When was the last time that you took a good, hard look at the trees in your yard? Most of us tend to take them for granted – until something goes wrong, that is. Trees may seem strong and independent, but they need care just like any other living thing.
Ignoring tree health care can lead to some serious problems, many of which can affect not just the tree but also your safety and property. Here’s why tree health care matters and what can happen if you skip it:
Weak Trees Can Become Safety Hazards
A sick or dying tree isn’t just an eyesore. It can be extremely dangerous. When trees are weakened by disease, pests, or lack of proper care, their branches become brittle and prone to breaking. All it takes is one strong windstorm to send a large limb crashing into your roof, car, or even a person. In severe cases, the entire tree could even topple over.
Regular checkups by a tree care professional can catch these issues early and prevent accidents before they happen.
Neglect Encourages Pest Infestations
Unhealthy trees are also magnets for pests. Insects like borers, aphids, and beetles are quick to invade weakened trees, making the problem even worse. If left unchecked, they can spread to nearby healthy trees, creating a chain reaction of decline. Once pests take over, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of, and you may end up losing more than one tree.
Healthy trees naturally possess defenses against threats. However, these defenses require continuous professional bolstering through proper watering, pruning, and soil care. Without such care, their natural defenses will weaken.
Tree Diseases Can Spread
Tree diseases are often silent attackers. Fungal infections, root rot, and other illnesses can slowly spread through a yard or neighborhood if ignored. It may start as a few discolored leaves, but it can quickly turn into a full-blown outbreak that kills multiple trees.
Regular health checks allow you to spot these warning signs early and take action before the problem spreads. It’s much easier – and cheaper – to treat one sick tree than to remove several dead ones later.
Impacts Property Value and Curb Appeal
A lush and healthy tree adds both beauty and shade to your property. However, one that’s neglected with dead branches or thinning leaves can only make your home look uninviting and inhospitable. If you’re planning on selling your house someday, unhealthy trees can turn potential buyers away.
People notice when a yard looks well-maintained, and a vibrant landscape can actually boost the value of your property. Investing in tree health care now can save you money in the long run and keep your yard looking its best.
Damage to Your Landscape and Ecosystem
Finally, trees play an important role in the health of your entire yard. Their roots help prevent soil erosion, and they also provide shade that keeps grass and plants cool. Additionally, they support local wildlife.
When a tree dies, this natural balance can be thrown off. The extra sunlight might scorch your grass, water runoff could increase, and animals like birds and squirrels lose their habitat. By caring for your trees, you’re protecting your entire outdoor environment.
Signs That It’s Time To Hire a Tree Health Care Professional
Wondering whether your trees are due for a checkup? Here are some clear signs that it’s time to bring in an expert:
1) Your Tree Looks Unusually Thin
Trees naturally change appearance throughout the seasons, but if it happens suddenly, that’s one of the first signs that something is wrong. If a once-full tree starts losing leaves out of season or looks unusually thin at the top, that could mean it’s stressed. Trees can react this way when they’re fighting off disease, pests, or root problems. In any case, a professional can help figure out what’s going on and recommend a treatment before the problem spreads.
2) There Are Dead or Broken Branches
Dead or dangling branches don’t just look bad. They’re a safety risk. They can fall during storms, damaging property or injuring someone. A tree care professional can safely remove hazardous branches and inspect the rest of the tree to make sure there aren’t any deeper issues at play, like internal decay or structural weakness.
3) Strange Spots or Fungi Are Appearing
Noticing odd spots on the leaves or mushrooms growing near the base of your tree? Those are red flags: these signs often mean that your tree is dealing with a fungal infection or root rot. While some fungi are harmless, others can slowly kill your tree from the inside out. Getting the opinion of an expert can prevent the disease from spreading to the other trees in your yard.
4) The Tree Is Leaning Suddenly
A tree that was once standing tall but is now leaning noticeably is a tree that could be in trouble. It could mean that the root system is damaged or that the soil is unstable. A professional can determine whether the tree is at risk of falling and decide whether it needs to be stabilized, pruned, or removed entirely for safety.
5) Insect Damage is Out of Control
It’s normal to see a few bugs on a tree, but if you notice chewed leaves, tiny holes in the bark, or sawdust-like material on the ground, pests might be taking it over. If left untreated, they can kill the tree outright before moving on to others nearby. A tree health care expert can identify the pest and choose the right solution to protect your landscape.
Let Garpiel Group Take Care of Your Trees
Our experts here at Garpiel Group can help you take care of your trees and make sure that they continue to thrive. Our tree health care program is led by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Don Churchill, who brings decades of experience, training, and science-based care to your property. He can detect any potential problems and sick trees before they become a danger to you and your household. Schedule a consultation now by visiting our Contact Us page.