Even big and seemingly healthy trees can be susceptible to diseases that weaken them over time. A once mighty tree can either be brought to the point of decay, or may require to be cut down as a safety hazard.
The best way to prevent this unfortunate circumstance from occurring is to bring in an Ottawa arborist when there are signs that something might be off with your tree. An arborist is like a tree doctor and has specializations that allow them to properly assess and prescribe positive treatments where possible to save the tree.
What are some common signs that a tree may be at risk from disease?
Diseases that plague trees can vary by region and climate. Keeping an eye on your trees and noticing any deviations from normal is the fastest way to recognize then there may be an issue.
Some common signs to recognize include:
- Leaf discolouration
- Dead branches or tree limbs
- Unstable or leaning trees
- Premature or unseasonal leaf drop
- Unusual growths on branches
- Peeling or cracked bark
- Canopy thinning
While any of these could happen for a variety of reasons, spotting these warning signs is enough to warrant reaching out to an Ottawa arborist — or to risk losing the tree altogether.
A tree that has been weakened by disease is also more likely to fall in the event of severe wind or storms.
What is included in an arborist inspection?
The majority of the work an arborist does is through a visual inspection of the tree to note any irregularities. They will have the experience to quickly identify any potential issues and recommend a solution — whether it be through spotting on leaves or irregularities on the bark.
In some cases, they may also need to take a soil analysis to get a better sense of the root causes of any issues the tree is facing. This process can take a bit longer but will also give a more thorough understanding about some of the key factors for the tree’s health.
Nursing the tree back to health
Based on the arborist’s findings, they will put together recommendations of a plan for care and treatment for the tree. This may include cabling and bracing, management of the soil, trimming and pruning, or other measures to manage how diseases and pests may access the tree.
In the best case scenario, a tree that is suffering can be brought back to health and continue to provide shade and beauty for many years to come!
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
