Signs Of Tree Root Damage
Posted on: 29 August 2018
The roots are some of the most important parts of a tree; they anchor the tree to the soil, pick up water from the soil and also pick up nutrients from the soil. This is why tree root damage can have such a damaging effect on the tree's life. Here are some of the telltale signs that may mean a tree has damaged roots.
Wilting And Falling Of Leaves
One of the main functions of the roots is to draw up water from the soil. Damaged roots mean reduced water uptake, which triggers wilting of leaves. With time, the wilted leaves will weaken and drop off the tree. Therefore, you should suspect root damage if there are considerable leaves at the base of the tree and most of the leaves on the branches are wilted.
Thinning Foliage
In cases of severe root damage, it isn't just the leaves that will be affected; even the twigs or small branches will be starved of water and will begin to die too. Therefore, if something is not done to such a tree, the small branches will wither and fall off with the leaves. As such, thinning foliage is also a classic symptom of a tree with root damage.
Fungi Attack
Fungi attack, such as the growth of mushrooms around the base of the tree or on the main tree trunk, is also a possible sign of tree root damage. Fungi attack typically occurs on trees that have been weakened by other factors, such as the loss of water and nutrients occasioned by root damage.
Increased Output of Suckers and Seeds
You may also notice your tree producing unusually high amounts of suckers and seeds if it is stressed by tree damage. Trees typically do that as a means of survival. This is usually a last-gasp attempt by the tree as to survive so if it's happening, you know that the tree is extremely stressed.
Leaning Tree
Lastly, you should also suspect that a tree's roots have been damaged if the tree is leaning. This is particularly true if there is no other obvious sign of damage on the tree, for example, if there are no cracks on the back. In such a case, the tree is probably leaning because one side of its root has been cut off or weakened, and it cannot support itself in a balanced way.
Consult a tree service company like OCEAN PINES STUMP AND TREE if you notice the above symptoms on your beloved tree. A tree professional will diagnose the cause of the symptoms and advise you on whether the tree can be saved or it should be removed.
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