an unhealthy tree

What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Tree?

At some point in your life, you may have to deal with a tree problem such as removing an old and dangerous tree from your property or nursing it back to health. Regardless of the situation, trees are an important part of your life, and you need to make sure that they are healthy when they enter your care.

An unhealthy tree will exhibit signs of ill health that are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Trees in poor health often have leaves that are not as vibrant and healthy as they should be. They may also appear yellow or brown in color and drop off the tree prematurely.

These are only some of the signs of an unhealthy tree, and this article will discuss other clear indications that it’s time to call a professional tree service to bring a tree back to good health.

Signs of a Healthy Tree

Before identifying the signs of a sick tree, you must first know what a healthy tree is supposed to look like. Here are some of the clear signs that a tree is growing beautifully:

  • Center leader: A center leader is one major trunk that keeps the shape and form of the entire tree.
  • Noticeable growth: There is new growth every year, and it can be measured between this year’s distance and the last.
  • Full twigs: There are no dead or broken branches, only living twigs that don’t snap easily.
  • Intact bark: There is no loose or peeling bark on the center trunk or any of the branches.
  • Abundant leaves: The leaves (or needles) are numerous and show their correct size, shape, and color depending on changes in season.

Signs of an Unhealthy Tree

When it comes to an unhealthy tree, discovering the symptoms early can make a big difference in saving it. Detecting the signs of a tree’s poor health depends on keen observation. Here are some of the signs of a sick tree that needs immediate help:

  • Visible cavities: There may be cracks or holes in the tree’s main trunk or branches.
  • Broken branches: Dead or dying branches may hang low, or there may be weak unions from branches that have grown together.
  • Bare patches: There may be excessively thick canopies that can cause limbs or branches to lean and break, or some portions may lack bark or have no leaves at all.
  • Unusual leaf growth: Noticeable leaf problems range from spots, discoloration, as well as odd shapes and sizes.
  • Wilting leaves: Leaves may suffer wilt and collapse due to insufficient water and other nutrients, and the branches may start to droop as well.
  • Cankers in barks: Dead sections in the tree’s bark, branches, or limbs may take the form of sunken centers, raised edges, or general swellings.
  • Insect presence: A pest infestation can easily cause tree damage by chewing on leaves, boring dust, digging through the bark.
  • Fungi growth: Some fungal sporing structures like bracket fungi, mycelium, or other types of mold create a sooty appearance, which is relatively easy to spot.
  • Visible sap: Slime or sap may ooze out of the bark, and this is a sign that a tree is fighting an infection.

How to Check if You Have a Sick Tree

To quickly identify whether a tree needs better maintenance, a thorough visual examination is key. Here’s how to properly examine a tree and find out sure signs it needs help:

  1. Assess the tree from the ground up.
  2. Inspect the roots and look for decay or fungi.
  3. Look for loose bark, cracks, or slits in the area of the trunk right above the soil.
  4. Check the rest of the trunk for any cavities, swellings, or small holes.
  5. Scan the canopy and the rest of the branches for leaning limbs and leaf problems.
  6. Call a tree professional once the tree shows any of these signs upon visual inspection.

For Tree Problems, Call a Tree Doctor

Noticing any of the above signs of an unhealthy tree may be disheartening, but there’s no reason to panic. Early detection is a sure way that a tree can regain its good health in no time. By calling a tree maintenance company, a diseased tree can start healing as soon as possible.

At Morris Tree Service, our tree professionals are passionate about providing quality care for trees. If you’ve noticed your tree showing any signs of being unhealthy, contact us right away to set an appointment with one of our tree doctors.