Trees are a part of the beauty that is associated with nature. They provide shade and shelter for people, homes, and other animals while collecting carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Unfortunately, not all trees last forever. It can become necessary to take down a tree when the tree becomes old and diseased or when it damages the property or person around it.
Rotting Root
If you notice a change in the color of the leaves, a thinning canopy, or the sudden loss of foliage, it’s probably time to have your tree taken down. Any of these symptoms might indicate a rotting root system.
The root system of the tree is essential to its survival. The plant cannot survive without being able to take in all the water and nutrients it requires.
A tree with rotting roots indicates that the root system has weakened and the tree can no longer stand on its own. It could lead to the tree falling over or rotting in the ground. When taking down the tree, it is crucial to take all rotten material out of the cut so it won’t infect other parts of the tree.
Fungi and Disease
Sometimes it is not easy to tell when a tree has an infectious fungus covering its bark. The signs could be in the form of discoloration or abnormal growths. In many cases, fungi and disease invade weak trees, but other times it can affect a healthy tree.
Some trees grow a fungus that could be a sign of dying trees. The fungus produces a white-grayish powdery substance. When digging up a dead tree, be careful not to disturb any fungi that could potentially infect other parts of the tree or home.
Dead Branches
When a tree has been affected by a fungus or other disease, dead branches may start to form. It can be alarming since dead branches are a natural sign that the tree is dying and should be taken down as soon as possible.
Dead branches usually occur at the very top of the tree or on the side of trees and can become so extensive they will block light from reaching lower branches, especially those on either side of the dead branch. Dead branches make the tree susceptible to wind, rain, and snow damage.
Decayed Wood
If the bark is covered with a dark area of decay, it is easy to assume that the wood inside the branch has become rotten. It occurs when wood rots within, allowing disease to invade the plant. Typically, this type of decay starts on the roots and works its way up into the trunk or branches of a tree.
Not only is wood decay a sign that a tree is growing weaker, but it could also put you at risk of being hurt by the decaying wood. For example, if you have a tree that sways in the wind and has decayed branches, a branch could break off and fall on your property or cause accidents.
Dying Leaves
Having tree branches with leaves that turn yellow, brown, or black is not healthy. It is a clear sign of dying leaves. When leaves change color, they become more susceptible to disease and other infections.
The leaves are essential to the plant’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and attract water and nutrients from the soil. Without healthy leaves, the bark will dry out and eventually die from a lack of water or nutrients required for survival.
Discoloring Barks
Unhealthy trees will eventually begin to show signs in the trunk and bark. These signs include discoloration or recessed areas corresponding to rot or dead branches. Bark may also begin to crack and break apart.
As the tree grows weaker, it becomes more susceptible to weather damage, and your safety could be at risk if you have a diseased tree in your yard that poses a hazard to you or your family members.
According to experts at tree service, Asheville homeowners can look for several signs when the tree has grown unhealthy, and when to know it is time to take it down. If you notice any signs, you should contact an arborist to evaluate your tree to prevent further risks.
