How do you identify winter stress in trees?
Watch out for signs of stress in your trees in Auckland and Franklin over winter.
Winter can be hard for some trees with the colder temperatures and increased moisture levels.
Signs your tree may be under stress include:
Fungal brackets or mushrooms appearing at the base or on the trunk of the tree which may indicate internal decay
Bark abnormalities like cracking, peeling or sunken areas of bark may indicate fungal or bacterial infection
Discolored or wilting leaves in evergreen trees may indicate nutrient deficiency or root issues.
Oozing sap called gummosis can be a sign of infection or injury
Branch drop or excessive deadwood may indicate the tree is unable to sustain its current canopy or branches
Sparse canopy could indicate nutrient deficits, nutrient or water blockage, or root damage or disease.
Early detection of stress or disease can help your tree to improve it’s health and longevity.
Stress can be unavoidable in some trees especially with uncontrollable weather conditions, but there are some actions you can take to reduce the risks and address the problem before it becomes a life-threatening issue. Sometimes pruning damaged trees and removing compromised branches can help and it may need further trimming to keep the tree balanced as it recovers. Fertilizing and improving ground conditions and mulching may also help depending on the issue.
If you notice any of these changes reach out and talk to the professionals. We can help guide you through a plan to mitigate the damage and risks or advise if there is no effective way forward to keep the tree safe.