Did you know that trees can feel stressed out? It’s true! Trees can experience stress, discomfort, and irritation as a result of external factors and elements. Just like humans, trees can both feel stressed and be treated to relieve stress. In order to determine if your landscaping trees are distressed, look for the common signs and symptoms, including crown dieback, 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.

What Stresses a Tree Out?

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. Once you know your tree is under duress, it is important to treat the root 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 Tree in Distress

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 dieback 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 Professionals Who Can Help With Stressed Trees

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis Indiana 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.