Trees can be wonderful additions to a landscape, bringing beauty and charm in abundance. However, they can start to decline over time, with disease and pest infestations two of the most common reasons why. Read on to discover the most obvious signs that a tree is in trouble and could be nearing the end of its life.
Excessive leaf loss
One of the biggest signs of a dying tree is an excessive loss of leaves. Whilst trees do go through natural cycles of leaf shedding, leaf loss outside of the normal seasonal pattern can be a concern. One possible cause is a disease, such as a fungal infection, which can cause leaves to discolour, wilt and drop prematurely. Pest infestations, root problems and nutrient deficiency can also be possible causes.
Discoloured leaves
Leaves can provide vital clues about a tree’s health. If they’re discoloured or have yellow or brown spots, this is a sign that something isn’t quite right. Diseases, such as fungal or bacterial infections, pests, or even stress could be impacting the tree’s health.
Cracked or peeling bark
If you’ve noticed cracked or peeling bark on your tree, it’s best to get it assessed by a qualified tree surgeon. Whilst bark problems aren’t always a major cause for concern, they can sometimes indicate more serious issues, including disease, pest infestations and root damage.
At Essex Tree Brothers, our tree surgeons in Colchester are on hand to evaluate the tree’s condition, identify the underlying cause of the cracked or peeling bark, and recommend appropriate treatments to address any potential problems and encourage the tree’s recovery.
Dead branches
Dead branches on a tree can be a big sign that the tree is in decline. Known as “deadwood”, they are a well-known symptom of tree stress and can indicate various issues. A common cause of dead branches is disease. Fungal or bacterial infections can make the tree less able to transport water and nutrients, leading to branch dieback.
Pests can also damage a tree’s branches by feeding on the leaves, bark or wood. If you notice an excessive number of branches that are brittle, leafless, or with no signs of life, it’s possible that your tree is nearing the end of its life.
Slow or limited growth
A tree that’s growing significantly more slowly than it should be, might be struggling to regenerate. You might notice smaller leaves, shorter annual shoots, or narrower growth rings in the trunk. If so, we recommend getting your tree evaluated by one of our experienced tree surgeons.
At Essex Tree Brothers, we’re on hand to assess your trees and provide key information on their health and well-being. To hire our tree surgeons in Colchester, get in touch today. Call us on 07447 610527, email [email protected], or send us a message via our website.
