Like humans, trees can be susceptible to various illnesses that could compromise their health, appearance, and structural integrity. It’s also possible for an infected tree to pass its disease to other trees nearby, which can compromise the surrounding landscape. As a tree owner, there may come a time when you find yourself asking, “Can a diseased tree be saved?”
Our team at Tree Care Inc. understands that concern. Unfortunately, with our expertise, we recognize that sometimes tree preservation efforts may not be the most effective way to address a severely diseased tree. Review our guide below to learn more about possible disease treatments and when to consider removing an infected tree instead of saving it.
How To Identify Possible Illness in Trees
Do you think your tree may be sick? Before answering “Can a diseased tree be saved?” it’s good to know whether your plant is experiencing the effects of a disease. Identifying diseased trees early is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Common symptoms of tree disease include:
- Premature leaf drop
- Misshapen or poorly developed foliage
- Premature leaf yellowing or browning
- Wounds on the tree or excessive bark peeling
- Increased production of sap or resin, which often indicates an injury or infection
- Cankers or areas of dead, sunken, or discolored bark on the trunk or branches
- Noticeably slower tree growth when comparing the current year’s growth to the previous year
- Mushrooms around the tree’s base, which usually means the roots are decaying
Is Tree Health Restoration Worth the Effort?
Can a diseased tree be saved if it shows signs of illness? Many trees are resilient and can recover from various stressors, including injuries, diseases, and severe weather conditions. In many cases, it’s worth trying to improve the tree’s health rather than removing it immediately, especially if it enhances your property’s value and curb appeal when it’s in good condition.
However, if the tree’s health is too far gone, saving it may not be an option. For instance, if its trunk has deep vertical cracks, hollow sections, and many dead branches, its illness may be affecting more than half of its structure. In that case, the damage may compromise the plant’s structural integrity, which increases the risk of it falling.
All it would take for the tree to collapse is an intense storm. The wood could fall onto your home, a vehicle, a public space, or a person, resulting in substantial property damage and injuries. Removing the damaged, infected tree would be the safest option in that case.
Other considerations when deciding whether to save or remove a tree are its age and health prospects. Older trees are sometimes less resilient than younger trees with healthy roots. Additionally, some tree species have naturally long lifespans and may benefit from tree health restoration.
Saving a Diseased Tree: What You Could Do
Depending on your tree’s condition, the answer to “Can a diseased tree be saved?” could be yes. To give your plant the best chance of survival, consider these treatment options.
Use Mulch Around Trees Correctly
Mulching around your tree can minimize weed growth, protect roots close to the surface of the soil, and prevent moisture in the soil from evaporating too quickly. However, if you apply too much mulch, it can worsen the tree’s health instead of improving it.
When using mulch, leave space around the trunk. Taking this approach will allow the tree to get enough oxygen, and it’ll prevent its trunk from rotting under the mulching material.
Prune Infected Limbs Early
Tree disease can impact branches before spreading throughout the rest of the plant. That’s why pruning infected branches is one of the best ways to save a sick tree. The pruning prevents the illness from spreading while also improving sunlight penetration and air circulation throughout the tree’s canopy.
Consider Hand-Trimming Exposed Roots
Exposed tree roots are a problem. When they’re above the soil, they become more susceptible to disease, which can spread throughout the plant.
Manually trimming the roots may help reduce that susceptibility. Using a motorized tool, such as a lawnmower, can cause extensive damage to the roots, potentially creating more problems than it solves. Instead, take the time to trim the roots by hand by making a few strategic cuts.
Treat the Disease Directly
Professional treatments may help trees recover from certain diseases caused by insect infestations or fungal infections. Options include fungicidal sprays to stop the spread of infection and systemic injections to eliminate problematic infestations. The treatments require the expertise of a certified arborist who can diagnose the tree’s precise problem.
Ensure Trees Get Enough Water
Rainwater isn’t always enough to properly hydrate a sick tree. During droughts, tree roots move closer to the soil’s surface to access as much moisture as possible. Watering your tree to ensure its deep roots get sufficient moisture may improve its chance of recovery, especially if your area is experiencing a drought.
When Tree Removal Is Better Than Tree Preservation
Unfortunately, some diseases will threaten the life of trees and create serious safety risks to other plants and nearby structures. With the following illnesses and infestations, immediate tree removal is better than health restoration:
- Dutch elm disease: Elm bark beetles spread this disease, which can quickly kill trees.
- Chestnut blight: This fungal disease creates cankers that create a girdling effect around branches.
- Bronze leaf disease: Airborne spores spread this fungal infection, which is hard to detect.
- Emerald ash borer: These wood-boring insects cause severe damage to ash trees.
Get Professional Assistance With the Care and Treatment of Your Sick Trees
Can a diseased tree be saved? Tree health restoration is possible under certain conditions, but in some cases, removing an infected tree may be the best option. Scheduling an arborist inspection will help determine the right course of action.
Our certified arborists at Tree Care Inc. offer tree care for common tree diseases. We have decades of industry experience and commitment to going above and beyond to preserve the beauty, safety, and health of local trees. Our services include tree removal, pruning, and preventive care, such as fungus control.
Contact Tree Care Inc. today to request a tree health assessment.
