What are the telltale signs to that one of your trees is sick? Often, you will immediately be able to tell that something is wrong – wilting, yellow, or spotted leaves. But sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose a sick tree until it is too late.
Here are some common symptoms to look for on a tree.
Unhealthy leaves on sick trees
Wilting:
Leaves that are wilting are a sure sign that something is wrong. Heat or drought stressed trees will have leaves that wilt. When the weather is too hot leaves can’t take up or release water fast enough, so they wilt. In drought, the roots can’t soak up enough water to keep the tree hydrated, which also causes wilting.Wilting can also be caused by water-logged soil. This means that the water is drowning leaf tissue. Check for the cause on the tips and the edges of leaves. Heat- and drought-stressed leaves will be browner and drier overall while overwatered leaves will be soft and limp. Increase or decrease water as needed.
Another cause of wilting leaves can be from diseases. If your tree constantly has the right amount of water and there are wilting leaves, the best course of action is to seek a professional to diagnose the problem.
Yellowing:
Trees with yellowing leaves, not due to changes in colour for autumn, can be because of a nutrition deficiency. Yellowing leaves usually occur due to soil with a low pH, a lack of minerals in the soil or a lack of nitrogen in the soil. These conditions can usually be treated by adding fertiliser.
Spots and blemishes:
Spots, blotches, sunken areas, and other blemishes on tree leaves can be caused by fungal or bacterial diseases. Some spots can also be because of insect damage. To make a diagnosis, make note of the size, shape, colour and location of the spots. Also consider the time of year and the tree species. If you are in any way unsure about the condition of the tree, it is better to have a professional look. Improper or incorrect diagnosis can lead to damage to your tree.
Mould:
Patches on leaves that are white, grey or black and look fuzzy are usually a sign of fungal infection. Different infections usually have very different causes. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating that occurs during humid weather. It is very important to note that any affected branches or leaves that are removed due to mould, should never be added to the compost heap.
Holes:
Holes in leaves can generally be because of two reasons. They can either be caused by insect damage, or from fungal diseases. Insect damage will appear quickly, with no warning or signs and can be treated easily unless it is a serious infestation. Fungal diseases start with brown or black blemishes, and the edges are often yellow and progress as the time goes on. Another reason for holes in leaves can be from wind damage. Wind damage looks like several types of damage at once. Ragged edges, scorched looking leaves, stunted leaves, or leaves with curled edges are all signs of wind damaged leaves.
Dead or dying branches on sick trees
Healthy trees don’t simply drop large branches for no reason. While a tree may change its structure over time, a tree dropping large branches may also be a sign of a natural decline. The older a tree gets, the slower it starts to grow and produce food energy. When this happens a portion of the branches will die and drop. A tree in decline usually has no flowering or fruiting, areas of twig and branch dieback, and twigs or branches with little to no foliage or leaves.
If your tree has been healthy and vigorous and starts to drop branches, it is necessary to do an inspection or contact a professional to do a thorough inspection. When it comes to large trees, it is always best to contact a professional. Don’t climb into the tree to prune or cut the branches.
Sick trees that lean
If you notice your tree starting to lean, you should find out what is wrong very quickly. A leaning tree could be the cause of interior or underground damage, and the tree may need removal. Have a look if the tree has oozing wounds or cankers, insect infestations, or sunken areas of bark. These are signs of decay, and your tree has lost anchoring strength.
The above signs are all signs that something is wrong with your tree and that it needs some extra attention and nursing. If you have difficulty diagnosing the problem, but can see that something is wrong, it is very important to contact a professional. If you are in the Fraser Valley, make sure to connect with us for a free quote!
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