Tree decay is a common and potentially dangerous problem. However, if you suspect your tree is suffering from decay, you can do a few things to determine the damage’s extent and devise a treatment plan. In this article, we’ll show you how to spot the symptoms of tree decay and how to address the problem when it arises.
Dealing with tree decay can be challenging, but the help of an experienced arborist can make a substantial difference. If you need tree service professionals in Roseville, there is no better option than Fallen Leaf Tree. We can help you solve your tree decay problem, so once you finish reading this article, give us a call to schedule an appointment!
What Is Tree Decay?
Decay results from disease or damage to the tree’s internal structure. Healthy trees naturally absorb nutrients through their roots and transport them to other parts of the tree through the vascular system. This process is known as nutrient uptake or photosynthesis, ensuring the tree has everything it needs to survive and grow.
Over time, however, this natural process can break down if a tree is diseased or damaged. When this happens, the tree cannot transport nutrients to other parts of its structure, which leads to a loss of foliage (leaf drop) and branch death. The loss of leaves eventually leads to the loss of branches and ultimately to the collapse of the entire tree.
Symptoms of Tree Decay
The most apparent symptom of tree decay is the appearance of dead branches and dying leaves. In the early stages of the disease, you may notice a few discolored leaves here and there. As the disease progresses, more leaves will die, and the entire tree will eventually become devoid of foliage.
Another sign of tree decay is the gradual loosening of branches from the tree’s trunk. Eventually, the affected branches will break off completely, and the tree trunk and root flare will begin to hollow out. In severe cases, the bark will split open, revealing small holes and eventually forming large cavities where decay spreads.
How to Address Tree Decay
The first step in dealing with symptoms of tree decay is to accurately diagnose the problem so you can develop a treatment plan to address the symptoms and cure the disease. For this, you’ll need the help of a qualified arborist with experience working with various types of trees and shrubs.
Once they diagnose the problem, the arborist can make treatment recommendations based on the disease stage and the damage degree.
Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need additional advice on treatment options and sanitation methods to prevent the disease from spreading to other trees on your property. In some cases, removing and replacing the infected parts of the tree may be necessary to restore it to good health.
In other cases, pruning the diseased branches or treating them with pesticides may be enough to reverse the course of the disease and eliminate the symptoms. However, keep in mind that it can take time to cure tree disease, so you’ll need to be patient and give it a chance to run its course before initiating treatment.
Call the Experts
Fallen Leaf Tree specializes in diagnosing and treating tree diseases and other problems such as insect infestations and damage from severe weather events. While we can save your tree if you recognize the symptoms of tree decay early enough, we can also help remove dead trees from your property if the need arises. Contact us today at 916-447-8733 when you need to know the reasons why you need to trim a mature tree or schedule an appointment.