Trees are wonderful. They make our gardens beautiful, and even spending time in a forest can increase our serotonin levels. But hold on a second. Trees, like humans, are vulnerable to stressors. If they get attacked by pathogens or don’t receive proper care, trees will be at risk of premature decaying or death.
This phenomenon is referred to as tree stress.
We’re going to take a look at all the causes of tree stress and key symptoms to look out for. Trees may be strong and durable, but they require attention, especially when planted in an urban environment. So, put on your gardening gloves, grab your shovel, and let’s dig in!
Causes of Tree Stress
Faulty Planting
Planting trees takes preparation. One of the big causes of stress is incorrectly putting a tree in the ground–that’s a recipe for disaster. The first thing that needs to be considered is the type of soil being used. Different trees prefer different types of soil, and if you use the wrong one, it can lead to issues.
In addition, the location of the tree and the depth of the hole are two other big stress factors. Planting some trees too close to pavement or bodies of water can shorten its lifespan and cause deformities. So, be mindful of your planting strategy, and make sure to research the exact type of tree you’re dealing with.
Over and Under-Mulching
Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil. On hot sunny days, water quickly evaporates, leaving vegetation without anything to drink. Applying mulch is as simple as spreading it over the ground but using too much or too little can cause tree stress.
Piling heaps of mulch around a tree (known as a mulch volcano) can restrict oxygen and cause roots to die. Roots are how trees get nutrients, and without them, trees can’t survive. Over-mulching around the trunk can also lead to excess moisture, causing diseases and inviting insects and rodents that will do serious harm.
Under-mulching leaves roots without protection from lawnmowers (and other human and animal activity), which is notorious for damaging a tree’s health. During the summer, when the sun is beating down, you may notice leaves browning or wilting – that’s a clear-cut sign that more mulch is needed and water! Practice proper mulching, and apply a layer two to four inches deep!
Pruning Mistakes
Pruning a tree means removing problematic branches and roots and making space in the foliage for everything to grow properly–it’s important. But you’ll cause tree stress if you do it the wrong way. Trees should only be pruned once every one to five years, depending on the type of tree (fruit trees can be pruned annually). Too much pruning can disfigure a tree, cause nutrient deficiencies, and increase the chances of disease.
So, when it’s time to prune, do a thorough investigation of what parts of the tree should and shouldn’t be cut, and only remove a third of the good wood. Follow those tips, and you and your tree will be happy campers.
Improper Tree Watering
Trees need water to survive but watering them isn’t as simple as running your sprinklers. Give a tree too much or too little, and you’ll see a reduction in its foliage and even death. The younger the tree, the more sensitive it is to water. So, in those first few years, you need to be ultra-mindful. As a rule of thumb, young trees need to be watered one to three times per week, and mature trees need to be watered around once per month depending on the tree.
Infrequent Maintenance
Trees, especially in the beginning, need to be monitored. The easiest way for tree stress to occur is through neglect. Trees can’t defend themselves from intrusive species and pathogens or call out in pain if something is wrong. Oftentimes, swift action can save their lives, but if you don’t bother to keep an eye on them, it’ll be too late when you do finally notice an issue.
Symptoms of Tree Stress
Leaning
A leaning tree may not be something to worry about if it’s slowly been happening over time; however, a tree that is suddenly slanting is cause for concern. Leaning could indicate faulty planting, insufficient sunlight, or damaged roots.
Reduced Foliage
Take a look around the area beneath your tree’s canopy. Are there a lot of fallen branches and leaves at an unusual time of year? Well, that’s a clear indication of poor tree health. Reduced foliage is a common sign of improper watering, overheating, and disease.
Cracking and Splitting
Minor cracking or splitting along a tree is nothing to worry about– most of the time the tree can handle those on its own. But if there are any large ruptures, fissures, or holes, you need to intervene because there may be life-threatening decay.
Early Color Changing
When trees change colors in the fall, it’s a beautiful sight to see. However, if the phenomenon happens ahead of schedule, the tree is experiencing stress. Common reasons for this are diseases, insects, improper watering, and damaged roots.
Mushroom Growth
Mushrooms, in general, shouldn’t grow around or on a tree. Some types of fungi are beneficial to tree health, but most of the time, it’s a sign of rotting wood. If you see mushrooms, make sure there’s not an excess of mulch around the trunk and that you’re not overwatering it.
Final Thoughts
Urban environments make it hard for trees to survive. There are countless stressors constantly threatening their health, and sometimes we’re to blame for their downfall. From planting to watering to pruning, each step in caring for a tree must be done in the right way. If we simply dig a hole in the ground, put the tree in it, and consider the job done, well, it won’t last very long. So, give your trees the proper care they deserve, and take pride in their health!
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