Looking out into your yard to see beautiful, leafy trees is one of the greatest joys of being a
homeowner. On the flip side, the sight of diseased or damaged trees can cause great concern.
How to save damaged or diseased trees is not common knowledge, and many of the general
populace have no clue where to start. In this article, we will cover how to spot the signs of tree
damage/disease, how to care for your trees, and when it’s time to call a tree removal service.
Signs that your tree is in trouble
Knowing how to spot your tree’s distress will enable you to respond quickly before the problem
gets worse. Signs that your tree is diseased or dying may include:
● Visible fungal growth or discoloration.
● Dead branches.
● Peeling bark.
● Lesions on the branches.
● Cracks and splits where limbs join the trunk.
● Wilting and yellowing leaves.
Getting to the root cause of the problem will help you direct your efforts to heal and restore the
tree. Some common causes of tree disease and death include:
● Under-watering. Under-watering is common as many people do not realize that their
trees need to be watered (even during the winter). Signs that you are underwatering
include brown, curling leaves, discoloration in your tree canopy, undersized leaves, and
leaves that change color or drop too early in the season.
● Overwatering. Trees can also suffer from being overwatered, and some people
accidentally overwater in their zeal to avoid underwatering. If you are overwatering, the
soil around the base of your tree will remain saturated for long periods. You may also
notice pale, yellowish growth near the base of the tree, withering new growth, and new
leaves that break easily.
● Damaged or dead limbs. Damaged limbs may show signs of breaking, big cracks, or
lesions in the bark. Dead tree limbs will look withered and dry and fail to grow new
leaves.
● Insect infestation. Insects can destroy your tree from the inside out. You may have
insect infestation if you notice chewed leaves, discoloration, abnormal growths, and bark
damage.
● Bacterial or fungal infection. By the time you see visible fungal growths, the infection
has been brewing for a while. Strange masses or spots, rotting leaves or roots, broken
or peeling bark, and draining liquid from the tree can all be signs of infection.
● Lack of nutrients. Trees need nourishment just like people or animals do. If your tree
lacks proper nutrition, it may have stunted growth with short twigs, poor flower or fruit
production, unusual foliage shape or coloration, or early leaf dropping.
Five ways to save your tree
Healthy trees can last for decades, and many trees can be spared from early death if you
respond promptly to any signs of disease or distress. Here are five ways you can help your tree:
- Set a regular watering schedule. Trees have individualized watering needs—make a
watering schedule that caters to your tree type, age, and climate to prevent over-
watering and underwatering. Pay attention to the signs your tree shows and adjust as
needed. - Remove damaged limbs. Removing damaged limbs quickly and cleanly can prevent
tears, breaks, and additional stress for your tree. If you remove any diseased branches
or limbs, clean your tools to kill any fungal spores or bacteria (this avoids spreading the
disease to other trees in the future). Remove the pruned branches and dispose of them. - Take a soil sample before adding fertilizer. DIY soil sample kits can be found at home
and garden stores and will give you information on the soil your tree is currently growing
in and what needs to be added to nourish your tree. - Remove pests. Send the insects packing! If you are concerned about the harmful effects
of chemical sprays, there are plenty of eco-friendly options such as soap sprays,
horticultural oils, and more to kill insects and free your tree from invasion. - Add mulch. Adding mulch around the base of your tree helps to lock in moisture around
the tree’s root system. Mulch will protect any exposed roots and keep pests and weeds
away from your tree. Be sure you lay the mulch down a few inches away from the base
of the trunk.
When is my tree too far gone?
If at least 50 percent of your tree appears to be dead, visibly covered all over with infection or
infestation, has large cracks or splits forming on the branches or trunk, or is leaning more and
more to one side—it’s time to call an expert tree removal service. Tree removal can be a
hazardous job and is better left to the professionals who have the training and equipment to
handle the job safely.
Trees are beautiful when healthy and cared for—learning how to spot distress in your tree will
give you the tools necessary to save your tree and enjoy it for years to come.
Looking for guidance on how to save your dying or diseased trees? We can help. Advanced
Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to
provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine
counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and
efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced
Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!