Healthy trees provide shade and beauty and can even increase your home’s value, but trees that are rotting or dying are not only unsightly but also pose a safety hazard. Weakened, diseased, or dead trees are more likely to fall over, potentially causing injuries or property damage. If trees are part of your home’s landscaping, watch for these five important warning signs of tree disease.
1. Dead Branches
Many tree diseases inhibit the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients and transport them to all the branches. If you notice that your tree has many dead, decaying or fallen branches, your tree may be infected with a disease. Diseases tend to affect the parts of the tree that are farthest from the trunk first, so look for these dead branches high up in the crown. A professional tree surgeon can help find compromised branches and remove them to lessen the strain on the tree.
2. Growths or Spots
Strange-looking bumps, nodules, or spots are another common sign of a diseased tree. Fungal and bacterial diseases cause unusual growths that weaken the tree as they grow and spread, while white spots or cottony masses on branches and leaves are indicative of a parasitic infection from insects or worms. If caught early, these types of tree diseases can be cured by killing off the organism that is causing the problem, but an extensive infection may necessitate the removal of the tree.
3. Abnormal Leaves
Does your tree have leaves that are wilted or discolored, or is it losing its lush canopy? It may have a disease that’s affecting leaf growth. Leaf loss that is excessive, out of season, or occurring in a non-deciduous tree is another sign of tree disease. Because trees depend on their leaves to convert carbon dioxide into food and expel oxygen, diseases that inhibit leaf growth and development are particularly detrimental to the tree.
4. Unhealthy Bark
If your tree’s bark is looking rough, it may have a disease. Some tree diseases weaken the bark as the infection takes hold within the tree. Watch for peeling, cracks, or missing bark. Other possible causes of unhealthy tree bark are poor soil, seasonal changes, and animals rubbing on the bark or eating it. Bark that continues to worsen and never grows back is a sure sign that your tree’s bark issues are caused by disease. Unfortunately, most trees are too far gone to save by the time the disease affects the bark.
5. Stunted Growth
Has your tree stopped getting taller or expanding its branches? Although it’s normal for many species of tree to slow their growth or stop growing as they age, stunted growth in a young tree or a large species may indicate a disease. Infections and diseases put a lot of stress on a tree, which makes it more difficult for the tree to get adequate nutrition and hydration from the soil and air. This lack of nourishment causes the tree to conserve resources by inhibiting its growth.
You should examine all trees on your property for signs of disease and take necessary action if you spot any of the above warning signs.
