At the heart of every great park and green space is the humble tree. Unfortunately, America, and cities, in particular, are losing 36 million trees every year – partly due to felling, but also largely due to illness. There is a myriad of specific conditions that can blight the growth of a tree and, in many cases, lead to it needing to be cut down. For homeowners and public garden tenders alike, knowing the signs of decay in trees and how to remedy them is an important skill in helping these oxygen-giving wonders live for a long time.
Identifying a dying tree
Pests, fungi, and tree diseases are primary causes of tree loss in the USA. According to The Guardian, the introduction of over 450 foreign-born elements has posed a ‘devastating’ threat to over 40% of national forests and green spaces. When a tree is impacted so severely by a condition, it will start to be of detriment to the surrounding area. The pests, fungi, and diseases that are destroying the tree can spread to other plants, so it’s important to remedy the issue as soon as possible. Arrange tree removal as soon as possible if it has been identified that the plant is dead or dying. The root structure will remain behind, which is good news for ecological beneficial organisms such as fungi structures and insects, but the main vector of illness will be removed.
Remedying simple issues
For a tree that has an encroaching issue but is not yet close to decaying, there are plenty of options. A guide produced by NC State University provides a clear outline of the many factors that can indicate a deeper-lying problem. This can include peeling bark and wilting leaves through to rotting fruit and root rot, where roots can be too easily pulled off exposed structures. Having a good idea of what your trees should look like, and taking quick remedial action the moment issues do arise, will nip potential issues in the bud.
Protecting the tree
In an ideal world, you will keep away from pesticides and fungicides in protecting trees. Removing as many chemicals from the ecosystem not only ensures that all of the plants within it are kept safe, but that gardens remain fit for visitors, ensuring that humans aren’t impacted as a result of plant protection policies. Using natural remedies and purpose-made soaps on the bark of the tree is one way to achieve this, according to Michigan State University, but also consider the food chain. If you bring in species that will naturally predate on problematic elements, you will help to combat issues within the trees without ever needing to resort to man-made help.
Protecting trees is a moral imperative, especially for anyone tending to a green space. They provide shade, oxygen, and important benefits to the entire ecosystem – without them, gardens simply don’t feel the same. Stopping the current trend of tree-felling is a matter of applying knowledge and determination in preventing illness from occurring.
