Even though Tucson has relatively mild winters, the season can still be hard on trees, so it’s good to stay prepared with proper tree care and landscape maintenance. In addition to regular visits from your arborist, you might protect your trees by inspecting them for damage throughout the winter season. Here are some signs that will indicate that your trees are dying and need immediate attention from a professional:
Scars and Weaknesses in the Bark
Signs of serious damage in the tree bark, such as large cracks, soft spots, or sores, should be an urgent concern. These signs may indicate rot, shifting soil, or the presence of a parasite or fungus causing damage from within. In some cases, trees with these types of weaknesses may be preserved, while others might need to be removed and replaced with new plantings.
Dryness in the Branches
Trees are alive, so they should be lush and green, and not just on the outside. If you pick away a branch and break it in half, it should not break readily because of the moisture inside. Branches that snap or crack easily and do not have any green color inside may mean that your tree is already dead.
Fungal Growth
Many types of fungus will grow within other living things, but they can cause damage in doing so. If you have fungus growing from your tree—particularly at the base and trunk—this may be a sign that the tree is not thriving.
At the first sign of damage to your trees and other landscape elements, call Complete Landscaping at (520) 323-8918. Our friendly staff includes four certified arborists, and we can diagnose a wide range of issues that may be present in your desert trees. You can also call on us for your routine landscape maintenance as well as your residential landscape design in Tucson.