Is there a tree on your property that has not been in good shape of late? One might be concerned over the prospect of a wayward tree coming down and putting your home or car at risk, to say nothing of other potential damage. Then there is the matter of distinguishing a tree in need of some attention from one that is beyond saving.
We have been fielding such questions for homeowners and businesses in Kalamazoo County since 2016 here at Five Star Tree Solutions. Any time you are in any doubt as to the condition of a tree, put us on the phone at (269) 215-5474 and we will put your mind at ease.
It is not always straightforward to identify a diseased tree. Some of the signs are plain to see, others will go unnoticed until it is too late. We have outlined below the more prevalent indicators that a tree could be diseased and warrant removal.
The Leaves Will Tell You
For the most part, the leaves give away what is going on before anything else. In the growing season you would expect full foliage of an even colour from a sound tree; if there is an issue, the leaves make known.
Things to watch for:
- Foliage taking on a brown or yellow hue long before fall
- A tree with bare branches on one side but full on the other
- Spotted, curled or smaller than normal leaves
- Parts of the canopy that put forth no leaves
- An early shedding of leaves in the spring or summer
You do not have to write off a tree on the strength of one or two of these. But put them all together and it is telling that the tree is in distress.
Bark and Trunk
Think of the trunk and bark as the tree’s skin; trouble there is usually deep seated. All too often damage to the trunk is the result of years of problems. Make a thorough inspection of the base and you may find:
- Vertical splits or cracks
- Patches of bark missing or peeling off
- Wood that is spongy or crumbles
- Dark, wet streaks or sap oozing from the bark
- Conks, mushrooms or fungus on the trunk
Fungal growth is a serious matter. The appearance of mushrooms on the roots or trunk is indicative of decay within the wood, which only serves to undermine the tree.
Dead Branches
In Kalamazoo County with its share of heavy snow and storms, dead branches are a hazard as much as an eyesore. Cast an eye up into the canopy for:
- Brittle limbs that will not bend
- Large branches devoid of leaves in the growing season
- Where the upper canopy has thinned out
- Fallen branches for no apparent reason
An odd branch can be pruned, but if the dead wood is extensive, removing the tree is the prudent thing to do.
Roots and the Lean of the Tree
With the roots being mostly out of sight, one has to be on the lookout for telltale signs of root issues that could compromise the whole tree.
Do not overlook:
- Any new leaning
- Heaving or cracked soil at the base
- Roots that are exposed or in poor order
- Fungus in the root zone
- A tree that seems to shift with the wind
If a tree is showing more of a lean with each passing season it is likely losing its hold on the ground. Not something to put off.
Let the Professionals Decide
There are times when a diseased tree can be put right. In other cases the sensible course of action for the sake of your property and family is to have it removed once treatment is no longer an option. It requires an experienced eye to make that call.
Five Star Tree Solutions is a veteran owned and operated business, fully licensed and insured with an A+ from the BBB. Our service area includes Portage, Kalamazoo, Richland, Mattawan, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, Paw Paw and environs, and we stand behind our work with a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee. We are on hand 24/7.
Should you come across any of the above on your property, why run the risk? Get in touch with our team at (269) 215-5474.