If your tree is looking unwell, you’re probably wondering if it’s sick, dead, dying or at risk. To the untrained eye, it can be very hard to tell exactly what’s going on. The good news is that struggling trees can often recover with the right care.

Here we take a look at how Arborists go about saving dying trees.

Step 1 – Inspection

Arborists are trained to identify issues initially through a thorough visual inspection called a tree health assessment. Your Arborist will investigate the root cause of the decline, rather than simply treating the presenting problem by examining the tree’s trunk, foliage, branches, bark, roots and surrounding soil to try and figure out what is negatively impacting the tree’s health. If further investigation is required underground, your Arborist may choose to utilise a range of imaging equipment to investigate structures and root systems.

Step 2 – Treatment Plan

Once the Arborist has determined their diagnosis, they will recommend a treatment and care plan. Depending on what your tree’s issue is, there could be multiple treatments or steps required. Examples could include improving soil health through mulching or soil conditioning, pest and disease management, watering recommendations, targeted pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, fertilisation where appropriate or installing bracing or supports for damaged limbs. Many trees can be saved if intervention happens early, however it’s important to note that not all trees can be saved and your Arborist will always have safety as their top priority. With this in mind, if your tree is found to be at risk and a potential hazard, your Arborist may recommend removing the tree.

Step 3 – Ongoing Care And Maintenance

Once your tree is out of the ‘danger zone’ it’s important to keep an ongoing care and maintenance schedule to ensure your tree remains strong and healthy long into the future. Regular inspections by a professional Arborist along with proper pruning, watering and mulching go a long way in promoting good tree health.

Signs Your Tree Might Be Dying

Trees rarely become sick without an underlying reason. Common causes may include drought, poor soil conditions, root damage, pest infestation, fungal diseases, storm damage, construction work done too close to the root zone and improper pruning techniques. While some of these issues can be treated or corrected others may cause irreversible damage.

Trees give lots of clues that they aren’t well, which can sometimes only be picked up by the eye of a trained professional. Some of the more common signs are:

• Significant leaf loss
• Changes to leaves such as discolouration, wilting
• Increased amounts of dead branches
• Signs of pest infestation
• Fungal growths
• Cracked or peeling bark
• Leaning or tilting
• Root damage

Hire An Arborist

If you suspect your tree may be unwell, it’s important not to delay. The earlier an issue is diagnosed the sooner treatment can commence and the greater the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Waiting too long can allow pests or diseases to spread and take hold, increasing structural risks and reducing the tree’s chances of survival.

Regular inspections are one of the best ways to prevent serious problems from developing. Routine care and maintenance helps to identify small issues before they become costly ones. Qualified Arborists have the skill, knowledge and experience to determine if your tree can be saved. Not to mention they will have all of the necessary tools and equipment, insurance and know-how to handle the entire process end to end.  While some trees simply cannot be saved and may need to be removed for safety concerns, a lot of trees can be restored to good health and continue to live long, healthy lives.

Speak To The Professionals At Aussie Tree Solutions

Need some help reviving a dying tree? Speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions to discuss our professional tree care and maintenance service today. We provide a comprehensive range of tree services, from tree inspections to tree removals, tree pruning to stump grinding and everything in between. Let our friendly team take care of your trees for your total peace of mind.