Why Did My Tree Suddenly Die – Common Reasons For Sudden Tree Death

Why Did My Tree Suddenly Die – Common Reasons For Sudden Tree Death

All trees die at some point but if they are aging normally they won’t usually die suddenly. The sudden death of a tree is indicative of another issue. Unfortunately it’s not always obvious what that issue was.

Of course, you’ll want to know what caused the sudden death of your tree; this will help you to prevent it from happening again; if you can.

If you have experienced sudden tree death then the following common reasons may help you to identify the cause and whether you can do anything to prevent it happening again. It is worth noting that a dead tree can easily become a hazard to you and others in the vicinity. It’s a good idea to contact a Tree removal in Sydney; they will be able to remove it safely for you.

However, you should note that some trees are protected under Australian law; you’ll need to get permission before you can remove these ones.

Water Shortage

Trees have a huge network of roots but even they can struggle to find water in a drought or if construction work has diverted their usual water supply.

The lack of water will damage the roots of the tree. This can cause a slow death but in many cases you’ll still see green foliage for several more years; then they’ll just suddenly die. In effect the tree has been declined from the inside out; the sudden death you’ve witnessed has actually been building for several years.

It is worth noting that excessive flooding can do the same thing to a tree; flooding the roots will effectively drown the tree.

Change Of Weather

A tree can survive a drought by using its reserves. However, when the rain returns the tree will be weakened and some of its roots will have died.

The rain will allow fungi to grow which can attack the tree; in its weakened state it will be unable to fend it off. In effect it will be infected by the fungi. Although it may take years for the actual death to occur; it will appear sudden.

Construction Impact

If any building works have been in progress and accidentally bashed the roots of a tree you’ll find that the trauma from the impact can kill the tree suddenly 10 or even 20 years later!

Topping

This is not usually a cause of sudden tree death but it is an option. Sometimes topping a tree can remove too many of the nutrients it needs and damage its internal pathways. The result is the tree will die.

Planting Too Deep

If you have a young tree that has suddenly died it may be because the tree has been planted too deep. This will allow fungi and other bacteria to attack the trunk of the tree and weakened it. Again the actual death may take years but it will appear sudden when it happens.

The same can happen if you pile too much mulch against the tree.

That’s the real problem. By the time you realize there is an issue with your tree it may be too late to save them.