Month: August 2025

Recognizing Tree Diseases: Early Signs and Solutions

If you’ve lived in Memphis for a while, you know how much our trees matter. They line our streets, shade our yards, and give places like Overton Park and Shelby Farms their character. The trouble is, even strong, established trees can get sick. Catching the signs of tree diseases early makes all the difference in whether a tree can be saved or becomes a hazard waiting for the next storm. Red’s Tree Service can help you figure out what’s going on with your tree.

Why Early Detection Matters

Tree diseases often start subtly. A patch of discolored leaves, bark peeling on one side, or a sudden loss of branches can seem minor at first. Yet, these are often the first warnings that something is wrong. Left untreated, tree diseases can spread quickly, not only killing the tree but also infecting others nearby.

Memphis has a humid climate, which creates the perfect environment for fungi, pests, and bacteria to thrive. This makes early recognition and professional intervention especially important.

Common Signs of Tree Diseases

Not all tree problems look the same, but here are some of the most common signs of tree diseases that Memphis homeowners should watch for:

1. Leaf Discoloration and Spots

  • Yellowing or browning of leaves during the growing season may indicate nutrient deficiency or infection.
  • Black or rust-colored spots often point to fungal diseases like anthracnose or leaf spot.

2. Bark Abnormalities

  • Peeling bark, deep cracks, or sunken areas (called cankers) are common signs of fungal infection.
  • Oozing sap or dark streaks beneath the bark may suggest bacterial disease.

3. Wilting or Premature Leaf Drop

  • If a tree sheds its leaves too early, it may be struggling with root rot or vascular disease.

4. Unusual Growths or Fungus

  • Shelf-like mushrooms at the base of a tree usually indicate internal decay.
  • Swollen areas (galls) can be caused by bacteria or insect infestation.

5. Branch Dieback

  • Dead or thinning branches in the canopy may signal root or vascular disease.

6. Insect Damage

  • Holes in the bark, sawdust piles at the base, or chewed leaves are often signs of pest-driven disease.

Memphis Trees Most at Risk

Certain trees in Memphis are more vulnerable to specific diseases. For example:

  • Elms are prone to Dutch Elm Disease, which spreads rapidly through beetles.
  • Oaks may suffer from oak wilt, a deadly fungus that can spread tree-to-tree.
  • Dogwoods are susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  • Maples often face verticillium wilt, which causes branch dieback.

Knowing which trees are at higher risk helps you keep an extra eye on them.

What to Do If You Notice Warning Signs

If you suspect your tree may be sick, here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Inspect Closely: Take note of where the symptoms appear, such as leaves, bark, branches, or roots.
  2. Avoid DIY Pruning: Improper cuts can spread disease further.
  3. Call a Professional: Certified arborists, like the team at Red’s Tree Service, can diagnose the issue and recommend solutions.

Professional help is especially important in Memphis neighborhoods with mature trees, such as Midtown and Central Gardens, where one sick tree can affect an entire street.

Solutions from Red’s Tree Service

At Red’s Tree Service, our team combines decades of experience with modern tree health practices. Depending on the disease, solutions may include:

  • Targeted Pruning: Removing infected branches before the disease spreads.
  • Root Care: Aeration and soil treatments to strengthen tree defenses.
  • Fungicide or Insect Control: Professional treatments to stop active infections.
  • Safe Tree Removal: If a tree cannot be saved, removal prevents hazards and protects surrounding trees.

Our priority is always preservation when possible, but we also know when safety must come first.

Preventing Tree Diseases

The best defense is prevention. Memphis homeowners can reduce risks by:

  • Watering trees during dry spells to reduce stress.
  • Mulching properly to protect roots without suffocating them.
  • Scheduling seasonal inspections with a tree care professional.
  • Removing deadwood promptly to stop disease carriers from settling in.

For more information on tree health, the University of Tennessee Extension provides excellent research-based guidance.

Local Perspective On Why It Matters in Memphis

Memphis weather puts trees to the test. Between humid summers, heavy rainfall, and sudden storms, a tree that’s already weakened by disease is far more likely to lose branches or come down completely. Healthy root systems and strong, disease-free branches are commonly thought of as just for looks. However, they’re more about keeping your home, family, and neighbors safe.

Think about areas like East Memphis, Midtown, or Germantown where mature trees line older streets. A single diseased oak leaning toward power lines could mean outages for the entire block. In Cordova and Bartlett, fast-growing maples and pines are especially vulnerable after heavy rains if rot has set in at the roots.

