Learn the Signs of a Sick Tree and What to Watch For

Do you know what the common signs of a sick tree are? If you don’t, then you must keep reading this blog. A sick or diseased tree can harm you, your family, and your surroundings. For that reason, we bring you these signs to know if a tree is sick.

Having a healthy tree brings a lot of benefits. It provides shade and oxygen to your yard. Also, it increases your landscape’s beauty. But, if it doesn’t get proper tree care, it could get sick.
To avoid this, you should take good care of your tree. Likewise, you must be aware of the common tree diseases and check if your tree shows signs of decay or sickness.

What Are Common Signs of a Sick Tree?

As mentioned above, taking good care of your tree can prevent it from getting sick. But sometimes, things get out of our hands, and we can’t stop the damage from affecting the tree. In this case, you should know when to remove a tree.

However, we can save a tree when we notice any warning signs of disease. For that reason, you should read these symptoms and be on the lookout. Some signs are more obvious than others, so make sure to pay close attention to the condition of your trees.

The common signs of a sick tree are:

• Discolored or wilted leaves
• Dead branches
• Cracks in the trunk of the tree
• Sawdust in the trunk
• Fungi at the base of the tree
• Small branches growing from the base

Discolored Leaves Are Signs of a Sick Tree

Have you noticed that your leaves are discolored or wilted? If so, that is a warning sign that something is wrong with your tree. Several factors can cause this, but the main ones are insects and diseases. If you see this, the infection has likely spread to the whole tree.

One major cause of discolored leaves is Armillaria Root Rot, which we will discuss later. This fungus attacks the roots and then spreads to the trunk, branches, and leaves. As a result, the tree experiences slow growth and eventually becomes diseased.

Some other signs to look out for in the leaves are:

• Jagged edges
• Fallen leaves
• Torn leaves
• Spots and blemishes on the leaves

Dead Branches May Be a Sign of Disease

Dead branches are something you should always be on the lookout for. You can prevent them from falling on someone or something in your yard. But, besides this, dead branches are signs of decay. So, you should contact a professional as soon as you notice several dead branches in your tree.

When you notice dead branches, it means that your tree’s roots and trunk have a serious problem. You can tell your tree’s limbs are dead if they lack leaves when they should have them.

Another factor to beware of regarding branches is to notice if they have cracks in them. These may result from heavy winds, storm damage, or frost cracks. Even though the tree isn’t diseased, you should cut, trim, or prune the cracked parts.

If you don’t do this, then the probability of your tree getting a disease is higher. This is because insects can enter through those cracks and cause an infection to your tree. So, make sure to inspect your tree’s branches and limbs and act quickly as soon as you notice something wrong.

Cracks in the Trunk of the Tree

If there was a storm recently, then it’s crucial that you go and check your tree. This is because it is the most common reason for cracks in the trunk. Ice can also cause cracks. This is a case where you can’t prevent a tree from getting sick since it was a storm that cracked it.

When you notice cracks in the trunk, look for fungi. If you see fungi growing, that is one reason your trunk has cracks. The tree is probably rotting from the inside.

As we mentioned before, if you notice cracks, you can try to save your tree by cutting down those areas. But, sometimes, the damage is too deep. That’s when you need to hire a professional arborist to take a look at your tree.

Sawdust Means Your Tree Is Sick

One of the worst signs of a sick tree is sawdust. Sawdust means that Carpenter Ants have attacked your tree. They leave piles of sawdust in the base of the tree or the root zone. As soon as you notice this, you can be sure that your tree is sick.

These ants create holes in the bark of the tree to make nests. As a result, you get piles of sawdust. If you don’t do anything about this, then your tree will become weak and die.

Fungi Growing at the Base of the Tree

Don’t let your tree become weakened—look out for fungal diseases. One of the most common is Armillaria Root Rot, a fungal infection that primarily attacks the roots and base of the tree. This disease often presents with mushrooms growing around the base, and it can cause severe damage by decaying the roots and weakening the tree’s structure.

As soon as you notice signs of Armillaria Root Rot, such as mushrooms or discolored bark near the base, it’s crucial to call a professional. In most cases, the best solution is to remove the infected tree, as the fungi can spread to nearby trees through the root system, causing further damage.

Small Branches Growing from the Base

Finally, you may notice signs of a sick tree in the root area. Although the ground usually protects the roots, they can still suffer damage. That’s why you should regularly check the base of your tree for any signs of stress or harm.

If you notice small branches growing from the base, your tree is showing signs of stress. This can result from your tree suffering from some construction work done in your yard. As a result, the roots may have been damaged. To avoid this, keep the soil around your trees compacted when doing construction work.

Now that you know what to look for make sure that you keep your trees healthy. Give them proper care and trust a professional as soon as you notice something wrong.

FAQs

1. Can a tree recover from disease, or does it always need to be removed?

You don’t need to remove all sick trees. Some trees can recover if you catch the disease early and apply professional treatment. However, severe cases, like advanced fungal infections, may require removing the tree to stop the disease from spreading.

1. What is the role of insects in tree health?

Insects can both help and harm trees. Some insects, like Carpenter Ants, can weaken a tree by burrowing and leaving sawdust piles, which is a sign of decay. Other insects may attack leaves and bark, leading to infection.

1. What should I do after a storm to check for tree damage?

After a storm, inspect your tree for cracks in the trunk, broken branches, or signs of fun