Making My Yard More Functional

Posted on: 30 August 2018

Root damage is arguably the worst kind of damage that can occur to a tree short of it falling over entirely since damage to the root system will prevent the tree from absorbing any nutrients or water from the soil, effectively starving it to death. Being able to identify when your trees are suffering from root damage can help you determine when you should get in touch with an arborist or landscaping professional to see what you can do to handle the damage.

1. Color Changes and Falling Leaves

A clear sign that your tree is not receiving enough nutrients from the ground is if you notice that the leaves change color or fall off of the tree – or both – out of season. This usually points to some sort of disease or damage that means that the tree is not able to support itself any longer. Another clear indication of damage is if you notice browning or falling needles – since needles are supposed to stay attached year-round, any sort of color change or massive loss points to issues with the roots and the underlying health of your tree as a result.

2. Leaning and Shifting

Another clear indication that there is an issue with the underlying health of the roots of your tree is if you notice any sort of change in the lean of your tree. Physical damage to the roots, which can be caused by a whole host of environmental factors, can cause your tree to list to one side, putting at a much higher risk of falling over. This not only represents a risk to the health of your tree but also is a safety hazard for your property, driveway and other structures and belongings.

3. Fungus

Fungal infections are a form of disease that can severely and quickly undermine the health of your tree by attacking the roots and degrading the structure of your tree at the same time. While significant fungal growth can cause either of the two above mentioned symptoms of root damage, the easiest to spot sign of a fungus problem is if you see mushrooms, moss, or other types of fungal growth around the base of your tree, especially on the trunk or any roots that manage to break the ground. While you may be able to treat fungal problems in some cases, more often than not it's a better decision to remove the tree entirely to ensure that the fungus doesn't spread to other trees in your yard.

For more information, contact a company like Souliere & Son Tree Specialists.