Trees can live for hundreds of years, but like many living things, they’re also susceptible to diseases that can cut their life short. If you have trees on your property, keeping them healthy is the key to maximizing their benefits. Knowing how to spot signs of infection can be helpful. The sooner a tree can get the care it needs, the better chance it has to survive.
If a tree is sick, a visit from a ISA-certified arborist can increase its chances of survival. An arborist can attempt to treat the issue and prevent the disease from spreading. However, a dying tree can become a major safety hazard, which means prompt removal might be the best option. Only a qualified professional can help you determine the best course of action.
If you have an infected tree on your property, trust the team at CFB Outdoors to help diagnose the disease and resolve the issue. Below, we’ll tell you how you can determine if your tree is sick and how our team of ISA-certified arborists can help you achieve the best outcome for your trees and property.
How To Identify Signs Of Disease In Trees
There are hundreds of diseases that affect trees. Tree infections can be caused by numerous factors including extreme temperatures, pests, overwatering, proximity to other sick trees, or physical damage to the trunk or roots. Most tree diseases are caused by fungal infections, but some are caused by bacteria and viruses.
In most cases, trees will show signs of distress when they’re sick. By carefully observing your trees, you might be able to tell if a disease is present, which enables you to quickly take action and call a professional. Remember, the sooner a tree receives care, the better chance it has to survive. Here are some common signs of infection:
- Check Out The Leaves – Arborists often analyze leaves when diagnosing a disease as they’re usually the most common health indicator. When a tree is sick, the leaves will often display a pattern of damage that appears wilted, white, red, or brown. Leaves may also have spots or dark margins. In some cases, the tree might not be able to produce leaves at all.
- Bark Abnormalities – Bark condition is the second most common sign of an issue. If the bark appears discolored or looks like it’s peeling, or you notice cracks, splits, or holes, these could all be signs that the tree is dying or in distress.
- Leaning – If a tree starts leaning to one side, it could suggest stability issues caused by a disease. Certain infections can weaken a tree’s trunk, which can also turn it into a major hazard.
- Dead Branches – A tree that is constantly shedding large branches may be infected. If you’re seeing an abundance of dead branches or debris around the base, and it hasn’t stormed recently, you may have your tree checked.
- Pests – If you notice wood-eating insects around the trunk or base of the tree, it could be a sign that the tree is dying or diseased. Pests love making their home in a dead or dying trunk or stump. The presence of these insects could suggest a disease is present.
While these tips can help you spot signs of infection, it’s helpful to have an arborist confirm the diagnosis and work with you to determine the best next step.
How The Arborists at CFB Outdoors Can Help With Your Infected Trees
While CFB Outdoors is the go-to service provider for tree removal and trimming across Central Florida, our team is also staffed with three ISA-certified arborists who are more than capable of assisting with tree infections. Our tree pros have completed all the necessary training and certifications required by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). We’e studied trees extensively, so we know how to spot diseases and treat them. Here is how we can help manage your sick tree:
1. We’ll Start By Diagnosing The Problem
If a tree is showing signs of illness, diagnosing the problem is the best first step. Our arborists can examine the leaves, branches, trunk, and roots to determine if the tree is sick as well as what type of disease might be causing the problem. Once it’s confirmed that an infection is present, we’ll review options with you.
2. We’ll Make Every Attempt To Save The Tree
Just because a tree is sick doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Trees can often be saved with proper care. If the tree isn’t posing a safety risk, then treating the disease is our first priority. We’ll do a thorough assessment to determine if the tree can be saved and then we’ll prune away infected branches to keep the disease from spreading. Then, we may recommend a treatment plan that may include watering (or not watering), mulching, fertilizer improving soil quality, applying fungicides or pesticides, and other steps to help keep the tree healthy.
3. We Offer Tree Removal Services When Necessary
Sometimes tree removal is the best option for a sick or dying tree. When a tree becomes a fall risk, it’s critical to remove it as soon as possible especially if it’s located near roads, homes, or businesses. We’ve been removing trees around Central Florida for a long time, so we know how to do it safely and efficiently. Our team is equipped with all the tools, trucks, and equipment to handle any scenario. You can also decide if you’d like us to remove the stump as well.
CFB Outdoors is the very best when it comes to tree care and removal. No matter the tree’s size and no matter where it’s located, we can safely and efficiently remove it before it causes damage to people or property. While we never anticipate an issue during tree removal, we’re fully licensed and insured so you can have peace of mind during the process.
If you want to give your tree the best chance of surviving, schedule an arborist visit with CFB Outdoors.
