It’s essential to watch for any signs of a diseased tree trunk. Healthy trees can provide shade and oxygen, while diseased trees can endanger your property. This article will cover four common signs of infected trees to help you better protect yourself and your property from fungal disease and other tree problems.
Don’t give up hope if you’re already dealing with a diseased tree. Working with tree care experts in the tri-state area can give your tree the best possible chance to recover and return to its original splendor.
Sign #1: Swelling in the Trunk
When a tree is sick, you may notice swelling in the trunk and visible signs of damage (e.g., cracks, discoloration, or infected leaves). This symptom is a sign of an infection in the tree, which can result from various fungal diseases or pests like bark beetles.
It can also indicate root damage or invasive soil conditions. If you notice any swelling in the diseased tree trunk, it’s time to contact a tree care expert to help diagnose and treat the problem before it gets worse.
Sign #2: Discoloration on the Trunk
Another indication that a tree may be sick is splotches of discoloration on the trunk. These marks are usually a sign of a fungal infection called canker disease, infecting the tree’s leaves, branches, and roots. Infected branches are especially dangerous, as they can fall on people and animals.
Canker disease can also cause structural damage to the tree if it spreads to the bark. If you notice these spots on your tree, you should call a tree care expert immediately so that they can diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.
Sign #3: Cracking Bark
Cracking bark is usually a sign of severe infection within the tree. If an infection spreads into the tree’s bark, it can cause the bark to split open and separate into distinct layers. In some cases, even healthy trees will develop small cracks in the bark due to temperature changes and other factors.
However, if the cracks are deep and extend more than halfway across the trunk, it strongly indicates that the tree is suffering from a bacterial infection or insect infestation.
In the case of bacterial infections, you can usually treat the problem by spraying the area with an antibiotic solution or by pruning away the affected parts of the tree. For insect infestations, you’ll need to contact an exterminator to remove the pests from your property before they can do further damage to the tree.
Sign #4: Dead Branches and Leaves
Many insects and fungus infections can kill your tree’s leaves and branches, causing a gradual decline in its overall health. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be challenging to spot since they typically don’t appear until the tree is already in poor health. If you notice increasing amounts of brown or dying leaves, the best option is to contact a professional for help.
Get Tree Services Today
If your tree is showing signs of infection, it’s vital to work with an experienced arborist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the problem. North Easter Tree, Shrub, & Lawn Care can help solve a wide range of common tree problems for residents of Chappaqua and the surrounding area.
If you’d like to know how over-pruned trees can cause problems for homeowners or learn more about how to spot a diseased tree trunk, feel free to explore the rest of our website. Then, when you’re ready to schedule tree services in Chappaqua, call North Eastern Tree, Shrub, & Lawn Care to schedule a free consultation today!
