How to Spot the Signs of Tree Stress

Just like ourselves, trees can experience different levels of stress and discomfort as a result of exterior factors and influences. And just like us, trees can be treated to relief symptoms and underlying causes. To determine if your landscaping trees are under duress, look for the tell-tale signs, including crown die back, foliage loss, rotting bark, fungal growth, pest infestations, leave discoloration, and more.

Continue reading to learn what causes a tree to experience stress, how to identify a stressed tree, and your options for treatment.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Common Causes for Tree Stress

The most common time for tree stress to occur is during extremely hot and dry times of the year, particularly in the months of July and August.  Once a tree is stressed, it is weakened, making it more vulnerable to pest infestations, wildlife interference, disease, and more. When you know your tree is under duress, it is important to treat the underlying cause as soon as possible. To do this accurately, you will need to hire an experienced tree care specialist for professional tree service and assistance. In the meantime, learn the different signs and symptoms of a stressed tree and keep a close eye on your lawn next spring!

Signs and Symptoms of a Stressed Tree:

Leaf discoloration is a common sign of tree stress. Often times, leaves will begin to discolor and even grow smaller when a tree is experiencing pressure or anxiety. Leaves can also appear chewed, curled, discolored, permeated, and thin. It is very common for a tree to drop its leaves under stress as well.

Crown and tip die back is another common symptom of a stressed tree. Not only will the canopy or crown of the tree begin to diminish and thin, the tips of branches will also thin and lose leaves. This will make the tree bald at its canopy’s tips and top.

Rotten bark is a red flag for tree stress. The bark can begin to rot in certain areas, or create rotted out cavities within the trunk of the tree. Rotten wood should be sprayed annually to prevent disease, pests, and exponential rotting. Once healthy again, the tree will start to grow new bark in place of the rotten bark.

Soil-borne mushrooms and fungal growth is another common sign that a tree is not healthy. When mushrooms grow on the trunk, it is not so alarming. But when they are growing in the soil surrounding the base of the tree, it could be an indication of root rot. This calls for serious and professional tree service.

Indianapolis Tree Service for Residential and Commercial Clientele

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree services you can afford. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Facts About Over-Watering and Under-Watering Trees

Unlike our own species, trees do have voices they can use to tell us they need more water or have had enough. For this reason, it is important to be the voice of trees, and learn what signs they exhibit to let us know their watering needs. Continue reading to learn the common signs of over-watered and under-watered trees, and what you can do to help a suffering tree.

Indianapolis Tree Service
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Tree Watering Basics

The general rule of thumb for water trees varies depending on the age, species, condition, and location of a tree. For instance, newly-planted and transplanted trees should be watered regularly enough so that the top 12 inches of soil remains moist to the touch. This averages out to around 4 to 8 gallons per week. Mature trees needn’t regular watering, and instead, should just be properly mulched and watered during dry spells. For sick trees, watering should be increased, or as instructed by a licensed arborist.

Since tree watering needs vary on species, location, climate, season, and more, there is really no way of establishing a universal rule of thumb. However, you can learn how to spot the signs of over-watering and under-watering a tree. This knowledge can help you take better care of your trees, and respond to nutritional issues early on, before they can turn fatal for your trees.

Signs of an Over-Watered Tree:

☙ The base of the tree is always wet to the touch. Although the mulch bed surrounding the base of the tree should retain moisture at all times, there should also be a period of the day when the mulch is dry on top. If the mulch is always wet, even when other mulch beds and tree bases are dry, it could mean it has been given too much water.

☙ Blooms do not grow to size. If the blooms, flowers, or fruits on your tree do not fully-bloom, and instead wither and drop, it could mean that they are getting too much water. If the blooms turn light green or yellow in color, it could also mean over-watering.

☙ Green leaves are fragile and break off. If your tree sprouts foliage that is green, yet break off easily to the touch, it could be there is an over-watering issue. If you notice a pile of green leaves around the base of your tree, it may signify the same issue.

Signs of an Under-Watered Tree:

The signs of an under-watered tree are quite similar to those of an over-watered tree. So be sure you look closely to see the difference. Common signs include:

☙ Leaf Wilting or Curling
☙ Browning Edges or Tips on Leaves
☙ Thin or Thinning Canopy
☙ Under-Sized Leaves
☙ Off-Color Leaves
☙ Premature Fall Color Changing

QUICK TIP: Can you stick a screwdriver into the ground below your tree? If you cannot do so easily or at all, your tree definitely needs more water!

Indianapolis Tree Service Professionals Who Can Help

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518