Having a tree in your yard can be so beneficial, as it provides shade, home for various birds and wildlife, and more. Walking through your yard, you might notice that something is off with your tree. It is important to recognize that the earlier you spot problem areas in your tree, the sooner they can be addressed to keep your tree healthy.

Here are three ways to tell if your tree is sick and what you can do to address these issues.

Are the Tree Leaves Spotty?

When you find spotty leaves on your trees, it may be a sign of leaf disease. For instance, Anthracnose is a destructive fungus that affects ash, maple, oak, sycamore, and dogwood tress. If your home had a wet spring and summer, then it provides an opportunity for this fungus to grow and multiply.

Another concern for spotty leaves or blackened leaves could be fire blight, which affects apple, pear, firethorn, mountain ash, cherry, cotoneaster, hawthorn, and quince trees. If you suspect fire blight, then watch for small, brown cankers on twigs and branches.

If you see these types of spotty leaves or blackened leaves, then you need to make sure that you rid your yard of the debris from the impacted trees. Then call your local Certified Arborist to look at the tree and give you a proper diagnosis.

Signs of a Pest Invasion

Another common problem that impacts trees is a pest or insect attack. These attacks can break down the integrity of the tree and begin to kill off the tree. Working with an arborist, you can address the infected area by removing it or even using horticultural soap treatments or insecticides.

Your Certified Arborist will be able to determine the best method to rid the tree of that pest, as well as addressing any damage that has already been done.

Bark Damage

If your tree’s bark is showing signs of damage, that could indicate the tree is suffering from some form of decay or rot. Bark damage can include vertical cracks. Trees also typically shed their old bark layer for a new one, but a tree with rot or decay often cannot regrow or regenerate the stripped bark layer.

With these various signs of potential disease or rot in your tree, what should you do? It is important to give your tree a careful examination, looking for signs of spotting, bark damage, insects, or fungal growth. You may also notice that branches and twigs have few leaves or even no leaves at all.

One of the methods they may use include pruning your trees or treating fungus/insect damage. Depending on your tree, more severe methods to address the problem may be necessary, including tree removal or severe tree trimming. Working with an arborist who is familiar with trees in North County San Diego can assist you in determining the best care for your trees. To identify the cause of any of these issues with your trees, you should call a Certified Arborist.

Recognized as a top tree care company, Tree Barber Enterprises serves thousands of residential customers in North County San Diego. Our Certified Arborist is highly skilled and extensively trained in the latest arboriculture techniques, which enables us to perform our tasks quickly, safely and economically.