Does your favorite magnolia or dogwood look a bit off, but you’re not exactly sure why? Trees, much like people, can succumb to stealthy ailments that aren’t always immediately apparent.
As a leading emergency tree service specialist, Central Florida Tree Care knows how to tell if a tree is sick. Keep reading as we highlight the warning signs so you can address them before it’s too late!
1. Unusual Foliage Behavior
Leaves are the “lungs” of your tree, and healthy ones should look vibrant, green, and full. Any change to their normal appearance should give you pause:
- Wilting: Prolonged droughts or heatwaves can take a toll on your tree’s foliage. Even the leaves of willows, which naturally have a droopy appearance, should feel firm and springy to the touch.
- Color changes: We don’t really have a typical fall season in Lithia, so leaves turning yellow, orange, or brown at unusual times could stem from stress. Nitrogen-deficient soil or diseases like fire blight are common culprits.
- Marks: Do you notice dark leaf spots or strange blotches? It might stem from fungus or diseases like anthracnose.
2. Bark Abnormalities
Do you want to know how to tell if a tree is sick? The bark serves as armor that protects it from pests and diseases. It should look fully intact with a consistent color and texture.
Do you see peeling, cracks, or deep splits? It might reveal underlying rot. It’s also possible that the damage comes from extreme weather conditions or human activity.
If the damage seems to have a distinct pattern or looks concentrated in particular spots, your specimen may have a late-state infestation. Look for small holes, mud tunnels, sawdust-like frass, or the insects themselves.
3. Branch Dieback
A few bare branches here and there shouldn’t worry you. An entire section of dead canopy is a different story.
Try the scratch test on a suspected dead limb. Gently scratch the bark with a knife or your fingernail. If the layer underneath looks green and moist, it’s still alive. A brown and dry interior says otherwise.
4. A Leaning Trunk
While some trees naturally lean towards sunlight for better growth, a sudden shift in position can be alarming. It could stem from weakening roots, soil erosion, or structural damage.
If this particular specimen grows near your Lithia home or has branches extending over a walkway, seek expert help as soon as possible.
The Go-To Arborists in Lithia, FL
Do you need to know how to tell if a tree is sick? When you find dead branches, discolored leaves, and other red flags, what next?
Leave it to Central Florida Tree Care. Whether the cause is a fungal growth or a subpar soil quality, we have you covered. Our crew’s tailor-fit approach can help rejuvenate even the most beleaguered specimens.
Dial (863) 670-7375 now before you end up needing to book a hazardous tree removal!
