3 Common Tree Problems And Solutions
Posted on: 13 December 2022
Various factors can damage your trees. While you can't control some of them, you can take precautionary measures to preserve your investment. Also, you need to have basic tree conservation knowledge, such as the right time to prune your trees, when to call tree removal experts, signs of a diseased tree, common pests that affect trees, and mistakes to avoid when taking care of your trees.
This article will discuss common tree problems you should know.
Pests
Pests, such as aphids, tussock moths, emerald ash borers, and lace bugs, can wreak havoc on your trees. The pests can eat different parts of the plants, like the leaves, impending the trees' ability to manufacture food. Also, these pests can cause tree trunks and branches to rot.
A rotting tree will worsen with time until it dies and falls. The tree will display signs, such as thinning leaves, holes in leaves, abnormal leaf sizes, discolored leaves, loose bark on the trunk, and lifting roots.
Most pest infestations happen in the summer; hence, you should regularly inspect your trees around that time. If you find a tree that has been severely affected, remove it as soon as possible to prevent the spread of pests. Some pests like termites can migrate to your home and cause damage by chewing wood structures, weakening your house's structural integrity.
Diseases
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause diseases in trees. These diseases include needle rusts and blights, tar spots, leaf blisters, black knots, cankers, and powdery mildew. Some disorders are mild and temporary, but others can affect your trees' productivity and even result in death.
Your trees can become stressed, which weakens their disease-fighting ability. Drought will prevent the trees from absorbing sufficient water, curtailing the trees' capacity to isolate and prevent the spread of infections. Stem damage creates entry points for pathogens, while root damage further interferes with water absorption. You should eliminate diseased trees on time to curb the spread of infections.
A tree removal professional can help you identify which trees have temporary infections and which are permanently diseased and need removal.
Age and Physical Damage
Like other living things, trees will deteriorate with age. For example, branches can develop cracks and fall off. The trees will also become susceptible to diseases. Moreover, harsh weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rains, and storms can damage trees. The elements can cause the uprooting of roots and falling branches.
Human activities, such as using heavy machinery or construction, can damage tree roots and trunks, while poor trimming habits can interfere with tree growth. You will have to remove a tree if it's severely damaged to avoid accidents and the spread of infections.
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