Would you be able to tell if your tree is in trouble? There are obvious signs of stress, such as discolored leaves and early drop. But some issues may not be noticed right away. Here are some signs your tree needs attention. If it’s not something you normally see, take a closer look. It could mean saving a tree from disease or damage.

Examine the Branches

Walking around your yard, you may notice several branches and twigs lying around, especially after any extreme weather. But if it’s been beautiful weather recently and you still see branches breaking off your tree, it could require more attention.

Diseased branches are weak and more prone to snapping and falling. The branch will feel dry and brittle and probably hasn’t sprouted any leaves. If you’re able to snap it in half, it’s in bad shape. Healthy branches and twigs are bendable and difficult to break. If you’ve found one bad twig, inspect the rest of the tree. The more snappable branches, the more trouble your tree is in.

Evaluate the Fungus

There are many different types of fungus that grow on trees. Not all of them are bad. But you don’t want to assume what’s growing on your tree is good. It’s a better idea to have any signs of fungus checked out by an arborist to make sure it’s not doing more harm than good. Once you’ve determined the type of growth, you can come up with a plan of treatment if necessary.

Weighing Signs Your Tree Needs Attention

If you notice something is off about your tree, and you’re not sure what to do, one of the best options is to contact a professional to properly diagnose any issue. Not only can they help determine the problem, but they can guide you through the next steps.

If you think your tree needs attention, don’t put it off for too long. Decaying trees on your property become hazards faster than you think. From falling branches to toppling trees, the level of damage varies. But the risk decreases when you know what the problem is and take steps to treat it. Contact Elite Tree Care for more information about tree maintenance, disease prevention, and what to do with a problem plant.