There is a part of your tree that seems to be all wrong? The leaves are browning yet the rest of the yard is green. You can’t help but ask if the tree is under some stress, or perhaps sick and not long for this world.
We at Ruben’s Tree Service put an end to such wondering for our clients in Southeast Michigan, both residential and commercial. Put in a call to (248) 985-8070 and we will come out and see what is the matter. Since 2021 we have been the arborists of choice in Wixom as well as Ann Arbor, Livonia, Troy, Royal Oak and Rochester; we are familiar with the local species and the kind of trouble they are prone to.
It is not often a tree will just give up one day. Decline is usually a slow process with its share of telltale signs. You have to know what you are looking for. What follows are the indications of a pest or disease issue.
Leaves: The First Place to Look
You will find most problems manifest in the leaves before anywhere else. Foliage in good order is full and of an even colour befitting the time of year. If it is not, the leaves will make it plain.
Be on the lookout for:
- Yellowing or other discoloration where there should be green
- A powdery residue or blotches on the leaf
- Any that have curled, wilted or are falling ahead of schedule
- An undersized canopy or foliage that is sparse from what you are used to
- Bareness on one side of the tree
- Leaves that have been chewed or skeletonised by insects
An odd occurrence here and there may be put down to hard weather. But if you see several of these at once, or they are a recurring thing, there is likely more to it.
Examine the Bark and Trunk
The trunk will tell you much of a tree’s condition. The bark ought to be sound and firm; any damage or loose pieces should be inspected.
Tell-tale marks are:
- Deep splits or cracks
- Large areas of bark peeling off
- Wood with a spongy feel to it
- Wet spots, dark stains or sap oozing out
- Sawdust at the base or small holes in the bark from boring insects
With borers you want to be on top of it early. They do their work under the bark cutting off water and nutrients and before you realise the extent of it the tree could be in dire straits.
Fungus and Other Growths
When a tree has internal issues, fungus is a plain sign of it. The presence of shelf-like growths, conks or mushrooms on the roots or trunk is an indication of wood decay. In many cases the rot has been going on for some time at the base, compromising the tree and making failure a possibility. It is prudent to get an opinion on the stability of a large tree with fungal growth about it.
Thinning Canopies and Dead Branches
Some dead twigs are to be expected, a pattern of dieback is another matter. If the outer or upper branches are dying back while the inside of the canopy remains green, the tree is indicating it cannot hold its crown.
Watch for large dead limbs up high, or whole parts of the tree that put forth no leaves in spring. There are also brittle branches that will break with little provocation. Aside from being unsightly, dead limbs are a hazard; in a storm they have a way of coming down where you don’t want them.
The Case for Early Action
A lot of tree troubles can be put right with timely intervention. We can put in cabling and bracing to shore up a weak structure, or prune away the worst of it and improve the root environment to put some years on the tree. Should it be beyond saving, we will remove it so as to protect the property and those in the vicinity.
Our crew is set up for climber and bucket-truck work alike, so we can accommodate any size tree or site. For a job that requires a delicate touch or a complete takedown, we will suit the method to the task.
Should you see any of the above, do not put it off. Ruben’s Tree Service can provide a free estimate at (248) 985-8070. And in the event a diseased tree turns into an emergency, we are on hand 24/7.