Signs of Stress in Trees

Your trees are trying to tell you something - it's easier to listen if you know the signs.  Changes in the tree’s appearance can be a telltale sign that everything is not as it should be.  Below are some common signs of stress in trees.  For help on treating each of these conditions, consult your local arborist.
Premature Fall Colors

We all love the vast array of colors during the fall.  But trees that change their color much sooner than others could be showing signs of stress.  Premature colors can be an indication that a tree isn’t vigorous enough to withstand insects and disease organisms that may attack it, not to mention the usual changes that occur when the weather turns cold.

Occasionally only one or two limbs of the tree will show premature fall color. This could be a sign of a disease at work, weakening only the infected limbs. The more common situation is for the entire tree to exhibit premature fall coloration, which usually points to root related stress.

Mushrooms on or near trees

Fungus structures (mushrooms on trees) and conks indicate decay. It's possible to probe the roots or trunk to determine the presence and extent of decay. Extensive experience is called into play in order to make judgments about the condition of the tree - call your local arborist for a consultation.

Trees should have a flare at the base. If this is not present, soil or mulch may be hiding symptoms of decay in the stem or roots or girdling.

Many symptoms on or above the buttress or flare roots can give an indication of the condition of the rest of the root system.

Any root decay visible near the trunk could indicate extensive root loss, because decay begins in outer sections of roots and works back toward the trunk.

Boring Insects

Identifying boring instects in time may save your trees.  Here's what to look for:  crown die-back, exit holes, wet spots, growth irregularities, breakage, egg deposit sites, frass (insect excrement that looks like dry grains), adult insects or pupea.

The most effective form of borer control is prevention. By monitoring high risk trees and applying the appropriate pesticides to eggs and newly hatched larvae the risk of severe borer damage can be reduced.

The best preventative treatment, however, is fertilization, watering, soil aeration, mulching, and other treatments aimed at increasing tree health. Healthy trees are less likely to be selected as borer hosts and better able to defend themselves from borer attack.


Girdling Roots

Girdling roots can slowly weaken a tree over time and eventually cause its death.  Nutrients, water and food reserves are restricted as the roots encircle the tree and begin to strangle it.

As time progresses, growth is hindered, leaves become smaller and lighter in color. Then the tree begins to produce fewer leaves and eventually you will begin to see die back and breakage.

Many times girdling roots happen on improperly planted trees, where the baskets or planting container have been left on or not totally removed properly.

Salt Damage

Homeowners spread salt near homes and businesses use salt to avoid pedestrian injuries. This is necessary for safety, but, were you aware that excessive road salt can cause widespread damage to trees, possibly leading to permanent decline and even death?

Severe salt damage might not be visible on a tree until the end of summer, leaving home owners wondering what might have caused the problem. In some cases, decline might not be visible for years.

Salt deposits migrate to the stems, buds and roots of trees. This causes disfigured foliage, stunted growth and severe decline in tree health. Salt runoff washes from the pavement into the ground, increasing salt levels in the soil.

Construction Damage

Tree damage from construction sometimes takes years to detect. The construction itself, now long past, isn’t readily suspected. The tree however is suffering and you need a remedy.

Here is a list of some of the potential changes that can occur for a tree due to construction:  soil compaction, altered drainage patterns, decreased grades, reduced root zones, mechanical injury, debris in the soil, increased light, increased competition, increased temperatures, inturrupted nutrient cycling.

A thorough inspection of your property, prior to building or remodeling, (or better yet prior to site planning), may save thousands of dollars and future headaches. And, possibly avoid that tree damage entirely. Sadly, it’s common for homeowners to pay a premium for a beautiful wooded lot - construction begins and ends and the homeowner is faced with trees damaged by construction activities which must now be removed. This removal is always more expensive with the home and landscape in place, than prior to construction.




Source:  Scruggs Tree Service