A Trees Warning Signs
When a tree is damaged, it has a remarkable ability to communicate and display natural warning signs. One unmistakable sign is the presence of dead or decaying branches. When a tree sustains injury, its branches will begin to die off as a means of redirecting resources to healthier areas. These dead branches can be easily spotted as they lack foliage and appear brittle. Another warning sign is the appearance of cracks or splits in the tree's trunk. These fractures occur due to excessive stress or trauma to the tree, and they serve as visible indicators of underlying damage. In addition, leaning or tilting trees are also signs of potential trouble. A tree that leans more than it should, without an obvious cause like prevailing winds, could suggest damaged roots or compromised stability.
Animals also have an incredible ability to sense and detect the presence of insects in trees. Take the woodpecker, for instance. Their distinctive behavior of repeatedly pecking on a particular spot on a tree can be a telltale sign of insect activity. Woodpeckers are drawn to trees infested with insects, particularly wood-boring beetles and ants, as these critters serve as a readily available food source. By observing a woodpecker's persistent pecking on a specific area of a tree trunk or branch, arboricultural experts can decipher that the tree might be playing host to hidden insect infestations.
Generally, when a tree's health is on a downward trajectory, it tends to follow a spiral pattern before eventually succumbing to death. It begins with subtle indicators that often go unnoticed, such as leaf discoloration or reduced canopy density. As the tree's health continues to decline, these initial symptoms amplify, manifesting as increased dead branches, excessive leaf loss, or stunted growth. Concurrently, the tree's ability to defend against pests and diseases weakens, making it susceptible to further damage. This downward spiral is often exacerbated by environmental stressors, inadequate nutrition, or compromised root systems. It is crucial to monitor and address these early signs of decline promptly, as the spiral of tree health usually indicates a dire prognosis if left unattended.
If you have an issue with your trees, Arbor Source Tree Experts can help. We will take all of the worry out of keeping your trees healthy and beautiful year round. Visit us at www.ArborSource.net to request a visit from our ISA Certified Arborist or call (832) 671-0331.
Example Of Signs Of A Sick Tree
This image shows an example of woodpecker damage, woodpeckers go after insects in trees. This means that the tree has some type of insect infestation that could be harmful.
