Trees are essential to the beauty, health, and value of your property. They offer shade, improve air quality, and create habitats for wildlife. However, even the hardiest trees can succumb to factors that lead to their premature death. Whether it’s improper care, environmental stress, or external damage, understanding these causes can help you protect your trees for the long term. At Archon Tree Services, Inc., we combine experience and expertise to keep your trees thriving. Residents in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Tacoma, and nearby WA areas trust us to provide professional tree care solutions, including pruning and removal, that address common threats and ensure the longevity of their trees.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons trees die and how, with the right care and timely intervention, you can prevent these issues.
The Impact of Over-Pruning or Trimming on Tree Health
Pruning is an essential tree maintenance activity, but it can become one of the leading causes of tree death when done improperly. Over-pruning removes excessive foliage, which reduces the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and weakens its overall structure. According to the leading arborists in Tacoma, WA, who mostly deal with shrub pruning and removal, removing more than 25% of a tree’s canopy in a single pruning session can result in stress, sunscald, and a heightened risk of infections or infestations.
Sunscald, in particular, is a common issue following over-pruning, especially in sunny areas. It causes the bark to crack, creating an entry point for diseases and pests. Over-pruning also affects a tree’s hormonal balance, causing weak, unstructured growth that is more vulnerable to storms.
At Archon Tree Services, Inc., we specialize in precise tree pruning and removal services in Port Orchard, WA, and other locations. Our professional arborists ensure that each cut will promote tree health and support long-term growth without putting the tree at risk of over-pruning.
Risks of Incorrect Fertilization for Trees
Fertilization is important in supplementing nutrient-deficient soils, but incorrect fertilization can be destructive. Too much fertilization often results in a condition known as fertilizer burn, whereby extreme salts damage the roots, impeding water absorption. Under-fertilization results in weak, stunted trees even more susceptible to environmental stresses.
The type of fertilizer also matters. High-nitrogen fertilizers encourage leafy growth but reduce the density of wood that a tree can get, making it prone to breakage. For fruit-producing trees, improper fertilization can affect yield and overall health.
Through tailored fertilization strategies, Archon Tree Services, Inc. ensures trees receive the nutrients they need without the risks of over- or under-fertilization. If you’re in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Port Orchard, or nearby WA areas, our professional team of tree pruning and removal experts can assess your soil and create a fertilization plan that supports optimal tree health.
How Root Damage Can Kill Your Trees?
Roots are the unseen foundation of a tree’s health, responsible for water and nutrient absorption as well as structural stability. According to the leading shrub pruning and removal specialists in Gig Harbor, WA, root damage often goes unnoticed until the tree shows obvious stress symptoms, such as wilting leaves, dieback, or a leaned trunk.
Common causes of root damage include:
- Construction Activities: Excavation or grading near trees can sever roots or compact the soil.
- Heavy Foot Traffic: Top tree removal and pruning contractors in Tacoma, WA, reveal that frequent trampling around a tree’s base can lead to soil compaction, reducing oxygen availability.
- Improper Planting Depth: Trees planted too deeply may develop girdling roots, which strangle the tree over time.
Root damage is a significant concern in urban and suburban areas like Port Orchard, WA, where construction projects are common. Our specialists at Archon Tree Services, Inc. use advanced techniques like air spading to assess and mitigate root damage, allowing trees to recover.
The Threat of Infections and Insect Infestations
Diseases and pests are persistent threats to trees. According to the top tree pruning and removal experts in Port Orchard, WA, fungal infections, such as anthracnose or root rot, weaken the tree from within, and pests like the emerald ash borers and the bark beetle eat away at the tree, causing irreversible damage.
For example, root rot caused by overwatering or poorly draining soils can kill a tree within just a few seasons. Symptoms include discoloration of the foliage, stunted growth, and foul odor near the base of the tree. On the other hand, insects may spread diseases by burrowing into the bark, which leaves the tree open to secondary infections.
In areas like Tacoma, WA, where certain pests and pathogens are prevalent, timely diagnosis, tree removal, and pruning treatment are critical. Our team at Archon Tree Services Inc. offers comprehensive tree health assessments to identify and address infections and infestations before they become severe.
Soil Compaction and Its Effects on Trees
Soil compaction is a silent killer of trees. It happens when soil particles get pressed together, reducing pore space and limiting the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the roots. Heavy machinery, foot traffic, and even parked vehicles contribute to soil compaction, especially in urban landscapes like Gig Harbor, WA, necessitating professional tree pruning service.
The effects of soil compaction include:
- Reduced root growth
- Increased vulnerability to drought
- Impaired nutrient absorption
To combat this issue, our team at Archon Tree Services, Inc. uses methods like soil aeration and mulching to restore proper soil conditions, ensuring trees have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Why Chemical Exposure Is Harmful to Trees?
Trees are repeatedly inadvertently exposed to harmful chemicals through herbicide drift, pesticide runoff, or spills. According to the leading shrub pruning and removal service specialists in Port Orchard, WA, these harmful chemicals can poison the soil, damage the roots, and even affect the tree’s photosynthesis.
Symptoms of chemical exposure include yellowing leaves, browning leaf edges, and sudden dieback. In residential areas, improper use of lawn care products is a common cause of tree poisoning.
At Archon Tree Services, Inc., we advocate for eco-friendly practices and provide safe, sustainable tree care solutions to ensure your tree’s health. Whether you need tree removal services in Gig Harbor, WA, preventive shrub pruning in Tacoma, WA, or surrounding areas, our team prioritizes the health of your landscape.
When to Call Tree Experts for Tree Health
According to the leading shrub pruning and removal service experts in Port Orchard, WA, saving distressed trees requires timely intervention. You should call a professional arborist if you find any of the following:
- Dead or broken branches
- Unusual leaf discoloration or premature leaf drop
- Visible fungi or pests
- Leaning trees or exposed roots
- Cracks in the bark
At Archon Tree Services, Inc., we provide emergency tree services and regular maintenance programs to address these issues. We aim to help you protect your trees while enhancing their life and health.
Why Choose Archon Tree Services?
For residents in Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and surrounding WA areas, Archon Tree Services, Inc. has become a trusted partner for all tree care service needs. Here’s why:
Experienced Arborists:
Our team has decades of combined experience diagnosing and treating complex tree health issues.
Wide Range of Services:
We cover everything from shrub pruning services to large-scale tree removal.
Eco-Friendly Approach:
We prioritize sustainable methods to protect your trees and the environment.
Customer-Centric:
We tailor our services to your property’s unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Trees are an invaluable part of your property, and their health should never be overlooked. By understanding the common causes of tree death—such as over-pruning, root damage, soil compaction, and chemical exposure—you can take proactive steps to protect them. Professional care is often the difference between saving a tree and losing it.
At Archon Tree Services, Inc., we are dedicated to preserving the beauty and health of your trees. Whether you need professional tree pruning and removal services in Tacoma, WA, or shrub pruning services in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and surrounding WA areas, our team is here to help.
Contact us today at (253) 858-8733 to schedule an expert consultation and give your trees the care they deserve. Together, we can keep your landscape thriving for years to come!
