Trees are good at hiding their problems. By the time something looks obviously wrong, the trouble has often been building for a while. The good news is that trees do give off early warning signs, if you know what to look for. Here are some of the things worth paying attention to.
Leaves that look off. Leaves are one of the first places trouble shows. Watch for leaves that yellow or brown out of season, come in smaller or sparser than usual, wilt when the weather is not especially hot, or drop early. A thinning canopy, where you can see more sky through the branches than you used to, is often an early sign that something is wrong below the surface.
Dead or bare branches. A few dead twigs are normal, but large dead branches, or branches that never leafed out in spring, are worth a closer look. Deadwood high in the canopy can also be a safety concern, since those limbs can fall.
Cracks, cavities, or soft spots. Vertical cracks in the trunk, open cavities, or areas of bark that sound hollow or feel soft can point to internal decay. What you see on the outside is often smaller than what is happening inside.
Mushrooms or fungus at the base. Fungal growth on or around the base of a tree, or on the trunk itself, can be a sign of root or wood decay. It is one of those things that looks harmless but can signal a serious problem.
Leaning or heaving soil. A tree that has started leaning, especially if the soil on one side is lifting or cracking, may have a compromised root system. A sudden lean after a storm is a reason to act quickly.
Damage at the base or roots. Cut or damaged roots, soil piled against the trunk, or recent construction nearby can all stress a tree in ways that take time to show. Trees and construction are a common source of trouble that surfaces years later.
When to call someone. A single sign does not always mean a tree is failing, and some issues are easy to address if caught early. But several signs together, or anything involving the trunk, the roots, or a lean, is worth a professional look. A proper assessment can find out what is really going on beneath the surface and tell you whether you are looking at a simple fix or a real risk.
If something about one of your trees has you wondering, it is always better to ask sooner rather than later. Trees rarely get better on their own, but many problems are manageable when they are caught in time.
Will Mellott
Plant Health Care Services
(509) 499-5308
