Is my tree dying?

Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging (DDDI) has helped agents diagnosis tree problems.

One thing to remember is that all trees will eventually die. Many clients do not want to hear that statement because many trees will have sentimental value. The tree may have been planted by a relative decades ago or maybe that favorite shade tree is where the family cookout takes place.

Today, I will be sharing information on the topic of tree evaluation from a publication by UGA staff, Mary Carol Sheffield, Ellen Bauske, Wade Hutcheson and Bodie Pennise.

For starters, again keep in mind that all trees will die over time. Since a tree is a living organism, they are subject to physical injury or disease that can lead to their death. Keep in mind that a tree can live a lot longer than the average human. Some trees, such as a white oak, can live on average of 300 years. Most of the time a tree will decline for several years before finally dying. A tree normally will not die quickly. Once a tree is in major decline there is not a lot you can do to save that tree. You can do a simple landscape evaluation of your trees to notice trees that are in display of stress or overall decline. Our information states to look for tip dieback, yellowing or browning of the leaves or needles, leaf or needle defoliating at the wrong time of year, leaf shedding, leaves that are not the normal size and thin tree crowns or canopies.

If you plan on planting new trees this fall, I would suggest to make sure you know the planting requirements for that tree. Does it need to be planted in full sun or it is more of an understory tree? If planting multiple trees of a variety, what is the tree spacing? Also, make sure you are planting them correctly. To conduct a visual exam of tree health and safety concerns, you need to look over all parts of the tree, including the roots, the trunk and limbs and leaves.

To start a tree health evaluation you need to start at the tree base. Take a look at the tree roots and the root flare of the trunk. Are any mushrooms or fungal conks observed? You would see them on the tree trunk, around the root system or on the ground. If you see fungal bodies, these are signs of potential rot in the root system or trunk. Root decay cannot be fixed and is a cause of less stability of the tree and will cause tree decline. Root decay is a sign that the tree is dying. Plus, a tree that has root rot with then less stability is a tree than can fall.

Keep in mind that a healthy tree should be wider at the base where the tree meets the ground. You need to inspect the trunk flare for injury. Trunk injury can come from a variety of sources such as cars, lawn mowers, weed eaters and either vandalism.

I remember decades ago my dad planting maples. One day, a neighbor’s child decided it was a good idea to start chopping on one of those trees with a hatchet. The tree healed itself over and is still there today, but it could have been compromised. Any injury can lead to less tree vigor and structural problems.

Keep in mind that sometimes trunk flares and roots are covered with soil or injured during construction situations which can cause tree death, too.

Keep in mind that most tree roots are in the top 12-18 inches of soil in our area. These roots get pruned or damaged during construction. Our information says that in general, if the root zone in the drip line of a tree is damaged or even disturbed it can lead to tree decline and eventual death.

Also, inspect the trunk for internal rot. Can you see any bark injuries or disease signs such as cankers? Cankers can be on the stem or branches. Areas where bark has been damaged can limit the transportation of nutrients in the tree. Inspect the branches and leaves. Look for dieback, defoliated limbs or even twigs poking out of the tree canopy. Dieback can be a sign of serious problems even without seeing root or bark issues.

Keep in mind that in some situations, you may need a certified arborist to do an inspection if a tree is a potential hazard to people or property.

For more information, contact UGA ExtensionGordon County at 706-6298685 or email gbowman@ uga.edu.