Have you ever stopped to check on your trees and notice that they are a bit “off,” or that they don’t look their best? If you are like most people, you have a general idea of what your trees should look like normally, and if you begin to notice there’s something different, it’s important to take action.
If you spot a problem early on, you have time to have it fixed or repaired, and restore your tree’s health. After all, the only way a tree is going to grow tall and strong is if it is healthy.
The good news is, you don’t have to guess if your tree is under stress or in trouble. Some of the indications of a problem can be found here.
Broken Branches
One sign that your tree is a bit stressed is if there are missing or damaged branches. Is there a branch that is typically full of foliage and leaves, but now, it’s no longer producing them? It could be a branch that was otherwise healthy and then broken or damaged in a storm. If the branches on your trees have begun to show signs that the tree is stressed, then you want to ensure that any damaged limbs have been removed off of the tree, and then make other adjustments to help improve the tree’s health.
Cracks in the Trunk
Another sign that your tree is stressed is if there’s a crack or split in the trunk. If this happens, it means the tree is not getting the support that is needed. If you begin to notice smaller cracks, it may be able to be fixed; however, larger splits and cracks need to be checked out by a tree professional.
A Leaning Tree
When a tree is planted, it needs to be put into the ground at the proper level and in a space where it has plenty of room to grow. If this doesn’t happen, then the tree may begin to lean to one since or another. This is another indication of a stressed tree. While there are some trees that lean naturally as they grow, if you start to notice that the lean is getting worse, it may be because the roots are stressed and not growing deep enough into the ground to provide stability for the tree.
No or Few Leaves
When spring comes, be sure to look and see if your tree is fully blooming. If not, it could indicate stress and is something that should be evaluated by the professionals.
A stressed tree is an unhealthy tree. If you don’t take action to help and reduce the stress the tree is experiencing, it will eventually die and become a potential hazard. If you need help with determining what is causing the stress, then the best thing you can do is reach out to the professionals. They can help determine the cause of the stress and provide the necessary fix for the situation.
