How do I know when a tree is sick?

Have you ever considered what a sick tree would look like? Because trees can live for fifty to hundreds of years, most individuals rarely consider their overall health once they have reached adulthood. However, there are numerous factors that might affect trees, and a sick tree is a dangerous tree. You must do some research in order to identify any tree infection appropriately. Asking your local arborist for advice on how to spot tree illness is another smart move. The illness has the potential to spread and cause the loss of crops, other trees, and plants. Seasonal, species- and geographical-specific diseases are also possible. Here at Dynamic Arborist in South Eastern Melbourne, we have put together a guide on what you need to know about sick trees and how to treat them:

Why do trees get sick?

Just like people, trees can get sick. During a storm, it is simple for damage and injuries to occur. Diseases are more likely to affect trees when they are low in nutrients or water. Trees can be attacked by pests, which can lead to bark loss and begin to decay. By far, the two issues that lead to tree disease the most frequently are environmental changes and physical harm. Furthermore, most people don’t regularly check their trees for illness, these problems might get worse.

Weak or dead tree branches

Branches that are drooping, splitting, or dry may indicate that the tree has sustained significant harm or can be one of the signs of a dying tree. By snapping it, you can work out whether a branch is dead. The branch is already dead if it snaps and is completely dry. It is very risky for your safety to have a tree with dead or weak branches! These kinds of huge tree limbs have a tendency to fall off suddenly and without warning. As soon as possible, prune a tree of any weak or dead branches. Have a tree care expert examine the other parts of the tree for disease or other problems.

Further signs of tree disease or a dying tree

The first sign that branches are ready to die can be wilted or falling leaves, especially at the incorrect time of year. It indicates that the leaves aren’t receiving the nutrition or moisture they require to be healthy. Wilted, withering, discoloured, or damaged leaves may be an indication of rot or an insect infestation, among other tree diseases. Being aware of this problem can help protect a tree from illness and pests. It’s vital to make an effort to solve the issue as soon as you can with professional assistance from an arborist, such as the emergency tree services in Wheelers Hill in South Eastern Melbourne.  

Insects as a sign of tree disease

Trees and insects can live in harmony to some extent. However, a tree can soon fall ill if it is plagued by pests. It’s possible that your tree is in danger if you see a lot of insects on it! Here in Melbourne, a widespread pest known as gum tree scale attacks the young stems and leaves of a gum tree. Infestations of gum leaf skeletoniser, a common pest of eucalyptus trees, are widespread in Australia. Elm leaf beetle: this tiny blighter is the unwanted gift that keeps on giving! These beetle infestations can harm your beautiful elm trees from November through February.

Mould and tree decay

Trees may occasionally receive too much water. If they are located in an area that is muddy or swampy, deterioration, mould, and rot could develop. The management of rotting trees can be very challenging. The rot needs to be removed right away to prevent it from consuming the entire tree. In established trees, root rot, which is the destruction of a plant’s root system, is challenging to diagnose and treat. If a tree develops cankers, wilted, tiny, or discoloured leaves, weak, decaying branches, or if its sap is seeping, it may have root rot. An experienced arborist is best suited to diagnose this condition and other signs of tree disease. Mould may be a sign that a tree is internally deteriorating. There are numerous other causes for it to occur, such as excessive moisture on the bark. ‘Gold is a luxury. Trees are necessities. Man can live and thrive without gold, but we cannot survive without trees.’

– Paul Bamikole