Trees are one of the very few living organisms that can live for a long time. There are even trees that can survive for thousands of years. But like everything else, trees aren't immortal. Some die longer than most people, while others vanish before they fully grow.
Most of the trees die today because of various causes. While mostly happens because of human intervention, there are times when trees die because of sickness. But why does it happen?
The primary causes of tree sickness
There are several reasons why trees can get sick. Aside from environmental stresses, Owlcation says that insects that eat or damage the trees' tissues can also cause it to acquire diseases. Mites, fungi, and bacteria can do the same thing with trees, too.
Growing conditions can be a primary cause of why trees get sick. Anything that is either too much or too little can put the health of trees in danger. Getting exposed to excessive sunlight can damage organic materials, including the leaves and bark of trees.
Some trees can adapt well in full glares of the sun while other plant species do well in the shade. Meanwhile, highly compacted soils prevent water and oxygen from reaching the roots of trees. Without oxygen, the roots of the trees will find it challenging to move water directly to the leaves.
Roots also produce protective anti-fungal and anti-bacterial chemicals that help protect the trees. Without it, the trees will become prone to diseases and other forms of contamination. That's why most people would often get tree disease treatment in Utah County to get their trees assessed for any condition.
But how can you tell that your trees are sick?
Primary symptoms of a sick tree
How Stuff Works says that healthy tree looks strong and sturdy. But uncontrollable environmental causes can affect its health. That's why you need to watch out for any symptoms to know if your tree needs help. One telltale sign that you need to watch out for is deadwood.
It often looks dry and brittle and easily bends when blown by the wind. Because of it, most homeowners immediately remove these branches to prevent any potential danger. You should also watch out for cracks that split through the bark. It can be an indication that a tree's health is already failing.
Weak branches are also an indication of the tree's health. It usually happens when two branches grow tightly together as the bark grows within them. Because of this, the bark wouldn't be as sturdy as wood, which weakens the connection of the branches.
Lastly, watch out for any signs of decay. Decay in trees usually happens from the inside out. So, you need to watch out for any signs of fungi or a soft or decaying wood.
Like any living matter, trees can also get sick. So, you need to learn as much as you can about the health of trees before it gets worse. Once a tree has an infection, it can rapidly move the disease through interconnected root systems, which potentially kills the rest of the trees right in its path.
