of your tree growing healthily.

Prune

Issues like a thinning canopy and premature leaf loss could be a symptom of something as simple as having a poorly shaped tree. Pruning is a precise science that controls growth, can stop the spread of diseases, and builds a strong foundation for your tree’s structure. In some situations, tree preservation is possible through plant healthcare injections as well. Our trained crew provides plant healthcare services and takes the guesswork out of pruning by handling the process according to industry-leading standards.

How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

The best approach to take when it comes to tree health is a preventive one. Here’s how to stop trees from dying in the first place.

Keep Them Cool

Leaf discoloration and wilting are signs of heat stress, which occurs when trees can’t replenish water as fast as they lose it. Most mature trees can survive periods of drought and high temperatures, but you’ll want to keep vulnerable new trees cool by planting them in shady spots and watering them more when it’s 90 degrees or hotter.

Give Them the Space to Thrive

Trees planted near obstructions can’t reach their fullest potential. Ideally, you’ll give each tree a wide enough radius so its roots and canopy can spread out. Plan your tree placement strategically when selecting new species.

Mulch

A freshly mulched yard looks sharp and benefits your trees. When placed atop the roots, mulch can lock in moisture, regulate temperature, and deter weeds. Aim for a 3- to 10-foot radius around the trunk (depending on the tree’s size), and a depth of 2 to 4 inches.

Select Native Species

While it’s certainly possible for other species to survive the climate of your community, native trees have the best odds of flourishing. These varieties are used to local conditions, including soil composition and weather patterns. We’re fortunate to have a huge variety of tree species native to Georgia!

Call in Professional Help

To the untrained eye, it’s not always easy to tell what a tree needs to survive. Luckily, our tree experts can pinpoint the best tree-atment to stop disease or decay. For prompt assistance, call us at 404-252-6448 or book an appointment online.

What to Do with Leftover Wood from a Tree Removal

Having a problem tree removed from your property can be a big relief. But it can also create its own challenge. Rather than having an at-risk tree looming over your yard, you might find yourself with a large pile of logs heaped in it instead. Although it is customary for Premier Tree Solutions to dispose of logs from a property after a tree removal, some homeowners request to keep them. Handling the aftermath of a tree removal can feel daunting, but we have some clever ideas for what you can do with leftover wood.

7 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Wood

1. Fuel Your Fire

Whether it’s for an outdoor pit or an indoor fireplace, leftover logs make the perfect fuel for burning a fire. You’ll need to season the wood before burning, which takes six to twelve months, but you’ll be grateful you saved the wood when chilly nights roll around!

2. Create a Bee Haven

There are few things bees love more than an undisturbed pile of wood. If you have a remote spot on your property, consider stacking some logs to invite these beloved black and yellow friends to create a home. Doing so will benefit our environment, as bee populations are declining worldwide.

3. Design New Décor

If you’ve ever read The Giving Tree, you know that a sturdy stump can double as a soothing seat. Apply this concept to your logs by creating chairs, benches, or other furniture out of them. Even if you’re not handy with woodworking, you might be able to bring the wood to a local artisan who can design a piece for you. Having furniture made from your very own tree is a move that’s both sentimental and sustainable.

4. Make the “Mulch” of It

Mulch has countless benefits. It’s a superb insulator, can inhibit weed growth, and makes a great visual impact. When you have a lot of flower beds or spaces, purchasing mulch material can get expensive. Even when you enlist a professional to shred your logs, you’ll still be saving on next season’s supply.

5. Separate Spaces

Cleanly outline your sidewalks, driveway, and other spaces with logs. These natural path markers will blend in with your landscape, while still creating distinct separate areas. Leftover logs and branches can even be used as makeshift retaining walls to support small terrace slopes.

6. Reach Out to Neighbors

When you’ve used up all the wood that you can, contact neighbors and friends located nearby to see if they’re interested in taking any. Many people with wood burning stoves or fireplaces will be happy to accept the tree-at.

7. Contact Your Town

When all else fails, contact your town’s municipal services to find out about the process for getting rid of leftover logs. Some cities and counties will take tree trunks with other landscape waste and brush on designated days. In other areas, you may have to schedule a pickup or drop the wood off yourself at a predetermined location. Before you do so, however, make sure you’ve looked into resources for recycling, such as reclaimed wood donations. Some organizations even offer pickup services for landscape materials and will gladly take the extra logs off your hands.

If you have a problem tree that needs removal, contact Premier Tree Solutions for prompt and efficient service. Our experts specialize in safe tree removal that preserves the rest of your property. Call 404-252-6448 to schedule a free assessment or send us a project proposal online.