A tree that seems to die suddenly has often been struggling for a while, with the damage showing up all at once. Common causes include root damage, drought stress, disease, insect problems and injuries to the trunk, and in many cases more than one factor is involved.
Figuring out the cause usually takes a closer look at the tree and its surroundings. It matters because it can affect nearby trees and whether dead tree removal is needed.
Root Problems
Roots are easy to overlook because they’re underground. Construction, trenching, new driveways, grade changes and soil compaction from vehicles can all damage roots, sometimes years before the tree shows symptoms.
Too much water can harm roots as well. Soil that stays soggy can starve roots of oxygen and encourage root rot. Piling soil or mulch high against the trunk can also cause problems over time.
Drought and Weather Stress
Long dry spells can stress trees, especially those with limited root space. The effects may not appear until a later season, when a weakened tree fails to leaf out or wilts quickly in summer heat.
Storms, lightning strikes and severe cold snaps can also cause damage that isn’t obvious right away. A tree already weakened by one problem is often less able to cope with the next.
Disease and Insects
Some diseases and insect pests can kill trees fairly quickly once they take hold. In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation describes oak wilt as a disease that can kill red oaks within a year, and emerald ash borer as an insect that attacks ash trees.
Only a proper assessment can confirm whether a disease or pest is involved. Wilting leaves or thinning branches on their own can have many possible causes, so avoid jumping to conclusions from one symptom.
What to Do Next
If you think a tree has died suddenly, don’t rush to remove healthy trees nearby, but do watch them for similar changes. A tree health assessment can help identify possible causes and whether other trees may be at risk.
Check whether the tree is truly dead or just badly stressed. Some trees that look dead can still push out new growth, while others are beyond saving.
It can also help to think back over the past few years. Recent construction, a new patio, changes in drainage or a hard drought may offer clues about what went wrong.
If the tree is dead and could fall on a home, vehicle, fence or walkway, removing the dead tree is often the safest step. Keep people away from it until then, especially in windy weather.
Unsure why a tree on your Joplin property died so quickly? A local tree service can look at the tree and its surroundings, explain what may have happened and help you decide what to do with it.
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