For thousands of years, trees have been a component of human existence. They are widely regarded as the basis for spirituality and religion in many cultures.
Today, trees are flawlessly a beautiful and valuable addition to both our environment and our property.
As you can see, different trees and plants flourish in every neighbourhood to offer warmth and shade. Trees purify the air, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and supply us with oxygen.
True enough, plants are essential to preserving human health and a healthy ecosystem.
However, as it grows and is just beginning to establish itself, it encounters issues that cause rotting and other forms of degeneration. This problem shouldn’t cause you any concern. If you see signs of decay or rot at the base of your plants, keep reading.
Common Reasons Why Rotting Tree Bases Occur?
We all know that the tree’s base is the first and foremost foundation, the thing that holds the entire structure together. The base is the essential element that transports water and nutrients for it to thrive and flourish.
And when it shows signs of decay, cutting down the limb or base of your tree might be your first thought. You have every reason to be concerned, as it is particularly true that rotting is one of the indicators of a dead or dying tree.
However, if you’ve noticed your tree is rotting, it’s highly discouraged to cut it off, even sealing it in any way.
That’s right, you read it correctly.
The best thing you can do for a well-established tree that shows signs of rot is to let it take care of itself.
The following are common reasons why tree bases rot:
- Caused by natural events
Our trees frequently sustain damage from routine exposure to natural occurrences like storms, floods, birds, and other wildlife.
- Human inflicted harm
Just like other living things, trees can be harmed by people. We’re not exempted from causing injury to our trees, especially due to our negligence such as:
- accidents involving construction equipment
- Driving into the base of the tree
- landscaping activities
- ..among other human-inflicted harm
- Tree diseases
Trees can contract a variety of diseases, such as those brought on by fungi, bacteria, insect infestations, and wounds to the trunk. These diseases are brought on by pathogens, which are spread by animals, wind, insects, and other insects.
- Old age
Older trees are more vulnerable to pests, soil-borne illnesses, fungal infections, and other problems. By infecting the tree’s roots, trunk, branches, and other sections, these infections might harm it, leading to its demise.
Why Should You Leave Your Tree Alone?
A well-established tree, it repairs and seals the rot. It takes care of itself by growing new wood for its wound on its own. Simply put, it heals naturally. Rot or decay do not necessarily indicate that a tree is dying.
Some of these symptoms are manageable. In other instances, the tree itself halts the progress of deterioration.
But were you aware that the rotting of tree bases is a natural process? In most cases, after a tree is cut down, it decomposes and the remaining parts—most notably the roots and trunk—are left to rot.
Knowing how valuable trees make it heartbreaking to see them deteriorate. If your tree is healthy, it is strongly advised that you leave it alone to heal itself.
Tree rot typically manifests as the following:
- Presence of cracks or holes in the bark
- Visible dead branches or trunk
- Leaves discolouration or spotting
- Spare leaf covering
- Mushrooms or fungi growing on the tree’s trunk, around its roots, or on the surrounding ground
- Bark or wood injuries caused by poor pruning, broken branches, etc
- Tree is starting to tilt
- Sawdust covering the tree’s base
- ..and more
If you believe it needs some help, here are the following options to give your tree some TLC:
Give it a boost
A rotting base is often a common indication of a weak, hurt, or dying tree. Providing it with all the tools necessary to fend off wood rot, make it simpler for the tree to grow new tissues. Ensuring the tree has enough water and nutrients is a wonderful way to increase its chances of surviving.
Give it a prune
Pruning a tree has many advantages— sick, dead, or damaged branches need to be taken down immediately. Regular pruning minimises the required labour and the strain on the tree’s base during its lifespan. Essentially, pruning your tree significantly affects its growth, health and survival.
Call an expert tree removal service in Sydney
If corrective measures are no longer effective in treating advanced decay or rot, it’s best to call an expert removalist. The structural stability is likely to be damaged, and it could collapse anytime, endangering your family.
Alternatively, it might collapse into a nearby building or utility line, causing damage and unwanted arguments.
With routine maintenance, rot or decay can be avoided. It is recommended to delegate the task to the skilled Sydney tree removal company if you believe you lack the equipment to safeguard your tree from physical and natural harm.
