WorldExecutivesDigest.com | 9 Telltale Signs of a Rotting Tree | There’s a good chance you have one in your yard. A rotting tree can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what to look for. When a tree starts to die, it must be removed or else you could face a lot of other troubles, including injury, death, and property loss.
Rotting Trees
Trees live for a long time, but they don’t last forever. If your tree is starting to show any of these following signs, it can mean that you should be prepared to have it removed. Tree services are offered by professionals who know how to safely remove a tree without causing any damage to your home.
-
Peeling Bark
Some types of trees have peeling bark, but if yours hasn’t peeled before it could be a bad sign. As a tree dies and begins to rot, the bark will often spread and separate, causing it to peel away from the trunk. This is a clear indication that the end is near for a tree. If you have any doubt, consult a professional.
-
Branches With No Living Buds
If a single branch has no sign of living buds, that could be a sign that the branch is dying. If multiple branches on your tree don’t flower or have green leaves, the tree is probably almost dead. When this happens, your once beautiful tree could become a dangerous tree that might fall on you or your property.
-
Cracks In the Trunk
If you begin to notice large cracks forming in the trunk of your tree, there’s a good chance that you are seeing tree rot. Cracked, dry parts of the trunk are among serious rotting tree signs. Healthy trees have large, intact trunks that help the tree store and use water drawn from the roots.
When a trunk becomes cracked enough, it can spell disaster. A strong wind, storm, or other natural event could cause the entire tree to collapse.
-
Rotting Roots
If you can see the roots of your tree and notice that they are dead, cracked, or splitting your tree should be removed. Tree root rot takes place when a tree has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be removed. A tree without good roots won’t survive for long.
Roots that are rotting can be nearly invisible. If they are hidden under the ground, you may not be able to tell. If you have any doubts about the health of a tree root, make sure to consult with a professional.
-
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be a sign of a dead tree, but they can also cause rot. If you are noticing mushrooms growing where they haven’t before, root rot may be accelerated or already done. This means that the tree needs to removed as soon as possible to prevent any possible complications.
It is possible that a professional could save the tree from certain fungi diseases that trees are susceptible to. This possibility depends on having a professional come and take care of your tree quickly. Don’t wait if you want to have any chance of saving your tree.
-
Discolored Leaves
When a tree begins to die, one of the things that you may notice is that the leaves are not the right color. Most types of trees you will encounter should have leaves that are rich and green. This is a sign that the tree is healthy.
If a tree starts to show yellow or brown leaves in the wrong season, it can mean the tree is dying. You should also look for discolored leaves with spotting or rot already showing on them. Sometimes these leaves can even look like they are burnt.
-
Falling Branches
It is common for a branch or two to get knocked down by a moderately strong storm. However, if you notice that your tree is starting to lose branches it may be about to die. This can happen even when there isn’t a strong wind or storm, but a strong wind will certainly make it obvious.
If you’ve noticed a pile of branches gathering under one of your trees, get help immediately. If you keep your yard free of branches, pay attention to how many branches you have to remove from your trees. Knowing this can give you a heads up that something isn’t right.
-
Soft Wood
A section of your tree that has become soft is a clear sign of rot. Rotting trees often do so from the inside, and that can make it difficult to know exactly when you should have them removed. If a section of the bark has softened it means that rot has already taken much of the tree on the inside.
-
A Hollow Trunk
Old trees can hide amongst living trees, even long after they are dead. If you suspect a tree is old and dead, you can tap the tree. If you hear a hollow sound or are able to easily penetrate the trunk, you know the tree you are next to has died.
Sometimes vines and other growth can obscure the fact that the tree is dead until long after it has rotted away. A tree with a hollow trunk is extremely dangerous because it can fall quite easily. Don’t risk having one of these around your home or anywhere you may walk or park a vehicle.
A Rotting Tree and Your Property
Falling branches can cause injury and damage. If one were to hit a person, it could be a very serious injury or even death. This is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. Don’t hesitate to have any trees you suspect of rotting removed from your property. You don’t want to risk your health or that of your family.
Pay attention to the trees in your yard. Acting quickly can make sure that you and your property stay safe. No one likes to lose trees, but a rotting tree isn’t something you can afford to keep around.
We hope you found this article helpful. If so, please take a moment to browse our site for other great reads!
