Here’s What To Do If Your Tree is Growing Out Instead Of Up.

In Florida, it can be unusual for trees to lose their leaves or branches even in the winter; our relatively mild cold-weather temperatures tend to promote green, leafy trees year-round. The summer, however, can be another story. If you’ve noticed branches suddenly (and maybe even inexplicably) falling off your trees in the summer or fall and are concerned that something is wrong, chances are it isn’t. Summer branch drop is a well-documented phenomenon that happens on relatively healthy trees. It can be due to a lot of things: heavier branches due to increased humidity in the air, small cracks in the branch caused by birds and other small animals, or even weakened branches due to insufficient pruning, to name a few. If your tree looks healthy and isn’t exhibiting any signs of decay, chances are that the occasional branch drop isn’t much cause for concern. Of course, if branches have been falling off your tree more frequently, it’s a good idea to get a professional to do a closer inspection.

One potential sign of tree decay is if there are a lot of dead or broken branches in one specific section of your tree. Bare branches near an otherwise full tree’s crown, or bare branches that are limited to just the tree’s left or right side, can be major indicators that something is amiss internally. If you notice significant irregularities in the health of your tree’s branches, take it as a sign that it’s time for a professional to take a closer look.

Leaves Are Dead But Intact It’s rare for leaves to die due to the seasons here in Florida, but it can happen. If one of your trees’ leaves turn yellow and fall off uniformly in colder weather, it’s probably no cause for concern. However, if weeks go by and the leaves die but do not fall off your tree’s branches, it could be a sign of disease or decay. Dead leaves should not remain on the branches of a healthy tree; they always fall after browning. If this isn’t the case with one of your trees, it’s a sign that something else could be going on.

Sometimes, it’s not branch breakage that can be a cause for concern – it’s branch growth. If you notice small branches growing around the base of your tree, it’s likely not a sign of decay. It could, however, be a big sign that your tree is under stress. Factors like insect infestation, fungal or bacterial disease, and even inclement weather can put your trees in chronic stress. When this happens, these small branches can grow around its base. The good news is that your tree probably isn’t decaying. However, stress can seriously impact your trees’ stability and health. Call in a professional right away so that you can come up with a course of action.

Broken branches on your tree can just as easily be harmless as they could be pointing to something being amiss. By knowing what to look for, you’ll be well-equipped to take care of your trees’ needs and keep them healthy long-term. If you’d like to get a professional’s input on your trees’ well-being or are concerned that something may be going on, don’t hesitate to click here for a free quote on the property maintenance service you need..