Tree Removal Tips: How To Tell A Tree Is Dying

Posted on: 4 March 2022

Although trees can live for decades, they eventually die of old age. However, environmental conditions, pests, diseases, and catastrophic events such as fires can also kill your tree. Most times, the signs of death are obvious but sometimes they're unclear, making it hard to act on time. The bad news is that a dying tree can be hazardous to you, your family, and your property. That is why you need to schedule regular inspections by a tree expert since they can catch abnormalities on time. They may also restore a dying tree through tree trimming if the entire tree is not dead. If you are not sure what a dying tree looks like, here are the signs.

The Tree's Bark Turns Brown and Weak

Just like your skin changes due to an underlying issue, a tree's bark will look unusual when dying. Typically, it grows weak and peels, leaving the wood exposed. Additionally, you may notice some cracks. But sometimes, a tree can exhibit these signs due to intense heat or insufficient nutrients. Remember that with an exposed bark, the tree grows even weaker, making it a hazard to your property. Therefore, apart from fertilizing and watering it, you can also save it by removing the affected branches. 

There Are Only a Few Healthy Leaves Remaining

During the growth season, your trees should be full of green leaves. But when a tree is dying, you will notice only a few green ones remaining. Even evergreen species like coniferous trees will change color due to stress. In addition, the dry leaves are left clinging to the branches instead of falling off. Trimming can promote the growth of fresh leaves, thus minimizing the chances of your tree dying.

There Are Small Dead Branches on the Ground

Another sure sign that a tree is nearing the end of its lifetime is excess and fast shedding of dead branches. The best way to prevent this is by regularly trimming your trees during the dormant season. But before removing the branches, an arborist will inspect the tree to confirm the cause of this unusual behavior to avoid a repeat of the same in the future.

Tree trimming is an excellent way of prolonging a tree's life. However, depending on the situation, the tree specialist may reduce its density or manage its size to restore its health. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact a tree removal service provider when you detect the above signs and anything else strange in your grove.

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