Elm trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, adding shade, beauty, and texture.
But if these trees start to show signs of distress, it can be a cause for concern.
Knowing how to tell if an elm tree is dying is the key to being able to save it.
In this article, we’ll cover 6 warning signs to watch out for, when to contact a local arborist, and preventative measures to keep your elm tree healthy.
Read on to learn how to tell if your elm tree is in danger!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
If you think your elm tree might be dying, look for signs such as discolored or wilting leaves, bare branches, and decaying bark.
If the tree is not producing new leaves and the bark has many deep cracks, it could be an indication that the tree is dying.
Another sign is if the leaves become dry and brittle or turn yellow or brown.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional arborist for an assessment and advice on how to save the tree.
What Is an Elm Tree?
An elm tree is a large deciduous tree, typically growing between 40 and 50 feet tall.
It is a member of the Ulmaceae family and is native to the northern hemisphere.
The most common type of elm tree is the American elm, which is known for its arching branches and graceful, vase-like shape.
Other types of elm trees include the English elm, the Chinese elm, and the Japanese elm.
Elm trees thrive in moist soils and can be found in parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
They have broad, oval-shaped leaves and are often used as shade trees in urban areas.
Elm trees are also popular for their wood, which is highly prized for its strength and durability.
Signs of Wilting, Yellowing, or Browning Leaves
Trees can be a great addition to any outdoor space adding beauty, shade, and a home for local wildlife.
But, like any living thing, trees need to be cared for and maintained to stay healthy.
If you have an elm tree on your property, its important to keep an eye out for any signs that it may be in distress or even dying.
One of the most common signs of an unhealthy elm tree is wilting, yellowing, and/or browning leaves, which can be a sign that the tree is not getting enough water or is suffering from a disease or insect infestation.
Wilting leaves are usually a sign that the tree is not getting enough water, as the leaves curl and droop in response to the lack of moisture.
Wilting leaves can also be a sign of root damage, so its important to check the soil around the tree to make sure that it is still healthy and not overly compacted.
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of too much water, or it can indicate nutrient deficiency if the tree is not getting enough fertilizer.
Finally, browning leaves are usually a sign of disease or insect infestation, which can spread quickly and cause serious damage to the tree if left unchecked.
If you notice any of these signs, its important to act quickly.
If youre concerned, contact a local arborist for an inspection and diagnosis.
They can help you determine the cause of the issue and provide advice on how to best treat the tree.
This can help ensure that your elm tree stays healthy and continues to provide your outdoor space with beauty and shade for years to come.
Areas of Dead Bark on the Trunk
When it comes to identifying whether an elm tree is dying, looking for areas of dead bark on the trunk is an important warning sign.
Dead bark appears in patches, usually around the base of the tree, and is usually grey or black in color.
Its an indication that the tree is suffering from a disease or insect infestation, and needs to be treated as soon as possible.
In severe cases, the dead bark can spread up the trunk, and eventually lead to the death of the tree.
In addition, dead bark can be a sign of winter injury, which is caused by extreme cold temperatures in the winter months.
This can cause the bark to split and crack, leading to the death of the tree.
To avoid this, its important to keep your elm tree well-watered and protected from the elements.
If you notice any dead bark on your elm tree, its a good idea to contact a local arborist for an inspection and treatment.
Leaves Falling Earlier Than Usual
When it comes to determining if an elm tree is dying, one of the most obvious warning signs is if the leaves start to drop earlier than usual.
This can be a sign that the tree is under stress and is no longer able to keep its leaves for the expected duration.
This is especially true if the leaves have begun to yellow and turn brown before they fall from the tree.
In some cases, the leaves will be the first to show signs of distress and will be the quickest to succumb to whatever environmental factors are affecting the tree.
If you notice that the leaves on your elm tree are starting to drop off sooner than expected, this can be a sign that the tree is in trouble and may be at risk of dying.
It is important to note that if the leaves fall off earlier than usual, they may just be reacting to the environment.
Drought, extreme temperatures, or disease can all cause leaves to fall off earlier than normal.
However, if the leaves are yellowing or browning before falling, this could be a sign that the tree is struggling and may be in need of help.
