That Tree Might Be Trying to Tell You Something

Leaves are often the easiest place to spot trouble. Healthy trees produce full and vibrant foliage during the growing season. When leaves drop in fall, that's normal. But when your tree sheds leaves in spring or summer, it's waving a red flag.

Unexpected leaf drop signals serious stress. Your tree might be dealing with disease, pest infestation, or root damage. Sometimes sudden leaf loss means the tree is fighting for survival and shutting down non-essential functions.

Bark Is Falling Off

Bark protects trees like skin protects you. When bark peels away, your tree becomes vulnerable to disease and pest invasion. Some trees naturally shed bark as they grow, but abnormal peeling is a warning sign.

Large sections of missing bark, especially on one side of the trunk, may indicate frost damage, disease, or physical injury. Exposed wood underneath bark provides an open door for insects and infection to penetrate deep into the tree.

Cracks in bark also deserve attention. Vertical cracks sometimes form naturally as trees grow, but deep splits that expose inner wood are real trouble.

Growing Mushrooms and Fungus

Mushrooms cost a few bucks per pound at the market, but it’s not something you want to see growing at the base of your tree. Why? Because fungi feed on decaying wood, and mushroom growth could mean your tree is rotting from the inside.

Different fungi indicate different problems, but all signal decay. Moreover, fungus on branches and the trunk is one thing, for instance, but mushrooms around the tree's base suggest root rot. Roots anchor your tree and absorb nutrients. Rotting roots mean the tree can't support itself or feed itself properly.

Leaning Suddenly

It’s perfectly natural for a tree to have a little angle to it, but a tree that suddenly leans is screaming for help. This lean means something has compromised the tree's stability. This could be damaged roots, eroded soil, or structural failure.

A leaning tree won't correct itself. In fact, it will continue leaning until it falls completely. These are especially dangerous during storms, and they should be addressed ASAP. Schedule a tree removal before the tree makes the decision for you!

Oozing Sap or Liquid

Some sap is normal, but excessive oozing is a problem. Color also tells a story. Dark and smelly liquid seeping from the trunk typically suggests bacterial infection. Clear and sticky sap flowing heavily might mean pest infestation or physical damage.

These oozing wounds attract more insects and provide entry points for disease. Left untreated, minor infections become major threats to the tree's survival.

Listen and Act. Call Driscoll

This is certainly NOT an exhaustive list of warning signs, but it gets the point across: Your trees are constantly communicating with you. If you notice red flags, then call for professional tree service sooner rather than later. The team at Driscoll Tree Service is here to help today.