A tree is not just a plant anymore; it has become an environmentally conscious and practical source of efficient energy. A tree, unlike other plants, produces oxygen as it grows. Trees are vital to maintain a healthy ecosystem in the area surrounding them and emit various gases during respiration.
Trees can help reduce pollution and produce oxygen for you and your family from day one, but only if they’re healthy. Urban neighborhood improvement advocates created the Tree-Lined Avenue campaign to encourage people to plant trees in their residential areas. Here are some symptoms of a sick or dying tree that you must be able to recognize for the health of your property and the well-being of the environment.
1. Premature Leaf Defoliation
Leaf loss is a common way for a tree to relieve excess stress. Tree leaves have always been a source of photosynthesis, an essential tree growth process. Defoliation may happen because of insects, disease, or climatic conditions like drought. Early leaf defoliation in spring means the tree struggles with nutritional depletion or high salt concentrations.
2. Dead Branches and Trunks
A tree’s natural lifespan varies depending on its age and health condition. Some trees can live two hundred years or more if given proper care and maintenance. Branches and trunks of a tree will begin to discolor as they starve if they have been deprived of sunlight or exposed to excessive salt concentrations. This could also be caused by excessive pruning or lack of water. You don’t want to wait until the branch falls on its own, as this could cause property damage or injury. An arborist can assess the damage and help your tree get back to optimal health.
3. Hollow Sounding Trunk
A tree trunk is composed of cells that allow the flow of water and nutrients into the entire system. You can easily tell if your tree has a hollow sound by knocking on it with a stick or knuckles. An open sound might mean an opening at its base, which could cause issues with the tree’s air circulation system.
4. Brittle Bark
Brittle bark, also known as shredded bark, means that the bark has been damaged. The most common cause of brittle bark is an injury from fallen branches or heavy wind. If a tree suffers from brittle bark, it may fail to transport water and nutrients into its system in time, causing it to die off or dry out.
5. Broken Twigs and Branches
Broken twigs and branches are common symptoms of a sick tree. Branches that break and twigs that snap off easily mean that the tree suffers from poor health conditions. If you see your tree breaking off branches, consider calling a professional arborist who could advise you on what to do about the situation.
Trees are beautiful and a symbol of nature, but it is important to keep them healthy because they play an important role in the ecosystem. To be on the safe side, if you want to help trees thrive, the best thing to do is to plant a tree on your property and ensure that you give it proper care and maintenance. Always keep in mind the symptoms of a sick tree and take appropriate steps to save it. For more information about tree services around Wilmington, NC, contact A+ Tree & Landscaping today.
