Much like people, trees rely on proper food and nutrients to thrive. Further, they can become sick due to malnutrition or a variety of diseases. When tree illnesses are left undetected, trees are at risk of dying. As a home or business owner, this should be of concern. Dying or dead trees become very weak over time and can eventually fall, causing damage to you or your neighbor’s property, or worse, severely injuring people nearby.
Shouldn’t it be obvious when a tree is dead or ready to fall? The answer is no, not always. Dead trees can stand for several years before finally giving way. Not only are dead and dying trees a safety hazard, but they also can spread disease to other nearby trees and attract pests like termites and rodents. With all of this said, it’s in your best interest to keep an eye on your trees. The certified arborists at Arthur Ratliff Tree Care & Stump Removal are here to share some of the most common signs a tree is dying so you can know when to intervene. We offer tree services and tree removal in Columbia, MO, and can help you effectively deal with dying or dead trees on your property—contact us today!
There are many different white and red oak trees native to Missouri, including Pin Oaks, Bur Oaks and White Oaks. If you’re lucky enough to have oak trees on your property, you know how strikingly beautiful they are, especially once matured. While they may look strong and sturdy, they’re still vulnerable to disease, drought and extreme weather. One example is oak wilt, a systematic disease caused by fungus. While there is no cure for this disease, spreading can be prevented by a certified arborist.
The leaves on a tree suffering from oak wilt may have a dull green appearance, eventually curling and turning tan in color. These symptoms will usually first be visible at the top of the tree. Additionally, if you scrape back some of the tree’s bark and a dark, brownish color is revealed, your tree may be infected. Healthy trees will have a green color underneath the bark.
Maples are among the most common landscape trees in North America, known for their stunning fall foliage and sap used to make syrup. Common maple tree varieties in Missouri include the Silver Maple, Red Maple and Sugar Maple. These trees are prized for their seasonal beauty and often very beloved in yards, landscapes and neighborhoods, making it all the more important to take good care of them.
Maple Wilt
Similar to oak wilt, maple wilt causes a tree’s leaves to look scorched and brown. It’s best to remove trees infected with maple wilt to prevent it from spreading to other trees, or, if caught early enough, an arborist can prune affected branches to give it a shot at survival.
Sapstreak
A fungal disease, sapstreak causes discoloration of a Sugar Maple tree’s wood. It is unfortunately fatal, making tree removal the best course of action. A tree infected with sapstreak will usually have a very sparse crown made up of unusually small leaves that otherwise look normal and healthy. The tree’s branches might begin dying back, and eventually the wood in the lower stem and root system will become stained.
While oak and maple trees are very common in mid-Missouri and have distinct diseases, other types of trees are very prevalent in our area, like elm trees and beautiful flowering dogwood trees. There are many types of tree diseases that often share common symptoms, including the following.
When it comes to caring for your trees and determining if it’s time for tree removal, you can only trust certified arborists. The professionals at Arthur Ratliff Tree Care & Stump Removal are certified arborists, and can properly diagnose and treat tree diseases. Further, they know how to properly maintain, trim and prune trees, as well as how to safely remove them when necessary.
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, individuals must have at least three years of full-time work experience in arboriculture, as well as a degree in arboriculture, horticulture or landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute. The process includes an application and examination, ensuring the reliability and credibility of each certified professional.
One of the best ways to prevent tree disease is to consult with a certified arborist like those at Arthur Ratliff Tree Care & Stump Removal. We’ll make sure your most prized trees are healthy and on a good pruning schedule. We also are acutely aware of poor tree care practices, like tree topping, which can accelerate tree decay.
Sometimes tree diseases aren’t curable, and it’s best to proceed with safe removal to prevent hazards and the spread of disease. It’s crucial to enlist in the help of professionals to minimize risk and potential damage or harm. Our team specializes in tree removal in Columbia, MO for residential and commercial properties.
