Trees have a remarkable ability to endure a variety of harmful chemicals that are always present in their surroundings. Trees have developed over millions of years to fend off a variety of stressors that harm, starve, and wear their roots, trunks, limbs, and leaves. It’s incredible how a tree can adapt to keep disease out, defoliate to decrease drought effects, and bleed to get rid of pests.
But all trees die at some point. While some can live to incredibly old age, some trees succumb to some stress factors. The signs and symptoms may take quite a long time to show or they may appear quickly. By the time it becomes apparent that a tree or shrub is dying, it is frequently too late to save it.
These are some of the causes that contribute to death of a tree.
Signs and Symptoms of Tree Death
By observing the signs, you can identify a sick or dying tree.
- Bark Peeling
The tree bark flaking and peeling could mean that it isn’t getting enough nourishment. Just like a human skin, the state of tree bark can indicate tree disease. If the tree’s bark loss is caused by an infectious disease, you may need to chop it down before the infection spreads to the surrounding trees. - Rotting
The presence of rot or tree fungus is always a bad sign. If you notice either of these, you must act quickly to rescue the tree. Unfortunately, if the damage is severe, the tree cannot be saved. Some rot and fungal treatments exist, however they may not be worth trying if the tree is already dead. If the fungus threatens to spread, the tree will have to be cut down. - Leaning
A tree should not be leaning unless it grew at an angle. If a tree begins to bend over, its roots may be damaged or dying. You might be able to brace the tree to keep it from falling completely, but don’t expect it to be saved. Majority of the time, a tree is already dead when it leans over. - Open Wounds
Trees can die as a result of open wounds. The tree is in significant danger of dying if its major branches break off. Torn branches, massive cuts, or cracks in the tree are difficult for a tree to recover from. Lightning strikes and strong winds can break or rip the branches off. - Pest Infestation
Trees are vulnerable to a variety of pests. Termites, beetles, and ants are just a handful of the pests that can kill a healthy tree. You might be able to stop them before they succeed if you catch them early. However, if the tree’s stability has been jeopardized by too much damage, it is usually best to remove it. This way, it won’t fall on your property and cause destruction.. - Withering
A tree’s loss of foliage is an obvious sign that it is decaying or dead. Bare branches signal root damage or the presence of disease or pests. Dead leaves are also a solid sign that something on the inside of the tree is impeding the flow of nutrients. In many situations, the harm is irreversible and permanent.
- Root Damage
A tree can die as a result of root damage. Tree roots can be damaged by construction or landscaping works. Because roots and branches can obstruct buildings, walkways, and roadways, they must be removed.
What Can Cause Trees to Die
A tree may fall victim to a variety of conditions throughout time. In the vast majority of cases, death is the result of several, if not all, of these circumstances occurring at the same time. Here are what may cause the trees to die suddenly:
- Catastrophic Events
Whether in a natural setting or the urban context, a catastrophic event is always possible. All properties, including trees, are vulnerable to injury or destruction. In many circumstances, trees are not killed, but rather harmed to the extent where their integrity is damaged, allowing insects and disease to take advantage of its vulnerability. Climate change has also contributed to more catastrophic events. Forest fires, tornadoes, floods, and extraordinary droughts can harm all trees. - Ground Conditions
The environmental stressors that a tree faces are ultimately determined by the ground and site conditions in which it grows. If a drought-sensitive tree is planted in a dry location during the dry season, it may perish due to a lack of water. The same tree could also be suffering from other life-threatening condition imposed on it. For example, a disease that looks to be destroying the tree could instead be a side effect of the primary environmental issue.
Improper care after planting, poor drainage and site problems, compacted soil, air, and ground pollution, among others, are examples of hazardous tree habitats. When planting, it’s crucial to know a tree’s genetic tolerance to environmental factors. Many trees adapt well to unfavorable conditions, but you must know which species belong where.
- Age
As a tree ages, its ability to support itself decreases, and it loses appropriate leaves for hydration and nourishment. For trees that survive to maturity and old age, there is a slow dying process which can take decades. Some trees can still grow while compartmentalizing around damaged and sick parts. Epicormic sprouts, or new immature branches, try to help an ancient tree keep its vigor, but they are weak and are not enough to sustain life for very long. A mature tree gradually crumbles under its own weight, providing nutrients and topsoil for subsequent trees. - Insects and Disease
Infectious illnesses such as Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight have killed vast forests in North America. The most prevalent diseases, on the other hand, are more subtle in their effects, destroying several more trees in overall than the more aggressive kinds and costing forest tree owners billions.
Armillaria root rot, oak wilt, and anthracnose are three of the worst of these “common” illnesses. These infections enter the tree through the leaves, roots, and bark wounds, damaging the tree’s vascular system.
Pests are highly opportunistic, and they frequently infest trees that are under stress due to environmental factors or illness. They can not only kill trees, but they can also transfer deadly fungi from a host tree to another. Insects can bore into a tree’s cambial layer for food and shelter and completely defoliate a tree.
- Human Activities
Certain human activities and construction methods, some of which are inevitable, can severely harm or even kill trees. For instance, as trucks and equipment pass by, the soil immediately around trees may be severely compressed. Any excavation may also cause damage to surrounding tree roots.
A typical landscape practice is to stake newly planted trees with wire, a hose, and wood. Tree trunks can grow around wires, leading them to become entrenched in the trunk and obstructing or cutting off sap flow. The tree’s trunk diameter may have grown beyond the wire, making it more susceptible to fracture. Most trees die as a result of strangulation over time.
A dead tree is more than an eyesore; it’s also a safety issue, particularly in dense urban or suburban neighborhoods. It should be chopped down as soon as possible, especially if it is near buildings or locations where people assemble, walk, or drive. If you observe the warning signs, it is best to call for a dead tree removal.
Dave Lund Tree Service offers tree removal in Bradford, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, King, and Newmarket, Ontario. Call us toll-free at 1-800-363-0511 for advice from our tree care specialists.