The mild climate of Columbia, SC makes it easy for tree diseases to thrive, affecting thousands of trees across the area annually. A diseased tree is weakened and can spread its disease to the surrounding trees, posing a significant danger to you, your family, and your property. Here are some of the hazards commonly seen when diseased trees are on the property.
Falling Limbs
Being infected with a disease weakens the tree and can leave it unable to support some of its heavier limbs. When these limbs fall, they can wreck roofs, smash cars, and kill people and pets. In many cases, limbs that could pose a serious problem are removed pre-emptively to make the property safer.
Weakened Roots
Tree diseases can also weaken the root system of the tree, reducing its ability to anchor itself to the ground. A tree with a weakened root system may start leaning long before it finally falls, but sometimes a strong wind is enough to topple the tree without warning. A trained tree care specialist will be able to tell you whether the tree can be saved or if tree removal would be the best option.
Large Hollows
An infection can kill parts of the tree trunk, resulting in large hollows forming in the tree. These hollows weaken the structural stability of the tree and can become a home for pests that you do not want around your home. The experts at Top Gun Tree Service have seen many different types of tree hollows and will be able to advise you on the best course of action for any hollows found in trees on your property.
Common Signs of Tree Disease
Mottled leaves and dead branches are the most commonly seen signs of tree disease, but there are other things that can also indicate that a tree has been infected. Some infected trees show visible signs of decay on the branches and trunk or have large cankers where an infection has affected the growth of the tree. Dead wood in the tree’s crown and cracked or crumbling bark are also common indications that a tree has been infected.
Conclusion
It is important to identify trees that could be infected as quickly as possible so treatment can begin and the damage can be limited. It is recommended that trees be inspected for disease or other issues biannually, once in the spring and once in the fall. Having the trees inspected from top to bottom will alert you to any beginning issues and allow you to take action before something catastrophic occurs.
