6 Signs of Tree Problems to Look Out For

Leaves can show many signs of tree problems, and one of the most noticeable signs is their color. Check to see if your trees’ leaves have a deep, vivid color. A pale or off-color can signify pest damage, disease, too much or too little water, or a lack of nutrients or sunlight.

Other signs of insect damage include a spider-web appearance or holes on the leaves. If your tree has smaller than typical leaves, you may have issues with the soil or roots. The tree may also have vascular damage in the trunk or branches and other issues like pests or drought. If your trees appear to be developing leaves noticeably later or dropping them earlier than expected they may be under stress and need to be examined by a professional.

A crack in a tree can be a significant indicator that the tree is unstable and is at risk of falling over. Cracks, which can be horizontal or vertical, are typically signs of structural failures or stresses within the tree. The tree is more likely to fall during strong winds, leading to property and personal damage. Severe winds or storms, heavy canopy growth, or weak branch unions splitting are all potential causes of stress cracks. If your trees have cracks, you need to get an arborist to inspect them to prevent any possible damage nearby.

One of the more common signs of tree problems is girdling roots. Girdling roots occur when the root system of a tree is constricted and cannot grow outwards away from the tree, cutting off a tree’s vascular system and preventing the flow of water and nutrients. A common sign of girdled roots is a tree that has been planted like a telephone pole instead of having the base flair outwards. You may also see roots sticking out of the ground, late leaf development, small yellow leaves or needles, early leaf drop, and dieback.

Dieback is the death of branches, twigs, or roots beginning at the tips and eventually working inward to the rest of the tree. Branch or twig dieback is due to poor growing conditions, physical damage and injury to the tree, or pests and diseases. Dieback can be difficult initially to detect with an untrained eye and typically start in the upper canopy: a general growth reduction, early fall yellowing, and defoliation are all signs of tree problems with dieback. As the dieback progresses, you can spot more extensive branch mortality, cankers on the branches, and an increased insect borer presence.

One of the significant issues that trees face is pests and diseases. Some pests, such as the emerald ash borer or spotted lanternfly, can cause massive, even fatal, damage to your trees, which makes them vulnerable to other pests or diseases. Keep in mind that your trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases if they are unhealthy or have been damaged. So the best defense against harmful pests and diseases is to maintain healthy trees.