Not sure How to Save a Dying Tree in your yard? Here are some expert tips and opinions that’ll help you take care of it!
If you have a tree in your garden that’s on the verge of dying, and despite your best efforts, is not showing any signs of improvement, then don’t worry. We will help you revive it!
Identifying Signs of a Dying Tree
Before you point out at a tree and say—Hey! It is dying! You need to look out for certain signs that shows it is indeed losing its life.
1. Falling Leaves
The first sign to look out for, is too much falling leaves and dying foliage on the tree. Leaf dropping during autumn is a common occurrence, but if it is happening all the time, this is an area of concern. This is also followed by no new growth at all.
2. Check the Bark
The next thing you need to look for is the bark of the tree—if it is showing excessive cracks and deep splits, well, you need to be careful.
3. Inspect Stems and Branches
Now, give a close inspection to the stems and branches. If they appear excessively dry and brittle, that’s a cause of worry.
4. Give a Close Look at the Main Trunk
The next step is to look at the main trunk for any cavities or deep ridges. If you see too much of them along with fungal growth, be careful.
5. Look for Pests
You also need to look for serious pest infestation. Signs of borers is a clear indication of a weak and dying tree.
6. Is the Tree Tilting?
The last sign to look for is the tilting of the tree. If you see it leaning on one side, it’s an indication that the roots have become weak. This can be dangerous, as the tree can get uprooted by strong winds, and can lead to damage to the property or a person.
How to Save a Dying Tree?
1. Take Away the Damaged Parts
The first thing you need to do is to get rid of all the pest affected and dying branches. This will save the tree from wasting its resources and energy into saving the ill parts, and it will then utilise it to grow new and healthy branches.
2. Rejuvenate the Growing Medium
Now, add plenty of organic matter in the soil that’s around the tree. Till the base and mix compost and mulch, too. After you are done mixing these, it would be a good idea to start feeding the tree with a balanced dose of liquid fertiliser, every 3-5 weeks, till you start seeing visible changes like new leaf growth and stems. Continue doing it till the tree becomes lush and thriving.
3. Get Rid of the Pests
Use insecticidal soaps to get rid of the pest infestation. If it is too much, consider removing the affected stem/branch entirely, without damaging the healthy parts of the tree.
Make sure that the tree gets regular watering, especially during warm weather. Once you are done with all this, be patient as the tree will take its own time to recover. Do note that it is severely damaged, then none of the above pointers can save it.
