Due to their tendency to be largely self-sufficient and sturdy, people often use trees as symbols of steadfastness and consistency. Even the toughest trees can go through periods of health decline. As a Winona, MN property owner, it’s common to feel a close affinity with the trees on your land. When a health issue crops up, it can be stressful and even distressing. Keeping an eye on your trees and watching for early signs of health issues can help catch tree care concerns before they take a turn for the worse. At Maier Tree and Lawn, we encourage property owners to watch for signs of healthy leaves or concerning symptoms as an indicator of possible health issues.
Tree Care and Healthy Leaves
While the leaves of your trees may not be a one-to-one indicator of health issues, they are a great shorthand, even for non-tree professionals. Unlike other more complex indicators, one can evaluate leaves relatively quickly and accurately without much experience. While a professional arborist would be necessary to make a formal diagnosis, a layperson can still often tell that something isn’t quite right.
Healthy leaves look well hydrated, are flush with color, and have no trouble staying fastened to their branches. They might have the occasional fault or minor pest-related damage, but by and large they form a cohesive and full canopy. This is true for evergreens and their needles as well.
Unhealthy leaves, however, feature the opposite of the above and more. Wrinkled or misshapen leaves that fall prematurely are a strong hint that something might be awry. Discoloration and significant pest damage can be indicators as well. If your tree has visible pest damage or there’s significant webbing in the branches, it may be at risk. A bare canopy is a giveaway that there is something wrong. Dead spots, significant leaf loss, or entirely bare branches are strong indicators that tree care is urgently required.
In the event that your leaves are showing signs of declining health or your healthy leaves are struggling with a pest issue, Maier Tree and Lawn can help. For tree care support or evaluations, contact us today at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website to find out more.
