Your favorite tree looks like it’s on death’s doorstep. Maybe its branches have turned brittle, it’s shedding leaves by the bucketload, or insects have turned it into an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you want to save your tree from an untimely demise, you’ll need to act quickly.
Learn how to save a dying tree below, then call us for tree services in Lewisboro, NY.
Know the Signs of a Tree on Its Last Legs
Before taking action, it’s important to know whether your tree is dying or already dead. To test for tree death, use a clean knife to scrape away a bit of bark on the trunk. If the layer underneath is green, the tree is alive. If it’s dry and brown, it’s dead. There’s no point in treating the tree as nothing you do will save it.
To know whether the tree is dying, look for these signs:
- Brittle, dead branches
- Root rot and fungus on the trunk
- A visible split trunk or cracks in the main stem
- Unusual leaf loss
- A significant pest presence
Prune Away Dead and Dying Branches
If your tree’s branches are dying, dead, or diseased, remove them promptly with pruning. Removing these branches can help prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the tree. Additionally, you’ll eliminate the risk of dead branches falling from the tree and injuring someone.
It’s best to have an arborist help you with pruning if you’re unsure what the job entails. Arborists know how to remove branches safely without harming the tree further.
Fix Moisture Problems
Your tree may be dying because it’s getting too much or not enough water. To determine whether the tree is being overwatered, feel the soil around the trunk. If it’s soggy and you spot signs of fungus, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out a bit. If the tree isn’t getting enough water, you might see drooping branches and wilting leaves.
Ask an arborist what the proper watering schedule should be for your tree’s species. Once you know that, apply a layer of mulch to the base of the tree. Mulching helps the tree retain moisture and also wards off pests and weeds.
Add Nutrients With Fertilizer
Like people, trees need a healthy diet that includes the right nutrients to thrive. A hungry tree might not die immediately, but its growth will be seriously stunted. Trees need the correct mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. However, overfeeding can be just as harmful to the tree as underfeeding.
Order soil testing to determine if your soil contains the right nutrients. If it doesn’t, talk to an arborist about applying fertilizer.
Call an Expert Arborist for Help With Your Tree
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t figure out how to save a dying tree, call Frank’s Arborcare, LLC. Our arborists can assist with pest control, fertilization, spotting dead tree branches, and more. We’ll pull out all the stops to restore your tree to its former glory.
Additionally, if your property has old or decaying stumps, they could attract pests and hinder tree growth. Our team can help you get rid of tree stumps safely and efficiently, improving your yard’s overall health and aesthetics.
To get an estimate for tree care, call us at (203) 423-9523.
