When a tree dies in your yard, will you hear it? That may not be how the old saying goes, but the point is, you probably will not be able to tell if the trees in your yard were dying or deceased due to a disease. Most homeowners are unaware that a tree in their own yard could be sick and potentially hazardous until the tree or a significant branch falls on a person or property. The Kingsport tree professionals at Promier Tree wants to help you learn the warning signs of diseased trees so that you can protect yourself, and your property.
Is Your Tree Seeping Fluid?
A viscous fluid coming from your tree might seem supernatural, but if you get close and notice that the fluid has a sour smell or there’s a puddle of it around the base of the tree, it’s not exactly a huge leap to realize something’s wrong. In this case, the issue is known as alcoholic acid slime flux. Slime fluxes are bacterial infections that usually begin to appear in spring and summer. This slime flux is usually caused by wounds (due to the tree being damaged) or insects. Left untreated, it can spread to nearby plants, killing those as well.
Are the Flowers or Shoots Turning Black?
Another dangerous bacteria is called fire blight, which also can affect a wide variety of plants. Fire blight can double the bacteria produced in a tree within a matter of hours. Its first warning signs are the shoots turning black, then the flowers. Eventually, it will contort the shoots in the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Any case of fire blight should be handled immediately by certified arborists in Kingsport as it can spread quickly, and the dying plants can become dangerous.
Are Unusual Gray Growths Forming, or Are Brown Shelves Visible at the Base of the Tree?
Fungi are not just the cute little mushrooms diced into your salad. They also can be deadly tree killers. If you see signs of a gray, hard lump or light brownish shelves on the base of your tree, these are both deadly fungi. The fungus isn’t deadly to humans, but a gray hoof-shaped structure that is hard and, once separated from your tree, has hundreds of white pores. This is a fungus that won’t ever stop growing or damaging your tree. The brownish shelves you see at the bottom of your tree are a destructive fungus that, if allowed to run rampant, eventually will deteriorate the tree to a degree that it will cause the tree to fall. If you locate hard shelves at the bottom of your tree and they range in color from light brownish-white to black, call an arborist in Johnson City immediately to evaluate the tree. It is possible that the tree may need to be removed immediately.
Are Your Leaves Turning a Strange Shade of Yellowish Brown, Covered With Powdery Mildew, or Is the Bark Peeling off Your Tree?
Not all tree-threatening fungi are so menacing in appearance. At first, you might think maybe some trees grow slower. Then you notice unusual colored leaves or a white substance perhaps on the leaves. Or, maybe you find hunks of bark on the ground that fell from the tree. These are all signs of a fungus in your soil that causes root rot. Your tree is being deprived of nutrients and unable to balance its moisture levels. It can also attract insects to the tree given its weakened state, causing a potential blight upon your life and home.
Treating Tree Diseases in Kingsport
A tree infected by one of these diseases that is not addressed can cause permanent damage to your home, your yard, or even your loved ones. Arborists are educated and trained tree professionals who are qualified to work with all types of trees and can identify signs of disease that are not visible to the average person. An arborist can treat the problem in efforts of saving your tree or, if it’s too late, can safely remove the tree.
Don’t wait until a dead or diseased tree falls on your house! If you’re located in the Bristol, Johnson City, or Kingsport, TN, areas contact the tree professionals at Promier Tree by phone today at (423) 765-2626 to have us meet all your tree care needs.