Did you know that OSHA says that trees are more dangerous than sharks! Each year, more people die from falling trees than from shark attacks. Taking proper care of your trees could save someone’s life! Watching out for signs that your tree is in decline or dying helps to prevent harm to people and your property.
So how can you tell if your tree is becoming a danger?
1. You Are Seeing Sticks on the Ground
If your tree is shedding sticks often, it is a sure sign that it’s not healthy. A tree that’s in good shape will have flexible branches and twigs, which don’t tend to break off. If you see broken branches or twigs on the ground around a tree, you should call a tree specialist to do an inspection.
2. The Bark Is Falling Off
If your tree’s bark is flaking and peeling, it’s not receiving enough nutrients. Like the human body, a tree has skin, which is the bark. The condition of tree bark can point to tree disease.
3. Rot or Fungus is Present
Signs of rot or tree fungus are always bad news. If you see either, you need to act immediately to save the tree.
4. The Tree Is Leaning
Unless it grew at an angle, a leaning tree should not exist. If a tree suddenly starts to keel over, the roots may be dying or damaged. In most cases by the time a tree leans over, it’s already fatally injured.
5. Open Wounds
Open wounds can lead to tree death. Unlike the careful cuts from tree trimming, torn branches, large cuts, or splits in the tree are difficult for a tree to recover from. Lightning strikes and wind can split trees from top to bottom and tear off branches.
6. No Leaves
Lack of foliage is a dead giveaway that a tree is dying or dead. If you see bare branches on one side of a tree, it could indicate root damage. It may also mean that disease or pests have invaded.
Dead leaves are a sure sign that something is obstructing the flow of nutrients on the inside of the tree. In many cases, the damage is permanent and irreversible.
7. Those Pesky Pests and Termites Too
Trees fall prey to many types of pests. Beetles, ants, and termites are just a few of the types that can take a healthy tree down. If you catch them early, you may be able to stop them before they succeed.
8. Root Damage
If a tree experiences root trauma, it can die. Sometimes construction or landscaping projects injure tree roots. Roots and branches can get in the way of buildings, sidewalks, and driveways, which leads to their removal.
When they are cut back too severely, the tree will have trouble feeding itself. If you’ve had construction or landscaping near your property and notice a tree showing signs of root damage, call an arborist right away.
9. Brittle Branches
If your tree’s branches break easily and you notice dead branches littering the ground after windy weather, you should have your tree’s safety evaluated ASAP.
Brittle branches are usually diseased or dead, which could mean the majority of the tree itself is also dead. Don’t wait until the tree falls on your house to check its stability!
10. No Green Under the Bark
If you scratch a tree and don’t see green under the bark, beware. Dead trees have no nutrient flow, which the green layer indicates. A lack of green under the bark is usually accompanied by dead twigs and brittle branches, so if you see one sign, look for the others.
If you see any of these signs on your trees, give Embark Services a call. Our certified arborists can quickly evaluate the issue and help you decide on the best course of action.
