You might love the look of the trees on your property when their leaves turn colors in the autumn (even if you don’t like raking them). However, when your tree’s leaves turn colors far earlier than they should, it’s a concerning situation. If your tree is dead on top or looks unhealthy in the crown, you need experts providing tree service in Lexington, KY.
These professionals can inspect the tree and recommend treatments. Learn about some of the warning signs that may indicate crown dieback and the causes of these issues.
Drought Conditions Lead to Leaf Dieback in Upper Areas
A lack of rain during hot summer conditions can cause tree stress, leading to signs of problems in the canopy. When trees can’t pull enough water out of the soil to support their growth and day-to-day moisture needs, the leaves at the top of the tree may suffer as a result.
With limited moisture available, the main limbs will absorb it first. The moisture may never reach the upper parts of the tree because the lower limbs and leaves use all of what’s available.
Upper branches in trees naturally die back to allow for new growth. However, when drought conditions are present in central Kentucky, the tree may struggle to generate new growth that replaces the natural loss of branches in the canopy, making it appear as though the upper areas of the tree are dying.
Root Damage and Stress Lead to a Yellowing and Dying Canopy
When you notice that a tree is dead on top, you might not expect the source of the problem to be at the opposite end of the tree. However, root damage and stress can show up as discolored leaves and dead branches in the crown.
Stressed and damaged roots cannot absorb water and nutrients efficiently. When the tree has less water available, the upper sections of the crown will show signs of inadequate moisture.
As a homeowner, you can’t see root damage because the roots are buried under the ground. When you see damage and dying leaves in the canopy, though, you should suspect root damage. Issues with the roots mean you need immediate help from an arborist.
Poor Soil Conditions May Limit Nutrient Absorption
Trees rely on moisture, nutrients, and minerals in the soil to thrive. When the soil lacks the proper moisture or nutrients, the tree may struggle to survive.
If the tree’s roots cannot pull enough nutrients from the soil, the lower sections of the tree will use the limited resources before the upper sections receive them. Leaves may begin to wilt, turn yellow, and fall away from the crown when nutrients are scarce.
Arborists can test the soil around your tree and determine whether a fertilizer treatment would help the tree regain its vibrancy.
Soil Drainage Issues May Appear As Damage in the Canopy
When you have soil compaction issues around your struggling tree or when the tree is in a low-lying area, you might experience drainage issues. If you see that your tree is dead on top, an arborist might study the condition of the soil around the tree to find the cause.
Even when your region receives plenty of rain, compacted soil is unable to properly absorb moisture. The tree’s deeper roots may struggle to find enough moisture for the entire tree, leading to a dieback in the crown.
Too much water in the soil can negatively affect the roots, too, leading to rot. If the tree is in a low area, it may collect rain and sprinkler runoff, slowly affecting the roots’ ability to deliver enough moisture to the upper areas of the tree.
Insect Infestations Can Kill the Top of the Tree First
A pest infestation could explain why the tree’s canopy is showing signs of stress when the remainder of the tree appears healthy. Some types of boring beetles create holes in the main branches of the tree that serve the upper leaves, causing dieback.
If you see active insect activity or notice woodpeckers constantly digging in the tree at the same time the upper areas are dying, you may have an infestation on your hands. Arborists might be able to treat these pests and save the tree.
Certain Tree Diseases Initially Affect the Leaves at the Top
Some diseases that affect trees initially show damage at the top of the crown. Fungal infection can lead to branch decay and leaf loss along the top, too.
Many diseases strike the vascular tissues of the tree first, affecting their ability to move water and nutrients. Clogs in the vascular tissues damage the crown of the tree the most, preventing water and nutrients from reaching its highest points.
When a tree is dead on top and you suspect disease, early intervention from an arborist is vital. When professionals begin treatment quickly enough, using trimming tips and techniques to remove diseased areas can potentially save the rest of the tree.
Environmental Concerns May Cause Crown Decline
A sudden change in the tree’s environment may lead to signs of dying in the upper areas of the tree. Environmental pollutants, such as herbicides in the soil, may cause these signs. When the tree becomes weaker from pollutants, it may sacrifice its upper sections to preserve the main limbs.
If new tall buildings or other newly planted large trees are suddenly blocking sunlight, the affected tree may begin to show signs of dying and yellowing leaves in the upper sections.
Trust Tree Care Inc. When Your Tree Is Showing Signs of Stress in the Crown
When a tree is dead on top or is showing signs of dying, you need immediate help from arborists. Don’t try DIY trimming to fix the problem, as the underlying issue might be somewhere else. Let our experts at Tree Care Inc. inspect the tree and determine the best treatment.We have been serving the Lexington, KY, area since 1993. We focus on safety, community beautification, and environmental sustainability with every job we do. To receive a free estimate, call us today at (859) 347-2237 or use our online contact form.
