Trees are wonderful things, and because they generally live much longer than humans do we tend to think of them as permanent additions to the landscape. However, trees are living things and they have lifespans; we may not live to see it but trees do die eventually. Trees are also susceptible to pests and diseases which may kill them. Some tree deaths are preventable, some aren’t. So how do you tell the difference? Let’s dig in and learn about dead or dying trees and what we can do about them in our gardens.
A Quick Safety Note: Dead or dying trees can be dangerous. A tree that falls unexpectedly or drops a limb unexpectedly can cause death or injury to humans or animals and damage to property. When in doubt, contact a professional tree service and let them handle it. A professional can remove a dead or dying tree safely.
Getting to Know Your Trees
If you haven’t lately, take a walk around your garden space or property and get to know the trees there. Not only does this help us spot problems before they develop, but it’s also a relaxing way to reconnect with and get to know our spaces. Making a list of what trees you have, what their species and ages are, and their overall condition can help you track changes year after year and detect any potential issues early.
Knowing which species of tree you have is important. Like all plants, different species and varietals of tree have different needs. If your tree doesn’t get enough sun, doesn’t have enough drainage/get enough water, or is suffering from a nutritional deficiency, other health problems may develop. By knowing our trees and the spaces they live in we can help avoid those issues.
Detecting and Diagnosing Tree Problems
Every now and then it’s good to give your trees a health check, meaning a visual inspection to ensure that there are no issues or that you address any issues present quickly. There are a variety of ways to do this, but we’re fond of this method as it’s intuitive and systematic:
· First examine the base of the tree, including the roots and base of the trunk? Are their mushrooms or other fungi growing? These can indicate that all or part of the root system is rotting and that professional intervention is needed to keep the tree healthy. Is there visible damage to the base of the tree or the roots? If so, intervention is also necessary. If there’s dirt piled up around the trunk, it can both hide and exacerbate problems so gently remove it and see what’s beneath.
· Next, take a look at the trunk. Is there visible damage to the bark like cuts, gashes, or open “sores”? Is the tree oozing sap from any part of the trunk? Damage like this affects how the tree moves nutrients and water from the roots to the crown, so take note of any issues and pursue some remediation options. What that is will depend on the species in question, so you’ll want to consult an authoritative source like your local cooperative extension or a professional arborist.
· Continuing up the tree, let’s look at the branches, leaves, and new growth. Are there spots or deformities on the leaves? Can you see insect eggs growing on them (check the underside of the leaf!), or do you see evidence of insect infestation? Is leaf growth healthy and uniform or are there bare spots indicating dead limbs? A good sign of a dead limb is dry twigs and buds “growing” on the branch in question and dry peeling bark. If there are many dead limbs or limbs without foliage but new grow emerging from the trunk, your tree may be hollowing or suffering from some other internal decay. This can be especially tricky as the damage isn’t visible, so please proceed with caution. Speaking of hollowing—if you can see a large hollow forming inside the trunk, the tree has a serious issue and needs remediation or removal.
Once you’ve identified that there’s an issue, you’ll need to make a detailed list of the symptoms or causes of concern and then implement a solution. Many trees just need more water, more nutrition, or more sun, and correcting those deficiencies may improve their condition. A pest infestation can be dealt with via an appropriate organic insecticide or via professional intervention.
Structural damage like hollowing, internal rot, or root rot are probably best left to the pros, as those will require serious intervention and possibly the removal of the tree. Some gardeners, home landscapers, and homeowners may be equipped to remove a tree themselves, and for smaller trees and shrubs this may be viable for first-timers. However if you have any doubts at all, if the tree is near a structure or road, or if you’re uncertain as to what’s going on, we again encourage you to do the safe thing and bring in a professional.
Trees are enduring, long term presences in our gardens and landscapes. It’s easy to take them for granted, but like all living things they need care and they will eventually pass. We hope this blog encourages you to get to know your trees, spend some time with them, and that if you do find an issue that you find a solution as well!
Leave a comment