There are several reasons why trees and plants can fall ill or die in the spring and summer months of the year. Residential tree care can be a tricky leisure pursuit until you get the hang of things. Various causes and influences can cause a tree to die in the middle of the summer. Continue reading to understand why your trees may have died or fallen ill, and what you can do to protect your trees from being vulnerable in the future.
Understand Your Tree
Before diagnosing the cause behind a dead or dying tree, it is important to first determine the species and growth characteristics of the tree in question. The reason for this is to be able to accurately identify what it is your tree requires for average to normal growth, and compare it to any uncharacteristic growth and behavior patterns. This identification and understanding sets a person off in the right direction when it comes to solving residential or commercial tree issues. For example, it is good to know if your tree requires wet or well-drained soils, if its root system is shallow or deep-set, and if it is a deciduous or evergreen species of tree. This type of information can help you narrow down and decide what implications may or may not be affecting your trees health.
Common Causes of Dead or Dying Trees
One common cause of a dead or dying tree in the spring or summertime is tree transplanting. Tree transplanting is when a tree is removed from its initial growth spot, then transferred and reburied in a new place. The altered soil composition, potentially delicate root system, moisture levels, light conditions, and many other factors can negatively affect this relocation process. It can cause a tree to go into an adjustment state called transplant shock. When this occurs, the leaves of the tree change to a yellowish-brown color, curl up at the ends, wilt, and fall off. This ailment is called leaf scorch. It is caused from dehydration and nutrition deficiency, as a result of the relocation.
Another source behind tree deaths and illnesses has to do with residential and commercial development and new construction. Although construction damage is difficult to diagnose, it is a common threat to trees in residential and commercial landscapes. For example, when a new housing development is built, heavy equipment and machinery are driven on the soft ground above the root systems, wounding them overtime. The result is irreversible tree root damage. The root damage leads to slowed growth and eventually death because the root system cannot function properly to supply the tree with water and nutrients.
Besides new construction, utility workers can affect tree growth and health as well. Utility work is generally the last phase of construction, and it is imperative that they use proper trenching and grading techniques to protect trees from any harm. Even if a development site manages to protect the surrounding trees during the construction phase, utility work can turn it all around.
There are several other circumstances that influence tree health, and can cause tree to die or become ill. Poor drainage, high heat and temperatures, drought, lightening, and even excessive moisture can cause a tree to die or stop growing. It is unlikely that your trees suffer from pests and insect issues; which is why it is good to consider the situations mentioned above before treating your tree with fertilizers or insecticides. To prevent future tree difficulties, consult a professional tree care specialist in your community for advice and assistance with tree maintenance and rehabilitation. This is the most promising way to ensure your trees are protected, season to season.
For expert advice and information, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana. Curt Scott and his team of licensed tree technicians are happy to take your call at 317-590-1842, during regular business hours. Budget Tree Care offers free estimates, DIY advice, information, references, tree removal and tree maintenance, coupons, discounts, and more! Visit our website today or call 317-590-1842 for information about dead or dying trees in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.