February 2019

The signs of a dying tree are not conspicuously displayed on their branches. Knowing that trees have a long life, they can last for thousands, or ten thousand more, of years and observe the changing times. The oldest known trees have been in our history and religious books to witness remarkable events that happened before. Unfortunately, trees can’t talk to retell interesting stories occurred way back in time. But they can do more than just talking.

Just like any living being, trees are not invulnerable to maladies. If you have a tree in your yard and it’s been standing there way before you built your home on that lot, perhaps you spared not to cut the tree because you’re aware of its usefulness. Sometimes, you forget that trees need attention, too. The tree in your lawn could have acquired problems that could damage your property and could hurt people in many ways.

How can you recognise that your tree has a problem or is dying?

When a tree is diseased, it can’t bear fruit. Worse, the aesthetic appeal of the tree will lose its luster and will weaken its strength. If a tree is damaged, more likely it’s going to crumble inside and fall. This is dangerous because it can damage your property or it can cause severe injuries on people due to the falling branches or the trunk itself.

Recognising tree problems beforehand will protect you from serious consequences. Tree ailments could not be identified unless you are aware of the diseases, especially that they vary according to species, location, and season. But from where to start, it’s a little bit easier to spot a diseased tree.

Tree trunk

The tree trunk is protected by the bark. The bark is composed of layers that make up the periderm, the layer that prevents infection and injury attack. It serves to protect the tree from pests, loss of moisture, mechanical damage, and pathogens. When the bark is compromised, the tree will eventually fail. And usually, the infection from the bark will proliferate fast to infest the entire tree.

Notice the ant line or any other insects that thrive on one portion of the bark. This leaves an opening for more insect activity, slowly killing your tree from the hollow cavities within the trunk. A weakened trunk will eventually kill the tree. Looking for cracks on the bark will help you notice any problem on the tree.

Tree canopy

The tree canopy includes the branches and the leaves. When dead leaves and broken branches abound the ground, it could mean something: they are a sign of threat on the tree they came from. If branches dislodged from the trunk, they could either be dead or diseased.

It is easy to spot problematic tree branches by looking for weak attachment. It understandable that new branches may sprout over the old one, but sometimes, this only happens when the branch is broken.

Base or roots

If the tree has cavity building up within the trunk, it is likely that it is being infected from any fungal growth coming at the base or the roots. Though roots are embedded beneath the ground, most old and huge trees have massive roots overly seen above the ground. But if there are roots that had just surfaced near the ground, there could be something wrong with the tree. A root that breaks the soil may want to uproot the tree; either there’s a problem to the soil that it’s not fertile enough to hold the tree or weak piping system may have hampered the root trail of the tree, destroying the soil and the roots. This could be dangerous, as the tree is prone to be dislodged and because it’s dying. Once the roots die, the stability of the tree will start to weaken.

Looking for tree surgeons?

Recognising a tree with the disease is helpful. But understanding the science behind these diseases is not your scope unless you’re a tree surgeon or arborist, or you knew a considerable knowledge of trees. In tough times, identifying a diseased tree will help you get quick help, especially if the tree is in your property or nearby. While the aesthetics of the tree surmounts to adding beauty to your home and your surroundings, removing or treating the problematic tree will prevent it from damaging structures nearby and will help you save lives.

To be prepared on the brink of its falling, report your sick tree. Here, at Alpine Tree Surgeons, we do what is best for the peace and convenience of every home, in Guildford and any other areas in the UK. Call us or fill the form found on this website if you want more information on trees and their diseases.