If you notice that the leaves on your elm tree are falling off earlier than expected, contact a local arborist for an inspection.
They will be able to examine the tree and determine the cause of the premature leaf drop, as well as the best course of action to take.
When to Contact a Local Arborist
If you suspect that your elm tree is dying, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
The best way to do this is to contact a local arborist for an inspection.
An arborist is an expert in trees and shrubs and can help you diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action.
They can also provide advice on how to save the tree if it is indeed in distress.
When contacting an arborist, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible.
This includes the species of elm tree, how long its been planted, any recent changes in the environment (e.g.
drought, construction, etc.), and any other relevant information.
The arborist can then use this information to assess the situation and provide you with the best advice for your specific tree.
Arborists are also able to identify any diseases or pests that may be affecting the tree, and can provide advice on how to treat them.
For example, elm trees are often affected by Dutch elm disease, a fungal infection that kills elm trees.
An arborist will be able to diagnose Dutch elm disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
The arborist can also provide advice on the best way to care for your elm tree and how to prevent it from dying in the future.
This includes pruning, fertilizing, and other cultural practices that can help to keep your elm tree healthy.
In summary, if you suspect that your elm tree is dying, contact a local arborist for an inspection and advice.
They can provide expert advice on how to diagnose and treat any issues, and how to best care for your tree.
Other Signs of a Dying Elm Tree
In addition to the most common signs of an ailing elm tree, there are several other signs to look out for.
These include the presence of cankers, which are dead or dying tissue areas on the trunk; the presence of dead branches; and the presence of mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of the tree.
Wilting and yellowing foliage can also be a sign that the tree is struggling to absorb enough water to survive.
If you notice any of these signs, its important to contact a local arborist as soon as possible to determine the cause and take appropriate action.
Another sign of a dying elm tree is the presence of wood-boring insects.
These insects can leave holes in the bark and feed on sapwood, which is the layer of wood under the bark.
If you notice any signs of wood-boring insects, its important to contact an arborist right away.
Finally, if you notice that the leaves are falling prematurely, it may be a sign that the tree is stressed or dying.
This can be caused by extreme weather conditions, pests, or disease.
In this case, its important to contact an arborist to determine the cause and take appropriate action.
Ultimately, if youre worried that your elm tree may be dying, its important to watch for the common warning signs and contact a local arborist for an inspection.
By taking the appropriate steps now, you can help ensure that your elm tree stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Preventative Measures to Keep Your Elm Tree Healthy
Keeping your elm tree healthy should be top priority so that you can avoid the signs of a dying tree.
To keep your elm tree healthy, there are a few key practices you should follow.
First, you want to make sure your tree is getting the right amount of water.
Elm trees prefer a deep, infrequent watering schedule.
This means that you should water your tree deeply but not too often.
Overwatering your tree can cause root-rot, which can make your tree vulnerable to disease and pests.
Second, make sure your tree is getting enough sunlight.
Elm trees need at least 6 hours of full sun each day to thrive.
If your tree is not getting enough sunlight, it can start to show signs of distress.
Third, fertilize your tree regularly.
Fertilizing your tree can provide it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.
You should use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically designed for trees.
Fourth, pay attention to the soil around your tree.
Elm trees prefer well-draining soil that is high in organic matter.
If your soil is too compacted, it can cause root rot.
You can add organic matter to the soil to help it retain moisture and nutrients.
Finally, protect your tree from pests and disease.
Check your tree regularly for signs of pests and disease.
If you see anything suspicious, contact a local arborist to inspect your tree and provide treatment if needed.
By following these simple practices, you can help keep your elm tree healthy and avoid the signs of a dying tree.
If you are concerned about the health of your tree, contact a local arborist for an inspection.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to keep an eye out for any of the warning signs of a dying elm tree in order to ensure the health of your tree.
If any of the signs mentioned above are present, contact a local arborist as soon as possible for an inspection.
Additionally, taking preventative measures, such as proper pruning and watering, can help keep your elm tree healthy and thriving.
With a little knowledge and care, you can make sure your elm tree continues to live a long and healthy life.