The good news is that many of these risks can be caught early. If you notice thinning leaves, peeling bark, or mushrooms near the base of your tree, it’s time to have it checked. By scheduling a professional inspection, you’re not only protecting your property but also helping preserve the historic tree canopy that makes Memphis neighborhoods unique.

Recognizing Tree Diseases: Early Signs and Solutions

Protect Your Memphis Trees Today

If you’ve spotted any signs of tree diseases or you’re not sure whether your tree is healthy, don’t wait until the next storm makes the problem worse. Our certified team in Memphis can diagnose issues, recommend treatments, or safely remove trees when needed.

Call Red’s Tree Service today for a professional tree inspection and keep your landscape safe, healthy, and beautiful. Contact us for any questions or to schedule an appointment.

This post first appeared on https://redstreeservice.com

Signs Your Trees Are Becoming a Hazard to Your Property

Most of the time, trees are a great asset to your property—they provide shade, beauty, and even boost your home’s curb appeal. But sometimes, a tree that once looked healthy can turn into a liability. At Big Foot Tree Service, we’ve seen how easily a neglected tree can cause serious damage if warning signs are ignored. So how do you know when it’s time to take a closer look? Here are some signs that your tree might be more dangerous than it looks.

an old dry tree in a summer pine forest. Trees and shrubs

A Lean That Wasn’t There Before

Trees don’t always grow perfectly straight, and that’s okay. But if a tree starts leaning suddenly or more than it used to, it could mean something’s wrong underground. Storms, saturated soil, and root issues can all cause a tree to shift, and once it starts leaning, the risk of it falling increases dramatically—especially if it’s near your house, driveway, or power lines.

Roots Poking Out of the Ground

Roots are supposed to be out of sight and underground. So, if you’re seeing large, exposed roots or signs that the ground is lifting around a tree’s base, that’s a red flag. This might be caused by erosion or shallow root systems, both of which can compromise the tree’s stability. And when roots can’t anchor the tree properly, a strong wind or heavy snow could be all it takes to bring it down.

Dead Limbs Hanging Overhead

A few bare branches in winter? Totally normal. But dead limbs in the spring or summer—when everything else is green and full—are worth paying attention to. Deadwood can fall at any time, especially during bad weather, and large limbs can cause major damage or injury. If you’re spotting brittle or hollow branches or limbs that aren’t leafing out, it’s time to act.

Cracks, Splits, and Missing Bark

A tree’s trunk should look solid and consistent. If you notice large cracks, deep splits, or missing chunks of bark, it could point to internal decay. These kinds of structural issues weaken the tree, making it more likely to break or collapse without warning. Bark that’s falling off or peeling in large strips can also be a sign of disease or stress.

Mushrooms and Fungi at the Base

Fungal growth, like mushrooms or conks, may look harmless, but they’re usually a sign of deeper trouble. These organisms thrive on rotting wood, which often means your tree has internal decay—something you might not see from the outside. If you notice mushrooms growing on or near the trunk, it’s worth having a professional look.

Recent Construction Nearby

If you’ve had any recent work done around your home—digging for a new patio, replacing a driveway, or trenching for utilities—it’s possible your tree’s root system was impacted. Damaged roots don’t always show immediate symptoms, but over time, the stress can lead to instability or decline in health. Even compacted soil can make it harder for roots to absorb nutrients and water.

When in Doubt, Bring in the Pros

It’s not always easy to tell when a tree is becoming a hazard, especially if the signs are subtle. That’s where we come in. At Big Foot Tree Service, we provide expert evaluations, safe tree removals, stump grinding, and emergency cleanup when nature catches you off guard. Whether it’s a small issue or a major concern, we’re here to help you make the right call for your safety and your property.

We’re proud to serve homeowners across Northern New Jersey and we take care of all the details—permits included. Plus, our estimates are always free.

If you suspect your tree might be more trouble than it’s worth, give Big Foot Tree Service a call at 973-885-8000. We’ll look, offer honest advice, and help you stay ahead of any risks. Your trees should be a blessing, not a burden—and we’re here to keep it that way.

The post Signs Your Trees Are Becoming a Hazard to Your Property appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

This post first appeared on https://www.bigfoottreeservice.com

This website nor its owners are an actual service provider, this website is a referral service. When you place a phone call from this website, it will route you to a licensed, professional service provider that serves your area. For more information refer to our terms of service.

© TreeRemovalandTrimming.com

(877) 959-3534