Search

Tree Care: An Introductory Guide

4 Surprising Signs Of Tree Decay

10 July 2023

Same Peterson

Tree decay is an umbrella term for any condition that is causing a tree to rot from the inside out. Causes vary from simple old age to fungal disease, which often finds its way into the tree via a wound or insect pest. Decaying trees may appear fine at first glance, but a closer look will reveal the symptoms that indicate that the tree is dying and may soon pose a fall risk. 

1. Drooping Branches

Branches that once joined the trunk in a healthy horizontal or upward-angled form that then begin to droop may be a hidden sign of internal decay. This is especially true if the wood is cracked or beginning to splinter where the droop originates, typically where the branch joins the trunk or another branch. Leaf dieback often occurs in conjunction with the drooping, or the leaves that are present may be weak or deformed. 

2. Sawdust Accumulation

Sawdust on the ground around the trunk is a major red flag of internal issues. Both termites and carpenter ants are drawn to decaying wood. As they carve out their galleries, they push sawdust out of the holes behind them. It's important to have the tree assessed, though, as sometimes the sawdust is caused by invasive wood-boring insects or their larvae. In this case, careful handling of the removed tree may be necessary so the pests don't invade any other trees.

3. Cracked Bark

Sometimes a crack forms in the bark of a young or thin-barked tree species following a sunny but freezing winter day. These cracks don't indicate decay and may be treatable. Cracks are concerning when they aren't caused by freezing temperatures and they are present in multiple places on the trunk. These cracks form because the tree is decaying on the inside and the cambium layer, which is the nutrient transport layer of the tree that lies just under the bark, is beginning to die.

4. Trunk Hollows

Large splits or holes in the trunk that reveal a cavity inside are one of the most obvious signs of decay. The hollow formed is the result of heart rot. Heart rot doesn't mean the tree needs to be immediately removed, but it does need to be assessed by a tree professional to ensure the tree is still stable enough to remain in place for the time being. Eventually, though, the tree will need to be removed once its health does begin to decline.

For more information on tree removal, contact a company near you.

Share