When Is It Time for a Tree to Go?

Knowing what causes trees to die, what to look for to tell your tree needs help, and what can be done if your tree does need to be removed can help any homeowner. When you know how to spot the first signs of trouble or the signs it’s too late, you can feel confident in your decision to either get expert help or tree removal services in Lafayette, Indiana from professionals like Wildcat Creek Tree Service.

These tips and information can keep your property looking great and the rest of your trees healthy! When diseases kill one tree, it’s not long until other trees can be damaged by the same problems…

What Problems Can My Trees Face?

While trees are well adapted for the climates they live in and are typically very hardy plants, there are still many issues they can run into from diseases, fungi, and bugs alike. Some of these problems are more severe than others, but all should be taken seriously.

Some of the most common issues plaguing trees in America include fungi, various types of beetles, leaf blights, and rust. Each one of these comes with its own set of challenges and effects on your trees.

Several forms of fungi can bring down a tree such as leaf spots, canker, and mildew that can be seen on the tree.

Leaf spots are reddish spots that occur on leaves that eventually turn yellow and brown and rot away. This causes leaves to die and fall off, and it spreads well in a colder, wet climate like Indiana has many months out of the year. These spots are especially harmful and prevalent in cherry trees.

Canker is where fungi infects injured trees and can be from human-caused damage such as lawnmower blades hitting the tree low or cracks in the trunk from frost. These can turn into large dead areas in the trees that can easily kill a young sapling. Mildew is also an issue, growing on and killing leaves on trees in shady areas. It is gray and powdery in appearance and affects certain types of trees, like crabapples, more than others. However, these aren’t the only problems that can send you looking for tree removal services in Lafayette, Indiana.

What About Bugs and Diseases?

Meanwhile, all those dangers were just from fungus! What can you expect from the other major contributors to trees dying early? Fire blight and leaf rust are both diseases that can affect many types of trees, unlike more known killers like Dutch Elm Disease, but these diseases can cause big problems too.

Fire blight goes about killing a few twigs at a time, turning all the leaves brown and shriveled until it kills off entire branches. Meanwhile, leaf rust turns leaves orange, red, and brown in splotches, making them unattractive and weakening the tree’s ability to photosynthesize.

Bugs, specifically beetles, are another large problem. Emerald Ash Borers are a type of beetle that burrows through Ash trees, killing them over a span of a few years. These beetles have killed millions of trees in the Midwest alone!

Japanese beetles are another nuisance. They can quickly eat through the leaves on your property and spread fungi, all the while laying more larvae that attract more beetles! These pests can take over an entire garden or orchard if not kept in check.

How Do I Know If My Tree Is Dead?

Many people find it difficult to know when to finally give up on a tree that might be dead and how to tell when it’s time to have it removed. There are several signs to look out for though.

If your tree is either not growing new leaves in a season it should, or it’s still holding onto dead leaves after fall, this could be a sign it has died. Any vertical cracks, large growths of fungus, or brittle limbs are others. Even less obvious things like missing bark or carpenter ants starting to occupy the tree can be signs it’s time to search for experts to remove it.

One source of tree removal services in Lafayette, Indiana is Wildcat Creek Tree Service. With great reviews and experience in the greater Lafayette area, they offer services like tree removal and stump removal and can provide free estimates and expert advice on how to take the best care of your landscape. You can contact them online or by phone at (765) 404-0938.