Trees are living things, and like all living things, they can become unwell and die before their time. If any of your trees become unwell, it's important to take preventative action as soon as possible. Identifying and fixing a diseased or damaged tree within a timely fashion is very important. If left unchecked, the tree can easily fall or drop large branches, which have the potential to hurt you, your family and damage your property.
It's not easy to spot signs of an unwell tree since these signs develop slowly. However, it's always a good idea to regularly inspect the trees on your property, to make sure that there are no worrying symptoms that have become evident. But what are some of the most common symptoms of an unwell tree?
Dead or rotten branches
Isolated branches that appear to be dead are nothing to be alarmed about. These should be snapped (or carefully sawed) off and discarded. But if numerous branches are dead or brittle, it can be a sign of an unhealthy or dying tree. Do some branches appear to be rotting? This can be a symptom of a fungal infection. This is difficult to spot, as it often begins inside the tree and works its way outwards. Sometimes this can be reversed, but it's not always possible to salvage the tree.
Cracks
Are there obvious cracks in the trunk or major branches? These cracks usually occur as a result of storm damage. The tree will often repair itself, but if it has become unstable and therefore poses a danger of falling, tree removal might be necessary.
If you've noticed any of these afflictions on your trees, it's advisable to get expert analysis and then proceed from there, so contact local tree removalists. In a best-case scenario, you might just need to change the way you care for the tree. The tree might recover with some additional nutrients applied to the soil, or you might be using herbicides or insecticides too close the tree and need to stop for the tree to recover.
Speak to an expert
Consult an arborist who will be able to diagnose the problem and remedy it if possible. The arborist might suggest that removal of the tree is the best course of action. There can also be some chemical solutions that can be applied to the tree and its surrounding soil to reverse the damage. An arborist or other professional might need to administer these solutions to larger trees, but you can probably do the work yourself when it comes to smaller trees.
Speak to your local council
Remember that a recommendation for tree removal is given without liability. You should talk to your local council before proceeding. Some trees are classed as significant and cannot be removed without receiving prior permission. Even dead trees that provide nesting for vulnerable species might still be protected.
No removal without replacement
Sometimes you can only remove a tree with permission if you replace it with a tree that will grow to a comparable size. While requiring more effort than a straightforward removal, this is the best option for the aesthetics of your garden.
For more information, contact your local tree services.
Share23 October 2018
Hi, my name is Christine. As a lifelong lover of the Shel Silverstein book "The Giving Tree," I have always been interested in the many different relationships one can have with a tree. I own a relatively large property with several trees, and I have worked hard to make those trees an essential part of my life. Some of my trees provide me with food, others provide me with energy-efficient shade that reduces my air conditioning bill and others create recreation opportunities for my kids in the form of treehouses or swings attached to the trees. Still other trees boost my property values just by being beautiful. If you want ideas about using your trees for fun, form and function, please explore this blog.
