The trees in your yard may be beautiful, but they will not live forever. Even though some specimens may live for hundreds of years, eventually all trees will die. Unfortunately, a dying or dead tree is a significant liability and can become a real problem for people, property, and other plant life.
Below are reasons why keeping a dying tree on your property is a bad idea as well as signs that can indicate a tree is in its final stages of life.
Why Dying Trees Are Hazardous
When most plants are dying or dead, they do not present much of a problem for homeowners. However, dying trees are a different story altogether. In fact, dying trees present real hazards that can be costly in terms of dollars and even lives. Here are three ways that dying trees can cause significant problems.
Falling Branches
As trees die, their branches will gradually become hard and brittle. Even if the rest of the tree still looks relatively healthy, the branches that die can break suddenly and fall. These branches can be destructive to property and can also injure or kill people on the ground.
Pest Infestations
Dying trees present prime opportunities to pest animals and insects. Termites, stinging insects, snakes, and rodents are just a few of the creatures that can inhabit the dead spaces inside a sick tree.
Disease Vector
If a dying tree has a disease, remember that other trees may be susceptible to the same illness. One dying tree can ultimately infect many others and create a disastrous situation for multiple properties.
How to Recognize If a Tree Is Dying
Now that you understand why dying trees are a real problem, you should recognize the signs of a tree that is in decline. Below are three clues that a tree is dying.
Loss of Leaves in Crown and Other Areas
Healthy trees develop leaves on all branches and limbs, but a dying tree will stop growing leaves on its uppermost branches and in other areas. Keep in mind that partial leaf loss is not always a sign of a tree in terminal decline, so be sure to have a qualified arborist provide an expert diagnosis.
Thinning or Missing Bark
Another indicator that a tree may be dying is thinning or missing bark. Healthy trees are able to replace bark that is lost due to natural occurrences, but a sick tree will suffer from bark that gradually grows thinner or is missing altogether. Cracks and fissures may develop in the bark too and indicate that a serious problem exists.
Severe Root Damage
Trees are dependent upon a healthy, intact root system to gather nutrients and moisture. If the root system suffers serious damage, then you can reasonably assume it may be ultimately fatal to the tree.
Deep cuts and tears in the roots are likely to cause the tree to die at some point in the near future, so you might be wise to remove a tree that is unlikely to live than to allow it to remain and possibly become a liability. Once again, be sure to consult with a qualified tree expert to determine if they should remove or salvage your tree.
McClain's Tree Experts
can evaluate your tree for sickness or other problems and then provide expert advice and tree removal services to assist you. We also provide other services such as tree trimming, deep root fertilizing, cabling, bracing, crane service, stump grinding, lot clearing, line clearing, and firewood providing.
Please let us assist you in all your tree care needs. Call us today if you have any questions or concerns.
