A decomposing tree can be eerie: ants, mushrooms, and a rotting trunk, oh my! However, a decaying tree does not always mean its death is imminent. Indeed, a tree can survive fungal decay and live a healthy life if an arborist can catch and treat the problem before it develops. But when the decay progresses too far and your tree is showing signs of death, have a dead tree removal company finish the job and take it off your hands.
Winchester, VA, residents can rely on Timber Works for tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, and more to ensure their landscape remains lush and gorgeous. All our employees have Workers’ Comp and liability insurance, so our customers receive tree service with complete protection against unforeseen property damage or accidents. We take pride in what we do and want to provide the best customer service imaginable. To learn more about our extensive tree maintenance services, call (540) 692-9606.
Below, we discuss tree decay types, how to identify them, and how a professional arborist can help:
What Is Tree Decay?
Tree decay is the process of wood decomposition due to wood-decay fungi. The pathogen enters the tree through a wound in its protective bark. Depending on the tree species, decay can first appear in the sapwood, heartwood, or roots.
As wood decays, structural components—cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin—degrade, their appearance and texture change, and their strength is lost. The weakened tree has the potential to fall and damage homes or injure people. Yet you can prevent harm by hiring a dead tree removal service to remove your decaying tree.
Types of Tree Decay
The three primary types of tree rot are white, brown, and soft.
- White rot: All wood components are destroyed by white rot. Indeed, infected trees usually turn white because of the oxidation bleaching and loss of lignin the fungi cause. Depending on their variety, the fungi might appear stringy, spongy, laminated, or mottled. It is most common in pine, fir, and spruce trees.
- Brown rot: Characterized by the removal of carbohydrates, brown rot leaves oxidized lignin in its wake. It breaks cellulose up early, leaving no fibrous texture. Typical brown rot fungi species are gloeophyllum trabeum, sepula lacrymans, postia placenta, and more. Like white rot, it is most common in pine, fir, and spruce trees.
- Soft rot: Not known to appear on living trees, soft rot typically occurs in fleshy vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and eggplants. However, all vegetation rot is dangerous and threatens your landscape’s ecosystem. In this process, pathogens secrete enzymes that decompose cell wall structures, destroying plant tissue.
Signs of Tree Decay
To prevent tree death due to decay, learn the signs and have a professional arborist inspect your trees for:
- Holes or cracks in the bark
- Dead sections of trunk or branches
- Leaf discoloration
- Mushroom or fungi growth
- Root damage
- Oozing sap
- Crumbling or peeling bark
- Cavities forming beneath the bark
These signs can also indicate other issues, such as pests or diseases. Either way, have a tree removal company do a thorough tree evaluation to determine the root cause and a swift course of action.
How an Arborist Treats Tree Decay
Unfortunately, non-specialists have limited options to combat tree decay. Yet an arborist can use preventative pruning to cut off the source of rot or identify decay-management fungicides for your tree and its blight. The best option for a mature case of decay is to safely and quickly remove the infected tree before its rot and fungi reach surrounding trees or vegetation.
Dead Tree Removal Services Available in Winchester, VA
A reliable arborist can discuss best practices, dead tree removal costs, and preventative measures for your tree decay. At Timber Works Tree Care, professional crews led by experienced foremen handle our tree removal process. Winchester, VA, residents can rest assured that we prioritize their safety and specific tree maintenance needs every time. We pride ourselves on treating every property as if it were our own. To learn more about our tree removal services, call (540) 692-9606 or visit our website.
