Once a disease is identified, arborists can prescribe the appropriate treatment. This may involve pruning away infected branches, applying fungicides or antibiotics, or implementing cultural practices like adjusting watering or mulching to mitigate disease progression.
Swelling, soft or decaying wood, or small holes in the tree trunk. Dead, dying, or drooping branches in the canopy. Wilting, discolored, or damaged leaves.
Diseased Trees
An infected tree can spread disease to other trees and plants in the area, causing significant damage. If you notice signs of disease, such as dead branches, discolored leaves, or fungus growing on the trunk, it's time to remove the tree before it causes any more damage.
While it is possible to revive sick or dying trees, bringing dead trees back to life is typically not feasible. There are several reasons to remove a dead tree — but how exactly can one tell if a tree is dead, sick, or healthy?
ACT NOW, DEEP ROOT FERTILIZATION CAN SAVE A TREE!
Don't wait until you see signs of stress to schedule your trees for this necessary application. Even trees that appear happy and healthy may be struggling to find the nutrients they need.
Your arborist will perform a visual inspection of the foliage, trunk, and stems of the symptomatic tree for evidence of disease. If detected, they will recommend a course of preventive treatments most appropriate for the specific pathogen and tree species.
Spots or blemishes on leaves, fruit, and/or bark. Fuzzy or moldy-looking patches. Holes in leaves. Dead, dying or dropping branches.
If a tree is dying, you may need to plant it in a different location. Most California trees need plenty of room and sunlight to reach their full potential. Keep them out of shady areas and away from power lines to keep them in optimal condition. You also want to make sure the tree isn't planted too deep into the soil.
The best fungicides for tree fungus prevention and treatment are liquid copper fungicide, potassium bicarbonate, and chlorothalonil. Liquid copper is a broad-spectrum fungicide that can kill off fungi quickly, while the other two help reduce infection levels.
Trees and shrubs that should not be fertilized include newly planted specimens and those with severe root damage from recent trenching or construction. The root systems of these plants need to re-establish before fertilizers are applied. Older, established trees do not need to be fertilized every year.
Apply Fertilizer in The Right Place. The root zone area, the space beneath the canopy of the shrub or tree, contains most of the plant's fine or “feeder” roots that absorb water and nutrients. It extends from he trunk (outside of the buttress or structural roots at the root flare) to the outermost branches (Fig. 3).
Maintain the basic health of your trees with regular watering and proper pruning. Loosely pack mulching around your tree base for breathability and nutrient absorption. Use caution when landscaping near trees to avoid injury and disruption to its root system. Don't write off your sick tree as dead.
Just because a tree is dying doesn't mean it needs to be removed right away. A dying tree could take years to fully pass, and can remain sturdy even when sick or damaged.
Look for: peeling or loose bark, cracks or deep slits in the tree. Now scrutinize the rest of the trunk for signs of decay. Look for: signs of swelling, cavities, soft or decaying wood or small holes. Finally, look up to the canopy, the upper layer of branches and leaves.
Saving a dying tree is possible, but it takes experience, care, and foresight. There are many environmental factors that can cause a tree's health to decline, the most common offenders being insect damage and disease.
If you're concerned about your tree's health, contact an arborist. Certified arborists handle planting, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and tree removal. Consulting arborists focus on diagnosing issues, recommending treatments, appraising trees, and advising on tree services.