Here in the Pacific Northwest, we love our trees. Known as the Evergreen State, people travel from far and wide to enjoy the miles of greenery that makes Washington so beautiful. Unfortunately, however, the damp precipitation that makes our forests so lush also fosters a thriving habitat for fungi that can make its home inside our beloved trees. Because fungi can grow within a tree, it can cause them to weaken or fail.
Preventative tree care and early detection are two of the best ways to manage tree rot. That’s why the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with a list of frequently asked questions when it comes to tree rot and diagnosis.
What Is Tree Rot?
Tree rot (also known as wood decay), is the process of wood degradation caused by fungi. It affects the overall health and structure of a tree. Fungi can enter a tree through damaged areas, open wounds or breaks in the bark. As fungi grows, it multiplies, causing a tree to decay from the inside out.
How Do You Identify Tree Rot?
Not always easy to identify, the diagnosis of fungi can be complex because decay and rot can go undetected deep inside a tree. Some key things to look out for include cavities, openings, holes, fungi or mushrooms, carpenter ants, and termites.
What Are The Different Types Of Tree Rot?
Most wood decay is caused by fungi. However, different types of tree rot are caused by different species of fungi. Some common types include heartwood rot, root rot, and sapwood rot.
What Are The Dangers Of Tree Rot?
Tree rot can reduce the structural integrity of a tree and increase its hazardous potential to fall. When a tree becomes weak, it can pose a serious danger to nearby people and surrounding structures. Tree rot can also cause branches and limbs to bend or break causing potential damage to people and property located below.
What Preventative Tree Care Measures Help?
Preventative tree care includes preventing damage to the trunk where fungi would normally gain access to a tree. Proper pruning and watering techniques can also prevent the growth of fungi. Keep in mind that once a tree is affected it can easily spread to other nearby trees. That’s because fungi can live in the soil even if a tree is removed.
Are Certain Trees More Prone to Tree Rot?
There are no rules predicting whether or not a tree will become affected by tree rot. Washington’s damp climate makes it the ideal environment for fungi to grow and spread.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Tree Rot?
Preventative tree care is the best medicine as there is no easy fix for tree rot. Once a tree is affected, it can be very difficult to manage and the damage cannot be undone. At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist can perform a tree care assessment to analyze a tree, and diagnose any problems or dangers.
Westcoast Tree Care
In the Bellevue or Issaquah, Washington area, our forests and trees provide us with picturesque beauty and a refreshing dose of nature. If they’re not adequately taken care of, however, they can cause damage or become a danger to those around them. That’s why preventative tree care is so important when it comes to avoiding any long-term problems.
If you think a tree on your property has been affected by tree rot or any other potentially dangerous problem, contact Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733. We can provide you with a tree care assessment, along with a no-cost, no-obligation quote for any of our tree care services.
