Trees are resilient, but they can still succumb to disease and structural damage. Unfortunately, recognizing the signs of a dying tree isn’t always easy for property owners. If you’re considering tree services in Navarre, FL, such as a tree health assessment, use the guide below to learn how to tell if a tree is dying.
Signs a Tree Is Dying in Your Yard
The last thing you want is a dead tree on your property, especially one that’s close to your home. Learning the signs of a dying or dead tree can help you take appropriate action, which may include professional removal. Watch for the following three potential warnings.
1. Unusual Foliage Changes
Inspect your tree’s canopy from the ground. Do you see leaves changing color or turning brittle out of season? Does part of the canopy appear to have a complete lack of leaves?
If the answer is yes to either question, the tree’s health may be declining due to root damage or fungal infection. Unusual foliage may also signal excessive stress or disease that could eventually lead to death without professional intervention.
2. Cavities and Internal Decay
Trunk cavities or hollows aren’t always signs a tree is dying, but they sometimes indicate internal decay. Internal decay creates hollow spaces that weaken a tree’s structural stability, making it more likely to fail during strong winds. A tree care professional can determine whether a large cavity or multiple hollows are cause for concern.
3. Decaying or Dead Branches
Are you seeing a lot of broken branches or twigs in your yard? Healthy branches are generally more flexible and less likely to snap than dead or severely damaged branches, though even healthy limbs can fail during storms or extreme conditions. Dead branches are typically brittle and easy to break, so finding many of them around a tree may indicate that its overall health is declining.
A Declining Tree vs. a Hazardous Tree
A declining tree doesn’t always pose an immediate failure risk; it just means that the tree’s health is on a downward turn. A hazardous tree is one with extensive or severe defects that make failure more likely. In that case, the tree could fall or lose its branches at any time, leading to property damage or injuries.
How To Address a Dying Tree
A sick tree may share symptoms with a dying one. That’s why it’s important to schedule a tree risk assessment with an arborist as soon as you notice signs a tree is dying. An arborist can diagnose and treat a tree, or they can remove it if it’s beyond saving.
Get Help With Your Dying Tree Today
If you recognize the signs that a tree in your yard is dying, it’s important to get a professional assessment sooner rather than later to ensure your property’s safety. Backridge Tree Service has years of experience caring for trees throughout Navarre, FL. Our certified team can handle everything from identifying dead branches to completing dying tree removal.
Don’t wait to schedule your tree risk assessment with us. Call (850) 240-2829 to get started.