You might assume that once a tree is fully grown, it no longer needs your care and protection. It is a natural and living thing, after all, and most trees in the world are able to thrive for decades without human help. However, the trees in your yard deserve extra attention. Not only do they liven up your landscape, but they also provide shade and beauty. Plus, if one of your trees were to grow sick and die, you would have to remove it, plant a new one, and then wait years for it to mature into a comparably-sized tree. All this to say that it’s important that you learn how to care for a sick tree so that you can act quickly if you notice warning signs and worrisome symptoms.
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How to Care for a Sick Tree
What to Look For
First, let’s discuss how to identify a sick tree. There are many warning signs, which all point toward different diseases and ailments. Stay aware of your trees’ health and if you notice any of the signs below, begin a treatment regimen.
- Discolored leaves or lesions
- Drooping, wilted leaves
- Fungus presence and growth
- Dead branches
- Dark, shriveled, drooping flowers
- Destruction caused by insects
- Damage to the tree’s trunk
- Damage to the tree’s roots
- A growth near the tree’s base
- Spots and lesions on pine needles
- Browning pine needles
- Grey, brown, or black slimy fluid
- Small holes in branches
Your tree might have caught an infection, become infested with bugs, or been damaged by the weather. By researching the specific symptoms, you can pinpoint possible causes for the tree’s ailment. For example, bark that appears to be bleeding points toward a fungal infection or an insect infestation. Brown or yellow leaves that appear in summer or spring could be signs of a parched, dehydrated tree or a flooded, overwatered tree.
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How to React
First, don’t ignore it. Your tree’s illness might be serious. If you don’t treat it, the illness could spread to neighboring trees, the branches could fall and damage your property, or the tree could die. Next, by researching the symptoms, you can identify possible explanations and create a plan of attack. However, for best results, we urge you to call a professional, who can inspect your ailing tree, diagnose the problem, and give you a solid recommendation for the tree’s treatment. If you live in southwest Missouri, give Nixa Lawn Service a call. In addition to full-service lawn care and landscaping services, we also provide care for sick trees. To learn more about our tree services, give us a call at 417-724-0318 or request a quote online.
Finally, in the future, evaluate your trees’ health regularly and watch for warning signs. You don’t need to schedule six-month physicals or check-ups with an arborist; all you need to do is walk outside from time to time and really look at your tree’s physical health, from the roots to the trunk to the branches and leaves. At the first sign of a problem, research the symptoms online for more information or call in a pro to give your tree a once-over. With proper care, your trees should last a lifetime.
Good luck!
