Is There Something Wrong With My Tree?

Trees live and breathe and that means that they can suffer from a range of problems. Some of these problems can be solved easily while some of the problems might indicate that your tree is dying.

However, if you spot the problem quickly and act fast, you might be able to get your tree back on track.

So, what problems should you look out for?

Splits, cracks and cankers

It is common for trees to split but a deep crack or split could be a sign that your tree is weakening.

The main cause is frost and cold temperatures, but large cracks or splits could indicate that there is a structural weakness.

Cankers are holes that occur where the bark has come away from the tree. This can result in an increased chance of the stem breaking while the damage could also cause fungi and disease to enter the tree.

Weak branch unions

When a number of branches in the same area are not attached to the tree, it is known as weak branch unions.

This occurs when the bark does not have the same strength as the wood which eventually causes the union of branches to weaken.

The main cause of this is where two branches grow close together, which means that bark can grow between the branches.

Fungus and decay

Decay can prove difficult to identify as it often begins inside the tree. However, there are some signs that you can look for.

If you see mushrooms growing at the base of a tree or fungi growing, then this could be a sign of decay that is hidden.

If you notice that bark is peeling away from the trunk or branches or the tree is hollow, then it is likely that decay has set in.

Irregular growth pattern

If you notice that the tree has an irregular growth pattern, it could indicate that there is a weakness in the tree and a possible structural imbalance.

There are several reasons for this which could include bad weather, abnormal growing conditions and poor pruning, which is why Essex tree surveys are so important when identifying problems.

Dying limbs and dead wood

Dead wood is a sign that there is something wrong with your tree. You can identify these as dry pieces of wood that snap with very little effort or force.

It is not very flexible and brittle which means that it can snap in high winds. It is really important that dead wood is removed correctly as it could fall onto people or property beneath.

There are many different things to look out for when it comes to your trees. A tree can suffer from a variety of problems and the issues above are some of the most common problems.

So, if you are worried that your tree is suffering from a problem, you should call out the experts who can undertake a survey and decide on the right course of action.