Vancouver Tree Care & Disease

A few telltale signs can indicate whether or not a tree is diseased. One of the most obvious ways to tell is by looking at the leaves. That’s why the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care would like to discuss these symptoms in detail and teach you how to identify a diseased tree.

What are Leaves, and Why are They Important?

Before we get into how to tell if your tree is sick, let’s first go over what leaves are and why they are so important. Leaves are the primary source of food for trees. They produce food for the tree through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, leaves take in sunlight and convert it into energy the tree can use to grow and thrive.

In addition to producing food, leaves also play an important role in regulating a tree’s temperature. They help to cool the tree down in hot weather and insulate it in cold weather. Finally, leaves act as a filter for the tree. They remove dust and other pollutants from the air before they can reach the tree’s trunk and branches.

Now that you know a little bit more about leaves let’s move on to the main event: how to tell if your tree is sick by looking at its leaves.

Discoloration

Discoloration is one of the first things you should look for when determining if a tree is sick. If the leaves of your tree start to turn yellow, brown, or black, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

There are several reasons why leaves might experience discoloration. One possibility is that the tree is not getting enough water. Another possibility is that chemicals or pests are damaging the tree. If you notice that your tree’s leaves are discolored, it’s important to take action immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the better your chance of saving the tree.

Wilting

In addition to discoloration, another symptom to look for is wilting. If your tree’s leaves are drooping or sagging, it could be a sign that the tree is not getting enough water. Trees need a lot of water to stay healthy and thrive. If they don’t get enough, their leaves will start to wilt to conserve water.

If you think your tree might be dehydrated, the best thing to do is to give it a good watering. If the leaves start to perk up, then you know you were right and the tree just needed a little bit of extra H2O. On the other hand, if the leaves don’t improve after watering, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. In this case, you should consult with a professional to get to the bottom of things.

Spotting

Another symptom to look for is spotting. If you see small spots on your tree’s leaves, it could be a sign that the tree is sick. These spots are usually brown or black in color. There are several reasons why leaves might develop spots. One possibility is that the tree has a fungal infection. Another possibility is that the tree is being damaged by insects. If you notice spots on your tree’s leaves, it’s important to take action immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the better your chance of saving the tree.

Curling

In addition to spotting, another symptom to look for is curling. If your tree’s leaves start to curl up, it could be a sign that something is wrong. There are several reasons why leaves might start to curl. One possibility is that the tree is not getting enough water. Another possibility is that chemicals or pests are damaging the tree.

If you notice that your tree’s leaves are curling, it’s important to take action immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the better your chance of saving the tree.