Trees are a brilliant inclusion in any backyard and they are a paramount part of any landscape. They not only refine the air quality, also beautifies the property. Trees give us oxygen, provide shade, stabilize the soil, provide a pleasant environment by cooling your yard and home, and elevate the value of your property. The top way to maintain your tree’s health is by regularly monitoring and treating them. To differentiate between a healthy and an unhealthy tree, look for the following signs.
SIGNS OF A HEALTHY TREE
Single leader:
Healthy trees have a single trunk which maintains their form and gives them strength. Trees most commonly used for landscaping should be pruned every other year to have only one central leading trunk. Pruning biannually will add much needed strength stability to the tree structure, as well as create a straight appearance. If there is more than one leading trunk, it may eventually cause the tree to split.
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS THEORY INCLUDE:
- Some fruit trees (namely peach, nectarine, cherry, and plum, among others)
- Trees with several trunks (each should have one main leader)
- Some topiary and bonsai forms, such as an espalier
VERIFICATION OF GROWTH:
Trees generate new growth yearly. You should take into consideration that different species of trees grow at a disparate rate. Check the growth of your tree by measuring the distance between this year’s bud and previous year’s (noticeable by the growth scars on the branch) Every species has its’ ‘tell’ when it comes to growth indication, but a good rule of green thumb is to keep an eye on the stature of each tree from season to season and do a little research to know more about what to expect.
CHECK FOR BROKEN OR DEAD BRANCHES:
You can do this by mildly bending the branches. The dead branches break and the living ones bend. Pruning away dead branches is essential for healthy trees as the damaged parts of the tree, although not attractive to you, can look like an invitation for habitation from unwanted pests, and common diseases.
Healthy leaves:
Leaves are very important for any tree. The leaves should be profuse, of proper size, shape, and color according to the season.
Firm bark:
On the tree’s trunk and branches, there should not be loose or peeling bark. With the exception of a few tree species, the bark should not peel away easily from the trunk and if your trees become damaged this can be one of the first places that disease or pests can strike.
A BRIEF RECAP/ SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY TREE:
- Abnormal leaf size, color, and shape.
- Broken branches
- Evidence of insects or visible insect growth on the tree shows the ill-health of it.
- Your tree is not healthy if it has holes in the trunk and/or leaves.
- Cracks and cavities in the limbs and trunk of the tree.
- Oozing sap.
- Branches without leaves
- Your tree is unwell if you find bare patches on it.
- If the tree has become weak and is bending downwards or wilting. This can happen if the tree needs more water or is dying.
- Fungus growth on the limbs, branches, and trunk of the tree is considered unhealthy and immediate action should be taken to cure the tree.
Trees need protection and care just like other living beings. Trees play a vital role in the well-being of the planet. It is extremely essential to take good care of your tree’s health. You can achieve this by doing a suitable tree treatment.
- Tree trimming: It improves the beauty and health of the tree. If the branches of the tree are rubbing together, they should be trimmed or removed so that they do not fall off unexpectedly. The airflow can be improved by thinning the crown of the tree which is beneficial.
- Tree removal: Decayed, harmful & undesirable trees can be removed and can be replaced by a more suitable or preferred tree.
- Tree pruning: This helps remove diseased, dead and insect or fungal-infected branches. Tree pruning helps in strengthening the tree, improves its structure, and decreases the risk of infection to a greater extent.
Constantly monitor and treat your trees for it to be healthy. The sooner you spot the issues, the faster you can take action or you can simply give the experts at Texas Trees, Keane Landscaping’s arborilogical division, a call today for a free consultation to assess the health of your trees.
Texas Trees strives to give you the highest level of customer care and treatment, no matter what kind of tree services you need — from the best tree removal Dallas has to offer, tree trimming to fertilization, disease control and stump grinding. Our goal is to create a unique environment that enhances your outdoor property.
