How Does an ISA Certified Arborist Know Why My Tree is Dying?

Date October 12, 2022

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

If you’ve ever wondered how a tree care specialist knows why your tree is sick or if your tree is dying, this blog post is for you! While diagnosing the signs of a diseased or dying tree can be difficult for homeowners, ISA Certified Arborists have years of experience dealing with sick trees and know how to treat them. Keep reading to learn more about how an ISA Certified Arborist knows why your tree is sick, how they diagnose tree health, and how they can keep your trees healthy year-round!

What is an ISA Certified Arborist?

A Certified Arborist is a highly trained professional who cares for trees. ISA certification means they have earned credentials from the International Society of Arboriculture, and are designated experts who are committed, dedicated, and have extensive knowledge in all aspects of tree health, including its ecology, biological processes, and relationship to the environment. This study and discipline set ISA Certified Arborists apart as the premier experts in the field.

How Does a Certified Arborist Know Why My Tree is Dying?

Backed by years of training and study, ISA Certified Arborists understand all the factors contributing to tree health. They notice distinct abnormalities and underlying symptoms affecting the condition of your trees. Some of the main factors they consider are:

Tree species, variety, and ecology

Different tree species require additional care and can be more or less susceptible to North Texas tree diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. What’s normal for one tree may be signs of serious concern for another. Many DFW tree pests and diseases are host-specific, and Dallas tree care specialists can determine which trees are vulnerable. Additionally, non-native trees have specific care requirements that may differ from native Dallas trees and must be considered when assessing tree health.

Tree location

ISA Certified Arborists can determine your tree’s health concerning its specific location. They consider soil type, sun exposure, and proximity to other plants and nearby structures. They can also diagnose the tree’s history, like whether it has been over or under-watered, impacted by construction, unusual weather patterns, and environmental contaminants.

Structural abnormalities

ISA Certified Arborists understand trees’ structure, growth patterns, and ecology. This allows them to determine if the trunk, canopy, roots, and branches are typical or showing signs of unhealthy growth and external damage. They look for broken limbs, burls, multiple trunks, injury from improper tree trimming and pruning, and evidence of pest and disease infestation.

Leaves and canopy

The presence of North Texas tree diseases and pests can appear subtle or similar to other pathogens and insects, so a comprehensive assessment is required before determining why your tree is sick. ISA Certified Arborists examine leaves’ color, texture, and size as part of their diagnosis. They’ll look for evidence of dieback, new leaf growth location, and the tree’s canopy’s overall shape, density, and color.

Tree growth patterns

Trunk, twig, and branch growth can also indicate sick trees. Tree doctors look at the location and size of new growth, whether there is dieback or browning near the tips of your tree and any other growth abnormalities.

Root systems

Roots are responsible for supplying essential nutrients, water, and air necessary for tree health, so issues associated with compacted, decaying, or dead roots are severe. Since the signs aren’t obvious or even visible, they often go unnoticed. It takes the highly refined skills of a tree care expert to determine the cause behind unhealthy roots; whether it’s a fungus, tree pests, or soil condition, an ISA Certified arborist can assess and mitigate problems with your tree before it’s too late.

How Can You Tell if a Tree is Dead?

Trees are stoic, so it can be difficult for an average homeowner to know if their tree is dead. While a few dead branches and twigs don’t necessarily mean your tree is finished, a tree with a large amount of dead wood is a clear indicator of tree sickness. If you’re worried that your tree is dead or dying, contact a TreeNewal ISA Certified Arborist immediately. They can help you determine whether the tree is irreparably damaged and must be removed or if it can be saved with a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan. After a first-time fee, TreeNewal clients enjoy free tree health assessments for life. Call (817) 592-6846 today to take proactive care of your trees.

Why Hire Arborist Tree Services?

When we’re sick, we go to a professional. It only makes sense to do the same for our trees. Hiring Certified Arborist tree care services is one of the best ways to keep trees healthy and protect your investment. A professional familiar with native and non-native North Texas trees, local climate, and ecological threats prevalent in the area is key to understanding what’s wrong with your tree. Tree care companies like TreeNewal have access to specialized equipment and treatment chemicals required for your trees and understand the appropriate timing and technique to maximize their effectiveness. When you hire ISA Certified Arborist tree care services, you can rest easy knowing your trees are in the best hands possible.

TreeNewal Can Help Your Sick Tree

TreeNewal believes everyone should have a dedicated team of ISA Certified Arborists, tree surgeons, and Dallas tree care specialists to care for their trees. Our mission is to promote overall tree health and sustainability by serving our North Texas communities. No matter what’s making your tree sick, our ISA Certified Arborists can help. Our services include tree nutrition, tree trimming and pruning, tree disease and insect management, soil conditioning, tree removal, emergency tree response, and more. Contact us today for industry-leading tree care services and customer experiences.
TreeNewal is a full-service sustainable tree care company offering residential and commercial tree services in Dallas, Argyle, Denton, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Southlake, and Westlake. Contact our Dallas tree care specialists at (817) 592-6846 and enjoy tailored tree care advice and the best tree health services in North Texas!

 

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Healthy trees, healthy lives.