The tree is showing signs of damage or decay
Trunk damage or vertical cracks in the trunk, peeling bark that doesn’t look normal, dead branches or branch stumps where branches have broken off. Signs of root damage or decay. These can all be signs that your tree is dying or decaying. If the structural integrity of the tree has been compromised, it may be unsafe and, if so, will be time to say goodbye to the tree.
There are signs of insect damage or infestation
Insect infestation can be a sign of a damaged or dying tree. In some cases, particular types of insects can weaken or even kill the tree or pose a threat to other plants in the immediate area. Emerald Ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, Japanese beetle, LDD moth and Beech bark scale are all invasive species affecting the Durham region and the GTA. They pose a threat to our natural environment and need urgent attention if spotted. Inspect your trees regularly for signs of insect infestations as we have a better chance of saving a tree if they are spotted early.
The tree is a hazard to people, power lines or property
Sometimes the position of a tree means that it is a hazard even if the tree itself is healthy. Unfortunately in these cases, it is often better to remove it than run the risk of injury, damage or damaging the power lines. If you have trees close to your property, other people’s property or near power lines it is best to get the tree inspected. If you decide against tree removal, then you need to take particular care to care for and maintain the health of these trees.
The tree has lots of dead branches
It’s perfectly normal for there to be an occasional dead branch. You should remove dead branches on a regular basis as part of your regular tree maintenance. However, if there are lots of dead branches, it could be a sign that the tree is in trouble. If you have lots of dead branches in your tree, then ask an arborist to take a look at your tree. They can make a professional assessment. In any case, make sure you remove dead branches when you spot them – as they can snap easily and pose a hazard.
Hollow trunks or hollow cavities
Is the trunk hollow? Are birds or animals living in cavities in the tree? If you tap the tree with a rubber mallet does it sound hollow? If any of these apply, then ask an arborist to inspect your tree. Trees with hollow trunks lack structural integrity and may be vulnerable to storm damage or simply just be a safety risk.
Other signs of a dying tree
If you feel your tree doesn’t look healthy, for example, it has a thinning canopy, wilted leaves or is dropping leaves or needles at the wrong time of year. Perhaps the tree isn’t showing signs of new growth in the spring. Then there could be a problem. Other signs to watch out for are – that the tree has started to lean steeply (especially if it is recent), you’ve spotted fungus by the base of the tree or there are weeping cankers on the trunk or branches. If you spot any of these signs, ask a certified arborist to inspect your tree as soon as possible. If the problem is caught early, there will be a better chance of saving the tree.