Trees are beautiful, and they are gifts of nature. Every environment conscious human being knows the value of one in this graying world. Removing a tree from our property is not a decision we take lightly. However, there are times, when we need to make that tough decision for the greater good of our family, home and neighborhood. Contact Arlington arborists for safe tree removal when it is time to remove the tree.
Just like us, trees can get sick. Unlike us, they cannot ask for help. So, by the time we notice its discoloured branches and webbed leaves, it is almost too late to save them. Some would suggest home remedies and professional care for ailing trees, especially if they are rare species on private properties. However, a recent insurance survey has found that debris from trees causes far-reaching damage to property during a storm. The damage is second to a direct hit from a Category 4 storm.
Leaving a diseased tree on your property may seem like the eco-friendly thing to do, but in doing so, you will be endangering your home and your family. Moreover, just like we can catch the flu from other fellow human beings, trees can catch diseases and pests from other trees. Therefore, if you have other trees and plants inside your property or close by, there is a high chance you are risking their health too. If you have doubts about your tree’s health, you can always ask an expert for a checkup. There are several expert tree checkup services in Ashland, Ohio that will respond to your call instantly.
Is That Tree Dying?
There are a few telltale signs that a tree might need removal. Here is what you should look for:
- Dying branches. There will be multiple large branches showing discoloration and drying.
- The tree might look lopsided. It might lean to one side.
- The leaves may fall during the growing (warm) season.
- The leaves might fall early and not grow back.
- The root of the tree looks hollow, and the base is soft and rotten.
- You can spot hollow sections in the branches and the trunk.
When you spot these signs, it is definitely the time to give a professional tree service a call. Take an estimate, make an appointment and book a check. Those are the primary things you need to do before someone can come to remove the tree safely from your property.
What Might Be Killing That Tree?
It might be hard to imagine a sturdy stalwart falling prey to something as small as a few insects and invisible microbes, but that does happen. When the experts are there on your property removing a tree, they will tell you what likely caused the disease. Since diseases in plants spread as well, you might want to keep an eye out for the symptoms in the other plants on your property. If you have a sick tree, here are a few diseases that might have caused the symptoms:
Oak Wilt: the oak wilt disease is rapidly spreading, and it can affect the transport system inside the tree. Almost all oaks are susceptible to this illness. They are common in the later spring and summer seasons. White oaks are less vulnerable, but unlike their red counterparts they cannot fight back. It is one of the most common fatal diseases among trees in Ohio. Any tree service has worked on at least one oak wilt infected tree last summer.
Dutch Elm Disease: the Dutch elm disease is fatal, and it affects the vascular system of the plants. The elm bark beetle carries this fungus, so if you have these colorful little critters in your garden, be very careful! It is highly infective. Once one tree catches it, the neighbors quickly follow.
Powdery Mildew: have you ever walked into your garden and wondered what that white powder on the leaves is? Well, it is a common fungal disease that infects shrubs and trees. Your precious petunia and rose bush are not immune to it. The only way to fight is by professional cleaning, disinfecting and pruning services.
Anthracnose: it is a collection of several fungal diseases that cause the leaves to wilt and fall sooner than the season. You might even notice blotches, empty canopies, and dieback. This disease does not kill a tree, but it weakens the immune system and allows the entry of other dangerous pathogens.
Needle Blight: it is common to the pine trees of Ohio and adjacent states. Needle blight is a common fungal infection that causes the pine needles to brown and drops prematurely. The disease attacks the lower branches first and then progresses to the upper ones. It is not a deadly disease, and it is controllable through extensive treatment.
Thousand Cankers Disease: this is the Cruella Deville of all tree diseases. It produces an incredible number of fatalities each year. It affects several species of the walnut family. The condition was native to Colorado and the adjacent states. However, a few reports have been coming in from the eastern states as well. There have been no Thousand Cankers related fatalities in Ohio as of yet, but the tree service companies are keeping their eyes out for this silent killer. After infection, the fungus creates dead zones under the bark that hinders the transport system. It causes wilting, shedding and branch dieback. The tree usually dies within a few days after the signs become apparent. There is no cure.
Most of the fungal diseases spread through airborne spores. Some need vehicles like the Elm bark beetle mentioned here, but it is easy for these fungi to travel from one tree to another. Once they infect a plant in your neighborhood or property, each plant is under immediate threat. It is in your best interest to inform trained professionals with the knowledge of plant disease control once you notice similar signs. It will not only save the other trees, but it will also reduce the chances of your home incurring unwarranted damage during a storm.
I didn’t know that the white powder on the tree leaves is actually a sign of a fungal disease that infects shrubs and trees. One of the trees on our lawn is dead now and we fear that it could infect the other plants in its vicinity. I think we need to ask for tree removal services so we could preemptively prevent the spread of any plant disease.