How Do You Help a Dying Tree?

Trees are a vital part of any landscape, offering shade, beauty, and cleaner air. But what should you do when a tree starts to show signs of trouble? Reviving a distressed tree requires uncovering the root cause of the problem and applying specific solutions. This can include proper watering, improving soil conditions, careful pruning, pest management, and, when needed, expert assistance.

Identifying the issue and choosing the right course of action can be overwhelming. Many homeowners feel helpless as they watch their cherished trees decline without knowing how to help.

H&H Accurate Arborists is here for you. Our certified experts bring local knowledge and years of experience to every situation. Rather than only addressing the symptoms, we identify the core issue and deliver tailored solutions, ensuring your trees can flourish.

10 Causes of Tree Death

Trees frequently perish due to a mix of environmental pressures and biological challenges. Below are some of the leading causes of tree decline:

1. Excessive or insufficient watering
2. Soil that is compacted or lacking in nutrients
3. Pest infestations
4. Diseases caused by harmful fungi or bacteria
5. Physical injuries from storms, construction, or improper pruning
6. Exposure to pollutants or chemicals
7. Stress from extreme weather, such as drought or heatwaves
8. Nutrient deficiencies
9. Root damage or disease
10. Competition from invasive plants or species

How Do I Properly Examine My Trees?

A dying tree can be recognized by several typical signs, such as:

• A lack of leaves during the active growing season
• Branches that are dry, brittle, and break with ease
• Bark that is peeling away or entirely missing in some areas
• Visible fungal growth on the trunk

Another easy method to assess the tree’s condition is the “scratch test.” By gently scratching the bark, you can check for green tissue underneath. If no green is present, the tree is likely in serious decline or already dead.

When Do I Remove a Problematic Tree?

Removing a dead tree as soon as you spot the damage is crucial, due to the safety risks of keeping it around. Dead trees are structurally unstable and can fall unexpectedly, making them a constant danger to people and property. Additionally, they can attract pests and harbor diseases that may spread to other healthy trees in your yard or nearby areas.

While it’s essential to address the issue promptly, tree removal is not a do-it-yourself kind of task. Removing a tree, especially a large one, is a dangerous job that requires specialized equipment and professional training. Hiring an expert ensures the process is handled safely and efficiently while adhering to strict safety protocols.

A professional removal aims to eliminate the dead tree without causing harm to your property or surrounding vegetation. They can also offer guidance on replanting options to preserve the beauty and ecological balance of your landscape. If you’re interested in professional tree healthcare, please read more about what we have to offer. 

How to Keep Trees Alive

To restore the health of a struggling tree, start by conducting a detailed evaluation of its condition. Ideally, this should be done by a skilled professional who can identify subtle issues that may go unnoticed. This assessment involves inspecting the tree from its roots to its crown, looking for signs of stress such as discolored leaves, damaged bark, or abnormal growth patterns. Once the underlying problem is identified, a customized treatment plan can be developed. This may include enhancing soil quality, precise pruning, or applying targeted treatments for pests or diseases.

Keep in mind that trees are intricate living systems, and a solution effective for one species may not work for another.

Maintain a Beautiful Yard with Lively Trees

Just like other living creatures, trees thrive with consistent care and professional attention. Regular tree maintenance fosters an environment where your trees can grow strong and healthy year after year. They aren’t just a plant, healthy trees boost property value, offer cooling shade, and improve air quality!

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t notice tree problems until they’ve progressed into serious issues, often too late to save the tree. Losing valuable trees can be a costly and preventable loss. At H&H Accurate Arborists, we address this by providing personalized tree health programs designed to meet the specific needs of your landscape.

Our certified experts bring extensive local knowledge and a deep understanding of Wisconsin’s unique climate and soil challenges. We can identify early signs of stress that might go unnoticed and use this insight to develop proactive solutions that prevent small problems from escalating into major concerns.

Contact us today for a service quote and take the first step toward ensuring the health, beauty, and longevity of your trees!