Arbor 911: How to Tell When Your Trees Aren’t Healthy
You love those oak trees and birches. Nothing makes you happier than firs and sweetbays. So of course, it goes without saying that you want your trees to be happy.
Sadly, there is no tree hotline to call and talk them through a rough patch; all trees have is you, so it’s up to you to ensure their environment and health is the best it can be. Here are a few signs to look for that indicate your trees need help … and what to do about them.
Missing or Unusual Leaves
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, leaves are a great key to tree health. Look for “distorted leaves and stems,” “growth stimulation,” and “stunted and reduced leaves” as warning signs.
Missing Fruit and Flowers
If your tree is supposed to produce flowers or fruit at a certain time of year and you see a) nothing or b) much reduced fruit, that’s a sign. Call in a tree pro to diagnose the issue immediately.
Abnormal Fungus Growth
A little fungus can be normal, but overnight uprisings of mushrooms around the base of the tree or up its sides usually indicates rot, decay, or otherwise unhealthy conditions.
Dieback, Wilt, or Collapse
This is one of the clearest signs of tree unhappiness, says the United Nations. It can stem from insufficient water supply, too much water, disease, or dieback from old age.
Lesions or Cankers
Problems on the surface of the tree are a clear indicator that all is not well in tree world. “Cankers vary from those with sunken centers to others with raised edges and some with more general swellings,” says the UN, adding that spots, blotches, scabs, pits, holes, and other blemishes are all bad signs as well. This may result from disease, animal feeding, or pest activity – and needs a specialist’s review.
Need Help? Call a Pro
Premier Tree Solutions is a growing tree removal business based in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in a number of areas, including tree trimming and pruning, tree and stump removal, storm damage, and cleanup, branch clearing, and debris removal. And… we have three Certified Arborists on staff!
Give us a call at 404.252.6448 for an unhappy tree consult today, and we’ll make a plan to get your babies in ship shape fast. Emergency? Call 404.569.8897 instead, and we’ll be there in a jiffy.
