A rotten tree trunk can prove dangerous as the rot damages the tree’s infrastructure. According to the leading tree service company in Smyrna, the trunk weakens and can no longer support the canopy’s weight. From there, it’s not merely a risk of falling but a case of when.
What Causes a Rotten Tree Trunk?
Trunk rot is a common cause of tree decay, and preventing the spread should be a top priority. Whether this means tree removal or an attempting to save the timber boils down to the extent of the damage.
Is Trunk Rot Treatable?
As soon as a tree is rotting due to fungal growth, it’s a race against time. To save it, you must catch the infestation during its earliest phases, which is challenging. By the time you see the external signs of the fungus, it’s usually too far along to stop.
Once tree decay sets in, it’s usually better to remove that part of the tree to prevent the risk of falling branches or preventing the spread of disease. With a rotten tree trunk, this usually means a complete tree removal for safety.
How to Recognize If a Tree Is Rotting
The fungal growth that causes this part of the tree to rot is difficult to detect unless you know what you need to look for, including:
- Wilted and yellowing leaves in the early stages
- Stunted growth
- Visible fruiting bodies on the trunk in the late stages
The Best Cure for a Rotten Tree Trunk
Tree removal should always be the last resort. The best cure for trunk rot is to prevent it in the first place, but many of the treatments we use to save a tree can come in handy.
Strengthen the Tree
A healthy tree is more likely to be able to fight an infection, so you should try to feed the tree optimally every year. It’s also wise to water it as necessary to keep it strong.
Watch Where You Place Mulch
It may be tempting to pile the mulch around the tree’s base, but you’re better off keeping it level. Spread it a little thinner and let it cover more ground. That way, it offers better soil protection for the roots and helps them stay healthy.
Protect Saplings
Saplings need extra care, and a tree guard provides this. It prevents too much moisture buildup, keeps weeds away, and protects the trunk. Should a sapling show signs of damage, deal with it immediately.
Check the Trunk, Bark, and Roots Regularly
Look for signs of damage to the bark that might potentially be an opening for fungi, disease, and pests. Watch out for signs that the tree is in distress, and look at the roots that you can see. Note any alterations in appearance that are out of the ordinary.
Have an Arborist Over Regularly to Check the Health of Your Trees
A certified arborist could prove an essential investment in your property value. By conducting a complete inspection, they will pick up any issues and give you ideas on improving the look and health of your trees.
They can check for nutrient deficiencies and early signifiers of potential problems and trim your trees properly.
Do You Need Assistance with Unruly Trees?
Do you wish your trees were more lush and green? Is one tree looking sadder than the rest? Does one tree have to go, but you have no idea what to do with the remnants?
Put things right quickly by calling the Southern Tree Pros team at (770) 841-1684. Let our team check the rotten tree trunk and then read more about how to remove tree roots.
